The Government is considering a major shake-up of local rail services by consulting on splitting Great Western rail franchise to encourage better investment in local services. And as part of the consultation, the Government will be seeking local views on converting the Cotswold Line into a stand-alone franchise like the Chiltern Line. Rail Minister Paul Maynard has written to West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin confirming that the Department has agreed to consider the fresh approach as part of the public consultation, which runs until February. Harriett has written to the Minister in recent months asking the Government to consider splitting off the Cotswold Line to encourage better investment in the long-neglected rail route which is an offshoot of the major Great Western franchise. Harriett commented: “I am pleased that the Government has agreed to take this fresh approach and I hope that local people will take the time to consider these proposals and have their say. “The Cotswold Line is an important commuter link for people living in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire but it is really a tiny part of the massive Great Western franchise. “I hope that by looking at the concept of splitting the franchise, fresh operators will seriously look at this proposal but also that it will wake up the current franchise holder who has become lazy and complacent. “Our common aim must be to deliver faster, more frequent, more reliable services for county commuters and I will work with any rail operator who is willing and able to deliver on this ambition.”