That demonstrates demand for a frequent transport link between Wrexham and Chester, but not necessarily for a more frequent rail service along the entire line. And it could be argued that a 12-minute bus service actually removes the need for more frequent trains, particularly in view of the fact that both Wrexham and Chester railway stations are rather inconveniently-sited for the towns they serve.
the 12 minute bus service is useless if you carry luggage to go on holiday,you may argue Wrexham needs no more trains, I live here and there is need for extra rail services both Taith and the North East Wales task force, both set up by WG both also agree there is demand.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just had a quick listen again to the interview and Mr Meddling DOES say that NR "did seem to be the prime culprits in what's gone wrong". Sounds like a bit of buck passing/avoiding the issue situation to me.
I did not hear the interview, but as Chairman of the Committee he can only comment on what the First Minister said at the meeting,it is buck passing,Mr Meddling is only too aware of the FOI requests from AMs as to where the £32M capital fund ring fenced for the redouble as gone to.
After the First Minister left the meeting, me and others questioned all the blame being put on Network Rail and the statement the day before from Edwina Hart re looking at the redouble .
At the meeting the AM for Vale Of Clwyd Ann Jones asked the First Minister," it seems North Wales is again suffering cuts, as the money for the Wrexham redouble been spent elsewhere" The first Minister quoted the statement from Edwina Hart, and added the Minister(Edwina Hart) will respond in September"
Ann Jones added as the North Wales member of this committee "I will not let this go away"
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Heres the official WG press release.
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until 00.01, Thursday 22 August
Welsh Government must strengthen the economic infrastructure of north Wales – says National Assembly committee
Strengthening the infrastructure of Wales as a cohesive unit to enhance its economic competitiveness is imperative, according to a National Assembly for Wales committee.
The Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister has written to the First Minister about a series of major infrastructure issues affecting north Wales, including the upgrade of the Wrexham to Saltney Junction rail line. The Committee has called on the Welsh Government to show “leadership and clarity of purpose” in progressing the scheme after hearing it has been hit by significant delays.
The scheme, estimated at costing £36 million pounds, would double up the railway line between Wrexham and Chester providing increased capacity and opportunities for significant economic development.
At a meeting in public in Rhosllanerchrugog, near Wrexham last month, the Committee was told that there was a lack of Welsh Government “levers” over Network Rail (the organisation charged with maintaining and improving the UK rail network) to push the scheme forward.
In supporting efforts to secure devolution of further powers over rail infrastructure, the Committee called for progress on the Welsh Government’s negotiations with Network Rail and a clear timetable for when the work will take place.
“The Wrexham to Saltney Junction scheme promises significant benefits for the people of north Wales and its delay is disappointing,” said David Melding AM, Chair of the Committee for the Scrutiny of the First Minister.
“The Committee would like to see Ministers show leadership and clarity of purpose in bringing this scheme forward as soon as possible.”
Regarding major road infrastructure projects, the Committee called for further detail on implementation of a scheme to remove the current bottleneck at the A494 Aston Hill, citing the A494/A55 corridor as a vital gateway to Wales.
On the subject of major energy projects, the Committee heard of concerns about the impact on local communities.
A question submitted to the Committee by members of the public via Twitter asked what the Welsh Government was doing to ensure that communities receive some benefits from major infrastructure developments (for example through direct financial payments, support for wildlife projects or the ownership of community-based renewable energy schemes).
The Committee concluded that there needs to be a more rigorous and strategic approach taken across all forms of major infrastructure development and has called on the Welsh Government to set out its thinking and approach on this important issue.
“The question of local community benefits from major infrastructure projects came from members of the public who contacted the Committee via our Twitter hashtag #FMWQT,” said Mr Melding.
“The Committee was pleased to hear the First Minister respond positively to the idea of local communities benefitting directly and he mentioned the need to develop ‘broader thinking’ in this area and to use the new Planning Reform Bill to secure new arrangements.
“We would like to see the fruits of this new approach.”
The Committee makes 10 recommendations in a letter to the First Minister, including:
- How the First Minister proposes to develop the Welsh Government’s thinking and approach to ensuring that local communities receive direct benefits from all forms of major infrastructure developments, whether located in or affecting their areas.
- The need for the Welsh Government to show leadership and clarity of purpose in bringing forward the Wrexham to Saltney Junction scheme as soon as possible.
- When a scheme to remove the current bottleneck at the A494 Aston Hill will be implemented.
