EXTENDED opening hours at Moorfields train station have had to be abandoned because there was not enough demand from rail users.

The Old Hall Street entrance had been kept open until 9pm for a trial period of around a year.

But Merseyrail said the experiment had now ended and the station was reverting to its normal closing time of 7pm.

The cost of the extended opening hours was jointly funded by Liverpool’s Commercial District Partnership (CDP) and Merseyrail.

The original aim of the scheme was to bring more life into Liverpool’s central business district, amid concerns that such an early closure was inconvenient for office workers.

LCDP chief executive Paul Rice said: “Merseyrail came to the view that, because the numbers using the entrance were so low, they didn’t feel it could continue from a business point of view.

“Regrettably, we had to accept it would have to be closed.

“We originally wanted the extended hours because our members were telling us that it would make a difference for staff working late into the evening.

“But the figures didn’t bear that out over a fairly sustained period.

“The footfall remained fairly constant, but was way below what was needed for it to be commercially viable for Merseyrail.”

Mr Rice said the station’s opening hours would be reviewed on a regular basis to take account of changes in the numbers of people employed in the area.

He added: “We will continue to monitor the situation, so that if there are any changes in the numbers of people working in the area, that will be reviewed.

“Having the Old Hall Street entrance open for longer brings more animation to the street, and with it more activity and perceptions of safety.” Merseyrail spokesman Rudi Boersma said the numbers taking advantage of the later opening hours could not justify the extra staffing and running costs.

The closing time only applies to Moorfields’ Old Hall Street entrance.

LIVERPOOL Commercial District Partnership is also warning workers in the central business district of disruption as the National Grid begins work on Old Hall Street.

The essential gas mains replacement will begin on Thursday, April 16, and last up to 14 days.

The works are being carried out by the National Grid in partnership with Enterprise.

From tomorrow, there will be limited access for cars along Old Hall Street as it will be closed from the junction with Chapel Street.

Drivers will be diverted down Edmond Street and onto Bixteth Street.

Chapel Street will also be closed from the junction of Rumford Place, with traffic being directed along New Quay onto King Edward Street.

VISIT Liverpool CDP’s website for more information – www.liverpoolcdp.com