Train operator Merseyrail will run a limited service on Saturday, October 1, due to a planned 24-hour strike by Network Rail staff. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyrail is to run a limited service on Saturday as staff at Network Rail stage a 24-hour walkout.

Although no Merseyrail staff are taking part in the walkout, the action affects the operation of signalling and maintenance on the network. It will last from 7am until 7am on Sunday, October 2.

Merseyrail will run an hourly service calling at all stations on selected lines between 7.30am and 6.30pm to help passengers make essential journeys. A summary of services that will operate on Saturday, October 1, is as follows:

• Chester and Ellesmere Port lines: No trains will operate between Chester and Rock Ferry or Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry. Trains will run hourly between Rock Ferry and Liverpool Central, calling at all stations.
• New Brighton line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
• West Kirby line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.  
• Southport line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations. 
• Hunts Cross line: No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.
• Ormskirk line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.
• Kirkby line: Trains will run hourly, calling at all stations.

There will be no trains on the Merseyrail network before approximately 7.30am or after approximately 6.30pm on Saturday. There are no rail-replacement buses on the strike day. Passengers should make alternative travel arrangements where necessary.

On Sunday October 2, a normal service will be in operation from the start of service. However, due to planned engineering works, there will be disruption on the Southport, West Kirby and New Brighton lines.

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This will see rail replacement buses run between Hall Road station and Southport station, and between Birkenhead North and all stations to West Kirby and New Brighton.

Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, said: “We continue to work closely with Network Rail to allow train services to operate on our network during these further periods of national disruption. 

“However, anyone planning to travel on October 1 needs to be aware that our trains are likely to be very busy. So, please plan your journey carefully, allow for extra travelling time and be patient with us.”