Irlam Station will have its current level of service (two trains per hour) maintained following the completion of platform extensions by Network Rail.
The proposed upgrade will allow for a new Liverpool to Cleethorpes service, provided by Trans Pennine Express, to stop at the station.
The news comes after it was revealed, back in August, that the second off-peak train each hour would no longer call at Irlam Station.
City Mayor, Paul Dennett, Barbara Keeley MP, local councillors and trusts came together to oppose the plan to minimise the services at Station, and also petitioned for better services for local people in Irlam and Cadishead.
“It is fantastic news that we have full confirmation from Network Rail that Irlam Station can benefit from this new service, this maintains the two trains per hour schedule.” said City Mayor, Paul Dennett. “Sense has prevailed in terms of enhancing facilities at Irlam Station given current passenger numbers and our desire to encourage more people to use public transport across Salford and Greater Manchester.
“As we know, Irlam Station is well used by local residents and the business community. It was important we did all we could at the City Council, working with partners, to protect services from planned reductions and enhance this critical station in a part of the city that doesn’t benefit from the same levels of public transport connectivity we see elsewhere across the city-region.
“We were devastated when we heard services would be reduced so launched our campaign to fight for local people and get them a service and station enhancements that they quite rightly deserve.”
The upgrades are due to begin mid-December, with a further £2.8 million to be spent on accessibility across the platforms in 2023.
Salford’s City Mayor continued: “The accessible access to platforms cannot come quick enough. It is just not right that people in wheelchairs and those facing mobility difficulties are not able to fully use the train services in Irlam Station. The funding to rectify this long-standing accessibility issue is greatly welcomed but the works need to take place as soon as possible.”
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