Snub on funding hits Walsall to Rugeley rail line bid

The long-awaited electrification of the rail line between Walsall, Cannock and Rugeley is at risk after the West Midlands region was snubbed in a £10 billion plan of national projects.

The scheme is one of a handful affected by the government's decision to spend more than 40 per cent of the money in London and the south east.

This means just £57 million – or 0.6 per cent – to the West Midlands.

Cannock Chase council leader George Adamson warned the electrification project is now in jeopardy.

The scheme, which would see an improved faster service with better trains to be offered in South Staffordshire, is currently on a 'waiting list' for funding.

A sum of around £34.9m is needed to increase the speeds of trains on the line from 45mph to 75mph and provide for electrification.

But it was one of the regional projects ignored in favour of increasing capacity between Leamington Spa and Coventry and making more space on the line through Water Orton, east of Birmingham.

Councillor Adamson said: "This is disastrous for our region."