TRAINS operating along the Mid Cheshire line are the sixth oldest in the country, averaging 26.3 years, according to a report published today.

Northern, which operates trains on the line that runs from Manchester to Chester via Knutsford and Northwich, has long been criticised for its rolling stock and crowded carriages – in particular at peak times.

Merseyrail carriages are the oldest in the country at an average age of 36.3 years.

Figures released by the Office of Rail and Road have revealed that the country's rolling stock is at its oldest in 14 years.

The average age of trains is 20.2 years across the country and is even older outside the South East, according to the data.

Rolling stock is at its oldest level since 2001 when the average age was 20.3 years.

But the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train operators and Network Rail, said thousands of new carriages will be introduced in the next few years.

The latest ORR statistics show that average rolling stock in London and the South East is 18.1 years old.

The figure for the rest of the country – including Cheshire – is 22.6 years, the highest since current records began in April 2000.

However, the average age of Northern trains is 26.3 years.

But it is hoped that the rolling stock across the routes currently operated by Northern will be improved once the new franchise agreement is revealed in December.

It has also said it will have new rolling stock in place by 2020. 

Ed Cox, director at think tank IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research) North, said: "Some of the north's outdated train rolling stock could be considered more of a laughing stock, with carriages and overcrowding not fit for purpose for a burgeoning northern economy.

"Decades of chronic underinvestment in the north's transport infrastructure has held back the region, with commuters and business frustrated by the poor service on offer."

Martin Abrams, from the Campaign for Better Transport, said: "These figures are not particularly surprising as we know thousands of passengers are travelling on trains simply not fit for purpose.

"In the north of England, for instance, passengers are still having to endure the decrepit old Pacer trains.

"The problem is there's no national rolling stock strategy from the Government and that's what needs to change.

"The Government needs to come up with a plan to replace outdated rolling stock and ensure passengers have trains fit for the 21st century."

A Northern Rail spokesperson said: "By the end of this year, we will have introduced 20 additional electric trains to our network.

“Looking ahead into the next Northern franchise, which starts in April 2016, there will be significant investment in trains: the next Northern franchise owner will bring in at least 120 brand new carriages and every train will be new or as new by the end of the decade.

"With this in mind, our on-board refurbishments are continuing and we’re also trialling future interiors on some trains.

“The Department for Transport has also specified that Class 142 and Class 144 (aka Pacers) trains must be withdrawn from service by 31 December 2019 and replaced with modern trains.”