WORCESTER’S MP has ramped up the pressure on railway bosses to commit to a two-hour train service between the city and London.
Robin Walker met the Managing Director of Great Western Railways (GWR), Mark Hopwood, in Parliament to reiterate the need for better train links to the capital, which he says is vital in boosting Worcester’s economy and tourist industry.
The train operator has set out plans which will see more regular hourly services between Paddington and Worcester by the end of 2018, plus at least one fast train to Worcestershire Parkway station, due to open in 2017, that can reach London in just two hours.
GWR is now working with business groups, council leaders and Robin Walker to press the case for further dualling of the line between Worcester and the capital by targeting upgrades so they can have the maximum impact on improving journey times.
“I was pleased to see my long term campaign for a faster connection between Worcester and the capital being reflected in GWR’s own presentations,” Mr Walker said.
“It is exciting to see what was once just an idea and an objective of the Cotswold Line promotion group coming one step closer and being pressed for by so many organisations.
“I know from speaking to business groups and tourism businesses the boost that it would give to investment in Worcester if we could secure a two-hour service and I am determined to press for this to be delivered as soon as humanly possible.”
Robin Walker also praised the work of MPs from across in Worcestershire in pushing for faster train services between the county and London.
“Worcestershire MPs have worked closely to press the case for a faster service over many years and I am grateful to my neighbours Nigel Huddleston and Harriet Baldwin for consistently raising the matter, as well as to Sir Peter Luff for all his work on this over the years,” Mr Walker added.
“It’s been wonderful to have the support of the Prime Minister too and I am hopeful this will help to make our ambitions a firm reality.”
