New £10m town rail station a step closer

A new railway station could be opened in Kidderminster in two years time if a major bid for funding gets the go-ahead from the Department of Transport.

The boost for the town has moved a step closer to reality, thanks to a bid for £10 million in funding for the station and other rail improvements in Worcestershire.

A decision on the cash bid will be announced in July.

The £10 million forms part of a £50 million bid for rail schemes across the West Midlands area.

This would also see a new Bromsgrove Station constructed next year with a planned opening in December 2010.

Both projects have been developed by partnership working between Worcestershire County Council, Network Rail, London Midland, Centro, Wyre Forest District Council and Bromsgrove District Council.

The move to secure funding for the projects has been submitted to the Department for Transport for consideration.

Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcestershire County Council spokesman for Environment, said: "These projects will have significant impact on rail users in Worcestershire as it will greatly improve the county's railway station facilities."