VILLAGERS are being urged to help save and improve their 'abysmal' rail service.

North Cheshire Rail Users' Group wants public support in its fight to make Ince & Elton Railway Station, and the trains which serve it, more efficient and reliable.

And they eventually want a rail link from the Ellesmere Port area to John Lennon Airport in Liverpool.

In a report sent to the borough's district public transport liaison committee, the group says: 'In June 2006, a new railway station named Liverpool South Parkway will be opened.

'This station will serve as a major interchange for all modes of public transport and, most importantly, will be the station serving Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with dedicated links and real-time flight information.

'Wouldn't it be nice if the people of Ince and Elton had the choice of using their local railway station - Ince & Elton Station - as an alternative to the car to reach this new station, and so avoid the uncertain journey times engendered by the Runcorn & Widnes Bridge?

'In addition, such destinations as Ellesmere Port, Chester, Helsby, Frodsham, Runcorn, Liverpool, Warrington, Manchester and the North Wales coast would also be within easy reach by train.

'The problem is that, at present, very few passenger trains run between Ellesmere Port, Ince & Elton, and Helsby, and certainly not at times which would interest most people.

'It is not surprising that hardly anyone uses the present abysmal service.

'The most likely outcome currently is that the existing passenger service

by withdrawn completely.'

The group is 'lobbying hard' for a frequent, reliable service on that line, and is calling on the public to help.

It says: 'All we ask is that the people of Ince and Elton indicate to us that you'd support a decent rail service from your local station for commuting, social and leisure purposes, or connecting to the national network.'

To do this, contact them at North Cheshire Rail Users' Group, 14 Chester Road, Helsby, Cheshire WA6 0EZ, call 01928 722179 or e-mail pressofficer@ncrug.org.uk