It is 'vital' new railway stations bring trains to Walsall town centre, say regeneration bosses
Regeneration bosses in Walsall said it is “vital” services from new railway stations serve the town centre once they are built.
It has emerged trains stopping at Willenhall and Darlaston stations, currently under construction and set to open in early 2026, might not go on to Walsall town centre.
Instead, the new stations could be included on existing services, such as the line from Shrewsbury to Birmingham New Street via Wolverhampton.
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Walsall Council have jointly written to the Government to put forward the case for services from the new stations to include the town.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said no decision had been made on the timetables for Willenhall and Darlaston at this stage and options were currently being worked on.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “It’s vital for our residents that the new railway stations in Willenhall and Darlaston have services to Walsall town centre.
“A regular and accessible rail service that connects communities across the borough is incredibly important.
“We must work together with our partners at Transport for West Midlands, the West Midlands Rail Executive and with the Mayor of the West Midlands to persuade the Government to change their minds.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “No decisions have been made on timetables for Willenhall and Darlaston.
“We’re working closely with West Midlands Trains, the West Midlands Rail Executive and other stakeholders to maximise connections for customers at the new stations.”
The new Willenhall and Darlaston stations are being built by Transport for West Midlands, in partnership with West Midlands Rail Executive, Network Rail, West Midlands Railway and Walsall Council.
The aim is to improve transport links in the areas and support major regeneration developments currently taking place there.
Once completed and open, the new stations will bring railway services back to Willenhall and Darlaston for the first time since 1965.
The project has been hit with delays and soaring costs over the past few years and is now expected to cost approximately £85 million.
