TRAINS from Kidderminster into Birmingham will no longer stop at the city's "hub" station at New Street following a shake-up of services.

From May 23, Kidderminster trains will call at Moor Street and Snow Hill stations instead.

Passengers travelling on to many other destinations will have to walk to New Street to get their connecting service.

The frequency of trains between Kidderminster and Birmingham will, however, be increased, from two an hour to three.

The aim of the changes is to "de-congest" Birmingham New Street, according to operator, Central Trains.

A spokesman also confirmed the move was partly to make space for the new Virgin services to and from London.

Nigel Golley, chairman of the Stourbridge Line Users' Group, said the news was positive for passengers travelling into Birmingham itself - but was a major setback for anyone connecting to other services.

"A high number of passengers need to travel beyond Birmingham. There are some connecting services from Snow Hill and Moor Street but New Street is the main hub.

"It will be particularly difficult for the disabled and people travelling alone, who will have to run the gauntlet of beggars in the underpass from Moor Street to New Street.

"On the other hand, it is good for people wanting to travel into Birmingham from Kidderminster. The frequency of trains is up and the trains are likely to be less congested."

He added that he would recommend passengers who needed to get to New Street might consider travelling via Worcester or Droitwich.

A spokesman for Central Trains said the changes were intended to ease congestion at New Street and also on the trains themselves.

He added the short distance between Moor Street and New Street was via a flat walkway under the new Bullring, which was covered by CCTV.

One regular passenger, Patricia MacKinnon, of Bewdley, said she was shocked to learn of the changes.

"I use the service regularly and it will be bad for people going on holiday or who need to connect to other services. I understand it's to make way for the Virgin trains to London, which seems really unfair on Kidderminster passengers."