Issue - meetings

That Govia Thameslink Railway be informed that, in respect of its 2018 Timetable Consultation, East Herts Council submits comments at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted as its response in respect of the questions within the consultation and other specific matters which it wishes to raise.

The Executive Member for Economic Development submitted a report detailing the public consultation by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) on its proposed 2018 timetable and seeking approval for the Council’s response.  The consultation covered the Great Northern (including Metro), Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink lines, and would come into force following completion of the Thameslink Programme.

The Executive Member highlighted the key issues affecting East Herts, namely that, due to the provision of other services on the East Coast Main Line coupled with the postponement of delivery of a fifth platform at Stevenage to provide a turn-back facility for the Hertford Loop service, from May 2018 there would be a cessation of rail services between Watton-at-Stone and Stevenage during all peak and most off-peak times.  He emphasised that this was being challenged robustly in the proposed response. 

Various Members commented on this aspect of the new timetable being unacceptable to East Herts residents.

The Executive Member referred to the Council’s proposed response to this and other proposals in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ of the report submitted.

The Executive approved the recommendation now detailed.

RESOLVED - that Govia Thameslink Railway be informed that, in respect of its 2018 Timetable Consultation, East Herts Council submits comments at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted as its response in respect of the questions within the consultation and other specific matters which it wishes to raise.