The Liverpool Echo noticed that more than 500 people had signed our petition requesting that thought be given to establishing a much needed direct rail link from Heswall to Liverpool.

A weekend Echo story has had the welcome effect of adding more than 50 additional signatures.

As the petition says, "The train journey from Heswall to Liverpool requires a change at Bidston.

"This is a disincentive for local travellers who either work in Liverpool or wish to enjoy the city, and equally for visitors to Heswall from Liverpool.

"The change at Bidston is required because the diesel trains of the Borderlands line on which Heswall sits give way to the electric trains of Merseyrail.

"The days of diesel are numbered and battery powered locomotives are being trialled by Merseyrail - so this petition requests that thought is given now to Heswall's unsatisfactory and environmentally unsound connectivity."

As the petition moves towards 600 signatures, we have decided to leave it open until the end of the year in the hope we can swell the ranks.

If you haven't signed and feel inclined to do so, or know someone that might, then kindly add your name or share the petition.

You can reach it by clicking or tapping here.

It's not as if the change it requests can happen overnight, but as public transport policy is considered and shaped, let's try and ensure that Heswall is not forgotten.