Agenda item

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

 

Roger Goodhew (SARPA representative)

Llanbedr Community Council

Criccieth Town Council

Criccieth Town Council

 

Question: Is it possible to paint Criccieth station? Criccieth in Bloom is working hard on improvements and maintenance of the lands there, and it would be a great boost to have a lick of paint to the station to improve the appearance and welcome users there. Thank you very much for your consideration. Thank you very much for agreeing to remove the graffiti on the bridges – and for the excellent work in Criccieth station and for cutting the tree growth near Cae Crwn allotments.

 

Answer: That Transport for Wales and Network Rail can work together as one industry to carry out the improvements.

 

Llanbedr Community Council

 

Question: There has been mention in the Council recently of proposed upgrading before the end of March on the shelter at Talwrn Bach Llanbedr Station. I would like to have confirmation of whether this is true?

 

Answer: Work is underway to find a source of funding to carry out the work. It was noted that the structure of the platform was not suitable for building a new shelter, but that work was being done to restore and paint the existing shelter.

 

Question: Are there any potential developments for installing barriers at the crossing here?

 

Answer:  Network Rail to ask their Railway Crossing Team for information regarding the situation.

 

Question: Regarding a litter bin.  Could we press for this?  As Cyngor Gwynedd have not provided a dog mess bin by the site. Is there a way of reaching an agreement with Cyngor Gwynedd to collect litter from the station?

 

Answer: The litter bin / dog mess bin was a matter for the Council. Transport for Wales refused to install a litter bin in Llanbedr because the train officials would be expected to collect the rubbish (which contained dog fouling) – this was not an ideal situation as it created a bad odour on the train. They were therefore requesting the Council to provide a bin for dog mess in Llanbedr Station. LHE to contact the relevant department in Cyngor Gwynedd.

 

Question: Also, press to have the old name TALWRN BACH in writing on the sign (i.e., below the word Llanbedr).

 

Answer: Accept the suggestion – will seek more information regarding the possibility of adding the name to the sign.

 

A request was made to ensure consistency in responses, and that any matters of significance should be communicated directly to the Community Council Clerk and the Local Members – Cllr Gwynfor Owen and Cllr Anwen Hughes.

 

Mr Roger Goodhew (Shrewsbury – Aberystwyth Rail Passengers' Association)

 

Question: When will the Machynlleth depot have enough units to enable the 06:45 Barmouth to Machynlleth to operate a) without cancelling regularly, b) as a through route to Birmingham International Airport?

 

Answer: Improvements had been carried out recently and although there were no spare trains available, every effort was being made to ensure that there were enough carriages available to respond to the need.

 

In response, although accepting that the service had improved recently, we must insist that the first and last trains operate – this was essential for schools, colleges and work. Available trains could be used more regularly.

 

The Transport for Wales Officer added that an update on the railway, stations and timetables would be discussed at the Transport Liaison Group Meeting (11-04-24)

 

Question: When will the committee resume face to face meetings?

 

Answer: As noted in the Committee meeting in March 2023:

 

At a meeting of the Full Council on 2 December 2021 the Council decided on the principle of continuing to hold formal committee meetings virtually wherever possible and to hold hybrid meetings where there is a high level of interest from the public.  The report states that only the meetings of the Full Council, the Cabinet, scrutiny committees and the Planning committee will be multi-location meetings (hybrid). All other committees will be entirely virtual with exceptions such as e.g., Employment Appeals Committee (dependent on the individual's request). Chief Officers Appointment Committee – consideration when interviews are held – virtual otherwise. Committees and Sub-committees where quasi-judicial hearings take place.

 

The report was adopted because of the requirements of Part 3 Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021 which states the need to allow remote access to Councillors to committees.  In other words, holding only formal face-to-face meetings was not possible.

 

 

Cllr Meryl Roberts (Eryri National Park Representative)

 

Question: Who owns Station House, Penrhyndeudraeth? There was dirty land near the station and it needed tidying up.  Need a litter bin in the station.

 

Answer: Network Rail and Transport for Wales to make further enquiries.

 

Question: Who are invited to meetings of the Shrewsbury – Aberystwyth Rail Passengers' Association (SARPA)?

 

Answer: Invitations are shared with Town Councils. Bill Redfern to make further enquiries.

 

Everyone was thanked for their questions.

 

The next meeting to be held in November 2024 – LHE to arrange.