TRAVELWATCH has slammed plans to cut rail services through Warrington.

Under new proposals, from November 2007, Virgin Cross Country Trains will no longer operate along the West Coast Mainline to destinations south of Birmingham.

This means that passengers wanting to travel from Warrington to or from Glasgow, the West Country and the South Coast, will be forced to change trains during their journey.

Brendan O' Friel, TravelWatch north west chairman, said: "It appears that the Department for Transport has totally ignored the views of passengers in its proposals and seems to be more concerned about operational convenience than the comfort of travellers."

The plans for the changes are contained in a consultation document issued by the Department for Transport.

Passenger representative groups have not been included in the consultation and are expected to make their views known to transport authorities.