The launch of a new train service in Birmingham has been delayed, because the stations will not be ready before 2024.

The Camp Hill line, which will have three stations, had been intended to reopen to passengers this year.

The project will cost £61 million. This is being paid mainly by the West Midlands Combined Authority, and there are also contributions from the Department for Transport and Birmingham City Council.

The double track route between St Andrews Junction, east of New Street, and Kings Norton is open for freight traffic and diverted passenger trains, but its stations were closed ‘temporarily’ in 1941. The closures were confirmed as permanent in 1946.

The West Midlands Rail Executive says: ‘Since then, the area’s population has grown. There’s also more commercial activity. This means more people are travelling. This has led to traffic congestion and long journey times.’

The three stations will be Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road in Stirchley, which are all being built by contractor VolkerFitzpatrick.

An unstable wall near Pineapple Road has contributed to the delay, because it has to be rebuilt ‘brick by brick’. Other problems are the discovery of an unrecorded well near Highbury Hall in Kings Heath, and badgers at Moseley. As a protected species, their setts can only be moved at certain times of year.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said the further delay was ‘disappointing’, but he pointed to ‘tangible progress’ at the stations, even though the complete project will now take ‘a little while longer’.