This subsequently became part of a busy through route between the north west of England and South Wales (the modern day Welsh Marches Line).

The Nantwich and Market Drayton Railway linking the titular towns opened five years later, making the station a junction in the process – known locally as the "Gingerbread Line" (Market Drayton being renowned for the production of said confectionery), it was later extended to Wellington and officially became part of the Great Western Railway system in 1897.

There are three level crossings at or near to the station and until the late 1960s each had its own signal box; a fourth was also provided to the south to control the junction with the Market Drayton branch.

After two years of disuse, the structure was dismantled by Network Rail in January 2016 for reuse at its training academy at Crewe.

The main building on the northbound platform still stands, but has been converted for use as an Indian restaurant; shelters are located on each side for passenger use.