The Greater Manchester area with four of the 10 worst train stations in the country

Over the four weeks leading to May 29, Kearsley train station had a staggering 81 per cent of services delayed or cancelled. That makes the station is the country’s ‘lowest performing station’ for punctuality and cancellation rate according to Ontimetrains who has analysed all the train stations across the UK.

Similar figures were recorded at nearby Moses Gate and Farnworth stations which were placed fourth and sixth on the list. Westhoughton station, on the Bolton to Wigan line was also included, at 10th on the list. The matter was brought up at Bolton’s full council meeting on Wednesday evening.

Coun Tracey Wilkinson, said: ” It is no secret that this is a matter of great concern for the residents of the south of our borough who rely on these services daily. The current service is a disgrace. There is talk of an aspiration of two services and hour from the stations. I’m sure most people who use the service would settle for an hourly, reliable train.

“Despite repeated attempts to engage with the rail service provider regarding missing signs, station conditions, and the overall substandard service, the lack of communication and action from their end is completely unacceptable. The residents from across all of Kearsley and Farnworth deserve safe, well-maintained stations and services.”

A Northern Rail spokesperson said: “Recently, our performance and reliability have not been up to scratch and for that we are sorry. We are very actively managing higher levels of staff sickness and on Sundays, which rely on crews volunteering to work additional hours, we have seen a reduction in train crew making themselves available on parts of the network.

“In addition, the ongoing industrial relations issues have their own impact. We are working hard with our colleagues and other train operators to improve service reliability.”

Responding to Coun Wilkinson’s question, Hamid Khurram, the council’s transport cabinet member, said : “The Mayor Andy Burnham has set a target of fully integrating the rail network into the Bee Network by 2030 and this will see a step change in how people use local train services. Transport for Greater Manchester has identified eight lines as priority by 2028 and this includes the stations of Kearsley, Moses Gate and Farnworth.

“They also said they are aware of the decline in service performance at the stations over the recent period and have raised this issue with Northern Trains and requested they investigate. In terms of timetable enhancements there is an aspiration of a minimum of two trains per hour.”

UK’s top 10 worst performing stations according to percentage of delayed and cancelled trains

1. Kearsley
2. Taynuilt
3. Crianlarich
4. Moses Gate
5. Penrith
6. Farnworth
7. Ince and Elton
8. Connel Ferry
9. Bescar Lane
10. Westhoughton