SIR - I write in support of train guards. I have experienced two situations recently which have made me aware of how essential train guards are for the safety of passengers. The first incident was when travelling with a colleague, a group of men going on a Stag Weekend boarded the train. They started to make fun of my colleague and their behaviour was very threatening and frightening. The guard intervened, incidentally a female guard, and took charge of the situation. I don’t know how things would have turned out if the train had been driver only. The second incident was at Wennington Station where I was trying to board the train with my four year old grandson. The gap between the platform and the train was very wide and without the help of the guard I would not have been able to get my grandson safely onto the train. We wouldn’t have been able to make the journey. Train drivers, unlike bus drivers, are unaware of what is happening on the train and unable to intervene in any case. I hope that guards will be retained on trains as I feel they are absolutely essential to the safety and wellbeing of passengers and that removing them is an ill thought out cost cutting exercise.

Liz Lloyd

Kirkgate

Settle