The First Minister of Wales has pledged to raise the concerns of Mid Wales farmers affected by the implementation of an hourly train service on the Cambrian Line with track operator, Network Rail.
The commitment came following a question raised by Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, who stated that while the realisation of an hourly train service was vital for the regional economy, there were legitimate concerns among the agricultural community who lived alongside the line that needed to be addressed.
Mr George told the First Minister, Carwyn Jones AM, that local farmers who owned land adjacent to the line, were worried about the movement of livestock across the ,track because of the time it took to complete the process safely. They were also worried about the durability of boundary fencing along the length of the track, in order to keep livestock from straying onto parts of the line.
In response, Mr Jones said he agreed with the issues raised by the Montgomeryshire AM and said that he would ensure the Minister for the Economy and Transport will raise it with Network Rail.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“I’m pleased that the First Minister has listened to the concerns of affected local farmers and that the Welsh Government is going to address these points with Network Rail.
“While the implementation of an hourly train service on the Cambrian Line is vital for business and tourism, the safety of both people and livestock is paramount.
“Farmers who own parcels of land either side of the mainline, have told me that they are concerned that along various sections of the line’s boundary fence, designed to limit access to the line, there are a number of sizeable gaps that is allowing livestock to stray onto the track.
“Also the challenges of getting livestock across the line within a narrow time frame are significant.
“One farmer told me that it takes him at least half and hour to get his cattle across and that he would need a minimum 40 minute window to allow him to complete the process safely; with a service coming through every hour, this leaves very little room for error.
“I believe Network Rail must work with local farmers to find practical solutions to the movement of farm animals across the track in a safe and timely manner; that could mean building holding pens near track crossings which would fundamentally speed up the movement process.
“But it also means making large sections of the line’s boundary fence properly stock-proof, reducing the opportunities for livestock to stray onto the track and thus minimising service disruption.”
