PRESENT: J Adams (acting Chairman), D Dundas (Zoom host), D James, A Hutchinson, G Stringer, R Hockney, G Lusher, O O’Neill,, J Sykes, R Harding (TfB), J Woodcock, D Bathurst, R Henshaw, V Wasdell,
I Clark, M Frayn, J Sykes
Apologies: , P Martin, R Hartley, T Thompson
HS2 Guests – Jayne Willetts (Balfour Beatty Vinci) and Chris Humphreys (HS2). Both are involved with Community Engagement and shared a presentation which showed the route through North Warwickshire and past Lichfield. They addressed topics that we had raised – road closures and diversions (which can be viewed on the website – link requested) They also advised of various funds for community projects and emphasised that road surface damage should be reported to County Highways, the more complaints the sooner action should be taken; Cappers Lane is known to be in particularly bad condition.
The South Staffs line between Lichfield and Wychnor will not now be closed this year
Preparatory works have attracted a few protests with one eviction in our area (Shaw Lane)
The elevated section of the A38 southbound will require a reduced speed limit to 50mph to permit safe access/egress for vehicles for the Haul Road to/from the site below.
Jayne proposes to hold local briefing sessions for residents as work develops.
Chairman – unable to attend. Activity since last report was a meeting with Jon Percival Economic Dev Manager with District Council, report already sent to members.
WM Trains Stakeholder conference – D James had attended and his report has been circulated. The main concern is shortage of drivers.
Lichfield to Burton and beyond – P Longman confirmed that tickets for the Charter train to Buxton on 18th July are selling well with very few First Class seats left. Train will depart City station but will also pick up at LTV. Face Masks will only be required when moving about the train, not when seated. Catering will be available.
Peter had been to Rail Live exhibition and is hopeful that a platform using the latest technology might be on display at Alrewas where the train will stop, briefly.
Lichfield to Walsall – Secretary had received an advice from Sandfields Pumping Station secretary that they are planning to commemorate the 150th anniversary of John McLean’s death in 2023 with a light railway journey up to the Fossway signal box and have already spoken with Network Rail. Early days but we have indicated our willingness to be involved.
R Hockney recommended that we ask LDC to ensure that preservation of the line should remain in the new Local Plan, also in line with Hammerwich Neighbourhood plan. Owen O’Neill confirmed the ambition of WMRE to extend services to Brownhills from Walsall which leaves the last section to Lichfield, supported by Railfuture WM in principle.
Treasurer – a further membership subs received giving cash balance now at £1408
Next Meeting – 19th July – most likely via Zoom again. No guest speaker booked but Chairman is in contact with our local MP and we may also invite representative from WMRE and LDC to future meetings. Secretary has still to establish availability of Kings Head.