[1] Northern did, until May 2019, operate a Department for Transport-set minimum service[2] of three trains daily in each direction between Ellesmere Port and Helsby, Cheshire.

[4] In 2005 a single track line to Manisty Wharf in Ellesmere Port was reopened for a regular coal flow to Fiddlers Ferry power station.

Network Rail Route Strategy states that Quinn Glass is interested in additional passenger and freight services on this line.

It is also thought that planning permission requires Quinn Glass to maximise upon existing public transport links.

[11][19][20] It was announced during this month that construction work had been delayed due to the discovery of a badger sett on the proposed site.

[22] The company cited additional demands by Network Rail and the Environment Agency's decision to switch off the Frodsham Marshes pumping stations as causes of delay.

Quinn Glass have since been granted an extended period by Cheshire West and Chester council during which to complete the project.

Facilities at Ince and Elton and Stanlow and Thornton are basic, comprising little more than covered waiting areas and timetable information.