GOODMANHAM PARISH MEETING
FRIDAY 18 MAY 2007
7.00 PM
Games Room, Manor Farm, Goodmanham
MINUTES
The guest speaker was Mr George McManus, Chairman of the The Minsters Railway Campaign – the group spearheading the proposed re-opening of the railway link between York and Beverley. If it does go ahead then this Rail link WILL have a major impact on Goodmanham.
Chairman - Mr A Cawood
Clerk - Mr A Morris
Approximately 30 people attended the meeting.
The Chairman, Mr Cawood, opened the meeting and welcomed all the attendees.
There were a number of attendees from outside the Parish who had come to hear the Guest Speaker from the Minsters Rail Campaign. The Chairman welcomed them but explained that, while they were very welcome to remain and listen to the presentation, they should not take part in the proceedings.
There was only one Agenda Item. The proposed re-opening of the York to Beverley Rail Link which will cross the edge of the Parish after coming through Market Weighton and then pass along (and within) Parish boundary for a number of miles.
At this point the Chairman welcomed Mr George McManus, Chairman of the Minsters Rail Campaign and invited him to begin his presentation.
Mr McManus explained a little about the history of the Campaign and his position. He explained a little about the route that the track will take and the difficulties in deviating from the original line.
Clearly Market Weighton, Pocklington and Stamford Bridge have been extensively developed since Dr Beeching closed the York to Beverley Line and the proposed new route had taken that into account.
There would, however, be the need to demolish two houses in Londesborough Rd, Market Weighton. It was not possible to extend the deviating of the original route to the end of the Londesborough Rd to avoid the demolition because of the resulting gradient that would have to be overcome.
The line would cross over Goodmanham Rd between Market Weighton and the Old Railway Bridge on Goodmanham Rd.
The trackbed would rejoin the Beverley Line just outside Goodmanham Parish at a point just beyond where the Driffield & Beverley lines currently separate. It would cross over the Driffield line and join onto the old Beverley trackbed. It would then proceed to Beverly along the old line (now called Hudson Way) after passing under the existing railway bridge on Red Lane. Mr McManus explained, in answer to a question, that the public right of way along Hudson Way would be maintained and upgraded.
The proposed, new, Market Weighton Station would be situated near the Goodmanham side of the football field on Goodmanham Road, Market Weighton. Car Parking provision would be made but it was not clear where or how large that would be or how it would be accessed.
If the plan does get the go-a-head, work could commence around 2015/18 and would cost, in the region of £180 million. This compared to an approximate cost of £400 million that creating a dual carriageway along the A1079 would cost.
Mr Mc Manus answered questions from the floor on issues relating to road crossings, bridges, public rights of way, car parking, noise, alternative routes and finance to mention just a few.
It was a lively meeting and well attended but the limitation of the time available meant that the the Chairman closed the meeting at 19.30 hours to allow the Annual Parish Council meeting to begin.
A Morris
Clerk to the Annual Parish Meeting
In addition, I have added a series of maps to give a more accurate illustration of where the line will go in Market Weighton and Goodmanham. Click here for more .....
