Agenda item

The Committee received the final update report of the Rail Improvement Schemes Task Group which had reconvened in January 2012 to consider some outstanding issues.

County Councillor Sarah Fishwick, Chair of the Task Group attended the meeting to present the report.

The Committee was informed that the Task Group was keen to ensure that the schemes it had considered continued to be supported and promoted by the Council in accordance with its original priorities. In addition, the link between the economic development of Lancashire and the transport network was recognised as crucial, and the Task Group was therefore keen to see the rail improvement schemes continue to feature highly in the work of the Local Enterprise Partnership.

Councillor Fishwick endorsed the recommendations of the Task Group as set out in the report to the Committee.

Councillors raised a number of comments and questions, a summary of which is provided below:

·  In relation to the Kirkham and Wesham station, there was a query about whether any further work would be carried out as the station was not DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant.

·  The electrification of the Preston to Blackpool line was welcomed. However, one councillor pointed out that considerable work would need to be carried out on two bridges either side of Kirkham and that it had been estimated that the work combined with road closures would take some three to six months to complete. Concern was expressed that this would have a detrimental effect on businesses in Kirkham and Treales and it was therefore hoped that Network Rail would consider alternative methods of construction work to reduce the length of time it would take to carry out the work. Councillor Oades sought assurance from the Committee to ensure that any such road closures could be limited to a shorter time span and that the County Council look into the matter further. It was suggested that the minutes of this item be passed to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport for further consideration.

·  Councillors raised concern that the Skelmersdale link was not considered to be of a higher priority for the County Council to lead on as it was suggested that such a scheme would be an important aspect for the prosperity of the area.

·  Some disappointment was expressed that electrification of the Blackrod to West Coast Line and the Liverpool to Preston Line had not been included in the Task Group report.

·  One Councillor asked why a Lancashire Passenger Transport Executive had not been established as it was felt that such a body would be much more effective in co-ordinating public transport matters for the County. Councillors seemed keen to establish a passenger transport executive for Lancashire.

Resolved: That;

  i.  The schemes remain in the categories as originally agreed and that the positive progress to date be noted;

  ii.  Lancashire County Council continue to play an active role in the development and promotion of rail schemes in the County in accordance with the priorities set by the task group;

  iii.  The importance of rail improvements continue to be part of the work of the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP);

  iv.  Lancashire County Council continue to seek investment in the rail network in Lancashire, including via a response to the forthcoming government consultation based on the McNulty Report and as electrification of the Lancashire Triangle is progressed;

  v.  The work of the Task Group is complete and that no further meetings be required; and

  vi.  The minutes of this item be passed on to the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport for consideration.