Major rail hub which could create 8,500 jobs given go-ahead

A huge rail hub in Staffordshire, which developers say could create up to 8,500 jobs, has been given the green light.The Department for Transport gave the go-ahead for the West Midlands Interchange despite a four-year protest from some residents as well as Education Secretary and local MP Gavin Williamson.Campaigners are worried that the development on greenbelt land will destroy the countryside and cause traffic congestion.However the developer, Four Ashes – a consortium headed by rail infrastructure specialist Kilbride Holdings – say it could create up to 8,500 jobs, as well as ease HGV congestion on busy roads.The West Midlands Interchange will see around 700 acres of land transformed near to the A5, A449 and M6 at Gailey, Four Ashes and Calf Heath.The rail hub would be linked directly to the West Coast Mainline and allow freight to be moved from rail to lorries. The site will be able to handle trains up to 775m long and will include HGV parking, container storage and rail control buildingsThe application for the development was approved on by Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps.