a) abolition of the requirement, dictated by the existing signalling system, for trains terminating at Worcester Foregate Street from the London direction to proceed to Henwick before returning, thereby allowing a substantially quicker turnaround of services
b) abolition of the existing token systems at Moreton-in-Marsh, Evesham and Norton Junction, and replacement by more modern forms of single-line signalling.
These should be followed by:
c) re-introduction of double track between Worcester Tunnel Junction and Henwick, retaining bi-directional working between Henwick and Worcester Shrub Hill. This may only require the relocation of one set of points and alterations to the associated signalling.
d) provision of passing loops on the single line sections between : -
Wolvercot Junction and Ascott-under-Wychwood, possibly near Combe.
Moreton-in Marsh and Evesham, possibly at Honeybourne
Colwall and the eastern portal of Ledbury Tunnel
e) extension of the existing passing loops at Evesham and Ledbury.
f) insertion of block signals in the double line sections between:-
Ascott-under-Wychwood and Moreton-in-Marsh
Newlands and Malvern Wells
Worcester Shrub Hill and Droitwich Spa
g) insertion of double track leads at Wolvercot, Norton and Shelwick
Junctions
h) reinstatement of double track between Evesham and Norton Junction - preferable to the extension of the passing loop at Evesham suggested in (e).
In themselves these improvements would bring immediate and medium-term benefits. However, future growth of passenger and freight services depends upon more substantial development of the infrastructure.
The CLPG strongly recommends consideration of installation of double track and modern signalling throughout. This would fulfil four primary functions by offering : -