'Train travel - do the customers always come last?' - Your Letters and Brevitt lorries line up in a 1971 picture from the archive

In today's letters, a reader questions the mystery of missing timetables and services for planned new train stations, the Dad's Army theme tune reworked, and a poem about Christmas - yes, already.

Plus

Published Nov 24

Supporting image for story: 'Train travel - do the customers always come last?' - Your Letters and Brevitt lorries line up in a 1971 picture from the archive — PICTURE FROM THE PAST: A picture from 1971, with lorries many of you may recognise. The original caption states: ‘Most of the vehicles in Brevitt’s fleet, are their own design of eight-ton box van. This line-up of lorries is inside the firm’s new 90,000 square feet transit depot at Willenhall.’ Brevitt of Willenhall.’

Tale of the Ghost Trains of Walsall

Exciting news, the Willenhall and Darlaston station will open early 2026.

We know a £59 million steamed its way to a £85 million project with an express overspend approx. £30 million from public funds. "Bonkers" amount isn’t it!

The next chapter of this railway travel mystery is what stations any trains will actual stop at and their frequency?

Imagine, all you potential train passengers. We are weeks away from the stations being opened. The station’s opening countdown has been whistled and flagged but, no one appears to know the timetable or services at Walsall stations for the passengers.

Do the customers always come last?

Yes, you the passengers paid for the project but the trains service is still an enthralling mystery. 'The Ghost Trains of Walsall' toot toot. What a chuffing classic.

Apparently, the Mayor of West Midlands has been in consultation with a government minister. We wait on the political platform for results and full steam ahead.

Rumours that JK Rowling has been approached to divert the Hogwarts Express have not been confirmed to date.

A 'Santa Special for Christmas' has been ruled out by a Christmas Grinch. The Fat Controller was unavailable for comment, having missed his connection at Wolverhampton.

Watch this space for the next thrilling adventures of 'The Ghost Trains of Walsall,' when all will be revealed, or possible delayed, or even cancelled. Don't worry you only paid for the ride and haven't seen as much as a puff. Many more chapters of 'The Ghost Trains of Walsall' to thrill you, are coming down the line.

Doug James, Darlaston