Campaigners say there is 'much more to do' as Sunday trains return to Congleton.

Northern Trains confirmed earlier this week that it had reached an agreement with conductors and the RMT Union, paving the way for the restoration of Sunday services on the Manchester to Stoke line.

From Sunday, November 15, five trains in each direction will be reinstated on the line that stops at Congleton.

This is an initial restoration, with services previously running at seven trains in one direction and six in the other. Plans are in place to reinstate the remaining services in May 2027.

Richard Eadie, rail industry expert and campaigner with Congleton Train Users, welcomed the announcement but stressed that the return of Sunday services should be viewed as a starting point rather than the end of the campaign.

He said: "For me, this is obviously very welcome and the result of more than two years of struggle. However, it only takes us back to where we were a few years ago.

"Six trains each way per day is nowhere near adequate for the level of passenger usage, particularly given the significant increase in Sunday demand since Covid.

"Connections simply cannot be relied upon when the next train is three or four hours later.

"Before Covid, the previous Northern franchise had reached the point of bidding for hourly Sunday train paths from Network Rail for our line.

"These were accepted but never actually taken up by the operator. With leisure travel having increased significantly since the pandemic, these paths are needed now more than ever.

"We need to return to that campaign to ensure Congleton has an adequate and reliable seven-day railway."

READ MORE: Congleton MP and town mayor welcome reintroduction of Sunday train services

Congleton Town Council have said they will continue to press for further improvements to public transport.

Discussions have already begun with Northern Trains, CrossCountry and Transport for Greater Manchester, as part of wider work to influence the Local Transport Plan and secure better transport provision for Congleton.

Longer-term improvements will require strategic planning and investment in infrastructure, including enhancements to Congleton railway station.

Alongside this work, Congleton Town Council is also progressing a station adoption agreement with Northern.

This will bring the rail operator and local volunteers together to improve the station's appearance and facilities.

Local In Bloom volunteer Patti Pinto, meanwhile, will lead efforts to bring volunteers together to develop planters and artwork, helping to create a more welcoming environment for passengers and visitors.

Mayor of Congleton Suzy Firkin, who spearheaded the local campaign and has acted as the primary point of contact with Northern throughout the process, said: "Getting our Sunday trains back is a really positive step, but there is still much more to do.

"We want to see a railway and wider public transport network that meets the needs of Congleton now and in the future.

"We will continue working with our partners to make the case for better services, improved connections and a station that our town can be proud of."