Trains between Stratford and London reinstated

Daily trains running between Stratford-upon-Avon and London are to be reinstated.

Chiltern Railways said a direct return service would run between the town and London Marylebone from 14 December.

MP Manuela Perteghella said she welcomed the "milestone" news after campaigning for the change since she was elected two years ago.

To begin with, there will be two services a day, working around Royal Shakespeare Company matinee performances on weekdays.

Perteghella said she had been meeting with bosses at Chiltern Railways and made the case in parliament to reinstate the direct trains.

She said: "This is a great win for local businesses such as shops, cafes and restaurants and our theatres, and it offers more choice to local people who want to visit the capital.

Commenting on the ongoing campaign for more commuter trains, she added: "Commuters may be able to catch one direct train during weekdays, but we need more services to make this a reality for people wishing to commute for work.

"The welcome return of direct trains to London is a milestone in my campaign, but I want to see more services for my constituents."

The Liberal Democrat MP said she would continue to campaign for more services from Stratford to Birmingham, London and Oxford.

A Chiltern Railways spokesperson said its upcoming timetable change in December would provide 10,000 additional seats each weekday across the whole network.

The company added: "The timetable is currently being finalised and we will share further details, including service times, in the coming months."

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