Verbal presentation to be provided by representatives from the Kent Community Rail Partnership
Minutes:
Representatives of the Kent Community Rail Partnership (Guy Schofield – Project Officer and Sue Murray – Chairman) explained that the organisation ‘existed to bring together widely varied partners in order to bring social, economic and environmental benefits to the communities served by rural and secondary rail services’.
There was particular focus on the Medway Valley Line, which ran between Strood and Maidstone West and recently extended to include Tonbridge, and Swale Rail, which was the Sittingbourne to Sheerness branch line. Neither of these lines attracted significant investment from the rail companies, although funding contributions were received from South Eastern, Kent County Council and some local authorities and parish councils served by the route.
The aim of the Partnership was to promote and encourage strong relationships with local communities and to engage with new users of all ages. Recent initiatives included ‘pop up hubs’ and exhibitions at local business and shopping centres to educate and inform commuters and international travellers; guided walks called Rail Trails which suggested local walks and were available for download; adoption for unmanned stations which encouraged volunteers to keep their local stations tidy and well presented. Borough Green was a good example of an adopted station.
Reference was made to the number of listed signalling boxes along the Medway Valley Line, including Aylesford, Snodland and Wateringbury, which were now at risk due to the introduction of new technologies. Options on how these could be reused and preserved for the future were being considered and any suggestions were welcomed. Given the listed status of these buildings all options would be carefully scrutinised. It was also hoped that the signalling equipment could be retained.
The Partnership was also actively involved in educating young people about the benefits of railway travel and highlighting the dangers of railway lines and trespassing. It was indicated that the manager at Tonbridge station was actively engaged with local residents and committed to making the station a more attractive place. Pictures from local school children were often displayed on the platform as part of this exercise.
Members were reminded that the rail franchise was due to be renewed in 2018 and the Kent Community Rail Partnership was a formal consultee and all were encouraged to contact the organisation with comments about the future of railway provision in the area. As part of their effort to improve services the Partnership were actively seeking the introduction of a half hourly service from Maidstone West to Tonbridge. This request had the support of Kent County Council and the benefits to the community were recognised. In addition, the Department for Transport appeared receptive to the request.
Any suggestions for future events or comments regarding services or renewal of the rail franchise could be passed to the Kent Community Rail Partnership by using the quick enquiry form found on the website at:
In response to a question regarding promotion of the ease of reaching Rochester via Strood, it was confirmed that this was publicised and that many cultural events such as the Sweeps Festival and the Dickens Christmas Festival were just a ten minute walk from Strood station.
The representative from Tonbridge Line Commuters fully supported the work of the Kent Community Rail Partnership and commented that the frequency of service, particularly from Maidstone West to Tonbridge, affected use of the railway and passenger numbers.
The Chairman advised that the Borough and County Councils remained committed to arguing for a service from Tonbridge to Gatwick and this case would be reiterated during the rail franchise consultation. It was noted that there would be public consultation meetings regarding the renewal of the rail franchise, which would be promoted widely, and everyone was encouraged to participate.
Tonbridge Town Team observed that there were huge opportunities for economic development and linkages to Tonbridge and areas further afield via the Medway Valley Line and these were being explored with the Kent Community Rail Partnership.
Finally, the Chairman thanked Mr Guy Schofield and Mrs Sue Murray for their valuable contribution to the meeting and wished the Kent Community Rail Partnership every success for the future.