West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news which will aim to deliver improved rail services linking the county and the capital. The MP met this week (Weds September 15) with Rail Minister Claire Perry as well as representatives of the train operating companies to discuss progress on the planned improvement of rail services for local commuters and on the County plan for a new Parkway station. First Great Western managing director Mark Hopwood updated Harriett on the progress towards delivering an improved service along the Cotswold Line. Harriett and her Westminster colleagues from Hereford to Oxford have joined forces to call for faster, more frequent and more reliable services to and from Oxford and London. Harriett commented: "It was useful to meet with the Minister and hear the rail companies' plans for delivering a better service for local commuters. "It is also important to see that both operators - London Midland and First Great Western - are working together and they have all got the message that we are resolute in our desire for improvement. "Following the improvements to Malvern Link station, there are renewed plans underway to enhance Pershore station and improved rolling stock will be introduced to add capacity to the busy Cotswold Line services. "We all agree that the long-term aspiration must be the dualling of more sections of the line, many more services and the significant reduction of journey times to London. "I and my Westminster colleagues will continue to scrutinise the rail companies' progress and hope that our efforts will lead to a significant improvement for commuters."