MP MANUELA Perteghella is calling for Stratford to get better connected.
She is seeking direct and improved connections to London and Birmingham from the town for which she is an MP.
Good quality public transport drives the economic prosperity of the region and fuels the hospitality and tourism industry which makes up a sizeable portion of the local economy. Increased public transport use can also contribute to carbon emission reductions.
Dr Perteghella said: “It needs to be easier for Stratfordians to commute by train. At present, journeys to satellite cities require people to change trains, thus cutting local people off from employment opportunities and reducing the potential economic benefit of tourism from the big cities. Better connections will give businesses and residents much more access to opportunity.”
Following a meeting with key stakeholders, she added: “I was pleased to meet with the Shakespeare Line Rail User Group, county and district councillors, Chiltern Railways and West Midlands Trains on September 26 to discuss the future of rail services for Stratford-upon-Avon. Reliability for passengers must remain the immediate priority, but there is also a clear opportunity to expand our rail connectivity in the coming years.
“Following the announcement of new and additional trains for Chiltern Railways in August, they are reviewing timetable improvements for their Stratford-upon-Avon services. Any improvements to connectivity would start in December 2026 subject to industry approval processes. I will continue to work with rail operators, local authorities, and community groups to ensure that Stratford residents and businesses benefit from more frequent, reliable, and sustainable train services.”
