RAIL passengers between Worcester and London can look forward to more reliable services in the future thanks to Network Rail's plans to improve the Cotswold line.

But it could be up to five years before travellers see the benefits of any changes.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff says he has received a letter from rail minister Tom Harris saying the Network Rail plans to lay a second track alongside the existing single track along parts or all of the line.

Mr Harris's letter says: "Since we last corresponded on the question of investment to address the constraints presented by the single line sections of the Cotswold line, Network Rail has announced that it is proposing to carry out redoubling. At this stage Network Rail has not yet taken a final view on whether the redoubling should encompass all or only part of the single track sections of this line."

The Cotswold Line was a double track from 1853 until the early 1970s when, in the aftermath of the Beeching cuts, sections of one track were removed over a period of about 10 years. Mr Luff said: "There have been hints and expressions of hope, but this is the first time I have had it in writing from a Government minister that redoubling will take place. This is a tremendous development that holds out the prospect of real improvements in services between Worcestershire, Oxford and London. I could not be more pleased."

He said passengers, businesses and local authorities should now press Network Rail to redouble as much of the line as possible.

But Network Rail has not confirmed that a second track will be laid along sections of the Cotswold line.

A spokesman said: "We are looking at options to improve performance and the infrastructure along the Cotswold line. However, details on the scope of the work and the funding have yet to be confirmed."

Chairman of the Cotswold line promotion group Derek Potter said he knew Network Rail had been re-evaluating the costs and benefits of redoubling parts of the Cotswold line and officials were due to visit the area in February.

"In general terms, we would applaud anything that makes the Cotswold line better. I am sure it is good news but until I see what the proposals are it is difficult to comment."

He said the impetus to make improvements to the Cotswold line was coming from Network Rail itself as it was in its own interest. "It has to look at the financial implications because the Cotswold line does affect the performance of other lines. It is causing problems for the Paddington to Didcot line."

He said any improvements would probably not materialise until 2011 and would entail making the current services more reliable rather than putting on more trains.

For more details on Network Rail services in Worcestershire and neighbouring counties, visit www.networkrail.co.uk or phone 08457 11 41 41.