Question

I asked a question in February about the Memorandum of Understanding which the Council and Network Rail signed in 2016 to develop a solution to the Tanhill Lane crossing.  This crossing currently has two separate bridges including a steep and unsightly temporary bridge which is very inconvenient for residents. 

Keith Baker told me that the Memorandum of Understanding states that ‘Network Rail and Wokingham Borough Council will collaborate on a permanent ramped footbridge solution upon the progression of development proposals for the multi storey car park and the life expiration of the existing stepped footbridge over the Gatwick to Reading line’.

The multi-story carpark has been open for some time now, but the unsightly and inconvenient temporary bridge is still in place.

Could the Executive Member for Highways and Transport please provide an update on what action the Council is taking to progress this project, and when residents can expect to see a permanent ramped footbridge in place?

Question

I asked a question in February about the Memorandum of Understanding which the Council and Network Rail signed in 2016 to develop a solution to the Tanhill Lane crossing.  This crossing currently has two separate bridges including a steep and unsightly temporary bridge which is very inconvenient for residents. 

Keith Baker told me that the Memorandum of Understanding states that ‘Network Rail and Wokingham Borough Council will collaborate on a permanent ramped footbridge solution upon the progression of development proposals for the multi storey car park and the life expiration of the existing stepped footbridge over the Gatwick to Reading line’.

The multi-story car park has been open for some time now, but the unsightly and inconvenient temporary bridge is still in place.

Could the Executive Member for Highways and Transport please provide an update on what action the Council is taking to progress this project, and when residents can expect to see a permanent ramped footbridge in place?

Answer

As previously stated, you are correct in that the Council and Network Rail have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding.  The purpose of this is to record the parties’ intention to work in a spirit of mutual trust and co-operation, which isn’t often forthcoming with the railway companies, associated with the aim of delivering a ramped footbridge over the railway at Tan House railway crossing.

In line with Network Rail’s current policies the responsibility for the delivery of a new bridge over the London line is indicated to be acceptable to replace what was effectively, they call it at grade but what it basically means is you walk over the line which is probably more dangerous than the bridge that is there now, the pedestrian crossing as the existing bridge over the Guildford line is not yet due for replacement or upgrade.  I suspect the need is for a bridge that spans both lines apart from just one.  The Council is of the view that improved facilities of both the London and Guildford lines accommodating pedestrians and cyclists is more beneficial for users.

In respect of costs for the delivery of a new bridge, temporary or permanent, are also covered within the Memorandum of Understanding as follows:

• Network Rail will wholly fund the temporary stepped bridge; and
• both Network Rail and WBC will approach funding collaboratively in respect of a permanent ramped footbridge solution.

This is a Network Rail pedestrian bridge and unfortunately they have made no movement to progress from the current position. As there is no budget available from us at least, it will struggle to be prioritised from our end but I will try and get some information out of Network Rail and see if I can let you have it in due course but I will keep you informed.

Supplementary Question

I think we are all agreed that money is going to be an issue and the need to co-ordinate with Network Rail is going to be an issue.  When I raised this question back in February Keith Baker acknowledged that CIL money could possibly be used to finance the funding of a permanent bridge.  I am concerned that we do not seem to have any real action taken since 2016 when the Memorandum of Understanding was signed to find solutions and progress the building of a permanent ramped foot bridge and this is leaving local residents with an eyesore temporary bridge which many people cannot use.

Will the Council commit to approaching Network Rail within the next six months to establish a publicly available plan of action and timescales for the building of a permanent bridge which meets the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act for accessibility?

Supplementary Answer

I am happy to approach Network Rail and I will do it almost immediately.  However as they have to be party to any decisions I doubt whether I can give you the timescales etc that you request but I will try.