A CAMPAIGNER in Bromsgrove is calling on the town’s elected officials to push for improvements in rail connectivity southwards as the region’s population and economy is expanding.
Danny Bromage, a self-professed ‘concerned citizen’, says the town’s railway station remains ‘underutilised’ and falls short of the needs of both residents and local businesses.
A particular sticking point for the concerned citizen is the ‘inconvenience faced by rail travelers heading south’. Rail passengers travelling from Bromsgrove or Barnt Green to Bristol, for example, must first head into Birmingham New Street before jumping on a connecting train south.
“That adds an unnecessary hour to your journey. It’s a ridiculous situation,” Danny said.
This is counter-intuitive as Bromsgrove is located on the national Cross Country line, with this rail operators services passing through the station at reduced speeds without stopping.
The campaigner believes Bromsgrove’s neighbourhood plan is outdated and expects Government imposed targets on housebuilding locally to further increase demand for public transport services.
Last month, it was announced that Worcestershire Parkway would be seeing an uplift in its services to meet increasing demand yet Danny feels Bromsgrove residents are left watching from the sidelines as other areas progress.
“Bromsgrove is booming,” Danny said. “It’s attracting professionals who want the rural lifestyle while staying connected to the wider region. Yet our infrastructure hasn’t kept pace.”
As part of Danny’s campaign, he is calling on Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas to press the issue in Parliament and with national rail operators.
“If we want people to adopt greener travel habits, our railway must reflect the community’s changing needs,” Danny added. “What we have now is outdated and unfit for purpose.”
“This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about supporting our local economy, preparing for population growth, and making Bromsgrove a better, more connected place to live and work.”
Danny believes fixing the station is one of the simplest, smartest ways to secure that future.
In a statement to the Standard, Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas said a key part of his plan for the town is transport improvements including rail services and connectivity.
The MP added: “In the 10 months since I became the local MP, I have backed the Midlands Hub, lobbied for the £7.5 million accessibility improvements at Barnt Green station and met with Network Rail to find a long-term solution to the ongoing car park flooding saga at Alvechurch station.
“I will continue my campaign in Parliament to improve connectivity and work with rail operators to ensure my constituents can get to where they need to be.”
