The Wilmslow-Manchester (via Styal) line was constructed as an alternative to the Wilmslow to Manchester (via Stockport) route and is often referred to as "The Styal Line".

The bill for construction of the line was passed by Pariliament in 1899 and the London and North Western Railway (later to become part of the LMS) started work in 1901. 

Styal Station opened for business on 1st May 1909 when the new line was completed. Initially 12 trains per day operated in each direction. The station had substantial brick buildings with different waiting rooms to reflect the various classes (and genders) of passenger.

Here are some recollections of the 1940's by Leslie Bell, a former Handforth resident:

 

"The Station Master during the War was a smart, mustachioed Gentleman named  Mr. Mott, who took good care of his passengers, especially Contract,  (the local name for Season) Ticket holders,  many of whom arrived by bicycle.

 

There was a bicycle storage room in the Down building.  L.M.S. bicycle storage fares were relatively expensive, ( but not so expensive as  accompanied bicycles charged at a minimum fare of 7d, for 7 miles), so my Sisters left their machines with an elderly  local cottager who undercut the Company.

 

On more than one occasion, however, a late-arriving school girl would cycle straight down the approach, leave her machine on the  Down Platform,  and jump  straight onto the train for Mauldeth Road. Returning in the evening, she would find it waiting for her under the canopy of the Up Platform."

Steam tank engines pulled the majority of trains until 1956 when diesel units were drafted in. September 1960 saw the electification of the Styal line and the introduction of electric units.

The electrification scheme also saw the demolition of the grand station buildings - to be replaced by modern brick and concrete flat-roof amenities. These are now unmanned and bricked up though you can shelter within them.

1993 saw the construction of a link to Manchester Airport between Styal and Heald Green. This was the signal for Styal's half-hourly service to be gradually depleted by the former franchise holders although trains continued to pass through the station on an hourly basis en route to Manchester and Wilmslow. 

The current rail operator, Northern Rail, complies with the terms of its franchise and operates 1 northbound and 2 southbound trains Monday-Saturday. There is no morning train to Manchester which makes a daily commute impossible at present.

It is hoped that demand for services from Styal based commuters and shoppers plus visitors to Styal Prison and National trust Styal (Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate) may lead Northern Rail to review the service provided.

Styal is one of the few local stations to boast level access (no steps) for passengers and also has a small car park ideal for park and ride usage.

One recent innovation by Northern Rail has been the establishment of a network of "Station Adopters" to keep an eye on local stations. Styal boasts one and he has done a sterling job of keeping the station in good condition.

So Styal station approaches its 100th birthday much changed in layout and services since its inception.  However we hope that the next century will see the station rejuvinated and playing a key role in village life. 

Acknowledgement: E.M. Johnson's book "Manchester to Crewe Part One" (Foxline Publishing) provides an excellent history of this line.