WEST Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer was to call for an improved rail service between the county and Paddington in a speech in the House of Commons last night.

Sir Michael said a serious deficiency was the single-line track between Evesham and Moreton and he explained: "The fact that trains constantly have to wait at Evesham and Moreton in order for the line to be free is one of the major reasons for lateness."

He added: " It is essential to the smooth running of the Cotswold Line that duelling of the Evesham to Moreton section is undertaken as a matter of urgency."

Sir Michael said he was also concerned at the prospect of more trains terminating at Oxford rather than straight through to Paddington.

"What is required for Worcestershire is a modern, reliable, comfortable and above all frequent commuter and InterCity rail service."

He said the last thing passengers needed was a return to nationalised, centrally controlled, under invested, unresponsive, rundown railway system.

Sir Michael added: "For those who do not have a car or do not want to drive one, there will be the prospect, especially in rural areas, of people being even more stranded than they are at present."

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