The future of Walsall’s rail network is to be hammered out in a series of showdowns between transport chiefs over the next few weeks.

It is hoped the review of the borough’s railways will end uncertainty over long-standing plans to build new stations at Aldridge and Streetly.

Streetly councillor Gary Clarke, chairman of the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, also hopes he will be able to force a U-turn on controversial plans to scrap the Wolverhampton to Walsall service. Councillor Clarke and his colleagues will be holding discussions with bosses from Centro and Network Rail throughout September and October.

By the end of October, it is hoped a masterplan for the future rail network will have been drawn up.

Councillor Clarke said: “We are starting a big review of the rail network where we will endeavour to come up with answers to a lot of the questions people have. I would hope to have a final plan by the end of next month.”

It is also hoped that the railway station in Pleck, which closed 50 years ago, could be reopened, while a new station could be built in Leamore.

Councillor Clarke was yesterday at the Labour Party Conference in Manchester to speak to rail minister Tom Harris, who announced funding was being withdrawn from the Wolverhampton to Walsall line.

He said: “He has his job to do and I have mine. I am keen to speak to him and any other ministers I can get my hands on while I am here over this.”

Councillor Clarke said he was also keen to get plans for rail stations at Aldridge and Streetly back on track.

He said: “The more local railway stations the better.”