Have received a response from London Midland trains. It solves my problem but in no way accepts I did nothing wrong nor that the notices were threatening and heavy-handed:
'Dear alicat
Thank you for your letter about your experiences when parking your bicycle at Lichfield City Station.
I am sorry to hear of the difficulties you have experienced recently. Station staff do have a duty to ensure the safety of all users at the terminal and bicycles have been left in awkward places that might compromise that objective. Railway bye-laws require that cycles be parked where they do not constitute a danger or hindrance to others. Moreover, cyclists are responsible for any incident that may arise due to an inappropriately secured cycle. We reserve the right to place notices on cycles which we feel are not left in a suitable place.
Our Line Manager has asked that if there are no spaces available in the cycle shed that you speak to staff at the booking office who will make alternative arrangements for you. In doing so, we can hopefully find a place for your bicycle, at the same time as which we ensure that our station is as safe as it can be for our passengers. We ask please, that you do not secure your bike away from the bicycle sheds without reference to our staff.
Once again, I am sorry for the problems caused by the need for you to secure your cycle at the terminal. I hope we can cooperate along the lines suggested and avoid any future conflict over this issue.
Yours sincerely
Keith Payton
Customer Relations Supervisor'
Grrrrrh!
'Dear alicat
Thank you for your letter about your experiences when parking your bicycle at Lichfield City Station.
I am sorry to hear of the difficulties you have experienced recently. Station staff do have a duty to ensure the safety of all users at the terminal and bicycles have been left in awkward places that might compromise that objective. Railway bye-laws require that cycles be parked where they do not constitute a danger or hindrance to others. Moreover, cyclists are responsible for any incident that may arise due to an inappropriately secured cycle. We reserve the right to place notices on cycles which we feel are not left in a suitable place.
Our Line Manager has asked that if there are no spaces available in the cycle shed that you speak to staff at the booking office who will make alternative arrangements for you. In doing so, we can hopefully find a place for your bicycle, at the same time as which we ensure that our station is as safe as it can be for our passengers. We ask please, that you do not secure your bike away from the bicycle sheds without reference to our staff.
Once again, I am sorry for the problems caused by the need for you to secure your cycle at the terminal. I hope we can cooperate along the lines suggested and avoid any future conflict over this issue.
Yours sincerely
Keith Payton
Customer Relations Supervisor'
Grrrrrh!
