BOROUGH Councillors in Redditch have hit out at the county council for recommending the upgrades to the towns railway station be scrapped.
The plans, drawn up under the previous Conservative administration at County Hall, were intended prepare Redditch for future demand on the Cross-City Line.
Since taking control of Worcestershire County Council (WCC), Reform UK have been looking at ways to cut capital expenditure.
In a report due to be considered by the WCC Cabinet next week, the recommendation is to withdraw funding from the Railway Quarter scheme.
Leader Coun Sharon Harvey said she was disappointed, and that the updates were fundamental in making Redditch a welcoming town.
She said: “Redditch may have voted for Reform councillors in May 2025 but if this is the way that they repay the trust of the electorate then people need to reflect on their choices.
“I will be working with MP, Chris Bloore, to have this decision reversed so that we can make Redditch a welcoming place for visitors and business to thrive.”
Coun Rob Wharton, cabinet member for finance and efficiency at Worcestershire County Council, said because of costs arising from the location of the sewer at the station, the scheme could no longer be delivered with the £10million funding allocated.
He said: “Delivering the scheme would require additional borrowing and, given the financial emergency the Council is currently in, this is not a viable option which is why we are recommending that the scheme not continue.
“We are however still keen to invest in Redditch town centre and are proposing a smaller highways and station access improvement scheme.
“This would deliver benefits for station users, as well as pedestrians and cyclists on Unicorn Hill. We are seeking to allocate £1m from the 2026/27 Local Transport Grant to deliver this, and further details will be shared once this is agreed.”
