December hope for capital rail service

A new direct Walsall to London rail service could be on track by December after a formal proposal was submitted by Virgin Trains.

Centro and Walsall Council have been pushing for a direct rail link to the capital for a number of years along with Network Rail, London Midland and Advantage West Midlands. The proposed service would use the line through Sutton Park, stopping at Telford Central, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Coleshill Parkway and Nuneaton on its way to the capital.

A twice-daily return service would help to encourage more shoppers and visitors into Walsall, which is in the early stages of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme.

Bosses at the council say it is critical for attracting major investment into the town and officials at Centro have now also thrown their weight behind the service proposals.

Virgin Trains has submitted the request to Network Rail, and subject to approval by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR), there could be a twice-daily service on weekdays and Saturdays, with one train on Sundays.

Centro spokeswoman Babs Coombes said: "In principle, we welcome any additional services provided by rail operators, and the prospect of through trains between Walsall/Coleshill Parkway and London is good news.

"There is of course a long way to go before these proposals are confirmed by Network Rail and the Office of the Rail Regulator."

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council cabinet member for regeneration, has also hailed the plans. He said: "A revitalised and thriving town centre is at the heart of our vision.

"Establishing direct links with London and other towns and cities is a major step towards our long-term prosperity and our ability to promote ourselves to the wider business, tourism and visitor markets."

The future of Walsall's immediate rail network is currently being reviewed, with proposals including new stations in Aldridge and Willenhall.