IF ever you wanted a classic ‘first the good news’ scenario, surely the story of our longer trains is it.

On the face of it, the fact that we are getting six-carriage trains on the Airedale line is wonderful.

The move might be somewhat overdue, after years of worsening overcrowding along the route.

But all those who pack into rush-hour services like sardines would no doubt welcome the development.

Then the joy hits the buffers, as it is revealed most platforms are only designed to take four coaches.

Now, unfortunately, what potentially was a good news story for Northern – and let’s be frank, the company needs whatever positive PR it can get at the moment – has turned sour.

The selective door opening system should help ensure passengers’ safety, preventing them from alighting onto the tracks, but it is certainly not a long-term solution.

Money must be spent on putting proper infrastructure in place.

Fares are constantly rising, as is people’s frustration and anger as they see nothing in return.