CrossCountry Rail travellers heading to Birmingham's Christmas markets which open today (5 November) are being urged to plan journeys carefully and avoid relying on the last train home.

The annual Christmas markets attract visitors from across the West Midlands and beyond, making trains to and from Birmingham significantly busier than usual, particularly at evenings and weekends.

Mark Anderson, CrossCountry's Customer and Commercial Director, said: "Birmingham's Christmas markets are always popular and we expect trains to be very busy throughout the festive period. We encourage customers to plan ahead, check their journey before travelling and avoid relying on the last train home.

"Our colleagues are here to help customers enjoy a safe and pleasant journey, and we will not tolerate abusive or antisocial behaviour towards them. Anyone acting unacceptably may be removed from the railway and could face police action."

As ever, rail users are also reminded that abusive, threatening or antisocial behaviour directed towards railway colleagues will not be tolerated.

The rail industry and British Transport Police operates a zero-tolerance approach to violence, aggression and harassment towards staff. Anyone found behaving in an antisocial manner may be removed from trains or stations, reported to police and could face prosecution.

Patrick Power, head of stations and passenger experience for Network Rail's Central route, said: "Christmas is always a fantastic time in Birmingham and we're looking forward to welcoming people travelling into the city to enjoy everything it has to offer.

"The railway will be busy, particularly at weekends and in the evenings, so our advice is simple: plan ahead, know which trains you can catch home and please be patient with our colleagues and other passengers.

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"Teams will be on hand at Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill throughout the festive period to provide information, help people with their journeys and keep everyone moving safely."

Customers travelling to Birmingham to enjoy the Christmas markets are advised to:

• Plan journeys in advance and check before travelling.
• Avoid relying on the last train home, which may be exceptionally busy.
• Consider travelling earlier where possible.
• Allow extra time at stations and when making connections.

Rail travellers are also reminded that major engineering upgrades will mean no trains will run to, from or through Birmingham New Street from Thursday 24 December until Monday 28 December, with normal services resuming on Tuesday 29 December.