Agenda item

The following motion has been proposed by Councillor Roger Whyborn and seconded by Councillor Payne.

"Cheltenham Borough Council is pleased to note the proposals for an enhanced train service from Cheltenham to (especially) London within the Western Route Study Consultation, being conducted by Network Rail. However, this Council is very concerned that these much needed improvements are not projected to take place until 2019 at the earliest, rather than taking advantage of the recent doubling of tracks on the line between Kemble and Swindon, and also supporting the LEP growth strategy.

This Council also notes with approval that Cheltenham Spa Station features in the report as a candidate for improvement under NSIP (National Station Improvement Plan) and AfA (Access for All); this is in addition to funding offered by Gloucestershire Local Transport Board and other bids funded by this Council and partners at GCC for an improved Cycle-Rail link. However, the Council is concerned that station facilities are already under enormous strain from greatly increased levels of use in recent years, now expected to increase to 2 million journeys per annum; this Council is concerned that the limitations of access and parking, including disabled access, together with the London train service, are already restricting its use and hampering modal shift by passengers to rail.

Cheltenham Borough Council therefore urges Network Rail and First Great Western to do all in their power to expedite improvements to both the rail station and the train service and the authority is willing and keen to engage with all stakeholders in order to facilitate further improvements (e.g. car parking capacity and terminating train constraints), and to help secure the associated funding."

Councillor Whyborn, seconded by Councillor Payne, proposed the following motion which had been circulated with the agenda together with a proposed draft letter to be sent by the Leader in response to the consultation referred to in the motion.

 
"Cheltenham Borough Council is pleased to note the proposals for an enhanced train service from Cheltenham to (especially) London within the Western Route Study Consultation, being conducted by Network Rail. However, this Council is very concerned that these much needed improvements are not projected to take place until 2019 at the earliest, rather than taking advantage of the recent doubling of tracks on the line between Kemble and Swindon, and also supporting the LEP growth strategy.

This Council also notes with approval that Cheltenham Spa Station features in the report as a candidate for improvement under NSIP (National Station Improvement Plan) and AfA (Access for All); this is in addition to funding offered by Gloucestershire Local Transport Board and other bids funded by this Council and partners at GCC for an improved Cycle-Rail link. However, the Council is concerned that station facilities are already under enormous strain from greatly increased levels of use in recent years, now expected to increase to 2 million journeys per annum; this Council is concerned that the limitations of access and parking, including disabled access, together with the London train service, are already restricting its use and hampering modal shift by passengers to rail.

Cheltenham Borough Council therefore urges Network Rail and First Great Western to do all in their power to expedite improvements to both the rail station and the train service and the authority is willing and keen to engage with all stakeholders in order to facilitate further improvements (e.g. car parking capacity and terminating train constraints), and to help secure the associated funding."

In proposing the motion, Councillor Whyborn explained that he was proposing it on the behalf of the Rail scrutiny task group which he chaired. The task group was bringing this motion to Council in order to meet the consultation deadline for responding to the Western Route Study Consultation. He acknowledged the work that had already been done, Ied by the Cheltenham development task force managing director, Jeremy Williamson, to put together bids for funding to improve Cheltenham Station.

He highlighted the inadequate facilities and indicated that there was evidence that people were using other modes of transport to reach intermediate stations to London rather than use Cheltenham Station with its parking and access difficulties. He acknowledged that some people were keen to keep the station unchanged but he highlighted that it was expected that the façade would be maintained whilst the much-needed improvements were made.

Councillor Payne was pleased to be able to support the motion. He highlighted that the rail study covered the next 30 years with 2019 to 2024 being the central period. Although the need to upgrade the station had been recognized there was no guarantee that it would be completed in that central period. It was critical to the economic wealth of the town that the poor access to the station and inadequate car parking were addressed as well as the deplorable facilities for the disabled. With 2 million passengers a year, Cheltenham station was becoming a vital transport hub and was in urgent need of upgrading.

A Member asked what had been done to get a coalition of support from other parties in Gloucestershire as without this Cheltenham could become a lone voice with rail funding continuing to go to other parts of the county.

The Leader advised Members that at the last meeting of the Gloucestershire Joint Economic Growth Committee it had been suggested that there could be a countywide approach to the issue of rail funding bids. He would report back to Council when he had more information.

Another Member emphasised that as well as improved facilities at the station, there was an urgent need for improved transport facilities to get people to the station. She highlighted the situation at Charlton Kings where the last bus on weekdays was at 6.40 pm with no service at all at weekends.

Another Member urged that the car parking facilities at the station should be made more attractive in order to reduce the level of inconsiderate parking in residential streets close by.

Upon a vote the motion was resolved (with 1 abstention from Councillor Thornton who had declared an interest as she lived close to the station).