Plans for a new service between Watford Junction and Aylesbury are on the county council’s wish-list for an improved rail service.

Although Hertfordshire County Council has no powers over the delivery of rail services in the county, it has identified a number of improvements to make Watford Junction a "super hub".

The council's draft rail strategy calls for the number of services from Watford to Birmingham New Street to be doubled, as well as new hourly services to Manchester and Liverpool.

The document says there should be two West London Line services an hour – and the service should be extended to Gatwick Airport.

It also calls for a rail-air coach link to Heathrow too.

The strategy highlights the benefits of an upgrade to the Abbey Line, which currently runs between St Albans Abbey and Watford Junction, for a twice hourly service and a new direct connection to Rickmansworth and to Aylesbury, which would require a new viaduct or routing along an old railway line.

The document adds that Watford Junction is currently "inadequate" to deal with the 8.5 million passengers using the station and forecourt each year.

There are already long-term existing proposals to redevelop Watford Junction, which the county council are involved in - including a new ticket hall, second entrance, shops, new bus station, new passenger bridge, and 350 homes.

The draft strategy, which also includes a proposal for a rail link between Stevenage and Luton, also states last trains out of London should be no earlier than 1am, and calls for lighting, CCTV, and adequate staffing at stations and on trains, particularly at night.

The draft strategy was considered by a meeting of the county council’s growth, infrastructure, planning and the economy cabinet panel on December 4.

Public consultation on the county council’s draft rail strategy is due to start on January 6 and run until March 30.