AN influential group is urging Bromsgrove District Council to get the town's train station back on the rails by providing 200 extra car parking spaces.

The Bromsgrove Society has written a letter to the authority claiming its plans to create 70 spaces on land near the station are inadequate.

Drafted by member Graham Reddie, it says the amount of trains stopping at the station each day during the week has risen from five to 20 in just a few years.

Mr Reddie has recorded more than 60 cars parked in Station Approach, around another 60 in New Road, 20 in St Godwald's Road and several more in Dragoon Fields - a total of 150.

He added: "By the time a new car park is built, that number will surely have risen."

The society suggests a deal could by struck with The Ladybird pub, in Finstall Road, so its car park, which is close to the station, could be used during the day by commuters.

Mr Reddie added: "It has 54 parking spaces with room for another 30 and could be available to the public during the week until 6pm, freeing it for pub customers."

Members fear unless something is done it may mean a lower class of train service from Bromsgrove.

A council spokesman said the authority was exploring all avenues to increase parking in Aston Fields.