East Midlands Trains wants to cut fare dodging, but it would shut a safe, well-lit, direct route between Park Hill and the city centre used by residents, workers, shoppers and visitors.

After protests the company now has plans for a residents' permit, but the bureaucracy involved could result in many, including hundreds of students who live in the area, being excluded.

Campaigners say conductors are the best way to boost revenue and barriers would deny a community access to facilities which have cost taxpayers millions.

But EMT says manned gates would also improve safety on the station, and the police are supportive.

Got a view? Add your comment below.

Action Desk talked to those on the wrong side of the tracks.

Dr David Bottomley, aged 49, works in a health centre in Park Hill and shops in the station for lunch.

He said: "There are quite a few people working in the area who use the station because it's by far the best way into the city. How much would it cost Sheffield if they couldn't do that?''

John Boothroyd, aged 74, of Gleadless, said he approved of moves to halt fare dodging.

He added: "I believe there are quite a few who manage to travel free from Chesterfield and Dronfield.

"But these barriers would need to be manned permanently because my travel pass won't scan."

Susan Teather, aged 52, of Halfway, said she supported barrier plans because it would improve safety in the station.

She said: "I don't think it should be a shortcut, it's busy enough with passengers.

"Barriers would also keep the druggies and vagrants out. I sometimes have to share a waiting room with them in the morning and it's not nice"

Roger Pease, aged 66, from Bath, said: "You're lucky to have an open station. Where I live you get your ticket examined many times during the journey and when you go through the station as well."

Melvyn Johnson, aged 61, of Hillsborough, said 'pass through' tickets should be reintroduced.

He added: "You could get platform tickets when I was a kid and they should put a ticket office on the Park Hill side."

Chris Goodyear, aged 22, of Deepcar, parks in Norfolk Park and crosses the bridge to shop in the city centre.

He said: "It would be really inconvenient for me."

Barriers could be introduced in spring. Sheffield council has a feedback form at www.sheffield.gov.uk

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