Sean Houlston, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Runcorn and Helsby, has written to the Rail Delivery Group to express serious concerns over the state of Ince and Elton railway station, following the publication of new figures showing it was used just 86 times in the past year.
The data confirms Ince and Elton as one of the least-used railway stations in the country, prompting Sean Houlston to call for urgent action to address what he describes as a "shocking disconnect" between local communities and the transport services meant to serve them.
Conservative Candidate for Runcorn and Helsby, Sean Houlston said:
“These numbers are not just disappointing – they are a damning indictment of how disconnected some of our rural communities have become.
“Residents in and around Ince and Elton deserve better. We cannot talk about levelling up or sustainability while stations like this are left with virtually no service.”
In his letter, Sean Houlston has requested a meeting with the Rail Delivery Group to discuss how the station’s connectivity to major local hubs such as Chester, Helsby, and Runcorn can be improved. He highlighted the voices of residents and local stakeholders who are increasingly frustrated with the limited service and poor accessibility of the station.
“There is real potential in Runcorn and Helsby’s rural communities.” Sean Houlston continued. “But without proper infrastructure, people are being cut off from work, education, and other essential opportunities. I am committed to standing up for the transport needs of rural communities like Ince and Elton.”
Sean Houlston is urging the Rail Delivery Group to work with elected representatives and the community to explore realistic and sustainable improvements to the station’s service and integration. He believes that action on local transport is essential to deliver a fairer, more connected future for all parts of the Runcorn and Helsby constituency.
