A major rail project in the West Midlands has sparked controversy after it was revealed that two brand new stations might not include a stop in Walsall's main town centre, a plan labelled as 'a bit bonkers' by a senior councillor.
The £80 Million Investment
Work on the new railway stations in Willenhall and Darlaston is progressing and they are expected to open early next year. This will mark the return of rail services to these areas for the first time in six decades.
The project, delivered by Transport for West Midlands in partnership with the West Midlands Rail Executive, Network Rail, West Midlands Railway, and Walsall Council, represents a collective investment of £80 million. The primary goal is to improve transport connections and support significant regeneration developments in the localities.
The 'Bonkers' Bypass Plan
The controversy emerged last month when it became apparent that the proposed services for these new stations might not stop at Walsall's central station. One of the options being considered would integrate Willenhall and Darlaston into the existing service running from Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street, via Wolverhampton, effectively bypassing Walsall.
At a West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board meeting, Walsall Council's deputy leader, Adrian Andrew, publicly criticised the proposal. While praising the partnership with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, he argued that including the town centre was the logical step forward.
'We've collectively invested £80 million in two stations which aren't going to call into our main town which, at the moment, seems to be a bit bonkers,' Councillor Andrew stated.
Campaigning for a Common-Sense Solution
In response, Mayor Richard Parker confirmed that he is actively campaigning for a resolution. 'I've had a very hopefully meaningful conversation with the Rail Minister,' he said, 'continuing to campaign and put forward the case for funding the services you want between Walsall and the two new stations.'
A Department for Transport spokesperson has clarified that no final decision on timetables has been made and that various options remain under consideration. Meanwhile, Walsall Council is separately working on its Connected Gateway project, which aims to enhance the town centre station and improve access to it.
