RAIL bosses have been urged not to forget about mid Cheshire passengers as tram-train plans for Stockport gather pace.

The Department for Transport and transport minister Chris Grayling have backed the Metrolink network extension, along with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

But John Oates, Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association chairman, has asked for wishes such as Pacer train replacements, two trains an hour and airport access to be honoured as well.

Mr Oates said: “Rail users in mid Cheshire welcome any improvements to cut journey times on train services going into central Manchester.

“We are, however, concerned that while the DfT concentrates on improving services in the Greater Manchester area they forget about passengers travelling to and from mid Cheshire who have been promised improvements in services and rolling stock delayed time and time again.

“Northwich is only 20 miles from Manchester, yet it takes 57 minutes by train. There can be few areas like Knutsford and Northwich so close to their major conurbation that are so poorly connected.

“We were promised two trains an hour from December 2017 with better rolling stock and are still waiting for these Northern rail franchise commitments.

“Whether it be trains or tram-trains, if they have enough seating, toilets, wi-fi and air conditioning, we will be happy.

“Passengers are looking for more frequent and faster connections from Mid Cheshire to Manchester with reduced journey times into Manchester. This will not happen if we have to change onto the Metrolink at Altrincham or Stockport.

“The best news for travellers from mid Cheshire, Chester and north Wales would be to complete the Manchester Airport rail link by connecting the airport station to Mobberley, giving every towns to the south-west a service to the airport and faster trains to the city centre.”

Plans for tram-trains to Knutsford were ruled out by Transport for Greater Manchester in 2013 and again in 2017.