Development of Bromsgrove station came one step closer for passengers as Network Rail and Worcestershire County Council signed an agreement committing to the scheme.

The signing of the development agreement signals the beginning of a study in the New Year that will explore all options for the station to grow in line with increasing passenger numbers.

Network Rail Route Director, Peter Strachan, said: “Passenger growth at Bromsgrove is increasing every day and we have to grow the railway accordingly. I’m very pleased to sign this agreement and show our commitment to considering the long term, cost effective options for improvements to the station for passengers in the future.”

The study will look at options to extend the platforms, to allow longer 6 car trains and more passengers, as well as improving passenger facilities at the existing station. The second option being explored in the study is to build a new station further south along the railway.

Cllr Derek Prodger MBE, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “Bromsgrove is a growing busy commuter town and demand on the station will only get greater in the future. This agreement is great news for passengers and for Bromsgrove. We welcome the outcome of the study.”

The feasibility study considering the two options for Bromsgrove station will begin in the new year and is due to be completed in early summer 2007. The study is being funded by Worcestershire County Council and being undertaken by Network Rail. The study to expand the existing station will look at providing: Longer platforms allowing up to 6 car trains, - 70 additional parking spaces, - New ticket office and waiting area, - Step free access to the Southbound platform and Improved bus interchange facilities