The least-used railway line in Britain

The dubious honour of being the "The least-used railway line in Britain", specifically referring to passenger usage, is the line serving Denton railway station in Greater Manchester. In the 2023/24 period, Denton station had only 54 recorded entries and exits, making it the least used station in Great Britain. The station is on the Stockport-Stalybridge line and is served by two trains a week, one in each direction on Saturday mornings according to stats.
In April of 1994 a wave of sweeping closure annoucements in the North-West was being proposed. A 'parliamentary service' was introduced as a placeholder until actual closure was to take place. This however has remained in place for an incredible 31 years.
The future of freight services on the line appears more secure. There are plans to enhance the gauge clearance, allowing intermodal trains to and from Trafford Park to be diverted via Denton. Currently, the absence of an alternative route for some freight services results in poor performance during disruptions on the main line. It also prevents these services from operating during planned closures. The proposed upgrade will be carried out if it can be incorporated into scheduled renewal works at little or no additional cost.
The limited number of services on the line has made it a favourite among rail enthusiasts and real ale lovers drawn to the station buffet at Stalybridge.