FUNDING for feasibility studies designed to look at ways to improve accessibility at railway stations across Worcestershire has been cut by the county council.
The cuts, voted on at a meeting last Thursday (September 25), will impact Rushwick railway station as well as Bromsgrove, Alvechurch, Droitwich and Pershore.
According to the current administration, the funding was set aside to develop strategic documents which could be shared with rail operators on how to improve usage and accessibility of the county’s railway stations.
Councillor Rob Wharton, deputy leader with responsibility for finance and efficiency at the council said: “This council is in a financial emergency, make no mistake about it.
“And this administration is prepared to take difficult decisions to get the council back on track.”
An extensive railway station improvement scheme in Redditch, costing over £10 million has also been halted alongside a £1.485m upgrade to Worcester Shrub Hill.
The funding for said improvements was announced in February 2022 as part of a £209 million capital programme approved by the previous Conservative administration.
None of the rail accessibility strategy projects have reached the delivery stage with a small amount of funding required to finish the current phase of the master plan work at Droitwich.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council told the Standard: “The remaining £1 million was neither sufficient nor intended to fund major scheme delivery; instead, it was allocated for early-stage development and feasibility work.
“These proposals do not impact train services, and the work completed so far could support future funding bids as and when opportunities arise.”
The council is currently running a consultation to seek resident’s views on how it manages its budget. Views will inform the council’s February 2026 budget.
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/budget26/27 to have your say. The consultation closes on November 1, 2025.
