RESIDENTS of Hagley, near Stourbridge, are delighted that a popular train service has been restored.

London Midland has reinstated the stop at Hagley, each hour, so that villagers can travel through to Worcester without changing at Kidderminster.

The through service had been withdrawn in off-peak hours when the timetable was redesigned to accommodate an improved Hartlebury service.

But following talks between the Stourbridge Line User Group and London Midland, it was decided that the new trains could easily make up the time needed to call at Hagley and the Worcester direct service was reintroduced last month.

Group chairman Rob Hebron said: “The group is pleased about the restored service and by the feedback from Hagley passengers.

"We hope London Midland will publicise the new direct trains to Worcester. The city is a brilliant shopping centre and has many attractions to offer.

"Hagley itself is expanding with major housing development and this is a good market for London Midland.

“A railway station is an asset for any village and I believe that London Midland should advertise the diversity of destinations that can be reached from Hagley."