Call to block axe for airport service

THE head of a local passengers lobby group is calling for election candidates from all parties to save direct rail links between Southport and south Manchester.

Chair of Ormskirk, Preston and Southport Travellers Association Alan Fantom spoke out after Chris Grayling’s suggestion that restoring rail services between Southport, Ormskirk and Preston could be “a quick win” that the Government is looking to put in place.

But while welcoming that, he revealed his concerns at the axing of services between Southport and stations such as Piccadilly and Manchester Airport from next year.

The lines through West Lancashire serve stations Burscough Bridge, Bescar Lane and Parbold.

Mr Fantom said he was interested to read of the suggested line restoration, but he said: “Yet there is a great irony because we are approaching a major downgrade in our current services and loss of connectivity with the planned withdrawal of our direct trains to the south side of Manchester, including the mainline hub of Piccadilly, commuting destination of Oxford Road and the airport.

“Put simply, surveys have shown that over 60% of rail travellers to and from Manchester need to reach southside stations.

“To deliver a full line-of-route service to Southport requires just two more Flex trains to be funded within the Northern franchise.

“This rolling stock is available on lease and will displace two or more older diesel trains so the incremental cost is limited and it may even be cost-neutral.

“The business case is strong and there is support from Sefton Council and Merseytravel.

“It would be good to hear some vociferous support from our parliamentary and metro mayor candidates.”