The future of Lichfield's railways?

A story from the Mercury's website has pricked my interest. It's discussing the campaign for an improvement to rail services and facilities.

As someone who commuted on the cross-city line from first Lichfield City and then Lichfield Trent Valley into Birmingham, I couldn't agree more about the need for improved facilities. Trent Valley in particular is desperately in need of a major makeover.

Given that Trent Valley is the link between two rail routes, it's chronic that their aren't disabled facilities, meaning wheelchair passengers aren't able to use two of the three platforms. Add to that a massive lack of shelter when the wind and rain inevitably batters the platforms and you have a station which makes you think Dr Beeching might have had a point!

The article then mentions the re-opening of the Lichfield to Brownhills and Walsall line. In truth I never thought the line would re-open, but with the works on the new estate opposite ToyTown it seems they're putting a bridge in place in order to ensure the line remains intact - a lot of trouble to go to if the line being reopened wasn't being given real thought.

Put simply, Lichfield needs rail investment if it's to continue to grow and open up opportunities for the residents.