Seven new rail stations are set to be created across the West Midlands - one of will be created at Merry Hill Shopping Centre, in Dudley.

West Midland Safari Park will benefit from another of the new builds which would use part of the Severn Valley Railway line, giving families easy access to the popular family-friendly attraction. Two new stations between Wolverhampton and Walsall could also be created.

There are further plans to introduce 20,000 extra seats and standing room for an additional 50,000 passengers at peak time in and around Birmingham, as well as additional late night and Sunday services across the region. Proposals depend on the outcome of feasibility assessments with Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, saying he is "absolutely committed" to getting passenger trains running on the Camp Hill line again.

Further additions to the network include train stations in Moseley, Kings Heath and Balsall Heath which could re-open sooner than expected under initial plans.

Mr Grayling's comments followed discussions with representatives of Transport for West Midlands, Network Rail and West Midlands Railways as well as the region's mayor Andy Street, who said that further rail and Metro developments, alongside a new 'Sprint' rapid bus service, would help the region as it combated traffic congestion and pollution.

He has previously spoken in favour of introducing a congestion charge for Birmingham city centre, last year saying it was something the city would "have to do".