FASTER and more regular trains between Cornwall and London should be at the heart of any new franchise wishing to take over rail services in the South West.

That was the argument of Falmouth and Truro MP Sarah Newton when rail minister Theresa Villiers visited Truro Station last week.

The visit came as the Department for Transport, following a consultation with key stakeholders, considers bids from companies keen to take on the Great Western rail franchise.

The franchise covers the Penzance-Paddington line, and a large number of branch lines across the South West. A new version of the franchise was put out to tender by the Department for Transport last month, with the successful bidder due to be announced in December.

Mrs Newton has been working with rail users and consumer groups to ensure that the new franchise meets the rail needs of Cornwall In December 2011 Mrs Newton led a debate in Parliament on the future of the franchise, calling on the government to learn from previous franchises and ensure that the new franchise enhances current rail services.

Improvements suggested by Mrs Newton include upgrading engines and rolling stock, and the introduction of twice daily express services running from Penzance, via Truro and Plymouth, straight onto London.

Support for the introduction of such an express service has come from a number of quarters, including the Plymouth Rail Franchise Task Force who have argued that fast trains capable of travelling between London and Plymouth within three hours could allow Westcountry commuters to reach London by 10am whilst returning home by early evening.

Mrs Newton has also argued for the retention of the current sleeper service and for the inclusion of the Maritime Line, which has experienced a 90 per cent increase in passenger numbers since 2007, within the Great Western rail franchise.

Mrs Newton has continued to make representations to the government calling for these measures, and accompanied Mrs Villers on the visit in order to make the case directly to her.

Mrs Newton said: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to travel down the beautiful Maritime Line with the minister and outline to her the need for changes that will make a real difference to the journeys of Cornwall’s rail passengers and boost our connectivity with other parts of the UK.

“It is important that the new rail franchise builds on the improvements recently made by First Great Western whilst meeting the challenges of rail electrification.

“I will continue to campaign for better rail services for my constituents, and look forward to working closely with the successful bidder to ensure that changes are effectively implemented.”