A SCHEME to build a new Bromsgrove Railway Station has taken a significant step forward after an agreement was reached on funding for the multi-million pound project.

For many years securing the funding for the station, previously estimated to be in the region of £10-£12 million, became a major stumbling block.

Network Rail originally committed themselves to the project, proposed to be built 200 yards south of the existing one on the site of the old Goods Yard, in 2007, and ambitiously aimed for a 2008 opening.

But in the years since commuters were left disappointed as the scheme stalled at the design stage, with some fearing the project’s future was in doubt.

Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid told the Advertiser the scheme is now “moving ahead nicely” after an agreement on the funding was reached between senior officials from Worcestershire County Council, Centro, and the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive and Authority.

The funding package of £13.5 million now needs to be approved by Centro’s board, and county councillors, but the MP said he understood this process could be completed by the end of February.

For the project to progress, the Department of Transport has also been approached to agree to a minimum service contract, which would guarantee that a number of trains would stop and use the station.

This would create extra revenue, helping to ensure the parties funding the scheme could recoup their investment.

Mr Javid revealed he was now planning to meet the new Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening MP, to discuss this part of scheme.

Sajid said: “I am delighted such substantial progress has been made.

“This vital infrastructural improvement will be a significant boon. It will spur economic growth and prosperity, as well as benefiting commuters and the environment.

“Bromsgrove residents have waited a long time for this development, and I will continue to do all that I can in Westminster to support the efforts of Worcestershire County Council and Centro.”

The town MP added that a formal planning application for the station is expected to be submitted later this year.