A West Midlands business leader has hit out at the “shabby” state of Birmingham International station.

Glyn Pitchford says poor lighting and an outdated appearance is off-putting for visitors arriving at Birmingham Airport or visiting the NEC.

Mr Pitchford, the business representative on the Birmingham and Black Country City Region Board, is demanding that Virgin Trains take action.

He has written to the company’s chief executive, Tony Collins, asking for the station to be improved.

Last week, the government announced that a new high speed rail hub is likely to be built close to Birmingham International as part of a 250mph line to London.

Mr Pitchford said “Birmingham International is not just the station for Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre, but is effectively the international gateway to the West Midlands region.

“With business customers travelling from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire to use it, the regional, national and international significance of the station cannot be underestimated.

“The current state of Birmingham International does not meet expectations. Its shabby appearance and poor lighting on platforms is off-putting for passengers and harms the positive branding of the West Midlands.

What was needed, he said, was “a bright and enhanced” complex.