Agenda item

Cabinet Portfolio Holder: Councillor Jeff Clarke

Council is asked to endorse the Warwickshire Rail Strategy 2019-2034 and agree that the document is addended to the Warwickshire Local Transport Plan 2011-2026.

Resolved

1.         That the Council note the results of the consultation and the resulting modifications made to the draft Warwickshire Rail Strategy.

2.         That the Council endorse the Warwickshire Rail Strategy 2019-2034 and agree that the document is addended to the Warwickshire Local Transport Plan 2011- 2026.

Councillor Peter Butlin introduced the report noting that the rail strategy had been subject to extensive consultation reviewing access, ticketing, links, new stations and devolution. The results of the Williams Rail Review had been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Council was informed that Covid-19 had led to a downturn in rail travel to the extent that the rail franchises had effectively ceased to exist. Future rail service delivery may be through public service contracts rather than franchises.

Councillor Dave Shilton seconded the proposal and reserved the right to speak.

Councillor Dave Parsons accepted that the rail strategy was not contentious but suggested that it was not ambitious either. He noted that issues around track capacity were closely linked to HS2, a scheme to which the Council was opposed. There was reference to a new station at Polesworth in the strongly but the case for it was not made strongly.

Councillor John Horner noted that the strategy had been drafted pre-Covid-19. Given the decline in tourism in Stratford-upon-Avon he wondered whether more emphasis should be made to links between Stratford and London thus increasing the potential for attracting tourists.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse agreed that the effect of the pandemic should be reflected in a more ambitious strategy. Rugby Parkway station will be welcomed but for it to succeed there will be a need for cycle links, e-bikes, integrated travel and integrated ticketing.

Councillor Keith Kondakor noted that despite having a station with seven platforms, Nuneaton is not served by an adequate number of trains. The Manchester stopping service will not stop at Nuneaton and Leicester services bypass the station. A proposal for a new station adjacent to the A5 north of Nuneaton is not realistic. The focus should be on existing stations and on the construction of a new station at Stockingford where there is already a catchment of prospective passengers. Finally, Councillor Kondakor called for a new entrance to be provided on the Weddington side of Nuneaton station.

Councillor Clare Golby echoed the views regarding the need for a new station at Stockingford and for a Weddington side entrance to Nuneaton station.

Councillor Neil Dirveiks reminded Council that the strategy being considered was a high-level document. People, he said, require easy access to stations. He cited Atherstone where an access bridge had been removed at a time when patronage was on the rise.

Councillor Jill-Simpson Vince echoed her support for Rugby Parkway station stating that it will take pressure of the main station in Rugby. Councillor Yousef Dahmash observed that some minor improvements proposed for Rugby station had been a long time in coming. Regarding Rugby Parkway, whilst agreeing that it would be a welcome addition, he noted that it may have a negative impact on the A428 Crick Road. Councillor Maggie O’Rourke hoped that increases in home working would lead to a reduction in air pollution.

Councillor Bob Stevens agreed that the strategy lacked ambition seemingly failing to take account of the impact of HS2. Warwickshire could become a dormitory zone. There is a need for an integrated transport policy and nowhere does the strategy seeks to improve services to London.

Councillor Alan Webb observed that the proposed Rugby Parkway station may not provide all the solutions in that area. It needs to be easy to access the station if customers are to be drawn away from the town station. Councillor Dave Shilton noted that it had taken many years to secure a new station in Kenilworth. Having met representatives of the rail industry he was hopeful of significant improvements to facilities and services.

In closing this item Councillor Peter Butlin observed that ambitions will be reinforced by discussions around devolution. He considered that the strategy did take account of the impact of HS2. Regarding Stockingford he considered that if franchises are replaced there may be a stronger case for building the new station. Finally, Councillor Butlin stated that a new Nuneaton Parkway station would not impact on service provision.

A vote was held. The recommendations were agreed with one vote against and one abstention.

Resolved

1.         That the Council notes the results of the consultation and the resulting modifications made to the draft Warwickshire Rail Strategy.

2.         That the Council endorses the Warwickshire Rail Strategy 2019-2034 and agree that the document is addended to the Warwickshire Local Transport Plan 2011- 2026.

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 13.05.