Rural rail service should improve

A Hereford MP has had assurances from the government that train services on the Cotswold Line will be improved.

Paul Keetch wrote to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling about continual problems with late-running trains between Birmingham and Hereford.

Railway minister Derek Twigg replied saying discussions were ongoing with Central Trains to improve timetabling.

Mr Keetch said: "Myself and many constituents have been at the receiving end of delayed trains for many years."

He added: "I look forward to the publication of new timetables and hope they will go some way to delivering more punctual and reliable services in the county and that a direct service will be delivered without inconvenience to passengers."

The new timetables should start in June.