In a letter to Michael Fabricant, Simon Burns – Minister of State for Rail – has announced that there will be a major upgrade to Lichfield Trent Valley Station. He says “We are aware that there is strong public support for improvements at this station in light of its current condition and the significant growth in passenger usage. Under the National Stations Improvement Programme, London Midland have received over £800,000 to replace the existing building with a new modular station and deliver improvements to the car park. This is expected to be delivered by 2014.”

Michael Fabricant says “This is excellent news. Lichfield Trent Valley has been a disgrace for too long and these improvements will be good news for commuters and other rail users. However, I will continue to press for the station to be upgraded to enable disabled passengers to access all 3 platforms; this is a busy station on the west coast main line.

“I also continue to monitor the performance of London Midland trains and their unreliability of service. I have raised the issue with ministers verbally, by letter and by Parliamentary Questions. They too are fully aware of this issue.”