A TRANSPORT campaigner claims vandals in Burnham and High-bridge are making commuters’ lives a misery by wrecking bus and train shelters.

David Redgewell claims passengers face a rain-soaked wait for trains and buses in the towns after many are left broken for long periods by thoughtless vandalism.

He is now demanding Somerset County Council stump up funds for new shelters to keep the public out of the cold.

He told the Weekly News: “I am very concerned about the need to get some repairs in Burnham and Highbridge under way.

“The railway station is a gateway to the area and as the station shelter is broken it is a bad first impression.

“It is not a great customer experience when passengers get wet and cold waiting for their transport.”

The organisation, which would like to see a modern shelter installed at the railway station, is now trying to pile the pressure on Somerset County Council to fund the repairs.

David added: “Network Rail and First Great Western are responsible for maintenance but this needs a partnership approach. The county council has transport funds and needs to do something for its passengers.”

Somerset County Council told the Weekly News it was actively looking at carrying out improvements to the Highbridge and Burnham rail shelter.

A spokesman said: “Somerset Co-unty Council hopes to work with the Severnside Community Rail Partner-ship to examine potential improvements to Highbridge and Burnham Station.

“Through the development of forthcoming policies we will also be considering the potential for impro-ving facilities such as shelters on the station in the future, working in partnership with First Great Western and Network Rail.”

n ABOVE: Out in the cold: David Redgewell, pictured with fellow commuter David King, thinks the county council should provide funds for new railway and bus shelters.