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Sunday, 16 February, 2003, 11:11 GMT
MP impressed by train signals
Passengers on platform
Worcestershire rail passengers complained to their MP
Improvements to the train services between Worcestershire and Birmingham are in the pipeline, a county MP has been told.

Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said he was impressed by the honesty of the answers that he was given by Central Trains managing director Nick Brown at a meeting in London.

Mr Luff was told that projects were in the pipeline on the Droitwich Spa line and at Worcester that could offer a solution to passenger complaints.

It could also lead to more stops at Hartlebury station, near Kidderminster.

Crowded timetable

Complaints have been received by the MP about overcrowding, dirty carriages and late trains.

"I was impressed by Mr Brown's honesty," said the MP.

"He said that Central Trains had made mistakes, especially by trying to fit in too many trains to a crowded timetable.

"This had meant any delay had serious knock-on consequences, but the changes made to the timetable had already brought significant improvements."

Real agenda

Mr Luff said Mr Brown admitted that information at stations, particularly at Birmingham Snow Hill, was often poor.

"I will be putting pressure on Network Rail to ensure proper priority is given to improving the reliability of the railway in Worcestershire," Mr Luff added.

"I now have a real agenda of issues to fight for to give my constituents the rail service they need.

"Although Central Trains have made mistakes and had problems, I was impressed by their determination to improve."


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