TRAIN services in Worcestershire will not be affected by First Great Western’s decision to quit its rail contract three years ahead of schedule.

The company, which runs services linking Worcestershire and Herefordshire to London, has an option to extend its existing franchise beyond March 2013.

But yesterday, it announced intentions to re-bid for a longer-term contract under the new Greater Western franchise which will accompany investment in the region’s network.

A spokesman for FGW said services in the county would not be affected by the change.

Mark Hopwood, managing director of First Great Western, said: “By announcing this now, the Department for Transport can develop longer term franchise plans for the management of the Greater Western franchise and the delivery of key projects on the route.

“First Great Western remains focused on delivering a high quality service for our customers in the region, now and throughout the remainder of the franchise.”