Walsall in for huge benefits-Cinema and improved links.

Train awaiting departure for Wolverhampton at Walsall: London Midlands more recent electric stock could be used to extend services from the town to Liverpool Lime Street and Crewe using West Coast Main line and the proposed electrified route north of the town.

Walsall is set to rake in benefits which would put town on the map, and further improve the towns economy as proposed plans for town are on the increase-including the Waterfront North project to include a cinema.

The waterfront project has been a huge regeneration project to improve the look of the town, and with the new flats running along the canal, it has fairly improved this side of the town-the only problem is now that the North side of the canal is empty land (next to new car park) and the empty land opposite Smiths Flour Mill flats. This area is set to be completed with clubs, resturants and the proposed Cinema, which could prove a major attraction for the town. Currently, the Premier Inn hotel which has recently been completed is the only project as well as the car park been completed on the North side of the canal. The hoardings are still up meaning there is meant to be work improving more parts of this area. The main benefit is that it is in a central location, and is next to the main shopping area and retail park. There are also bus links outside the area to the Manor Hospital and Wolverhampton-with the bus and train stations a few minutes walk away.

Electrification of Chase Line

As meantioned in one of my previous blog posts, the work on this project is meant to last from 2014 to 2019. However, a recent development has come out last week that the re-signalling work and speed upgrade is delayed until 2017. But Network Rail insists the electrification work is set to continue.

It has come to my attention that other than the plans to have services from Walsall to Liverpool, but the country's largest transport operator First (who gained the West Coast franchise, then lost it due to errors), plan to have their Northern Rail operations go from Manchester to Birmingham. This project could serve as a platform for this service hence providing more links to more locations for the town. Also an extra platform has been mentioned; providing the town with 4 platforms altogether.

Midland Metro

There has been a proposed route from Wolverhampton to Wednesbury, which would serve Walsall if the plans go ahead. The only problem is funding and whether the plan is going to go ahead. Just recently, Centro announced that Wolverhampton will gain an extension, which could in the future, continue to the proposed line that would serve Walsall. Reedswood and Clarkes Lane in Willenhall, has see work done to cut down trees and clear the areas for where the route will go. But that is the only progress so far.

UPDATE: I Have found out that First do not run Northern Rail, but another company.