LAST week's Autumn Statement by Chancellor Philip Hammond could lead to a revitalised transport system for Evesham and The Cotswolds if certain officials and councillors "get off their backsides", according to a railway promotion group..

Improvements for the area could mean a direct rail service between Evesham and Birmingham and expanded infrastructure to cope with a planned 6,000 new homes. These schemes could come from a new infrastructure fund of £2.3bn for new developments announced by the Chancellor, along with £542m released to Midlands Local Enterprise Partnerships.

However, action is reliant on a feasibility study being launched and completed so that money can be applied for. "People need to get off their backsides and start taking action now before the money disappears, " said Fraser Pithie, secretary of the Shakespeare Line Promotion Group. "I can see no reason why a study should not be completed within about 12 months and then we can see the way forward.

"At this stage we are asking for a proper, full and comprehensive study to take place that will independently and objectively set out if rail expansion is viable, desirable and affordable. The expansion would involve reopening the railway between Honeybourne and Stratford upon Avon, which was closed in 1976. Reinstatement of the line would allow a new station at Long Marston and direct rail services with Oxford, the Thames Valley and London, while also providing Evesham with a direct train service via Stratford to Birmingham with a journey time of just one hour. Worcestershire and Gloucestershire county council's support the line's reinstatement, as does Vale MP Nigel Huddleston. But we do not believe the current position of indifference by Warwickshire County Council, the local transport authority for Stratford, is tenable.

"Undertaking a complete feasibility study and economic impact study should not be considered as support for any expansion of rail services that includes the reopening of the Stratford – Honeybourne route. However, a study is the only means to provide an adequate level of objective information from which support or opposition towards any expansion can be determined.

"It is not acceptable, especially as in the case of Stratford upon Avon where private financial contributions from developers have been offered in addition to the financial support announced by Government, for local authorities to dismiss the enabling of a comprehensive study and business case. Once a study was completed, the local authorities could then take a view as to support or oppose any rail expansion that would provide direct services, greater connectivity and reduce road traffic volumes."

The annual increase in passenger usage at Honeybourne station is currently running at nine per cent, which is more than twice the national average. This means the station is unable to cope with car parking demand, preventing passengers for later services being able to use rail services.

Mr Pithie added: "Any further prevarication and sitting on hands by Warwickshire based local authorities, and this extends to Stratford's Member of Parliament, Nadhim Zahawi, will amount to a dereliction by those charged to ensure small and medium businesses thrive and grow, while the amenity of life for residents is protected by ensuring it is not undermined by unsustainable levels of new development caused by inadequate infrastructure."