Barely used, some people didn't even know it was open - but there are massive plans for this train station

Walking down lonely steps to the platform, there's everything you'd expect of a small Victorian-era station. Except a train turning up any time soon.

There are no cancellations. This is Denton station - the least used station in the country. There were just 54 entries and exits between April 2023 and March 2024.

The fact Denton came top of the Office of Road and Rail’s list for least used stations is hardly a shock given it only sees two trains coming through every Saturday - one to Stalybridge, the other to Stockport.

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Just down the line, Reddish South came third in the least used list. It has the same ‘ghost train’ service - a minimum service simply to keep the line open.

The line is strategically important to the wider rail network, providing options for freight trains as well as an alternative route in case of a blockage between Stockport and Manchester.

The line that runs through Denton features in Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) 2040 strategy for tram-trains, with a plan to connect Stockport to Oldham and then onto Victoria.

The local MP believes there are a number of options for bringing Denton back into proper use for passengers, including a circle line connecting Manchester’s two big stations, Oldham, Ashton Moss, Stockport, the airport and the smaller stations in between.

Gorton and Denton MP Andrew Gwynne said: “Denton station to most people in Denton is neither use nor ornament in its current configuration. But there are ambitious opportunities to link Denton and Reddish South to the wider convocation under the mayor’s plan for tram-trains.

“This could link Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, Stalybridge and