EVESHAM and the Cotswolds may have a new train company running services throughout the region from April next year, it was revealed this week.

More high-speed 125 trains and a dedicated track during peak hours are just two of the proposals from a new contender for the Greater Western franchise.

National Express Group, which already operates Wessex Trains, has formally submitted a bid to the Department of Transport for the new Greater Western franchise, which will serve stations between Worcestershire and London.

The new franchise will create an integrated network of services from London to the South Midlands, South Wales and the West Country and between Bristol and the south coast.

More than 300,000 passenger journeys a day (100 million passenger days a year) are made across the area covered by the new Greater Western franchise, which is also being applied for by the current operator First Western.

National Express, which claims to be the most experienced train operator in the UK, has discussed the issue with local councillors , MPs and rail user groups.

The main points raised by rail users were the need for improvements in car parks and stations and better management of overcrowding during peak travel times.National Express was one of three transport companies to bid to a tender document issued in June by the Strategic Rail Authority. Under the terms of the tender the bid contents cannot be revealed.

However, the company did say that proposals included more 125mph trains, additional peak hour seats into and out of London and segregation in Monday to Friday peak hours use of the two pairs of tracks between Paddington and Reading, with exclusive use of main lines by 125mph trains to help improve performance and minimise delay.