A protest is planned as Congleton marks two years since its last Sunday train service.

Residents, councillors and members of Congleton Train Users will come together at 11am on Sunday, September 20, to demand that Northern Trains finally resolves the long-running problems that have left the town effectively without a Sunday rail service.

The underlying problem is a continuing industrial relations dispute over Sunday working and drivers' pay and conditions.

Campaigners say that whatever the complexities of resolving that dispute, passengers should not be expected to bear the consequences indefinitely, having put up with 'unreliable replacement buses for two years already.

Richard Eadie, rail industry expert and campaigner with Congleton Train Users, said: "It is now two years since a Sunday train stopped at Congleton. Last year we gathered at the station to highlight what was already an unacceptable situation, and another whole year has passed without it being resolved.

"It's interesting that significant investment is going on down the line at Kidsgrove, but Congleton - a busier station, with at least 50,000 more passengers per year, still doesn't have a Sunday service.

"We understand that there are issues between Northern and its drivers over Sunday working and pay. But that dispute isn't the passengers' fault. It is Northern's responsibility to resolve it. Congleton has waited long enough."

New rail services announced for neighbouring Alsager and Holmes Chapel will provide improved connections, including an hourly service between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Airport from May 2027, with both towns set to benefit.

The planned changes will also improve Sunday frequency on the Crewe–Manchester Airport route.

Congleton Town Mayor, councillor Suzy Firkin, said: "I welcome the improvements being announced for Alsager and Holmes Chapel – people in those towns deserve good public transport. But so do the people of Congleton.

"Congleton should have a train service at least as good as our neighbouring towns. Instead, we have now gone two years without a Sunday train. We have met with Northern Trains and been assured they are trying to resolve the situation, but seen no progress.

"Our Prime Minister showed a strong commitment to improving connectivity across the North during his time as Mayor of Manchester. I hope he can now use his position to bring the relevant parties together at the highest level and help resolve this.

"At a time when we are encouraging people to use public transport and leave their cars at home, having effectively no rail service for one day every week makes no sense. Northern needs to sort this out and give Congleton back our Sunday trains."

Councillor Kay Wesley, chair of the council's community committee, added: "It is now two years since a Sunday train stopped at Congleton.

"Instead, passengers have been expected to rely on replacement buses that can be unreliable – and sometimes don't turn up at all.

"Last year we protested after one year without Sunday trains. Another entire year has passed – and still nothing has changed.

"So please come and stand with Congleton Train Users, local residents and councillors on Sunday.

"The more people who turn up, the stronger our message will be - bring back our Sunday trains!"