29/06/04 - Community railways proposal is way off track

Council believes SRA plans will mean reduced status and funding for Cumbrian routes   

Plans by the Strategic Rail Authority to introduce so-called 'community railways' have been firmly opposed by Cumbria County Councillors who fear it will mean routes being given second class status.   

Although lines in Cumbria aren't included in the SRA's original pilot schemes, three are being proposed as possible future community railways.   

The SRA is looking at branch lines throughout the country which will never provide a commercial return but which are crucial to the local community and to tourists. It is proposing greater community involvement in defining, promoting and funding the routes.   

But County Councillors believe the changes proposed for the Cumbrian Coast, the Windermere Branch and the Settle junction to Carnforth lines will mean reduced central funding and reduced standards.   

Councillor Kevan Wilkinson, Cabinet Spokesperson for Transport and Infrastructure, said: "The Council does not believe that any of the lines in Cumbria are suitable for being dealt with as community railways as defined in the SRA consultation paper. The characteristics of these lines do not fit with the concept of a scaled down, locally funded railway, and should not be included in the list proposed for designation.   

"All lines in Cumbria are of strategic significance for both freight and passengers. They have considerable potential and they require high levels of investment to maintain and develop them."   

In its submission to the SRA the Council makes the following observations about the three local lines: 

Cumbrian Coast Line - serves an area defined by the North West Development Agency as a regeneration priority area which is reflected in regional planning guidance. The line is a major freight route, has significant potential for increased passenger use and some coastal sections have significant maintenance implications.   

Windermere Branch Line - is a critical link to the Lake District National Park and requires major investment to develop its capacity to play an even bigger role in addressing the transport issues related to this highly popular national resource. The scope for developing direct links from northern conurbations is critical to its future, building on the existing long distance services.   

Settle junction to Carnforth line - has the potential to link Cumbria to West Yorkshire more effectively than at present and its designation as community railway would prejudice this.   

Councillor Wilkinson added: "The Council has no doubt that there is scope for more comprehensive and powerful mechanisms for community involvement for all lines, but the SRA proposal for community railways is wholly inadequate as it will mean lower status, reduced central funding and so reduced standards."