NETWORK Rail has refused to install dual-tracking between Worcester and Oxford, claiming there is "no business case".

The rail operator broke the news to MPs and peers during a Westminster summit about frustrating services on the Cotswold Line to London. The prospect of a new Norton Parkway station appears also to have been kicked into touch due to a lack of support from train companies.

But Network Rail said improvements were in store for rail passengers between Worcestershire and London. Additional through services are to be restored, while capacity will be increased with refurbished High Speed Trains taking over from the existing models.

Token exchange at Evesham is also to be improved from October.

Worcester MP Mike Foster, who attended the meeting, said Worcestershire MPs who wanted a Norton Parkway station could be facing an uphill struggle.

He said: "It was also worrying to hear Network Rail say there was no business case for dual-tracking the line between Oxford and Worcester. As a regular user, I know how important this would be to improve the service, so I was disappointed and worried when the news was given.

"There is potential for small improvements, but I know Worcester rail users will be as disappointed as I am to hear that full dual-tracking is not currently viable."