Supporters planning to travel to the derby clash with Blackpool on Saturday 11th April using the rail network are advised that major engineering work to the south and east of Preston could make journeys to and from Deepdale more complicated and time consuming than normal.
The Easter weekend has been designated as a key period in the ongoing modification programme for the national rail system, with many journeys being diverted via alternate lines or cancelled altogether in favour of replacement bus services.
Some key routes affected by the plans include:
Chorley and Leyland to Preston (no trains, replacement bus service)
Blackburn, Bamber Bridge and Lostock Hall to Preston (no trains, replacement bus service)
Warrington and Wigan to Preston (no trains, replacement bus service)
Liverpool to Preston (no trains, replacement bus service)
London to Preston (no direct services)
One element of reassurance for supporters travelling from the Fylde coast region is that services to and from Blackpool are largely unaffected, although these routes will obviously be popular with travelling supporters and a heavy Police presence is expected on these services.
Some suggested alternate routes for supporters travelling via affected route include:
From North Wales/Chester/Crewe region: Use connecting train services via Manchester Airport or central Manchester. A direct bus replacement service will run from Manchester Airport, or you can take the train as far as Chorley before utilising the bus replacement bus service or other local bus connections from Chorley Interchange (opposite Chorley rail station).
From Manchester/Salford/Bolton: As above, or use travel information at your departure station for alternate route (Manchester Oxford Road offers train services to Warrington, Southport and other north west stations with connecting replacement bus services to Preston.
From Yorkshire/Burnley: Take the train to Blackburn for a replacement bus to Preston, or use the Footyrider service.
From Bamber Bridge or Lostock Hall: Use the Footyrider service for bus services through to Deepdale.
From Liverpool: Some diverted trains from Lime Street will get as far as Wigan for a replacement bus service, or take the train to Southport, walk to Lord Street, and follow bus routes from there to Preston
From London: A minimum of two changes are to be anticipated. Very few services will originate from Euston, with most northbound trains departing from Kings Cross or St Pancras and diverting fans via Sheffield and Manchester or Leicester, Nuneaton and Wigan via a combination of rail and replacement bus services.
With so many problems anticipated, supporters are advised to check a number of information websites before travelling, including Virgin Trains, Northern Rail, The Train Line and National Rail.
In light of the expected problems, the Club is offering a service whereby fans travelling to the game from distant venues can offer car sharing options, or request space in any available vehicles. If you either wish to offer lifts to fellow PNE supporters, or would benefit from any offers of transport leaving from your region, please contact media@pne.com, stating your name, contact phone/e-mail, departure point (and estimated route to Deepdale) and the number of spaces you have available (or number of spaces you require).
The Club will then endeavour to try and match up any groups of supporters who can be of assistance to one another, though we accept no responsibility for the outcome of any travel arrangements made.
Supporters travelling to Deepdale from within the general Preston area or other outlying locations including Hesketh Bank, Tarleton or Blackburn are advised that our Footyrider service will run as normal for this game. Return journeys cost as little as £2 when you show your MyPNE membership card on any participating Stagecoach route.
With thanks to NWCPNE for their assistance with this information.
