Worcestershire's rail links are set to strengthen following the Government's announcement of over £100 million in funding.

Last week an additional £123 million was committed to bolster the Midlands Rail Hub, an upgrade project which aims to boost the capacity and frequency of rail services for passengers across the region and beyond.

The first phase of the initiative, which is being funded by the reallocation of HS2 funds, will allow for increased train services in multiple directions.

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In particular, there will be an extra hourly train between central Birmingham and Worcester.

Train services between Bromsgrove and Birmingham will also be increased to four per hour, with Redditch Cross City service elevated to three trains per hour.

Moreover, an additional train will operate every hour on the Birmingham to Cardiff service, via Worcester Parkway.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for economy, infrastructure and skills, said: "This is fantastic news for our county and will allow the Midlands Rail Hub project to really push forward.

"We recognise the importance of rail travel, and the announcement of this funding is another step towards improving services for our residents, businesses and those visiting our county."

The aim of the project is to improve rail connectivity, and stimulate economic growth in the Midlands and further to the southwest.

This scheme is part of the Government's Network North Transport Plan, which has pledged to commit £1.75 billion to fully fund the hub.

Depending on future decisions, this initial project stage could be finished as early as the 2030s.

Recently, the county council launched its new rail strategy.

The plan is looking to facilitate railway enhancements across the county and outlines the county’s medium and long-term plans up to 2050.

This includes more frequent trains to London, superior nationwide connectivity, the introduction of a fast Worcestershire to Bristol service, the implementation of Worcester Shrub Hill and Redditch plans, and the modernisation of Worcester area signalling.

For further details, visit http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wris.