Macclesfield's MP has welcomed the move to bring Avanti West Coast services into public ownership.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has officially announced plans to re-nationalise Britain's busiest train line at the expiry of its contract in March 2027.

Avanti are responsible for managing Macclesfield's railway station and many of the services that pass through it.

As such, Tim Roca MP is excited about what this development could mean for passengers locally.

He said: "This is really welcome news for passengers in Macclesfield.

"From March 7, 2027, Avanti West Coast services will transfer into public ownership, with a renewed focus on improving reliability and putting passengers first.

"I know from speaking to constituents just how frustrating delays, cancellations and overcrowding can be. I've also raised concerns directly with Avanti about the experience passengers receive at Macclesfield station.

"Our town relies on good rail connections to Manchester, London and beyond, so we need a railway that people can depend on.

"Bringing Avanti into public ownership must now be an opportunity to deliver the improvements passengers deserve, alongside investment in the West Coast Main Line.

"I'll continue making the case for Macclesfield and pressing for a reliable, accessible and high quality service for our community.

"Passengers should always come first."

The nationalisation of Avanti West Coast will be supported by a dedicated improvement plan, the government announced on Monday, September 28.

This will aim to address the 'frequent disruption' that passengers have been experiencing, caused in large part due to infrastructures issues along the West Coast Main Line resulting from long-term underinvestment.

The government say that passengers can expect to see fewer delays and cancellations thanks to an extra £10 million boost for power and signaling maintenance, to be delivered by the end of 2027.

There are also plans to create 'faster and more reliable' services through changes to existing timetables, with a focus on routes in and out of Manchester.

These changes will start to come in from December 2026.

On top of this, the government is planning to deploy low earth orbit satellite technology to secure faster and more reliable WiFi and 5G coverage onboard.

Ms Alexander said: "For years, we've heard stories of Avanti underperforming, with passengers left paying the price. Enough is enough. That is why we will bring Avanti into public ownership at the earliest opportunity, in March next year.

"This Labour government is committed to putting essential services back in public hands, connecting people to opportunity and delivering growth in every postcode – and this move reflects that commitment.

"We will also introduce a comprehensive improvement plan, focused on delivering for passengers, not shareholders."

Prime Minister Andy Burnham added: "For years, people have been expected to put up with Avanti's cancellations, delays, overcrowding, and a service that has failed them time and time again.

"So my Labour government is bringing Avanti West Coast into public ownership at the earliest opportunity in March next year.

"That means passengers, not shareholders, will come first.

"More investment, fewer delays, and a renewed focus on getting the basics right.

"We're putting essential services back in public hands and building a railway that actually works for the people who use it."