Merseyrail has announced that minor alterations for the three timetables will come into effect from Monday the 3rd of October

The minor timetable changes will provide a more reliable service throughout Autumn as leaf fall can create issues for the rail network.

As leaves fall onto the track a residue is left which creates a hard, slippery coating which makes acceleration difficult in some areas and sees trains forced to operate at slightly lower speeds in order to travel safely. Each year Network Rail and Merseyrail undertake work in order to cut the effects of leaf fall.

Merseyrail anticipates that most passengers will not notice the changes to journeys being put in place.

The minor timetable changes are as follows:

Chester and Ellesmere Port Lines:

Trains running from stations between Chester and Ellesmere Port and Birkenhead Central will leave up to three minutes earlier than the timetable currently states but will arrive in Liverpool City Centre at the normal time.

Trains from Liverpool City Centre:

Trains will leave at the normal time but arrive at stations between Birkenhead Central, Chester and Ellesmere Port approximately three minutes later than currently timetabled.

Bromborough Rake and Green Lane stations:

Trains will continue with a 30-minute frequency.

Southport Line:

Trains operating from stations between Southport and Sandhills will leave up to three minutes earlier than currently timetabled but will arrive in Liverpool City Centre at the usual time.

Trains from Liverpool City Centre:

Trains will leave at the normal time but arrive at stations between Sandhills and Southport approximately three minutes later than currently timetabled.

Passengers can use the Merseyrail journey planner to plan travel.