West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has offered her formal backing for plans to build a new train station at Norton near the junction of the M5. The MP has submitted formal feedback to Worcestershire County Council backing the scheme as part of a consultation exercise run by the council. The station is expected to be constructed in time for an opening in May 2017 and will serve both the Cotswold Line between the county and London and also trains between Bristol and Birmingham. Harriett’s consultation response urges the council to ensure that the station is also able to handle a dualled track to Pershore and Evesham in their construction planning. Harriett said: “I have seen the Parkway Station plans and want to ensure that the current infrastructure allows for adaptation to the dualling of the line to Pershore and Evesham. “It is not yet scheduled, but many of us are making the case and I would hope that it can be included in the 2019 Network Rail Strategic Plan.” “I have consistently lobbied to complete this vital piece of work which is one of the major stumbling blocks preventing faster and more frequent trains to and from London. “Having had conversations in Westminster discussing the impact of the single line track on services to Worcestershire, the message is reaching Government that this investment is now crucial to support our economic ambitions. “I also support my colleague Robin Walker MP in his debate in the House of Commons tomorrow on the Cotswold Line “Both he and my neighbouring MP Sir Peter Luff are convinced that investment in rail infrastructure, including a new parkway station, is now a vital part of Worcestershire’s long-term economic plan.”