The North Staffs Community Rail Partnership are "delighted" that EMR has reinstated the service for Alsager because it means so "much for the local community".

From 16 May 2021 East Midlands Railway (EMR) will reinstate their hourly service at Alsager Station.

In September 2020 the number of EMR trains stopping at Alsager was temporarily reduced to just two per day in a bid to improve punctuality at other stations on the Crewe – Derby route.

The North Staffs Community Rail Partnership (NSCRP) has put pressure on EMR to reinstate the service, in partnership with Alsager Town Council and the North Staffs Rail User Group.

In addition, Alsager Town Councillor, Michael Unett, created an online petition which received 1388 signatories.

EMR's recent introduction of their new 170 fleet to the route has enabled the Alsager stop to be reinstated.

These have improved acceleration, allowing better performance and time keeping.

In addition, these trains have central, wider doors which allow passengers to exit and enter more quickly whilst maintaining social distancing.

Claire Sandys, Community Rail Officer for the North Staffs Community Rail Partnership, said: "We are delighted that EMR has reinstated the service for Alsager because it means so much for the local community.

"We thank everyone who told us about how the reduction in trains had affected them.

"We also thank Michael Unett and the 1388 signatories of his petition."

Not only will Alsager residents regain their service between Crewe and Derby, but they will be able to take full advantage of this year's EMR route extension to Nottingham, a popular tourist, business and educational destination.

In addition, passengers also continue to enjoy a direct service to Stafford and Birmingham New Street with London Northwestern Railway.

An East Midlands Railway spokesperson said: "On Sunday 16th May, we are introducing an improved timetable right across the East Midlands. This provides more seats, quicker journeys and a simpler and more resilient timetable.

"Between Crewe and Derby, this includes the return of hourly services to and from Alsager as well as the introduction of direct services to Nottingham and Newark Castle.

"The new timetable will feature the phased introduction of our Class 170 trains which offer significant upgrades over the current fleet including improved braking and acceleration, wider doors closer to the middle of the carriage making it easier for passengers to get on and off as well as a more accessible layout.

"In due course, the Class 170's are also due to be significantly refurbished, including upgrades such as the introduction of power sockets, improved CCTV, enhanced information systems and better toilet interiors."

Rod Fletcher, chair of Alsager Town Council, said: "I welcome the resumption of all East Midland Train Services calling at Alsager. I also welcome the fact that people will have a through service to Nottingham.

"I would like to thank all the local people involved in campaigning for the reinstatement of these East Midland Train Services."