Great Western Coffee Shop

From the Saltash Rail Users Group :

Usually engineering works means cancellations, delays and diversions with trains morphing into buses at the drop of a stove-pipe hat. Just occasionally there is a bright side to the chaos - and during the current works which are closing the main line in Devon on Saturdays, we are benefiting from a much enhanced service if you are travelling within Cornwall.

Saturday 10th March (today) Saltash gets 11 trains Eastbound and 9 trains Westbound spread throughout the day. Typically FGW have made no effective publicity about this - we believe that the same timetable will apply for the next two weeks as well.

Details are on the SRUG website ( www.srug.org.uk ), but it would be well to check the live information at www.nationalrail.co.uk before travelling.

Hope you can make use of these surprise bonus trains whilst they last...

Saltash Rail Users' Group Update :

Timetable changes for May - 2 EXTRA trains per weekday

An extra train into Cornwall at 10:40

An extra return commuter train from Penzance arriving   Saltash at 18:30

Changes to timings of early morning Westbound trains

Continuous campaigning by SRUG has led to the return of two services from May 21st ahead of the December date originally published for changes. SRUG felt it vital to return the mid morning service into Cornwall in time for the summer, which allows our users to have a realistic day out. The return train was seen as a top priority for workers and leisure travellers wishing to get back from Truro and the west of Cornwall in the late afternoon.

The other changes are to the early 07:31 High Speed service to Penzance which will run slightly earlier at 07:18 to give a better arrival time in Truro and the 08:06 Newquay service will run later at 08:38 as it is now the busy commuter service on the Tamar Valley line before going on to Newquay. Remember that both this and the 08:25 Penzance service are classified as Off Peak so qualify as a Cheap Day return.

Weekend services cut

It is not all good news as a few weekend services have been cut, but the Saturday timetable still gives great options into Cornwall, even the limited Sunday service allows a number of day out possibilities.

High Summer alterations - July and August

A number of changes are planned. These include a number of extra Paddington services giving much better through travel possibilities on more comfortable trains.

Good news re the additional stop of the 10:40 into Cornwall, however this train still criminally misses St.Germans, Lostwithiel, Camborne and Hayle.

The current 18:10 service to Plymouth (17:48 Liskeard starter) does not run in July and August, and is replaced by an additional stopping HST this being the 15:57 Penzance to Paddington so this provides yet another service from west Cornwall in the evening peak during the height of summer along with the already mentioned 16:44 ex Penzance now stopping.

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

"Lee Edworthy (Station manager for Saltash) has provided us with the following information. Please also note that your journey may take longer than usual, due to there being more connecting services. The service to Par is not too bad, but travelling beyond to Truro could take significantly longer than normal.

A full amended timetable is available at : http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Documents/Custom/FGW%20-%20179.pdf

Due to engineering works between Plymouth and Par on SUNDAYS 15th April, 22nd April and 29th April an amended timetable will be in operation from station. A replacement bus service will operate in place of the train.

A summary of the departures from this station are shown below:

Please note that the replacement bus will pick up/drop off from the road adjacent to the Plymouth bound platform.

Towards Plymouth
 
1525

1635

2035

2200

Towards Liskeard
 
1023

1123

1748"

It should be noted the line is also closed Plymouth to Par on Sundays 5th, 12th and 19th of May.

Ok so I got that slightly wrong, the three Sundays I mentioned in May the line is closed PAR to PENZANCE.

Further update from Saltash Rail Users Group :

Extra London Service calls at Saltash 09:33 from 21st May 2007

Further pressure from SRUG has led First Great Western to return this Off Peak service. This is a slightly slower London service but gives us a direct connection to Teignmouth and Dawlish in addition to the usual Totnes, Newton Abbot and Exeter stops.  It thens routes via Bristol, Bath Spa, Chippenham before Reading and Paddington. Please be sure to let everyone know. Lets keep numbers building so we can argue for more services.

Sample Off Peak Fares
Saltash ^ Totnes ^6.50 or ^4.30 with a Railcard  (^3.250 each if 4 travel using GroupSave)
Saltash ^ Dawlish or Teignouth ^7.00 or ^4.70 with a Railcard  (^3.50 each if 4 travel using GroupSave)
Saltash ^ Exeter ^8.50 or ^5.70 with a Railcard  (^4.25 each if 4 travel using GroupSave)

New Train Summary from 21st May 2007

^UP^
07:43 Penzance ^ 09:33 Saltash ^ 09:43 Plymouth - 10:51 Exeter St Davids ^ 11:56 Bristol ^ 13:42 London
16:43 Penzance ^ 17:22 Truro ^ 18:11 Liskeard ^ 18:33 Saltash ^ 18:41 Plymouth - 19:42 Exeter St Davids

^DOWN^
08:50 Exmouth ^ 09:20 Exeter ^ 10:32 Plymouth ^ 10:40 Saltash ^ 11:43 Truro ^ 12:21 Penzance

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

Just a quick note to let you know what we are submitting to First Great Western as our requests for December 2007. Please let me know if you have any other requests along with good reasons for stopping them.  Please send responses to richard@richardbickford.co.uk.

Weekday Services

'UP' towards Plymouth

1. An early 'Dockyard' service (Saltash around 07:00)
2. The early 'Golden Hind' Paddington service (Saltash around 06:45)
3. The return of a stopping commuter train (Saltash around 08:15)
4. 14:00 ex Penzance to London (Saltash around 15:45)
5. 17:35 ex Penzance to London (Saltash aroudn 19:20)

'DOWN' towards Penzance

1. 09:23 ex Plymouth (Saltash around 09:35)
2. 14:41 ex Plymouth (Saltash around 14:50)
3. 17:03 ex Paddington (Saltash around 20:40)

A separate submission for Weekend services will be made, although please let us know your thoughts.

Just to say I'm new, don't bite my head off ;)

I can't see them stopping the Golden Hind there, considering it is an express service!

Its good to see that Saltash are getting their services back. I would still consider it better to have one up and down London train and let every local train stop there, so in theory every 2 or so hours!

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

I hope that some of you have already benefited from the three new services that started on Monday. This Friday we are planning an event to celebrate this and highlight this victory. We would therefore like to invite you to join us at the station at 0925 on Friday 25th May. You should be able to get away by 0940, so minimual commitement required!

A group of SRUG representatives will be travelling to St Germans on the 0825 Penzance service, and you are most welcome to join us for that part as well. We then plan to travel back to Saltash on the new Paddington service that leaves St Germans at 0924 arriving Saltash at 0933.

A quick photo call will take place as the train arrives in Saltash with some passengers getting off and hopefully some of you boarding.

Lee Edworthy our station manager will be with us to answer any on the spot questions and has said he will arrange some FREE return Saltash to Plymouth tickets, so this could be the ideal time to try this new service out. There are return services from Plymouth at 1032, 1244, 1557, 1706, 1724, 1812, 1924 and 2226.

Please email or ring for more information 841119 / 07971281320

The Official Press Release is copied below.

Best Regards
Richard Bickford

---------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FROM SALTASH & ST.GERMANS RAIL USER GROUPS
18th May 2007
Attention Newsdesk, Picture Desk, Transport correspondent
Contacts: Richard Bickford for Saltash 07971 28 13 20; Alan Cousins for St.Germans 01503 230106

St.Germans & Saltash Passenger Celebrate Timetable Improvements

On Friday 25th May rail passengers at St.Germans and Saltash will be celebrating with local people and elected representatives the return of some daytime services in the new timetable from 20th May.

Richard Bickford, Secretary of SRUG, said "After much lobbying and hard work by First Great Western (FGW) to respond to our requests we are finally getting service levels nearly back to the previous (Wessex Trains) franchise levels."

John Caff, Chair of St.Germans Rail User Group (St.GRUG), added "We still have some significant gaps and potential for better use of the services, but it is good that by working with the train operator we have been able to claw back some of the cuts that were originally imposed."

A group from Saltash will be travelling on the 08:25 from Saltash to St.Germans and meeting a St.Germans party to celebrate the arrival of the new 09:24 service to Saltash & Plymouth which will re-instate a vital morning connection eastbound to Plymouth that was lost in the original timetable for the new FGW franchise. They will be joined on the platform by Lee Edworthy of FGW, station manager for Plymouth & the SE Cornwall stations, together with various local councillors, and the party will toast the arrival of the new train.

Roger Creagh-Osborne, Chair of the Saltash Rail User Group (SRUG), said "Although this is fantastic progress there are still some socially vital gaps in the service. In particular the loss of the early dockyard service and the nonsense of some trains stopping at Saltash but not St.Germans and vice versa needs to be resolved."

Alan Cousins of St.GRUG concluded "We are winning the battle to provide a sustainable and useful service which is a vital connection for our village. If  the reliability of services can be improved and a few key additional stops provided we will continue to see growth in passenger numbers over the coming years."

The party at St.Germans will be assembling on the Up platform at around 9:00am, and will be available for photos and interview both on the platform and aboard the 09:24 to Plymouth which now stops at Saltash at 09:33.

ENDS
Notes for editors:
The new timetable provides additional eastbound trains at 09:24/09:33 (St.Germans/Saltash) morning shopper/off peak service which also goes direct through to London Paddington and 18:24/18:33 evening return commuter service from Truro.

Westbound new services at 10:40 at Saltash provides a useful post peak service into Cornwall - unfortunately this train does not stop at St.Germans.

Saltash and St.Germans now have 3 services each way direct to/from London which relives pressure on the roads in to central Plymouth.

In total there are now 11 Westbound and 11 Eastbound services compared with 13/12 in the pre-cuts timetable. The Sunday service, which could be very popular with tourists and day-trippers wanting to travel into Cornwall for a day out, is still very inadequate.

Reporters are invited to join the group either at Saltash station in time for the 08:25, returning to by train Saltash for 09:33, or at St.Germans station shortly after 9am.

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

The SRUG AGM will take place at Saltash Guildhall on Wednesday 27th June at 19:00. Please come along to here more about what we have been up to and the plans for the future. Please send in any agenda items or points you would like discussed. More details to follow.

The weekend prior to the AGM is Saltash Regatta, Saturday the 23rd and Sunday 24th June. SRUG will as last year have a stand. At the moment we are looking a little thin on the ground for helpers so if anyone could spare a couple of hours on either day then I would be most grateful. The object is to let people know what services we have and the costs involved and encouraging others to give the rail service a go, either for getting to work or for a day out.

We will have timetables to hand out along with other leaflets, and hopefully some goodies to give away. Either send me an email (richard@richardbickford.co.uk) or phone me on 01752 841119 if you can help.

An article on this can be found in the link below.
http://www.srug.org.uk/content/view/63/2/

Apparently , until Network Rail give Western Power consent to shut down the signals for a period of time to re - route the power , they cannot do anything to the building as it could risk the signals.

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

Some people have noticed that the 0933 eastbound has disappeared from the online journey planning system for this week.

It seems to be back on the planner from 2nd July

Alan Cousins of St.Germans has done some digging and has the following message from FGW:
===============================

You may have heard that the 0933 did not stop at Saltash today.
 
We have been assured that this will not happen tomorrow, or the rest of this week, notwithstanding what appears on the National Rail journey planner system.
 
We've received the following message from Julian Crow at First Great Western:
 
"We've traced what went wrong...it was a NR planning error...in brief, there's work going on at Foxhall Junction near Didcot all this week, necessitating some trains being retimed. This re-timing was applied to the original schedule of the 07.43 Penzance (ie the one in place before the Saltash / St Germans calls were substituted for Par), and the whole set of timings input to the system"

Beats me how this can happen when our bid to make the changes had been validated back in April and has been in operation since May, but it did.

This has now been corrected for the rest of the week.

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

We are now in the ^High Summer^ period of the current timetable, not that you would believe it from the weather. This brings a number of changes to the afternoon/early evening timetable, a summary follows.

East Bound services

Additional 1411 Plymouth bound service from Newquay 1230, which makes stops at St Budeaux, Keyham, Dockyard and Devonport.

Retimed service at 1637 replaces the 1641 but ceases to stop at the smaller Plymouth stops.

Additional Paddington service at 1750 replaces the 1810 Liskeard to Plymouth service, giving excellent Eastbound possibilities for an evening out in Totnes, Newton Abbott or Exeter and arrives Paddington at a respectable 2123.

West Bound services

The 1305 from Paddington is extended beyond Plymouth to Penzance stopping Saltash at 1636, making a Devonport stop to pick up school kids, teachers and City College workers. This provides a late afternoon option to head west into Cornwall, I know we will try a few trips to Par beach if we see some sun.

This replaces the 1557 from Plymouth to Penzance with passengers wishing to alight at Keyham and Dockyard somewhat disappointed. (SRUG have highlighted this omission to First Great Western who have advised that this will be taken into account next summer).

Finally the 1506 Plymouth to Liskeard commuter service, is now retimed to depart at 1655 and is extended to Penzance. This stops Saltash slightly earlier at 1709 as opposed to 1720.

The overall picture is actually quite good with a better spread of service in both directions and equally important, services that come from or travel to more destinations. The only real downside being the lack of stops on the 1636 from Paddington.

Make the most it, they revert back at the end of August.

There is a reason why this train is limited stop, it only has about 18 minute turn around time in Penzance in which time it has to be coupled to another unit, cleaned and reserved. for Camborne and Hayle there is another service about 35 mins behind it.

Indeed it was turn around time at Penzance that allowed them to stop the morning service from Exmouth, the service only had 1 minute to spare, so only a Saltash stop could be added as a stop here only costs 1 minute on this service.

We have seen very strong passenger numbers on this service, so feel completely justified in arguing for its return. There are often 15 - 30 boarding.

Does the fact that services have to slow down before crossing the Royal Albert Bridge make it easier or harder to include extra stops at Saltash?

Generally it makes it easier to stop as the line speed is just 15mph, so less time is lost slowing into the station. For this service Network Rail says the stop costs 1 minute, at other stations where the line speed is much higher either side of the station, such as Menheniot the cost is 3 or 4 minutes.

There are obviously other issues for HST services that have to run over the points onto the birdge whilst stopped, which blocks the line in both directions.

These are both things that are pretty much out of anyones hands and we can thank a decison about 170 years ago that made the Royal Albert Birdge single and not double track to save a bit of cash!

Dear All

Some advice if your Cornish Railcard has expired or is about to run out. Remember the 0825 and 0838 Westbound weekdays allows Cheap Day tickets and therefore the Devon and Cornwall Railcard can be used. The first Eastbound train that it can be used on is the 0933. There are also a few good price reductions which we had requested and a few days out ideas.

Season Tickets (Keep your photocard just in case)

For commuters throughout Cornwall the loss of the Cornish Railcard has been very sad. First Great Western had tried to reduce the impact by reducing the weekly season ticket prices last year as they introduced the Devon and Cornwall Railcard (which does not usually give discount at peak time). Many of our commuters replaced their cards so it is only now that the effect is being felt. First have decided to reduce the season ticket prices further and they are now easy to calculate. A 7 day season ticket will cost the same price as 3 Day Returns, so for example Saltash ^ Plymouth will now be ^2.80 x 3 = ^8.40. Season tickets are also available from 1 month up to 1 year giving extra discounts. This change takes effect from the 9 th September. Remember that children can get season tickets too so a weekly season between Saltash and Devonport will be just ^2.70 or a monthly ticket is just ^10.40. Please call me if you have any questions. You need a photocard to match your season ticket, so hang on to the one that you used with your Cornish Railcard or get a new one free from any staffed station.

Saltash to      Adult Cheap       Adult Peak      Adult Weekly      Child Weekly
                   Day Return        Day Return

Plymouth          ^2.50               ^2.80                ^8.40                 ^4.20
Keyham/         as Devonport
Dockyard/       as Devonport
Devonport         ^1.60               ^1.80               ^5.40                  ^2.70
Ivybridge           ^4.00               ^4.90              ^20.50               ^10.25
Liskeard             ^3.50               ^4.80              ^14.40                ^7.20
Bodmin and
Lostwithiel         ^5.00               ^8.80              ^26.40                ^13.20
Truro                ^7.00             ^12.50              ^37.50                ^18.75

Price reductions between Saltash, Lostwithiel, Par and St Austell

Some of you may have noticed some strange fares for journeys between Saltash and Lostwithiel, Par and St Austell if you travel in the morning peak. The full price Day Return fares have seemed rather high and lobbying from SRUG has brought some of these prices down. For example the price of a peak time Day Return to or from Lostwithiel has reduced from ^10.10 to ^8.80 a reduction of around 12%. This has greatest impact on commuters who will also see the effect of this reduction on Season tickets which are now based on this ticket. So again for Lostwithiel a weekly season ticket will reduce from ^30.70 to ^26.40.

Ideas for Days Out

Looe - While there is still a good connection to our 1040. 2 more days!
Bodmin for the Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway Gala this weekend. More detail at www.bodminandwenfordrailway.co.uk
Totnes Festival 7th - 16th September www.totnesfestival.com
Or visit Saltash for Drawn to the Valley - Many local Artsists have opened up their homes and studioes. Finishes this Sunday. www.drawntothevalley.co.uk. There are 9 artsists showing within 5 minutes easy walking distance of Saltash station.

Regards
Richard
01752 841119

A couple of things to point out, the Devon and Cornwall railcard doesn't strictly have a time limit, it is valid with any cheap day or saver within Devon and Cornwall so where there is an easment on a ticket it will also apply on the railcard.

Secondly, a Cornish Railcard photocard is not valid with a season ticket so passengers will have to get a new photocard for their season ticket.

You are spot on, D&C Railcard is ticket type restircted not time restriceted, hence the email stating that as a Cheap Day ticket is available you can use the card for further discount. This is widely mis understood by the public and train managers. We have had issues with train managers refusing to issue Cheap Day tickets or refusing to accept the D&C Railcard on the 0825 Westbound from Saltash. They have even rubbished our leaflets telling people they can!

Hopefully now though this is resolved. I think the Cheap Day status for this service from Saltash onwards is done by the use of a #restirction code' rather than an easement, but the effect is the same.

As far as season tickets are concerned, are you sure about the Cornish photocard not be valid as a photo id? I have for almost a year been using mine to purchase weekly seaosn tickets on the train, at Plymouth barriers and at Plymouth station, with no problems. Could it be that they are not valid for monthly or longer? I would be pleased if you can clariffy this.

I can assure you that a Cornish photo card isn't valid for any season, however, FGW are crap at giving us staff any info, until I read this page I wouldn't have known about the 0825 Cheap day restriction! And the barrier staff at Plymouth are pretty hopeless at the best of times, i've noticed them let all sorts of in-valid tickets through (after the automatic barrier has rejected it!) which only leads to confrontation on the trains and future miss understandings between passengers and staff who do their job properly.

"It looks like a ticket, so it's fine!"

Thanks for the advice, others have told me that whilst technically you are right, in practise any railway photocard should be ok, as long as the numbers match. In the light of all the advice we will tell our users that whilst it should be OK to use the Cornish photocard they should look to replace it when they can, after all they are free. I would hope that train staff could do the same, so that there are no stand up rows on a train! After a while everyone should have a chance to get new ones.

On the barrier issue, I indeed have been waved through without tickets being inspected when a ticket is not recognised. Are the Plymouth barriers worse than others or do we get more duff tickets than anywhere else?

You may have noticed that when the barriers were first installed they were working properly and staff were very vigilant, this is because that for the first few weeks of operation of any new barriers it is staffed by Revenue Protection Inspectors, but after their introduction, the barriers are handed over to the local station manager and their staff, which is when it went downhill!

Appears from the info currently available that the Saltash Monday to Friday timetable from December 2007 is identical to what runs now. Only thing I can see of any note is the am Gunnislake to Newquay service now calls additionally at Liskeard.

Of course whats currently available is subject to alteration.

SRUG Update :

Our weekend timetables alter slightly today. Here are the details.
 
Saturdays
 
Two extra services Westbound, one at 0836 to Newquay mirrors the weekday service, and another at 1744, also to Newquay. The main benefit of the new Saturday timetable is that the services that did start or terminate at Par now continue onto or start from Penzance. So the 1010 and 1605 now terminate in Penzance and our service at 1228 now starts from Penzance. We lose the service at 1941 from Par to Plymouth, but gain a later service Eastbound at 2133 from Newquay.
 
The other points of note are that the popular 0926 through train to Paddington is replaced by a 0935 service that terminates in Plymouth so a change is required for the 1000 service through to Paddington. We do however regain the the through service from Paddington to Penzance late evening service at 2049.
 
All in all, a few more trains and better destinations.
 
Sundays
 
No changes Westbound but the 1012 and 1109 still give good services through to Penzance. Eastbound we have been able to convince First Great Western to introduce a stop on the 0830 Penzance to Paddingotn service. this will call Saltash at 1023 before travelling onto Paddington. We also gain a service from Penzance at 1658, through to Bristol which is a welcome addition.
 
Please make use of the 1023 service, we fought hard to gain this train, if could provide a good day out train for trips to Exeter or Totnes.
 
Weekend Engineering works
 
SRUG have learn't that there are some weekend engineering works planned for later in the year, once we have full details we will let your know. Our advice is always to check your journey at www.nationalrail.co.uk. If you are in any doubt then please do not hesitate to give me a ring.
 
Regards
Richard Bickford

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

SRUG would like to thank Saltash artist and rail user Stephen Fuller for agreeing to let us use an image of one of his paintings to produce a new postcard. The image of the Royal Albert Bridge shows a modern High Speed  train approaching Saltash station, and bears many similarities to Terence Cuneo^s painting of a steam train arriving at Saltash which is so famous throughout the railway world.

They go on sale for the first time tomorrow at a Craft Fair in Saltash Guildhall, and I hope to see some of you there. The fair is open from 9:30 to 14:30.

There will be the usual range of leaflets available, and advice if required. You can also admire the original oil painting from which the card has been reproduced, you might even want to buy it for Christmas!

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

A new First Great Western timetable starts from tomorrow morning. There are not many changes that directly affect Saltash users, most of effect the Bristol area. We should begin to see benefits in the May timetable. I will keep you all posted when new services are confirmed, and we are pretty sure they will be. In the meantime, keep using trains from Saltash, and encourage more to do so. It is a simple numbers game, if we have more passengers, then we will get more trains.

Back to tomorrows changes. For Saltash, some departure times change, but by no more than two minutes. Notably the 0755 becomes 0753, the 0840 becomes 0839, the 0825 becomes 0827 (to allow a unit to be disconnected in Plymouth), these are all commuter services where every minute counts, please let me know if any of these services leaves earlier than stated! There are other changes so please check the timetable.

The only other change worth a mention is that the 0838 to Newquay, will now also stop at Liskeard, a stop that was dropped in May, because we gained the 0933. That was all to do with passing services on the single track section between Liskeard and Bodmin, which has been resolved by Network Rail.

A new timetable has been produced, the yellow Saltash timetable, is replaced with a winter blue version and is available at Saltash Library, Saltash Guildhall and at the station when weather permits. We hope to deliver a copy to all of Saltash if finances allow. If you spot any errors or have any suggestions for making it better then please let me know. More space has allowed us to add more times at other places, and we are now showing the times of connecting services.

Here is a copy of the SRUG leaflet (link below.)
http://www.srug.org.uk/saltashtraintimetable.pdf

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

As anyone who has used Saltash station will know, the UP platform can be quite a struggle to get on or off a train, especially 150's with doors further from the ends. The curve combined with the track cant, push the train doors away from the platform. The problem was made worse about 12 years ago when Tarmac relaid the track bed too high!

Network Rail have now agreed to do something about it. Later this year the track cant through the curve will be reduced. The current cant is set for quite a high speed curve, which it certainly is not. This will bring train closer to the platform.

They will then reassess the situation and if the large gap has not been significantly reduced I would hope they would have a look at the track bed height issue.

I've seen that you have had a very positive effect on passenger numbers from Saltash Richard, just by doing my every day job i've noticed HUGE increases in passenger numbers since you've been promoting the service, well done! I think your next campaign should be to re-staff the station, there is actually a ticket office building at the end of the modern concrete waiting shelter and wouldn't cost that much to get the station staffed again, it would certainly help with revenue collection as we don't have time to get through on the train now with SDO and collect fares and with the unreliability of the barriers at Plymouth a lot of revenue (and passenger numbers) are being lost. just a thought.

Its good to see the positive impact that Saltash Rail Users Group is having.

Ivybridge next anybody?

Vacman, thanks, it is good to hear that we are having an effect.

There are lots of things on the agenda, staffing is something we have thought about, and I have suggested a trial, which could be well promoted. Saltash is still awaiting its Riviera project upgrade, which should happen in tandem to the former station building refurbishment.

Part of those works at one point was to demolish the two concrete shelters and replace with simple glass 'bus' type shelters. We argued strongly against this with a longer term view to some staffing during peak times.

The former building itslef is currently being stripped out, and fingers crossed, will by the end of 2008 look like much like it used to. There is a grant from Railway Heritage to put back a canopy which we are looking forward to and hope that it will be built before next May when the station celebrates its 150th birthday, along with the bridge.

There are plans to put in better lightling, access ramps and CCTV, but these things all take time.

FGW are doing their bit, and the timetable is getting much better, especially from May. We still mourn the loss of the early 'Dockyard' train, and those that need to be at work either at the Dockyard or Plymouth, have to travel by other means. We have a great station maintenance team, and station manager with Lee Edworthy in Plymouth.

One interesting thing is that HST stop boards have been put at Keyham, maybe a return of the Dockyard express? the 0542 pnz-pad is ideally timed! I think Saltash would be a perfect place for a TVM ( ticket machine). Keep up the good work Richard!

I think the 0542 Penzance - Padd would be a little too late. The old Dockyard train stopped Saltash at about 0700 and the 0542 stops at 0733. Dockyard workers have an early and inflexible start.

The only real solution is to run run a unit out from Plymouth to Liskeard and back that would just follow the Golden Hind, and therefore pick up any passengers from deepest Cornwall.

There is however an argument for Saltash to have the Golden Hind stop. It would be at about 0640, a useful time. We have passengers that would use to make early starts in Plymouth, as well as daily commuters to Newton Abbott and Exeter, along with a significant number who want to get to London early. Controversial I know but a Saltash stop only costs a couple of minutes on the timetable and it already has six spare at Plymouth. If it did stop then FGW could get away with running a unit from Plymouth to Saltash and back, picking up all those 'Yardies' from Cornwall. Back to the old days of a Plymouth - Saltash shuttle service.

Agreed it wouldn't be too much of a time penalty, however, the 6 mins at Plymouth is needed on that service for the loading of restaurant equiptment and supplies. Next step is getting XC to stop there! ;)

From the FGW website :

17:35 Penzance to London Paddington due 23:37
This train has been revised.It will additionally call at: Saltash.

The earlier train was started from Truro so I suspect that there were Saltash passengers trying to get back from somewhere between Penzance and Truro.

yes there proberly were passengers waiting between pnz and tru, st erth unmanned hayle camborne all unmanned passengers just left stranded screens showing next availble. same happened last friday.

Possibly a follow uup of the situation earlier.
150265 was on Falmouth but before working the 12:47 to Falmouth it was declared a failure by the driver as exhaust fumes were entering the passenger saloon.
150231(Arriva) was on the 12:44 Plymouth-Penzance and was terminated at Truro to be swaped with 265. The driver of 231 then said he wouldn't take 265 so it was moved into the yard. 150231 was put on to the Falmouth branch leaving 5 mins late. Everyone on 231 then had to wait for the HST 35 mins behind.
265 forms half of the 16:40 to Exeter St Davids and the other half would be a 153 or 150. Don't know why it was started at Truro as it is two units on the 16:40, both the units from Bristol.

I belive that fault on265 went in to the fault book about 2months ago!

Oh dear, I have travelled on it about 3 times since then. Don't know why they only decided to fail it yesterday.

That train is only a 2 car 150, it comes off the Gunnislake.

Must be lucky then, I've seen it 2x 150 and 150+153, both Bristol units.
Remember it is Saturday serivce.

The 16.40 off PZ on a Saturday is indeed booked a four car.....

never mind about how many and what units it should have been what about the passengers just left stranded untill yhe next service turns up but dont stop at there destination >:( >:(

Fair comment, cornishman - it's no comfort to those left stranded on any platform to know what's supposed to have turned up!

If we accept (as we probably have to) that many stations - such as St Erth, Hayle, Camborne and Nailsea & Backwell - are unmanned, how about FGW installing some method of contacting 'Control' to find out just what the heck is happening?  Perhaps something like AA or RAC roadside phone boxes - so we can at least find out whether it's worth hanging around on the platform???

 >:(

I am still baffled as to why it was cancelled.
There was a 153 or 150 (depending on what happened at Plymouth) there to form it.

Not sure to the exact reason but the Saturday before the 16:40 ex PNZ was only a two car set so maybe the other unit was elsewhere....

No it wasn't. I saw it ATW 150 and a Refurb 153.

Sorry, thought you were referring to the weekday service, it may not have started from pnz because the crew were in Truro on the terminated unit.

Saturdays are strange, the 11:45 ish off PNZ to PLY is booked for two units. On arrival at PLY they split one works the 14:41 to PNZ and then attatches to another unit at Penzance. The 16:40 off PNZ is then two units to Plymouth where it joins a third, this being the one that split off the 11:45ish arrival from Penzance... This unit has just sat spare at PLY all afternoon, strange move when the 14:41 down is always wedged...

Of note is todays 11:40 ex PNZ was actually a 158 as booked, make the most of it, no booked 158 work west of EXD from May 17th...

Also, in the summer TT the Falmouth is booked x2 153 as is the 14:08 PLY to PNZ and 16:44 PNZ to EXD.

the reason they terminated it at truro was to do a unit swop with the falmouth which had failed due to fumes in the cab. thats still no excuse for leaving passengers scatching there heads thinking my train has just vanished ???

I was one of those passengers.
Had to ask the traincrew what was going on as there were no announcments.

I have just received a nice e-mail appoligizing for this, they did say a load of rubbish though. They said the service was cancelled due to a fault in the drivers cab. No it wasn't, they set swapped it for a broken unit which they knew wouldn't work. They will send ^8 travel vouchers though, strange as I never sent off my tickets which came to just under ^8. Also strange as I was only delayed by about 30 mins.

i know how you feel >:(

Don't moan then!

I got that e-mail as I posted that, previous moans are based on assuption I wouldn't get compensation.  :D

I've also been sent similar 'compensation' travel vouchers, "as a gesture of goodwill", even though I've not asked for compensation when I've complained about delays in the past.

I even got one letter from the FGW Customer Services Team in Plymouth, in which they included the same 'standard paragraph' twice, explaining why they couldn't offer me compensation - but they then enclosed a rail voucher for ^25 "as a gesture of goodwill"!

All rather bizarre, as I hadn't asked for any compensation, I hadn't sent them my tickets - and my return fare on that particular day was ^3.20!

Thank you, First Great Western!  :P ::) ;D

Exactly what happened to me.
I have deleted it now but the e-mail was very weird, it did not actually follow on from what I had asked them but at the end I got something relevant, We are sorry that our service was not to our high standards on this occasion and I have forwarded ^8 rail travel vouchers to thd postal adrress you provided.
Out of the blue, not complaining though. Shame our tickets came to nearly ^8 so they didn't give us as much back as you Chris.

Might jump on a late train some time and try my chances at getting a refund  :D

From Saltash Rail Users Group (18/05/2008) :

The Saltash Rail Users Group website has been relaunched (link below.)
http://www.srug.org.uk/

The May 2008 Saltash timetable leaflet can be found in the link below.
http://www.srug.org.uk/saltashtraintimetable.pdf

I spotted a couple of mistakes in the timetable, no note about the dated Newquay services!

Go on tell me...

Think I have found it. I am going to blame my interpretation of the FGW timetable. Page 16 seems to indicate a connection from the 1506 from Paddington. The 'e' referencing 'Connections applies 30 June to 5 September' put me off the scent.

We will put up notices to indicate other options...

I think Vacman was referring to the 18:26 only running to Newquay for part of the period, terminates Liskeard peak summer and is not indicated.

Also the 10:47 on the down calls Ferry Road so should be ---B   

Also why show Menheniot and not St.Germans? Have never seen a passenger travel MEN to STS while there is a sizable flow just between STS and SGM.

Another part shows the 1454 NQY running full period, it doesn't run in Jul/Aug, it's replaced by 1504 Nqy-Padd, just me being nit picky.  ;D

Yep, hands up, a few little mistakes. I will put it up here first in December...

Not too worried about the 1454 NQY, too much, people may turn up a little early. All weekday trains call St Germans, in fact all trains call St G apart from our down 1045 on a Saturday as the Saturdays have rolled over from last summer, hence not listing St G. It is mentioned in the notes section.

It is the 1826 that I refer to as my poor interpretation of the timetable, and I will put out an email and post a notice at the station regarding the Newquay connections.

Roll on a Monday to Saturday timetable, it will make things a bit easier.

Apologies for the mistakes, we all make them.

No need to apologise, was just trying to help out so you didnt get any complaints!!

I apologise for not seeing the note re St.Germans  ;D

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

First Great Western have agreed extra stops on through services over the regatta weekend. We expect over 10,000 people to visit the regatta this year, and hopefully many will arrive by train. Saltash train station is just a short distance from the regatta.

The regatta are also producing a special regatta leaflet that will show these extra services, which will be distributed across FGW stations in the South West.

Come along, you are all welcome.

http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2644 (http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=2644)

http://www.saltashregatta.co.uk (http://www.saltashregatta.co.uk)

(Topic now linked to calendar - Lee Fletcher.)

From Saltash Rail Users Group :

Further message from Saltash Rail Users Group :

The following are now available from the SRUG website :

Walking and Cycling to/from the station leaflet (link below.)
http://www.srug.org.uk/document-library/doc_download/5-walking-and-cycling-tofrom-the-station

Days Out from Saltash by Train 2008 leaflet (link below.)
http://www.srug.org.uk/document-library/doc_download/4-days-out-from-saltash-by-train-2008

From Saltash Rail Users Group :


Correction received from SRUG :

Does this bode well for the weekend? From the FGW website :

17:37 Penzance to London Paddington due 23:29

This train has been revised. It will additionally call at: Lostwithiel, St Germans and Saltash. This is due to an unusually large passenger flow.

Isn't that the excuse trotted out by organizations when they are featured on the 'Watchdog' programme:  "Oh, we've just been the victims of our own success ... " ?

 ::)

Packed train from Fal was late and missed the unit in front hence the extra stops.

Thanks for that information, vacman - that sounds a lot better, if it was an isolated incident.  :)

See http://www.srug.org.uk/

From Saltash Rail Users Group:

A series of improvements are due to be made to six separate sections on the line, starting with more than two weeks of intensive work at the Marley Tunnel, Dawlish sea cliff and Plymouth station (link below.)
http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/devon_news/4052745._Tremendous_benefits__promised_to_rail_passengers/

Altogether, half a mile of new railway track, 1,500 sleepers, 3,000 tonnes of ballast, more than a mile of new drainage pipes, five sets of points and 15,000 square metres of cliff nets will be installed.

I presume the netting is for Dawlish as I've noticed some falls while walking from the Warren, pity there's not an alternative method of stabilisation as it will ruin the view.

From the BBC (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-15475736):

Thats the Richard Bickford of this parish...

It also used to house the Station Booking office, which up to 1961 used to about the 2nd biggest money taking booking office in Cornwall, beaten only by Truro I believe.

I wonder what happened in 1961?  ;D ;D

Shame the plans for a Brunel Heritage Centre never came to anything.

I went last year... It's not exactly the jewel in the crown of stations

Anyone want to run a cafe in part of the building?

good luck with that one lol  ;D

From the Cornish Guardian (http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/action-rundown-station/story-22868813-detail/story.html?):

My Mum had a  issue with the platform height on the Plymouth Side at Saltash. It Was a Class 150 Unit  I believe, She OK now but worried about getting off the train at Saltash. She is over 70. When I last got off the train at Saltash it was interesting.

You're right Exeterkiwi, for Plymouth-bound services there is quite a gap and step up required between the platform and the carriage, I don't remember seeing any other station that requires such careful exertion to board a train!

As for the station, it's been an eyesore for so long but now that the bridge is nearing completion of it's overhaul (let's not talk about the approach spans for now....) it would be a fitting time to get the station cleaned up to the same standard. There's a few uses that the building could be put to, I know the station attracts tourists for the views it provides of Brunel's bridge so you've got somewhat of a guaranteed footfall right there for starters....

Try a Class 150 on Platform 3 at Bristol Temple Meads. Scares me!

I've had some scary moments getting the anklebiters on and off at Montpelier - a bosun's chair would help. Not so bad now, but when they were 5..!

Platform 7 is worse when alighting.   I had to jump from the 150 to the Platform !!!

Concerning news today that the current owner of Saltash station is rumoured to be planning an application to build 4 x 4 storey dwellings on the site, and this will obviously mean demolition of the old railway station buildings.

The following petition has been set up for people to register their ojections:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-saltash-station-building-2 (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-saltash-station-building-2)

Many thanks for posting that update, alexross42.

The petition already has 34 signatures - but many more are needed!

Please do click on the link above and offer your support, as appropriate.

I'm sure there was a thread already concerning Saltash station but it evades me - please merge the topics if you can find it!

Finally, something is being done about the terrible state of the station, as reported here:
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plans-transform-decrepit-Saltash-station-near/story-27732131-detail/story.html (http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plans-transform-decrepit-Saltash-station-near/story-27732131-detail/story.html)

Reading through the story and it's associated images, it seems the poor architect was subject to some unusual practices in order to deliver a proposal they were happy with.........or is that a proposed use for the new development?!  :D

I have only been to (as opposed to through) Saltash once.  Arrived by train and the station building really set the tone for my being underwhelmed by the place.  Ate one of the worst pub meals I have had in a while and got back on the next train. 

It struck me that the whole town could do with a bit of TLC.  Tidying up the station would be a great start. 

The statue of IKB was nice though. 

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-saltash-train-station?source=facebook-share-button&time=1468331657&state=sign

Petition to Saltash Town Council:


This is an old station building - and not a threat as I understand it to curtail train services in any way (though for comments, some of the signatories think it is!).   I can testify to the sad, sad state it was in last summer, and the poor impression that gives people as they come in to Cornwall, and as they arrive at Saltash for the first time.

GWR management have expressed support - but I suspect it would be a NR decision, into the TC's hands.

The latest situation on this is that the town council are organising two separate valuations on the property from which an offer will be made to the current owner. If the offer is turned down they will seek options via a compulsory purchase order.

An application has also been made to GWR through a scheme that I've forgotten the name of but I believe it provides grants for communities to spend on station-related improvements, so would certainly help offset some of the costs if approved.

I would imagine that if appealed for there would possibly be a fair few volunteers on hand to assist too and maybe even tools/materials from local businesses provided FOC.

Many thanks for that update.   Looking back, this thread is sparse on pictures of the building in question - so here goes, all July 2015 vintage

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/salty1.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/salty2.jpg)

(http://www.wellho.net/pix/salty3.jpg)

Bbc radio Cornwall are discussing the crumbling building at saltash today.
The following posting on Facebook earlier today from them.


As a side radio Cornwall have been covering rail topics most days recently campaigning for improvements

It seems that the future of Saltash station building is a little more secure. 


http://www.cornishguardian.co.uk/decrepit-saltash-train-station-is-finally-set-for-upgrade-after-years-of-tension-and-delays/story-29715874-detail/story.html

Going past this afternoon, it seems that the building has received a tidy-up and a coat of paint, platform side at least. Definitely looks a bit better when coming into the county.

The shrubs growing next to the chimneys have been removed too, although the roof slates still need replacing by the looks of it.

I have some images from this morning, but my attempts to post have seemingly failed (mods help?).
It looks nice, but I wonder if it will last.

I have come to my own rescue (!!) and have posted images on the CRS website (October headlines)

http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/headlines---latest-reports-and-photographs

I suspect it's just a ploy to get the council off his back for a little while. I don't foresee much else happening with the building

I read in a local paper this morning that 'First Great Western'  (sic) have advised the Saltash Rail Users Group that for trains using the Plymouth-bound platform they are no longer able to provide assistance to disabled/mobility impaired passengers by use of the ramp. Apparently this is due to 'Health & Safety' issues.

What I'm curious about is - what has changed to suddenly make this such an issue and surely there must be a stipulation in the conditions of the franchise that the service is made accessible to all, and that measures need to be put in place to overcome any health & safety issues in order to provide this?

A new risk assessment perhaps. 

This is not new!  The paper must have only just caught up with this "news".
The cant of the track means that the rake of the ramp is too steep to safely dis/embark a wheelchair.

From the SRUG Facebook page:

:)

Saltash station building really is a mess, more so on the road side.

yet back in the 1950's Saltash station took more in fares than any other station in Cornwall except Truro.

Thanks for that reminder, smokey - and congratulations on your 1,000th post!

Regards, CfN.  ;)

On BBC Radio Cornwall this morning an item that Saltash Town Council have now purchased the station house and are intending to do a full restoration on it.  It seems the building is not listed, either.
Nothing on their web site yet in writing as it's too early.  The listen live link is only valid until 9am today.
It can then be heard on iPlayer.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/bbc_radio_cornwall

From Cornwall Live on June 6th 2017
http://www.cornwalllive.com/new-life-on-the-way-for-crumbling-saltash-train-station-eyesore-at-gateway-to-cornwall/story-30374161-detail/story.html

New life on the way for crumbling Saltash train station eyesore at gateway to Cornwall
By Jeff_Reines  |  Posted: June 06, 2017


The 'gateway to Cornwall' has been an eyesore but will see new life.
 
A community hub could emerge from the crumbling wreck of a railway station in Cornwall. There have been plans in the works for years to revamp what was the waiting room at Saltash station, which has not served as part of the rail network for more than 30 years.

Now Saltash Town Council has announced that an offer to buy the building, which has changed hands twice in the past decade, from the current owner has been accepted.
The council had previously considered using a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), but Councillor Richard Bickford, secretary of the Saltash Rail Users' Group, said it was "much better" to do it this way.
"We have managed to negotiate a purchase from the current owner," he said, "but that is only half the story as we still need to find all of the funding and put things into place. We hope to reopen the waiting room as a community building, will the potential for office space above."
Then and now: The station has been spruced up.
The station known as the "gateway to Cornwall" has caused upset since it started falling into disrepair, with thousands signing a petition to re-vamp the area.
And owner Darren Bennetts refused previous offers to buy the station from him.
At a meeting in September last year, the council agreed to advance the process towards a CPO but this is now deemed unnecessary.
Councillor Bickford said: "Cornwall Council made the owner spruce up the building, and we have negotiated the purchase of it. We are now starting to work up solid plans and apply for funding to achieve it. It has been a long battle of negotiations, but we have had funding support the Great Western Railway [GWR], which has been pretty supportive.
"It is great for [GWR], the council, and the residents of Saltash to see things happening.
image: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276351/binaries/16353342.JPG
 
"It has already been made an awful lot better after the clean-up, which helped lot to improve the derelict state of the building, and we now have a real opportunity to move forward. Fortunately we haven't had to go down the CPO route; that would have been very difficult and not something town councils usually get involved with.
"It is much better for everybody to do it in a friendly manner."
image: http://www.cornwalllive.com/images/localworld/ugc-images/276391/binaries/station%202.JPG
 
The councillor has put forward different options for the site, which would include a waiting room, café and toilets, plus additional space for commercial opportunities and community and town council use.

Read more at http://www.cornwalllive.com/new-life-on-the-way-for-crumbling-saltash-train-station-eyesore-at-gateway-to-cornwall/story-30374161-detail/story.html#QwDzw6r3cTW1fTOW.99

Did try and copy/paste but images didn't come out and it's become rather messy - sorry.

   
 

I'm happy to read this welcome news that a wonderfully situated piece of railway heritage has been saved.

Some good news today:
 https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3136689789690532&id=218231828203024 (https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3136689789690532&id=218231828203024)

Press Release from Saltash Town Council regarding Saltash Station.

Press Release - Saltash Station Refurbishment Contract Signed.

Tuesday 19th March 2018

Saltash Town Council have now formally entered into a contract with CORMAC Construction Limited for the refurbishment of the Saltash Station building. This is a key milestone in the project to restore the building and bring it back into use.

The contract is for £388,000 and will see the shell of the building completely renovated and insulated. Where appropriate windows and doors will be replaced or refurbished. The work will see part of the building re-opened as passenger waiting facilities, with the remainder being left open plan and with a flexible use.

The work has been made possible with grant funding from Cornwall Council (£140,000 as part of their Local Transport Plan budget), Great Western Railway (£102,000 from their Customer and Community’s Improvement Fund) and the Railway Heritage Trust (£60,000) as well as utilising £70,000 of local Section 106 funds.

The Town Council are grateful for the support of many individuals, groups, organisations and businesses, and are pleased that we can fund this work predominantly through grant funded sources. The council is confident that this project is important to most residents of Saltash, many of whom have proactively campaigned for this to happen over several years.

CORMAC Construction Ltd were chosen as our contractor in December after a competitive tender process. The Bailey Partnership is our architect partner and will be responsible for overseeing the refurbishment process. The works will take approximately 6 months to complete, although there may be an extension if further funds are found to complete phase 2 (which includes a small extension and full internal fit out).

The project is led by Councillor Richard Bickford, who said ‘I am thrilled to get to this stage, and very thankful for the incredible level of widespread support we have received. I must offer a big thank you to my fellow town councillors, both past and present, who have given unswerving support. I know that many people in Saltash have waited a long time for this to come to fruition, and I look forward to welcoming them to the building in due course.’

Paul Childs from the Railway Heritage Trust commented that ‘This building has an important history and its position alongside the world-renowned Royal Albert Bridge has given it greater importance. We are pleased to help restore the building and provide important facilities for rail passengers.’

Wonderful news! For those on a wider screen ... alternative URL:
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3136689789690532&id=218231828203024

On passing through this evening (16/4) I notice that there's a portacabin and two full skips of rubble next to the main building and scaffolding has been erected inside, so it looks like work is underway.

I meant to post this link the other day - some very interesting photos of the interior with work well underway. So good to see this well-overdue project finally started https://www.facebook.com/pg/SaltashStationProject/photos/?tab=album&album_id=562729894062916 (https://www.facebook.com/pg/SaltashStationProject/photos/?tab=album&album_id=562729894062916).

Greetings all,
As I was passing by the station on the weekend I took a few shots of the exterior, of which an excellent job has been done - look forward to being able to view inside, whenever that may be...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49955379373_6a5c3c8b35_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49955377888_4113707496_b.jpg)

All the best,
Ross.

Thanks Ross.  That is so good to see.

Marvellous!

Thanks Ross. 
My mother used to live very close to the station back in the 1930s. I remember her saying that she and her sister were at school in Devonport and would make a last minute dash to get the train when they could see the approaching smoke/steam from their kitchen window.

Another significant step forward in the project this week as the security fencing has been removed, exposing much more of the building on the platform side. Keen to see what the next step will be!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51312940118_d8d92a9dd1_b.jpg]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51312940118_d8d92a9dd1_b.jpg)

Regards,
Ross

Impressive.  Looks very good

An update from the SRUG today:

"Saltash Town Council have agreed a deal to open the café and waiting room at the station. This will mean that an accessible toilet and somewhere dry to wait for your train will be available soon"

Not to do a disservice to the two waiting shelters already in existence on the platforms but the environment of the station building is certainly far nicer than either of those.

Another great step forward in this brilliant project.