The town therefore had a main line connection from Manchester to London featuring expresses such as the 'Palatine' and the 'Peaks'.

However, with the closure of the ex Midland route from Chinley to Rowsley to passenger traffic in 1967, Central station was closed.

The prime reason for this is the requirement to provide a vehicular crossing for those houses further up the hill which have no reliable alternative, as the very rough alternative is blocked for days during snow, and even when open requires a considerable extra distance to be covered to reach the town centre.

Step-free access is available to both sides via the foot crossing at the Whaley Bridge end of the station.

[2] There is generally a half hourly service each day to Manchester Piccadilly northbound all week.