GOVERNMENT transport chiefs say the number of trains stopping in Warrington will not reduce under planned changes to the railway system.

The Government is currently analysing the new rail franchise agreements.

During a debate in the House of Commons on Thursday, Warrington North MP Helen Jones asked transport secretary Philip Hammond to confirm this changes wont lead to a reduction in the number of trains stopping at Bank Quay.

She said: “The new franchise agreements that will affect the West Coast Mainline are in a complete mess.

“The secretary of state responded to one question by saying that he wanted the agreements to be more flexible which could potentially see services stopping less often in Warrington.”

“I put the secretary on the spot about whether Warrington would have fewer services stopping under the new system because having a regular and reliable train service is essential to our local economy and to many people in Warrington who commute to work.

“I’ve now got it on record that there will be the same number of station stops at Bank Quay under the new agreement. However, I will continue to scrutinise the franchising process so that Warrington receives the best deal.”

Mr Hammond said: I do not want to say, “I am sorry if I have set a hare running.

I was trying to say that we are very much aware of the risk that making franchises less prescriptive could lead to reductions in train services, and we are not prepared to accept that, so I can assure the hon. Lady that under the new west coast franchise, the same number of station stops at Warrington Bank Quay will occur as under the present timetable.”