NEW cycle storage facilities have been unveiled at a Black Country railway station.

The cycle hub at Stourbridge Junction is the result of a one-off bespoke design by public transport co-ordinator Centro and becomes the second of several being installed at stations across the West Midlands.

The glass-and-steel structure provides weather-proof storage for up to 30 bicycles, is accessible 24 hours a day and features a swipe card activated door along with internal and external CCTV cameras to help keep bikes secure.

The project has been part funded by £30,000 secured by local train operator London Midland from the Association of Train Operating Companies' (ATOC) Cycle-Rail fund.

Councillor Roger Horton, Centro’s lead member for rail, said: “Facilities like these are much needed if we are to make it easier for people to connect their rail journeys with cycling trips.

“We all know that the roads in the West Midlands can be very congested and it is projects like this that can give people genuine options about the way they travel.”

Selly Oak Cycle Hub, opened in March by Transport Minister Baroness Kramer, was the first to be installed in the region and picked up two industry awards within weeks of opening.

Work is already under way to install further hubs at Rowley Regis and Longbridge stations.

Centro is also working with Birmingham City Council to identify other possible venues in the city as part of the council's Cycle Revolution project.

Brenda Lawrence, London Midland’s head of route for Snow Hill lines, said: “This is a fantastic facility and I’m really pleased we were able to secure funding towards its development.

“We are committed to working with Centro to improve cycle facilities at our stations to make leisure travel and commuting even easier.”

The design was created to be low maintenance and as adaptable as possible, allowing it to be installed at various stations across the region where cycling is a popular mode of travel.

The design was built in the Midlands by Stoke-on-Trent-based construction firm Broxap Ltd and stands at three and a half metres tall with a distinctive wave style roof.

Conrad Haigh, ATOC’s head of integrated transport, said: “This is just one of more than 350 cycle improvements at station being funded via the Cycle Rail Working Group, making it more convenient to make cycle-rail journeys.

“By the end of 2016 it is the ambition of the Cycle Rail Working Group to treble cycle parking facilities at stations from its 2009/10 level to more than 75,000 spaces. This is the first of the cycle hubs to be built in the Black Country, which is great news for passengers coming in and out of the region.”

Cyclists wishing to use the new Cycle Hub can register to become a member at networkwestmidlands.com. Each member will be issued with a unique swipe card providing 24-hour access.

Members will be asked to provide a £20 deposit on registering, which will be returned in full if they choose to leave the scheme.