Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: No, not THAT sort of EMU ... ;-) In "The Lighter Side" [371331/31496/30] Posted by grahame at 15:44, 22nd January 2026 |      |
Real class 387 EMU [Image from here is not available to guests]
| No, not THAT sort of EMU ... ;-) In "The Lighter Side" [371330/31496/30] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 15:24, 22nd January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Escaped emu rescued from East Yorkshire railway line
[Image from here is not available to guests]
The emu was spotted by a train driver on a railway line in East Yorkshire
An emu has been removed from a railway line in East Yorkshire, Network Rail has confirmed.
The driver of a Hull to Liverpool service reported that the bird was on the line near Oxmardyke level crossing, near Gilberdyke, at about 08:00 GMT.
The rail operator said it was able to "locate and safely remove" the emu from the area.
Network Rail said: "Normal service resumed at 10.14am but there were some changes to services and we're sorry to anyone whose journey was affected."
It added: "Contact has been made with the owners, who confirmed the animal was missing from their field."
[Image from here is not available to guests]
The emu was spotted by a train driver on a railway line in East Yorkshire
An emu has been removed from a railway line in East Yorkshire, Network Rail has confirmed.
The driver of a Hull to Liverpool service reported that the bird was on the line near Oxmardyke level crossing, near Gilberdyke, at about 08:00 GMT.
The rail operator said it was able to "locate and safely remove" the emu from the area.
Network Rail said: "Normal service resumed at 10.14am but there were some changes to services and we're sorry to anyone whose journey was affected."
It added: "Contact has been made with the owners, who confirmed the animal was missing from their field."
| Re: Spain suffers third train crash in 5 days as commuter service slams intob crane In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [371329/31492/52] Posted by a-driver at 14:26, 22nd January 2026 | |
Perhaps it's time for the Spanish Government to suspend all rail operations until such time as they can ascertain if there is a systemic problem causing these frequent major incidents.
I've read Spain's train drivers are going on strike so they've taken that decision away from Government. What I don't understand (and it's a bit off this particular topic, but considering drivers reported safety concerns and issues with the track in the lead up to the first incident, and there's videos allegedly taken onboard high speed trains that are violently swaying, why as a driver would you continue to drive at line speed? A bit closing the stable door after the horse has bolted
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK, with implications for infrastructure - ongoing discussion, 2 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371328/30953/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:14, 22nd January 2026 | |
I used to play rugby with Ryan Doyle, he's certainly risen through the ranks!
Many years ago now, I served together with a police constable in Bristol. Fairly recently, he retired as Chief Superintendent in charge of CID Anti-Terrorism.
He lives in Nailsea. [Image from here is not available to guests]
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK, with implications for infrastructure - ongoing discussion, 2 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371327/30953/51] Posted by TaplowGreen at 13:57, 22nd January 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
One of two missing Christmas Day swimmers found
The body of a 47-year-old man has been recovered after two swimmers went missing on Christmas Day, police have said.
Officers said they found the man at Sandy Bay near Exmouth on Tuesday after two swimmers went missing in stormy seas at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, on 25 December.
Formal identification is yet to be carried out, but officers said they believe the person to be a 47-year-old man. His next-of-kin have been informed. One of the swimmers was named as 64-year-old local antiques dealer Matthew Upham.
Supt Ryan Doyle, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said the discovery was "very sad news". He added: "We have spoken with his family and we are continuing to support them through this difficult time. Understandably they have asked for their privacy to be respected. The family of the second missing man has also been informed and are being supported."
(BBC article continues)
The body of a 47-year-old man has been recovered after two swimmers went missing on Christmas Day, police have said.
Officers said they found the man at Sandy Bay near Exmouth on Tuesday after two swimmers went missing in stormy seas at Budleigh Salterton, Devon, on 25 December.
Formal identification is yet to be carried out, but officers said they believe the person to be a 47-year-old man. His next-of-kin have been informed. One of the swimmers was named as 64-year-old local antiques dealer Matthew Upham.
Supt Ryan Doyle, from Devon and Cornwall Police, said the discovery was "very sad news". He added: "We have spoken with his family and we are continuing to support them through this difficult time. Understandably they have asked for their privacy to be respected. The family of the second missing man has also been informed and are being supported."
(BBC article continues)
I used to play rugby with Ryan Doyle, he's certainly risen through the ranks!
| Re: Spain suffers third train crash in 5 days as commuter service slams intob crane In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [371326/31492/52] Posted by TaplowGreen at 13:46, 22nd January 2026 | |
Perhaps it's time for the Spanish Government to suspend all rail operations until such time as they can ascertain if there is a systemic problem causing these frequent major incidents.
| Re: WECA becomes WEMCA, sometime between December 2024 and January 2026 (updated title) In "Bristol (WECA, now WEMCA) Commuters" [371325/25181/21] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:43, 22nd January 2026 | |
An update, from the BBC:
Could North Somerset finally 'tie the knot' with Weca?
[Image from here is not available to guests]
North Somerset Council is seeking to join Weca with government backing
Will they, won't they? It's been the on-off politics relationship in the West of England that has bubbling along for years.
We are, of course, talking about North Somerset Council potentially joining the West of England Combined Authority - or Weca. They didn't join when Weca was formed, they couldn't join in 2020, but now 2026 looks like the pair could get "engaged". But when might there be wedding bells? And why does this matter? We explain all.
Time for a - complicated - local politics history lesson. Ready?
Weca, led by mayor Helen Godwin, was set up in 2017, involving Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset councils. They, along with North Somerset, used to form one county council - the County of Avon.
That controversial merger was created in 1974, creating a "greater Bristol" by breaking off southern parts of Gloucestershire and northern parts of Somerset. It was dissolved in 1996, creating four unitary authorities, before three of them got back together again to form Weca in 2017, with North Somerset voting against joining.
North Somerset did not join back then, but is now seeking to do so with government backing. The council already works closely with Weca, especially on transport, housing and economic growth.
In 2020, the question was popped. Unfortunately for North Somerset, the answer was no. But why was the 'marriage proposal' rebuffed?
The answer was then-Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who said he would only support the move if there was a "clear financial offer". Rees vetoed the move and it all fell apart.
That brought a wave of criticism towards the now Labour peer with the leaders of North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils.
Tim Bowles was the West of England mayor at the time and joined in the criticism. "We are bitterly disappointed that residents right across the region are being refused the chance to potentially see hundreds of millions of pounds of additional investment brought to the west of England because the mayor of Bristol is putting party politics before doing the right thing for the region," Bowles and the three councils said. "Despite early agreements among all of the west of England's leaders that it is the right thing to do for the region, we regret that party politics has got in the way."
Rees said: "This was an ongoing internal debate and should have remained so. I support the expansion of Weca to include North Somerset but only when there is a clear financial offer that benefits Bristol and the West of England economy."
North Somerset Council has cited a number of reasons behind its move to join. But the most pressing one is that the government has asked all councils to become part of regional authorities. Council leaders say the move will "create further economic growth, reduce inequality for our residents, access new sources of funding and gain more local control".
And this time - importantly - the move is backed by the other three councils, and the West of England mayor Helen Godwin. She said: "During the election I was clear – with cross-party support across the West – that the door was open for North Somerset to join our regional authority."
At a full council meeting last September, members backed making a formal application to join.
Mike Bell, the Liberal Democrat leader of North Somerset, said he hoped it would "reduce inequality for our residents, access new sources of funding and gain more local control".
It is not yet clear when North Somerset will formally join Weca. It may have to wait until the next mayoral election in 2029.
And the latest step will happen on Tuesday when papers are due to be published - in advance of a Weca meeting at the end of January - about the government offer if North Somerset were to join.
[Image from here is not available to guests]
North Somerset Council is seeking to join Weca with government backing
Will they, won't they? It's been the on-off politics relationship in the West of England that has bubbling along for years.
We are, of course, talking about North Somerset Council potentially joining the West of England Combined Authority - or Weca. They didn't join when Weca was formed, they couldn't join in 2020, but now 2026 looks like the pair could get "engaged". But when might there be wedding bells? And why does this matter? We explain all.
Time for a - complicated - local politics history lesson. Ready?
Weca, led by mayor Helen Godwin, was set up in 2017, involving Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset councils. They, along with North Somerset, used to form one county council - the County of Avon.
That controversial merger was created in 1974, creating a "greater Bristol" by breaking off southern parts of Gloucestershire and northern parts of Somerset. It was dissolved in 1996, creating four unitary authorities, before three of them got back together again to form Weca in 2017, with North Somerset voting against joining.
North Somerset did not join back then, but is now seeking to do so with government backing. The council already works closely with Weca, especially on transport, housing and economic growth.
In 2020, the question was popped. Unfortunately for North Somerset, the answer was no. But why was the 'marriage proposal' rebuffed?
The answer was then-Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who said he would only support the move if there was a "clear financial offer". Rees vetoed the move and it all fell apart.
That brought a wave of criticism towards the now Labour peer with the leaders of North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils.
Tim Bowles was the West of England mayor at the time and joined in the criticism. "We are bitterly disappointed that residents right across the region are being refused the chance to potentially see hundreds of millions of pounds of additional investment brought to the west of England because the mayor of Bristol is putting party politics before doing the right thing for the region," Bowles and the three councils said. "Despite early agreements among all of the west of England's leaders that it is the right thing to do for the region, we regret that party politics has got in the way."
Rees said: "This was an ongoing internal debate and should have remained so. I support the expansion of Weca to include North Somerset but only when there is a clear financial offer that benefits Bristol and the West of England economy."
North Somerset Council has cited a number of reasons behind its move to join. But the most pressing one is that the government has asked all councils to become part of regional authorities. Council leaders say the move will "create further economic growth, reduce inequality for our residents, access new sources of funding and gain more local control".
And this time - importantly - the move is backed by the other three councils, and the West of England mayor Helen Godwin. She said: "During the election I was clear – with cross-party support across the West – that the door was open for North Somerset to join our regional authority."
At a full council meeting last September, members backed making a formal application to join.
Mike Bell, the Liberal Democrat leader of North Somerset, said he hoped it would "reduce inequality for our residents, access new sources of funding and gain more local control".
It is not yet clear when North Somerset will formally join Weca. It may have to wait until the next mayoral election in 2029.
And the latest step will happen on Tuesday when papers are due to be published - in advance of a Weca meeting at the end of January - about the government offer if North Somerset were to join.
| Hanborough - plans to build 600 new homes by Hanborough station In "London to the Cotswolds" [371324/31495/14] Posted by ChrisB at 13:41, 22nd January 2026 | |
From The Clarion, on BluSky
A new commuter hotspot could be on the cards with plans to build 600 new homes by Hanborough station – just nine minutes’ journey time from Oxford. An early-stage application would see the area south of the station, currently arable fields, developed for housing and open green space.
The plans envisage “vehicular (all modes) access from Lower Road and Regent Drive”, suggesting that the existing Regent Drive estate to the north could become part of a through route from Eynsham to Hanborough – avoiding a dangerous T-junction and two narrow bridges.
[Image from here is not available to guests]
The plans would also provide a cycle link from the new cycleway planned for Lower Road, connecting Hanborough to Salt Cross Garden Village and Eynsham. An EIA Screening Opinion Request, the first stage in the planning process, has been lodged with West Oxfordshire District Council.
We wrote about building new houses next to railway stations in a long read last August:
https://oxfordclarion.uk/oxfords-commuter-future/
The plans envisage “vehicular (all modes) access from Lower Road and Regent Drive”, suggesting that the existing Regent Drive estate to the north could become part of a through route from Eynsham to Hanborough – avoiding a dangerous T-junction and two narrow bridges.
[Image from here is not available to guests]
The plans would also provide a cycle link from the new cycleway planned for Lower Road, connecting Hanborough to Salt Cross Garden Village and Eynsham. An EIA Screening Opinion Request, the first stage in the planning process, has been lodged with West Oxfordshire District Council.
We wrote about building new houses next to railway stations in a long read last August:
https://oxfordclarion.uk/oxfords-commuter-future/
The application reference is : 26/00118/SCREEN
And can be looked up on West Oxfordshire's planning portal
https://publicaccess.westoxon.gov.uk/online-applications/search.do?action=simple
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK, with implications for infrastructure - ongoing discussion, 2 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371322/30953/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 13:00, 22nd January 2026 | |
With thanks for your latest post here, ChrisB, I will now move it into the 2026 weather topic.
My own previous post here related to the sad recovery of the body of one of the two men who died on Christmas Day 2025.
| Off-duty police officer saves man's life at Salford railway station In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371321/31493/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:53, 22nd January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Off-duty officer saves man's life at rail station
[Image from here is not available to guests]
Ch Insp Mike Parker was off-duty when he saw a man had collapsed at a railway station in Salford
An off-duty police officer has told how he saved a man's life by giving him CPR at a railway station.
Ch Insp Michael Parker said he was waiting for a train at Salford Crescent station in Greater Manchester on 6 June last year when he saw a man had collapsed on the floor and was not breathing. He said adrenaline kicked in and he "just did what any member of the public would have done", giving him CPR for 45 minutes until he was "shocked" to hear he had regained a pulse.
Parker said he did not consider himself "a hero" and the "most important thing" was the man "would be able to see his family again". He had performed CPR for 10 minutes on his own before paramedics arrived.
Parker, who works in Greater Manchester Police's roads policing unit, continued the chest compressions for a further 35 minutes to allow medical staff to continue with other life-saving treatment. A GMP spokesperson said that when the air ambulance arrived a medic confirmed that the man had regained a pulse thanks to Parker's actions.
Parker said: "Ultimately, I don't see myself as a hero - I just did what any member of the public would have done, it is just a coincidence I was there at that time as an off-duty police officer." He said he had drawn on his training and experience and "just focused on giving him the best chance of survival possible until further help arrived".
"I was shocked to hear that he had regained a pulse as I have done CPR several times earlier on in my career and sadly, they have never made it," he said. "So, to hear that this man would be able to see his family again, was the most important thing."
Parker's actions have been commended at GMP's long service awards, where he was presented with a Chief Constable's commendation.
[Image from here is not available to guests]
Ch Insp Mike Parker was off-duty when he saw a man had collapsed at a railway station in Salford
An off-duty police officer has told how he saved a man's life by giving him CPR at a railway station.
Ch Insp Michael Parker said he was waiting for a train at Salford Crescent station in Greater Manchester on 6 June last year when he saw a man had collapsed on the floor and was not breathing. He said adrenaline kicked in and he "just did what any member of the public would have done", giving him CPR for 45 minutes until he was "shocked" to hear he had regained a pulse.
Parker said he did not consider himself "a hero" and the "most important thing" was the man "would be able to see his family again". He had performed CPR for 10 minutes on his own before paramedics arrived.
Parker, who works in Greater Manchester Police's roads policing unit, continued the chest compressions for a further 35 minutes to allow medical staff to continue with other life-saving treatment. A GMP spokesperson said that when the air ambulance arrived a medic confirmed that the man had regained a pulse thanks to Parker's actions.
Parker said: "Ultimately, I don't see myself as a hero - I just did what any member of the public would have done, it is just a coincidence I was there at that time as an off-duty police officer." He said he had drawn on his training and experience and "just focused on giving him the best chance of survival possible until further help arrived".
"I was shocked to hear that he had regained a pulse as I have done CPR several times earlier on in my career and sadly, they have never made it," he said. "So, to hear that this man would be able to see his family again, was the most important thing."
Parker's actions have been commended at GMP's long service awards, where he was presented with a Chief Constable's commendation.
| Re: Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371320/31355/51] Posted by ChrisB at 12:53, 22nd January 2026 | |
From the Met Office
More wet and windy weather on the way for some
On Friday, while rain will continue for eastern and central parts of Scotland, a slow-moving area of low pressure to the southwest brings wet and windy weather, with a rain and wind warning issued.
“An area of low pressure, named Storm Ingrid by the Portuguese national weather service, will bring spells of heavy rain and strong winds across much of southwest England on Friday before easing on Saturday morning,” said Neil.
“The system is slow-moving but will bring more than 20mm of rain for some which is falling on saturated ground, increasing the chances of impacts. In addition to rain, large waves and gusty winds are likely, especially along southern coasts, with 60mph peaks possible, with 45-50mph inland.”
On Friday, while rain will continue for eastern and central parts of Scotland, a slow-moving area of low pressure to the southwest brings wet and windy weather, with a rain and wind warning issued.
“An area of low pressure, named Storm Ingrid by the Portuguese national weather service, will bring spells of heavy rain and strong winds across much of southwest England on Friday before easing on Saturday morning,” said Neil.
“The system is slow-moving but will bring more than 20mm of rain for some which is falling on saturated ground, increasing the chances of impacts. In addition to rain, large waves and gusty winds are likely, especially along southern coasts, with 60mph peaks possible, with 45-50mph inland.”
| Spain suffers third train crash in 5 days as commuter service slams intob crane In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [371319/31492/52] Posted by ChrisB at 12:47, 22nd January 2026 | |
From The Standard
The crash in Cartagena in the Murcia region left several people injured, including one seriously, state broadcaster TVE reports
A third serious train crash has taken place in Spain in five days - after a commuter train hit a construction crane in the southeast of the country.
The crash in Cartagena in the Murcia region left several people injured, including one seriously, state broadcaster TVE reported on Thursday.
It came after Sunday's deadly high-speed train collision in the southern Andalusia region that killed at least 43 people and another train accident in northeastern Catalonia on Tuesday in which the train driver died.
Spanish rail operator Adif said on X that traffic on that line was interrupted due to "the intrusion into the infrastructure gauge by a crane not belonging to the railway operation", without providing further detail.
According to reports in Spain, officials say the train did not overturn or derail.
Photo in article link above
A third serious train crash has taken place in Spain in five days - after a commuter train hit a construction crane in the southeast of the country.
The crash in Cartagena in the Murcia region left several people injured, including one seriously, state broadcaster TVE reported on Thursday.
It came after Sunday's deadly high-speed train collision in the southern Andalusia region that killed at least 43 people and another train accident in northeastern Catalonia on Tuesday in which the train driver died.
Spanish rail operator Adif said on X that traffic on that line was interrupted due to "the intrusion into the infrastructure gauge by a crane not belonging to the railway operation", without providing further detail.
According to reports in Spain, officials say the train did not overturn or derail.
Photo in article link above
| Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [371318/31490/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:39, 22nd January 2026 | |
I did a geography degree dissertation on the effect of the M5 on the village of Portbury way back in 1972 !!
That was when the re-opening of the Portishead Line to passengers was 'just three years away'. [Image from here is not available to guests]
CfN. [Image from here is not available to guests]
| Re: East Lancashire Railway - merged topics In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [371317/18694/47] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:16, 22nd January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Heritage railway to expand in Network Rail link-up
[Image from here is not available to guests]
The heritage railway charity is known for its annual Santa Special service
Volunteers at a heritage railway have teamed up with Network Rail to expand their offering.
More than 800 volunteers help to run the East Lancashire Railway (ELR), which was originally built in the railway boom of the 1840s.
A Network Rail spokesperson said its partnership with ELR would enable the charity to offer more heritage rail experiences, community events and learning opportunities.
They said this would include hosting the Railway 200 Inspiration train - a travelling exhibition charting the past, present and future of railways.
The exhibition runs at Bury Bolton Street station until Saturday as part of a national tour.
The agreement will enable railway materials no longer needed on the national rail network - including rails, sleepers and equipment - to be reused safely on the country's heritage lines, helping to keep historic trains running while reducing waste and costs.
Phil James, Network Rail's north-west route director, said working with heritage railways like the ELR "allows us to give new life to materials that would otherwise be recycled, while also supporting organisations that do such important work in preserving railway history".
ELR chairman Mike Kelly said the partnership would "provide vital access to heritage fixtures and fittings, some of which are unavailable".
The ELR was closed to passengers by British Rail in 1972. It was rebuilt later that decade and into the 1980s, reopening between Bury and Ramsbottom in 1987 before then being extended to Rawtenstall and Heywood.
The 12.5 mile (20km) heritage route runs through the scenic Irwell Valley, passing industrial relics, factories, fields and cottages. It is a popular tourist attraction, particularly at Christmas when it operates Santa Specials, which are only made possible due to a team of more than 800 volunteers.
[Image from here is not available to guests]
The heritage railway charity is known for its annual Santa Special service
Volunteers at a heritage railway have teamed up with Network Rail to expand their offering.
More than 800 volunteers help to run the East Lancashire Railway (ELR), which was originally built in the railway boom of the 1840s.
A Network Rail spokesperson said its partnership with ELR would enable the charity to offer more heritage rail experiences, community events and learning opportunities.
They said this would include hosting the Railway 200 Inspiration train - a travelling exhibition charting the past, present and future of railways.
The exhibition runs at Bury Bolton Street station until Saturday as part of a national tour.
The agreement will enable railway materials no longer needed on the national rail network - including rails, sleepers and equipment - to be reused safely on the country's heritage lines, helping to keep historic trains running while reducing waste and costs.
Phil James, Network Rail's north-west route director, said working with heritage railways like the ELR "allows us to give new life to materials that would otherwise be recycled, while also supporting organisations that do such important work in preserving railway history".
ELR chairman Mike Kelly said the partnership would "provide vital access to heritage fixtures and fittings, some of which are unavailable".
The ELR was closed to passengers by British Rail in 1972. It was rebuilt later that decade and into the 1980s, reopening between Bury and Ramsbottom in 1987 before then being extended to Rawtenstall and Heywood.
The 12.5 mile (20km) heritage route runs through the scenic Irwell Valley, passing industrial relics, factories, fields and cottages. It is a popular tourist attraction, particularly at Christmas when it operates Santa Specials, which are only made possible due to a team of more than 800 volunteers.
| Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [371316/31490/28] Posted by Mark A at 12:03, 22nd January 2026 | |
Not near the railway (now) and a long time since it's been an arm of Bristol Corporation, the Royal Inn's position relative to Portishead's bus network... does it rather indicate that *that* needs a reboot in order to serve the town more comprehensively? Perhaps the new station will catalyse this.
Mark
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7139472
| Re: Portishead Line reopening for passengers - ongoing discussion In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [371315/231/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:16, 22nd January 2026 | |
Several more recent posts here have now been split off to form their own new topic, at https://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=31490.0
These relate to a suggestion that Coffee Shop forum members could possibly get together to explore the route of the Portishead Line: please do add your suggestions for such an adventure there.
CfN. [Image from here is not available to guests]
| Re: Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [371314/31490/28] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 11:09, 22nd January 2026 | |
As several members of the Coffee Shop forum have expressed support for the idea, I've now split these recent posts off into this new topic here.
Please do suggest any preferences as to days and / or dates for such an adventure! CfN. [Image from here is not available to guests]
| New builds.Getting to work - 15 mins by car, 115 mins by public transport. In "Buses and other ways to travel" [371313/31491/5] Posted by grahame at 11:06, 22nd January 2026 | |
Day before yesterday (20th January 2026) I gave evidence at a planning appeal, held at the White Horse Business Park. This is not a comment on how the hearing went - it's the story of how different a journey can be.
The objective - to arrive at the White Horse Enterprise Centre, Aintree Avenue, White Horse Business Park, North Bradley, for a 09:45 photocall.
I left home at 07:45 - would have been 07:35 from the site concerned in the appeal, which is on the land south of Snarleton Farm outwith the MERR (Melksham Eastern Relief Road. Walked to Melksham Market Place, for the x34 bus to Trowbridge. A bus arrived more or less on time at 07:58, and left at 08:02. A very bus bus - a double decker, full and standing by the time it got into Trowbridge; I got off at "The Ship" on Frome Road at 08:53 - some 20 minutes late; not sure why. Children on the bus talking about being late int school; I suspect the problems related to an accident at Lacock meaning one bus was taking two loads of passengers and it takes time to collect all those fares. There IS an infrequent bus service from Trowbridge out to the White Horse Business Park, and an hourly service to North Bradley which is fairly close, but none of those connects from the bus from Melksham and I had allowed time to walk. At 09:15, I stopped for a McBreakfast along the way, and set of again at 09:25 arriving at 09:40 in time for the photocall. Journey time: 115 minutes
What was the private car alternative? Google directions tell me it's a 15 minute drive - from either my home or from the Snarleton Farm site - to the enquiry venue. So from home at 09:15 would have included the time to get held up or if I wasn't still have time for McBreakfast or the roadside Greggs along that route. That's 100 minutes faster, and would be practical on a daily basis for employment.
New housing which could be characterised as "car only" that is beyond a kilometre from employment areas discriminates against those who can't or don't want to drive. And it makes for piling more drivers onto already-crowded roads ... leading perhaps to more roads being "needed" and ... at places like the Town Centre. The public transport paradox, also known as the Downs-Thomson Paradox, describes how expanding road capacity often fails to reduce traffic congestion and can even worsen travel times for both cars and public transit users, as improved roads attract more drivers (induced demand) until times equalize with public transit, potentially disincentivizing transit use and creating a vicious cycle. I am delighted this paradox is mainstream thinking with transport planners these days - witness the TravelWatch SouthWest briefing by Dr Graham Parkinson last October.
So - how could "we" do better?
1. The Neighbourhood Plan and other local planning call for plan lead development. It is generally agreed, or at least accepted, that we need more housing in and around the Melksham area, and indeed the local plans whether confirmed or not put that together in a joined up way. By having plan lead development, the outcome is a better researched, more joined up community with infrastructure and service considerations making for an improved lifestyle for the new residents. It's also going to make for a more valuable / marketable product (new homes) for developers who buy in and work hand in glove with the plan. What it does not do is make happy those developers who have bought or who options on land which, whilst it is basically safe to build on, does not integrate with other development or existing services or access.
2. We can look at and improve a sustainable transport network to mitigate against ever-increasing congestion. There will always be some journeys that are only practical by private car or taxi, but people should be able to take up residence in new housing with an adequate-to-good set of education and employment options that can be reach on foot, by cycle, bus, or train.
My journey on Tuesday took 115 minutes (would have been 125 from the site) when it would have taken 15 by car. How could it have been improved with better public transport?
a) From Trowbridge / Trinity Church for connection from Melksham, I would suggest a 20 minute "metro" frequency of a Town Bus ... need working with people who know the area and flows; network planning.
b) A train service every hour from Melksham to Trinity Church. At present, there are trains from Melksham at 06:29 and 09:10, journey time 10 minutes.
c) An hourly local bus service from the Melksham Eastern Relief Road to the town centre and station, to connect with trains not miss them. And to the south carrying on through the Bowerhill and Hampton Park West employment areas to connect at the police station with the bus service to Trowbridge.
Hypothetically, that planned and joined up approach would lead to ... 08:40 bus to Melksham Station. 09:00 train. 09:20 connecting bus on to White Horse Business Park - getting there 09:30. 50 minute v 125 minute journey, and practical. Possible too an hour earlier and an hour later. It is not as fast as driving, but it is practical and attractive. And it's open to everyone, practical commute.
We were expecting to be clear of the appeal by 11:30 - 3 x 15 minute intros and then 3 minute statements by lay commenter. It proved not to be that as each of the lay commenters was deeply questioned by counsel. And so by 12:50 it was lunch break and "anyone who can't stay for the afternoon". I was heading onwards and got my 3 minutes of comment and perhaps 10 minutes of statement from counsel leading me on. Away at ten past one.
An excellent illustration, though, of how public transport at the right time CAN work. There's a bus on route 87 at 13:23 from the White Horse Business Park to Westbury ... and that got me to Westbury Station at 13:38, in good time for the 14:03 to Southampton. Never mind that as delayed to 14:20 ... and got to Southampton at 15:28 - never mind that was 23 minutes late by that time.
Had I missed that bus? Next bus at 16:50. Oops. Other options? Walk around to North Bradley, from where there are hourly buses back to Trowbridge, or on to the Railway Inn at Westbury (not to the station), both of which fail to connect with the onward train to Southampton. Another almost-hour to wait.
I must add ... Melksham teams are wonderful. There was an offer for anybody who needed a lift to the appeal to get in touch with the co-ordinator, so if I have needed a lift I could have got one. But no lift was needed ... for sure it would have been convenient / nice / helpful - but not required. It provided a practical opportunity to try out in real life the sort of commuter journey that people will be making and look at opportunities for improvement, b) and c)
Edit to add ... here is a "now" map of what Google suggests as I write
| Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [371312/31490/28] Posted by Red Squirrel at 10:13, 22nd January 2026 | |
Possibly splitting this off into a new topic - if the idea takes off - but could we recent posters here possibly meet up to explore the restoration of the Portishead Line together?
I am retired, with no particular calendar or timetable constraints, and I would welcome the opportunity to meet up with any others from the Coffee Shop forum for 'a bit of a jolly', just exploring the Portishead area.
If anyone is interested, please reply here initially: we'll see what potential there might be for such a meeting.
CfN.
I am retired, with no particular calendar or timetable constraints, and I would welcome the opportunity to meet up with any others from the Coffee Shop forum for 'a bit of a jolly', just exploring the Portishead area.
If anyone is interested, please reply here initially: we'll see what potential there might be for such a meeting.
CfN.
I'm up for that.
I did my trip solo because I wanted good weather for taking photos, and sunny days are far and few at the moment. But I'd be very happy to join in a Coffee Shop adventure!
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [371311/28982/26] Posted by bradshaw at 10:10, 22nd January 2026 | |
Rumour on X that Papworth sidings, Ely are closing in March
https://x.com/trainlifegb/status/2014057725278212412?s=61&t=VlafMC5gF9tidw36b1Y8JQ
| Rail travel 'anxiety inducing' for blind passengers, Crowborough campaigner says In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [371310/31489/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 09:54, 22nd January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Rail travel 'anxiety inducing' for blind passengers
[Image from here is not available to guests]
Paul Goddard, a blind railway campaigner, says he struggles to travel from his local station to London Bridge
A blind man who regularly travels to London from East Sussex by train has claimed that the process is "anxiety inducing" because of the inconsistent nature of the passenger assist programme.
Railway campaigner Paul Goddard, from Crowborough, was born partially sighted and has been registered blind since 2008. Goddard has reflected on the difficulties of travelling following the recent government announcement that 19 station accessibility projects, including in Wivelsfield and Maidstone West, will no longer proceed.
GTR, which operates Southern Trains, said it had decided to trial a "dedicated Assisted Travel Coordinator to oversee all assistance at London Bridge".
Passenger assist allows customers to book assistance in advance, and be helped throughout their journey. However, Goddard claims he has issues with the service both at his local station and at London Bridge. While Crowborough is staffed in the mornings, he says travelling at any other time is "very challenging".
"I'm literally left to my own devices to negotiate the station," he said. When arriving into London Bridge, Goddard says there is nobody to meet him "99% of the time" despite a reservation having been made on the passenger assistance app.
New research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) reflects this experience. Three in four of nearly 1,200 blind and partially sighted people surveyed across the UK say they cannot rely on rail staff, with 44% being reliably met by assistance staff at stations. The inconsistency is really tough, Goddard says, adding that he already feels "anxious" about the prospect of travelling next week.
Carl Martin, accessibility lead at GTR, said: "We care passionately about making our railway accessible for everyone and work closely with blind and partially sighted people to improve our services." Martin added that following a previous meeting with Goddard about the issue, the company decided to trial a "dedicated Assisted Travel Coordinator to oversee all assistance at London Bridge".
Plans to improve 50 stations were announced by the previous government as part of the Access for All (AFA) programme, which was created to improve the accessibility of Britain's railway.
Last week, it was announced that 19 projects would not proceed, a decision Goddard says he is "disappointed" by. "That, for me, simply says that they are not interested in accessibility," he said, urging the government to show "some respect" to blind and partially sighted passengers.
A Department for Transport spokesperson (DfT) said: "Everyone should be able to travel safely and with dignity, which is why we are working with the rail industry to strengthen passenger assistance, investing almost £280m in step-free access and lifts." The DfT added that the relevant 19 projects "did not fully meet the prioritisation criteria at this time" but were not ruled out permanently.
Network Rail has been contacted for comment.
[Image from here is not available to guests]
Paul Goddard, a blind railway campaigner, says he struggles to travel from his local station to London Bridge
A blind man who regularly travels to London from East Sussex by train has claimed that the process is "anxiety inducing" because of the inconsistent nature of the passenger assist programme.
Railway campaigner Paul Goddard, from Crowborough, was born partially sighted and has been registered blind since 2008. Goddard has reflected on the difficulties of travelling following the recent government announcement that 19 station accessibility projects, including in Wivelsfield and Maidstone West, will no longer proceed.
GTR, which operates Southern Trains, said it had decided to trial a "dedicated Assisted Travel Coordinator to oversee all assistance at London Bridge".
Passenger assist allows customers to book assistance in advance, and be helped throughout their journey. However, Goddard claims he has issues with the service both at his local station and at London Bridge. While Crowborough is staffed in the mornings, he says travelling at any other time is "very challenging".
"I'm literally left to my own devices to negotiate the station," he said. When arriving into London Bridge, Goddard says there is nobody to meet him "99% of the time" despite a reservation having been made on the passenger assistance app.
New research by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) reflects this experience. Three in four of nearly 1,200 blind and partially sighted people surveyed across the UK say they cannot rely on rail staff, with 44% being reliably met by assistance staff at stations. The inconsistency is really tough, Goddard says, adding that he already feels "anxious" about the prospect of travelling next week.
Carl Martin, accessibility lead at GTR, said: "We care passionately about making our railway accessible for everyone and work closely with blind and partially sighted people to improve our services." Martin added that following a previous meeting with Goddard about the issue, the company decided to trial a "dedicated Assisted Travel Coordinator to oversee all assistance at London Bridge".
Plans to improve 50 stations were announced by the previous government as part of the Access for All (AFA) programme, which was created to improve the accessibility of Britain's railway.
Last week, it was announced that 19 projects would not proceed, a decision Goddard says he is "disappointed" by. "That, for me, simply says that they are not interested in accessibility," he said, urging the government to show "some respect" to blind and partially sighted passengers.
A Department for Transport spokesperson (DfT) said: "Everyone should be able to travel safely and with dignity, which is why we are working with the rail industry to strengthen passenger assistance, investing almost £280m in step-free access and lifts." The DfT added that the relevant 19 projects "did not fully meet the prioritisation criteria at this time" but were not ruled out permanently.
Network Rail has been contacted for comment.
| Portishead Line - possible meeting of forum members to explore the route? In "Campaigns for new and improved services" [371308/31490/28] Posted by chuffed at 09:19, 22nd January 2026 Already liked by IndustryInsider | |
As a regular user of the X4. I would advise getting off at Portbury footbridge and observing the terrain from there. The top of the road bridge is the highest point for miles around apart from the Portbury footbridge which crosses the M5. How many of you know that the M5 swept away the old Portbury Methodist chapel which had a 1840 broad gauge railway carriage in use as a Sunday school room, which I understand is in store at the NRM in York awaiting restoration. I did a geography degree dissertation on the effect of the M5 on the village of Portbury way back in 1972 !!
| Re: Twyford parking rules could change as Elizabeth Line route opens In "London to Reading" [371307/26895/7] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 09:17, 22nd January 2026 | |
Indeed, I noted that Coffee Shop forum member John D has apparently posted the same wording twice, some 13 minutes apart.
I therefore need to contact him to establish whether that was intentional on his part - for whatever reason - or whether his second post was intended to include different wording.
That 'work needed' may take up the rest of the free time in my evening: you will all have to bear with me while I deal with it.
I therefore need to contact him to establish whether that was intentional on his part - for whatever reason - or whether his second post was intended to include different wording.
That 'work needed' may take up the rest of the free time in my evening: you will all have to bear with me while I deal with it.
The second one needs to be deleted, accidental duplication as internet hung and I clicked save again few minutes later. I couldn't find a delete button, sorry if I am being dumb not locating delete
Thank you, John D - and please, there's no need to apologise for a very understandable error in posting.
I will remove your duplicate post - and encourage you to make others!
CfN. [Image from here is not available to guests]
| Re: Project Churchward - future regional fleet for the West, new rolling stock to replace DMUs In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [371306/27482/40] Posted by John D at 09:12, 22nd January 2026 | |
Everything seems have gone quiet regarding any news of a replacement fleet in 5-8 years time. Although might be something intermittently churning on in the background.
Modern Railways has just released an article on Siemens new Desiro verve. Seems to be a new version of desiro (of which SWR has hundreds of carriages).
23m length, designed to fit any route that can take a 23m mk3 or class 158 / 159 DMU. Normally in 3car or 5car formations (longer may be optional). The illustration suggests pairs of double doors, but nearer the centre (roughly 40% and 60% of carriage length), this is an arrangement common in Europe that allows lower floor in middle for level boarding.
Article suggests some parts come straight from the mireo (which is operating in Europe), batteries, power bogies, cab design (although tweaked to UK loading gauge).
Sounds like a dual voltage version will be available (handy for services to Gatwick, Portsmouth, Weymouth etc. or if SWR wanted them on Waterloo/Southampton - Salisbury services
https://www.modernrailways.com/article/siemens-desiro-verve-battery-electric-train
My own thought is would GWR want 2 versions of a BEMU, a 5 or 6 car regional one with seats suitable for 3+ hour journeys, and a 3car high density one for Bristol suburban (assuming Temple Meads area gets electrified soon). Ideally with few token platform extensions to allow pairs of 3car units (hopefully no more 2car units), which means platforms of at least 142m, perhaps 150m long, although on fully electric routes 165m would be better to allow 2x4car 20m EMUs (and there are lots of spare 350s in store, which would be quicker to arrive than any new fleet). I think the proposed new stations along south wales route are designed with 170m platforms.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [371305/28982/26] Posted by REVUpminster at 09:08, 22nd January 2026 | |
Today, 175001 refurbished and 175007 unrefurbished out on training runs with 175001 expected to take up the passenger service at 1340. These two, out of eight, trains seem to be the only trains used in public service.
| Re: Twyford parking rules could change as Elizabeth Line route opens In "London to Reading" [371304/26895/7] Posted by John D at 08:42, 22nd January 2026 | |
Indeed, I noted that Coffee Shop forum member John D has apparently posted the same wording twice, some 13 minutes apart.
I therefore need to contact him to establish whether that was intentional on his part - for whatever reason - or whether his second post was intended to include different wording.
That 'work needed' may take up the rest of the free time in my evening: you will all have to bear with me while I deal with it.
I therefore need to contact him to establish whether that was intentional on his part - for whatever reason - or whether his second post was intended to include different wording.
That 'work needed' may take up the rest of the free time in my evening: you will all have to bear with me while I deal with it.
The second one needs to be deleted, accidental duplication as internet hung and I clicked save again few minutes later. I couldn't find a delete button, sorry if I am being dumb not locating delete
