The TransPennine Express service in Irlam will continue running two trains per hour with plans to upgrade a platform set to go ahead this winter. Back in August, fury was caused after it was announced that TransPennine Express (TPE) will no longer be picking up the second train per hour during off peak times at Irlam Train Station from December 2022.
The news means that a new Liverpool to Cleethorpes train service by TPE will be able to stop at the station. Network Rail who carried out the work has confirmed that the upgrades to Irlam’s platforms are due to take place in mid-December, which means that once they are complete, the station will be fully compliant for TPE trains.
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Salford City mayor Paul Dennett, Barbara Keeley MP, Irlam and Cadishead community committee, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Hamilton Davies Trust and local councillors objected to the proposals and launched a campaign against the diminution of services at Irlam Station, whilst also calling for better services for local people in Irlam and Cadishead.
City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “It is fantastic news that we have full confirmation from Network Rail that Irlam Station can benefit from this new service, this maintains the two trains per hour schedule. Sense has prevailed in terms of enhancing facilities at Irlam Station given current passenger numbers and our desire to encourage more people to use public transport across Salford and Greater Manchester.
“As we know, Irlam Station is well used by local residents and the business community. It was important we did all we could at the City Council, working with partners, to protect services from planned reductions and enhance this critical station in a part of the city that doesn’t benefit from the same levels of public transport connectivity we see elsewhere across the city-region.
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“We were devastated when we heard services would be reduced so launched our campaign to fight for local people and get them a service and station enhancements that they quite rightly deserve. A huge thank you goes to Irlam rail users and local residents for signing our petition and backing the campaign.
“I would like to thank Network Rail for their resolution and local people for standing with us and having their voices heard. Now we look forward to welcoming the new service which will be in place before the end of the year.”
And through Access For All funding and local match funding £2.8 million is available for station accessibility upgrades. Irlam is set to benefit from works to provide a new lift in 2023. This will mean accessible routes to and from all platforms.
Salford City Mayor continued: “The accessible access to platforms cannot come quick enough. It is just not right that people in wheelchairs and those facing mobility difficulties are not able to fully use the train services in Irlam Station. The funding to rectify this long-standing accessibility issue is greatly welcomed but the works need to take place as soon as possible.”
A £2million upgrade to Irlam the station house was carried out in 2015 which returned it to its former glory.
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