Services on the line to St Helens were withdrawn by the British Transport Commission on 18 June 1951 and to Ormskirk on 5 November 1956,[2] although goods traffic survived on both until the early 1960s.

Through trains from Liverpool Exchange to Bolton via Wigan continued until 1977, though the line from here westwards to Fazakerley had been reduced to single track operation in May 1970.

[3] After the closure of Exchange in May 1977, the line was severed at Kirkby, with through passengers having to change between diesel and electric services there to continue their journeys.

Train running information can be obtained by dot matrix displays, telephone or from timetable poster boards on each platform.

The station is served by one train per hour between Headbolt Lane and Blackburn via Wigan Wallgate and Manchester Victoria.