£4m Willenhall train station still in pipeline

Three years ago a proposal was unveiled for a £4million station with two platforms and car park in Bilston Street, but no firm plans have since been put forward.

But the station could form part of a five-year action plan by Walsall Council to regenerate the town. The station would provide a boost for the case for reinstating a train line from Wolverhampton to Walsall.

Cabinet members are to be asked to support proposals to draw up the programme of 'targeted regeneration' for the town at a meeting next week.

It will include allowing officers to research sites and previous regeneration in the town so they can draw up a potential work programme.

Simon Tranter, the council's head of regeneration development and delivery, said: "Such activities could include revisiting land owner and business engagement, tackling derelict and underutilised properties, progressing delivery of a new railway station, or exploring the use of regulatory powers such as a simplified planning regime or acquisition/compulsory purchase."

In the report to cabinet chiefs, Mr Tranter said that 'whilst Walsall town centre and other district centres across the borough continue to thrive and prosper from investment and development activities, Willenhall's distinct heritage and mixed land uses still present opportunities to boost the economy, development and environment of the area'.

Under the proposals, officers would gather information on land ownership and future plans for sites, identify key businesses and find out which firms are looking to expand.

They would also research key priorities for the town such as delivering an improved market, according to the report.

The findings would be reported back to cabinet bosses together with a programme of 'targeted regeneration activity' covering a period of up to five years.

The report is due to go before Walsall Council's cabinet at a meeting on Monday.