A TRANSPORT users' group is pressing for the opening of a station in Little Neston.

Wirral Transport Users' Association (WTUA) has welcomed news Merseytravel has agreed to contribute £20,000 to a study looking into the electrification of the Wrexham-Bidston line.

The study has been proposed by the Taith Consortium, an organisation of North Wales authorities dedicated to the development of transportation initiatives.

WTUA says it hopes the study will include the installation of a number of stations, including one at Ness Botanic Gardens/Well Lane, Little Neston.

The study is aimed at developing the case for electrification of the line.

Merseytravel has also agreed to provide an annual grant of up to £56,000 for the provision of revenue support for enhanced evening and Sunday services on the line.

Neil Scales, chief executive and director general of Merseytravel, said: 'Part of this line is outside our area but Liverpool is not a cul-de-sac. It is one of Britain's major cities.

'The Wrexham-Bidston line is important for a great number of people in terms of access to jobs and leisure opportunities within Merseyside.'

A spokesman for WTUA said: 'We welcome this support and commitment to the large communities along the mid-Wirral line.

'We also hope the involvement of the North Wales authorities' Taith Consortium will study the case for the installation of a new railway station to serve the Deeside Industrial Park, Shotton, which presently employs 10,000, many of whom are residents of Wirral, Wrexham and North Wales.

'There will be another 10,000 jobs on the Deeside Park's expansion. We welcome an all-year Sunday morning service and any initiatives to enhance services for shift workers.'