Train operator Merseyrail says it will operate a limited service on its Liverpool city region network during the next one-day strike by Network Rail staff. Tony McDonough reports

Merseyrail is to run a limited service during the next one-day strike by Network Rail staff on Wednesday, July 27.

During the first wave of rail strikes in June, Merseyrail shut down its network. Although Merseyrail employees didn’t walk out Network Rail staff operate the signalling systems and provide crucial maintenance.

However, this time around Merseyrail says it will run an hourly service calling at selected stations on each line between 7.30am and 6.30pm. This is to help passengers who need to make essential journeys. Services are as follows:

• Trains will run hourly between Rock Ferry and Liverpool Central, only calling at Rock Ferry, Birkenhead Central, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central. 
• No trains will operate between Chester and Rock Ferry or Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferr .
• New Brighton services will run hourly, only calling at New Brighton, Wallasey Grove Road, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
• West Kirby services will run hourly, only calling at West Kirby, Meols, Moreton, Leasowe, Birkenhead North, Birkenhead Park, Hamilton Square, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
• Southport services will run hourly, only calling at Southport, Formby Blundellsands & Crosby, Waterloo, Moorfields and Liverpool Central. 
• No trains will operate between Liverpool Central and Hunts Cross.
• Ormskirk services will run hourly, only calling at Ormskirk, Maghull, Aintree, Kirkdale, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.
• Kirkby services will run hourly, only calling at Kirkby, Fazakerley, Rice Lane, Kirkdale, Moorfields and Liverpool Central.

There will be no services on the Merseyrail network before 7.30am or after 6.30pm on July 27. Due to lack of availability, there are no rail replacement buses throughout the whole day.

On Thursday, July 28, trains will be gradually reintroduced from 7am, when the 24-hour strike ends. There are no rail replacement buses before train services begin at 7am, again due to lack of availability. It is intended that a normal, full train service will resume from 7.30am across the network.

Andy Heath, managing director at Merseyrail, said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to work closely with Network Rail to ensure we can provide a service for the people of the Liverpool city region during this period of national disruption. 

“I would stress to those intending to travel on July 27, that services will be hourly, will only serve limited stations and are likely to be very busy. As ever, our team will work hard to get you to where you need to be, but please plan ahead, come prepared and allow more time for your journey.”