The government has been urged to step up investment in north-west England's rail services.

According to the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association, not enough money generated by recent rail fare hikes has been put towards improving the region's rail network in the last few years.

John Oates, chairman of the body, told the Knutsford Guardian these increases are instead being used to pay for extensions of 140 platforms in the south-east, so they can accommodate longer trains.

This, he said, is extremely frustrating to passengers in the north-west, particularly those who travel on overcrowded trains during peak times.

Mr Oates has therefore called on the government to redress the balance and ensure the region receives adequate funding.

"It's about time the Department for Transport (DfT) concentrated on improvements in this part of the country," he commented.

Nevertheless, Mr Oates stressed that rail travel still offers good value to passengers, when compared with the cost of motoring.