A MAJOR plan to improve rail services in Worcester has been revealed by council chiefs which could see more train services between the Faithful City and London.
A number of key priorities to boost rail connectivity in the city and across Worcestershire feature in the County Council’s Rail Investment Strategy and residents are being urged to have their say on the proposals.
The strategy includes ambitions to see two trains per hour between Worcester and London and additional calls at Worcestershire Parkway for Bristol, Manchester, Plymouth and Newcastle services.
Council chiefs also want to see a regional service between Kidderminster and Bromsgrove, Worcester and Cheltenham and Gloucester and Bristol.
The ambitious strategy also includes plans to bolster rail infrastructure in the county by upgrading capacity on the North Cotswold Line and services in the Worcester area.
As well as that Worcester Shrub Hill Station would be regenerated.
The County Council hopes the Rail Investment Strategy will lead to better local and long distance rail services which will help boost Worcestershire’s economy.
Coun Dr Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: “We are pleased to announce the Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy as a statement of our great ambitions for rail connectivity in Worcestershire.
“These plans outline improvements to transport links that will reduce local journey times, as well as strengthening Worcestershire’s links to regional and nationwide economies, contributing to the County’s continuing economic success.”
Worcester’s MP, Robin Walker, is urging city residents and businesses to have their say on the rail strategy.
“I welcome the inclusion of the two trains per hour target to London, and it is equally important that the case continues to be made for a service under two hours in duration – something I have long called for.
“The regeneration of Shrub Hill is a further priority that I am glad to see features heavily in the investment strategy. For many years local residents and visitors alike have reiterated to me that the station serves as a poor gateway to our beautiful city, as well as lacking the passenger facilities expected of a modern rail station.
“I fully endorse the Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy’s aims and proposals, which I believe make a compelling case for major investment in Worcester’s rail infrastructure. I would advise people to read the strategy document and submit their feedback on the proposals via the County Council’s website. I would particularly encourage local businesses to help make the case for faster services to and from Worcester.”
Visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ltp to have your say on the plans. The deadline for feedback is Monday, August 14.
