IMPROVED connectivity for some railway stations in the borough has been hailed by political leaders as a "transformational" benefit for St Helens.

As the Star reported last month, Lea Green and Newton-le-Willows will see new rail services, with greater connectivity and faster journeys to Liverpool and Manchester.

From May 20, TransPennine Express trains will begin calling at the stations and journeys to both Manchester Victoria and Liverpool Lime Street will be nearly 10 minutes faster.

The changes are being made as part of a timetable change to be implemented this month.

Commuters in the borough will gain direct connections to towns and cities in Yorkshire and the North East including Huddersfield, Leeds, York, Scarborough, Durham and Newcastle.

TPE run modern intercity trains which have recently received a £32million transformation to like-new standards including high-quality seating and carpets, charging and USB points, fast free Wi-Fi in both standard and first class plus access to free entertainment system, Exstream.

The train company adds it is delivering an investment of £500million over the next two years in improvements including brand new state of the art trains, the first of which, Nova 3, will start to be introduced on the route between Liverpool and Manchester later this year.

The new services have been welcomed by political figures in St Helens.

Council leader Derek Long said: “The railways were born in our borough. As a railway man’s son, I’m delighted that St Helens residents will soon benefit from these modern services that will connect St Helens to some of the biggest cities in the country.

“Joining this new rail route is yet another example of how the borough is moving forward into a better future.”

St Helens Star:

Newton-le-Willows station will have increased connectivity 

Meanwhile, Steve Rotheram, the city region's metro mayor, added: “Improving connectivity, both physical and digital, is one of the ways in which we will achieve transformational change which benefits everyone.

“The addition of Lea Green and Newton-le-Willows to the network is not just good news for local residents, but for St Helens and the city region as a whole, as better transport connections and reduced journey times between Liverpool and Manchester are good news for all of us.”

And St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer said: “The new Liverpool to Scarborough service stop in Lea Green, beginning on May 20, will provide vital improved connections and reduced travelling times not only to Scarborough, but to Liverpool, Manchester and beyond for my constituents.

"I have no doubt it will bring economic benefits for our area, which will increase when the next phase of the service begins from Liverpool to Glasgow Central, calling at St Helens Central, from December.”

Jerry Farquharson, service planning director for TransPennine Express, added: “We are thrilled to welcome both Lea Green and Newton-le-Willows to our network as part of our transformational timetable change which will really benefit communities across the North. Improved connectivity really does have a positive impact on our customers, whether travelling for business or pleasure.

“Customers will get to travel on our modern, full upgraded trains with free Wi-Fi, plug sockets and entertainment system Exstream and will be amongst some of the first people to travel on our brand new Nova 3 trains.”

Full details of all train times and fares can be found at tpexpress.co.uk