Saltash Station and Saltash Rail Users Group (merged topics)

[whole diary]

[Tim]

I have only been to (as opposed to through) Saltash once.  Arrived by train and the station building really set the tone for my being underwhelmed by the place.  Ate one of the worst pub meals I have had in a while and got back on the next train. 

It struck me that the whole town could do with a bit of TLC^▸ (three letter code ).  Tidying up the station would be a great start. 

The statue of IKB^▸ (Isambard Kingdom Brunel) was nice though. 

[grahame]

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-saltash-train-station?source=facebook-share-button&time=1468331657&state=sign

Petition to Saltash Town Council:

TO: SALTASH TOWN COUNCIL

To make a bid to buy the Train Station Building in order to rejuvenate and transform it for the people of Saltash and its many user

This is an old station building - and not a threat as I understand it to curtail train services in any way (though for comments, some of the signatories think it is!).   I can testify to the sad, sad state it was in last summer, and the poor impression that gives people as they come in to Cornwall, and as they arrive at Saltash for the first time.

[ChrisB]

GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) management have expressed support - but I suspect it would be a NR^» (Network Rail - home page) decision, into the TC^‡(resolve)'s hands.

[alexross42]

The latest situation on this is that the town council are organising two separate valuations on the property from which an offer will be made to the current owner. If the offer is turned down they will seek options via a compulsory purchase order.

An application has also been made to GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) through a scheme that I've forgotten the name of but I believe it provides grants for communities to spend on station-related improvements, so would certainly help offset some of the costs if approved.

I would imagine that if appealed for there would possibly be a fair few volunteers on hand to assist too and maybe even tools/materials from local businesses provided FOC^▸ (Freight Operating Company).

[grahame]

Many thanks for that update.   Looking back, this thread is sparse on pictures of the building in question - so here goes, all July 2015 vintage

[LiskeardRich]

Bbc radio Cornwall are discussing the crumbling building at saltash today.
The following posting on Facebook earlier today from them.

If you are on the train into Cornwall, this crumbling building is one of the first you see. People in Saltash are becoming increasingly annoyed that  the former station waiting room is in a state of disrepair, and the town council has made an offer to buy it. The private owner has refused to accept the offer and now the council is exploring making a compulsory purchase order.

What do you think about this? Do you live in Saltash, or have you seen this building?  Or do you live in another part of Cornwall with run down buildings that you would like to see something done about?

On BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) Radio Cornwall drive we'll be talking to a town councillor about the situation...

As a side radio Cornwall have been covering rail topics most days recently campaigning for improvements

[Andy]

It seems that the future of Saltash station building is a little more secure. 


http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/decrepit-saltash-train-station-is-finally-set-for-upgrade-after-years-of-tension-and-delays/story-29715874-detail/story.html

[old original]

Going past this afternoon, it seems that the building has received a tidy-up and a coat of paint, platform side at least. Definitely looks a bit better when coming into the county.

[marky7890]

The shrubs growing next to the chimneys have been removed too, although the roof slates still need replacing by the looks of it.

[Pb_devon]

I have some images from this morning, but my attempts to post have seemingly failed (mods help?).
It looks nice, but I wonder if it will last.

[Pb_devon]

I have come to my own rescue (!!) and have posted images on the CRS website (October headlines)

http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/headlines---latest-reports-and-photographs

[LiskeardRich]

I suspect it's just a ploy to get the council off his back for a little while. I don't foresee much else happening with the building

[alexross42]

I read in a local paper this morning that 'First Great Western'  (sic) have advised the Saltash Rail Users Group that for trains using the Plymouth-bound platform they are no longer able to provide assistance to disabled/mobility impaired passengers by use of the ramp. Apparently this is due to 'Health & Safety' issues.

What I'm curious about is - what has changed to suddenly make this such an issue and surely there must be a stipulation in the conditions of the franchise that the service is made accessible to all, and that measures need to be put in place to overcome any health & safety issues in order to provide this?

[Tim]

what has changed to suddenly make this such an issue

A new risk assessment perhaps. 

[plymothian]

I read in a local paper this morning that 'First Great Western'  (sic) have advised the Saltash Rail Users Group that for trains using the Plymouth-bound platform they are no longer able to provide assistance to disabled/mobility impaired passengers by use of the ramp. Apparently this is due to 'Health & Safety' issues.

What I'm curious about is - what has changed to suddenly make this such an issue and surely there must be a stipulation in the conditions of the franchise that the service is made accessible to all, and that measures need to be put in place to overcome any health & safety issues in order to provide this?

This is not new!  The paper must have only just caught up with this "news".
The cant of the track means that the rake of the ramp is too steep to safely dis/embark a wheelchair.