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Great Western Coffee Shop
As at 16th March 2025 19:29 GMT
Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: Sad death of Shirley Pope, 82, and her dog, hit by train on foot crossing at Pewsey, Feb 2025
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359517/30033/8]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:21, 16th March 2025
 
Thank you for posting this very sad topic, hoover50.

I've simply expanded the heading, in the interest of clarity, for ease of future reference.

CfN. 

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359516/30025/51]
Posted by John D at 19:09, 16th March 2025
 
Here is an interesting 1990 photo of the Batheastern & Swainswick bypass (looking towards Bath).   Those parts got built, by the link to A36 in left foreground was dropped due to local opposition

https://bathintime.co.uk/image-library/image-overview/poster/20931/posterid/20931.html


Re: Tracks of a different kind. Where was bignosemac late June 2021
In "The Lighter Side" [359515/25184/30]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 18:45, 16th March 2025
 
An update on Alton Towers, from the BBC:

Burst pipe disrupts debut of new Alton Towers ride



Alton Towers' new ride Toxicator had to shut on its opening day when a pipe burst and brown liquid leaked out.

Park staff were inundated by frustrated riders, who took to social media about the problem at the Staffordshire park, on Saturday.  The theme park said rides were suspended for about two hours after the pipe burst, which bosses said was "unrelated to the new ride".

"Due to an unexpected burst pipe near the ride, Toxicator briefly paused operation whilst our teams swiftly dealt with the issue," a spokesperson said.  "The ride and surrounding area are now fully reopen and welcoming guests."



Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359514/30005/5]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:55, 16th March 2025
 
No: he was found clinging to the outside of their vehicle.  The article makes that clear.

Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359513/30005/5]
Posted by ChrisB at 17:31, 16th March 2025
 
They aren't innocent are they? A stowaway was found hiding in their vehicle, as admitted by the owner.

Re: Extra trains for the six Nations, 15.3.2025
In "London to South Wales" [359512/30024/11]
Posted by eXPassenger at 17:29, 16th March 2025
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea, TaplowGreen
 
... and Wales were well and truly stuffed.

Oops - I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that out loud. 

Chris from England. 



I did feel that try no 10, after 80 minutes, was a little greedy.

Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359511/30005/5]
Posted by PhilWakely at 16:16, 16th March 2025
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea
 
 Not fully understanding how fines and convictions work in this case.... I guess there is a distinction between 'reducing the fine to £0' and dropping the case altogether?

Re: Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359510/30032/40]
Posted by ChrisB at 16:02, 16th March 2025
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea
 
Maybe so, so tell me - what is the value of external contracts entered into by NHS England? And why they aren't seen as privatisation (even by 'the back door')?

Re: Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359509/30032/40]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:49, 16th March 2025
 
Depends on your definition of NHS England body

I'd suggest it depends rather more on your understanding of what constitutes privatisation.

Re: Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359508/30032/40]
Posted by ChrisB at 15:26, 16th March 2025
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea
 
Depends on your definition of NHS England body

Re: Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359507/30032/40]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:25, 16th March 2025
 
My reading of the debate is that Labour are re-nationalising the railways, and re-nationalising ... erm, the National Health Service.

 

When was the NHS privatised?

Re: RMT balloting for Industrial action on GWR
In "Across the West" [359506/29960/26]
Posted by TaplowGreen at 15:22, 16th March 2025
 
So who is doing the bullying?


We can now expect the RMT to get even more militant under Dempsey’s watch.  And it might be a long watch as he’s still quite a young man.


........with some pretty unsavoury associates to call on if people get out of line too! (I believe the gentleman in the picture with Bruvver Dempsey is dead, however I'm sure Vlad has plenty more where he came from to assist!)

Re: Sad death of Shirley Pope, 82, and her dog, hit by train on foot crossing at Pewsey, Feb 2025
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359505/30033/8]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:15, 16th March 2025
 
An image of the crossing itself - from New Valley News:



CfN. 

Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359504/30005/5]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:59, 16th March 2025
 
An update, from the BBC:

Fine cancelled for motorhome couple who found migrant



A couple who were fined £1,500 after they reported a migrant had clung to a bike rack on their motorhome have been told the penalty has been cancelled.

The Home Office had ordered Adrian and Joanne Fenton, from Heybridge in Essex, to pay the fine for "failing to check that no clandestine entrant was concealed" in the vehicle as they crossed the English Channel.

Mr Fenton said Border Force had now told him it had taken his objection to liability into consideration and reduced the fine to £0.

The couple originally highlighted the case on BBC Three Counties Radio, and Mrs Fenton said she was "ecstatic" about the Home Office's change of heart.


The couple say the stowaway was found under a bicycle rack cover

Mr Fenton, 57, had boarded Le Shuttle from Calais to Folkestone in Kent on the evening of 15 October, after they had been travelling around France.

Mrs Fenton, 55, told the JVS show on BBC Three Counties Radio that, after a six-hour drive, her husband had unzipped the cover of the bicycle rack and found the migrant inside.


Mrs Fenton said the migrant told police he was 16 and from Sudan

The couple said they called the police to tell them they had found the stowaway. Mrs Fenton said the boy later informed the police he was 16 years old and from Sudan. They then received an email saying they were being fined.

Mrs Fenton argued that the man had been clinging to the outside of the motorhome rather than being inside it. Mr Felton said he had thought he had done the right thing by calling the police. The couple have now received an email from Border Force, which is part of the Home Office, reducing the fine to £0.

Mrs Fenton said: "It's about motorhomes and caravaners coming through the borders - how many more people are going to get caught out exactly the same?"

Her husband added: "We don't want anyone else to go through what we've gone through. If someone does call the police because they've got someone discovered in their motorhome, Border Force shouldn't even be considering fining them because everyone's doing the moral and the right thing."  He said the Home Office should "be looking at their policy and make sure that it's fit for purpose and not targeting holidaymakers".

Mrs Fenton said the couple would still take their motorhome abroad but would be "ultra careful - there'll be no covers over the bike rack".


Re: Callers queue to save under-threat red phone box - Sharrington, Norfolk
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359503/30029/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:34, 16th March 2025
 
Thanks, ChrisB. 

Re: This surely has to be a case for 'delay, repay' compensation?
In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [359502/29053/52]
Posted by ChrisB at 14:32, 16th March 2025
 
The replacement crew have finally arriven & after a handover, those two will finally be on their way back.

Personally, I'm glad no one has got to Mars yet....

Re: Callers queue to save under-threat red phone box - Sharrington, Norfolk
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359501/30029/51]
Posted by ChrisB at 14:25, 16th March 2025
 
There are 0800 freecalls that they would use, I think

Re: Great British Railways
In "Looking forward - the next 5, 10 and 20 years" [359500/30032/40]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:14, 16th March 2025
 
My reading of the debate is that Labour are re-nationalising the railways, and re-nationalising ... erm, the National Health Service.

 

Re: Sad death of Shirley Pope, 82, and her dog, hit by train on foot crossing at Pewsey, Feb 2025
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359499/30033/8]
Posted by hoover50 at 14:01, 16th March 2025
Already liked by ChrisB
 
Awful - but the ultimate result is that the crossing will be closed.

Is it a footbridge, or a road bridge that has the fault/s? And what is the problem that needs fixing?

This recent video from Danny Kruger (the Member of Parliament for Pewsey) gives more context about the footbridge and rail crossing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAPxV1qvviI

Re: "Mysterious" tunnels at Salisbury Station
In "South Western services" [359498/30006/42]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:59, 16th March 2025
 
More detail, from the BBC:

Secret tunnels discovered beneath railway station



Railway engineers have uncovered a "labyrinth" of historic tunnels and secret rooms hidden beneath an active railway station.

Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) staff have discovered the hidden network from a bygone era underneath Salisbury station in Wiltshire.

It came after an old phone box was removed as part of the ongoing £5.3m station forecourt upgrades, revealing a dark tunnel with unknown origins. Engineers are now hoping to learn more about its purpose as part of a larger effort to delve into the historical legacy and infrastructure of the railway station.


Engineers found a labyrinth of tunnels and rooms hidden beneath Platform 4

Salisbury station is used by two million people each year, but this discovery provides a small glimpse into part of the station that has been left unused and forgotten for decades.

It once occupied a much larger footprint in the city than it does today, with the old Great Western Railway platforms still in place behind the South Western Railway (SWR) depot.

The secret tunnel, concealed beneath sleepers immediately outside the station entrance, runs beneath Platform 4. The primary chamber beneath the platform features a striking architectural detail, with sections of rail repurposed as structural supports for the ceiling.


Platform 1 contains a building that is no longer in passenger use and features a map from the pre-Beeching era

Remnants of old signal equipment crafted from timber have also been uncovered, showing the passage of time. Further studies have uncovered the tunnel once played a role in the station's logistical operations.

When trains were equipped with guard's vans, barrels of beer and cider were transported to other stations where unofficial trade took place, such as the collection of eggs from stations like Whitchurch. Beer and cider were also sold and served at the station, although referred to as refreshments rather than as a bar.


Staff found old signs in Network SouthEast branding, which ceased to exist in 1994

Steve Kelly, Network Rail asset engineer, said: "This was one of the most interesting discoveries during my career on the railway. The tunnel's origins and purpose have become a topic of fascination, linking modern development with historical exploration. The tunnel offered a rare look into the hidden layers of the railway's history, preserving a snapshot of the site's legacy."


An old window on Platform 1 where railway staff would collect their pay

Dan Sherwood, site manager at Octavius Infrastructure, said: "We're thrilled that our survey works led to the incredible discovery of a hidden tunnel beneath the SWR car park redevelopment construction works. It's a reminder of the beauty of undiscovered historical infrastructure - hidden beneath our modern world, waiting to tell its story. We look forward to the second phase, to expose the wall and explore its possible link to the old hospital and uncovering where the staircase leads."


Re: Sad death of Shirley Pope, 82, and her dog, hit by train on foot crossing at Pewsey, Feb 2025
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359497/30033/8]
Posted by grahame at 13:46, 16th March 2025
 
https://www.newvalleynews.co.uk/news/outstanding-member-of-the-community-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-train-inquest-report/

This was such a tragic death which could have been avoided.

Network Fail urgently need to fix the bridge AND improve safety at the rail crossing which has no warning lights or sirens despite having very limited visibility.

I often use this crossing and express trains from Paddington come hurtling round the corner at 100mph. Once you see a train you have only three seconds to cross over. Trains should sound their horn on approach to the crossing, but they don't always do so.

Thank you for posting that. I'm adding quote from that article, which reported on a coroners's hearing so that we have recorded the context here too. As the court was adjourned to a later date, no conclusion has yet been reached.

Pewsey is in mourning after an 82-year-old pensioner and her pet dog were killed by an express train while walking across a public level crossing.

Outstanding member of the community’ Shirley Pope had been walking on the crossing because a nearby bridge she normally used 80 yards away in Pewsey, Wiltshire, was closed for urgent safety repairs.

A member of the public spotted her body after the train had sped by.

The bridge was shut last autumn, and the repair work had still not been carried out.

Locals have said the tragedy should never have occurred.

Top Wiltshire Councillor Jerry Kunkler stressed: ”This is a tragic accident. It is very upsetting. We have lost an outstanding member of our community.”

[snip]

British Transport Police said crime had been ruled out.

[snip]

An inquest at Salisbury, Wiltshire was told Shirley Pope 82 from Pewsey was walking across a public level crossing in Pewsey on February 26 [2025] when she was struck by a train.

A member of the public called the police after seeing her body.

She died at the scene from multiple traumatic injuries and was identified by finger prints.

Death was confirmed by paramedics at 1427 hours.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.

Re: Sad death of Shirley Pope, 82, and her dog, hit by train on foot crossing at Pewsey, Feb 2025
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359496/30033/8]
Posted by ChrisB at 13:28, 16th March 2025
 
Awful - but the ultimate result is that the crossing will be closed.

Is it a footbridge, or a road bridge that has the fault/s? And what is the problem that needs fixing?

Sad death of Shirley Pope, 82, and her dog, hit by train on foot crossing at Pewsey, Feb 2025
In "London to Kennet Valley" [359495/30033/8]
Posted by hoover50 at 13:19, 16th March 2025
 
https://www.newvalleynews.co.uk/news/outstanding-member-of-the-community-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-train-inquest-report/

This was such a tragic death which could have been avoided.

Network Fail urgently need to fix the bridge AND improve safety at the rail crossing which has no warning lights or sirens despite having very limited visibility.

I often use this crossing and express trains from Paddington come hurtling round the corner at 100mph. Once you see a train you have only three seconds to cross over. Trains should sound their horn on approach to the crossing, but they don't always do so.

Re: RMT balloting for Industrial action on GWR
In "Across the West" [359494/29960/26]
Posted by IndustryInsider at 12:49, 16th March 2025
Already liked by Timmer
 
So who is doing the bullying?

Well, ‘management’ of course.  Who else?! 

We can now expect the RMT to get even more militant under Dempsey’s watch.  And it might be a long watch as he’s still quite a young man.

Not good news for the industry as a whole IMHO.  Though he is right about station staff being treated as a poor relation compared to other grades.

Re: North Cotswold line delays and cancellations - 2025
In "London to the Cotswolds" [359493/29711/14]
Posted by Worcester_Passenger at 12:26, 16th March 2025
 
Sunday March 16

10:50 London Paddington to Great Malvern due 13:15 will be terminated at Worcester Shrub Hill.
It has been delayed at London Paddington and is now 40 minutes late.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:16/03/2025 11:53

13:58 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 16:24 will be started from Worcester Shrub Hill.
This is due to a late running train being in front of this one.
Last Updated:16/03/2025 11:53

17:30:
16:58 Great Malvern to London Paddington due 19:25 was terminated at Worcester Foregate Street.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Will be formed of 5 coaches instead of 9.
Last Updated:16/03/2025 17:15

Additional 17:15 Worcester Shrub Hill to London Paddington due 19:25 is being delayed at Worcester Shrub Hill and is now expected to be 15 minutes late.
This is due to a fault on this train.
Last Updated:16/03/2025 17:15

18:00: Additional 17:15 departed Shrub Hill +19, but was held at Norton (+35).

19:00 : Bad News for tomorrow morning - this evening's 1W08 18:50 London Paddington to Hereford is a five-car set, so tomorrow morning's 1P02 05:23 Hereford to London Paddington (08:23) will be crowded.

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359492/30025/51]
Posted by Mark A at 12:14, 16th March 2025
 
Yes that is their problem, the strategic route they had before doesn't work any more so they need a new one.  When they planned it I think they assumed they could build the now aborted Swainswick - Batheaston bypass to avoid Bath. 

You are spot on there !  When the "proper" A46/A36 link was cancelled, that really made the remaining work that was carried out on the A46/A4 a complete waste of time and money and achieved absolutely zilch.


The A36 via the Limpley Stoke valley is... marginal... and a connection to it from the Batheaston bypass would be grim. A 'Proper' A46/A36 link would involve a dual carriageway connection from the east end of the current bypass via an 'A20-at-Folkestone' style tunnel to take it out of the valley and then to rejoin the existing road at Beckington. Awkward as the UK has been reluctant to undertake that sort of engineering task.

Mark

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359491/30025/51]
Posted by UstiImmigrunt at 11:50, 16th March 2025
 
There's nothing wrong in avoiding Barf. Shame there isn't a Bath avoider for the railway. Never liked the place especially those who can't count when it comes to bikes in the HST TGS.

Re: RMT balloting for Industrial action on GWR
In "Across the West" [359490/29960/26]
Posted by ChrisB at 10:55, 16th March 2025
 
So who is doing the bullying?

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359489/30025/51]
Posted by grahame at 09:57, 16th March 2025
 
Yes that is their problem, the strategic route they had before doesn't work any more so they need a new one.  When they planned it I think they assumed they could build the now aborted Swainswick - Batheaston bypass to avoid Bath. 

Others have posted while I was writing this - I have decided still to post as it backs them up and has a few extras

Indeed - you have the very curious Batheaston bypass  (connecting the A4 East - West and the A46 headed north) crossing the River Avon twice that at one point on the same side of the Avon as the road headed south (A36) and only about a quarter of a mile from it. 



The way around it shown on this map is via the Clevedon Bridge which - however - is a revered piece of history and accessed along roads like the London Road and Bathwick Street which are unsuitable for HGVs, or for an easy increase in vehicle numbers.    Other ways are the toll bridge at Bathmapton (and I'm sure there are weight limits there) and through the old town and across the old bridge at Bradford-on-Avon with problems with air quality, congestion, vibration and so on, and which has a weight limit which is very visibly applied.

There is no blindingly obvious route north to the M4 from Warminster. There is a strong case for a road (the new A350)  that allows traffic to bypass Westbury, from the A36 where it crosses the main railway to the West Country, parallel to the railway to the Industrial area north of Westbury station.   That industrial area is altready linked to the M4 via the A350 though there are pinch points at Yarnbrook and in Melksham north of the Farmer's runabout that already - err - need attention.

We shouldn't be looking at the strategic route in isolation either.  Resident population growth is set to be and mandate to continue to be explosive, but the commercial / economic hub for that growth is the Bath and Bristol area, and good mass transit links are needed - beyond what we have at the moment, as the private car infrastructure already creaks at the seams.

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359488/30025/51]
Posted by Mark A at 09:53, 16th March 2025
 
Should route everything via M4 and the A34...

Musings from the top deck of a Swindon-Cirencester bus a week ago, and the sight (again) of the earthworks of the rail route between Cheltenham and Southampton cutting across the road, the old canal and fields at Siddington. It's a sight that's always evocative: the two rail routes playing a comparatively minor part in the railway age, and long out of use, but at least in part now paralleled by major roads constructed very much as 'Motorways by stealth'.

Roads are by their nature far better able to evolve piecemeal and as well as enjoying benefits we all pay the price.

Mark

 
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