Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect Chair for 2023/24

DECISION:

To elect Councillor Dewi Owen as Chair for this committee 2023/24

RESOLVED to elect Councillor Dewi Owen as Chair of this Committee for 2023/24.

To elect Vice Chair for 2023/24

DECISION

To elect Councillor Gwynfor Owen as Vice-chair for this committee 2023/24

RESOLVED to elect Councillor Dewi Owen as Chair of this Committee for 2023/24.

To receive any apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Mabon ap Gwynfor (Dwyfor Meirionnydd MS), Councillor Elfed Wyn ap Elwyn (Cyngor Gwynedd) and Clare Williams (Cambrian Railway Partnership). 

To receive any declaration of personal interest

No declarations of personal interest were received from any members present.

To consider any business which the Chairman decides is urgent.

None to note

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on 31st March 2023, be signed as a true record.

The Chair accepted the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on 31 March 2023, as a true record.

To receive an update from representatives.

·         Network Rail

·         Transport for Wales

·         British Transport Police

NETWORK RAIL

Tomos Roberts and Charlotte Harries (Network Rail Communications Managers) were welcomed to the meeting.

Update on upgrading Barmouth viaduct

It was reported that the bridge upgrades and additional repair works on the railway were completed and that the railway between Pwllheli and Machynlleth and the footpath along the viaduct would re-open on 2/12/2023. It was added that an official event to celebrate the opening had been arranged in the Dragon Theatre on 8 December 2023. It was confirmed that the work had been completed on time and thanks were given to the committee and to the local communities for being patient during the work.

Update on Aberdyfi viaduct

It was reported that, as with Barmouth viaduct, Aberdyfi viaduct also re-opened at the end of October and that the work of fully renovating the structure had been completed successfully.

The officers were thanked for the update and the investment was appreciated locally.

Update on Local Enterprises

It was reported that the Local Team for the Cambrian had been created under the leadership of Gwyn Rees (Network Rail Performance and Transformation Director for Wales and the Cambrian Local Railway Partnership Director). It was highlighted that the team ensured collaboration between Network Rail and Transport for Wales and that response to the team's work thus far had been positive. With collaboration between Transport for Wales and Network Rail, four-carriage trains were re-introduced on the railway during the summer. With spectacular views along the Cambrian, the four-carriage campaign allowed more people to take full advantage of the popular journey by increasing revenue and boosting the local economy. Reference was also made to the work of washing the carriage windows in the stations which highlighted the team's proactive attitude towards improving the passengers' experience.

They were thanked for the update.

Observations arising from the ensuing discussion:

·         Highlight pride that the bridge had been opened and that the railway between Machynlleth and Pwllheli would open on 2/12/23.

·         The work had been approved – it was completed under very challenging circumstances.

·         Although there were complaints regarding the bus service that ran whilst the railway was closed, there was only one official complaint, and it was due to floods.

·         That the period felt long, especially for school children.

·         Thanks to Barmouth Community Group for regular updates regarding the work.

·         Welcomed four-carriage trains. Despite this, only one return journey with four carriages ran per day during the summer holidays.

·         That cleaning the train windows was a simple solution - this was appreciated.

·         That free travel was offered to travellers over 60 years of age, only during the winter - a request to consider extending this throughout the year.

·         Thanks to Network Rail for visiting the rail crossing path in Porthmadog and for listening to the Town Council and local residents' comments. Welcomed the decision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To receive responses to formal questions

Cricieth Town Council:

Question: Would it be possible to paint Cricieth station? 'Cricieth in Bloom’ worked very hard on improvements and grounds maintenance there, and the station receiving a coat of paint would be a big boost to improve its appearance and welcome users.

Reply: Unfortunately, Gail Jones of Transport for Wales was not in attendance - TfW were responsible for matters of painting stations.  It was noted that it would be possible to ask for a written response by TfW.

Question: Graffiti has been painted on some of the bridges between Cricieth and Black Rock - would it be possible for you to remove it?

NR Reply: A request was made for more details regarding the graffiti - its location and any photos that could be shared. It was added that it would be possible to send out a community team to deal with the matter.

Thanks were given for the question.

Councillor Eryl Jones-Williams

Question: An update was needed on the results from a recent survey (held during the summer) of the opinions of passengers on the Cambrian Railway. 

Reply: Councillor Trevor Roberts noted that he would present the report in the next meeting but that some of the observations included concerns that the new trains would offer fewer seats and toilets in the carriages - this would lead to full, unsafe trains. 

Network Rail and British Transport Police were thanked for their support and for responding to the matters raised at the Committee.  They were encouraged to ensure that there was clear communication with the public regarding any events / updates.

The next meeting to be held in spring 2024 - LHE to arrange.