RAIL fare rises will push some Northwich workers ‘over the edge’, according to Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Weaver Vale.

The price of train tickets rose by 2.8 per cent on average across the country, although a peak single from Northwich to Manchester increased by 3.33 per cent to £9.30.

The price hike has led Witton and Rudheath councillor Julia Tickridge to question the effect of the increase on commuters.

“Another year, another above-inflation fare increase for commuters,” she said.

“People should be rewarded for hard work, but instead people in Northwich are having to pay more just to get to work.”

A monthly ticket from Northwich to Manchester now costs £220.50, while a monthly ticket to Chester is priced at £186.70.

Clr Tickridge understands fares have increased by 20 per cent since the coalition government was installed in 2010, along with other household bills.

“What worries me is the cumulative effect of all these regular bill increases,” she added. “Families with children suffer the most.

“We know people are suffering from massive increases in their household gas and electricity bills and that for 41 of the 42 months since David Cameron became Prime Minister, costs have risen more than wages.

“We need a government that will put first the needs of ordinary Northwich people and struggling small businesses, rather than standing up only for big businesses who seem to be squeezing the maximum costs from us with no regard for the human consequences.”