Merseyrail has announced changes to its services in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The "difficult decision" to reduce services has been made after an increasing number of staff have had to self isolate.
A statement on the firm's website states: "Due to an increasing number of Merseyrail staff needing to isolate or shield as a result of COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to reduce our West Kirby and New Brighton services to a 45-minute frequency Monday to Sunday from Monday 18 January."
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Merseyrail has said further timetable changes are likely to follow while the pandemic continues.
Guidance on its website says: "Further timetable changes are likely in the coming weeks as the situation progresses, and passengers are advised to always check our website and Twitter before they travel."
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The timetable across the rest of the Merseyrail network continues to operate as follows:
- Southport and Hunts Cross lines - every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday
- Ormskirk and Kirkby lines – every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday
- Chester and Ellesmere Port lines – every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday (15-minute service between Hooton and Liverpool)
All other lines remain unchanged.
Liverpool’s Covid rates have seen a five-fold increase in the past two weeks, with infection levels now around 1,000 per 100,000 people.
