PRESENT T Thompson (Chairman), I Jackson, D Dixon, J Adams, D James, V Wasdell, P Cousins, P Martin,, R Hartley, A Hutchinson, , R Hockney, R Henshaw, D Bathurst, P Mullarkey, D Smith
APOLOGIES, R Patching, P Sheridan, G Hudson, B Pretty
MINUTES of November meeting had been circulated by email.

CHAIRMAN’s Report- i) a positive meeting in November with the Chief Exec of NMA ii) attended the launch on 9th December of Avanti franchise of WCML iii) Claire Horton has agreed to come to our January meeting – to be confirmed. Malcolm Holmes (Chief Exec, WMRE) wants to come to a subsequent meeting. iv) Back the Track met District Council on 3rd December. This was not a public meeting and both our group and Hammerwich Parish Council were refused attendance. v) Railfuture is considering a public meeting in Lichfield in the summer of 2020.

DECEMBER TIMETABLE – after much discussion we re-affirmed the group position – to support four trains per hour to LTV (was this level of service a commitment in approving the franchise?) The new timetable provides a poorer service for Shenstone and we wish to see half hourly services re-instated between Shenstone and LTV.
Our main concern continues to be with poor performance and reliability – can WMRE get involved? Should the MPs for Lichfield and Shenstone be pressing for improvements?

ADDITIONAL SERVICES – Engineering work at Water Orton means that Cross Country services will be diverted through Lichfield City to Burton Derby and beyond on 9th, 16th 23rd February and 1st March calling at Lichfield City but only at 10.03 and 11.03

LICHFIELD TRENT VALLEY – no further news when Lifts might be operational nor on a ramp from the south car park. Understood that County Council has done some analysis on pedestrian safety and may be prepared to put money towards improvements.

TREASURER – expenditure has exceeded income by £51.52. Grant Application will be submitted to City Council for 2020

PUBLICITY & WEBSITE – DJ will update the website and DD offered to provide a sketch history of Lichfield railways for the website.
DJ offered to publicise the additional Cross Country services (above) on website and in press.

OTHER BUSINESS – RH advised that the District Local Plan is under review and indicates substantial additional housing – we should respond to the consultation to recommend re-introduction of passenger services to Burton upon Trent and to Walsall, and full engagement by the District with WMRE

NEXT MEETING – 20th January 2020