News
Chiltern bats wildlife concerns aside
by Peter Brown
The public inquiry into the Chiltern Railways Evergreen 3 project between London Marylebone and Oxford has been reopened by transport secretary Justine Greening, following concerns about bats in a tunnel along the route. The surprise move has come
after the public inquiry held in Oxford produced an inspector’s report saying there was a compelling case in the public interest for the scheme to proceed. The DfT says the matters
that have arisen apply only to the mitigation methods given for bats living in Wolvercot Tunnel and to the form of planning conditions imposed by the secretary of state. It stressed the reopened inquiry will not deal with other matters. Chiltern Railways’ managing director Rob Brighouse told Rail
Professional: ‘Our proposed link between Oxford and London will bring huge benefits to Oxford and Bicester, and the planned parkway station at Water Eaton will allow passengers to avoid congestion in the city centre. ‘While it is disappointing that
the inquiry has been reopened, we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate further, in public, the lengths we have gone to to deal with the issues raised and to protect the local environment. We remain committed and confident about the project and look forward to receiving the final permission from the secretary of state in the near future.’ He also pointed out Chiltern
has already committed to the development of a system where the approach of a train at night would deter bats from its path, with trials last autumn proving successful. n
peter.brown@
railpro.co.uk
POLICING STEPPED UP IN WELSH TROUBLE SPOTS
British Transport Police is increasing patrols at several troubles spots in the Valleys and Vale of Glamorgan areas of south Wales. Evening activity has been
stepped up along the route between Barry Town and Llantwit Major after complaints about the behaviour of teenagers on trains and at the stations. Passenger concerns about
criminal activity have led to a greater daytime police presence at Cardiff Central and Pontypridd stations, starting from 10:00. Some routes in the Valleys
continue to pose problems despite a firm line having already been taken by Arriva Trains Wales (ATW), which employs a security team to provide extra back-up where needed. In 2007 an alcohol ban was
introduced on all routes north of Pontypridd to try to eradicate trouble. However, ‘low level’ drink-
related incidents have flared up on trains and at station between Pontyclun and Pencoed. BTP is carrying out more patrols, especially from 16:00- 22:00 between Thursday and Saturday; and taking similar action between Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil where underage drinking remains a problem. ‘All our trains have CCTV,
which is effective in detecting and deterring crime,’ an Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) spokesman said.
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www.hwilliams.co.uk APRIL 2012 PAGE 11
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