SHREWSBURY ABERYSTWYTH RAIL LIAISON COMMITTEE MINUTES Of the Regular Meeting to be held on Friday 24 th July 2015 at 11.15am at Welshpool Town Hall 1. Register of Attendance Present were Cllr T Roberts Vice Chair Robert Robinson Secretary Karen Williams Network Rail Network Rail Ben Davies Arriva Trains Wales Michael Vaughn Arriva Trains Wales Cllr R Quant Ceredigion County Counil Cllr A Wallbank Caersws Community Council Roger Whitehouse Talyllyn Railway D Woodhouse Tourism Cllr M Benjamin Aberystwyth Town Council Cllr J Smith Aberystwyth Town Council Cllr E J Williams Gwynedd County Council Cllr M Williams Machynlleth Town Council Angus Eickhoff SARPA D Taylor Rail Future J Barnes (Carno Action Group) Apologies from Cllr M Williams Chair Rhydian Mason Cambrian Rail Partnership Dylan Lewis Rail Future Before the meeting started Cllr T Roberts gave an update on Cllr M Williams and his illness. 2. Minutes of the last meeting The Committee approved the minutes of the last meeting of this Committee with the addition of J Barnes (Carno Action Group) to the attendance list. 3. Actions taken since the last meeting The secretary gave an update on actions taken since the last meeting as follows: i) Minutes to be posted on Web Site. The minutes have been posted on the web site. ii) Letter to WTC from the Vice Chair. The letter to WTC was sent by the Vice Chair. iii) Letters to Arriva Trains and Network Rail on non-attendance. Both Arriva Trains and Network Rail are in attendance. 1
iv) Press release to be prepared. A press release was prepared and issued. v) Franchise consultation to be altered. The Franchise document was adjusted and kept on file until ready to be submitted. vi) New venue at Aberystwyth to be booked for joint meeting The next meeting is to be held in Aberystwyth. vii) Accounts for grant to be sent out including reminder for PCC The account for payment by Powys County Council is still being chased up for the year to 2015 and 2016. viii) Town Bus Service for Welshpool The Secretary gave a short report on the proposed Town Bus Service changes for Welshpool. 4. Cambrian Rail improved rail services A report was given regarding the new rail services with the main points being: i) The new services have been well received. ii) There are more direct services linking to Birmingham than advertised. iii) The increase in jobs in Aberystwyth and Machynlleth has been noted. iv) Welshpool is seeing changes with houses selling easier, interest in main shops and even a hotelier showing interest in coming to the town. This maybe related to the new rail service but it is too early to tell. v) The train at 8pm from Barmouth along the coast is not stopping at the request stops, this matter is being addressed. vi) Harlech swimming pool (taken over by a local community group) maybe affected by the rail service in (v) not stopping at interim stations. 5. Rail Franchise 2018 The rail franchise is completed and is on file in readiness for a final discussion when the consultation stage is reached. 6. Rail consultation (October 2015) The Rail Survey commissioned by the Welsh Government is being carried out during the first two full weeks of October being lead by Welshpool Town Council on behalf of the Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Rail Liaison Committee. The funding agreement is in place with the Town Council. 7. Arriva Trains Wales A report was given by Arriva Trains Wales as follows: i) Arriva Trains Wales is committed to aid funding for the Community Rail Officer during the period of the current franchise. ii) The marketing of the new services continues with TV and poster advertising in the Midlands area. iii) Local marketing via publication of the new timetable is being completed in Welshpool by the newsletter which goes to every home in that area. 2
iv) v) vi) vii) viii) ix) The passenger figures of note were (pre new services): Welshpool 9.19% increase (up to 135,000 pa) Newtown 5.2% increase Caersws 7.15% increase Machynlleth 4.66% increase Borth 2.8% increase Aberystwyth 0.5% increase (up to 340,000) A new shelter is to be considered to add to the existing one at Welshpool. Disabled access promotion is to take place and all were asked to help by having a link to the new dvd. Satisfaction surveys show 89% which is the best for Arriva Trains yet. A report by Mr Woodhouse was well received regarding information at stations and on trains. 8. Network Rail To receive a report on the following: a) Welshpool station car park The Secretary gave an update on progress with the new car park at Welshpool. b) Machynlleth station works A report was given by Network Rail on the works at Machynlleth. The car park has been delayed but the bridge works are going ahead. The new level access lifts should be in place by end of November. c) Caersws Parking A meeting had been held earlier the day with Caersws Community Council to try and take forward a solution to the parking issues. d) Crossings Various crossing points are being replaced, closed or reviewed for safety reasons. e) Aberystwyth seating The new seating at the front of the refurbished station is missing and needs to be replaced. f) Signage for platform 3 at Shrewsbury Better signage is needed to platform 3. g) Shrewsbury infrastructure works The station refurbishment is due to take place between 2015 and 2019. This will include new toilets among other facilities. Concern was expressed about the idea to extend platform 3 at the expense of freight lines. 3
h) ¾ mile east of Tallerddig A report that the track bumps at the above location was noted by Network Rail. 9.0 Cambrian Rail Partnership A report was given by Rhydian Mason which is set out at the bottom of these minutes. 10.0 British Transport Police British Transport Police not present. No written report given. The Secretary is to express concern at their lack of attendance. 11. Other items 11.1 Carno Station The Minister has asked the Carno Action Group to come up with a timetable showing the station could fit in with the hourly train service. A meeting between the group, the Vice Chair and Secretary is to be arranged. 11.2 Bow Street Station The Minister has asked for a report on the possible re-opening of this station. Work on this is being discussed with the Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Rail Implementation Group. A report will be given in due course. 11. Date of next meeting To note the date of the next meeting - Friday 18 th September 2015 at 11.15am in Aberystwyth. Future meeting dates scheduled are: Friday 9 th January 2016 at Welshpool Town Hall Friday17th April 2016 at Welshpool Town Hall 4
LDO s report for SARLC July 2015: Much progress has been made on a number of fronts, but particular time, attention and efforts have been made linked to the introduction of the enhanced rail service on the Cambrian lines which began in the recent May timetable change. In summary, the main activities undertaken in this context are: Continued involvement and direct input as part of the group of 4 exec of the Cambrian Implementation Group, a group sanctioned by the Minister for Science, Economy and Transport Edwina Hart, and working alongside colleagues from Arriva Trains Wales, Network Rail, and a multitude of user groups within the Cambrian Region Organised launch events, press releases, media attendance, and welcoming parties for the first (week) day of the new May timetable, focussing on one of the additional services departing Aberystwyth at 1230 on May 18 th, with coordinated celebrations as the train passed through other stations on route to Shrewsbury. Prepared two linked promotional campaigns (which are still ongoing and have no set end date aimed at increasing awareness and uptake of the Cambrian lines rail services in their new enhanced form (this is in addition to the MayDecember Cambrian timetable we produce) o Is it a bird, is it a train campaign: This is a simple campaign aimed at highlighting to employers and employees about the enhanced opportunities that now exist between Aberystwyth, Pwllheli and Shrewsbury for commuting to and from work to suit a nominal 9-5 office day. The brochures include information for employers in terms of travel planning opportunities and their obligations, and also directly targets employees in a light hearted manner. This campaign gives the opportunity to target specific places of employment with foyer exhibitions and face to face discussions, and also gives an opportunity to work alongside other organisations such as Traveline Cymru within the Cambrian region. Leaflets and posters have been produced and distributed generically, and we will also continue to organise employer visits as time allows. This campaign is valid for as long as leaflet stocks allow, and of 5
course for as long as a peak hourly rail service exists on the Cambrian. 2 roll up banners have also been produced, currently they reside at Aberystwyth and Machynlleth stations. o Connections by Cambrian campaign: This is a campaign aimed at simply highlighting the journey opportunities possible by rail, simplifying the often off-putting need to make connections at other stations. In essence this product explains that most of the UK is accessible by rail from the Cambrian with only up to 2 rail connections required, predominantly only 1 change though, at either Shrewsbury or Birmingham. Double Royal PDF files have also been created to enable ATW to print off copies of these posters as opportunities allow within the Cambrian part of the ATW network, to be displayed at stations. Stocks have now arrived and I hope to organise a photo-opportunity within days so that I can go ahead and launch (and disctribute) the leaflets and posters. Attended meetings of and contributed to the Cambrian Lines report(s) for the Minister Edwina Hart prepared by the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Liaison Committee / Implementation Group Represented CRP at the Cambrian Coast Rail Conference Attended and co-led workshop/seminar organised by Welsh Government at Cardiff City Hall on future of rail provision Continued progress on the new accessibility film A Helping Hand. At time of writing this the Welsh and English language films are complete and have been shown to special needs students at various locations, with subtitled versions to follow soon. The film, along with the previous film First Class Safety can be viewed online on Youtube, using Cambrian Lines or Helping Hand Cambrian as search terms. Have had an initial informal meeting with Wetherspoons (Aberystwyth) deputy bar manager regarding the potential for a joint project to promote aleways. Wetherspoons have branches all over the Cambrian lines, usually very near stations Aberystwyth, Pwllheli, Newtown, Shrewsbury. Hopeful that I can persuade them to fund or contribute towards the project. Continued development to the website, adding pages and updating information where possible. This is supplemented by additional support tweets on social media, which is successful in bringing additional visitors to the website. Prepared nomination packs for the 2015 ACORP awards, to be held at Torquay s Riviera International Centre Thursday 1 st October. The Cambrian Railways Partnership has prepared 6 nominations in 6 categories in the awards, shortlisted nominations will be announced early in August. 6
New brand for the CRP: as part of our public facing brand, I have organised for a fresher, more modern brand to be used on our publicity materials. The previous brand was the old Cambrian Railways heraldic shield/coat of arms (or a version of it). The new one contains the two elements (Red Tudor rose and Green dragon), but they are now separated and are supplemented by the full wording of the name of the partnership. Looking ahead: Existing Publications: Limited stocks of previous publications still available; these will be used up until no more remain, and maybe we can look at consolidating some of them into a single guide (i.e. all gazers together, all WoR together) to cut down on costs whilst providing good information for users. o Coast Gazer o Country Gazer o Safari Gazer o Wales on Rails 1 (Families) o Wales on Rails 2 (Couples) If anyone requires copies of the above or those mentioned earlier, please contact me on rhydian.mason2@ceredigion.gov.uk New publications for consideration and pending adequate funding: Generic guide to the Cambrian Lines (for locals and visitors) To re-introduce the railway line in the context of the additional services from May, suitable for both locals and visitors. Could explain how accessible most of the UK is from the Cambrian based on 0 connections, 1 connection, 2 connections away (e.g Birmingham is 0 connections away. London is 1 connection away. Leeds is 2 connections away etc etc?) Could explain journey time permutations for diferent needs e.g. accessing appointments, commuting, leisure etc. Wales on Rails (Heritage) joint project using Shrewsbury as a base? If we reprint/update the first 2 editions of Wales on Rails there is an opportunity to produce a 3rd one focussing on a heritage based short break using Shrewsbury station as a hub, and a run out along the Cambrian towards Newtown (Robert Owen, Pryce Jones, Textile Museum etc), a run out along the Heart of Wales Line (Llandrindod Spa Town, Llandovery Drovers 7
etc), and a 3 rd run out towards Pontcysyllte? This could involve 3 partnerships and would be a great boost to Shrewsbury s stature as main hub for tourism for short domestic breaks. Walking and Cycling: A further project along with NRW (formerly CCW)to produce a rail user s guide to the Wales Coastal Path. Initially based on the Cambrian Coast Line, this could be rolled out to other suitable lines via the TOC? (TIC s are still asking about the Walking guides once produced by the CRP, and this should be a consideration but on the proviso that they are produced in a more efficient manner. Maybe look to work closer with Mid Wales Tourism and their innovative apps?) If anyone has any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me at rhydian.mason2@ceredigion.gov.uk Ends. 8