Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect Chair for 2022/23

DECISION:

 

To re-elect Councillor Eryl Jones-Williams as Chair for this committee 2022/23

 

RESOLVED TO ELECT COUNCILLOR ERYL JONES-WILLIAMS AS CHAIR FOR 2022/23

 

To elect Vice-chair for 2022/23

To elect Councillor Dewi Owen as Vice-chair for this committee 2022/23.

 

RESOLVED TO ELECT COUNCILLOR DEWI OWEN AS VICE-CHAIR FOR 2022/23

 

Apologies were received from Cllr Louise Hughes (Cyngor Gwynedd), Cllr Elin Hywel (Cyngor Gwynedd), Cllr Dafydd Meurig (Cabinet Member for the Environment - Cyngor Gwynedd), Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP), Mabon ap Gwynfor (Dwyfor Meirionnydd AM), Claire Williams (Cambrian Railway Partnership Officer), Stuart Williams (Tal-y-llyn Railway), Chris Wilson (Ceredigion County Council) and David Thorp (Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn).

 

The Chair noted that Councillor Louise Hughes had recently received surgery, and she was wished a full and speedy recovery. 

 

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present

To consider any business which the Chairman decides is urgent.

None to note

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 11^th February 2022

The Chair accepted the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on 11 February 2022, as a true record.

 

·         Network Rail

·         Transport for Wales

·         British Transport Police

 

NETWORK RAIL

 

Richard Griffiths (Head of Communications, Network Rail for Wales and the West) and Sara Crombie (Network Rail Communications Manager) were welcomed to the meeting.

 

Update on upgrading Barmouth viaduct

 

Key images and facts were presented on the work completed on the viaduct thus far. It was noted that the work had been challenging and physically difficult for the workers as the working conditions were dependent on the weather and the bridge was also in much worse condition than was initially considered.  It was reported that the original proposal was to close the viaduct for one period between September and December 2022, however, to reduce the impact on rail services, the community and the local economy it had been resolved to close the line for two shorter periods so that it would be possible to re-open the railway for school half-term and the Christmas period.

 

The railway between Machynlleth and Pwllheli was closed for five weeks from Sunday evening, 11 September until Saturday, 15 October, re-opening for four weeks to include half-term. The second closure period was from Sunday evening, 13 November with a proposed re-opening on Saturday, 10 December for the Christmas period.  It was added that the working days on the viaduct in 2023 had not been confirmed.

 

Update on Aberdyfi viaduct, Y Bwthyn and the Leri

 

As well as the work in Barmouth, it was reported that repair work was also being undertaken to the Viaducts of the Dyfi, Leri and Bwthyn.  It was reported that the Aberdyfi viaduct was in a poor condition - there was a need to fully renovate the structure. Images were presented to show the condition of the timber and the steelwork. 

 

It was added that work to renovate the track was being completed in Tywyn, and Network Rail would take every possible opportunity to undertake maintenance work whilst the railway was closed.  It was noted that the work for 2023 would be organised jointly with Transport for Wales and the Freight Service.

 

They were thanked for the update. The Chair noted that the Committee appreciated the investment.

 

Observations and other matters raised during the discussion:

·         That the work of renovating tracks in Tywyn was proceeding well.

·         The issues with transportation for schools during the closure period had been resolved.

·         Because of good collaboration between agencies, it was possible to install a new bridge over the railway in Aberdyfi. 

·         It was good to see money being invested and work being completed along the railway.

·         Thanks was given to local officers for their work raising awareness about railway safety.

 

In response to a question regarding the Harlech railway crossing and had there been any reduction in trespassing since the campaign held earlier in the year, it was noted that risk assessments had not been undertaken on specific crossings but a campaign to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To discuss a suggestion made by the Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth Rail Liaison Committee (SARLC) to combine both the SARLC and the Coast Committees

 

A proposal was received from the Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Railway Liaison Committee (SARLC) to recommend an arrangement that the Cambrian Coast Railway Liaison Committee joined the SARLC to establish one group under the umbrella of the North and Mid Wales Local Councils Association.  In the minutes of the SARLC Committee held on 04/11/22, it was noted that the matter had been discussed in detail with a report including the reasoning and full recommendation - the recommendation had been proposed by Cllr Trevor Roberts and seconded by Angus Eikhoff - the vote was unanimous in favour of the proposal.  

Observations and other matters raised during the discussion:

·         There was a purpose to join with them in order to avoid losing out on the discussions.

·         It was accepted that they should continue separately, however, there was concern regarding calling officers to two meetings.

·         The Cambrian Committee discussed local matters - this would be lost in a larger forum.

·         The Cambrian Committee worked well - it met twice a year and Network Rail and Transport for Wales officers attended every time.

·         Representation from the Cambrian in SARLC meetings - appropriate information had been received.

·         Transport for Wales had not declared their support for both committees to merge.

 

It was proposed and seconded to adhere to the existing arrangements and ensure a close link with SARLC.

 

To receive responses to questions received

Barmouth Town Council

 

Question:

The new trains will reduce capacity and the number of toilets. TfW initially told us that we would be getting 3 carriage trains which would increase capacity.  Now it appears that new trains will only be 2 carriages which will reduce capacity on a line that is already very busy and crowded in the main season. Can TfW confirm that the new trains will be 3 carriages?

 

Answer:

Transport for Wales will use the 3 carriages as required.  GJ noted that she had not been informed about anything different, but she had sent an e-mail to check this.

 

Question:

The access doors from the ticket office and waiting area to the platform no longer open automatically. This was reported 3 years ago and has been reported many times in the intervening years and nothing has been done to fix them.  This makes access to the platform difficult as in the winter it is not possible to leave the doors open. It makes waiting in the covered area impossible - many older rail users prefer to sit indoors whilst waiting for the train to arrive.  If the doors are permanently open then the waiting area and ticket office are very cold, and on windy days all the information in the waiting area blows around. Can you let us know when the doors will be fixed?   

 

Answer:

An application had been made for a maintenance inspection to repair the door and if it could not be repaired a new door would be required. 

 

Are the litter bins on the platform (Northbound) going to be replaced? The bins on the Southbound platform are small and the one by the main entrance has been removed.  Is it possible to look at more bins?

 

Comment accepted

 

Llanbedr Community Council

 

Question:

I understand that Talwrn Bach Station will be upgraded in the spring, what exactly will these improvements be? 

 

Request for details / ideas of what is required in relation to upgrading the station.

 

Question:

When will the new trains be in operation?

 

Answer:

The new trains be in operation in 2023.

 

Question:

Is there any feedback about the work of the volunteers who have adopted the Station here in Llanbedr?  Several inspections have been carried out so far.

 

Answer:

An update was received from Community Railways

 

That the station adopters were aware that finance was available to install artwork instructions in the station.  There was currently finance to print any design and if the artwork together with the details of the supplier could be provided, then the invoice could be paid.  It was added that the station manager had agreed to revamp the existing shelter in the spring with the support of his team.

 

A conference for the Cambrian railway volunteers would take place in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.