PASSENGER groups have hailed the introduction of two new commuter services between South Cheshire and Manchester.

Arriva Trains Wales announced on Sunday that it would be running two trains calling at all stations between Shrewsbury and Crewe on the morning run to Manchester Piccadilly.

The new direct services will provide a huge boost to passengers travelling from smaller stations like Wrenbury and Nantwich as journey times will be halved by taking away the need to change at Crewe.

Crewe and Nantwich borough councillor Graham Fenton was delighted at the news after years of campaigning to improve commuter routes to and from Manchester.

He said: 'This is great news for Nantwich in particular because up until now peak time direct services to Manchester have run in the morning or in the evening but never both.

'This means every day commuters have had to run the gauntlet of making their connection in Crewe, and if they missed it the journey could take more than two hours.

'People were put off using the train if they worked in Manchester. This express service will give real options in terms of work and home life.'

The chairman of the Crewe and Shrewsbury Passenger Association John Cresswell was equally pleased with the news.

He said: 'We have lobbied for this service but did not really think we were getting anywhere. The announcement came out of the blue.

'Traffic congestion around Manchester is notorious so it simply makes sense to offer regular direct commuter services. I am sure they will prove very popular.'

The first service will leave Shrews-bury at 6.32am Monday-Friday, calling at Nantwich at 7.04am, Crewe at 7.13am and arriving at Manchester Piccadilly at 8.05am.

The second train leaves Shrews-bury at 7.19am, stopping in Nantwich at 8.03am, Crewe at 8.13am and Manchester at 9.04am. Passengers are advised to check timetables for all services in the region after the new winter timetable came into effect on Monday.