Local MP Rosie Cooper has welcomed the introduction of an additional peak-time train for West Lancashire residents on the Manchester - Southport line after her long running campaign for better services.

Rosie met with representatives from Northern Rail in May to discuss a range of issues - including the creation of additional services, the reliability of services on the line and improving the stock of trains.

Rosie said:

“I had a very productive meeting with Northern Rail bosses and congratulated them on significant improvements to the line since they took over in 2004. However, I pressed on them the need to improve further and pledged to continue working with Northern, Network Rail and Ministers at the Department for Transport to ensure the best possible service for West Lancashire."

“A good public transport system not only benefits local people, it also brings more people into the area for employment and leisure, which boosts the local economy. I’ll continue fighting for more buses, an improved train service and a station for Skelmersdale.”

The new, peak-time train departs Appley Bridge at 8:36, arriving at Burscough Bridge at 8:42 and Southport at 8:59.