REDDITCH is set to receive an uplift in train services after the government confirmed backing for the Midlands Rail Hub project.
The scheme will deliver more than 25 additional trains each day for Redditch, including a return to trains every 20 minutes on the Cross City Line.
This means 2.7million extra passenger seats every year, significantly improving connectivity for residents, commuters and local businesses.
The announcement follows months of campaigning by a group of Midlands MPs, including Redditch’s Chris Bloore. They have come together to press the government on the urgent need to improve local transport links.
Speaking in the House of Commons during last week’s debate on road and rail projects, Mr Bloore called the scheme a ‘breakthrough moment for the West Midlands, especially for towns like Redditch’.
He invited the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to visit Redditch – an offer she has accepted.
Mr Bloore said: “This is a huge moment for Redditch. Working alongside other Midlands MPs, we’ve made the case that investment in our rail network is essential for local people and businesses – and I’m glad the Government has listened.
“The Midlands Rail Hub will transform services for our town, deliver millions of extra train seats each year and give our economy a real boost.
“I look forward to welcoming the Secretary of State to Redditch to see for herself why this matters so much.”
Andrew Clark, head of rail at Midlands Connect, added: “It’s fantastic to have Chris’s support for the Midlands Rail Hub.
“We’re working at pace to finalise the Full Business Case and deliver these much-needed upgrades.
“Bringing an extra 2.7million seats a year to Redditch will be a huge boost for residents, businesses and commuters.”
With government funding now secured and the Transport Secretary committed to visiting Redditch, Mr Bloore said his focus would be on ensuring work starts as soon as possible.
“I’ll be pushing to get spades in the ground quickly so people in Redditch see the benefits of faster, more frequent and more reliable trains,” he added.
“This is all about opening up new opportunities for our town.”
