A CAMPAIGN for a new train station to be built between Moreton and Meols has been backed by a government minister.

Paul Maynard, the under secretary of state for transport, met councillors at the site of the proposed Town Meadow Station in Moreton.

The meeting took place after it emerged Wirral Council and Merseytravel had decided not to bid for a share of a new £20m fund to pay for additional stations.

Councillors claim proposals for the new station has been in the pipeline for more than 40 years.

It would be between Meols and Moreton and serve those living in the Millhouse Lane and Lingham area of the town.

A recent survey found hundreds of people were in support of the idea.

Mr Maynard said: “Having visited the area and seen the number of houses nearby it’s clear a station at this location would be well-used.

“I understand Merseytravel have already secured the land and I would urge them to make progress on this long-awaited station.

“The £20m new stations fund I announced last year has proved really popular with councils and transport authorities and I would hope to see a bid for this station in future.”

Conservative councillor for Moreton West & Saughall Massie Bruce Berry said: “We know there is demand for a new station at Town Meadow. Merseytravel have even bought the land for it.

"The problem was the cost of construction.

“That’s why it’s really disappointing Wirral Council and Merseytravel didn’t submit a bid to the Department for Transport when there was money available.

“We can only hope that should a further fund be made available, we will see a bid to build Town Meadow.”

A Merseytravel spokesman said: "To qualify to bid for the recent new stations fund plans had to be progressed to a certain formal stage in development where a significant amount of design work had been undertaken.

"While we do own the land at Town Meadow Lane, and it has been identified as a possible station, plans are not advanced enough for us to bid at this stage.

"Building a station at Town Meadow Lane would likely cost more than half the amount available from the new stations fund.

"So even if we had we been able to bid we would need to have the majority of funding in place already as the £20m is expected to be shared amongst a number of projects across the country."

Wirral Council declined to comment saying it was a matter for Merseytravel.