A popular newspaper vendor at Leigh train station has been told to quit his post.

Rail firm c2c has refused to renew Wilfred Raleigh's lease and has instead opted for another company to take over his news stand.

Michael Buchereau has sold papers on behalf of Mr Raleigh for four years but will be forced to close for good on October 26.

Mr Buchereau, 48, from Constitution Hill, Benfleet, said: "We have been treated terribly. We have never had any trouble. I have built up a lot of friendships and provide a much needed service.

"There is nowhere else to get a paper at 5am. I am not at all happy to be told to leave. It is very disappointing."

The stall was also asked to close last year but the lease was extended after commuters mounted a petition and bombarded c2c with complaints.

Mr Bouchereau has put up a poster in the stand asking commuters to call or write to c2c in the hope bosses will let him stay.

A c2c spokesperson confirmed Mr Raleigh has been asked to leave.

He said: "We have had a few problems with agreeing opening times and we have had an alternative offer from another company. With the basis of providing better facilities for our customers, such as restaurant facilities and longer opening hours, we will not be renewing the lease."

Disgusted - Michael Buchereau with posters telling commuters of his plight

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.