West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin is continuing to press for improved rail connections between the county and London. The MP has quizzed the Secretary of State for Transport on plans to require a faster, more frequent and more reliable service from the new franchise holder for the Cotswold line connection between Worcestershire and Oxford and on to London. Harriett has tabled a series of questions to the Transport Department to identify the plans to improve the service frequency next year. She has pledged to continue the pressure on the Government and Network Rail to invest in redoubling of the lines towards London. The Government will this year have to specify the service requirements for any new franchise holder of the service connecting Worcestershire with the capital. Harriett commented: “Last year saw some important steps towards the improvement of our train links to the capital. “However, in this Olympic year is vital that we acknowledge that a regular train service to London is vital both to encourage tourism and help business. “I will be working with my colleagues in Westminster to continue to push for a better franchise promise from the local line operators and more investment in line improvements to Oxford.”