Issue - meetings

This item has been has been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair.

On 16 July 2015 Central Stockport Area Committee considered proposals by Virgin Trains to place ticket barriers at either end of the underpass underneath Stockport Railway Station as part of Virgin Trains’ franchise commitment to reduce ticketless travel.  Members of the Area Committee expressed their concern that these proposals would have a significant impact on the longstanding pedestrian access between Edgeley and Stockport town centre.  The barriers are proposed to become effective on 18 August 2015.

Since the Central Stockport Area Committee considered this matter, Virgin Trains have agreed to introduce a ‘guest pass’ scheme to allow access to those who have valid reasons to use the underpass - this could be to families wanting to wave off relatives on the platform, residents heading into the town centre or football fans making their way to the match.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of the Chair.

A representative of the Democratic Services Manager submitted a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration outlining the changes that were being made to access arrangements for pedestrians through the underpass at Stockport Train Station which included proposals for the introduction of gate lines at both ends of the underpass.

The report further stated that Virgin Trains planned to introduce ‘Welcome Hosts’ and manage a ‘Guest Pass’ system so that non-rail users can still walk between the two sides of the Station.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         The new Welcome Hosts were currently in post; however, the advice being provided to users at Stockport Railway Station in relation to the ‘Guess Pass’ system was inconsistent.

·         Connectivity between Edgeley and Stockport Town Centre would be undermined as a result of the proposals.

RESOLVED – That this Area Committee expresses its strong opposition to the planned introduction of gate lines at both ends of the underpass underneath Stockport Railway Station.

(NOTE: The Chair was of the opinion that this item, although not included on the agenda for the meeting, should be considered as a matter of urgency in accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 as the proposal from Virgin Trains was scheduled to come into operation on 18 August 2015).

 A representative of the Democratic Services Manger reported that this item had been placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Sheila Bailey.

Councillor Bailey reported on a proposal from Virgin Trains to introduce ticket gates at either end of the underpass at Stockport Railway Station which linked the entrance from the Edgeley side of the station to the main entrance on Station Road. This was a result of a requirement from the Department of Transport in the franchise renewal process that ticket gates be introduced at train stations on the West Coast Main Line as a means of maximising revenue from ticket sales. There was no other feasible location at the station for Virgin Trains to install the ticket gates. In addition, Virgin Trains proposed to have a number of ‘Welcome Hosts’ at the ticket gates as from 18 August 2015.

Members highlighted the following issues why local residents required access from one side of the underpass to the other:-

·         as an access route to Stockport Exchange

·         as a well used walking route into the town centre 

·         as a route for accessing the town centre shuttle bus

·         as a route for accompanying children to local primary schools

·         as an access route for local primary school children attending the nearby swimming pool

·         it was useful for residents who used mobility scooters to access the town centre

·         as an access route for people going to watch Stockport County Football Club.

Members expressed concern that the proposal would encourage greater car use, be detrimental to Edgeley District Centre and that the ticket gates would cause potential security problems when large groups of people approached them at the same time.

RESOLVED – (unanimously) (1) That this Area Committee opposes the proposed closure of the underpass at Stockport Station. This would cause considerable inconvenience for hundreds of residents who use this walking route on a daily basis.  There has been no consultation with either local Councillors or local residents. The Area Committee calls on Virgin Trains to suspend implementation until such time as an alternative proposal can be put forward that would continue to allow public use of this underpass.

(2)That this issue be considered further at the next meeting of the Area Committee on 13 August 2015.

(3)That the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, Executive Councillor (Supporting Places), Group Leaders, local Members of Parliament and Chairs of the other Area Committees be made aware of the Area Committee’s resolution.