A REGIONAL train service, connecting Bromsgrove to the South West of England, is being developed by Worcestershire's Cabinet.

Members voted to formally adopt the Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy, which outlines aspirations for the future of local rail investment, at a meeting at County Hall this month.

The report sets out an 'emerging vision' for two trains per hour between Worcestershire and London, supported by enhancements to the North Cotswold Line, Great Western electrification and new Intercity Express Project trains.

A 'strategic response' to the vision includes a regional service between Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Worcester and Cheltenham Spa, Gloucester and Bristol.

The service is estimated to contribute £5.3million to the region's economy and underpin 150 new jobs.

Cllr Ken Pollock, Cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said: "Cabinet's endorsement and adoption of the Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy is great news for rail travel in the county in the future.

"Due to the complexity and cost of such infrastructure projects, this is a long-term strategy and tangible improvements may take time to be realised, but this strategy opens up many options to be tested and considered.

"The strategy is a set of aspirations for the future of rail in Worcestershire that will require considerable investment and development, but which will lead to a significant improvement to transport in the county, and a huge boost to our local economy."