WORK has begun on a radical transport project which could bring a futuristic tram-train system and several new rail stops to the Worcester area.

Worcestershire County Council’s director of environmental services John Hobbs – the officer in charge of county transport – says his team has begun assessing the viability of building a series of rail stops along existing lines to the north and west of Worcester city centre, possibly using a high-frequency tram-train service to link them to Worcester, Malvern and Droitwich.

Mr Hobbs listed Fernhill Heath, Rushwick and Henwick in St John’s as examples of where new rail halts – small, unmanned railway stations – could be built.

The idea was suggested as a possibility by the county’s cabinet member in charge of transport, Derek Prodger, earlier this year - but now serious preparatory work has begun.

Mr Hobbs said: “Officers at the county council are investigating the viability of introducing halts at intermediate points such as Fernhill Heath, Rushwick and Henwick.

“This requires very detailed work to understand the train timetabling and signalling that dictate the frequency of existing train services.

In the first instance, we would try to enable access for the existing train operating companies to consider.”

The village of Fernhill Heath, on the northern edge of Worcester, has been chosen after recently being earmarked as a future growth point where 500 new homes will be built.

The authorities also have big plans for Rushwick – where a park-and-ride site is in the pipeline – while public support for reviving the former rail halt at Henwick is well known.

The rail halts would initially be used solely by existing trains, but the county’s long-term aim is to link the whole south Worcestershire network with a system of tram-trains – ultra-modern European-style trams which can run on existing railway lines as well as tram lines.

Mr Hobbs said: “The tram-train concept is something officers will consider once work on the timetabling for new halts has been concluded. Running a tram-train from, say, a new Worcester Parkway, through Worcester, towards Malvern, then back to Worcester and up towards Droitwich Spa before returning, all via intermediate halts, is an exciting idea.

“County Council officers will try to work with Network Rail and rail operators to find technical solutions if the timetabling appears viable. As this idea is in its infancy, much detailed work will have to be done.”