A RAIL company’s decision to bypass Winsford when it introduces a new £220 million intercity service to London has frustrated local councillors.

GNWR’s scheme to expand Winsford station and accommodate 125mph Pendolino trains between the capital and Blackpool was abandoned last week.

GNWR said they had to concentrate their efforts on stations that would make the most money, while maintaining line speed to keep up with Virgin trains also using the West Coast Main Line.

Borough councillor, David Armstrong, said: “This is a very disappointing decision by GNWR. Winsford is an expanding town at the heart of Cheshire. Good rail connections are vital to expansion, both a residential area but also as a commercial centre.”

Town councillor, Mike Kennedy added: “Winsford Station will have a huge increase in commuters in the coming years and then we will be left saying: ‘too late; but we told you so’.

“GNWR should think again and take into account the growth of our town in the near future. This decision leaves me damned frustrated.”

The service will run between Blackpool North and London Euston when it becomes active in 2017.