Work has started on the construction of a new railway station in the Black Country.
A team is now officially on site clearing waste ground ahead of the construction of a platform for the new Willenhall railway station.
The work is part of a £54 million project which will see the construction of two stations - Willenhall and Darlaston - ready for the return of passenger services on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line.
It will be the first time in more than 50 years that these Black Country communities will have been directly connected to the region's rail network. The line is currently used only by freight rail services.
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Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, was joined by Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes to mark the start of works.
The Mayor said: "It has been a long time coming, but it really is fantastic news that the diggers are on site and our plans to bring Willenhall Station back to life are becoming a reality.
"People in Walsall have waited decades to see this station return, and with Darlaston to follow shortly afterwards as part of the re-opened Walsall to Wolverhampton line, this really is a game-changer for the Black Country.
"Not only will these stations provide a genuine public transport alternative to the car, but they will also help connect local people to the high quality jobs and opportunities being created across the wider region."
Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes said: "The railway station will be a lifeline connecting the people of Willenhall to opportunities for jobs, training and leisure across the region, cutting those journey times.
"It will also be fantastic for the town, bringing people into the centre of Willenhall and supporting the regeneration of the area."
The multi-million pound rail project is being led by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) - part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) - and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) working in collaboration with the Department for Transport, Network Rail, West Midlands Railway, Walsall Council and the City of Wolverhampton Council.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, added: "This has been talked about for decades, so it is great to see some action on site - we are now entering the final stages of restoring rail service to Willenhall.
"This is a huge investment in both Willenhall and Darlaston and will have a huge positive impact on these communities opening up opportunities across the region for them. It could also be the catalyst for further investment and improvements."
