Issue - meetings

To receive a presentation providing an update on regional rail issues.

That the presentation be noted.

Mr. John Rooney of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB) gave an update on rail modernisation work.  His presentation covered:

·         NWEAB Workstreams

·         North Wales Mainline Electrification (including Crewe/Warrington - Chester) Update

·         Borderlands Line (Wrexham to Bidston) service enhancement

·         The Next Wales and Borders Franchise

In outlining the four strands to Connectivity & Infrastructure, Mr. Rooney explained that these were about economic development across North Wales.  The role of rail was to facilitate other benefits such as access to work, ie  commuting, business and leisure travel.  As part of an update on North Wales mainline electrification, he highlighted the importance of this in the context of the wider network electrification schemes.  An upgraded medium value Strategic Outline Business Case had been submitted by the Welsh Government and if successful, would proceed to the next stage, which was an Outline Business Case.

Councillor Hilary Isherwood welcomed the potential for a new service between Wrexham and Manchester, which could be particularly beneficial for young people accessing employment.  Mr. Rooney said that this was one of a number of important new routes requested by the NWEAB in its response to the Welsh Government (WG) consultation on the Wales and Borders franchise in March.  If agreed by WG, a significant level of infrastructure work would be required at Wrexham General.  Other requested services included a direct route to the south Liverpool area via Halton Curve which could also enhance employment opportunities.

Councillor Derek Butler spoke about plans by Merseyrail to take over the Bidston line from Arriva.  He also referred to pinch-point problems at Hoole Bridge and stated the importance of progressing work on the Northern Powerhouse.

Councillor Paul Shotton congratulated the NWEAB on progress made and spoke about the need for the Hawarden Bridge upgrade.  Mr. Rooney said that the NWEAB wanted to work in partnership with WG and were highlighting the Borderlands line and other improvements for inclusion in the next franchise.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene & Transportation) said that he had given a presentation on general transportation issues to the Deeside Forum and that the business case aimed to encourage more rail users.  An outline plan would be produced to improve Hawarden Bridge linked to a shuttle bus service which could serve the Deeside Industrial Park.

Concerns were raised by Councillor Chris Dolphin about the disparity in rail fares which he felt should be standardised to encourage more use of the rail network.  Mr. Rooney was in agreement and advised that the NWEAB had made representations on rail fares within its response to the WG consultation.

Following the item, Mr. Rooney said that any further questions from Members could be forwarded to himself via the Chief Officer.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.