Agenda item

·         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 raise awareness had been undertaken with the public and in schools.  It was noted that it would be possible to refer information about the safety of the Harlech Crossing directly to Councillor Owen. 

                                                           

TRANSPORT FOR WALES

 

Gail Jones, Transport for Wales, was welcomed to the meeting to present an update on the activities of Transport for Wales.

 

It was highlighted that the work of installing lifesaving defibrillators in Transport for Wales railway stations had been completed and a comprehensive programme of training and awareness had been organised with schools.

 

Observations and other matters raised during the discussion:

·         As the railway was closed, the buses transporting children to college in Pwllheli were arriving late.

·         It was disappointing that letters/e-mails were not acknowledged by Transport for Wales' officers - this made the work of responding to complaints / electors' comments difficult.

·         Complaints that drivers of buses that had replaced trains were discourteous with passengers.    

·         Complaints that buses passed passengers and did not stop.

·         The times of the T2 bus had been modified and now they did not correspond to the train times.  The T2 bus no longer stops at the Railway Station in Porthmadog. 

·         In response to a question regarding seeing the response of Network Rail and Transport for Wales to Natural Resources Wales' consultation on Flooding and Climate Change (giving consideration specifically to the Pwllheli area as parts of the coast were vulnerable and had long-term concerns), the officers noted that they would ask their organisations and respond directly to Councillor Richard Glyn Roberts.  

 

BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE

 

No representative from the British Transport Police was present to submit a report.  It was highlighted that no response had been received from Inspector Karl Anderson and although another officer had been appointed, he had left after 4 weeks.  They were now in the process of training another officer.  Disappointment was highlighted that no representative from the Police was present.

 

Officers were thanked for the updates.