Backing for £2.5m rail revamp

A proposed multi- million revamp of Kidderminster railway station today won the backing of the Government.

It is part of a series of major improvements throughout the West Midlands between now and 2014.

Detailed plans for the whole West Midlands Region were submitted to the department in February, setting out their priorities for the next 10 years and today the Government voiced support for the proposals.

A £2.5 million funding package for Kidderminster was approved in April and designs are being drawn up for the old railway station to be completely re-designed.

It is expected to based on the neighbouring heritage line, the Severn Valley Railway, built in the style of a traditional Victorian Great Western Railway Station.

Architects want the new development to blend in with the heritage railway buildings to create a consistent street scene.

Plans are also being considered for a bus interchange to help tackle congestion along Comberton Hill.

Kidderminster Station is one of 150 across England and Wales to share a total of £165 million for improvements from the Department of Transport in an initiative drawn up by partners Network Rail and Worcestershire County Council.

Network Rail is drawing up designs for the station and work is expected to start on the project next year.

Today's announcement is a real boost for the town.

The leader of Wyre Forest District Council, councillor John Campion, said: "This is excellent news for Kidderminster. We have here a town that is growing and a growing town needs a growing infrastructure – a railway station would play an integral part in that infrastructure."