Lostwithiel Town Forum

Latest News and Events

Update 23rd March 2018

Lostwithiel Town Forum has been working closely with bodies across the region to improve public transport in Lostwithiel. We have represented Lostwithiel interests at meetings of the Peninsula Strategic Rail Partnership, the GWR Timetabling Panel, and the Department for Transport Consultation on the Rail Franchise. Here are some of the possible improvements that we have influenced:-

It looks as if we will soon have a much-improved rail timetable with twice as many trains stopping at Lostwithiel than at present. GWR has produced a draft timetable for January 2019 that reflects the pressure that we and Cornwall Council have been putting on them to introduce an hourly service. All being well, from the end of this year, we will get trains in both the Plymouth and Penzance directions stopping each hour throughout the day, Monday to Friday, and with a similar service on Saturday. Around 46 trains a day could be stopping at Lostwithiel.
Of course, this increase in trains also increases the need for a footbridge over the railway and we are continuing to pursue this. Unfortunately, our request to have the redundant bridge from St Austell was rejected by Network Rail. The demand for a bridge continues, as there will be as many express trains passing through Lostwithiel, without stopping, as there will be trains that stop – meaning that the crossing gates will be down for much longer than at present.
You may have seen posters at the station about improvement works being undertaken. These refer to the re-signalling of the railway line. There was a concern that this would involve transfer of signal and level-crossing control to Swindon. However, Network Rail has announced that, at least for a few more years, Lostwithiel signal box will remain in use and so the crossing gates will be controlled by someone who can see who is crossing or waiting to cross.
We are also pressing for local bus services and have had a positive response from Plymouth Bus, which is planning its expansion across Cornwall. We have asked for an extension of the 11a bus to give us a connection to Bodmin town and for new routes that would connect us to Wadebridge, Fowey, and Liskeard. We don’t have any definite promises yet, but at least these are now under consideration. Cornwall Council supports the plans as part of its ‘One Public Transport’ initiative to integrate buses and trains and recognises the particular importance of us having a connection to Bodmin town.

All in all, things might get better – we must only hope. If we do get these additional services for rail and bus, do make sure to use them, in case we lose them again! We will keep you updated.

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Update 27th October 2017

Last month our Chairman John Scott attended a meeting with Lostwithiel’s MP Sheryll Murray, Deputy Mayor Tim Hughes and representatives from Network Rail and GWR.

Train services after December 2018 were discussed. After this date there should be a half-hourly service in both directions for “main” stations e.g. Truro and St Austell. It is hoped there will be an hourly service in both directions for smaller stations such as Lostwithiel. Our MP has agreed to fund a survey to ask when Lostwithiel residents would like to see train stopping at our station.

Sheryll Murray was given a copy of our proposals for a new footbridge at the station. Approximate costs for a new footbridge were obtained at the meeting: c£1M for a footbridge without lifts and c£3M for a footbridge with lifts.

Photo credit: Phil Beard Creative Commons

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Update 10th June 2017

EARLY DRAFT NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN RELEASED

The long-awaited Neighbourhood Plan for Lostwithiel has been released in early draft format and may be read via this link.

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Update 6th June 2017

Proposals for new footbridge at Lostwithiel Station

A major project for the coming year is to make the case for the building of a footbridge over the railway line. Together with the Town Council and our Cornwall Councillor Lostwithiel Forum have put in a formal case to Network Rail for the building of a footbridge at the level crossing. The case has been made in terms of the increased time for which the barriers will be down and the disruption caused for those in town and those trying to catch a train. More details of the proposal may be viewed via this link https://tinyurl.com/NewFootbridge

We will keep you informed about the response from Network Rail.

The photograph above shows Lostwithiel Station in July 1956 © National Railway Museum and SSPL

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Update 15th April 2017

Lostwithiel - Superfast Broadband Update
The Forum have been told that the last remaining part of Lostwithiel town without superfast broadband (BT Infinity) ought to be complete by the end of the year. Victoria, Uzella Park, and Meadow Breeze will have distribution points included in the next planning phase, which will be confirmed in June. All being well, this improved broadband will be available from December 2017.

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Update 19th December 2016

Lostwithiel Rail Station Survey Results Issued

Photo Credit:Tadie88 (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Discussions of the Transport Users Group within the Town Forum and of the Town Council with Cornwall Council over rail transport in the town led to Cornwall Council financing a telephone survey of local residents to determine their needs and wishes for the future. The results of the survey complement the more general Transport Survey that was carried out to help with the development if the Neighbourhood Plan.

The full report may be read via this link, or downloaded from file at bottom of this page. (File name Lostwithiel_FINAL 181216.pdf size 2184k)

Some of the main points from the survey are included in the summary below:-

• The vast majority (92%) enjoy travelling by train when they can.

• Over a third (38%) of respondents use Lostwithiel station at least once a

month. However, the majority (64%) rarely/never use the station.

• The station is predominantly used by leisure travellers

• 54% of those who use Lostwithiel station at least monthly do so for shopping /

personal business (54%), and leisure / day out (51%).

• Just 11% use Lostwithiel station for travelling to/from work or on business (9%).

• The size of the settlement supports high walk mode share of those travelling

to/from Lostwithiel station: 92% of those who use Lostwithiel station at least

once a month typically walk to the railway station.

• 57% of respondents live in a household with one or no car – reliance on public

transport?

• Lostwithiel station is felt to be convenient. Rail travel from Lostwithiel is

considered to be ‘easier’ than driving and offers time and cost savings over the

car.

• However, nearly half (46%) of all respondents use other stations in the area –

in particular, Bodmin Parkway – mainly due to the wider availability of services.

An improved service may encourage them to use their local station.

• Nearly half of all respondents (44%) would like timetabling to be improved. Of

these respondents, 84% say they would definitely/ probably use the train

more often if timetabling was improved.

• 60% of respondents would definitely or probably use the train more often if

an hourly service was introduced from Lostwithiel.

• Over half (54%) of those who would definitely/ probably/ possibly use the

train more often (if an hourly service was introduced) anticipate using the

improved Lostwithiel service at least once a week.

• The majority (68% of those who would definitely/ probably/ possibly use the

train more often) anticipate using the improved service for shopping and

leisure. Just 13% would use Lostwithiel station to commute to/from work and

6% for business trips. This raises some question as to whether there would

be sufficient demand to support a service which does not have a large

commuter base.

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Update 13th September 2016

Results from recent Library Survey

Lostwithiel Town Council distributed approximately 1200 leaflets and received 262 completed
responses by the closing date, giving a response rate of 21.83%. Preferred options for the future were as follows:-

Option 1 A Town Council run library 76.83%
Option 2 A “kiosk” library 12.07%
Option 3 A “micro” library 8.33%
Option 4 Closure 2.75%

In answer to the question about how much more Council Tax people were prepared to pay to keep some form of library the results were:

£0 to £10 a year 34.38%
£11 to £20 a year 15.41%
£21 to £30 a year 20.55%
£31 to £40 a year 29.64%

(Source: Mayor’s column in November Lostwithiel Newsletter, combined with minutes from Lostwithiel Town Council Meeting held 1st November. )

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Update 13th September 2016

Next Lostwithiel Neighbourhood Plan Consultation Event on Saturday 24 September
in Lostwithiel Community Centre (Oasis) 11- 6pm. Lostwithiel Town Council and the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group we would like to hear your views on Environment, Heritage, Community & Recreation.

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Update 9th July 2016

Cornwall Council's Lostwithiel housing needs survey results now available. Click here

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Update 1st July 2016

Hear Lostwithiel Mayor Ian Gillett talking about opening of new public toilet on BBC Radio Cornwall 28th June 2016.
Public Toilet - Radio Cornwall

Note - Above player may not work with all browsers and on all devices.

If you are having trouble then download audio file by clicking link above.

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Update 20th June 2016

Next Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Meeting this Thursday, 23rd June in Lostwithiel Community Centre at 7pm. Meeting Agenda available here .

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Update 11th June 2016

Results from the Transport Survey, released at today's Neighbourhood Plan Open Meeting, available via this link

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Update 7th June 2016

Next Neighbourhood Plan Open Meeting this Saturday, 11th June in Scout Hut (Cattle Market Car Park) from 11am to 5pm. Find out results from the Transport Survey More info here

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Update 20th May 2016

The first meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group will take place on Tuesday 24th May at 7pm in Taprell House, North Street and not Lostwithiel Community Centre as previously advertised. You can read a copy of the agenda via this link. For general information about Neighbourhood Planning in Cornwall see this link on the Cornwall Council Website. Specific information about Lostwithiel's Neighbourhood Plan is available via this link.

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Update 10th April 2016

Transcript of Chairman's report for 2015/2016 given at AGM on 22nd March.

"This has been the year of tying up the ends of old projects and becoming involved in new ones.

Lostwithiel looks neater and cleaner now we have an excellent street cleaner, Joe Brown and the new signage beckons visitors to come and explore our beautiful town. Once in town they can actually find their way around and read small snippets about the town and its history without being deceived by finger posts pointing the wrong way.

The bridge is resplendent with new signs and the Victorian street lamp revamped and dressings for the bridge have been made to be used year after year for the many events held in town. Added to this from the remaining funding two picnic tables and a bench have also been installed on the land by the bridge. All throughout the year, on dry days, this area is used and in summer it is packed with young families enjoying the "beach" and splashing in the river. The bridge project is now complete and a report has been sent to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Mark Pearson and Caroline Yates from the Environment Group keep an eye on the whole town and tackle any issues there may be. These include litter in the

station siding, refurbishment of the water trough in Grenville Road and concern for the safety of cyclists cycling up St. Austell Hill with the suggestions of

using Castle Hill instead. Mark held meetings with Cllr Brewer following a survey of Second Island by a member of the Environment Group in November to discuss proposals for Second Island and Shirehall Moor and followed the meeting with additional information. The outcome from the meetings is that Lostwithiel Town Council need to put in place a maintenance scheme for Second Island and a Management Plan for Shirehall Nature Reserve. A very successful Bug Hunt for children, organised by Plymouth University, was held in May on Shirehall Moor. A talk took place in the Church Rooms on the 17th November by Nick Cahill and was well attended and proved to be entertaining and informative.
(Photo of bridge on Shirehall Moor by Geof Sheppard CC BY-SA 3.0)

When walking across the bridge you can now look across the George the Fifth playing field and there is the wonderful sight of the skate ramp, the football pitch and the play area for the older children put in by Lost in Play. We still have some money left in our funds for the skate ramp and it has been suggested by the Mayor that some money could be used to improve the slopes of the ramp where the grass has been worn away.
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King George V play area renewal from john pegg on Vimeo.

At the end of October the Forum received an invitation from the Town Council to join the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee. The Forum has responded to the invitation by asking for clarification of the role we would take in the process and wondering what powers the Steering Group might have. John and Keith have attended some of the Working Party meetings. (Forerunner of the Steering Committee.)

John Scott attends many meetings fighting for the right for Lostwithiel to have a decent Rail service and to be included in some of the bus routes, preferably to get to somewhere and back on the same day! His persistence is admirable and Bert Biscoe and Nigel Blackler must shiver in their boots when another e-mail from John falls into their inbox! Being a train user I am always amazed that we do not have a ticket machine on our station. Over this year the John, Keith, Caroline and Mark have been involved in the Edgecumbe House Working Party and attended a number of meeting, writing report afterwards. John, Caroline and Mark gave a presentation to the Council on the 3rd November. They have all offered their considerable support and expertise.

The Platform Office is rented out by a variety of groups for meetings which bring in a small trickle of funds. These funds help to finance the running costs of the Forum and the room. The Mum's cafe project left a small amount of money and the Forum decided to donate this money to help fund a new venture in the town for under 18s called the Open Mic Night.

A project which is often brought up over the years is the under use of the Parade and how we would like to see the land used more effectively as a public space. It is a very large area and comes into its own in Lostfest when the area is covered in stalls and a stage for music and when the Lost in Song choir have their Thursday night "singalong" in August but the rest of the time it is left unused and not very welcoming. There is nothing to draw people onto it, even the benches by the ancient quay walls are an odd and uncomfortable shape. Suggestions over the years have included a permanent covered stage/ bandstand being built and an area for playing Boules. Maybe in the next few years this area could be developed with help from funding.

News of The Forum is regularly reported in the town’s newsletter by Lindsay, who also oversees the up keep of the Platform Office. Thank you Lindsay and Keith for this. We are a small group of people who meet every other month and have put in place improvements that make a big difference to the Town. "

Helen Taylor
22nd March 2016

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Update 5th February 2016

Do you live on a street in Lostwithiel that can't get Superfast Broadband?

Lostwithiel is supposed to be fully cabled for high speed broadband (BT Infinity and similar). However, some homes which are cabled directly from the Exchange do not have this and we understand will not get it until well after 2017.

If you have been unable to get high speed broadband to your home in Lostwithiel please let us know (with your address) so that we can see the areas affected, the scale of the problem, and apply some pressure to get the situation improved. If you would rather not put your full address the street name will give us the information we need. Please email via this link (lostwithielforum "at" gmail "dot"com

We will keep you updated as this progresses. Thanks for your help.

Update 6th March 2016 - John Scott has followed up on the superfast broadband problems identified in responses to our call for information. The Director of the Cornwall Superfast Broadband Programme at BT has confirmed that there is a known gap in coverage comprising Tanhouse Road and the roads either side (Meadow Breeze and Uzella Park), with patchy coverage in Victoria. He is currently developing plans for a new phase of the roll-out and it is hoped that this area will figure in that phase. More information should be available within the next few months. Unfortunately, rural areas outside the town are likely to have to wait rather longer. We will keep you up to date as and when we hear more.

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Meetings

Lostwithiel Town Forum hold regular meetings in the Station Meeting Room. All are welcome to attend. If you have something you would like improved or addressed within Lostwithiel why not join us and see what can be done? For the date and time of the next meeting see THIS PAGE.

The Environment Group also hold regular meetings. These are held in the Globe Public House, North St Lostwithiel starting at 6-30 pm. Contact Caroline Yates for more details, and to confirm meeting date, on 01208 871099 or email by CLICKING HERE (lostwithielforum AT gmail DOT com)

Contact Us

In the meantime, if you have any ideas which you think we could help with, please contact the Forum by

Email via lostwithielforum "at" gmail.com or CLICK HERE
Write to The Platform, Lostwithiel Railway Station, Grenville Road, Lostwithiel, PL22 0EW
Call either Lindsay Southgate 873371 or Helen Taylor 872252