Officials have issued an update as the construction of a new UK railway station part of a £85million project continues. There are to be new stops on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line in Willenhall and Darlaston, home of Cadbury World, as the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) seeks to improve transport links in the region.

In October, officials said the building of Willenhall station continues to make “strong progress”, with the overall project remaining on schedule. At the time, “important groundwork”, preparation for structural works and platform foundations had been completed, with more “significant” stages to be finished in the following months.

Officials added: “Both stations remain within budget, and WMCA continues to focus on delivering these stations efficiently, ensuring they provide a crucial boost to the local transport network.”

But Project Sponsor Victoria Kinally admitted bumps in the road had presented themselves. She said: “We are pleased with the progress made so far on both Willenhall and Darlaston stations. While there have been challenges, our teams are working hard to keep the project on track and deliver these important stations, which will significantly improve transport connectivity in the region.”

When complete, the scheme will see Willenhall and Darlaston connected to the rail network for the first time in over 50 years, as the original stations were closed in 1965.

The latest work will cause disruption, however, including a five-month southbound closure of Bilston Street and Rose Hill in Willenhall until August 11.

There will be diversions in place, and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has urged locals to allow extra time for their journeys. From July 18, as the works enter their final weeks, Bilston Street will completely shut at weekends. Bus services are to be diverted to adapt to the closures, but bosses promise residents will still be able access to their properties and businesses.