West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that Network Rail has confirmed a 12-week study to assess plans to add extra sections of dualling to the Cotswold Line.

The confirmation follows a debate led by Harriett in Westminster pressing for more investment to speed up journeys between the county and London and the South East.

The project hopes to dual two new sections of track – one between Evesham and Pershore and another towards Oxford.

This week, Worcestershire Parkway station opened and designers ensured that the new station can be dualled as well, if further projects go ahead.

Harriett said: “A future-proofed new Worcestershire Parkway station has been a long-term ambition of mine, but that must go hand-in-hand with affordable, piecemeal projects to return more dualled track towards Oxford.

“Discussions are well advanced to add a new platform, car park and connecting bridge at Pershore and I am really pleased that Network Rail has agreed to look into this latest plan in detail.

“This project meets return on investment criteria and has the backing of business, local authorities and the MPs.

“I hope that this is a springboard to deliver much faster, more frequent, more reliable services for commuters travelling to and from London, Oxford and the South East.”