MINUTES of February meeting were approved.
LICHFIELD TRENT VALLEY STATION – Good to see that Network Rail/WMRE are repairing the station approach from Trent Valley Road pretty much in the way that we suggested to Francis Thomas and his team two years ago. Chairman will write to thank them for the improvements and what appears to be an attempt to provide continuous safe pedestrian access.
When complete we will seek progress on getting a ramp from car park to southbound platform.
Plans for the proposed redevelopment of GKN by Pall Mall Estates are expected to be submitted soon to LDC. Roger Hockney has volunteered to watch for them so that we can comment if appropriate.
LICHFIELD TO BURTON/DERBY
WMRE bid submitted to the third round of funding under the Restoring the Railways Fund.
Members and TfB have expressed support for a service to Nottingham via Castle Donnington – this is not a priority at this stage but may be an alternative or additional route for us to promote in future. At present we seek to concentrate on getting passenger services moving northwards.
Railfuture (both East and West Midlands groups) are considered best placed to influence the rail authorities. Ian Clark from East Midlands has joined our group and our Chairman has been invited to join the West Midlands C’ttee.
TfB Charter train to Buxton, planned for 18th April, has had to be postponed. This promises to be a journey with a difference in getting from Lichfield to Buxton via the Hope Valley.
RECOVERING THE RAILWAY
Roger Hartley has been kept up to date with this all-party, employer and staff group and will make available minutes and progress reports for onward distribution to members.
NEXT MEETING – Guest speakers at our meeting on 19th April will be Fay Easton and Vicky Cropper-Clarke, Stakeholder Managers for WMR and LNR. Chairman is hopeful that our MP (M Fabricant) will attend a meeting in the near future, most likely when there is some news or action on Recovering the Railways. Jerry Sykes suggested that a speaker from HS2 Community Engagement might be interesting. Secretary to follow up.
OTHER BUSINESS – Secretary reported that he had received replies from WMR about the installation of ANPR – this will happen at both Lichfield station car parks probably after Easter, tariff not yet decided, length of free stay not yet decided but unlikely to be more than half an hour. Payment by app, card or bank transfer, within 24 hours. Cash option unlikely to be available.