·
Network
Rail
·
Transport
for Wales
·
British
Transport Police
Minutes:
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.