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WALSALL RAIL LINE CLOSURE WILL BE A BLOW TO JOB PLANS SAY REGENERATION BOSSES - 01 March '05
The Chairman and Chief Executive of Walsall Regeneration Company (WRC) have condemned proposals to axe passenger rail services between Walsall and Wolverhampton.
They say the proposals by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA), would be a major blow to the town and to plans for massive redevelopment at Darlaston.
The 120-hectares of prime industrial land at Darlaston, straddling the M6, have the potential to generate hundreds of new jobs, said WRC chairman Ben Reid.
“We do not support the withdrawal of the service between Walsall and Wolverhampton, not least because we will be bringing forward major proposals for regeneration in the Darlaston area,” said Ben.
“This site, which is central between Walsall and Wolverhampton, is nationally important. It will generate significant traffic through employment creation over the next few years. A good passenger rail service is essential.”
Chief executive Peter Cromar said Walsall Regeneration Company recognised that the Passenger Transport Authority would be arguing for resources to be diverted to upgrade the reliability of the Hednesford to Birmingham rail line.
However, he said: “We would clearly support upgrading that service, but rail connectivity is essential to the future prosperity of Walsall. The link to Birmingham is important, that’s obvious, but it must not be at the expense of connections between Walsall and Wolverhampton.”
Dr Cromar said WRC would be responding formally to the SRA. The proposals are contained in the Authority’s ‘West Midlands Route Utilisation Strategy’, published yesterday (28 February), which is subject to consultation over the next 12 weeks.
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Note to Editors:
Walsall Regeneration Company’s strategy is targeted at attracting £600 million of investment over the next ten to 15 years, remediating 120 hectares of derelict industrial land and creating 15,000 jobs. It brings together public and private sector agencies, taking a lead role in co-ordinating and enabling major regeneration projects within its 780 hectare area of operation. Prime areas of focus include Walsall town centre, Waterfront and Darlaston Strategic Development Area, a strategic development opportunity for business next to the M6.
For further information contact:
Nigel Pipkin
Seal Communications
Tel: 0121 200 0780
Fax: 0121 200 0781
Email: nigelpipkin@sealcommunications.co.uk