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Journey by Journey => Heart of Wessex => Topic started by: infoman on July 20, 2019, 07:00:19



Title: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: infoman on July 20, 2019, 07:00:19
Station Toilets locked up due to vandalism,and no train/s in the station
One passenger requested if station staff could open one of the toilets and the station staff opened one of the toilets.
Another pasenger requested the same thing,and was told "use the trains toilets" as a train was now in the station.



Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on July 20, 2019, 07:31:49
Station Toilets locked up due to vandalism,and no train/s in the station
One passenger requested if station staff could open one of the toilets and the station staff opened one of the toilets.
Another pasenger requested the same thing,and was told "use the trains toilets" as a train was now in the station.

Weymouth Station and the area around it certainly didn't feel welcoming when I was there last Sunday.  Greeted by a revenue protection blockade, then (when clear of the platform) finding that the toilets were all locked.  A general uncared-for look - things like near-empty literature racks, and various laminated signs instructing passengers how to behave. Later in the day, a lack of enough seating for those people who had come back from the town in good time for the return train home, but which wasn't yet available to them and a heavy police presence. 

This "Welcome to Weymouth" message has extended beyond the station. Anyone anxious for a loo will find that the businesses on Queen Street just outside have "toilets for customer use only" signs, and the big advert on the Weyline Taxi office that faces you as you head out from the station offer you good fares to HMP Verne as its headline.  It does talk about return fares, at least!

First thoughts is "the vandals have won".  But I have no proof of that; not been in the loos, don't know how big a battle has been fought or whether they're a convenient excuse to provide only minimal facilities ... and that minimal facilities are a good way to keep non-travellers who are considered undesirable away from the station.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: Timmer on July 20, 2019, 09:50:42
Weymouth station is a poor first greeting to visitors to the town. Toilets have been closed ‘due to vandalism’ for a few years now. The lack of literature in the racks is a more recent thing but adds to the ‘we don’t care’ look and feel of this station.

SWR need to make more effort with this station but with the keys to the franchise probably due to be handed back soon to dft, I doubt they care.

I think Weymouth station just about sums up how much things have slipped on the SW mainline these past few years.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: bobm on July 20, 2019, 09:55:23
I first met Graham outside the toilets at Weymouth Station (stop it!!) - so it isn't all bad.

Seriously though I do agree it doesn't create a good shop window for the place in the way, say, Brighton Station does.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: johnneyw on July 20, 2019, 12:49:46
My understanding is that, according to the terms of TOC franchises, the stations need to be handed back/over in the same state or better than they were in on receipt. Working toilets would surely be a part of that but I suppose they could be repaired just prior to handover in order to minimise the risk of repeat repairs. If that is the case,  what then does that say about TOC station maintenance Ts and Cs?


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: rogerw on July 20, 2019, 18:35:18
Whilst at Weymouth today I noticed that the notices state that the toilets are closed on the advice of BTP.  I also understand that the problems on the 2023 departure have now transfered to earlier departures because of the police presence on the former service


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: Red Squirrel on July 20, 2019, 18:46:17
Last time I went to Weymouth, I didn't go out the front of the station - our train did a rather odd manoeuvre involving backing up and then heading off down Commercial Road - which was a lot of fun and had the added benefit that my eyes were not assaulted by the truly abysmal station building.

Actually, from the dates I suspect that it was in the process of being built (if that is the correct term for assembling an architectural wart) when I last passed through. It is a product of the era that brought us the Serpell Report and the dequadrification of Filton Bank. If it acts as a magnet for ne'er-do-wells, then little wonder - its architecture is so similar to that of a Young Offenders' Institute, they probably feel right at home.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on July 21, 2019, 06:47:04
... passenger requested if station staff could open one of the toilets and the station staff opened one of the toilets ...

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


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: MrC on July 21, 2019, 13:07:29
It is a product of the era that brought us the Serpell Report and the dequadrification of Filton Bank. If it acts as a magnet for ne'er-do-wells, then little wonder - its architecture is so similar to that of a Young Offenders' Institute, they probably feel right at home.

Sorry but I have to disagree. The issue with Weymouth (and similar seaside and holiday towns) is not the infrastructure but more that changes to social care, increasing numbers of anti-social elements and the growth of care in the community (amongst other policies) has led to the under-funded police and (para-)medical services as the only way to handle certain members of the population. Weymouth station is slap bang in the middle of a depressed seaside town with a huge drugs and drink problem so it's no wonder it's ended up the way it has. It's also the destination for a great number of summer travellers (mostly from Yeovil and points North) who's only aim is to get absolutely paralytic. The only way to avoid the issue would be to have the building permanently walled off with one or two entrance points and/or a permanent security staff presence. I can't see many on here welcoming either a walled-up station or an increase in their ticket prices to pay for heavy 24x7 security.

And frankly the current station architecture while not perfect is vastly better than the old dump with far better access to and from the car park/drop-off points, together with better disabled access.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on July 21, 2019, 14:54:41
I don't know Weymouth but my general thoughts coincide with MrC's above. My first thoughts on seeing "toilets closed due to criminal misuse" (note misuse not damage) is "shooting gallery" and on knowing this is a seaside town, I add a depressed local economy and stag parties. (Yes, that's a lot of stereotyping in one sentence: by no means all stag parties are destructive, some coastal towns are thriving and there might be other reasons for this specific toilet closure - but as a generality, those are my thoughts.)


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: WSW Frome on July 21, 2019, 16:35:22
The current Weymouth Station (building) was built around 1983 to replace the vast and decaying Brunel era wooden relic. This had received bomb damage in the war and heavily modified to make is safe/usable. It was far too large for the then current traffic and much land was surrendered mainly for retail use! When new it was quite an improvement but is slightly neglected now. I am a regular traveller to Weymouth and, have perhaps once, seen the toilets locked out of use. They have not been closed "for years." They are, however, never currently available in the eveings - presumably once the ticket office closes. This has been the situation for a long time.

If I have not used the 20.21 Sat for a while now and maybe it is getting worse but I have had few negative experiences.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on July 21, 2019, 16:39:30
The issue with Weymouth (and similar seaside and holiday towns) is not the infrastructure but more that changes to social care, increasing numbers of anti-social elements and the growth of care in the community (amongst other policies) has led to the under-funded police and (para-)medical services as the only way to handle certain members of the population.

Weymouth station is slap bang in the middle of a depressed seaside town with a huge drugs and drink problem so it's no wonder it's ended up the way it has. It's also the destination for a great number of summer travellers (mostly from Yeovil and points North) who's only aim is to get absolutely paralytic.

From the BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-48995925) earlier today ...

Quote
More than half of England's coastal communities could see a decline in the number of residents aged under 30 by the year 2039.

Analysis by BBC News of population projections has found seaside towns in northern England could see the biggest decline in under-30s.

The Parliamentary Group for Coastal Communities said funding cuts meant seaside towns were "being left behind".

The government said it had invested more than £200m in coastal communities.

The coastline in England is home to some of the most beautiful but also poorest places in England.

The article picks out Northern England ... but I wonder about some towns in the South West too, including Weymouth.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on July 21, 2019, 16:45:04
The current Weymouth Station (building) was built around 1983 to replace the vast and decaying Brunel era wooden relic.

Lots of history and very interesting pictures at http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/w/weymouth/


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on July 25, 2019, 21:52:54
An article from the Dorset Echo (https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/17214326.dorset-coastal-forum-bid-for-funding-including-weymouth-train-station-revamp/) from last November was just recycled on my feeds for some reason ...

Quote
Dorset Coastal Forum bid for funding - including Weymouth train station revamp

Moves to breathe new life into a gateway to Weymouth have taken a major step forward with hopes for a £4 million funding bid for a range of projects clearing the first hurdle.

Transforming Weymouth railway station into a revamped hub, improving the look of the area and creating better access, is among the projects included in an application to the government for regeneration funding to boost our seaside communities.

The comments on the article, as ever, set the local mood though ...

Quote
I'm sure the druggies will appreciate any upgrade.

Quote
Why bother upgrading the train station when the trains are disrupted so often?

Quote
Still used as a railway station is it? There doesn't seem to be many trains using it these days due to strikes, breakdowns, engineering work, lack of drivers etc., etc...

Quote
What Weymouth Station really really want is more platforms and double track on the APPROACH to the station.


Quote
I thought that the railway station was privately owned by railtrack. So way aren't they paying for the upgrade.

There seems to be elements in Weymouth who are less than proud of their station ...


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on July 29, 2019, 06:46:02
Whilst at Weymouth today I noticed that the notices state that the toilets are closed on the advice of BTP.

From Gloucesterhire Live (https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/regional-news/urine-trouble-british-transport-police-3145722)

Quote
Urine trouble: British Transport Police warn train passengers of humiliating consequences for weeing in public - as this man found out

Does strike me that just about all options to perform a natural body function that some of us need quite regularly are being taken away.  Wise advise I was given on how to say no:
* Express regret
*.Give reason
* Suggest alternative
With a practical alternative, fair enough but everyone has been reading "just say no".

I wonder if BTP at Weymouth have their own / access to staff toilets ...


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: ChrisB on July 29, 2019, 09:10:56
The trains generally have a toilet. Those without a ticket shouldn't rely on stations


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: martyjon on July 29, 2019, 10:41:37
The trains generally have a toilet. Those without a ticket shouldn't rely on stations

They should be able to rely on a station toilet if like Bristol the LA has shut all public loos.

 ;D


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on July 29, 2019, 10:49:20
The trains generally have a toilet. Those without a ticket shouldn't rely on stations

They should be able to rely on a station toilet if like Bristol the LA has shut all public loos.

 ;D

Indeed ... there really should be a minimum level of toilet provision.   For those meeting and greeting, seeing people off, arriving back at the station in good time, awaiting a delayed or cancelled train, just arrived thinking "we'll go to the loo when we get there", etc.   There are public loos in Weymouth - on the front, about 200 yards from the station.  Think some are still open but some closed.

Just on the train is - in my opinion - below that minimum level for a place like Weymouth.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: ChrisB on July 29, 2019, 10:56:49
Not if the TOC would need to pay for full-time security, I don't.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: rogerw on July 29, 2019, 11:44:19
It is OK to say "go on the train".  My very crowded 3 coach train to Weymouth last Saturday only had one out of three toilets in working order.  I suspect that ran out of water long before the end of the day.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: johnneyw on July 29, 2019, 12:01:43
It is OK to say "go on the train".  My very crowded 3 coach train to Weymouth last Saturday only had one out of three toilets in working order.  I suspect that ran out of water long before the end of the day.

Reminds me of a two (or was it three) coach Sprinter I got back from after the Cardiff FA Cup final in 2006. I had been in the huge queue outside Cardiff Central for what felt like an age, just missing being allowed through for the previous service. "Bursting" would be an understatement of mine and my fellow travellers condition by the time of the following service (due to a small amount of drowning of sorrows). Fortunately, I was first on the train when station staff allowed the queue to move again and first to it's loo. There was still a queue for it through the coach when I got off at Temple Meads.

Edit: I still feel more reassured using a public convenience only used by people who have already ( in theory at least) purchased a railway ticket.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: froome on August 04, 2019, 22:11:44
I've been away in Weymouth this weekend, so had a chance to see how much of a disappointment the station is. I have been there many times before, as I particularly like Weymouth as a resort.

Yes the toilets are closed, permanently by the look of it, and the station isn't particularly welcoming, but I know many that feel worse. I quite like the way you can walk from the platform straight out onto the street by the side and be in the heart of the town immediately, and while the area around the station is probably Weymouth's poorest, it only takes a minute to have the vista of the glorious crescent beach and all its activity and a walk along its prom.

In terms of toilet provision, Weymouth must now be one of the few main towns in the south-west which still has a reasonable number of public toilets and all free to use, unlike most tourist places where all are charged.

Personally I would have thought toilet provision ought to come under the remit of the Disability Discrimination Act, as many of us have disabilities which require frequent access to toilets. And provision on trains is no real substitute, as when they are working (which IME they often aren't), the trains can be so overcrowded that it can be very difficult to get to one, and for those who are very frail, trying to in a moving train is not practical.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: Surrey 455 on August 04, 2019, 22:38:42
Many towns in the UK have pissoirs that rise from the ground in the evening or are dropped off from a lorry on a Friday / Saturday night. A very sensible idea. Sorry ladies. :'(

Of course in many European cities they are available 24/7. I don't know how much maintenance they need. Some may feel uncomfortable using them but I'm perfectly ok with them.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: Robin Summerhill on August 04, 2019, 23:32:22
Many of the male gender who have, like me, now got to "a certain age," can certainly empathise with this man's character...

(https://thumbsnap.com/s/PFFnD2DQ.jpg)

;)


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: johnneyw on August 06, 2019, 16:09:47
The 1980s Weymouth Station modification/rebuild is certainly not without it's critics on this forum as has been the case for other examples of post WW2 station architecture . This got me thinking, do forum members have any examples of post WW2 Station architecture that they actually think works well, both aesthetically and functionally? Also, are there any notable "dishonourable mentions" that forum members would like to let off some steam about?

To avoid a total topic drift fiasco, I'll start a new thread in a couple of mo's somewhere under "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" heading.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: Bmblbzzz on August 07, 2019, 12:05:21
Many towns in the UK have pissoirs that rise from the ground in the evening or are dropped off from a lorry on a Friday / Saturday night. A very sensible idea. Sorry ladies. :'(
A version for women has been designed as well, but AFAIK so far only used at festivals.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on May 28, 2023, 14:19:25
All the lovely new stuff out the front, and Weymouth Station remains a disappointment.    I didn't comment on it earlier today; I had simply drawn a deep breath yesterday, sadly noticed in unimproved from this thread 4 years ago.   However, SWR asked me via a survey my opinion, so this is what I wrote.

Quote
Toilets need to be open.  For a big station, a member of staff would be useful. Once station closed (later in the day / my GWR return via Yeovil) no sign saying "closed" on front, no screen showing departure, had to look at each platform to find the train from along the platform itself.   And this on a busy summer day at a seaside terminus with lots of people using your services

Not really helped for newcomers to rail being faced with a train with a scrolling screen labelled "Barnstaple" which was (of course) going to Swindon.   


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: Surrey 455 on May 29, 2023, 10:34:04
All the lovely new stuff out the front, and Weymouth Station remains a disappointment.    I didn't comment on it earlier today; I had simply drawn a deep breath yesterday, sadly noticed in unimproved from this thread 4 years ago.   However, SWR asked me via a survey my opinion, so this is what I wrote.

Quote
Toilets need to be open.  For a big station, a member of staff would be useful. Once station closed (later in the day / my GWR return via Yeovil) no sign saying "closed" on front, no screen showing departure, had to look at each platform to find the train from along the platform itself.   And this on a busy summer day at a seaside terminus with lots of people using your services

Not really helped for newcomers to rail being faced with a train with a scrolling screen labelled "Barnstaple" which was (of course) going to Swindon.   

I have to agree with your comments. I was there on Saturday, went to find the loo, found there was none so went back to the train I had just got off and used the toilet on that. There was a sign suggesting I use toilets on the esplanade and having done that later in the day I can report that they are not exactly close to the station. But they are plentiful unisex cubicles in good condition.

And yes I found the front gate locked on my return too. I can't remember if there was a sign pointing to the side entrance. I just knew it was there.


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on May 29, 2023, 11:53:08
The new CRP struggles to make the station look open and vibrant amongst all the rules
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/loowey1.jpg) (http://www.wellho.net/pix/loowey3.jpg)

I suspect there ARE loos but they are reserved for staff and customers aren't catered for. 
Mind you, the one esplanade has special loos for underground ladies, whoever they are.
(http://www.wellho.net/pix/loowey2.jpg) (http://www.wellho.net/pix/loowey4.jpg)


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: Surrey 455 on May 29, 2023, 19:10:44
I didn't see the underground toilets. These are the ones I used (minus the green fence). It's good to see a local council improving or increasing toilet facilities when many others have chosen to close them.

https://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/18618576.weymouth-esplanades-new-toilet-beach-office-will-open/


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: WSW Frome on May 31, 2023, 14:05:30
Weymouth station and immediate area have actually been upgraded in recent months. The front of the station has been remodelled with a new public space and history boards. The car parking has been reorganised and the platform canopies have been repainted and ?reglazed where required. A cafe also operates in the station which last year was a much newer innovation. The former quay branch nearby was made into a linear park (although not to the original glamorous plan!). This mostly involved Dorset Council funding although NR and SWR probably contributed. The final change has been erection of a new fence and gate on the car park side to prevent access out of hours. I always found it surprising that open access prevailed until now when trains were parked overnight. 

The toilets do seem to be permanently shut now which is disappointing but due to the anti-social behaviour experienced in the past. Although I have not visited the station very late in the evening (recently) I do believe it is staffed until close of play (ie after midnight)  but you need to seek out the staff in their little office to the left of the ticket office area when viewed from the platform. A sign indicates "customer help etc."

I have not visited the station for a few weeks so it is possible that some of the above is not accurate but I have been a regular visitor over many years.

 

 


Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on June 01, 2023, 14:12:26
Weymouth station and immediate area have actually been upgraded in recent months ...

You're right.  The old tramways track has been gentrified into a walkway with interpretation signs.  The frontage of the station has indeed been redone.  But that's not much help when the station building is closed from (?) mid afternoon on a sunny summer Saturday, with passenger for trains having to find their way around the side of the building to the back gate.

Yes, there *is* a shiney new high fence with gates around the back, and no doubt they are closed after the final train.   Staff member? - yes, you are correct that there's a train dispatcher (if not his official title, the role he has playing) in the office off to one side of the station building.  It was not obvious to me that he was available to help people and the office has no windows through which you can see someone inside. And when the main building is closed, the only way to see the departure board is to squint road to see it.

Yes, things have been done.  It could be so vastly improved by having a departure screen displaying next trains as passengers enter through the (!) back gate, and having the member of staff spend his time between dispatching obviously available and approachable to customers.



Title: Re: Weymouth station disapointment
Post by: grahame on June 05, 2023, 11:02:57
Not exactly top of my list of disruptions but

Quote
15:28 Weymouth to Gloucester due 19:03

Facilities on the 15:28 Weymouth to Gloucester due 19:03.
Disabled toilet facilities are not available.

Looks like a personal accident waiting to happen for someone who needs an accessible loo. Up-thread advice to people wanting to use the loo at Weymouth Station has been "use the toilets on the train" ... Oops.



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