A CAR-BUSTING project to run a rush-hour train service between Bewdley and Kidderminster has taken its first step to becoming reality.

More than £25,000 has been pledged to finding out if the scheme - to use the Severn Valley Railway line - would break even.

It would involve running a railcar along the track between the towns during the day, with a possible stop-off at Foley Park, Kidderminster.

Bosses at Black Country-based Parry People Movers - which is looking to build the railcars - said peak-time traffic between Bewdley and Kidderminster, as well as on the Stourport Road cutting through Foley Park, needed to be reduced.

Managing director John Parry said: "The issue is entirely based on the fact that Kidderminster is gradually approaching gridlock.

"We believe there is a synergy here where the Severn Valley Railway is not being otherwise used when there is a high volume of traffic on the roads."

Mr Parry said the service could be run from Bewdley every half an hour and every 10 minutes during peak times from a new station at Foley Park.

Yet a feasibility study - to be launched in the autumn at a cost of £26,000 - would need to find out if there was a demand for the service and if stations are equipped to deal with the influx of cars looking to "park and ride", he said.

A spokesman for rail operator Central Trains said the idea could be a perfect opportunity to get more Wyre Forest folk onto mainline services from Kidderminster station.

Business development director Mike Hague added: "We would like to examine whether the train could terminate at the back of the existing car park by the northbound platform."

Leader of Wyre Forest District Council Howard Martin, who has led a working party on the issue for more than a year, welcomed the news of the study.

He said: "A light rail link between Kidderminster and Bewdley would be a fantastic asset and a massive boost to the local economy."