Campaigners are backing a special train to highlight the need for a proper rail service to their town which for years has had just one train a week.

The people of Denton, near Manchester, were robbed of their rail service years ago but British Rail used a legal device - the token one train a week from Stockport to Stalybridge - to avoid the costs of officially closing the line.

Now residents believe it is time for their rail service to be properly restored.
Compass Tours has agreed to stop one of its excursion trains - bound for a circular scenic rail tour of Wales - at Denton on Saturday 29 April 2006.

The train will travel into remote but beautiful territory over the Heart of Wales line, returning via Newport, the Welsh Marches and Shropshire.

It will be the first southbound train to call at Denton for several years.

Denton is on the line between Stockport and Stalybridge and could offer commuter services into Manchester Victoria.

The town has a population of around 35,000 and needs a rail link into Manchester for workers and shoppers. They know that smaller centres in the Greater Manchester area enjoy regular train or tram services.

Their local roads are often clogged with traffic, bringing unnecessary pollution to the area.
Campaigners believe Denton could be a park and ride rail station and play a big part in the region’s future transport and environmental strategy.

They also believe a proper rail service would boost the economies in Denton, Manchester and Stockport.

There are areas of the town which could be made available for car parking for commuters and local buses could be linked into the train network.

Compass Tours is aiming to achieve as much interest from Denton as possible to show that people are keen to use rail.

Compass Tours is keen that people who would like to see a meaningful rail service will back the special train which also serves a variety of other local stations in and around the Manchester, Stockport, and Cheshire areas.

The organisers say it will be an interesting day out at reasonable cost.

Passengers will travel in traditional comfortable inter-city carriages in a friendly atmosphere with plenty of stewards.

Provisional departure time from Denton is 07.45 returning at around 22.00. Final timings will be available around one week before departure.

The train starts its journey at Preston with passenger pickups at Chorley, Bolton, Manchester Victoria, Denton, Stockport, Altrincham and Knutsford.

Residents of Denton are being encouraged to photograph the scene full of passengers to show rail planners and politicians how many people are keen to go by rail.

More details: Compass Tours tel: 0151 722 1147 (10am-6pm weekdays) or www.compasstours.cjb.net" rel="external">Compass Tours

Information from Kevin Melia, operations manager, Compass Tours.