Electrification of Staffordshire rail line will fast track economy

THE potential electrification of a Staffordshire rail line would help improve the economic prosperity of the county, councillors have said.

The £30m electrification of the Rugeley to Walsall line has been included in the West Midlands Rail Development Plan. The Government is currently deciding which of the region’s schemes it will fund between 2014 and 2019.

Mike Maryon, Staffordshire’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said improved rail services were essential to drive the local economy.

“The electrification of the Rugeley to Walsall line would bring better connectivity and more opportunities to Staffordshire,” he said.

“At the moment, this is a slow line. Improving it would see faster services and an expanded timetable. Good transport links play an integral part of Staffordshire’s continued economic growth, helping to attract investment and jobs.

“We do have great road and rail links, bringing us within easy reach of the rest of the country. However, improved local services are also vital.”

He said Government funding for the scheme would be a real boost and follow London Midland’s announcement that it is increasing capacity on services through Tamworth, Lichfield, Rugeley, Stafford, Stone and Penkridge as early as next year.

A Government decision is due this summer.