New railway stations could be created in Aldridge and Streetly as part of plans to re-open the Sutton Park Line to passengers after more than 40 years.

The former Aldridge station, which shut down in 1966 as part of the Beeching cuts, would be rebuilt and a brand new one created in Streetly.

The last passenger train ran on the 13-mile route between Walsall and Water Orton in 1965 before it was closed following Dr Richard Beeching’s report to the Government on the future of the railway network.

But now Walsall Council is urging Centro and Network Rail to consider electrifying the line and re-reopening it for passengers from Walsall to Sutton Coldfield. A new station in Aldridge could be built within 10 years and Streetly station created within 11 to 20 years.

It is hoped that the line could eventually be extended to Birmingham and six trains an hour could run from New Street to Walsall via Aldridge.

Councillors will discuss the proposals at a meeting of the full council tonight. 

Streetly councillor Gary Clarke, who is also chairman of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority said today that he would be supporting the proposals “100 per cent”.

He said: “What we want to see are local trains throughout the region and I am giving this all of my backing. I think this would be a very well used line and also ease congestion on the roads.”

In a report to full council Marie Newton of the authority’s Regeneration Directorate states: “The intro- duction of passenger rail services by the creation of a new station at Aldridge would be of enormous benefit.”

A feasibility study will now be started into the reopening of the line to passengers serving a reinstated station at Aldridge and the possibility of one in Streetly.