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Great Western Coffee Shop
As at 17th March 2025 06:13 GMT
Recent Public Posts - [guest]
Re: When will all stations be "fully accessible"?
In "Across the West" [359527/22629/26]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:40, 16th March 2025
 
Catching up (rather belatedly, for which I apologise) with this topic here:

I, too, doubt that they will ever be 'fully accessible'.

Using Nailsea & Backwell station as my local example: here we have a rather steep slope up to platform 2, but that has to be accessed from some distance along the road, Station Close.

There is no disabled access slope up to (or down from) platform 1.  There simply isn't anywhere to build it, on the embankment below our elevated station.

The solution would be to build a new set of lifts - but that was last costed at around £1million, so that isn't ever going to happen, purely for the 'cost benefit ratio' numbers.

Chris from Nailsea. 

Re: Plan for M4 to south coast corridor to avoid Bath, through West Wiltshire
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359526/30025/51]
Posted by Clan Line at 21:26, 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

35 years ago - and all they have managed to do since then is close the Cleveland Bridge to anything over 18 tonnes.

Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359525/30005/5]
Posted by grahame at 21:22, 16th March 2025
Already liked by Chris from Nailsea
 
But it wasn't (overturned)

The question from the OP was why was the penalty reduced to zero, rather than the penalty cancelled/overturned.

I would suspect it was zeroed rather than removed to avoid setting a legal precedent.   It means that someone coming over with an undocumented passenger in the well of (but not inside) a flatbed pickup can't point at the Fenton case and say "but you said on appeal they had not done wrong".

Re: Staff Fatality at Tyseley Depot 15/12/2019
In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [359524/22585/51]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:06, 16th March 2025
 
With my sincere apologies for missing this at the time:

Here is the Rail Accident Investigation Branch report on that sad incident.


Summary

At around 20:00 hrs on Saturday 14 December 2019, a train driver became trapped between two trains in the yard at Tyseley maintenance depot, Birmingham. The driver received fatal injuries as a result.

The driver became trapped because he was passing between two closely-spaced trains when one of the trains was moved towards the other as part of a coupling operation. The driver had not used a safe route when he was walking within the yard, and almost certainly did not expect that the trains would move as he passed between them. Another driver, who was attempting to couple the trains, was unaware that anyone else was close to them. He did not sound a warning prior to coupling because local instructions did not require this.

RAIB’s investigation identified that the depot operator, West Midlands Trains, had not adequately considered the risks faced by drivers on depots. The investigation also found that Tyseley depot is operating at or beyond its capacity at night and that West Midlands Trains’ management assurance processes had not promoted safe working practices.

Recommendations

RAIB has made two recommendations as a result of the investigation, both addressed to West Midlands Trains. The first recommendation is that West Midlands Trains ensures that effective assessments are carried out of the risks to those walking and working in depots, yards and sidings and that suitable measures are in place to control these risks. The second recommendation is that West Midlands Trains reviews its safety assurance processes to ensure that unsafe working practices within the company can be effectively identified and their causes addressed.

The investigation has also identified six learning points for the railway industry:

* the first two learning points warn duty holders and railway staff of the dangers of being in close proximity to railway vehicles

* the third learning point reminds duty holders that authorised walking routes must be made known to staff

* the fourth learning point reminds duty holders of the importance of assessing the capacity of depots relative to the operational demands placed on them to ensure that they can be operated safely

* the fifth learning point is that results from brake tests and other safety critical examinations are routinely checked and understood by competent staff

* the sixth learning point covers the importance of screening staff members involved in accidents for the presence of drugs or alcohol in accordance with the relevant procedures.

Simon French, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents said:
The death of any member of railway staff on duty is a tragedy. As we publish RAIB’s investigation report into the accident which took place at Tyseley depot in December last year, my thoughts are very much with the family of the train driver who died as a result.

This sad accident highlights how dangerous depots and sidings can be. When I started on the railway in 1982 one of the first things that was drummed into me was to take care around vehicles, and to only go under or between vehicles when you were quite sure they were not going to move. That is as true now as it was then. No matter how bad the weather, don’t be tempted to make a quick dash through a small gap. It could prove fatal.

In a depot like Tyseley, trains are maintained and serviced in readiness for their next duty. Train drivers are required as part of their normal work to take trains into depots for these activities to take place. They will also carry out the final preparation of trains and take them out of depots afterwards. We found that the department within the train operating company responsible for managing traincrew and the department responsible for the servicing and maintenance of trains were not working well together. This meant the company as a whole did not understand or sufficiently manage the risks posed to drivers who were working or walking in depots. The company was also not taking effective action to deal with unsafe actions in depots. Good safety management requires both an understanding of risk and spotting when things are not being done properly, and then doing something about it.



Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359523/30005/5]
Posted by ChrisB at 20:55, 16th March 2025
 
But it wasn't (overturned)

The question from the OP was why was the penalty reduced to zero, rather than the penalty cancelled/overturned.

Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359522/30005/5]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:44, 16th March 2025
 
I repeat:

No: he was found clinging to the outside of their vehicle.  The article makes that clear.

That is why the 'civil penalty notice' was overturned.


Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359521/30005/5]
Posted by stuving at 20:31, 16th March 2025
 
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?

This was a civil penalty notice under the Carriers' Liability Regulations 2002 (as amended). The offence was defined in the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.  The explanation, with leaflets etc, is here.

Most of the words are about goods vehicles, of course. This looks like the relevant offence for this case:
32 Penalty for carrying clandestine entrants.

(1)A person is a clandestine entrant if—

(a)he arrives in the United Kingdom concealed in a vehicle, ship or aircraft,
(aa)he arrives in the United Kingdom concealed in a rail freight wagon,
(b)he passes, or attempts to pass, through immigration control concealed in a vehicle, or
(c)he arrives in the United Kingdom on a ship or aircraft, having embarked—

(i)concealed in a vehicle; and
(ii)at a time when the ship or aircraft was outside the United Kingdom,

and claims, or indicates that he intends to seek, asylum in the United Kingdom or evades, or attempts to evade, immigration control.

The law and regulations define the maximum penalty; the Secretary of State decides the amount in each case - there are guidelines about how much.

And in case you were wondering:
10.—(1) A notice may be served on a person under regulation 9(3) by:
(a)delivering it to that person;
(b)leaving it at his proper address;
(c)sending it to his proper address by first class post in a prepaid registered envelope or by the recorded delivery service;
(d)facsimile, sent to his usual or last known business facsimile number;
(e)electronic mail, sent to his usual or last known business electronic mail address.

Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359520/30005/5]
Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:22, 16th March 2025
 
Railway staff, lineside, with mains water hydrant hoses: problem solved. 


Re: Drivers carrying passengers who are travelling when they should not
In "Buses and other ways to travel" [359519/30005/5]
Posted by grahame at 20:14, 16th March 2025
 
Had me thinking of this


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" [359518/30033/8]
Posted by grahame at 19:57, 16th March 2025
 
To help me get my head around this, I looked up that part of Pewsey on a map.   It is to the east of the village, which is to the south, with a small cluster of houses located north of the railway only accessible via Hollybush Lane and that foot crossing.

The foot crossing is at the other end of that scattering of houses, hence no picture even in Danny Kruger's video showing the relationship.


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."


 
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