Accrington Railways - Robert Kenyon

Chester 10:27, Rhyl 11:00, Colwyn Bay11:16 en route and arriving at 11:32. The return departed at 18:20 picking up at 18:30, 18:43, 18:57, 19:35 and back for 21:17. The Highways & Transportation Committee met, when the DES&T reminded Members that during the consideration given to the TP&P document for 1983/84 by this Committee in November of 1982, it had been resolved to inform BR of Hyndburn Council’s concerns on constraints on the short-term improvements to railway services in the North West, and of the ‘urgent’ need to replace the first generation of Diesel Multiple Units. The DES&T next submitted the January 12 th , response from BR. This indicated that for the foreseeable future at least there would be no improvements to the rolling stock, but that if an opportunity was to arise it would be taken. It did point out however, that improvements were now underway at Blackburn’s Railway Station along with other enhancements, which were actively being considered in consultation with the County Council. The DES&T then submitted a report, containing details of the conference convened by LCC on Saturday, February 26 th , which involved interested parties including the general public who had an interest in the development of public transport within the County. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Director drew the attention of the Members to the fact that the Chairman of this conference had requested them, to confirm a six-part resolution to be forwarded to the Secretary of State for Transport, as well as to MPs representing constituencies in Lancashire. The resolution to be placed before and approved by this conference was as follows - a. To request the Government to order an immediate enquiry into the existing public transport system with terms of reference, as this would enable a National Public Transport Strategy to be determined. b. To request the Government to invest more resources into both the road and railway industries. c. To object to the Serpell Report on railways, this concentrated upon the financial aspects and not the social and economic benefits to the country. d. To support the rail strategy for Lancashire, especially the demands for the retention of the existing network and for immediate capital investment in new rolling stock and electrification. e. To remind the Government of the high levels of subsidy devoted to railway systems in the majority of European countries, especially the United Kingdom’s partners in the EEC. f. To request the Government to publish its conclusions on the findings of the Serpell Report. It was resolved to inform the Chief Executive/Clerk of Lancashire County Council that Hyndburn Borough Council would support the six parts of the resolution passed at this conference. At a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee the Town Clerk, referred to the comments which were set out in an ‘agenda note’ from BR received by both MP Arthur Davidson and NELDA, on the rumours of the closure of the line between Gannow Junction in Burnley and Hall Royd Junction in Todmorden. It was understood that a normal passenger service would be operating during the summer of 1983 and that the Divisional Manager of BR, would meet with representatives from NELDA and LCC if any proposals for the closure of this line were to be circulated in the future. The Town Clerk stated that it appeared that no further actions were planned at this particular time, except that the line might be singled to the Todmorden Curve as a means of retention. He suggested that in addition, the Member of Parliament, the North East Lancs Development Association and Councillor Taylor, as a member of the Transport User’s consultative Committee, be asked to pursue this through NELDA should any question of closure arise. It was resolved that the course of action suggested by the Town Clerk would be adopted if and when it was thought necessary. The Town Clerk also reported that Councillor Henry and the Chairman had agreed that the concerns expressed by the residents of Rishton about the future of the local BR services should be brought to the attention of this Committee, and the letter in question was submitted. The apparent run-down of the railway in East Lancashire was a cause for concern and therefore required constant vigilance. The Town Clerk stated that each reduction of service ought perhaps to be the subject of representation by Hyndburn Borough Council, individually as well as jointly with NELDA and LCC. It was resolved that in addition to the recommendations of the Town Clerk - (1) They should demand a meeting with BR, to try to discover the future prospects of the East Lancs Line and of the stations within the Borough, in order to ascertain the levels of manning and to enquire into the condition of the rolling stock.

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