Enterprise chiefs could help to boost investment to rail services across the county as part of a pledge to government.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) have revealed their draft Statement of Intent which will set out what the county can offer Government and UK businesses, propose potential funding asks of Government and lay out the economic opportunity of the county.

The draft statement, revealed to the Dorset LEP board last month could see the LEP work with wider partners and Government to prioritise investment in the South West Mainline between Weymouth and London Waterloo.

In a statement, the LEP said: “A successful 21st Century economy rests upon unimpeded communication and connectivity.

“We want all of Dorset to be able to travel efficiently within the county and beyond.

“Dorset will be a hub for digital infrastructure, including 5G, and our residents will be in easy reach of our employment centres, natural assets and our economic partners such as Bristol and the wider South West, the Solent area and the wider South Coast, London, and the Midlands.”

Lorna Carver, director of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Our transport network is critical to the future growth and prosperity of Dorset. Rail connections to major cities and important airports need to be improved locally and regionally for our economy to grow and thrive.”

It comes as South Western Railway pledged to invest £1.2bn over seven years with passengers being able to expect to see a series of improvements, to include; 92 new Aventra trains and 52,000 overall seating capacity Network Rail has also pledged £2bn billion to improve service in the Wessex region.

Proposed projects include undertaking a programme of renewing old Victorian railway bridges and modernising or closing level crossings which will mean a more efficient and safer railway for trains.

SWR also plans to invest £90m into improvements across its stations and to support local communities with greater connectivity.

Jeremy Long, CEO for European Business at MTR, co-owner of South Western Railway, said: “Together with FirstGroup, we will bring this to bear for passengers in London and the south-west, and help deliver a major programme of upgrades across the South Western network.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax added that improving rail links to Weymouth was vital to creating wealth and prosperity in the area.