West Midlands Trains is looking towards the Black Country for a location to base its new fleet of trains once deliveries start in a few years time.
The project, which would generate over 100 new directly employed jobs in the local area, is an essential part of the company’s £1 billion investment programme and will provide more trains for passengers in the West Midlands and across the network.
The investment will deliver a 25% increase in train capacity by 2021 and will help make travel easier and better across the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway regions. This will mean more trains that will be and longer with better facilities onboard.
The current Bescot freight yard and maintenance depot in Wednesbury has been identified as the future home for West Midlands Trains’ new electric trains, which are now under construction in Derby.
The development is in no way connected with the Network Rail sleeper facility proposal, which has caused public concern and anxiety. West Midlands Trains will address community concerns regarding our development through local public engagement.
Jane Fisher, project director at West Midlands Trains said; “Our new trains will bring a step change in local rail services and this state-of-the-art depot will bring over 100 new jobs to the local area.
“We know some local people may have concerns about the proposed developments at the Bescot site in Wednesbury, and we want them to come and share their views with us.
“We have already met with some members of the local community and we are committed to working with residents in Wednesbury to address any concerns they may have as we develop our plans and to have them as part of shaping the future of our local transport services.”
No decisions have been made, and West Midlands Trains is in the very early stages of preparing a planning application. All planning is subject to approval from Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
WMT is holding its first public meeting about the project on Wednesday 5th February 2020 at the Savoy and Mayfair Rooms, Walsall Football Club from 6.30–8:30pm. There is no need to book, just turn up. People are encouraged to come and share their views on this new development, which will help improve transport services.
Further information on the proposal can be found at www.wmr.uk/newtraindepot or www.lnr.uk/newtraindepot
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