SERVICES on the mid Cheshire line will be altered in Northern Rail’s annual timetable change.

From December 9, the first Sunday train from Chester will leave later, at 9.01am, to provide a connection with the first Merseyrail service from Liverpool and Wirral, but this will no longer stop at Lostock Gralam.

The 9.07pm Monday to Friday train is also changing to 9.33pm, to provide a better return time for locals going home after an evening out.

Northern Rail has worked in partnership with Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association on the changes.

Lee Wasnidge, area director for Northern Rail, said: “We’re thrilled to introduce improvements to services for our passengers.

“With more and more people choosing to travel by train, it’s important we put our partnership working with rail industry colleagues and local stakeholders to good use, by offering an improved timetable to our customers.”

John Oates, Chairman of the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association, said: “We’re delighted to see these changes that we asked for.

“Those from the Wirral will now be able to get to Mid Cheshire on Sunday mornings for a great day out, as well as those visiting Chester and North Wales getting home at a more convenient time.“ Sally Buttifant, mid Cheshire community rail officer, said: “These small changes to our timetable will enable more passengers to use our line for leisure – we are pleased that Northern Rail has listened to stakeholders and look forward to further partnership working.”