Agenda item

To receive responses to the questions enclosed herewith received since the previous meeting.

Formal written questions had been received from Llangelynnin Community Council and Llanbedr Community Council.

Llangelynnin Community Council - work to repair the boundary wall and installation of crash barriers on the A493 between Llwyngwril and Friog. (The response had already been discussed in item 8 above). Councillor Louise Hughes (Llangelynnin Local Member) accepted the response and would report back to the Community Council. 

Llangelynnin Community Council

Regarding installing barriers across the road, SH highlighted that he had discussed the matter with the assets team. He noted that there was a plan afoot to improve the station and it was proposed to add a barrier to the level crossing.   He confirmed that there was a budget for the work and although there was no specific time-table, he suggested that the work would be undertaken at the end of the summer 2022 season.   He added that there would also be an access ramp added to the back of the platform - this would be an improvement.

It was added that Llanbedr residents were very disappointed that there had only been expenditure and improvements to Tŷ Gwyn and Llandanwg stations and not to Llanbedr that was a very busy station. It was asked if there were plans to upgrade the station in the future.  SH noted that he would share the concerns with the Senior Management of Network Rail.  He asked for ideas regarding what they would like and there may be a budget available (2022/23) for renewal.

In response, Councillor Annwen Hughes (Llanbedr Member) noted that with the coming of the Llanbedr bypass and developments in the airfield, the possibility of a 106 agreement could be considered that would contribute financially to railway matters.  

The Chair noted that Llanbedr Station had been neglected and it had been a matter of concern for years - any adaptations, improvements were to be welcomed.  In response, SH noted that it would be possible to organise a visit to the Station to discuss the possibilities. SH to organise for the Senior Management of Network Rail and Transport for Wales officers to meet with the Community Council to discuss the possibilities - SH to share the details.

To extend thanks for the questions and for the favourable responses received from the officers.

Other matters:

a)    Railway workers avoiding wearing face coverings - Cllr. Anne Lloyd Jones highlighted that a matter had been brought to her attention that some railway workers did not wear face coverings in shops.

·         Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones would note the concerns in an email to SH.

·         SH to refer the concern on to the Project Managers as an urgent matter for them to ensure that railway workers comply with covid guidelines.

b)    Bedwyr Gwilym highlighted

·         that the APPG Heritage Rail Group Report had been published -  copy to be shared with Committee Members

·         that an application for funding had been submitted (March 2021) to conduct a short study on the potential train service between Bangor and Afonwen -   it was agreed for the matter to be an item at the next meeting