Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East, Emma Reynolds, has today spoken of her disappointment at the Government’s decision not to support the rebuild, modernisation and regeneration of Wolverhampton train station.It was revealed on Thursday that Wolverhampton City Council and Neptune Development’s proposal for the modernisation of the station would not be supported with Government funding through Round 4 of the Regional Growth Fund.

Emma Reynolds had previously written to both Government Ministers and a key advisor to the fund, Lord Heseltine, asking that they support the bid after the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin described the city’s station as “awful”.

Speaking after hearing of the decision, Emma said:

“This is extremely disappointing news for Wolverhampton.” 

“I believe that the poor state of the train station gives a bad impression of our city to visitors arriving by train. It is a key gateway to our city and the rebuild – which I have been campaigning for – is vital to the wider regeneration of Wolverhampton city centre.”

“The station was never designed to cope with the number of passengers that now use it regularly.”

“It is regretful that despite the Transport Secretary describing the station as “awful” on a recent visit to the city, the Government is still refusing to support its modernisation.”

“I will not give up on my campaign and have recently set up an online survey where people can give their comments on my campaign for a new and modern train station. People can access the survey here. In the meantime, I will be discussing what options we now need to consider with the city council, the developers Neptune Development and the other private sector partners which supported the bid. It is still my hope that we will get a railway station which is fit for our city.”

July 2013