A MAJOR strategy to improve services on the West Coast Main Line was unveiled yesterday - but the impact it will have on passengers in Mid Cheshire is uncertain.

The West Coast Rail 250 group launched the most comprehensive, independent strategy for the long-term future of the route, citing the need for major new investment in stations and extra car parks along the West Coast Main Line; an end to weekend travel chaos which treats passengers with disdain; improved connections between different train operators; and support for a new north-south high-speed line.

But campaigners have stressed that smaller stations on the route - such as those in Mid Cheshire like Winsford, Hartford and Acton Bridge - should not miss out. They have few services as it is and may not feel the full benefit of the service.

Andrew MacFarlane, of the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association, said: 'These three stations should be well-served and we look forward to the start of the promised Birmingham-Hartford-Warrington-Preston service in December. This is scheduled to call at Hartford every two hours, so we are told.

'Sunday services at the three stations need to be improved to provide an all-day service on that important day for travel. More trains should stop at Winsford to offer the same level of service as at Hartford, and good connections need to be provided at Crewe both into and out of trains to and from London.

West Coast Rail 250 and its supporters are seeking a commitment from the Government and other relevant agencies to ensure the future maintenance of the West Coast network; identify potential capacity problems and plan for the relief of congestion; carry out a programme of station improvements over the next five years; review inter-regional and local service operations, including stopping patterns at local stations on the West Coast route.