PASSENGER groups have given the thumbs up to proposed park and ride improvements at Stourbridge Junction following a funding contribution of up to £2million which has been made available to Centro.

The money has been provided as part of the West Midlands Access to Growth Package Local Pinch Point Fund and will be used to expand park and ride facilities on three key rail lines.

Those lines comprise Stourbridge Junction, Kings Norton and Four Oaks - with work expected to start next summer.

Stourbridge Line User Group, known as SLUG, revealed they had raised issues about inadequate parking facilities only last month.

Chariman Ron Hebron said: “I’m delighted that years of lobbying have produced a positive effect, as demonstrated with 175 new car parking spaces. This will bring the total capacity at Stourbridge Junction to almost 1,000.

“I cannot overstate how fortunate we are in having free car parking at key stations, which is a major factor in the rising demand for train services.

“However, my euphoria is dampened by concerns that London Midland may not be able to cope with the extra rail passenger traffic.

“I hope that train carriage capacity will be considered in advance of the 2014 construction commencement date.”

Stourbridge MP Margot James has also welcomed the funding award for park and ride extension, adding: “A good regional transport system is essential, both for the convenience of residents - and as a way of building a strong local economy.

“ I congratulate Centro on securing this funding and look forward to watching the project progress over the coming months.”