Chase Line rail link under threat

Council chiefs are holding crisis talks with Centro after the West Midlands transport authority announced it can no longer afford improved rail services introduced on the Chase Line last year.

Since May 2009 Centro has funded half-hourly, off-peak rail services and an hourly evening rail service between Birmingham and Rugeley on six days per week.

But Centro has announced that it cannot fund the services without a staggering 500 per cent hike in contributions from Cannock Chase Council and Staffordshire County Council - from £50,000 to £290,000.

Cuts to the Chase Line service were averted at the last minute last year when the Department for Transport, Centro and London Midland stepped in with funding for one year, to December 2010.

Councillor Tony Williams, the council's environment leader, said: "I can understand Centro's financial position. But the requested 500 per cent increase in funding is unaffordable.

"As we attempt to move out of recession, transport cuts between our district and the West Midlands will damage employment and leisure opportunities. These connections are vital."

Following a meeting earlier this month, Centro agreed to fund the hourly Birmingham-Rugeley service after 6pm together with a half-hourly Saturday service. But this is subject to an agreement from train operator London Midland and financial support from the councils.

Cannock Chase Council is holding urgent talks with Centro to retain the evening services from Birmingham to Rugeley, as well as the Saturday service.

Centro insists it cannot afford the weekday half-hourly Birmingham - Walsall-Cannock-Rugeley service. It will no longer run from December 2010 under current plans and would see the off-peak service reverting to an hourly operation.

Connections could also be lost at Rugeley Trent Valley for Stafford.