Following adverse weather warnings due to the arrival of Storm Ciara this weekend, Merseyrail has advised that there will be some timetable changes affecting customers travelling on its Wirral line.

Due to the expected poor weather conditions forecast which will include high winds, Network Rail may implement speed restrictions across the network.

As a result, an amended timetable will operate on the Chester and Ellesmere Port lines on Sunday 9 February with some services departing earlier or later.

Planned engineering work on the Southport line will still go ahead on Sunday 9 February with rail replacement buses in operation between Sandhills and Formby.

Passengers on all lines are advised to check our website for the most up-to-date information before travelling over the weekend, or contact our customer services team via Twitter @Merseyrail or WhatsApp on 0151 555 1111 for service updates.

In light of these warnings, we advise people who live near railways to ensure trampolines, gazebos or similar items are fixed in place, as they become airborne very easily in strong winds and can end up on the railway resulting in disruption and danger.

Zoe Hands, Operations Director at Merseyrail, said: “We apologise to any customers whose travel plans may be affected by Storm Ciara. We are working in partnership with Network Rail to ensure the network is as safe for travel as possible.

“Network Rail has chainsaw gangs and operations staff ready to cut down any felled trees and remove other debris from the line, but we are asking everyone to help by ensuring that anything on your property that could blow away is firmly secured.

“If you, or anyone you know, has precarious trees, trampolines or similar items on their property that could fall or be blown onto the railway, please report it to Network Rail’s customer helpline on 0345 711 4141.

“Finally, I would urge all passengers to leave plenty of time for their journey and to check our website for the latest information before they travel.”