Want to catch a train between Wolverhampton and Walsall? 'I'll press for rail link' pledges new leader
A long-awaited passenger rail link between Wolverhampton and Walsall is achievable according to a newly-appointed council leader who says he will make it his task to get the line reopened.
Walsall Council leader Sean Coughlan's comments come as the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership outlined plans to apply for £29 million of funding for the scheme over the next five years.
The rail link was revived in 1998, but withdrawn in 2008.
It is now used only for freight, leaving passengers wanting to travel between the two places having to go via Birmingham New Street.
But there are plans to reopen the line with two new stations at James Bridge in Darlaston and Willenhall.
Land has also been acquired for a station at Willenhall, off Rose Hill.
Councillor Coughlan said: "I believe it is a realistic proposal.
"It is something that as leader of the council I will pursue."
He added: "The link was withdrawn a few years ago, but with new stations along the line including in Willenhall, I believe it would have the passenger demand to warrant it.
"We have just been told that Walsall will get a direct line to London.
"I think it is important people from Willenhall can also have a link to this.
"Not only would it assist the economy and regeneration of our area but it would also be good for residents who want to avoid the roads and use the railway."
The funding applied for by the Black Country LEP would come in five stages over the next five years, starting with £250,000 in this financial year.
While the LEP will ask for the funding, it would be officers in Black Country councils who would carry out the work, starting with drawing up designs for the two new stations.
A location has not yet been chosen for a station in James Bridge.
Labour leader Councillor Coughlan took over as leader from Conservative Councillor Mike Bird earlier this year after the local elections.
Councillor Coughlan is also pushing for Metro extensions to Willenhall.
He wants the benefits of the scheme to be shared across the Black Country, but admits it is early days.
A West Midlands Combined Authority spokesman said: "Walsall Council is leading on a study into rail services between Walsall and Wolverhampton which will identify overall investment requirement for a regular interval rail service.
"This may in the future influence the investment strategy for local enterprise partnership and West Midlands Combined Authority."
