LIFTS at Birkenhead North railway station will be out of action for urgent repairs after they were damaged by heavy rain.

Recent storms have caused water to leak into mechanisms, meaning the ground floor entrances and some of the mechanical equipment now need to be replaced.

Network Rail say work will also take place to prevent future leaks - making step-free access at the station more reliable for passengers.

Each lift will take two weeks to fix, meaning:

  • The lift serving platform 3 will be closed between Monday March 15 and Friday, March 26
  • The lift serving platforms 1 & 2 will be closed between Monday March 29 and Friday, April 9

Tom Wadsworth, senior asset engineer for buildings at Network Rail, said: "We thank passengers for their patience while we get the lifts at Birkenhead North back up to full working order after the extreme weather this winter.

"We know the work will inconvenience some passengers and I'd urge people to plan their journeys with Merseyrail while we carry out these urgent repairs to better protect the lifts from heavy rain and make them more reliable for passengers in future."

During the lift closures, passengers who need step-free access are advised to speak to station staff or to contact the Merseyrail Passenger Assist team on 0151 555 1111.

Greg Suligowski, head of customer and stakeholder experience at Merseyrail, said: "During the recent poor weather conditions unfortunately our lifts at Birkenhead North have sustained damage.

"We are working closely with our partners at Network Rail to repair and improve the lifts.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate our passengers' patience during this time."

Train tickets will be valid for passengers to travel via the nearest step-free station - Conway Park - where onward travel can be arranged.

Meanwhile passengers making essential journeys are being advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk while lockdown travel restrictions remain in place.