Local MP Marcus Jones has welcomed the consultation launched by London Midland to increase the speed of their services to London Euston to 110mph, which would reduce the travelling time by up to half an hour for journeys from Nuneaton to London.

The consultation by London Midland, named ‘Project 110’, seeks to change the peak and off-peak service pattern of London Midland services operating between London, Northampton, Birmingham and Crewe. By modifying the Class 350 fleet to operate at 110mph instead of 100mph it is possible to create two 110mph fast line paths within the same footprint as one 100mph fast line path between Euston and Milton Keynes.

Commenting on the consultation, Marcus said: “This is a very welcome development but clearly there is a need to be cautious as it is, at this stage, only a consultation.

“However, any move to reduce the journey time between Nuneaton and London Euston is very positive and should any application be made to the Department for Transport following this consultation, it will have my wholehearted support.

“Improving journey times and having a form of fast train service to London is vital for the Nuneaton economy. It will allow affordable, efficient rail services to be utilised by local businesses, give Nuneaton residents the opportunity to broaden their employment horizons and help the town attract much needed inward investment.”