Agenda item

To receive a report by Mr Rhydian Mason, the Cambrian Railway Partnership Officer.

 

(Copy enclosed)

Submitted      -           A written report by Mr Rhydian Mason, the Cambrian Partnership Railway Officer outlining activities undertaken since the previous meeting which included;

 

(a)          Developments on the promotion of the Orange Wallet Scheme nationally

 

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Transport, had given his endorsement to promote the Orange Wallet Scheme nationally and in consultation with Arriva Trains Wales and Arriva UK Group, this would be taken forward.

 

(b)          Rail Franchising and Welsh Government support

 

Numerous meetings regarding the rail franchise had been attended along with colleagues from the 4 other Wales and Borders Community Rail Partnerships.

 

(c)          Publications

 

Reference was made to a new booklet to be published of short walks on the Cambrian Lines which will replace the Cambrian Trailways leaflets.  Walking is very popular and it was hoped that the Tourist Information Centre in both Porthmadog and Barmouth would be re-opened in order to promote activities.

 

(d)          Surveys

 

The Cambrian Railways Partnership was commissioning surveys schedules for spring 2017 as part of a grant from Welsh Government.  These surveys follow on from the success of the 2013 and 2015 surveys which resulted in improved services on the Cambrian Lines.

 

(e)          2017 Promotional Campaign

 

In terms of promoting, this period had been very important and an additional fund had been secured to prepare a brand new tourist-focussed website and further short films.

 

(f)   Stories and Books by Cambrian

 

Confirmation of details and funding availability is awaited to pilot a project of linking stories and books with the Cambrian Lines which would promote trips for school children on the trains.

 

 

(g)  2017-2018 Business Plan

 

The business plan was in the process of being prepared and would be submitted to the Partnership at its next meeting.  A copy would be made available to Members of this Committee through the Members’ Support Officer.

 

 

In response to a question by a member regarding the time-table of the Cambrian Coast in the form of a small card which proved very popular with locals and visitor, Mr Mason stated that these were still produced but found it difficult to distribute them to visitor centres, etc.  Distribution had been focused on Railway Stations but if the Abderdyfi Tourist Centre required further supplies that they contact the Cambrian Railway Partnership Officer. 

 

It was brought to the Committee’s attention of the “Big Train meets Little Train” publication and the Manager of the Festiniog and Eryri Railways, as Chairperson of the North Wales Tourism would be more than happy to distribute any publications further afield. 

 

In concluding, Mr Mason stated that he would be resigning from his post within the next few days and had secured a new post with Network Rail, as Railway Crossings Manager covering the area from Barmouth to Pwllheli. He thanked the members for their co-operation and support whilst in his present post.  He understood that the Partnership would be renewing the post and hopefully a successor would be appointed in the near future.

 

The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, took the opportunity of congratulating Mr Mason on his recent appointment and thanked him for all his hard work and support to the Committee over the past few years. 

 

Resolved        -           To receive, note and thank the Cambrian Partnership Railway Officer for the report.