South Staffordshire Railway Vol 2

The line from Walsall to Cannock was opened in 1858 and from Cannock to Rugeley the following year. The first of many lines serving the coal mines on Cannock Chase followed, and over the course of the following 30 years were added to, as new mines opened. Several other companies, notably the Great Western, took an interest in the area and attempted to gain access to the rich coalfield. However, all attempts were driven off by the London & North Western Railway. The line from Walsall to Rugeley was of primary importance for the coal traffic, and its passenger services never really developed a satisfactory level of traffic. Because of its strategic importance as a diversionary route it was spared complete closure. All of the collieries in the area closed, but coal traffic continued to be of importance on the line, albeit serving the power station at Rugeley. Coal is still conveyed to Rugeley power station although much of it is imported. The line also sees some long distance freight passing through.