MERSEYRAIL has denied that it will be axing peak-hour trains as the region’s biggest rail union claims to have uncovered “secret proposals” to do just that.

Union leaders claimed on Tuesday that they had been told Merseyrail was to cut nine peak-time services and lay off drivers as part of a cost-cutting drive, but the rail operator has today denied making such plans.

The RMT said “devastating” plans saw cuts pencilled into the new timetable from May 2015 that would see six Wirral line trains and three Southport services axed each day at times when demand is highest.

RMT acting general secretary Mick Cash said: “These plans make a complete nonsense of Merseytravel’s pledge to help boost long-term economic growth on Merseyside by increasing rail capacity and services.

“Merseytravel is supposed to be a beacon of common sense in contrast to the Government’s plans to slash rail services across the north of England, and when its own figures show an urgent need for more capacity, not less, it must put a stop to this nonsense immediately.”

Mr Cash said the union would “fight these cuts tooth and nail” but a spokesman for Merseyrail said this will not be necessary.

“We have become aware of a statement released by the RMT trade union relating to significant reduction in peak time services on the Merseyrail network in spring 2015,” said the spokesman.

“Merseyrail would like to clarify that this story is incorrect and no changes will be made in the spring 2015 timetable.”