Rail boost is just the ticket

A new dawn for Cannock Chase rail commuters has been announced with massive improvements in rail services and investment thought to run into million of pounds, it has emerged.

Rail campaigners have welcomed the news which will see a raft of additional services on the Chase Line through Cannock, Hednesford, Rugeley and Great Wyrley from December 15.

The most significant change is a boost in late-night trains from Birmingham New Street which for the first time will go right through to Rugeley. In the past the last train to Rugeley was at 6.12pm but now the final service to Rugeley will leave Birmingham at 10.17pm and arrive at 11.15pm.

Train operator London Midland are also set to increase the train frequency to every half an hour in the day.

On top of these there will be a new service to London from Rugeley Trent Valley and a faster trip to the Capital from Tamebridge Parkway.

Lichfield passengers are also getting a boost with an increase in services to the city from Birmingham.

The changes have been made possible by investment from London Midland, Centro and Cannock Chase Council and Staffordshire County Council. Keith Fitch, who is from the Cannock Chase Rail Promotion Group said that the news was a "massive step in the right direction."

He went on to say: "Demand on the line has been increasing since the line re-opened in 1989. And we believe it will grow more now," he added.