April
/ May 2004
LOCOMOTIVE HAULED SERVICES made a very welcome return to the Fylde coast in early February. Indications are that they will last for at least six months and possibly longer, to cover for the lack of suitable multiple unit stock. The Fragonset engines carry a black livery, hence they aren't easy to photograph in the dark. It's even harder when the Blackpool bound platform lights on Poulton station had failed ! We will try and bring you a future picture taken in daylight.
CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
Due to lack of space in the previous newsletter, I was unable to advise members that the committee have reluctantly accepted the resignation of Neil Clark from the post of secretary. Although Neil wasn't in the post for very long, during that short period he quickly established himself as an exceptional natural talent, and was a real asset to the cause. It came as a bombshell when I received his e mail of resignation.
However, out of adversity comes triumph, and I am delighted to announce that Neil's namesake, Richard, has agreed to take over the responsibility of this important post. Richard has a background of public transport related matters, and has been a member of the committee for some time now. He is also a regular commuter along the South Fylde line.
I am also taking this opportunity to raise the thorny subject (to some) of electrifying the line from Blackpool to Manchester. In the past, the cost of building new rolling stock was part and parcel of the overall estimated cost, but I would now argue that there is plenty of available motive power in the shape of Class 86, 87 and 90 locomotives that are being returned to their rolling stock leasing companies, that are now surplus to requirements.
So, if the cost of providing new rolling stock is removed from the equation, then surely the case for electrification is stronger now than it has been for many years. I do realise that a number of locos would need to be put through works for a major overhaul, as they are a little bit 'long in the tooth' but are still capable of doing a worthwhile job. However, repairing them would be far cheaper than building from new. Having a rake of say four carriages with an electric locomotive at one end, and a driving van trailer at the other (the push - pull concept is nothing new) is an achievable goal. Just imagine - something like that would eradicate overcrowding and at the same time offer more comfortable facilities for the passenger. It might just prove to be the catalyst for tempting more commuters to leave their car at home and 'letting the train take the strain'.
Currently, it seems criminal that we have perfectly good locomotives that will shortly find themselves unemployed, with the rolling stock leasing companies finding it difficult to find work for them. It may well end up that they will meet their fate at the hands of the scrapman, and that is a situation that must not be allowed to happen.
COMMITTEE POSTS
The next annual general meeting is almost upon us, and it is at this time of year that we ask any member whether they would care to serve as a committee member. Unfortunately, even this group suffers from the effects of tempus fugit, and time does march on. Consequently, we are looking for two new faces to serve on the committee. Make no mistake about it, we are entering into a potentially very interesting and rewarding period for railways in this area (probably more so for the South Fylde line), and we do need volunteers. The rate of pay is exactly the same for everyone (absolutely zilch!) but hey, you can't have everything ! We hold all committee meetings at the Park Street Methodist Church in Lytham, and roughly speaking we have six meetings per annum, which are normally held on a Wednesday evening.
So, if anyone would care to volunteer (they should preferably use rail services on a fairly regular basis to qualify) will they please contact the chairman either in writing or e mail.
WELSH INTERLOPER
Has anyone seen an extremely colourful Class 142 Pacer recently along the South Fylde line? Green, white and red to be precise. Well, it's been transferred from Cardiff, where it used to work services in the Welsh valleys. Unit number 142 069 has only been in the area for a short while, but it has already attracted quite a number of favourable comments.
It has been refurbished internally, with the number of seats being less than a standard Pacer, which has three seats on one side, and two on the other. This particular railbus has 2 x 2 seating, and it just goes to show what can be done - it is pretty comfortable, and it is certainly better than the run of the mill Class 142's many of which are fitted with bus style seats.
Due to its seating configuration, it is likely to be seen fairly often locally, rather than on services which start from major conurbation's such as Manchester or Liverpool.
SABOTAGE?
Mid March witnessed a derailment of a Blackpool tram when it was passing Gynn Square, on a service to Fleetwood. The single decker left the tracks and crashed into a sea wall, causing injury to seven passengers. Police believe that scaffolding deliberately placed on the line could have led to the derailment. Surrounding roads had to be cordoned off while emergency services tended to the wounded and cleared debris. Fortunately, nobody was seriously injured in the incident as the tram was travelling slowly when the derailment occurred. A team of council workers put the tram back on the rails using special machinery.
Whilst on the subject of the tramway, the long awaited announcement from the Government concerning the funding of the upgrading of the system is still not forthcoming. It is thought that the attitude from Government has cooled dramatically over the last couple of years to any proposed new tramway scheme. This may be because some systems are proving to be nowhere near as economically viable as once thought.
NEWSPAPER CAMPAIGN
The March 4th edition of the Lytham St.Annes Express, carried the headlines 'going off the rails' which featured a plea from people who used local train services, and were unhappy with the poor standard of service, and basically were getting fed up with cancelled or late running services.
Headed by local councillor Richard Fulford - Brown, they called for a number of improvements, many of which may seem vaguely familiar to our membership. They were - extend the line from Blackpool South to Blackpool Central. Restoration of a station at Wrea Green and include a passing loop, to increase the service frequency. In addition to those wishes, they also wanted upgraded rolling stock, a new station at Saltcotes, and improved connections at Preston with London trains
As a result, the Lytham St.Annes Express launched a campaign for better train services.
This may all be very well, and with the best of intentions, but unless someone happens to possess a magic wand, the chances of any of their wishes happening overnight are extremely remote - we know, after all we've been trying hard enough ourselves for the last twenty years or so !
Thanks to the efforts (?) of the Strategic Rail Authority who stated that they only want to see the status quo preserved for the Northern franchise, means that the chances of seeing new or improved rolling stock are virtually nil. Without a passing loop, to increase the service frequency along the line, there is only so much you can do to improve connections at Preston. However, we would agree that in the case of a cancelled service, the train operating company should make alternative arrangements to get passengers (presumably) to Preston as it is the major railhead, so they can then make onward journeys from there. It is not good enough to say that there will be another train along in an hour.
Perhaps the best thing to do, for the benefit of all parties, is to channel everyone's efforts as one. We have advised the newspaper the date of our A.G.M. and we therefore sincerely hope that they can give this a few column inches to let locals know that they can come down to Park Street Methodist church hall on May the 5th, and talk about the situation further.
We are, after all, in the same boat (or should that be train ?!).
A FURTHER OBJECTION
In Branch Line issue 73, the committee made the membership aware that they were not happy with certain aspects of tramway plans associated with the Blackpool masterplan. In a separate issue, Blackpool Borough Council has recently published their revised deposit draft of the Local Plan 2001 - 2016.
Having had an opportunity to study their ideas, the committee have formally objected to a proposal shown on page 237, policy AS4 (C) which reads thus:-
The following improvements to the tram system are proposed:
ii) creating a new on - street route to link Blackpool North station and developing a new link to the South Fylde rail line to enable through trams to St.Annes and Lytham, and potentially to serve Blackpool Airport.
We have responded in the following manner:-
The aim to connect the tramway to the airport is supported. The aim to connect the tramway to the South Fylde rail line is not supported. It is likely to abstract business from the 'heavy rail' provision and it may introduce the need for an extra mode - change at St.Annes or Lytham, which would tend to deter visitors from any distance.
The Council then asks: if objecting, what changes are you seeking which could resolve your objection?
The association have said:-
If a tramway were to operate towards Lytham, it should share track and ticketing with 'heavy rail'. Ideally, an extension through the central corridor should be made.
RAIL ROVERS
Now that the lighter nights/warmer weather are finally with us, it's at this time of year that many train users like to travel further afield, and they can do this with the help of a Rail Rover.
There are many rover tickets available, covering various areas of the country. The one that covers this area is called the North West Rover and given the mileage that it covers, is pretty good value for money. You can go as far north as Dumfries, travel the full length of scenic Settle to Carlisle line and alight in Leeds. Take in the sights of Liverpool, Manchester or Chester or if that doesn't appeal then have a wander around Clitheroe. The possibilities are numerous.
A seven day ticket will cost £52.50 for an adult, £26.25 for a child or £34.85 for railcard discount. Alternatively, a flexi 3 days in 7 ticket costs £42.50 for an adult, £21.25 for a child or £28.05 for railcard discount.
The rover ticket is not valid before 09.00 Mondays to Fridays.
Although this information is believed to be accurate, it is advised that you should contact your local manned station for confirmation that the details are still correct.
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Revised: 06, January 2005