Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability)

The report provides information about the development of a long term 20 year rail strategy for Stockport. The report has been commissioned by the Council in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester.

The report considers the existing situation with regard to rail usage, services and facilities, the anticipated changes and opportunities to influence future changes to the network, services and facilities and recommends an approach and priorities for future actions. Rail is a key element of the public transport provision in Stockport and we have approximately a fifth of all the rail stations in Greater Manchester.  At present, Stockport’s 19 stations account for almost one quarter of all rail demand within Greater Manchester (excluding the central Manchester station demand).  Stockport Rail Station has local, regional and national services including regular services to London.

The report also considers the potential for metrolink and tram/train routes within the area and the opportunities for radial and orbital links to neighbouring authorities and Manchester Airport to be improved.

The full report is attached in appendix 1 and the following sections highlight the key objectives, delivery themes priorities and actions recommended by the strategy.

The Executive is invited to approve the Rail Strategy and priorities for action.

Officer contact: Sue Stevenson, 0161 474 4351, sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities & Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a 20 year Rail Strategy for Stockport, developed in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, that would seek to influence future changes to the rail network, services and facilities. The Strategy recognised the key strategic importance of rail to the Borough and set out a number of priorities for action.

Executive councillors welcomed the development of the Strategy and the priorities for action, in particular the possible expansion of the Metrolink network to include parts of Stockport through the delivery of Tram-Trains, but also stressing the importance of ensuring connectivity with other modes of transport.

RESOLVED – That the Rail Strategy and priorities for action contained therein be approved and adopted.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides information about the development of a long term twenty year rail strategy for Stockport

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on the report, prior to its consideration at the Executive Meeting on 10 February 2015.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive to consider a twenty years Rail Strategy for Stockport, developed in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, that would seek to influence future changes to the rail network, services and facilities. The Strategy recognised the key strategic importance of rail to the Borough and set out a number of priorities for action.

The report would be considered by the Executive at its meeting on 10 February 2015.

The Executive Councillor (Communities and Sustainability) (Councillor Martin Candler) attended the meeting to respond to Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The Scrutiny Committee welcomed the report, although noted that it was aspirational.

·         Members expressed gratitude that a master planning exercise was being undertaken at Stockport Railway Station in order to develop a holistic approach to Stockport Station’s development and its linkages to the Town Centre/wider A6 corridor and the bus station. The consultants’ report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee.

·         A Member suggested that the report should be considered further at a session to which all councillors would be invited.

·         A Member felt that other options should be explored, such as re-opening a service between Stockport and Gatley, and reconnecting a railway service between Marple and Hazel Grove.

·         A Member raised the possibility of improving the services and railway stock at Hazel Grove railway station and of having a station at Stepping Hill.

·         What lessons would be learnt from the existing tram train system in Sheffield.

·         The Council continued to support more services being provided from Reddish South railway station.

RESOLVED – (1) That the Executive be advised that this Scrutiny Committee supports the Rail Strategy and priorities for action contained therein.

(2) That this Scrutiny Committee recommends that a session be arranged for all Councillors to debate the issues raised in the report and that representatives from Transport for Greater Manchester and neighbouring local authorities be also invited to the session.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management and Regeneration

The report provides information about the development of a long term twenty year rail strategy for Stockport

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to comment on the report, prior to its consideration at the Executive Meeting on 10 February 2015.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on 0161 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk