Issue - meetings

To consider a report on the impact of planned rail changes from Councillor Sleight and the Officer responses to the report.

The Committee considered a report, set out in agenda pages 177 to 192, which gave an overview of the of the train services operating within the Borough.

The report outlined the following topics:

·           The demand for rail had doubled in the past 20 years, and was due to double again in the next 10 to 15 years;

·           The Borough has a total of 7 railway lines operated by 2 train companies;

·           The Local Authority could part fund the regeneration or construction of train stations in a joint capacity with Network Rail;

·           Engaging in consultations with the Department for Transport (DfT) was very important to input WBC’s response into railway issues and to have an input on proposed timetable changes;

·           Old Oak Common was the largest regeneration project in the UK, including a railway station with planned access to Twyford, High Speed 2 (HS2) in 2026 and a Western Rail link to Heathrow in approximately 2028;

·           The Reading to Basingstoke line passes through the Borough for approximately 1km, with the possibility of a new station at Grazeley serviceing this line;

·           Wargrave was the Borough’s quietest station (by capacity);

·           The potential impacts (relating to the railway service) that the Borough faces include station access, level crossing viability, station facilities and bus service interface.

Robert Curtis, Transport Planning Team Manager, highlighted to the Committee the Officer responses to Cllr Sleight’s report, as set out on agenda pages 178 and 179.

Shahid Younis asked what progress was being made with regards to parking at Twyford station. David Sleight stated that there was a conservation area nearby the station and that a solution to the parking situation was still in the process of being identified.

Members raised concern about the rising costs of rail fares. David Sleight stated that travelling to London via Twyford rather than via Reading/Paddington came at a significant saving to the commuter.

Members queried whether Reading buses could run a service to Twyford station. David Sleight stated that this would be a commercial decision to be made by Reading Buses.

RESOLVED That:

1)    David Sleight and Rob Curtis be thanked for attending the meeting;

2)    the report on the impact of planned rail changes (and Officer responses) be noted;

3)    the Committee continue to support and encourage the Executive Member with responsibility for Highways and Transport to engage with the DfT, Network Rail and the operating companies on consultation opportunities.