To consider Notices of Motion.

Motion – Reinstatement of Hereford, Ross and Gloucester rail link

Councillor Stark proposed and introduced the motion.

Councillor O’Driscoll seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion.

The motion was put to the recorded vote and the motion was carried by a simple majority.

FOR (21): Councillors Andrews, Baker, Bartlett, Bartrum, Carwardine, Cole, Clare Davies, Fagan, Gennard, Heathfield, James, O’Driscoll, Oliver, Owens, Peberdy, Dan Powell, Proctor, Simmons, Stark, Tillett and Woodall.

Against (18): Councillors Boulter; Cornthwaite, Crockett, Dave Davies, Durkin, Engel, Gandy, Harvey, Hitchiner, Hurcomb, Kenyon, Price, Stone, Swinglehurst, Taylor, Thomas, Allan Williams and Robert Williams

Abstentions (7): Councillor Bramer, Hamblin, Lester, Mason, Phillips, Toynbee and Tully.

RESOLVED: That:

Proposal

We should position Herefordshire early to take advantage of this move towards more local control of rail in shaping our rail strategy. That should include making a central pillar of the upcoming rail strategy, a bold, ambitious and visionary commitment towards the reestablishment of the Hereford, Ross and Gloucester rail link. This can then become one of our fundamental goals of rail devolution in the Midlands, as well as forming a more rounded transport infrastructure offering to Govt. for funding. As a first step, this motion proposes carrying out an initial feasibility study.

Local Context

Council agreed the 5th Local Transport Plan in December which aspires under Policy TN10 on rail to work with partners to enhance rail services across Herefordshire as well as long distance rail services with London and B’ham. The Cabinet lead said that this would be underpinned by a supplementary Rail Strategy.

Wider context

The Govt, laid landmark legislation, the Railways Bill, before Parliament last November which will fundamentally alter the rail landscape in Great Britain. The Bill aims to nationalise trains and reform the railway, so it better serves passengers unveiling the new look Great British Railways, bringing track and train back together. It represents a new railway, focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers. Mayoral strategic authorities (MSAs) will be able to apply for full statutory and financial responsibility for local rail services, infrastructure and/or control of stations (full devolution), where this accelerates improvements for passengers and supports a more integrated network.

Benefits

Establishment of a strategic rail corridor from the edge of England to the heart of London, Bristol and the South.

Reestablishment of the rail link between two of the oldest English cities and the birthplace of British tourism.

Provides an additional rail link from London and Bristol to South and West Wales, including ferry ports, avoiding the Severn Rail Tunnel.

Enabling inward investment and a step-change in economic growth through strategic infrastructure investment in rail.

Supports the pro-choice travel goal of LTP5 as well as its aim for equity of transport access for the less advantaged.

Represents a modal shift in travel across the County and beyond.

Allows the Council to present a much more balanced package of transport infrastructure measures to the Govt for funding.

Enables the start of an enhance partnership with Gloucestershire, an important neighbouring authority.

Puts Herefordshire at the heart of the emerging revolution in delivery of rail services.

The resolution

This Council instructs the Executive to take five actions:

1) Enter early discussions with Gloucestershire County Council on the possibility of a joint feasibility study on the reestablishment of the rail link.

2) Write to the Secretary of State for Transport to set out our stall and see the likely support and possibility of funding for a feasibility study.

3) In parallel, test the market for any private finance interest in backing a feasibility study.

4) Engage with relevant partners and the engineering sector to seek specialist expertise for writing and scoping a feasibility study, including costs.

5) Report back on progress to Council within 12 months.