Recent Public Posts - [guest]
| Re: Local government reorganisation across Oxfordshire In "London to Didcot, Oxford and Banbury" [377185/32241/9] Posted by ChrisB at 15:04, 18th July 2026 |      |
There was a (half) sensible suggestion that local government reorganisation should align with the new ICB (Integrated Care Boards), as they will have to jointly manage and fund social care. This will be a test of the new PMs thoughts on improving social care. The relevant ICB in this case is Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire,
Superceded by the Thames Valley ICB on April 1st this year.
On 1 April, 2026, NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board was established to plan and oversee health and care services for the 2.5 million people who live in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Our creation brings together the former NHS Frimley and NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) Integrated Care Boards into a single organisation with one shared vision for improving health across the Thames Valley.
4 – This is also going to perpetuate the battles between the Oxfordshire authorities on the sharing out of housing allocations. Central Oxfordshire will refuse to increase housing numbers, Ridgeway will try to put them all in Thame and Didcot but face pressure from Reading to bear their share of their numbers, North Oxfordshire and Ridgeway will push back against Central Oxfordshire, pointing out (correctly) that there’s plenty of “grey belt” around the city, so none of them will produce compliant local plans.
Greater Oxford (that will be its name) will be building 40,000 houses (many low-rent) in the grey-belt just gobbled up from the surrounding Districts. Pity Weston-on-the-Green, for example. Currently a small village in the Green Belt, now determined to be grey-belt & likely to become a very large village....
But the requirement on surrounding councils to take Oxford's allocation has been extinguished as part f this exercise.
I completely concur with the post above from Richard Fairhurst.
| Re: Local government reorganisation across Oxfordshire In "London to Didcot, Oxford and Banbury" [377184/32241/9] Posted by Richard Fairhurst at 14:07, 18th July 2026 | |
Back to Oxfordshire - Words (almost) fail me!
I cannot think of any local government reorganisation proposal that is as badly thought out as this (and the competition over the last 50 years is pretty fierce), in particular, the one that affects me directly, the proposed new Ridgeway Council.
I cannot think of any local government reorganisation proposal that is as badly thought out as this (and the competition over the last 50 years is pretty fierce), in particular, the one that affects me directly, the proposed new Ridgeway Council.
From the northern half of the county, I agree. The new Northern Oxfordshire council is too small to be viable and is going to be dominated even more by motorists yammering on about free parking, especially when the Witney lot realise something has to give in what'll be a very financially stretched council.
A single Oxfordshire council was the only option that ever made sense. This decision doesn't and has the stench of political mates protecting their own.
| Re: Canadian Wildfire.............. In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [377182/32252/52] Posted by Andy E at 13:33, 18th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
That train crew were lucky to survive. We’re visiting family in north Michigan. These wildfires are causing real issues here. For the last few days we’ve been advised to stay indoors. The air quality index for today is 65 “moderate”. Yesterday and the day before it varied between 430 and 500 “Hazardous”. By comparison I see that the AQI for Chippenham is currently 3!
| Re: Stonehenge - Love it or hate it? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [377181/32211/31] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 13:14, 18th July 2026 | |
Hate it !
A right royal pain in the *** when you have to drive along the A303, only to be faced with queuing traffic. Why? because the delightful traveller in front of you has slowed down to 15mph while they gawp out the window at the magical marvel. A picturesque rubber-necking you may call it.
The sooner the build a chuffin big hedge in front of it, the better, cause the tunnel is never going to happen !
[rant over]
A right royal pain in the *** when you have to drive along the A303, only to be faced with queuing traffic. Why? because the delightful traveller in front of you has slowed down to 15mph while they gawp out the window at the magical marvel. A picturesque rubber-necking you may call it.
The sooner the build a chuffin big hedge in front of it, the better, cause the tunnel is never going to happen !
[rant over]
I confess to being one of those happy to go past slowly. Only adds a few minutes to the overall journey time for a rather special sight (and site). If it causes a delay long enough to worry about then an alternative route would probably be quicker.
| Re: Cumbria Travel Pass to simplify sustainable travel across the Lake District In "Fare's Fair" [377179/32246/4] Posted by Ralph Ayres at 13:04, 18th July 2026 | |
Doesn't strike me as a particular bargain, particularly as you'd still have to pay extra (albeit discounted) on some rides. I think it would only be worthwhile if I planned to cover a lot of ground enjoying the view in one day rather than spending much time anywhere.
| Re: Canadian Wildfire.............. In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [377178/32252/52] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 12:33, 18th July 2026 | |
I did see that BBC news item earlier, but on my initial speed-reading of it, I had the impression that it was about "Dramatic video shows wildlife surround freight train in Canada".
CfN.
| Re: Bridge hit - again "Freshford" = Limpley Stoke? In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [377176/32077/20] Posted by ChrisB at 12:08, 18th July 2026 | |
[snip]
Current Situation
essentially, the main problem is that Network Rail engineers think that the correct height restriction should be 3.9m but Wiltshire Highways think that 4.1m is right.
[snip]
Current Situation
essentially, the main problem is that Network Rail engineers think that the correct height restriction should be 3.9m but Wiltshire Highways think that 4.1m is right.
[snip]
So.....what vehicles would not be restricted by the council, but would be by Network Rail?
(I'm sorry, I don't know the heiht of commercial vehicles)
| Re: Bridge hit - again "Freshford" = Limpley Stoke? In "Portsmouth to Cardiff" [377175/32077/20] Posted by grahame at 12:00, 18th July 2026 Already liked by Mark A | |
And from (Wiltshire) Councillor Nigel White in who's ward THAT bridge lies
https://www.winsley.org.uk/news/a-bridge-too-far-update-from-unitary-cllr-nigel-white
[snip]
Current Situation
It was time to get something done. The strikes continued, every one requiring Network Rail to hold trains until an inspection had been done.
The strike on the 23rd March had caused 38 full and 39 partial train cancellations; this was costing Network Rail serious money, Network Rail wanted something done too, and they were prepared to discuss funding risk mitigation measures. One of the many things suggested by residents to me was some sort of sensor activated sign before Winsley roundabout warning high vehicles to turn around. This option was discussed positively by both parties. The estimated cost would be around £25k. which Network Rail would fund and Wiltshire Highway would install. Network Rail also proposed putting up a temporary electronic sign until a permanent solution was installed. This was sounding like something was going to get done, and it still may, however, new options have entered the discussion, which might produce better results, but they will take longer and cost more. Please read the attached Meeting Notes and supporting slides for details.
Essentially, the main problem is that Network Rail engineers think that the correct height restriction should be 3.9m but Wiltshire Highways think that 4.1m is right.
If that sounds intractable, fear not, Network Rail need to get something done and I’m going to make it my mission to get something done, because residents need something to be done!
[snip]
Current Situation
It was time to get something done. The strikes continued, every one requiring Network Rail to hold trains until an inspection had been done.
The strike on the 23rd March had caused 38 full and 39 partial train cancellations; this was costing Network Rail serious money, Network Rail wanted something done too, and they were prepared to discuss funding risk mitigation measures. One of the many things suggested by residents to me was some sort of sensor activated sign before Winsley roundabout warning high vehicles to turn around. This option was discussed positively by both parties. The estimated cost would be around £25k. which Network Rail would fund and Wiltshire Highway would install. Network Rail also proposed putting up a temporary electronic sign until a permanent solution was installed. This was sounding like something was going to get done, and it still may, however, new options have entered the discussion, which might produce better results, but they will take longer and cost more. Please read the attached Meeting Notes and supporting slides for details.
Essentially, the main problem is that Network Rail engineers think that the correct height restriction should be 3.9m but Wiltshire Highways think that 4.1m is right.
If that sounds intractable, fear not, Network Rail need to get something done and I’m going to make it my mission to get something done, because residents need something to be done!
[snip]
Not only residents need something done - so do rail passengers passing through the area, and those who aren't even in the immediate area but are trying to catch trains that are cancelled or delayed as a result.
| Canadian Wildfire.............. In "The Wider Picture Overseas" [377174/32252/52] Posted by Clan Line at 11:53, 18th July 2026 | |
I think all you can say to this is: "B****y hell" !!!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cwy0yyzdqxvo
| Re: Stonehenge - Love it or hate it? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [377173/32211/31] Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:26, 18th July 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
... as some American visitor is reported to have asked, "Why on Earth did they build Stonehenge so close to the main road?"
CfN.
CfN.
Probably the same chap who was appreciative of Windsor Castle being built so close to Heathrow!
| Re: Stonehenge - Love it or hate it? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [377171/32211/31] Posted by Marlburian at 09:59, 18th July 2026 | |
In 1927.
| Re: Stonehenge - Love it or hate it? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [377170/32211/31] Posted by grahame at 09:32, 18th July 2026 | |
Hate it !
A right royal pain in the *** when you have to drive along the A303, only to be faced with queuing traffic. Why? because the delightful traveller in front of you has slowed down to 15mph while they gawp out the window at the magical marvel. A picturesque rubber-necking you may call it.
The sooner the build a chuffin big hedge in front of it, the better, cause the tunnel is never going to happen !
[rant over]
A right royal pain in the *** when you have to drive along the A303, only to be faced with queuing traffic. Why? because the delightful traveller in front of you has slowed down to 15mph while they gawp out the window at the magical marvel. A picturesque rubber-necking you may call it.
The sooner the build a chuffin big hedge in front of it, the better, cause the tunnel is never going to happen !
[rant over]
Classically illustrated on Thursday - with the traffic from London slowed down to a crawl as it approaches the henge, and traffic London-bound (which should be about the same volume) sparse and flowing freely.
All sorts of ideas for the road have been mooted in the past - has any thought been given to moving the henge to somewhere more convenient for tourists? As I learned from the history panels, we have had the ability to move stones for several millennia ...
| Broken down train - an example of explanation and minimisation of issues In "Shorter journeys in Plymouth and Cornwall" [377169/32251/25] Posted by grahame at 08:50, 18th July 2026 Already liked by PrestburyRoad, Western Pathfinder | |
Cancellations to services between Truro and Falmouth Docks
Due to a broken down train between Truro and Falmouth Docks fewer trains are able to run on the line.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 10:00 18/07.
Customer Advice
One of the trains planned for use on the Truro to Falmouth Docks service this morning has broken down, with a spare not immediately available.
One has been found, but is not currently in the area to operate the service, therefore until it is, the service is reduced from half hourly to hourly.
During this time, customers can use their tickets on local buses if they prefer. Details below:
Go Cornwall Bus route 32A: Falmouth (The Moor), Penryn, Truro (Bus Station), Truro (Station), Go Cornwall Bus route 32: Falmouth (The Moor), Penryn, Truro (Bus Station), Go Cornwall Bus route 33, 33A: Falmouth (The Moor), Penryn (Station), Redruth (Station) and Go Cornwall Bus route 36, 36A: Truro (Bus Station), Perranwell (Station) are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
Due to a broken down train between Truro and Falmouth Docks fewer trains are able to run on the line.
Train services running to and from these stations will be cancelled. Disruption is expected until 10:00 18/07.
Customer Advice
One of the trains planned for use on the Truro to Falmouth Docks service this morning has broken down, with a spare not immediately available.
One has been found, but is not currently in the area to operate the service, therefore until it is, the service is reduced from half hourly to hourly.
During this time, customers can use their tickets on local buses if they prefer. Details below:
Go Cornwall Bus route 32A: Falmouth (The Moor), Penryn, Truro (Bus Station), Truro (Station), Go Cornwall Bus route 32: Falmouth (The Moor), Penryn, Truro (Bus Station), Go Cornwall Bus route 33, 33A: Falmouth (The Moor), Penryn (Station), Redruth (Station) and Go Cornwall Bus route 36, 36A: Truro (Bus Station), Perranwell (Station) are conveying passengers via any reasonable route until further notice. Arrangements have been made for Great Western Railway rail tickets to be accepted for these journeys.
1. Good description of the issue
2. It seems reasonable that there isn't a spare train on each line (and heaven help us if reliability was so poor that was needed)
3. This shows the robustness of a two-train service over a one-train one; worst wait is half an hour.
4. Good to offer the bus alternatives. IMHO, rail and bus tickets for the same journey should be interchangeable at all times - who cares whether there are rubber or steel wheels on the vehicle?
| Re: Local government reorganisation across Oxfordshire In "London to Didcot, Oxford and Banbury" [377168/32241/9] Posted by eightonedee at 08:42, 18th July 2026 | |
Heaven help us in any event Sid. From the complaints I hear from friends just over the river/county boundary in Goring and what I read locally, the combined services for South Oxfordshire and the Vale are no better, and as a highway authority (both dealing with repairs and temporary diversions) Oxfordshire County are definitely worse than West Berks.
Sadly, for highways it is likely to be a bleak outlook, with a substantial network of rural roads and tight central Government spending controls. I fear that the new Manchester approach doesn't look likely to be concerned with infrastructure problems in rural central southern England (or ageing railway rolling stock inthe South West, come to think of it).
| Re: Investigation into parking tickets for drivers queuing at petrol stations In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377167/32243/51] Posted by eightonedee at 08:30, 18th July 2026 | |
It's not quite thar simple, Jaymac.
Clan Line and all his neighbours need to agree, firstly because a barrier is likely to be an interference with the right of way that each individually enjoys (if so, the objection of just one will defeat the idea). Secondly you need to agree the cost, and if it is not currently covered by the service charge prudently the leases all need to be changed to cover it. If it is any kind of powered barrier you'd also likely need a maintenance contract. After looking into all that the residents might conclude that the occasional inconvenience from an inconsiderate unauthorised parker is less hassle and something they can put up wi3.
| Re: Andy Burnham elected to parliament, with a strong transport reputation In "Looking forward - the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years" [377166/32149/40] Posted by TaplowGreen at 08:21, 18th July 2026 | |
Some rumours that this somewhat familiar face may be making a comeback as a reward for her efforts on Burnham's behalf......
| Re: Swing Bridges In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [377164/32250/47] Posted by Bob_Blakey at 07:31, 18th July 2026 | |
Coincidentally I yesterday responded to a public consultation from Devon County Council (DCC) regarding a proposal to replace the two bridges, one swing & one bascule, carrying the A379 over the Exeter Ship Canal. Both are life-expired and, apparently, costing (us) a fortune in maintenance. The preferred solution is the provision of two bascule bridges, rather than a like for like replacement.
I am pleased, but somewhat surprised, to report that in my view the proposed DCC solution makes perfect sense!
| Re: Local government reorganisation across Oxfordshire In "London to Didcot, Oxford and Banbury" [377163/32241/9] Posted by CyclingSid at 07:00, 18th July 2026 | |
Unless West Berks (as an established unitary authority) is simply going to step in and assume the role for all functions currently reserved to the county in Oxfordshire.
In which case heaven help the residents.
There was a (half) sensible suggestion that local government reorganisation should align with the new ICB (Integrated Care Boards), as they will have to jointly manage and fund social care. This will be a test of the new PMs thoughts on improving social care. The relevant ICB in this case is Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, not perfect on the Oxford Health Authority history, but probably better than any of the LG suggestions that have been made so far.
| Swing Bridges In "Heritage railways, Railtours, buses, canals, steamships and other public transport based attractions" [377162/32250/47] Posted by grahame at 06:51, 18th July 2026 | |
"On this day" - 18th July 2026 (or was it 17th?) - tells me that the longest Swing Bridge (in the UK)? opened 150 years ago today. As it'sm in Newcastle (not our area) and for road traffic (not trains) it's not had a mention in the Coffee Shop thus far, and I run the risk of being flagged "off topic"
From https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/aug/22/bid-to-save-river-tyne-swing-bridge-that-just-wont-swing
On 17 July 1876, the world’s largest swinging bridge – a marvel of hydraulic engineering – opened for the first time, allowing access to the upper reaches of the River Tyne.
Since that day, the Newcastle Swing Bridge, designed by William Armstrong, one of the greatest names in British engineering, has opened on about 300,000 occasions for the passage of about half-a-million vessels.
Since that day, the Newcastle Swing Bridge, designed by William Armstrong, one of the greatest names in British engineering, has opened on about 300,000 occasions for the passage of about half-a-million vessels.
But there are, still, some railway swing bridges, and there are still, some swing bridges in our area. And, I will admit, they fascinate me.
Here is a local railway one - alas long gone - from http://www.forgottenrelics.org/bridges/ashton-swing-bridge/
An unusual hydraulically-powered structure built for both road and rail, Ashton swing bridge was erected in 1905-6 for Bristol Corporation and the Great Western Railway. Its chief engineer was J C lnglis and the contractor John Lysaght. Armstrong Whitworth and Co was responsible for the hydraulics.
[snip]
The Whipple Murphy truss moveable span, which has remained shut since February 1934, is 202 feet in length and weighs in at 1,000 tonnes. It could open both ways, with a reversible motor housed in a signal cabin perched above the road deck. The hydraulics drained the dock system of 182 gallons of water every time the bridge opened – and, on average, it did so ten times a day. The mechanism was interlocked with the signal boxes on either side of the river, making it impossible for signals to be cleared unless the span was locked in the closed position.
Bristol Corporation rescinded the railway’s obligation to maintain the swing aparatus in 1951, since which time is has been fixed shut. The road deck and signal cabin were removed following the completion of new local roads in 1965.
[snip]
The Whipple Murphy truss moveable span, which has remained shut since February 1934, is 202 feet in length and weighs in at 1,000 tonnes. It could open both ways, with a reversible motor housed in a signal cabin perched above the road deck. The hydraulics drained the dock system of 182 gallons of water every time the bridge opened – and, on average, it did so ten times a day. The mechanism was interlocked with the signal boxes on either side of the river, making it impossible for signals to be cleared unless the span was locked in the closed position.
Bristol Corporation rescinded the railway’s obligation to maintain the swing aparatus in 1951, since which time is has been fixed shut. The road deck and signal cabin were removed following the completion of new local roads in 1965.
In the British Isles, I remain concerned for the Swing Bridge on the Rosslare to Waterford line, presently locked open to allow river traffic to pass. The line moved from a "parly" servive to mothballed as long as 15 years ago now; reports as recent as the last few days reportn an passage as far as the bridge by a weedkiller train, and this line seems such a missing link on the Irish system. One day, perhaps??
| Re: Routeing Guide - effect of VIAs ? In "Fare's Fair" [377161/32249/4] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 03:42, 18th July 2026 | |
Cue Justin.
| Re: Class 175s to Great Western Railway (GWR) In "Across the West" [377160/28982/26] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 03:40, 18th July 2026 | |
Maybe they're just using up all the old tins of paint / vinyl, before they go out of date?
| Re: Rail Customer Experience Survey October 2025 - March 2026 In "The Wider Picture in the United Kingdom" [377159/32248/51] Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 03:33, 18th July 2026 | |
Erm ... I think grahame will.
| Re: Stonehenge - Love it or hate it? In "The West - but NOT trains in the West" [377158/32211/31] Posted by broadgage at 02:03, 18th July 2026 Already liked by Chris from Nailsea | |
... as some American visitor is reported to have asked, "Why on Earth did they build Stonehenge so close to the main road?"
CfN.
CfN.
And without a sufficient car park !
