A new era will dawn for Ormskirk rail commuters on Monday.

The first rail service is set to leave the new Maghull North station for Liverpool Central at 5.58am on Monday June 18, when it opens to the public.

It will cater for public transport demand from a new housing development of 370 new homes, with a further 1,700 additional homes planned - and ease the burden for anyone who's tried parking at the current Maghull station..

Work to build the brand new station started in September 2017 and was due to open in May but was delayed for several weeks due to complications with signalling work.

The new station will be staffed with a ticket office and passenger waiting facilities on the platforms, and will boast 156 car parking spaces.

Step-free access via station lifts will be in place from Friday, June 22 when Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram will attend the official opening ceremony.

He said: “I am delighted that the first services will be in place from Monday and look forward to marking the official opening on Friday.

“Through schemes like Maghull North, we are directly investing in our public transport system to deliver an improved service to the people of the city region, enabling better access to a host of opportunities for work, education and leisure.”

Liam Robinson, Transport portfolio holder, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, added: “It’s been great to see the new Maghull North station develop over the last ten months and we’re delighted it’s now set to open to the public.

“This station is a prime example of our Long Term Rail Strategy being put into practice.

“The new station will be of huge benefit to local residents, giving more travel options while playing a big part in helping the on-going development of Maghull in the coming years.”

Operated by Merseyrail, Maghull North will become the 68th station on the network.