Revamp for old station

Kidderminster's old railway station will be knocked down and replaced under a multi-million pound scheme to bring it up to date for 21st century travel, it emerged today.

New designs are being drawn up for a replacement station building – with inspiration taken from the neighbouring Severn Valley Building..

It is hoped the building can blend in with the station building at the heritage railway which was built to a design based on a traditional late Victorian Great Western Railway station.

There are also plans to tackle congestion along Comberton Hill with a bus terminal link to the rail line.

The existing railway platforms will remain the same but access for disabled passengers will be improved.

The scheme depends on a funding package being approved between partners Network Rail and Worcestershire County Council.

If funding can be sorted out work is expected to start in 2010. Network Rail spokesman Keith Lumley said: "The designs have not been finalised but we will be making sure it is in keeping with the Severn Valley Building."

A new footbridge has recently been built at the station which includes lifts to help disabled people reach platforms more easily.

Passengers have complained that the station was difficult to get around. One former councillor, Robert Wheway, dubbed it the worst in the country for access.

There has been a rapid increase in passengers using Kidderminster and councillors are urging rail bosses to make improvements a priority. There are currently no direct train services to Birmingham New Street and council members are campaigning for this to change.