ALVECHURCH residents are railing over the state of the village railway station.

They say it is dismal, unkempt, open to vandalism and even that it "resembles a Kosovan village after the troops have left."

At Alvechurch Parish Council's annual meeting, councillors agreed to contact the station operator asking for it to be smartened up.

Council clerk Gill Lungley said villagers had indicated Alvechurch station was popular and well-used but they would like to see it more cared for and less inviting for vandals.

Mrs Lungley said: "People are also concerned that there seems to be a lot of rubbish on the line and the paint on the lamp columns is peeling.

"There is also glass missing from the shelter. If people want to see the station cared for but it continues to appear not to be, the situation will get worse and worse.

"It has been agreed the parish council will write to the station operator to see what can be done."