service pattern underwent a major revamp at the May 2018 timetable change, with the loss of all direct trains to and Manchester Piccadilly, except for two a.m peak trains to . The basic pattern was 2tph to Manchester Victoria via Wigan Wallgate and , which then continued to and then alternately to via the East Lancashire Line or via . Travellers for destinations on the south side of Manchester (such as or Stockport) had to change at or . On Sundays, there is an hourly service to Blackburn via Wigan and Manchester Victoria. From the winter 2019 timetable change, the timetable was revamped again on weekdays and Saturdays, with all trains running via off-peak and serving both main Manchester terminals. One ran to via Manchester Piccadilly and Stockport, whilst the other runs to Manchester Victoria and onward to . Direct service to stations on the Atherton line only operates in the weekday peaks, and passengers wishing to travel towards Rochdale and further east have to change at Wigan Wallgate (and sometimes cross the street to neighbouring Wigan North Western, as certain trains start/terminate there). The Sunday service pattern remains unchanged. From the December 2022 timetable change, services to Alderley Edge stopped and now terminate at Manchester Oxford Road. Northern Trains services normally depart from platforms 4, 5 or 6, although services can also use platform 3 if required. References External links 'Altcar Bob' at southport.gb.com Railway stations in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton DfT Category D stations Buildings and structures in Southport Former Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway stations Railway stations served by Merseyrail Northern franchise railway stations Railway stations in Great Britain opened in 1851