New stations’ services plan is ‘bonkers’

Plans for services from two new Walsall railway stations not serving the town centre have been labelled ‘bonkers’.

Work to build two new stations at Willenhall and Darlaston is expected to be completed and opened early next year, bringing rail services back to the areas for the first time in 60 years.

But last month it was revealed Walsall’s main station might not be included as one of the stops for passengers travelling to and from Darlaston and Willenhall.

At a West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board meeting, Walsall Council deputy leader Adrian Andrew criticised the proposal and said including the town centre would be the ‘right way forward’.

But he also praised their partnership with the West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker as they put forward the case for Walsall to be included in services.

Mr Parker said he is in dialogue with ministers about the issue and expects to have further discussions later this week.

When the news emerged, a Department for Transport spokesperson said no final decision had been made on timetables and options were being considered.

One of those options could see Willenhall and Darlaston included on the existing service from Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street, via Wolverhampton.

Councillor Andrew said: “This is fantastic partnership in terms of how we are trying to resolve the issues we’ve got between the Wolverhampton and Walsall line with the two new stations.

“We’ve collectively invested £80 million in two stations which aren’t going to call into our main town which, at the moment, seems to be a bit bonkers.

“But thank you (Richard Parker) for your support and in terms of us working together in trying to show the Government the right way forward in terms of those trains calling into Walsall.”

Mr Parker said: “Over the last two weeks, I’ve had a very hopefully meaningful conversation with the Rail Minister continuing to campaign and put forward the case for funding the services you want between Walsall and the two new stations in Darlaston and Willenhall.

“We will continue to do that and we’re going to follow up with another call and correspondence.”

The new Willenhall and Darlaston Stations are being built by Transport for West Midlands, in partnership with West Midlands Rail Executive, Network Rail, West Midlands Railway and Walsall Council.

The aim is to improve transport links in the areas and support major regeneration developments currently taking place there.

Walsall Council is also working to enhance the town centre railway station and improve access to it through it’s Connected Gateway project.