PLANS FOR THREE NEW STATIONS IN COVENTRY

PLANS to re-open two former train stations in Coventry and create a third brand new one have been put forward by city councillors.

The plans could see stations at Coundon and Foleshill re-open to the public and a new station built at Binley and Willenhall in the east of the city.

It is hoped it would encourage members of the public to ditch their cars to help the environment and reduce congestion on the roads.

The city is currently fighting a governmentordered Clean Air Zone to reduce nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels that would see non-compliant cars charged up to £12.50 for entering the zone. A petition to stop it has gathered almost 10,000 signatures.

A proposal to carry out a feasibility study with the West Midlands Combined Authority to explore the idea of reopening the train stations and opening a new one was unanimously backed by Coventry’s full council on Tuesday.

Coundon and Foleshill railway stations both closed in 1965.

The call was put forward by Conservative Cllr Peter Male - initially for the re-opening of Coundon’s station and a second in the east.

But Labour council leader Cllr George Duggins amended the motion to include Foleshill and Binley and Willenhall in the study.

The Conservative group launched a campaign to reopen Coundon station and a new site in the east in July, with backing from Mayor Andy Street.

Speaking at full council, Cllr Male said: “Coventry needs to address a range of environmental issues, including vehicle

pollution and congestion, whilst also creating integrated transport solutions.

“The re-opening of railway stations could make a significant contribution to solving some of these issues.”

Seconding the call, Tory leader Cllr Gary Ridley said the city has “got to give people an incentive to get out of their cars and travel in different ways”, in light of plans for a government-imposed Clean Air Zone.

He added: “We have got a number of stations on the west side of the city, Tile Hill, Canley, Coventry in the middle and then nothing all the way until Rugby.

“That is a huge section of the Coventry population who find rail travel inaccessible.”

Backing the idea and adding further suggestions for Foleshill and Binley and Willenhall, Cllr Duggins said: “All of the issues that have been raised around climate change are exceptionally important. The amendment adds Foleshill station as well because as I understand it there’s a greater volume of passengers who used that station.

“In addition to that we have mentioned the idea of a new station and we believe it should be in Binley and Willenhall and colleagues have been arguing that for some time.”

Councillors also agreed to write to the Department of Transport to create a direct link between Coventry and the East Midlands, double track the line from Coventry to Leamington, electrify the line from Coventry to Nuneaton, and for reassurances to be given that three express trains an hour between Coventry and London will remain.