Railway buffs are steamed up after Heywood was snubbed by the organisers of the East Lancashire Railway's 1940s Weekend.
The wartime re-enactment attracts thousands of visitors each year and traditionally includes events in Heywood.
But this year no activities will be held in the town during the spring Bank Holiday weekend event, but Bury, Ramsbottom, Rawtenstall and Irwell Vale - all the heritage line’s other stations except Summerseat - are included.
Instead Heywood station will be used as a park and ride for visitors.
Heywood resident Brian Davies, chairman of the ELR Trust, has written to ELR bosses to express his concerns.
He said: “I am disappointed about the decision. We don’t want Heywood to become a park and ride for the rest of the railway.
“We are trying to convince the ELR and partners Heywood station is an asset ready for redevelopment.”
One ELR permit holder said: “The only thing Heywood will be used for is the free parking that is available all around the station and the surrounding streets.
“Out of town people will arrive, be duly whisked down the line to Bury and beyond.
“I am a full member and resident permit holder, fully supporting the ELR. Why is it then that the ELR doesn’t appear to be supporting Heywood?”
ELR chair Mike Kelly said: “We have looked to improve this year’s 1940s Weekend by expanding on some of the existing attractions, specifically the popular battle scenarios.
“A battle was originally intended for Heywood station, however due to the limited space available around the platform area and ambitions to expand this aspect of the event, the battle had to be relocated to a larger, more secure site.
“For this year’s event Heywood will be used predominantly as a park and ride facility.
“It is hoped that some of these visitors will venture into the town centre to explore the local offering.
“We are very passionate about the locality in which we operate and always try to support the local community and events where possible.
“The ELR is delighted to once again be involved with Heywood’s own 1940s event by providing a carriage free of charge for the evacuee experience.
“We are always looking for ways that we can improve our visitor offering and would welcome support and suggestions from Heywood residents with regards to developing the station’s attractions and activities for future 1940s Weekends.”
