THE number of services on the Mid Cheshire Line have been reduced as part of timetable changes during lockdown.

Northern, which runs services on the railway line between Chester and Manchester, has introduced a new temporary timetable from today, January 18.

An hourly off-peak service for passengers in Northwich and Knutsford was only restored last month, following reductions made to the timetable during the first lockdown.

But from today, services are running every two hours, apart from a 90-minute wait between the first two morning services.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “We have introduced an amended timetable that reflects the third national lockdown with a reduction in services across the network.

“We are focusing on delivering services during the morning and evening peaks so those who need to travel can get to where they’re needed and have the space to maintain social distancing.

"We're therefore calling on people to check carefully before they travel and behave responsibly on our trains.

"In the meantime, we’ll continue with our programme of enhanced cleaning at our trains and stations to keep our customers as safe as possible and to reduce the risk of transmission while travelling with Northern.”

Government advice remains that people should avoid travelling where possible and Northern is calling on anyone who does have to make rail journeys to check carefully before setting off.

Those who do need to travel by train should maintain social distancing where possible, wash hands before and after travel and, unless exempt, wear a face covering at stations and on trains.

To see the latest timetables for the Mid Cheshire Line see route 17 here.