Contact: Michael Hedderly, ext 5492 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That the County Council expresses its opposition to the changes proposed in the Department for Transport's South West Franchise Consultation Document to the train service pattern affecting Chandler's Ford and seeks continuation of the present service of through trains to the Southampton conurbation.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports Aims 3 and 5 (Achieving Economic Prosperity and Improving Services) of the Corporate Strategy by maintaining a direct link between residential areas and places of employment so as to encourage growth in rail patronage, with consequential environmental benefits of reduced pollution and congestion on the road network.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 The option exists of operating through services in the morning and evening peaks between Romsey and Totton via Chandler's Ford, with an off-peak shuttle service entailing a change at Eastleigh at other times. This would require two train units (as now) with the second one being idle during the off-peak. It is considered the loss of through services would discourage off-peak patronage to such an extent as to make this an unattractive proposition, therefore it has been rejected.

3.2 Only a continuation of the existing service pattern of through trains from Romsey to Totton throughout the day will provide the quality of service which Chandler's Ford needs if patronage is to grow.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - The deadline for response to the Department for Transport on the South Western Franchise Consultation document (13 January 2006) falls before the next Executive Member for Policy and Resources Decision Day on 26 January 2006. This issue will be of wide public interest. In order for approval to be given to the County Council's response on the particular proposal relating to the future service at Chandler's Ford, this important matter is being considered now.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................

Councillor T K Thornber

740Decn/MH