MR Hartsorn challenges me to set out why a new station in Chapelford would be beneficial to people living in Sankey, Penketh and Chapelford (Worries over Sankey station, October 23).

Firstly, let me say that neither I nor the Labour-run council have any desire to see Sankey-for-Penketh station close. It is sad that others have attempted to spread confusion and concern by making irresponsible and ill-informed statements.

The key point for me is this.

If you live in Birchwood or one of the other communities in east Warrington, you are able to access fast services direct to Manchester and Liverpool without having to travel into the town centre.

If you live in west Warrington, you do not.

Because of the Northern Hub project, Network Rail has agreed that there is space for the fast Manchester-to-Liverpool services to make an additional stop in west Warrington.

The question is where?

The existing station is not suited to handling the large volumes of commuters who would likely use a faster service.

To take one example, there is very little parking space and there are problems at busy times.

The new station will have parking for 350 vehicles, plus a bus bay and a taxi rank.

I am determined to fight for better rail services for Mr Hartsorn and his neighbours in Sankey, Penketh and Chapelford.

The new station will benefit the whole area.

DAVID MOWAT Warrington South MP