Issue - meetings

This is to update the Cabinet on progress with the Metro West Phase 1 Rail Project and especially to update Cabinet on the risks with the project and the potential revenue support that the new services may require when they open in 2019 or 2020. This will need to be factored into the medium term financial plan in due course.

Councillor Neil Butters welcomed that Metro West project had been progressing and that it should not stop with phases 1 and 2.  Councillor Butters also said that the Council should use this opportunity in extending services to Chippenham where service connections between Swindon and Saltford, including Corsham, could be provided.  Councillor Butters concluded his statement by expressing his concern for cuts in bus subsidies in Wiltshire which could have an impact on B&NES area.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson also welcomed the report but felt that it did not go into detail, such as that there was no mention on development of railway between Frome and Radstock.

Councillor Anthony Clarke said that he was aware of matters raised by Councillors Butters and Jackson, and that he would make sure that these issues were picked up.  The Metro West Project aims to improve the local rail network which had been under-developed compared with most other major urban areas. The aim was to provide regular half-hourly services across the sub-region. The first stage of this project, Metro West Phase 1, would re-open the Portishead railway and improve frequencies on the Severn beach Line and into Bath and North East Somerset. The project had received significant support from DfT, which had considered the proposal to be well developed.  The project would link the Bristol Enterprise Zone with the Bath Riverside Enterprise Area. Improved rail services at Oldfield Park would support the Bath Enterprise Area and at Keynsham would particularly support the adjacent Somerdale and other development areas. The improved rail frequency had been seen as particularly significant in supporting the Master Plan, as well as being a central component of the Core Strategy, Economic Strategy, and both the Getting Around Bath and Keynsham Transport Strategies. 

Councillor Anthony Clarke moved the recommendations.

Councillor Michael Evans seconded the motion by thanking officers on the report on progress with the MetroWest Phase 1 Rail Project.  Councillor Evans also said that he would be looking forward to receiving a further and more detailed report later in the year.

Councillor Charles Gerrish also welcomed the report and added that Network Rail should consider that more and more people had been using train station in Keynsham, hence the need for a cover over the station.  Councillor Gerrish also highlighted shortage of parking in future at the Keynsham train station.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet:

1)  Noted the contents of this report and would provide continued support for the Metro West Phase 1 Rail Project and acknowledged its links with the Getting around Bath and Keynsham Transport Strategies.

2)  Noted the possible capital cost over-run and made a commitment to revenue support for the first three years of operation.

3)  Noted the possible revenue reversion risk.

4)  Made a consideration in the medium term financial plan for any of these emerging financial pressures.

5)  Noted the timetabling works required in relation to Metro West phase 1 and its impact on the Saltford Station proposal.