PRESENT T Thompson (Chairman),D Dundas (Zoom Host) I Jackson, J Adams, R Patching,
G Stringer, D James, V Wasdell, P Martin, R Hartley, A Hutchinson, J Woodcock, R Hockney, R Henshaw, M Frayn, J Sykes, G Lusher, P Longman, D Bathurst, D Dixon A Hutchinson, O O’Neill, I Clark, D Shaw, P Longman
GUESTS – Rebecca Harding (TfB) Jane Arnstein (Shenstone Adoption) Steve Wright, Colin Major Steve Jones (WM Railfuture)
If I did not spot on the screen any attendees please advise the Secretary
CHAIRMAN welcomed members and guests and our guest speaker TOBY RACKLIFF, Strategic Lead West Midlands Rail Executive
Excellent presentation by Toby which gave some encouragement that progress is being made towards our goal of seeing regular passenger services between Lichfield and Burton. A further bid to the RtR fund is to be submitted. He confirmed that the new 730 trains will enable 4 trains per hour to serve Lichfield stations. TOC contracts are under review and a statement from DfT is expected in next six months
CHAIRMAN’s report had already been circulated with agenda
SHENSTONE STATION – built 1884– Jane Arnstein and a few others have formed Shenstone Station Adoption Group, and the Parish Council has made a grant towards enhancing the appearance by tidying the garden beds in the car park and using planters and hanging baskets. Longer term, improvements to make the Waiting Room usable are envisaged.
WCR 250 David Dixon had attended the Q meeting (on Zoom) and his report had been circulated. We would like to see more trains calling at LTV
LICHFIELD TO BURTON – Peter Longman advised details of the planned Charter Train from Lichfield City via Derby, and the Hope Valley line to Buxton on 18th April, Cost £60
HS2 – there is a “consultation” about disruption and compensation possibilities. Phase 2A has received Royal Assent for the section from Fradley to Crewe
LICHFIELD STATIONS – secretary had written for more details about the introduction of ANPR and the timescale for safe pedestrian access at LTV
TREASURER reported a balance of £1382 and 34 paid members for the current year.
NEXT MEETING will be the AGM on Monday 15th March