I was delighted to see in the July edition of The Pioneer Magazine that our West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street wrote an article about his determination to see through the process of reopening a station in Aldridge.

As Andy has highlighted in the article, another major piece of work is now being undertaken in which the West Midland Combined Authority will also begin to look at outline designs for a station, which will inform us all whether or not the ambition of reopening a station in Aldridge could work.

As Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, Andy is really putting the West Midlands back on the map. We are seeing improved economic growth and new job opportunities being created in the region, and he has had the foresight to ensure that we provide a joined up transport system to help people reach those new opportunities.

I remain committed to doing all I can to see a new station in Aldridge and I am pleased to be working with Andy Street and Walsall Council Leader Cllr Mike Bird on this initiative.