Railwatch 073 - October 1997

Lincolnshire

By Paul Jowett

Staff alternative New technology is helping to promote public transport at unstaffed Sleaford station. As well as TV screens providing train details, there is now a touch-screen information point which also gives bus timetables, taxi contacts and other useful pointers. The county council has helped to fund the initiative, along with Central Trains and the Rural Development Commission.

Unlocking potential Cyclists are being encouraged to travel to Ancaster station where new cycle lockers are being tried out. Again funding has come from the county council and RDC. Heckington and Wainfleet are also to have cycle lockers installed. Now Central Trains must ensure the stations are given a good, reliable and frequent train service so people have use of an attractive and environmentally friendly transport system.

Freight progress Steel-carrying trains to Boston Docks are expected to resume this autumn. But oil tanker trains to Gainsborough have stopped. The oil now goes by road. There has been much loose talk about more freight for rail, particularly on the Brigg line, but none has appeared. The latest idea is for London household waste to be brought by rail to Kinton Lime sidings to be dumped in the disused quarries.

Good guides The county transport team can be congratulated for producing an excellent family of bus and rail guides. Unfortunately the summer rail guide no longer has a map.

Weedy image Sidings and platforms are increasingly being invaded by weeds, which create a poor image. Perhaps Railtrack should address this problem. Railtrack's investment programme is however showing positive results, for instance at Wainfleet which is being given new shelters and a good platform surface. Other station work is under way at Skegness, Boston and Lincoln.

Confusion Kinton-Lindey and Brigg stations have been improved and can now comfortably accommodate eight car trains. Nearby Barnetby Junction has had its platform cut back to take only four-car trains. They usually have only one- or two-car trains.

Flexible response Long-distance trains are now being diverted along the Brigg line when there are problems on the Scunthorpe route.

SupportiveRDS is keen to support the county council in its initiatives to promote rail and applauds the council for its pro-rail activities.

Ideas The latest initiative from RDS is a glossy leaflet, masterminded by Anthony Berridge, to promote the Cleethorpes and Grimsby line to Barton-on-Humber.

Note: contact details (postal and email addresses, along with telephone numbers) in old editions of Railwatch out of date. Click CONTACT US for latest contact details.