Plans for a new £11.3m station in Kenilworth have been given final approval under the government's multi-million pound New Stations Fund.

The Department for Transport has approved the allocation of £5m from the fund following confirmation that the station can be built without adversely impacting other network improvements. The station will significantly improve connectivity for passengers and businesses across the West Midlands.

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Construction of the station paves the way for new local services to start running between Coventry, Kenilworth and Leamington Spa in December 2016.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "The government recognises the importance of strong transport links for local communities and the economy. That is why we have been working hard to make sure Kenilworth station becomes a reality.

"This will provide real benefits both to passengers and to local businesses, providing improved connectivity across the West Midlands and to London, and helping create jobs.

"This is further proof of the government's determination to transform the network through our record levels of investment."

Future work to improve the network could mean direct local electric trains running via Kenilworth to Birmingham in 2019.

(CD/JP)