EVESHAM MP Peter Luff has called on the new train operator for the Cotswold Line, First Great Western, to pay particular attention to the town's station.

Mr Luff has written to Chris Kinchin-Smith, managing director of First Great Western, asking him to pay attention to the poor service offered in the past.

"There has been a failure to move on disability access, poor information, closed waiting rooms, low staffing levels leading to fears of crime, and reduced ticket office opening hours," he says. "If First Great Western could improve the lot of the traveller to and from Evesham I think you would do yourself a lot of good and boost travel as well."

Mr Luff commented: "First Great Western will have a real opportunity to improve services along the Cotswold Line when they take over the combined franchise and run all the services to and from London. I hope they will be able to keep their promise of an hourly service using the Adelante units."

Tim Bocock, spokesman for First Great Western, said: "We welcome Mr Luff's comments.

"The preferred bidder status means the Strategic Rail Authority is still deciding which of the options that First has put forward will be accepted. Whichever one is chosen will affect the service offered."