Rail group backing plan for track use

A train users group in Dudley is giving its backing to a new railway operation scheme which it rail bosses will adopt.

The Stourbridge Line Users Group (Slug) wants Centro and Network Rail to look into schemes where heavy rail tracks are shared by both trains and trams.

The idea is already used in Germany and the Netherlands.

Slug spokesman Rob Hebron said: "This is the most exciting news for years and it opens up the possibility that Dudley and Brierley Hill can be connected to the national rail network at Stourbridge Junction."

Centro is planning to monitor a track sharing project on trial in Sheffield from 2010.

Slug is pressing for a re-opening of the freight route to Walsall and partial re-opening of the passenger railway to Dudley Port station in Tipton.

Mr Hebron added: "The Group's support for the Metro extension from Wednesbury to Merry Hill had waned because of the continuing delays to commencement.

"The exclusion of Stourbridge in the Metro scheme had swayed us towards a heavy rail option. "Now this tram/train idea means we can have a useful direct link to the North West. The type of rail vehicle employed is of secondary importance to the actual restoration of service."

The Group is expecting the subject of branch line re-opening to be raised at its next public meeting which will be at the Severn Valley Railway Station in Comberton Hill, Kidderminster on November 11. The meeting starts at 7.30pm.