IT'S HEREAT LAST - £128 MILLION FOR NEW STREET

24-07-2007

Government plans to invest £128 million in Birmingham’s New Street station have been given a guarded welcome by the city's deputy leader Paul Tilsley.

The cash injection was announced this afternoon by new Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly as part of a five year plan for the railways in which she promised “more passengers on more and better trains”.

Although the funding for Brum will be regarded as long overdue, it falls well short of the estimated £350 million needed to trigger the complete overhaul of the station.

Tilsley commented: “It’s only a start, but it is a welcome start. This money will allow for a degree of remodelling, but it won’t get us ‘the full monty’.

“The £128 million is just for the rail infrastructure, it covers the tracks, but not what’s above.

"The full Gateway project involves replacing the Pallasades shopping centre, so we’re not there yet.”

Are you delighted that the cash is coming to New Street? Or disappointed it’s not the “Full Monty?” Leave a comment on our Message Board.