A MUCH-ANTICIPATED opening date for Worcestershire Parkway has finally been revealed.

Passengers will be able to travel to and from Worcestershire’s newest railway station when it opens on Sunday, February 23.

Councillor Ken Pollock, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: ”I am delighted to announce the opening of Worcestershire Parkway on behalf of the county council.

“The station is set to transform rail travel to and from the county and not only that, it looks great as well.

“I’d like to thank all those involved in making this station, which has been talked about for over 30 years, a reality. Without the county council’s ambition for this station to be built to better serve our residents and businesses, the station would not exist.”

Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP), said: “The opening of Worcestershire Parkway will have a positive impact on the local economy.

“Not only will it provide local commuters with improved access and journey times to and from Oxford and London but it will also improve the overall connectivity of Worcestershire to the national network.

“The brand-new direct services arriving at the station from Cardiff, Derby and Nottingham, will reduce congestion on the roads of commuters who travel to stations such as Birmingham International and Warwick Parkway to make these connections.

“This station will make Worcestershire a more attractive destination to invest as better connectivity is key to unlocking more local economic growth.”