NETWORK Rail have confirmed long-awaited upgrades to Bromsgrove Station will finally come into service in July after frustrating delays.

Funding to electrify the Bromsgrove line and extend Birmingham’s Cross City line was secured back in 2010, with an estimated completion date of 2014.

But this was put back to allow extra time to train drivers, with the completion date since twice delayed this year alone.

Since 2010 Bromsgrove has been one of only four towns in the UK to have over half a million visitors and just an hourly service.

But this will all change on Sunday, July 29, Network Rail have confirmed, after councillors contacted the firm to receive reassurance.

Cllr Phil Thomas, Conservative for Aston Fields, said: “The increase in train services will have a great effect when it comes.

“We’re a thriving market town but we’ve been left far behind in terms of rail services.

“An improvement in train services followed by an improvement in bus links would mean Bromsgrove becomes a viable destination by public transport from Birmingham; more locally, increased numbers of trains from the station is helpful for the shops in Aston Fields.”

A train tested the newly-installed overhead power lines in May, ahead of the full electric service which will increase trains between Bromsgrove and Birmingham to two trains an hour and four at peak times

Currently the town has two trains per hour in the peak and just one train per hour off-peak.

The upgrades will also result in an increase in services from Bromsgrove to Barnt Green, and help to make increase connectivity with Redditch.

Cllr Malcolm Glass, Conservative for Avoncroft, added: “This could bring real opportunities.

“The electrification of the railway line is vital to keep Bromsgrove on track as a working destination from Birmingham.

“It doesn’t make sense that for so long Bromsgrove and Barnt Green were effectively kept separate despite being on the same line.

“The increase in services also means Bromsgrove-Redditch is an accessible journey by train, which could mean great things for both town centres.”

Richard Dugdale, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said the works - which are part of the Railway Upgrade Plan - will provide "a better, greener, more reliable service" for the town's rail users.