COUNTY transport officials are calling for an hourly all-stations service between Manchester and Congleton.

The Strategic Rail Authority aims to replace short-term franchises due to expire in 2004 with longer-term franchises.

Local authorities were invited to put forward suggestions for obligations they felt should be written into the new franchises.

Cheshire County Council said Congleton was served only at the convenience of companies running trains on the Manchester to Stoke route.

"Some trains travel only to Macclesfield, and then have standing time there, which could be used to extend the service to Congleton," said the council.

"This situation needs to be addressed, with the obligation on the new franchisee to operate an hourly all-stations service between Manchester and Congleton, or preferably through to Stoke."