P-05-820 Don't take Neath off the main railway-line - Correspondence from the Petitioner to the Committee, 13.06.18
The people of Neath wish to thank the Committee for considering our Petition. In line with procedure, we would like to express our specific concerns surrounding the proposal.
Our concerns are centred on the following aspects:
1. The proposal to remove Neath from the main railway line was included in a piece of work commissioned by the Welsh Government. The people of Neath would like to thank the impartial Research Services and Petitions Committee for uncovering this information
2. The statements by Minister Ken Skates are welcomed, but we feel that they have been stronger since the petition gained thousands of signatures. Therefore, we are of the belief that the petition deserves to be considered fully in recognition of those who signed
3. Our concerns are based on the fact that this proposal fits into a wider regional plan; that being the Swansea Bay Metro scheme
4. This scheme has been supported by the Labour Leader of Swansea Council, Rob Stewart
5. It is clearly evidenced that Swansea West Labour MP, Geraint Davies is supportive of the plans. These plans “including a rerouting of the Great Western Mainline, which could see train journeys between Cardiff and Swansea of just 30 minutes.”
6. Independent research conducted by Aberafan Cllr Nigel Hunt has further reinforced the position of Geraint Davies MP
7. Geraint Davies MP, as seen in the minutes of the Welsh Affairs Committee in Westminster, asked about the straightening of the line five times. I attach photos of these in the evidence. For your reference, please see question(s) 111, 112, 116, 117 and 119
8. These discussions range from December 2017 to 14th March 2018, signalling that the matter is still very much in contention
9. The straightening of the line was very specifically mentioned in the Welsh Affairs Report of May 15 2018.
10. Neath station is a gateway to the western valleys. This is an area of stunning beauty in need of economic renewal not increasing marginalisation.
11. Since the petition was launched and in spite of the Welsh Minister’s statements, the Secretary of State for Wales has agreed to discuss the proposal with Professor Barry and the UK Parliament’s Welsh Affairs select Committee have asked for the line-straightening to be considered further
12. Professor Barry is a serious transport academic and we certainly do not disrespect him, but have fundamental concerns over the re-routing of the track
13. Our greatest concern, is that, had residents not raised concerns via the Committee, these discussions may well have continued unchallenged
14. We the people of Neath and the 10,000 people who signed the Petition, would request that consultation is taken with a matter that is important to the community
15. Neath is the second busiest station in South West Wales. It is fundamental to our economic development. The station serves the people of Neath in many different ways; from commuters, to concert goers and sports fans. It not only allows people to travel to and from Swansea and Cardiff, but it also allows commuters from outside of Neath to travel to Neath and contribute to our local economy
16. Residents from Skewen and Cardiff have also noted their concerns about these proposals. The proposal to remove Neath from the mainline will not solely affect the people of Neath, but will also affect people in and around the area who use the line
17. Commuters travel along the Swansea to Cardiff and Swansea to London Paddington line for work and taking Neath off the mainline would be disruptive to their travels and add time onto their journeys
18. You can understand, that as long as these discussions are circulating, there is potential for the proposals to come into fruition. As a result, we the people of Neath would request that proper research and consultation is conducted before plans go any further
Yours sincerely,
Bethan
Phillips,
On behalf of the activists of the campaign to Keep Neath on
Track.
Evidence:
Welsh Affairs Committee, 5th December 2017.
Welsh Affairs Committee, 16th January 2018.
Geraint Davies MP supporting rail franchise
Leader of Swansea Council supports this:
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/swansea-chief-executive-admits-council-13718291
Welsh Affairs Committee report May 15 2018;
54. In light of recent developments, including the cancellation of electrification and the devolution of some responsibilities to the Welsh Government, we recommend that the UK Government, Network Rail and the Welsh Government commit to developing a revised route study for Wales over the next 12 months. This revised study should examine all options for improving the South Wales railway. Before committing to any proposals, it will be important to ensure that they are cost effective, offer good value for the public purse and draw on lessons learned from the Great Western Programme.
55. If the track between Cardiff and Swansea were to be straightened to enable trains to run at increased speeds, the case for electrification of this route could be strengthened. We encourage the UK and Welsh Governments to work with Network Rail to explore the viability of this option. The outcome of this work can then inform the route study process.
56. We were interested in the proposal by Professor Mark Barry for a Swansea Bay Metro, particularly in light of the increased demand that may result from the Swansea Bay City Deal. This idea is still at an early stage, but merits further exploration. We recommend that the Department for Transport and Network Rail engage with the Welsh Government and establish a working group to explore the options in more detail. This group should report back by the end of 2018. If the group considers the proposal viable, it should then seek to develop a business case for taking the work forward.
Welsh Affairs Committee, 14th March 2018.
Swansea Councillors supporting proposal: