Great Western Coffee Shop

Back in October last year, FGW sent their 'in-house' painters to refurbish the railings and shelters at Nailsea and Backwell station.

On Monday of this week, a couple of external contractor staff replaced all the perspex window panels in the platform shelters.

The result in each case was perfectly adequate, in my opinion: there's not necessarily a case for saying that in-house staff do a better job than contractors, or vice versa.

I have more concern over the fact that a lot of money was apparently spent on getting some landscape garders in, to put assorted plants on the embankment under platform 2 in an effort to improve the appearance of our station, but no attempt was made to remove the skipful of litter from the embankment under platform 1.  Now, IMHO, that's where the 'value for money' argument falls down: lack of joined up thinking, not in-house v contractor.

I'd rather a bit of money was spent by Network Rail shotblasting the bridge and giving it a proper coat of paint. It's such an eyesore.

Good point, John!

Erm .. do you mean the road bridge, or the foot bridge?

 ;D

The road bridge.

Thanks, John!

Sorry if I seemed flippant, but it was actually a serious question. While approaching the station from Nailsea this morning, I noted yet again how tatty it looks: embankments overgrown with that infernal Japanese plant that grows everywhere, stonework on the road bridge stained and leaking water over everyone whenever it rains, metalwork paint (on the road bridge and the footbridge) flaking off, litter everywhere - but FGW have had a few ground cover plants stuck in, to try to cover up all this mess!

For those who don't know my beloved local station, this is what I mean: http://www.bristol-rail.co.uk/images/nailsea17.jpg

On a more positive note: the lady who operates the coffee van at the foot of the steps to platform 2 has indeed taken over the newspaper stand sales from the local newsagent!  So, apart from giving her an Avantix machine, I think we've almost gone back to Nailsea and Backwell being a manned station again!

 ;)

Received this today, and one of the questions is:-

Which form of transport do you or members of your household mainly use to get to work?

Options are:-
Walk
Cycle
Bus
Private Car
Taxi

No "other" option either.

Errrr, hello, anyone in the Town Council noticed that bridge and those structures on top of it called  platforms, and I wonder what all those people are doing standing on them every morning.......

Doesn't inspire much confidence does it?

Complain to them!

Don't worry, I have. I'm sure it'll do a lot of good.

John, thanks for posting this - I, too, had received this 'survey' - but I hadn't opened the envelope until now  :o

You're right - they've completely lost the plot!  I'll be on the phone to the Town Clerk tomorrow morning about this latest nonsense  >:(

I will also raise it with Severnside Community Rail Partnership, as I think they may well have a local view on it!

Please let us know if you hear anything back, John - I'll do likewise.

(And thanks for your support, too, vacman!  ;) )

why not write to the local rag...oh hang on, they won't be interested because it's not slating the railway!!! ;)

Nailsea Council have really hit the nail on the head regarding the promoting of local train services They dont know it exists which sets the Bristol area apart from other areas which are banging the table and getting the government to invest in local services to the detriment of us.
i am afraid with the Railway bashing attitude that prevails at present we are going to get nowt because the local stakeholders cannot or will not work together

Got a reply today which said it was "an unfortunate mistake". Maybe, but it shows how low on their priorities it is if it gets overlooked.

Taxi to work?

Pricey!

People in Nailsea are being urged to have their say on how the town should develop. Nailsea Town Council has sent out questionnaires to 6,643 households to help it to formulate a parish plan (link below.)
http://thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145365&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145191&contentPK=20137389&folderPk=83726&pNodeId=144922

The plan will form a blueprint on the town's development and will be used to lobby North Somerset Council on issues including planning and economic development.

The questionnaire covers areas including health, leisure and recreation, crime and education. People are also asked what facilities they would like to see in the town and how they envisage the area developing in the coming decades.

Residents are being asked to highlight their favourite thing about Nailsea and to identify the town's hotspots and grot-spots.

The deadline for responses is April 14 and so far 16 per cent of people surveyed have sent back their views.

All the questionnaires will be analysed and a full report on the parish plan feedback is due to go before council in June.

A special bus where people can fill in the questionnaire will be parked up outside Somerfield in the town on Saturday from 9am to 5pm and outside Tesco on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Any chance of them also turning up 'occasionally' at Nailsea and Backwell, to provide similar services???  ;D

You beat me to it Chris. By the way, anyone know why those "things" have appeared at the ends of the platforms. I appreciate it's probably to stop people walking off the ends of the platforms, but the railway has managed perfectly well without them up to now, and I haven't seen them anywhere else.

John,

Thanks for your support - and, with your agreement (hopefully!), I've already moved this particular discussion to a new 'Nailsea & Backwell' topic, as I suspect we're opening up a whole new 'can of worms' here!

I agree that the appearance at Nailsea & Backwell of some quite robust galvanised barriers, on the inside edge at the end of each platform, and the rather bizarre laying of a corrugated rubber mat on the outside edge at the end of each platform, is, quite frankly, puzzling!  Has anyone, to your knowledge, ever absent-mindedly wandered off the end of either platform at Nailsea & Backwell???

Is this latest development in preparation for the installation of ticket barriers at Nailsea & Backwell, perhaps?  Will fare dodgers be discouraged from hurdling the rubber mats?  Or is the appearance of a galvanised metal gate intended to be a discouragement for a passenger trying to get his bicycle out of the guard's van, if his train stops beyond these latest obstructions??

Confused, of Nailsea.  ???

Has any more been heard on the recently advertised six month fixed term staff vacancy for a general purpose relief for Nailsea?

Well no-one has turned up yet, Lee.

The only thing I can think of is that it is to stop someone trying to cross the track to avoid the stairs. Nailsea has a ramp on the up platform, but none on the down, so if you are unable to use stairs, you're in a bit of a pickle if you alight on the down having started your journey using the ramp (and assuming you would have a similar facility on the return journey).

Failing that, can anyone "in the know" help Chris and I?

Thanks, John!

I had another look at those barriers this morning, and I think this is indeed yet another sinister 'Health and Safety' development!

The very robust metal galvanised gates, secured with heavy duty padlocks, installed on the inside edge of the platforms are indeed most businesslike.  However, beside them, on the outer edge of the platforms, are big rubber mats, bolted to the platform, which can be walked over with ease.  In fact, rather amusingly, this morning at Nailsea, I watched a contractor do just that - walking up the track from the west, he stepped over the rubber mat onto platform 2, making no attempt whatever to unlock the padlocked gate that's just been installed!

The installation of these heavily padlocked gates seems to have been accompanied by the fitting of brand new signs to them, warning that the penalty for trespassing on the track is a fine of ^1,000.

Now, call me cynical, but anyone who really wants to trespass on the track, for whatever reason, will just walk past these heavily padlocked metal gates, by stepping over the rubber mats.  However, if they subsequently get squished by an HST passing through at 100mph, the H&S requirements will be satisfied because 'locked metal barriers were in place and warning signs were clearly visible'.

A couple of questions arise:

- What did the installation of all those gates at Nailsea & Backwell cost?

- How much has actually ever been recouped from persons 'trespassing on the track' at Nailsea & Backwell?

Chris  ???

Those barriers have also appeared at Lawrence Hill & Stapleton Road.

Answer from FGW :



Here is what they look like at Stapleton Road (photos taken 11/04/2008) :

(http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/110408staproad6.jpg)

At Stapleton Road, they also serve the purpose of placing the disused sections of the platforms firmly out of bounds (background link - http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=766.msg2957#msg2957) :

(http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/110408staproad17.jpg)

More photos can be found in the links below.

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/110408staproad1.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/110408staproad8.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/110408staproad12.jpg

I'm sure an able bodied person could easily get over that! Just seems like a waste of money that could be spent on Tavistock or something.

Thanks, Lee!  ;)

d_m, you're quite right: see my previous observation:

"In fact, rather amusingly, this morning at Nailsea, I watched a contractor do just that - walking up the track from the west, he stepped over the rubber mat onto platform 2, making no attempt whatever to unlock the padlocked gate that's just been installed!"

 ??? ::)

Gates/mats have also been installed at Keynsham.

Especially if you look there is a nice fence along side mat to hold onto as you cross the mat. I presumme the fence can' t come to the platform edge as it might be hit by a train.

As DM says a complete waste of money. Somebody didn't think this through. That's the trouble these days with tick box actions.

Access to end of platforms denied (tick).

Next box.  >:(

From "Fletcher On Tour - March 2008" (link below) :
http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=1943.msg14391#msg14391


Fear not, for I have now visited  ;D :

(http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea18.jpg)

There still appears to be some confusion over the name though....

(http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea30.jpg)

More Nailsea (and Backwell) photos, all taken on the 13/04/2008, contained in the links below.
http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea2.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea3.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea4.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea5.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea6.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea7.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea8.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea9.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea10.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea11.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea12.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea13.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea14.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea15.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea16.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea17.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea19.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea20.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea21.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea22.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea23.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea24.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea25.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea26.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea27.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea28.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea29.jpg

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea31.jpg

Ex-ATW Class 150 unit at Nailsea & Backwell.
http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea1.jpg

Lee, thanks for that - it's absolutely brilliant!  ;D

Some observations from me, if I may:

Your first (sorry, your 'top'!) photo shows the problem with the 'barriers' - a child could walk over that rubber mat, completely ignoring the heavily padlocked galvanised metal gate.  ???

Your second photo indeed confirms that the confusion over the name of my local station is still not resolved ... !?

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea3.jpg shows that the rubber mat at the west end of platform 2 even extends within the yellow line for HSTs - and the flimsy chicken wire fence beyond is no real barrier either - so why spend so much on installing a galvanised metal heavily padlocked gate there at all  ???

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea5.jpg shows an incredibly empty car park - it's normally crammed from 0800 on a weekday, with cars parked on verges and adjoining streets as well!  However, part of the problem is that it's free (http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea6.jpg ) unlike Yatton - so people from Yatton drive to Nailsea and park here!  ???

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea12.jpg shows the problem with the disabled access at Nailsea & Backwell - it's only available for platform 2!  ???  (See also http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea14.jpg)

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea15.jpg is my famous (infamous?) ticket machine!  Was it actually working, when you visited Nailsea & Backwell, by any chance?   ;D

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea28.jpg confirms, I think, that an average toddler could walk over that mat, without even having to hold onto a grown-up (or the railings!).

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea21.jpg Sadly, I don't think we had a centenary celebration for the footbridge!

http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea25.jpg shows why platform 1 at Nailsea is not DDA compliant!!!

And finally ... http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea29.jpg ... ah, yes, the lovely litter-strewn approach to platform 1!

Thanks again, Lee - you've made me feel rather homesick, with all those reminders of my beloved local station!

 ;) :D ;D

By the way, if anyone thinks I'm taking the mickey, I'm not!  I'm really a great fan of my local station (or what my local station could be, with a bit of commitment from FGW), and I'd like to see it manned, and maintained, as it should be!  So there!  ;D

It's a total waste to put a Fence across the end of the Platform, as Railway Group Standards prohibit ANYTHING being placed within 1.25 metres of the platform edge. (a safeguard in case train crew look out of the train).

However putting a fence up Just means anybody going off the end of the platform Risks being wiped out whilst going around the end of the fence, the matting is of course a tripping Hazard!!

H & S gone MAD!!!!!!!!

Exactly, smokey!  At the western end of platform 2, there isn't even a fence across the end of the platform: see http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea3.jpg , which shows someone with less than perfect eyesight could easily veer to the left of that post, stumble over the rubber mat and end up on the track!

At least there should be a big 'keep right' warning on that fence post - even if they can't put a fence across the platform end to the left of it???

 ::)

Next there will be a large sign warning:
"Beware of the Rubber Mat & Fence - Tripping Hazard"

then

"Beware of the sign"

etc

I turned a corner in a corridor at work and tripped over a little yellow 'Beware slippery floor ' sign. It's all H&S madness. Like the one by hot taps saying this water might be hot.

The Greatest H & S lunacy must be the,

Warning: CONTAINS NUTS,

On a packet of NUTS.

And returning to the subject in hand, picture 11 shows clearly the supports for the old station building, long demolished.

It's not only the disabled that have a problem with the steps on the down platform, as I found out last night whilst lugging a massive suitcase down the steps. But I guess that is a minor inconvenience compared with someone less able bodied, and anyway is repeated at stations up and down the country.   

One bit of good news, however, John - re: your related post at http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=2232.msg16900#msg16900 - the announcements were actually working again this morning at Nailsea & Backwell!

 :o

Indeed they are.  Now all we need is a ticket operative.

By the way, do you think the new station furniture at the platform ends is being installed at unstapped stations because passengers were wandering off the ramps to be off limits for a smoke? Haven't seen it happen, but it's just a theory I considered in an idle moment yesterday.

No, I'm not convinced they're 'anti-smoker' barriers, John.

Last time I saw a member of FGW staff actually manning Nailsea one morning, he was standing just here - puffing away! http://www.raildocuments.org.uk/apr08photos/130408nailsea13.jpg

 :o ::) ;D

Looks like Rick Brookes, the cartoonist in the Metro, is a visitor to this forum if today^s This Life is anything to go by. Or just coincidence.   ;D ;D

Indeed, John: the amount of damage caused did seem to be rather terminal for that poor machine.  >:(

This morning, most of the machine's insides were strewn on the platform around it: by this evening, the shell of the machine had been covered in a black plastic bag, and its insides swept into a neat pile at its base.  Helpfully, a note on the black plastic bag explains that the machine is 'out of service due to vandalism'.  ::)

However, the incident will have been recorded on the CCTV camera overlooking platform 2, so the culprit(s) should soon be apprehended.

And perhaps the opportunity will be taken to instal any replacement machine inside the shelter, so it doesn't have a hissy fit every time there's a bit of rain.

I live in hope.   ;) :D ;D

they must of done the rounds last night keynsham was also smashed up.

Word seems to be getting round the criminal fraternity that ticket machines are a worthwhile target. Chiltern Railways has been hit hard all along the line recently, see http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/latest-news/fastticket/ (http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/latest-news/fastticket/).

Suppose they are an easier target than a bank cash machine, since they're free-standing, not built into walls.

While the CCTV may have recorded something, I expect the culprits will have brought along their balaclavas. It doesn't look like BTP have much clue over the Chiltern incidents, since they began with a couple in Bucks and then seem to have spread up the line over a period of weeks.

Sad to say that I always thought it was asking for trouble installing these ticket machines at unstaffed stations as they are easy targets for theives.

Yeah it doesn't matter whether it's actually possible to get money out of them, people are going to try anyway.

At Nailsea & Backwell, we still have the ticket machine on the footpath below platform 1.  However, that machine is not covered by the CCTV camera, so I suspect it's only a matter of time before that machine too suffers the fate of the nearby telephone kiosk - which gets vandalised every other Friday night, as far as I can make out ...  ::)

Perhaps the answer is to follow the example set by Chiltern:

I hope the would-be thieves were wearing gloves - not for fingerprint purposes, but have you seen the state of the touch screens on most of these machines ?  Yuk !!

I often think what a sad world we live in...so many desperate people around. I hope they get caught.

The card-only idea may work, but then it would be difficult to enforce penalty fares on stations that don't have ticket offices.

Lol, that's true! Speaking of fingerprints, there are plenty of them on most of the screens...

yes its gross isn't it. Makes you want to bring a can of pledge with you and give the screen a good polish before using it.

Good plan, but wouldn't that stop them from working like it does when it's raining?

Good point Mojo.

the one at whimple has only been in about a month and you cant see the screen when its sunny and parts of the screen you really have to poke to get them to work

Alright, then: a business case to FGW, on the basis that each of these ticket machines apparently costs over ^20,000:

1. Do not place them anywhere out in the open, where they can be ram-raided;

2. Do not place them anywhere they are not covered by CCTV;

3. Do not place them on an exposed platform, where they get soggy every time it rains;

4. Do not instal them on a south facing platform, where direct sunlight makes it nearly impossible to read the screen;

5. Do not allow them to accept cash.

Problem solved  ::)

Or do not install them, and allow passengers to buy tickets on train, as was previously the case!

dont guards have other things to do? and im not a guard im just being honest they seem rushed off there feet alot of the time

I am a guard, and yes we have other things to do. But you watch managment jump on our backs if we dont 'do tickets'. Our first priority is always safe running of the trains, but I will say there were no ticket machines on a lot of these stations two and a half years ago, and I generally managed to sell tickets on 95% of the trains I worked.

maybee some kind of charge card for regular travelers.... tell the guard where your going and he swipes the card and you get invoiced pay as you go.... it would only work on journeys without changes but this could also be done on stations at ticket machines

Well FGW did buy the cheap TVMs, there is a Rain Proof touch screen option, but it cost a few bob more!  ;D

Don't worry they will be obsolete quite soon as ^they^ have plans.

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/saving-and-banking/article.html?in_article_id=452524&in_page_id=7

Commonly know as an ID card.

This is FGW maths,

The TVM Waterproof touch screens cost about ^600 extra, are also more vandal resistant but off course that's ^600 that can be spent ELSEWHERE, so the BEAN COUNTERS get their way and the cheaper TVM touch screens are used.

Now to prevent rain getting onthe TVM touch screens some TVM's have had a small shelter built over them, at a cost of about ^1400 with install costs off about  ^800.

So there you have it:

spend ^2200 pounds to save ^600.

No wonder train fares aren't FAIR.

FGW just don't do their homework.

I suspect even a waterproof screen wouldn't be much cop against an axe (although it would be waterproof which would be nice)

A couple of points from me:

Yes, while the 'waterproof' version of the ticket machine may have been more suitable at Nailsea & Backwell, I'm not sure it would have been able to withstand a severe battering by an axe (or possibly pickaxe, judging by the punctures evident in the casing!) last weekend.  ::)

And I have found that the various train crews on my journeys this week have been quite happy to sell me my return ticket on board - just as they always have been.  Thanks, FGW!  ;D

An update on the ticket machine carnage situation at Nailsea ... well, actually, there isn't an update: I'm still trying to get some information on when it may be replaced.  ::)

However, there is some good news: our cheerful chap has been trained this week, and he will apparently be able to sell tickets, from an Avantix machine, from Monday next week!

Thanks again, FGW!  ;)

Erm ... a slight update to my previous 'news' item:

Since my chat with a very friendly member of FGW staff on the platform at Nailsea last Thursday morning, some posters have appeared on the shelters, announcing that our 'local staff with an Avantix machine' facility will actually be going live from Wednesday 22 October.  Apparently, his training is continuing, so the station will be unmanned temporarily: 'FGW apologise for any inconvenience this may cause', etc.

To be fair, if we do get a chap with an Avantix machine, pending the eventual replacement of the ticket machine on platform 2 - that's a result, so I'm quite happy!  :D

And, as a further update, I have been informed that our trashed ticket machine on platform 2 will be replaced ... with the machine from the footpath below platform 1!

Now, before anyone gets too wound up about this, I think it actually makes sense: we really only need one machine at Nailsea & Backwell - because our cheery local chap will be able to sell tickets to the peak commuters from Wednesday!

On past performance, it's only a matter of time before our ticket machine down on the footpath under platform 1 also gets 'done over' - it's not even covered by CCTV, and it's just yards (sorry, I'm showing my age: just metres!) from the telephone kiosk which does get 'done over', just about every other Friday night.

Provided, of course, that FGW take a rather more practical view this time, and site the replacement machine on platform 2 where it is in full view of the CCTV, and where it is out of the rain!

This morning (Tuesday) at Nailsea was quite interesting (!?)

On arriving at the top of the steps to platform 2, at approximately 08:58 (rather breathlessly, after a sprint across the car park!) I was met by two FGW ticket sellers - backed up by two Revenue Protection staff, and a PCSO.  Not a problem: I had ready cash, to buy a ticket - but I had been hoping to be able to jump on the train and buy my ticket on board (as I have been doing, most mornings since my beloved ticket machine on platform 2 was trashed!).  However, as the ticket seller (one of our regulars from BTM) insisted that I had to buy a ticket from him, I missed that train.

... which gave me time, waiting for the next train, to consider the situation.  Not only were there two ticket sellers, two suited Revenue Protection staff and a PCSO on platform 2 - there were also two ticket staff, a uniformed female Revenue Protection official and another PCSO on platform 1.  Total of 9 staff - and there was one passenger on platform 1, looking probably as bemused as I was on platform 2. ???

For months now, I (and others) have been moaning about the need for just 'someone' to be able to sell tickets at Nailsea: after many months of plaintive bleating from FGW about 'lack of resources', they still managed to put on this amazing display of staffing overkill?  I'm really not complaining that I missed my train - fair enough, I was (literally!) running late - but where did FGW suddenly find 9 staff to man Nailsea & Backwell Station this morning, when they've been reneging on their franchise commitment to have it manned, for month after month after month, in the past???

Interestingly, as the FGW 'team' had nothing much to do this morning, they stood around, in groups of 4, chatting between themselves - so I made a point of approaching the chap in charge, to ask a couple of questions!

In response to my query about when my beloved machine on platform 2 would be replaced, he said that it would be repaired 'whenever they eventually got the necessary parts'.

In response to my suggestion that the trashed machine on platform 2 could be replaced with the (so far) undamaged machine from the footpath under platform 1, he said that wouldn't happen, as (a) "it wasn't as simple as that, as computer links would have to be, whatever ..." and (b) "it would involve using outside contractors, which FGW won't pay for".

Which is quite different from what I was told by another uniformed member of FGW staff at Nailsea, just a week ago!

And finally ... when the tatty old 143 did turn up for the 09:29 to BTM, all nine of them packed up and got aboard - and stood in the gangways, causing an obstruction  ??? ::) >:(

I'll continue to try to find out just what is going on, and I'll let you know  ::)

This sounds like the sort of exercise which TOCs do to identify fraudulent travel.  Imagine anyone turning up at Bristol asking to buy a ticket and claiming they got on at Nailsea (when in fact they got on at Weston, Highbridge, etc, etc.) They would be done for evasion.

(This happens, or used to happen a lot on the way into Waterloo. There were a remarkable number of commuters buying tickets at the barriers who had travelled in from Vauxhall. When they did a Nailsea style block at Vauxhall one day, guess what, there were still as many people arriving at Waterloo having "travelled from Vauxhall". Strangely enough, when asked for identification they all appeared to have addresses in Winchester, Farnham, Guildford, etc, etc.)   

Ah!  Thank you very much for asking, willc! ::) ;D

In a word:  No.  >:(

Our local cheery chap was not present at Nailsea & Backwell this morning.  However, the two FGW ticket sellers from BTM were in attendance again, each with an Avantix machine.  There was no sign of their assorted posse of RPIs or PCSOs, though.  Problem was, neither of the ticket chappies could get their Avantix machines to work properly: apparently, at one stage, they were taking turns to place their machine next to the heater inside the ticket hut, in vain attempts to get them working.  The result, in scenes reminiscent of the Keystone Cops, was a queue of little old ladies at the front window and at the access door of the ticket hut, all waving their purses, trying to buy a ticket.  ::)

As for me?  Oh, I learned from my experience on Tuesday morning: I had already bought my ticket from the machine on the footpath under platform 1, the evening before, when thankfully it was working!

A couple of points, though: what's happened to our local chap - and why was the XC 08:46 fifty minutes late this morning?

(Memo to on-train announcer: the difference between 08:46 and 09:36 is fifty minutes, not the forty minutes you announced this morning!)  ???

Fair enough, John!  I must admit, I was put off rushing down to the station this morning by the online live departure board showing me the chaos that was being caused to FGW services by the delayed XC service.  ???

Because the leading powercar on the refurbished set failed at Weston SM

Thanks, Liam!

Is that, by any chance, the same power car - 43321 - that was on the 17:11 from BTM to Plymouth this evening - which was 40 minutes down, leaving just ahead of my 17:53?

 ::)

Believe 43357 failed, I did indeed notice the late running of todays 0900 Glasgow-Plymouth although not sure why. Seems to have lost time progressivly since Berwick Upon Tweed.

Is the 1807 from Taunton missing out Nailsea and other stops because of a previous delay tonight?

Just left Totnes 53 minutes down. Apparently due to a train fault.

I arrived at Nailsea & Backwell Station this morning to find that the ticket machine on the footpath below platform 1 had been trashed over the weekend - screen smashed, bits of glass and broken bulbs in the ticket trough, etc.

Oh dear! ::) , I thought: that's the end of any plans to use this machine to replace the previously wrecked one on platform 2.

So, imagine my surprise, when I got off my train home this evening and went down the steps from platform 1 - to see the ticket machine, complete with a new screen and in full working order again!!!!   :o :o :o

Now, my question is, perhaps inevitably: how can FGW repair one machine at our station within 24 hours - but the other one is still completely OOU, shrouded in plastic, some five weeks later??

The screen was shattered but intact on Friday evening at 11pm. But presumably the damage was more superficial, and confined to the screen and just beneath, rather than the pick-axe treatment which the other machine got, and which did look much more terminal. 

So fair play to FGW for getting the one back in order within a few hours of the staff discovering it.

Sorry, I'm not there in the mornings to observe!

In that case, John, you'll have missed some of the fun this morning!  ::)

The 09:29 was 'cancelled, due to a technical fault' - but that didn't mean the train didn't run!  It actually turned up, dead on time - but it simply hammered through Nailsea & Backwell, at a speed I didn't think 143s were capable of achieving, with a cheery 'toot' on the horn - running empty into Bristol ???

I got the 09:46 PAD service - which was already crammed, even before the cancellation of the previous service (as it's half term this week)??

A technical fault doesn't always mean the train is completely broken and can't move, he could relate to safety features or various other problems which result in the train not being fit for public use.

Hole in the floor, for example?   ;D  ;D

At a guess I'd say a hole in the floor "could" cause a service to be cancelled  ;D

brake release fault for example meaning it needed to be EBS'D and TIS'D train can only run ECS as the doors could be open and still get brake release.

Thanks, smithy!

I must admit, you lost me a bit on some of the terminology, but I've done some digging and found a couple more new abbreviations for grahame to add to the 'acronyms list':

EBS = Electronic braking system

TIS = Train Information Server: for details, see http://www.geofocus.com/products/products_timstar.html#TIS

(ECS is, of course, already on that list! ;) )

Sorry Chris...EBS= Emergency Bypass Switch. TIS= Traction Interlock Switch. Both are systems used to get a train moving in the event of a failure.

Thanks, gaf71, for that correction and additional information!  :)

I'll ask grahame to add these versions to the Acronyms list.  ;)

They're added ... thanks for flagging them up

I had cause to drive past Nailsea and Backwell station yesterday. I smiled for a moment when I spotted an HST approaching, thinking we'd pass under and over the bridge simultaneously (always entertaining for the kids) - only to realise an instant later that it was actually just an HST power car thundering along trainless. D'oh!

Passing the station this lunchtime it appeared as though repairs/replacement of the ticket machine was underway.

About time this thread was brought back to life!

I noticed that a square hold with ducting sticking out has appeared at the bottom of the steps to Plat 2. Anyone any idea what this is for? A new ticket machine perhaps?

TLM

Yes, it is indeed the site for our new ticket machine!

I had a chat with the chap who was laying the concrete foundations this morning: we agreed that even the installation of bollards in front of it would not stop it being attacked.

This evening, I noted that those concrete bollards have also been installed, just in front of and to the side of the concrete base. Now, that may stop the ram-raiders in their stolen 4x4 - but it ain't going to stop them jumping out and attacking the machine with pick axes (as in a previous incident with the poor old machine up on platform 2).

So what's the point?  I thought we'd reached the conclusion that 'card only - no cash' machines at unmanned stations was the only really practical solution? ???

I Presume it will be card only, so not sure why it wasn't resited in it's original place. Though at least in its new location we won't have the issue of the morning sun making the screen invisible.

Agreed, John.

But if it is to be card only, why install half a dozen (showing my age!) concrete bollards around it ???

Probably because the criminals aren't switched on enough to distinguish between a card only ticket machine and a cash collecting one :P (not meaning to sound harsh)

would be more concerned with illegal card readers  and pin cameras like the cash machine scam

I feel that this image is somewhat appropriate on the subject of bollards ;)

Enjoy... :D
(http://www.tallrite.com/weblog/blogimages/refs2007/Bollards&Van.jpg)

I've got to be honest, it took me a minute or 2 to work it out...

LOL  :D

For a moment I thought that was the new station buildings under construction at Nailsea.  ;D

Update on the ticket machine saga at Nailsea & Backwell:

Today, a large team of contractors were on site, removing the surviving ticket machine from the footpath under platform 1 and re-installing it, together with another brand new machine, at the bottom of the steps to platform 2.

Both machines were up and running this evening, offering sales by cash or card.  While they have not yet been installed, I understand shelters will also be fitted.

However, CCTV will not be a feature.  Apparently, while CCTV was installed (at a cost of ^5,000) at Worle (in response to the attack on a passenger who challenged youths vandalising the ticket machine there - see http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=3800.0), there is no money available now to install it at Nailsea.  It's part of a 'development plan', but no timescale is known.

Now, pardon me if I'm missing the point here, but if FGW are prepared to install two ticket machines, each costing ^20,000, isn't another ^5,000 for CCTV protection for such an investment worth including?

SWT have an S&B TVM at Sholing on the Netley line that has a heavy duty exterior casing and an integral roller shutter mechanism. Not sure what time of day the shutter comes down, but I wonder if N&B Is the sort of location a machine like this should be used?

Paul

To be honest, it probably is, Paul - but if FGW baulk at ^5,000 for CCTV, they'll baulk at whatever such industrial strength casings and shutters cost, too!  ::)

FGW seem content with installing 5 concrete bollards: I'm sure the Top Gear team could demonstrate that those offer no protection against a stolen 4x4, driven with even moderate determination, but there we go ...  ???

... and, in another exciting (?) update from me, there have been a couple of recent developments:

On Monday morning, there were two chaps struggling to lift a whole pre-fabricated perspex shelter unit up and over the two ticket machines (impeded by those concrete bollards, which were clearly getting in their way).  To be fair, when I checked on my way home on Monday evening, that whole shelter unit was actually installed - apparently protecting both of our ticket machines from the elements.  Good news, I thought!

However, on Tuesday morning, while their shelter was covered in a fairly deep layer of snow, both machines were having yet another hissy fit, probably because they'd been out in the cold wind all night - so neither machine was actually selling tickets, yet again.

And this morning ... I arrived at the station, to find both machines were cordoned off with FGW yellow-and-black tape - because they had both had their screens smashed.

So, just to sum up: in the past two days, FGW have installed a shelter, which has achieved nothing in terms of improving reliability of the machines; and their failure to install any CCTV coverage means that the attack(s) on the screens will probably remain unsolved - with no record of the identity of the offender(s) / index number(s) of any vehicle(s) / specific time(s) of the offence(s).

Now, I'm sorry if I'm beginning to sound like Victor Meldrew, but this is my money, as a fare-paying passenger, that FGW are wasting ...  >:(

Sorry to hear that you are continuing to experience problems with your local ticket machines Chris. Gosh I sound a bit like a FGW customer services letter!

Sadly at some stations it was always asking for trouble installing them as has been proved a number of times which is a shame as they are very useful. FGW may have to rethink their strategy for those stations who continually have their ticket machines vandalised like not re-installing new ones once they are vandalised.

Well, both machines had their screens replaced and at least one of them was fully working as of yesterday morning. The other had a replacement screen it was refusing to respond to a touch!

Maybe that's why the screens are always getting broken, because you have to thump them to get anywhere!  ;)

I don't think there can be any such thing as a vandal-proof ticket machine though. There always has to be a coin slot to push gum into, buttons to attack with a cigarette lighter, as screen to smash, etc. etc. I think the closest I have seen are the PERTIS "permit to travel" machines, but it sounds like those are out of favour these days since they allow people travelling from penalty fares stations to (legitimately, it must be said) travel for 5p as long as they don't encounter a ticket examiner or station with an open booking office on their travels.

... and again, this morning, both machines had been attacked, with their screens smashed:

(http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7837/picture001fju.jpg) (http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/6495/picture002sur.jpg)

Rather bizarrely, the sign on the machine on the left refers to using a machine on Platform 1 - but there's never been a machine on Platform 1!  In fact, that particular machine is the one that was relocated from the footpath under Platform 1, to its present 'prime target' site under Platform 2.  And, to add insult to injury, so to speak, our local cheery chap didn't have his Avantix machine either, as that is currently also being repaired ???

However, due to the stirling efforts of our local chap to get the problem reported and resolved, I'm glad to be able to report that both ticket vending machines were working again this evening:

(http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/9654/picture005f.jpg)

Is the area covered by Cctv? Would it be possible to enclose the machines behind shutters at night? Perhaps better sighting? The one at Paignton never seems to get vandalised, despite how lively it is around station square past midnight!!

Unfortunately, devon_metro, there is no CCTV covering these machines - previous posts in this topic suggest that FGW didn't want to spend ^5,000 on it, as they'd apparently prefer to spend rather more money repairing these machines, whenever they're attacked. ???

Shutters could have been installed, certainly - but again, these two machines have been given the token protection of a perspex canopy and five concrete bollards: I suspect that a proper self-contained shelter with shutters was also beyond the budget? ???

I guess these machines are designed with vandalism in mind with it expected to happen as part of the cost of running them having to replace screens etc when they get vandalised.

All the station lights are out at Nailsea tonight, including the stairs. So it's very dark, if not dangerous.

Anyone got any ideas who I could report this to, so it's not left like this all weekend?     

Try FGW customer relations - 08457 000 125. They're usually pretty helpful in my experience.

You do run the risk of the station being closed during the hours of darkness if the problem can't be rectified quickly though...!

Have just checked with the office - it has been reported, and train managers have been paged out to warn arriving customers. Hopefully will be fixed tomorrow.

Should trains even be stopping? Particularly with those trecherous stairs. Particularly with HSTs where it's easy to miss a door on catch.

The CDL would, in some cases, pick up a door "on the catch" (although not one that's wide open) because the lock bolt will not engage fully and the yellow light won't extinguish. Plus train managers despatching trains in the dark (or fog, or falling snow...) will be using a handlamp so they can walk down the train and check doors individually. I guess that might result in a minute or two's delay to station duties but I'd be surprised (horrified, actually) if any staff were penalized for being conscientious.

The issue of the stairs though I'm less sure of!

Thanks rogang and inspector_blakey for your help.

CDL cannot pick up doors on the catch.  The system is designed to make sure the day will stay secure if the door is on the catch but the light will still go out.  If the door is on the catch however the bolt will drop and hold it secure.  Though you cant see it the hole at the top for the bolt is wide enough to accomodate the bolt both when the door is properly shut and when it is on the catch. 

Before CDL was introduced about 10- 15 people were falling out of trains a year.  Whilst some were undoubtetly drunk some were not and sometimes the door would seem to come open when the train was moving.  After a lot of research they found that if a door was properly shut it would not come open.  A door on the catch however could come open.  Hence a main part of the system is designed to hold the door so even if it is on the catch it will not come open when the train is moving.

Well, the blackout situation at Nailsea & Backwell station appears to have been resolved - up to a point.

I drove past our station at lunchtime today - and, despite the bright sunlight, I could see that every electric light at the station was definitely working!  ::) :o ;D

Hmm.

Please bear with me, for resurrecting this topic - but a year later, we still suffer from rather a lot of non-working kit at Nailsea & Backwell Station.

Today, we had one ticket machine looking rather terminally out of action ...

(http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/2420/019mi.jpg) (http://img839.imageshack.us/i/019mi.jpg/)

... it's twin also not working (perhaps because it rained heavily again last night?) ...

(http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/8739/020gs.jpg) (http://img826.imageshack.us/i/020gs.jpg/)

... the old Wessex information screens out of action ...

(http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8413/004mq.jpg) (http://img842.imageshack.us/i/004mq.jpg/)

... and the one Help Point that is 'out of wraps', on Platform 1 ...

(http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/310/006ig.jpg) (http://img828.imageshack.us/i/006ig.jpg/)

... was as dead as a dodo, when I pressed the Information button.

CfN.  >:( :o ::)

Well, an update. After Chris took the photo of the TVM (above) it was taken away and I'd assumed it would go the same way as Keynesham(?) and never been seen again.

But, lo, this morning there it was all shiny (well, not shiny but farily clean) and ready to go (well, actually no, it was wasn't even switched on.) But even so, even getting back was a surprise! But on the down side, the other TVM had gone out of order again so cue a massive queue for the services of one man and his Advantix.

At least the CIS is working again - with announcements as well.

TLM

More good news for NLS - from the Community noticeboard on platform 2:

(http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/2108/0134j.jpg) (http://img444.imageshack.us/i/0134j.jpg/)

As an aside - on friday one of the TVM's was gone again - replaced by a pile of rubbish

Erm ... no: both of the TVMs at NLS have been in situ, and fully operational, for several weeks now.  ;)

The pile of rubbish, to the left of the two TVMs in their shelter, was placed there last weekend, as part of the station clearance programme.  It will be removed tomorrow, when the skip arrives.

From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-12873934):

'scuse reflections. It were a sunny day on Friday!

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/NLS_2.jpg)

(http://i598.photobucket.com/albums/tt68/bignosemac/NLS_1.jpg)

And talking of the sun. Made it nigh on impossible to see the 'departures' screen without getting neck ache or being blinded.

But, nice to see both TVMs in working order and accepting cash!

TVM accepting cash? you sure?

Well. The coin and note slots weren't taped over and there was no notice saying 'cards only'.

Paging CfN?

Chris from Nailsea says:

That's my whole effing point!  :o :o :o

Those two TVMs don't have their coin or note slots taped over; there is no notice saying 'cards only'; there are notices suggesting that those machines are emptied of cash regularly - but the pure and simple fact of the matter is that those machines do not accept cash, and have not done so for well over a year now.

Please, for the sake of my sanity, read my previous posts where I have laboured this point, in the vain hope that FGW would take notice and make it clear that

the ticket machines at Nailsea do not contain cash!

In the words of Michael Winner:

Calm down dear!

 :P ;) ;D

I've got a nice bottle of Rioja here. I'll save you a glass!!


And humble apologies for not re-reading the rest of the thread  :-[

This seems to be very much a FGW thing.  At Twyford the machines have the slots taped over (and a notice to the effect it is card only) while five miles down the road at Wokingham (SWT) the machines do take cash - and even appeal for 5p pieces to keep the change stock up.

Is that all of the TVM's at Wokingham? Or just ticket hall?

From what I recall, Wokingham has 5 TVM's 3 of which are locked up at night and then one near the 20min bays and another on the Reading bound platform.

Certainly the one on the Reading bound platform does take cash and is accessible 24 hours a day. Can't remember whether the one on the other side takes cash. As an aside I know at least one of the ones outside Bracknell takes cash too.

From the Bristol Evening Post (http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Community-gives-station-makeover/article-3391297-detail/article.html):

Well Chris, it's only taken 29 months but with the installation of a new CIS and CCTV system at Nailsea & backwell, common sense has, at long last, prevailed!

Cheers,
TLM

I know: see


Chris.  ;D ;D ;D

Chris how is the footbridge at Nailsea doing, apparently it was reported (by a customer) as being unsafe? I didn't hear what the outcome was though.

From the North Somerset Times:


Cheers,
TLM

Ollie, in my considered opinion, the footbridge at NLS is one of the safest around: I use it, every time I travel from NLS, and I really can't see what the possible concern may be.

CfN.  ;) :D ;D

Last time I was at Warwick Station (Chilten operated) some poor sole brought a TVM ticket for ^6 something with a ^20 note, however the change was all in 5 pence coins. ;D ;D ;D >:(

I believe the cash option is to be re-introduced on some TVM's that are currently card only, keep an eye out CfN.

They can only be doing it to wind me up ...  ::) :o >:(

They still have not.  :-X

Though there is a notice in the ticket office saying "we don't give change for the car park" even before charging has begun.

An update on the ticket vending machines and customer information screens at Nailsea & Backwell Station at lunchtime today:

Both TVMs were showing 'Out of Service' and both CIS were showing 'Welcome to Nailsea & Backwell Station', with no audio announcements.  A poster explained that 'severe disruption was likely, due to weather conditions in Somerset', and guidance should be sought from a member of FGW staff.

That's a complete fail, then.  ::) :o

Well, it appears one should take a train to Bristol TM and purchase or enquire there. Following the directions on the signage should have you covered legally.  :P ;) :)

I am not a lawyer.

An update on the completely contradictory messages being put out by First Great Western on the ticket vending machines at Nailsea & Backwell station:

(http://i.imgur.com/HKcafjf.jpg?1)

 :o ::) >:(