ndrailusers - Mag18

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Issue 18, Autumn 2004

Table of Contents

Editorial

Editorial Work being carried out at Junction Pool Bridge, north of Kings Nympton Station during the two week blockade

It was a pleasure to see so many members at our AGM, and to able to put faces to names, one of the few times when this is possible; I hope that those of you who attended found it a worthwhile evening, and enjoyed our speaker’s presentation, despite the words of warning at the end. In the light of the comments made, we cannot afford to be complacent about the situation we find ourselves in, despite the increase in patronage reported by Wessex, some of the observed loadings have been poor. The summer trade down the line has been affected by the reduction in stops at intermediate stations, making day trips for visitors more problematical, and the recent closure of the line, and the interim arrangements made, must have left passengers bewildered to say the least. The User Group has, however, adopted a positive, proactive approach, as you will have seen with the issue of part one of Securing the Future, which has now had a wide circulation to parish, town, and district councils who have (or should have) a vested interest in the development of the line. Part two is due to be worked on and will be issued in the new year and will deal with other aspects of the line not covered in part one. Within this issue you will see that we have, as hinted at in the last editorial, extended the view of the user group to areas peripheral to, but yet relevant to, the North Devon Line. Nothing exists in isolation, particularly a transport system, and to this end we have included our submission on the Salisbury-Exeter line, since improvements there will have an effect on the passenger flows to and from our own line.

Chairman's Report Carnets and Fares North Devon Line: Securing the Future Members’ responses: an introduction The broad verdict Members’ comments Summary and conclusion Is there a better way? A life beside and on the line Good News for Torridgeside Submission in Support of Salisbury - Exeter Line Infrastructure Improvements Introduction Background Conclusion From along the Torridge A Disappointment News Update & Miscellany Sunday Services North Devon Line Blockade Tarka Line Working Party How about a trip to Holyhead Response to Consultation Document "Moving Forward" The Case for Umberleigh Customers? – Wot Customers? Readers Write Membership Matters New Members Committee Meetings (Members Welcome)

In order to maintain and enhance our reputation as a professional, forward looking organisation we must continue to express our point of view on all matters that could have an effect on the line and its future, and in support of this, the committee is, as indicated in the Chairman’s report, due to meet with representatives of all the prospective bidders for the new Greater Western Franchise due to be let in 2006. Reports of these meetings will appear in the next issue, so don’t let your membership lapse! Have a very Happy Christmas. Andy Hedges

Chairman's Report


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