£1bn plan for 300 extra trains a day is approved

New lines and extra platforms at Moor Street and Snow Hill

- JANE HAYNES & TAMLYN JONES

A MASSIVE £1 billion blueprint to transform local rail services in Birmingham has finally been given the green light.

The project will add new links, extra platforms and to 300 extra trains a day in and out of the city.

The funding marks the turning point in a decade-long quest for better connections between neighbourhoods and towns around the city and beyond, while taking pressure off the congested New Street station.

It was hailed as “a fantastic day” for the region by West Midlands mayor Richard Parker.

The funding is expected to cover the costs of long-awaited schemes including:

■ The ‘West Chord’ - a spur line and viaduct at Bordesley that will mean trains heading into the city from the South West and Wales, and from new stations at Moseley, Kings Heath and Stirchley/Pineapple Road, can head into Moor Street, allowing for many more trains.

■ The ‘East Chord’ - a second spur line that will create an access to Moor Street from the East Midlands, allowing direct access for trains from cities such as Leicester, Derby and Nottingham.