Work to transform railway stations Aston Villa fans use for home games welcomed by council bosses

Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board endorsed the Transport Capital Investment Programme, which includes earmarking £25 million for improvements at Witton and Aston stations.

Villa Park has been chosen as a host venue for the Euro 28 football championships and will stage four matches and has previously hosted huge concerts including the farewell show for Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne in the summer.

But supporters have long complained about issues travelling to and from the ground.

The project will be completed in two phases, with the first including upgrades to ensure safer queueing and improved passenger experience.

The £25 million for Witton and Aston railway stations will come from £2.4 billion allocated to the West Midlands through the Transport for City Regions (TCR) programme.

The extension of the Midland Metro to the forthcoming £3 billion Sports Quarter in East Birmingham is also included.

Economist Bridget Rosewell is leading a review which will advise on the West Midlands investment strategy, with a particular focus on the £2.4 billion TCR programme.

This process was also endorsed by members from across the political divide at the WMCA board meeting.

Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton said: “What this demonstrates is a much sharper focus on delivery which is very welcome.

“Being able to look into greater detail at the pipeline of projects coming forward and ensuring we are delivering the maximum benefits to the people of the region is one of the great things that will come out of that review process.

“The work that is going to be taking place on Aston and Witton stations aligns not only to regional but national priorities and the extension of the Metro out towards the Sports Quarter is something else that is very welcome.

“I want to see that extended right through to East Birmingham to deliver the wider transformation we wish to see.”

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, said: “This is a fantastic step forward in terms of transport.

“We all acknowledge we’ve had some problems over the years delivering some of these big projects.

“We’ve got some heavy rail and Sprint schemes in Walsall we have had some difficulties with and I think this draws a line under the historical problems we’ve had and really sets the standard for us going forward.”

He added: “As somebody, with (Walsall Council leader and fellow Pheasey Park Farm ward councillor) Mike Bird, who represents a lot of Villa fans, we’re up for it as well.”