Agenda item

To receive a report by Mr Samuel Hadley, Network Rail.

Mr Sam Hadley, Wales Route Public Affairs Manager, was welcomed to the meeting and he reported on the following matters:

 

(a)          Extreme weather – it was highlighted the exceptionally quick recovery from the severe weather experienced across Wales last week, compounded by an issue which saw the temporary withdrawal of the 175/ 1758  fleet due to wheel damage.  The Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales’ teams worked heroically across Wales tackling a range of different weather impacts from 8ft high snow drifts to giant icicles in the Ffestiniog tunnel and frozen points and signals across the network.

 

Particular tribute was extended to the track and off-track teams based out of the Machynlleth Depot.  They worked tirelessly on Thursday / Friday and then over the weekend inspecting points, proving the route and helping to clear the access path to Machynlleth Station and elsewhere.

 

It was further noted that there were 25 fallen trees on the route between Dyfi Junction and Pwllheli alone.   Network Rail received fantastic feedback from the public over the course of the bad weather.

 

The officers and members of the Conference paid particular tribute and thanked frontline staff for their incredible efforts and hard work in the toughest of circumstances.

 

(b)          Strategic Business Plan

 

Members’ attention was drawn to the fact that Network Rail had published its first strategic business plan for the devolved Wales and Borders route last month, which is a key document in terms of funding for the next contract period.  It focuses entirely on operations, maintenance and renewals – “the steady state” railway as enhancements will now be considered separately.  In terms of local interest, the plan does include the £20m+ refurbishment of Barmouth Viaduct, as part of a £1.3b total funding package.  This is the first time the devolved Wales Route will receive its own regulated financial settlement and Network Rail believe that it has developed a robust plan.  The last of a series of formal meetings with the regulator, The Office of Rail and Road, have recently been completed and hopefully a full settlement of the bid submitted will be received as part of the plan. 

 

It has also been important to have the strong support of the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales who have been closely involved with the development of the above plan throughout.  By standing together with the key workers and stakeholders Network Rail believe that they have a fantastic settlement for Wales and Borders.

 

A copy of the summary had been sent to the Members’ Support Officer who would in turn forward the copy onto members of this Committee.

 

(c)           Up-date on key local projects    

 

• Penhelyg Station had been closed for a number of months to allow Network Rail to carry out a complete reconstruction of the platform.  It was noted that the work is progressing really well and on track for the station to re-open on 1^st April.
• Tywyn Station – A scheme will be delivered to make good the platform since an area of the old wooden platform which has rotted is currently cordoned off from passengers, but the station will remain open for the duration of the work.
• Major track renewals, which is a £7.25m project which will see up to 6km of track renewal between Talerddig and Caersws.  Old jointed rail will be replaced with new welded rail reducing noise for those living near the railway and resulting in a better quality ride for passengers.  This also keeps maintenance costs down over the longer term and is part of Network Rail’s longer term strategy to replace jointed track on the Cambrian Line.,
• Other projects included Aberdovey Rock Netting; the River Artro bridge renewal and of course Barmouth Viaduct

 

In conclusion, Mr Hadley stated that Network Rail are committed to the long-term future and growth of the Cambrian and the Cambrian Coast Line.

 

During the ensuing discussion, Members’ noted the following issues:

 

(i)            Concern that there are 5 sets of traffic lights (3 of which are the responsibility of Network Rail) on a 6 mile stretch of road in Aberdyfi and the local member had received complaints by ambulance drivers as well as local bus drivers of the inconvenience, and particularly with Easter approaching the roads and Aberdyfi will be very busy.

 

In response to the above, Mr Hadley stated that he would speak to the Manager of the Project Team and report back to Councillor Dewi Owen, in due course.

 

(ii)           It was reported that Aberdyfi had become very popular with passengers from the Porthmadog area.  The local member stated that a taxi service was available from Penhelyg to the main train station.

 

(iii)          In view of the number of trees which had fallen along the railway line, it was asked whether a tree survey should be undertaken prior to extreme weather. 

 

In response, Mr Hadley stated that Network Rail do undertake regular surveys but some of the trees which had fallen were on third party land.  Whilst appreciating that more could be done in this respect it was stated that it can only be undertaken between September and March.

 

If there are local tree contractors in the area, Mr Sam Hadley agreed to send the details to the Procurement Team for future references.

 

(iv)          In reply to a query from the local member regarding Dyffryn Ardudwy Car Park, Mr Hadley promised to check the latest situation.

 

Resolved        -           To receive, note and thank the officer for his report and attendance at the meeting.