New figures have shown the vital role Chester train station plays in the local economy.

In 2013, entries and exits to Chester station surged to over three million, a rise of 50,000 from 2.95 million. This is on top of over 800,000 interchanges at Chester railway station.

Chester MP Stephen Mosley said these latest figures ‘confirm Chester’s status as a regional hub’.

The latest figures follow the announcement from Conservative-run Cheshire West & Chester Council that a new footbridge and car park is planned for the station. The council plans to turn the old Enterprise Centre site into a car park to help relieve parking around the station and the southern Hoole area. The new bridge will be for cyclists and pedestrians to be built adjacent to the existing road bridge. The Enterprise Centre site has been vacant since the centre burnt down in 2010.

Commenting on the latest figures, Chester MP Stephen Mosley said:

“Chester railway station is at the heart of our local transport network and these figures confirm Chester’s status as a regional hub.

“For hardworking people who commute to our city and the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit our city each and every year, an effective transport system is essential.

“As we make the necessary investments in our infrastructure, I look forward to future figures showing even more travellers coming to Chester.”

Stephen Mosley is currently leading a campaign for better rail infrastructure in Chester following the Government’s recent announcement that a new taskforce will consider the future of rail electrification in the UK.

The Chester MP has led a sustained campaign for the electrification of the railway surrounding Chester. In addition to raising the issue with ministers during his time as an MP, he has previously lobbied the Prime Minister for support.

Chester residents can sign up to the campaign by visiting www.chesterrail.com .