Harriett Baldwin has today written to the Transport Minister setting out her requirements for a dramatically improved London train service. The MP was responding to a consultation invitation ahead of a new franchise bidding process later this year. Harriett has posted her response to the consultation online as well as sending a copy to Transport Minister Theresa Villiers. The Department is currently working on a high speed rail link to Birmingham while county commuters face up to journeys to London which can take almost three hours. Harriett commented: “An improved train connection with London is vital to the future prosperity of the county. “I have also asked the Department to look again at the proposals for Worcester Parkway which has now been under discussion for more than two decades without any clear progress. “With our motorways full beyond capacity, it is vital that our trains offer a viable alternative to the car. “I am also keen to reduce the number of people from the county who have to drive to Birmingham, Warwick or even Newport to get on a fast train to London by offering them a speedy reliable local alternative. “I will continue to press the case at the Department and in the House of Commons, for a long-overdue 21st century train service for Worcestershire people.” | First Great Western franchise consultation response