CAMPAIGNERS for a new railway station between Moreton and Meols are urging Wirral Council and Merseytravel to submit a joint bid for Government cash that could help pay for the development.

A £20m fund announced this week by rail minister Paul Maynard will provide up to 75% of the cost for construction of new stations or to reopen previously closed stations.

It could provide a vital boost for those who have campaigned for many years to see Town Meadow station opened.

Situated between Meols and Moreton stations, it would serve those living in the Millhouse Lane area of the town reducing traffic from the estate to other stations.

An independent survey commissioned by Merseytravel in 2010 revealed overwhelming support for Town Meadow. But the idea was scrapped.

However, a recent survey found hundreds of people are in support of the idea.

Moreton West & Saughall Massie councillor Steve Williams has now written to Merseytravel and the council urging them to submit a bid for the 'Town Meadow Station' by the November 18 deadline.

The successful projects are expected to be announced early next year.

According to Cllr Williams the station would cost £7.3m to install.

He said: "We know from surveys and petitions over the last few years that a new station for the Millhouse and Lingham neighbourhoods in Moreton will help more people to use the rail network, and reduce congestion on some of our busiest roads.

"Until recently Merseytravel and Wirral Council have always said that a station would be too expensive.

“With this new pot of money from the Government, the cost to Merseytravel could be just a quarter of previous estimates - making a great investment in the rail network and a big boost to the Moreton community."

Mr Maynard said: "The new stations fund is a great example of how our record investment in the railways and work with local authorities and industry is delivering better journeys for passengers.

"Through this fund passengers will benefit from new connections and faster journeys, making it easier to get to work and visit friends and family.

“It will also provide a major boost for local economies and support the delivery of local housing developments."

A Merseytravel spokesperson said: "As a City Region we always look at how external funding opportunities may help us meet our transport ambitions.

"In relation to rail, Government Growth Deal funding is already earmarked for a number of our big rail schemes including the re-opening of the Halton Curve to ultimately make direct rail travel between Liverpool and North Wales possible.

"A sub-fund of this has also contributed to the newly completed extension to the Birkenhead North station car park.

"In addition, Bebington and Green Lane stations have recently benefitted from National Station improvement Programme funding.

"The latest announcement on funding for new rail stations is great news and we are considering how we may best bid for a share of the £20m.

"As it is a national fund, and one new station alone would cost around half the total amount or more to build, we are probably looking at it providing a potential contribution to a scheme, rather than a new rail station in its entirety.

"The fund requires bids at a suitable development stage and the most advanced of these from a City Region perspective is currently Maghull North.

"As part of the City Region’s long-term rail strategy we have identified more than 20 potential new stations, including Town Meadow.

"Work on developing and considering businesses cases for these is underway, but all are at too early a stage for any to be submitted for this particular round of funding.

"However, those stations with strong business cases will be considered for future funding bids."