TRAIN users in Bromsgrove have received a boost after it was announced that the northbound platform will be lengthened.

But Droitwich Spa travellers have not been so lucky as there will be no significant improvements on the Cotswold line through Worcester to Oxford from Droitwich.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff and Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride joined forces for the campaign to improve the train services in the two towns.

The extension of the Bromsgrove platform, for Birmingham-bound travel, will mean more capacity on trains from Worcester and Droitwich to the second city.

Mr Luff has pledged to push for early implementation of the proposals to ease congestion and overcrowding on Birmingham trains and to continue lobbying ministers to reconsider investment in more frequent London services.

"The support for the lengthening of Bromsgrove station is especially welcome since it means longer trains and less crowding for all users of the line.

"To be fair, there is some good news for the Cotswold line - while there will be no more services, there are likely to be more HST 125s meaning more capacity on peak trains and more comfortable journeys.

"But I believe the Strategic Rail Authority has hopelessly underestimated the market for rail passengers from Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire to London, and the decision not to provide more frequent through services is bizarre," he added.

Julie Kirkbride added: "It's great news that we are the top priority in the West Midlands. I have now written to the Minister to ask for the money to be put in place so that we can get on with the job. This extension needs to happen urgently so that we can reduce overcrowding on the trains to Birmingham."