SEVERN Valley Railway (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

SEVERN Valley Railway

12:00pm Thursday 20th November 2008

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SEVERN Valley Railway has expressed an interest in getting involved in a new light rail commuter service to ease congestion on Wyre Forest roads.

The district’s Liberal Democrat Parliamentary hopeful, Neville Farmer, has met Nick Ralls, SVR general manager, to discuss his party’s imaginitive idea to improve travel in the district. Liz Lynne, the Liberal Democrat MEP, also attended.

Part of the regeneration ideas for Kidderminster drawn up by the Wyre Forest party include a shuttle passenger service on the SVR line to help offset the anticipated increased congestion which new houses or factories on the refinery site would cause.

One contender to run the service would be the low energy Parry People Mover railcar, while SVR is also looking at running a local service “in house”, with its preserved diesel trains.

Mr Farmer said: “A Kidderminster to Bewdley link would be one solution to the appalling congestion problems we find in this area.

“I hope that the potential link could make life far easier for commuters and shoppers, especially considering the traffic created by the sugar refinery site redevelopment.

“The new priority for green solutions, the new success of the Parry People Mover getting on to the national rail network and the ever-growing jams have transformed the viability of this project.”

Ms Lynne said: “Traffic congestion is getting worse and worse. Stourport Road is officially the most congested piece of road in Worcestershire already, even before the refinery site is developed.

“Whereas many European cities were rebuilt around public transport, with trams or light rail links, many UK towns and cities were built with the car in mind. The Kidderminster Ring Road and main feeder routes in and out of the town are now virtually gridlocked for much of the day.

“I would very much hope that the potential project between Kidderminster and Bewdley could become a model for other towns right around not only the UK but the rest of Europe. “ Mr Ralls said: “The Severn Valley Railway is aware of the potential for a local rail service from Kidderminster to Bewdley and beyond to supplement our steam and heritage diesel operations.

“There are various ways such a service could be provided and funded and we are interested in looking at all options. Rail is not only far greener but can also be quicker and more comfortable than sitting in Kidderminster’s endless tailbacks.”

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