Issue - meetings

DECISION:     that members

                        1) noted the service issues that have affected the line

2) noted the work undertaken by the Partnership in 2017/18 and that a similar report had been taken to Area South Committee

3) approved a funding contribution of £2,000 from the Members’ Discretionary budget for 2018/19

Reason:          To receive a summary of the work undertaken by the Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership during 2017/18, and to consider making a partnership contribution for 2018/19.

(voting: 7 in support with 1 abstention)

The Communities Lead presented her report to members. She advised that this was an annual report to provide an update on the work undertaken by the partnership and that a similar report had been taken to Area South Committee. She also hoped that members would approve a funding contribution of £2,000 from the Members’ Discretionary budget.

She explained that it had been a difficult year for the rail industry and that details were contained within the report. She explained that the Chief Executive of SSDC had met with senior staff at Great Western Railway to discuss some of these concerns.

She explained to members that GWR had provided assurances that there would be improvements next year and that they were aspiring to provide an hourly service.

During the discussion, members commented that there had been a disappointing service, however were keen to see improvements and hoped that additional train services could be provides.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that members agreed to approve the funding of £2,000 towards the partnership.

On being put to the vote, this was carried 7 votes in support and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:   that members

                        1) noted the service issues that have affected the line

2) noted the work undertaken by the Partnership in 2017/18 and that a similar report had been taken to Area South Committee

3) approved a funding contribution of £2,000 from the Members’ Discretionary budget for 2018/19

(voting: 7 in support, 1 abstention)