FEWER than three quarters of Northern services ran on time in the three months to December 31, as part of the poorest national rail figures for punctuality since 2005.

Rail performance figures from the Office of Rail and Road showed that, nationally, more than 16 per cent of trains arrived at least five minutes late and 4.5 per cent were cancelled or more than half-an-hour late.

Northern services were 8.8 per cent less punctual than a year ago at 74.3 per cent, with 4.3 per cent of services cancelled or 30 minutes late – down 1.4 per cent.

Meanwhile, 95.7 per cent of Merseyrail trains were on time and 89.2 per cent of Transport for Wales Rail. The worst performer was Trans Pennine Express at 71.1 per cent.

John Oates, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association, said: “Whilst these figures are disappointing, MCRUA are not surprised with these outcomes.

“The figures follow the chaotic timetable changes in May and a leaf fall period where there were no adjustments to the timetable.

“Whilst Northern continue to be criticised for the shambolic timetable problems, this was caused by Network Rail’s delay in the Bolton electrification programme and the effects this had on timetable changes being rushed through in May 2018 at the insistence of the DfT.

“MCRUA are working closely with Northern and the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership to help improve the service on the Mid Cheshire Line that connects Chester to Manchester via Northwich, Knutsford, Altrincham and Chester.”

What is your experience of the Mid Cheshire Line? yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk