BUILDING a new train station in Daresbury has been pledged by the region’s metro mayor seeking re-election.

Steve Rotheram, metro mayor for the Liverpool City Region, has unveiled ambitious proposals to open three new Merseyrail train stations.

The Labour politician, who is seeking re-election in the polls on May 2, says the plans mark the biggest expansion to the region’s rail network in decades.

In the first policy pledge of his campaign for re-election to a third term, he has announced his intention to build new stations at Daresbury, Carr Mill in St Helens and Woodchurch in Wirral, with work underway to build all three by the end of the decade.

Mayor Rotherham said his bold vision for a better-connected region is part of his Merseyrail for All pledge to ‘connect historically underserved communities to the rail network’.

“Any modern, thriving region is only as good as its public transport,” he said.

“Since I have been mayor, I have worked around the clock to give our region what Londoners get to enjoy every day – a reliable, accessible, affordable and integrated network that helps, rather than hinders people getting about.

“But I know that in some parts of our region, Liverpool can feel as distant and inaccessible as London.

“I am working to put that right, bringing people closer to each other and to the opportunities we are creating.

“My record is in stark contrast to the Conservatives in Government.

“While they have stripped back investment in decent rail infrastructure such as HS2, I have opened two new stations already – with one more under construction and three more about to join them.

“We have bought half a billion pounds worth of brand new trains and are taking back control of the local network too.”

He said all of this will link with his plans to take back control of the region’s bus network to build a truly integrated transport system.

Cllr Mike Wharton, leader of Halton Borough Council, praised the announcement.

He added: “Over the past few years, we have seen how new train stations in our city region can be a catalyst for regeneration and connect people with opportunity.

“So, it is fantastic that Steve Rotheram has announced Daresbury is in line for a new station on the Merseyrail network.

"While the Tories run down our public transport network, our Labour council, working with a Labour mayor, is working together to revitalise public transport in Halton and across the city region."