£7m of funding to improve the Esk Valley railway remains unspent, 8 years after it was allocated.
A new report, from The Esk Valley Railway Development Company, highlighted a number of improvements that could be made to the line if the money was released.
Lisa Williams is their General Manager
The new report is proposing a number of "quick wins" that they say could bring improved train services to Whitby and the villages along the line.
Lisa Williams says the key is getting the money released.
The new report called "A New Beginning - The Case for Investment in the Middlesbrough-Whitby Esk Valley Community Railway" highlights the Esk Valley Line's struggles and proposes solutions for improvement.
Despite a 49% ridership growth exceeding the national average, the line suffers from infrequent service and long journey times. The report identifies the decision to cut services in half before privatisation as a "major mistake" and points to the poor train service as a hindrance to tourism and socio-economic progress, echoing the concerns of the Commons Transport Committee and the Lords Committee on Coastal Deprivation.
The report says that a key issue is the delay in allocating the £7 million Section 106 funding awarded eight years ago for infrastructure enhancements. This funding, intended to enable smoother operations between Whitby, Grosmont, and Glaisdale, has yet to be utilized, causing concern among the Esk Valley Railway Development Company (EVRDC), a designated Community Rail Partnership advocating for line improvements.
The EVRDC Chairman, Alan Williams, expresses "major concern" over the lack of agreement between North Yorkshire Council and Network Rail regarding the funding and urges the "early implementation" of the proposed "quick wins" outlined in the report which include:
- Additional Services: Introduction of an early morning and midday service between Middlesbrough and Whitby, along with extra trains on Sundays, is deemed crucial. This would mark a step towards reinstating the pre-1991 eight trains per day timetable.
- Motorised Points: Replacing manual ground frames at Grosmont and Whitby with motorised points is proposed to reduce line occupation by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) and enhance safety for NYMR staff. This would also free up the line for potential additional services.
- Battersby Platform Reinstatement: Restoring the second platform at Battersby and upgrading the associated signalling is suggested to facilitate train crossings, further improving service frequency.
The report says that these "quick wins", if implemented promptly, could significantly enhance service, boost ridership, and pave the way for more extensive future investments.
Beyond these "quick wins", the report suggests additional options for long-term improvements, including:
- Request Stop Technology: The report proposes using "request stop" technology at lesser-used stations to maintain service while reducing overall journey times. This would be particularly beneficial for Esk Valley villages where the train serves as the primary mode of public transport.
- Battersby Curve: The construction of a new curve at Battersby to bypass the current need for trains to reverse is recommended for consideration. This could potentially save up to ten minutes in journey time.
The EVRDC emphasizes the importance of a "whole systems" approach for the line's modernization, ensuring it meets the demands of the 21st century. They are seeking support from North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith and Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume for swift action to improve the Esk Valley Line.
Lisa Williams say they are hoping to get support to conduct a more in-depth report.
The full "New Beginning" report can be read at www.eskvalleyrailway.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/A-New-Beginning-Esk-Valley-Railway.pdf
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