IMPROVEMENT work to speed up Chiltern Railways’ trains enters its final phase next week.

As part of a £250m package of enhancements, including a proposed second Rail link between Oxford and London via Bicester, the rail firm is upgrading its main line between London, Bicester, Banbury and Birmingham to allow trains to run at up to 100mph and cut journey times by up to 20 per cent.

An intensive two-week programme of work will start next Monday.

Chiltern’s Karen Bowden said August was chosen as the quietest period of the year to minimise inconvenience to passengers.