RAIL operator Great Western has been told it must focus on the needs of its customers using the Cotswold Line, which links Malvern, Worcester, Pershore and Evesham to Oxford and London.

Rail minister Jo Johnson has written to MP Harriett Baldwin confirming the new requirement, which has also been published in the government’s response to a consultation on the future of the Great Western franchise.

Although the minister ruled out splitting the franchise, he confirmed there is scope in the longer term to re-examine franchise boundaries.

Mrs Baldwin said: “I have been concerned that over recent years, the franchise holder has neglected its commitments to the Cotswold Line, promised as part of its renewal in 2015.

“I am pleased that the Department for Transport has acknowledged this issue and is insisting that the rail operator should improve its focus on delivering what local passengers want.

“We all want to see faster, more frequent, more reliable services for county commuters and I hope that this will lead to an improved level of attention by Great Western Railways."

“I’m also pleased that the department is willing to look in the longer term at re-drawing the franchise boundaries and hopefully allowing us to move the line into a new franchise agreement.

“There is some good news with the recent commitment to build a longer platform at Pershore and train companies agreeing to stop at the new Worcestershire Parkway station but we are all eager to see improved performance for regular rail commuters to and from the county."