Northern have agreed to run a one off train service for Motorfest - great news for Ormskirk and West Lancs residents who'll be able to travel northbound by train on 27 August and not just to/via Liverpool using Merseyrail.

And now Alan Fantom from OPSTA* is hoping for a good public response that'll be used to press for regular Sunday services.

He told QLocal this morning: "From next May we will get the hourly clock face timetable on weekdays and Saturday we’ve argued for years.

"In this day and age, seven day operation is a long overdue next step.

"We are aiming to make this service as well patronised as possible because there is a point to prove.

"Why?

"Regular rail users and those that live along the Sandhills and Preston rail corridor repeatedly express their disbelief and frustration at being unable to take a train between Ormskirk and Preston on a Sunday.

"We calculate that 400 passengers should put Northern into profit for the day and will encourage them to provide more one off event driven Sunday services."

OPSTA will be conducting passenger counts and a short survey to identify the demand and make a case for permanent Sunday services. OPSTA will publish a report of its findings and discuss them with Northern, the West Lancashire Community Rail Partnership and our transport authorities. Please consider using the service on the day and promote it among your network of family and friends.

The service will be a great way to get to this event given roads in Ormskirk town centre will be closed. Alternatively the rail service will enable travel to Burscough, Rufford, Croston, Preston, Liverpool and beyond.

*If you wish to comment or contact us please e mail opstasurveys@gmail.com or on twitter @opsta15

*The Ormskirk, Preston and Southport Travellers’ Association which campaigns for cost effective improvement to and greater integration of the rail network in North Merseyside and West Lancashire. See www.opsta.org for more information.

Pity Southport has no direct service to Ormskirk.