Agenda item

To receive a report by Mr Dylan Bowen, Network Rail.

No written report was submitted by Network Rail, however, Mr Dylan Bowen reported verbally on the following developments:

 (i)        That Network Rail had written to the stakeholders to advise that there         would be a delay with the work of completing the lift at Machynlleth Station       until March 2016.  Due to the weather forecast for this weekend, it would be          impossible to use the crane and it was trusted that the work could be          completed by March.  

 (ii)       In response to the above, a Member stated his disappointment and that only          one platform could be used and in addition passengers had to wait at Dyfi Junction. Having said this, it was felt that the provision when in place would     be a huge improvement.

(i)           In response to a question by Councillor Owain Williams regarding concern about the delay at Dyfi Junction specifically for passengers from Machynlleth to Pwlheli, Mr Bowen explained that in terms of upgrading the route for road-users Network Rail would be more than willing to collaborate with a third party to provide a plan but it would be more beneficial if such a plan could be included in a wider transport plan. It was stressed that Network Rail would not be responsible as the main driver of any plan in terms of funding but it was ensured that they would collaborate with authorities and he made reference to examples where such plans had been operated to provide car parks in South Wales.

(ii)          It was suggested that an item to discuss Dyfi Junction should be referred to the joint meeting of the Shrewsbury-Aberystwyth Railway Committee and the Cambrian Coast Railway Committee that would take place on 27 November 2015 at y Plas, Machynlleth.  

 (v)       In terms of Cllr Gethin Williams' question regarding implementing a             moratorium on Barmouth Bridge payments during the planning/repair period, Mr Bowen noted that he had discussed the matter earlier with the Member.   It was noted further that Network Rail was in the same position as Gwynedd Council regarding having to find savings with a target to find approximately 20% over the next period. However, discussions were continuing with Gwynedd Council regarding repairing the bridge with the intention of reducing maintenance costs.  It was currently premature to report fully but it was noted that initial discussions were on-going between Network Rail and relevant stakeholders including Gwynedd Council and the Snowdonia National Park and CADW.

 (vi)      Mr David Roberts referred to concern regarding land in the ownership of    Network Rail called Bryn Llestair (Picnic Island) and he was aware that the      South Snowdonia Access Forum had contacted Network Rail regarding the   land yet they had not received a response. The land was used by   approximately 1,000 students from Outward Bound Wales.

(iii)           In response to the above, Mr Bowen noted that he was not aware of the matter, however, if the South Snowdonia Access Forum could contact him and/or via the Member Support Officer he gave an assurance that he would follow the matter up.    

 (viii)       Concern was expressed by Councillor Dewi Owen regarding the excessive overgrowth on land in the ownership of Network Rail between the A493            boundary wall and the railway. It was noted that there were sharp corners on the highway in question and there was a real need to cut back the overgrowth to prevent any accidents.

 (ix)        In response to the above, Mr Bowen noted that Network Rail had a           successful vegetation management plan and that railway safety was a priority for Network Rail. It was suggested that if the Member noted the exact location of the overgrowth and forwarded this to the Member Support Officer she could then send this on to Mr Bowen to follow up. It was further noted that Members could contact the 24 hour helpline with any issues of concern  and if they were not satisfied with the response then they could contact Mr Bowen directly. 

Resolved:             (a)        To request that the Member Support Officer refers the above matters to Mr Dylan Bowen for further attention.

                               (b)  To refer an item to discuss Dyfi Junction to the joint meeting of the Shrewsbury-Aberystwyth Railway Committee and the Cambrian Coast Railway Committee to take place on 27 November 2015 at y Plas, Machynlleth.