Agenda item

To receive a report by Mr Sam Hadley and Mr Mark Peters, Network Rail.

 

(Copy enclosed)

Mr Sam Hadley, Wales Route Public Affairs Manager, and Mr Mark Peters, Asset          Engineer, were welcomed to the meeting.

 

Mr Mark Peters had prepared a presentation on Barmouth Viaduct, in the form of slides, but unfortunately due to equipment not being available, he promised to send the presentation to the Members’ Support Officer for onward transmission to members of the Committee.

 

He went on to state that trains have now been running since the recent fire on Barmouth Viaduct and hopefully only  a small amount of remedial works need to be completed which will be done soon as possible. 

 

The Cambrian Partnership Railway Officer stated that the 150^th celebration anniversary of the viaduct is to be held next year and was anxious to know as to the work programme of the development work to be undertaken on the viaduct and the timescale as to how long would it be out of use.  He also requested that Network Rail be mindful in order to minimise disruption during the busiest tourist season since the area relies hugely on the tourism economy.

 

A suggestion was made as part of the celebrations to the showing of the famous Ghost Train thriller film to which Mr Ben Davies, Arriva Trains Wales, further suggested that half of one of the trains could be used as a cinema for the showing. 

 

In response to the above, Mr Sam Hadley stated that Sian Lewis, who was present at the last meeting, is no longer the sponsoring officer of the Commercial Scheme Sponsor (Network Rail) and there will be a new sponsor.  He also added that Network Rail will want to participate in the celebrations and will contribute.  Mr Hadley promised that as soon as information is available he would pass it on to the Members’ Support Officer in order to inform members of this Committee.

 

A member stated that he was aware that the 150^th celebration would take place in October so as not to clash with the Three Peaks Race which is held annually in June.

 

In response to concerns expressed, Mr Hadley reassured Members of the Committee:

 

·         that Network Rail had no intention of closing the line, despite local people being fearful that it would be closed, and was aware of how valued it is for the community

·         that there would be no disruption to the 150^th celebrations in terms of sea defence works

·         That the additional rock face work at Llanaber will not affect the railway line at all and it was reassured that the necessary machines would be accessing  the work from the beach

 

In response to the Dwyfor/Meirionnydd Member of Parliament’s request for further information as regards planning applications, design, etc, on the Barmouth Viaduct, Mr Hadley stated that there was no clarity on this matter but he would write to up-date the MP and members of this Committee as soon as information is to hand.

 

Members also noted that when the work is carried out:

 

• That Network Rail/Arriva Trains should liaise together in order to put two extra carriages on the train from Barmouth to Pwllheli
• That Network Rail should liaise with Gwynedd Highways Department regarding the busy A496 between Barmouth and Dolgellau in light of the number of accidents that had occurred which means having to divert vehicles via Maentwrog 

 

Mr Ben Davies, Arriva Trains, stated that if the repair works are long term, it will pose problems since the trains have to be checked in accordance with safety standard guidelines every three weeks.

 

Mr Hadley went on to note the following:

 

• That Mr Andy Thomas had been appointed to the post of Route Managing Director and that his priority is to ensure the Wales route is delivering on the priorities of elected representatives and the communities they represent
• Level crossing update
• Community rail

 

During the ensuing discussion, the following matters were raised by Members:

 

(a)          Concern and complaints received about the difficulty and lack of parking spaces at Machynlleth Station with passengers having to drive on to Caersws

 

In response, Mr Sam Hadley stated that the lifts are now commissioned at Machynlleth Station and fully accessible however there are outstanding issues with the toilet block.  With regard to the car park, Mr Hadley promised to discuss the matter with Mr Ben Davies, Arriva Trains Wales, but stipulated that any improvements that would be above and beyond what would be considered station enhancement would require third party funding.

 

Mr Rhydian Mason added that as part of his role as development officer for the railway line, he was in consultation with Powys Council, looking at various options to create a railway station interchange through better layout, creating a turning circle for buses and an enhanced car park. There is land which may become free which could be used to double the size of the car park.  It had been hoped to put a bid to Welsh Government this year, but unfortunately the bid is not near enough ready since there are still outstanding issues with drainage and a few other hurdles to overcome.  Whilst appreciating that the position at present is far from ideal, it was assured, given time that there will be massive changes and there will be a meaningful and impressive interchange scheme in Machynlleth.

 

In the meantime, Mr Ben Davies agreed to consult with the Station Manager in Machynlleth to put signage up that the car park should be solely used by rail passengers.

 

 

(b)          It was brought to the attention of the officers that Fairbourne car park is very distressed and needs tidying up. 

 

In response, Mr Sam Hadley and Mr Ben Davies agreed to check who was responsible for the above car park. 

 

(c)        In response to Cllr. Dewi Owen’s concern regarding Dyfi Junction, Mr Hadley stated that he was familiar with the issues and had been in discussion with the Community Council, and understands that the gate is now locked for vehicular access.  If there is further information on this, it will be passed on.

 

 

Resolved:                   (a) That the report and observations made above be noted.

 

                                     (b)  That Mr Andy Thomas, Wales’ Route Managing Director, be invited to the spring meeting of this Committee. 

 

                                    (c)  That Mr Sam Hadley up-dates members of the following issues as soon as information is to hand:

 

• Barmouth Viaduct in terms of new sponsor, planning application details,
• Parking issues at Machynlleth Station
• Ownership of Fairbourne car park and the need to tidy it up
• Dyfi Junction