Cotswold Line plans are on the right track - The Evesham Observer

Cotswold Line plans are on the right track

Evesham Editorial 3rd Oct, 2015 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

FRESH efforts to deliver improved rail services from Pershore to London have been welcomed by the town’s MP Harriett Baldwin.

The West Worcestershire MP met with Rail Minister Claire Perry – as well as representatives of the train operating companies – for detailed discussions on further planned improvements to help long suffering Pershore commuters.

Mrs Baldwin has consistently lobbied for improvements to the county’s transport services with Worcester MP Robin Walker and Mid Worcestershire MP Nigel Huddleston.

Their efforts bore fruit last month when Prime Minister David Cameron commissioned an independent study into the potential duelling of the Cotswold Line which provides a direct link from the Vale to London.




The Prime Minister has written to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin asking for an independent study to be carried out to look at the economic benefits of delivering much needed improvements to the Cotswold Line

And during the meeting, First Great Western managing director Mark Hopwood, updated Mrs Baldwin on the progress towards delivering an improved service along the Cotswold Line.


Speaking to the Observer, Mrs Baldwin hailed the meeting as useful and said she would continue to push for a more frequent and reliable route from Pershore to the capital.

“It was useful to meet with the Minister and hear the rail companies’ plans for delivering a better service for local commuters,” she said.

“There are renewed plans underway to enhance Pershore station, and improved rolling stock will be introduced to add capacity to the busy Cotswold Line routes.

“It’s also important to see operators’ London Midland and First Great Western working together and get the message that we are resolute in our desire for improvement.

“We all agree the long-term aspiration must be the dualling of more sections of the line, many more services and the significant reduction of journey times to London.

“I and my Westminster colleagues will continue to scrutinise the rail companies’ progress and hope that our efforts will lead to a significant improvement for commuters,” she added.

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