Page 7 - The Last TRain South

The Last Train South Redditch Heritage

A train from Ashchurch approaches the Redditch tunnel through the area where B&Q and
Matalan now stand.

Photo courtesy of Philip Jarvis.

But New Town designation in 1964 and pressure locally and in Parliament meant it was
reprieved and instead it was agreed the line would be subsidised as it was essential,
but a loss maker. The service remained poor though, and by the late 1960's there were
just a couple of commuter trains in each direction morning and evening.

The opening of the Cross-City Lichfield to Longbridge Line in 1978 brought hope of a
more regular service but funding problems and a decision not to double the track
between Redditch and Barnt Green four years earlier meant the town continued to suffer
until 1980 when an hourly service was brought in. The borough had to wait until 1989
before the half hourly service was introduced.

Network Rail has plans to double the track between Redditch and Barnt Green and build
a second platform at Alvechurch, with work due to start next year and be completed
by 2014. Once completed it will deliver three trains an hour to Birmingham, giving the
town its best ever service.

Writing in 1979 and reflecting on the loss of the Redditch to Evesham line, county
councilor George Langston, who was involved in the campaign to save it, said: "Then
we needed men of vision to see the possibilities of developing Redditch. I wonder if we
have them now?"

Amidst rising rail fares and public spending cuts, those words are as relevant to the
future of Redditch's railway as they ever were.

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