'Record investment' to benefit region

More than 340 businesses in the region are seeing investment come in from London Midland and Network Rail, who are working to deliver a record £50 billion plus investment in railways across the country.

They say that this investment is supporting jobs, growth and drives development, re-generation and unlocks housing supply in the West Midlands.

Martin Frobisher, route managing director at Network Rail said: “As part of delivering record investment in the railway, Network Rail is supporting over 12,000 jobs across the West Midlands and spending money with over 340 local businesses.

“The railway is vital to economic growth.

"That’s why Network Rail is spending £100 million every week in Britain on our Railway Upgrade Plan.

"On the West Coast main line route, including the West Midlands, we are spending £1.9 billion annually to provide a safe, reliable railway.

"A great example of this plan in action is £100 million investment in the upgrade of track and signalling in Bromsgrove.

“We intend to keep contributing to the economy in the West Midlands, working with local businesses and creating jobs for local people on improving the railway to bring more connectivity and even more prosperity to all.”

For rail users, new stations in Bromsgrove, Stratford Upon Avon Parkway, Coventry Arena and Bermuda Park have been amongst the benefits.

Every week in Britain, £100 million is spent by Network Rail on improving the railway system.

Across the West Midlands, Network Rail supports 12,242 local jobs with 3,472 people directly employed and a further 8,770 jobs in their supply chain.

London Midland will look to carry out more station investment this year, according to commercial director Richard Brooks, who said: "Over the last eight years London Midland customers have benefitted from over £400 million of investment including four new stations in the West Midlands and over £100 million of new trains.

"Further improvements are being made this year with more station investment and free wifi on our long distance routes"

Paul Plummer, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators as well as Network Rail, said: “Train companies and Network Rail are working hard together to improve journeys for the millions of passengers who use the railway every year in the West Midlands.

"The result is going to be more trains running to more places, more often, creating new opportunities and supporting jobs.

"It will include upgrades to the track and signalling at Bromsgrove in Worcestershire.

"These improvements will help keep everyone moving and help to support a growing local economy.”