Station gets revamp money

A multi-million pound scheme to revamp Kidderminster's old railway station is expected to start next year after it was today announced funding has been approved.

Kidderminster Station is one of 150 across England and Wales to share a total of £165 million for improvements from the Department of Transport.

Network Rail is drawing up designs for the station, which is expected to include inspiration taken from the neighbouring Severn Valley Railway Building.

Officials want the station to blend in with the heritage railway buildings which were based on the design of a traditional late Victorian Great Western Railway Station.

Plans are also being considered for a bus interchange to help tackle congestion along Comberton Hill.

The funding package is part of a joint initiative between partners Network Rail and Worcestershire County Council and work is expected to start on the project next year.

Network Rail spokesman Rachel Blackman said designs were being drawn up for improvements at Kidderminster in a five-year plan.

She said: "Now the funding package has been agreed work can begin on the detailed proposals. Hopefully, in the next few months we will have some drawings of what the scheme might look like."

There is no direct train service to Birmingham New Street and councillors are campaigning for this to change.