Taking the train was passenger problem

After trying to do my bit to help save the planet I have decided to try and take the train when ever possible to cut back on my fossil fuel energy use.

As a result I travelled to London with Wrexham and Shropshire railways - what a pleasant way to travel, clean comfortable and sociable caring staff.

So pleased with that journey I decided to take the 12.22pm Arriva train from Shrewsbury to Birmingham for a late afternoon business meeting, returning on the 8.57pm London Midland service from New Street.

What a contrast with Wrexham and Shropshire. The journey into Birmingham started well, between Shrewsbury and Telford the guard made two trips through the train, then the train became very full at Telford.

In the carriage were a number of young ladies, sorry females, who had placed shopping bags and other items on seats next to them.

Two of these females were asked for the luggage to be placed on the rack, with grunts and groans it was done, leaving five females ignoring the standees and not moving belongings.

With old people standing and with luggage on the seats I thought the guard would sort the issue out. To my amazement on leaving Telford, he opened the door from the rear cab, looked up and down, and immediately returned.

So then the return trip, no guard appeared and at one of the stations a number of youngsters aged from about 12 to 16 boarded playing explicit music at full volume and boasting that they hadn't paid for tickets.

Tomorrow it is back to the car - I am not saving the planet for the likes of those morons.

Barrie Davies, Shrewsbury