WINSFORD’S public transport system has suffered a blow after it emerged that a planned intercity rail connection service would bypass the town.

GNWR had originally considered the town as a potential stop on their new Blackpool to London service along the West Coast Main Line.

But Winsford is among the stations that brand new six-car Pendolino trains will not stop at because of timetabling constraints.

A scheme to convert Winsford into a ‘parkway’ station as part of the plans has also been shelved.

“The original plans for the expansion of Winsford in order for it to become a proper intercity station would have proved difficult,” said GNWR spokesman, Ian Yeowart.

“Our services need to integrate with Virgin’s, so we need to be able to maintain line speed.

“That means we need to pick where our trains stop and which places we see as presenting the best commercial opportunities.

“Unfortunately, Winsford is one of the stations that has lost out.

“If Network Rail permit us to run more trains in the future, then it offers the possibility of staggering which stations our trains stop at, and Winsford will come back into consideration.” Winsford borough councillor, Brian Clarke, said he ‘cannot see any sense’ in the decision.

He added: “At the moment, based on last year’s figures, there were 174,000 journeys on trains that either left or arrived at Winsford station.

“With the forecast growth in Cheshire West, especially in Winsford, it is not very forward thinking of them to not invest in Winsford station, as we also have the capacity to increase the car parking facilities which is being looked into at the moment.

“It would be nice if they spoke to us in advance of their intentions, in order that we could let them know what is planned for future years.

“Then, they could have made an informed decision based on projected growth over the present numbers being achieved at the moment, which I don't see any evidence of in their decision.”

The service has currently been given the green light to run from Blackpool North to Queens Park Station in London.

It’s expected that Network Rail will later amend clearance for GNWR to run into Euston, before the service becomes active in May 2017.