UNION leaders have welcomed what they deem a “u-turn” by Merseyrail as the rail provider says no peak time trains will be axed next spring.

Leading rail union RMT claimed to have uncovered “secret proposals” to cut nine peak-time services and lay off drivers as part of a cost-cutting drive, but Merseyrail denied such plans ever existed.

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: “Merseyrail told our reps that it will continue to run the same number of trains from May 2015 as it does now.

“That u-turn is great news when only last week senior managers were sounding out traincrew reps on the impact that cutting up to nine peak-hour trains each weekday would have on jobs.”

RMT Northwest regional organiser John Tilley added: “Thanks to RMT’s intervention common sense has prevailed and the plan is now off the table, saving jobs and protecting key rail services.”

Mr Tilley said while the RMT fully supports plans to expand Merseyside’s rail network, it will remain vigilant in defending services from any McNulty-inspired attacks on services.

But Merseyrail said this would not be necessary and on Wednesday said: “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.

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

Following RMT’s “u-turn” statement, Merseyrail said it had no further comment to make on the issue.