Improved train services through Neston are included in a major campaign which has been launched to secure £1bn worth of rail improvements.

The campaign, intended to transform the North Wales and Cheshire regional economy and create more than 70,000 new jobs over 20 years, is being led by a cross-border alliance of business, political and public sector leaders.

If successful, it is claimed it would lead to a ‘massive boost’ to the North Wales, Cheshire and Wirral economies, linking them with the planned HS2 line between London and the North of England.

Among other issues, the campaign is calling for a doubling of the journey frequency through Neston between Wrexham and Liverpool via Deeside and Bidston.

Linked to the proposals would be improvements to stations and the creation of a smart ticketing system to make journey planning cheaper and easier.

Also being sought is a new approach to franchises to improve services and upgrades to signalling and line speeds to enhance journey times.

The campaign is being led by the North Wales and Mersey Dee Rail Task Force. The move has the backing of the region’s eight local authorities, the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, the Mersey Dee Alliance, the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, the North Wales Business Council and the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

Cllr Samantha Dixon, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This investment is essential if we are to create opportunities for generations to come.

“This investment would increase productivity and economic growth, increasing tax revenues and reducing unemployment across the region.”