WARRINGTON North MP Charlotte Nichols has vowed to fight proposals to cut rail services from Padgate.

The Labour politician has written to transport secretary Grant Shapps to express her opposition to a number of proposals on rail services as part of the Manchester recovery taskforce public consultation.

It relates to the timetable and service changes on rail services in Warrington.

The consultation includes a proposal to reduce the services serving Padgate to one train per hour, rather than the current two per hour.

It also discusses limitations on the Stalybridge/Manchester Victoria services that currently go through to North Wales.

The proposal is for this journey to end at Chester, limiting the ability of Warrington residents to get the train to North Wales.

Ms Nichols said: “The services from Padgate station are vital for commuters into Manchester and Liverpool, and for residents more widely for recreation and seeing loved ones.

“That’s why I wholeheartedly oppose this proposal and will fight to maintain the current service provision of two trains serving Padgate per hour.

“Despite lower passenger numbers at present due to coronavirus, my concern is that once these services gone, they won’t be coming back, putting the station into managed decline.

“In addition, I firmly oppose the proposal to stop the Stalybridge/Manchester Victoria services at Chester.

“Many Warrington residents like to go on holiday in North Wales and to limit the access of public transport there is deeply irresponsible.

“I will continue to fight to protect these services and will keep residents updated when I receive a response from Mr Shapps.”