SIR Michael Spicer is turning up the heat on the Strategic Rail Authority to improve Worcestershire's train services.

The West Worcestershire MP has written to SRA chairman David Quarmby urging him to use the break-up of Central Trains to enhance the county's connections with Birmingham.

His call follows similar correspondence from county colleague Peter Luff, MP for Mid-Worcestershire, who has expressed concerns that Worcestershire could be short-changed in the impending shake-up.

Mr Luff and Worcester MP Michael Foster also used a Westminster Hall debate last week to urge Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins to step in to improve services when the SRA is abolished.

But Ms Atkins gave no new hope of improved services between Worcestershire and Birmingham.

She would only say that the MPs would be able to feed their concerns into consultation on a new route utilisation strategy, currently being drawn up by the SRA.

The Minister also failed to address complaints about the sparsity of services between Worcestershire and London.

Sir Michael said today: "I receive frequent complaints about the standard of rail service between Malvern and Birmingham.

"The removal of the franchise from Central Trains provides a good opportunity for the rail authority to insist that the new franchisee addresses the specific problems which are causing irritation and distress to my constituents."

Complaints about services between Birmingham and the county focus on the low frequency of trains and their lack of punctuality.

Sir Michael added: "It is particularly important that a commuter service such as this one should be frequent and on time.

"This has not been the case in recent times. I look forward to receiving assurances from the Rail Authority on these matters in the very near future."

In his letter to Mr Quarmby, Sir Michael said he would be "most grateful" if the SRA would address his constituents' concerns when the new franchises are decided in the summer.