A MINOR change to an afternoon rail service on the Mid Cheshire Line will make a big difference for students travelling home to Knutsford and Northwich from schools in Altrincham.

The Mid Cheshire Line connects Chester to Manchester via Northwich, Knutsford and Altrincham.

From next Monday, September 21, the current 3.10pm service leaving Altrincham for Knutsford and Northwich will depart from Navigation Road at 3.14pm, Altrincham at 3.16pm and Hale at 3.19pm.

This six-minute change in the service will allow many students returning from schools in the Altrincham area to catch an earlier train home and not have to wait for the next train two hours later.

John Oates, chairman of Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association said: “When the new timetables, starting on September 14, were announced it was obvious to the association that the afternoon student service from Altrincham would not work for those scholars returning home to Knutsford and Northwich.

“We are so pleased that our campaign to get the service delayed has been heard by Northern and changed with effect from next Monday, September 21.

“This six-minute change means pupils at Wellington Road School, Loreto College, Altrincham Girls Grammar School and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys will not have to wait a further two hours to get back to home to their families.

“Local knowledge is a powerful argument for change, and MCRUA is grateful that Northern management listened and acted promptly on this occasion.”

For further details of the latest train services visit mcrua.org.uk