Agenda item

To receive responses to questions received

Barmouth Town Council

 

Question:

The new trains will reduce capacity and the number of toilets. TfW initially told us that we would be getting 3 carriage trains which would increase capacity.  Now it appears that new trains will only be 2 carriages which will reduce capacity on a line that is already very busy and crowded in the main season. Can TfW confirm that the new trains will be 3 carriages?

 

Answer:

Transport for Wales will use the 3 carriages as required.  GJ noted that she had not been informed about anything different, but she had sent an e-mail to check this.

 

Question:

The access doors from the ticket office and waiting area to the platform no longer open automatically. This was reported 3 years ago and has been reported many times in the intervening years and nothing has been done to fix them.  This makes access to the platform difficult as in the winter it is not possible to leave the doors open. It makes waiting in the covered area impossible - many older rail users prefer to sit indoors whilst waiting for the train to arrive.  If the doors are permanently open then the waiting area and ticket office are very cold, and on windy days all the information in the waiting area blows around. Can you let us know when the doors will be fixed?   

 

Answer:

An application had been made for a maintenance inspection to repair the door and if it could not be repaired a new door would be required. 

 

Are the litter bins on the platform (Northbound) going to be replaced? The bins on the Southbound platform are small and the one by the main entrance has been removed.  Is it possible to look at more bins?

 

Comment accepted

 

Llanbedr Community Council

 

Question:

I understand that Talwrn Bach Station will be upgraded in the spring, what exactly will these improvements be? 

 

Request for details / ideas of what is required in relation to upgrading the station.

 

Question:

When will the new trains be in operation?

 

Answer:

The new trains be in operation in 2023.

 

Question:

Is there any feedback about the work of the volunteers who have adopted the Station here in Llanbedr?  Several inspections have been carried out so far.

 

Answer:

An update was received from Community Railways

 

That the station adopters were aware that finance was available to install artwork instructions in the station.  There was currently finance to print any design and if the artwork together with the details of the supplier could be provided, then the invoice could be paid.  It was added that the station manager had agreed to revamp the existing shelter in the spring with the support of his team.

 

A conference for the Cambrian railway volunteers would take place in February 2023 (date and location to the be confirmed).

 

Contact: Sian.jones@tfw.rail available to assist with any enquiries regarding station adoption.

 

Councillor Trevor Roberts (Town Council)

 

Question:

Why weren't the Rail Replacement Coach Service timetables posted on the stations during the Barmouth Viaduct closure and will this be rectified when the viaduct is closed again in one week’s time? 

 

Answer:

It was reported that the posters were up during the last closure period. Having discussed this with the line manager, Dave Crunkhorn, he had stated that the posters currently up in the stations would be changed on 19 November to reflect the changes and the new train times.

 

Question:

Can Network Rail inform the meeting when the new type of miniature warning lights will be installed on Wayne's Footpath crossing north of Barmouth.  Crossing lights have been installed on 2 crossings 1 mile further north, but Wayne's crossing carries more pedestrians than both the other crossings being the only footpath crossing from the main housing estate (Heol y Llan area) to the town centre and the surgery. Older residents living in sheltered accommodation on the east side of the crossing need to use the crossing to and from the promenade and beach.

 

Answer:

The previous risk assessment had taken place in May 2021 and was based on the current risk score, the next one would take place in August 2023. It was noted that every crossing was a risk, however it was reiterated that concern could be referred to the relevant officers to try and conduct a risk assessment before August 2023 and to invite Councillor Trevor Roberts to the site visit.

 

Question:

Residents are concerned at the state of the rail embankment north of the Barmouth railway tunnel where trees and bushes seem to be growing in a wild state on both sides of the track. Do Network Rail carry out regular maintenance in this area?

 

Answer:

As the railway was currently closed, it would be possible to visit the site in the next few weeks.

 

Gratitude was expressed for the questions.

 

Attention was drawn to the West Midlands Railway Consultation in England.   Although many positive proposed investments were proposed in the consultation, it appeared that there was an intention, from 2040, to not allow Transport for Wales services to go beyond Birmingham New Street (central railway station in Birmingham).  This was not an acceptable consideration as currently Mid Wales and North Wales had a service to Birmingham International where the National Exhibition Centre and the Airport were located and a link with London (the HS2). These connections were important for tourism and businesses, and any changes to the existing service would not be supported.   Members were encouraged to respond to the consultation.

 

https://wmre.org.uk/our-strategies/west-midlands-rail-investment-strategy/consultation-on-the-west-midlands-rail-investment-strategy/