Western Section, East West Rail Communications and ...

Western Section, East West Rail Communications and consultation strategy Re‐connecting Bedford, Oxford, Aylesbury and Milton Keynes September 2013; v1.5

Name Role Date

Author Richard Flindell Communications Manager, NR June 2013

Reviewer Caryl Jones Communications Manager, EWRC June/July 2013

Reviewer Colin Murphy Consents Manager, NR June/July 2013

Reviewer Anna Guinness Consultation Specialist NR July 2013

Reviewer Steve Watson East West Rail Consortium July 2013

Version Date Description Date

1.1 June 2013 Original draft June 2013

1.2 July 2013 Updated Project and EWRC feedback

30 July 2013

1.3 July 2013 Updated Project Executive Board feedback

31 July 2013

1.4 August 2013 Updated following JDB endorsement

15 August 2013

1.5 September 2013 Version 1.5 circulated to Consortium, DfT and NR Project

17 September 2013

Table of contents Map of Western Section, East West Rail ................................................................................................................ 2 New journey opportunities.................................................................................................................................... 3 The route .............................................................................................................................................................. 4 Background........................................................................................................................................................... 8 Assumptions ........................................................................................................................................................11 Objectives ............................................................................................................................................................13 East West Rail Consortium and Joint Delivery Board .............................................................................................14 Network Rail ........................................................................................................................................................14 Department for Transport ....................................................................................................................................14 Communication strategy ......................................................................................................................................15 Consultation.........................................................................................................................................................18 Joined up communications ...................................................................................................................................22 Appendix A – Our progress ...................................................................................................................................25 Appendix A – Our progress ...................................................................................................................................25 Appendix B – Stakeholder overview .....................................................................................................................28 Indicative timeline................................................................................................................................................29

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Map of Western Section, East West Rail

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New journey opportunities The train services currently assumed for route planning purposes as a result of completing the Western Section are: By December 2017

Paddington–Reading–Oxford–Bicester–Bletchley–Milton Keynes EMU

Oxford–Bicester–Bletchley–Bedford DMU

Marylebone–High Wycombe–Aylesbury–Bletchley–Milton Keynes DMU

Bletchley–Bedford local DMU

Possible Basingstoke–Reading–Oxford–Bicester–Milton Keynes–Manchester EMU

Freight By December 2019 (subject to Midland Main Line electrification)

Paddington–Oxford–Bicester–Bletchley–Bedford EMU

Possible Southampton – Reading – Oxford – Bicester – Milton Keynes – Manchester EMU Key milestones

2015 Autumn Chiltern Railways Marylebone–Oxford Parkway (Water Eaton)

May Chiltern Railways Marylebone–Oxford 2016

December GW electric service Paddington–Oxford

July HLOS published for 2019‐24 to include funding for Central Section?

December Western Section, East West Rail opens Bedford–Oxford, Milton Keynes–Aylesbury 2017

December Bletchley–Oxford electrification complete

2019 December Bedford–Bletchley electrification complete

2020 Milton Keynes population larger than Edinburgh

2021 Heathrow Western Access opens

2026 HS2 Phase 1 opens : West Midlands–London

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The route Bedford to Bletchley This 24 mile section of the route operates as the Marston Vale Line (a Community Rail Partnership) and sits within London Midland’s Passenger Train Operating franchise. An hourly service operates and stops at all nine stations between Bedford and Bletchley. There are 13 marked railway crossings along this section of the route.

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Bletchley to Claydon Junction – mothballed section This 10.7 mile section of the railway lies between Bletchley and Claydon Junction – between the two Stop Block Gates indicated in the map below. It is reported that the last train passed through this section approximately 20 years ago although freight and passenger services have not run since 1968 along this stretch of line. Restoring the twin track along the mothballed section of railway will require sensitivity and care to make sure all line‐side neighbours are fully engaged and feel properly included in our plans. Much of this section will be re‐instated under Permitted Development (PD). However, there is one small, un‐authorised section of railway (see schematic in next section) that falls outside of the railway’s lateral limits of deviation. This section will require inclusion in a Transport and Works Act Order to grant Network Rail the necessary powers to reinstate the line. A new station will be built at Winslow.

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Claydon Junction to Aylesbury/Bicester Town Freight service to waste recycling plant once per day. Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is located almost 4 miles north west of Aylesbury Vale Parkway. There are five marked crossings along these sections of line.

In this section it is anticipated that one or more Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs) will be required to obtain powers for ancillary works not covered by PD; for example, where the railway:

falls outside the limits of deviation [Section 2] and [Section 4]

is ‘unauthorised’ [Section 6] at Verney Junction curve, built during World War 2

plus other interventions such as level crossings; Winslow station etc

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Bletchley to Milton Keynes This section of track currently forms the West Coast Main Line and runs for a distance of just over 3 miles between the two stations.

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Background The East West Rail project ‐ the aspiration to establish a strategic railway connecting East Anglia with Central, Southern and Western England ‐ has been promoted and developed since 1995 by the East West Rail Consortium, made up of an alliance of Local Authorities currently led by Cambridgeshire County Council. On 16 July 2012, the Department for Transport confirmed that re‐opening and upgrading the rail link between Bedford and Oxford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury (East West Rail, Western Section) would form one of Network Rail’s committed outputs 2014‐2019 (Control Period 5), along with a commitment to electrify Bedford to Oxford. The EWR Consortium is the key promoter of East West Rail and members will provide funding of £50m towards the project. Although the Western Section is to be delivered by Network Rail, we value and welcome the continued involvement of Consortium members to help successful delivery of the scheme. Two project phases Due to the size and complexity of the project the work has been broken down into two separate phases. Phase 1, the Oxford to Bicester phase will be delivered in conjunction with the Evergreen 3 project collaboration between Chiltern Railways and Network Rail). As well as providing the East West Rail link between Oxford and Bicester, this section will also form Chiltern Railway’s fast rail services between Oxford and London, Marylebone, due to open in 2016. This strategy is primarily concerned with Phase 2 of the East West Rail link: Bicester to Bletchley, Aylesbury to Milton Keynes and Bletchley to Bedford (the Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership line).

WESTERN

SECTION, EWR BETWEEN ELECTRIFICATION DELIVERY PROGRESS OUTPUT

Phase 1 Oxford to Bicester

Electrified by spring 2016

Preparatory works underway

Completion scheduled March 2016

Fast Chiltern Railways services scheduled between:

1. Oxford Parkway (Water Eaton) and Marylebone by summer 2015

2. Oxford and Marylebone by spring 2016

Phase 1 Western Section of East West Rail complete

Bicester to Bletchley

Electrified by end 2017

Phase 2

Milton Keynes to Aylesbury

Preparatory works underway Surveys, ecology, ground investigation Operational Dec 2017

Completion scheduled December 2017 New services (operators tbc) to include:

Paddington – Reading – Oxford – Bicester ‐ Bletchley – Milton Keynes EMU

Oxford – Bicester ‐ Bletchley –

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Bletchley to Bedford

Electrified by end 2019

Bedford DMU

Marylebone – High Wycombe – Aylesbury – Bletchley – Milton Keynes DMU

Bletchley – Bedford local DMU

Possible Basingstoke – Reading – Oxford – Bicester – Milton Keynes – Manchester EMU

Freight Western Section of East West Rail complete

Project objectives East West Rail’s primary goal is to support economic growth through the reintroduction of passenger rail services between Bedford and Oxford and Milton Keynes and Aylesbury by the end of 2017, as part of the Government’s National Infrastructure Plan. Electrification of the Bedford to Oxford route as part of the Electric Spine concept would provide additional network capacity to accommodate growth in freight and passenger markets by creating a direct link between the Great Western, West Coast and Midland Main Lines. The full scope the Electric Spine is not fully defined at this time. Chiltern Railways’ primary objective is to introduce the operation of fast, direct railway services between London Marylebone, High Wycombe, Bicester Town and Oxford Parkway (Water Eaton) by August 2015 and Oxford by spring 2016. Collaborative communication It is imperative that we present a joined‐up approach to how the East West Rail project is communicated. We have a very positive story to tell. However, the sheer size and nature of the project and its planning and implementation is likely to have a wide and varied impact on a number of stakeholders and the environment. Early and regular engagement will allow us to understand potential issues that may arise and that could potentially damage the reputation of Network Rail and the East West Rail Consortium. Our strategy will be proactive and inclusive and requires awareness of each party’s goals and objectives. Network Rail objectives 1. Corporate objectives

to demonstrate that Network Rail is effective in delivering projects that make a positive difference to passengers, businesses and other stakeholders

to position Network Rail as responsible and reactive to the needs to stakeholders and customers

demonstrate that Network Rail is the expert in upgrading the railway and delivering schemes safely, on‐time and within budget

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2. Project specific objectives

to gain support for East West Rail (Phase 2) among key stakeholders, and to successfully deliver the project on time with minimal objection

to gain support for electrification of the Bedford to Oxford route among key stakeholders, helping to deliver the project on time with minimal objection

East West Rail Consortium objectives

to promote and support economic growth through improved rail connectivity

to generate support and build confidence for East West Rail in the business and wider community

to support economic development throughout the East West Rail route during construction (jobs, skills/apprenticeships, local supply chain opportunities etc)

to support appropriate residential and commercial development through the East West Rail route

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Assumptions 1. This strategy is for the Bedford to Bicester and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury sections of the Western Section, East

West Rail link. On occasion, we may refer to the Bicester to Oxford section where communications/consultation is required (eg on planning consents not covered by Chiltern Railways’ Transport and Works Act Order)

2. The majority of works will be carried out under Part 11 Permitted Development (PD) including the mothballed

section lying within the limits of deviation (maximum lateral extent of railway boundary). Our communication strategy will be to maintain an on‐going dialogue with stakeholders and the local community and make sure we understand any potential issues that emerge

3. One or more Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs) will be required to obtain powers for ancillary works not

covered by PD; for example, where the railway:

falls outside the limits of deviation [Section 2] and [Section 4]

is ‘unauthorised’ [Section 6] at Verney Junction curve, built during World War 2

plus other interventions such as level crossings; Winslow station etc

At this stage our proposal is to consult in two stages and support the application for TWAOs with a consultation report.

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4. Key high‐level project milestones:

July 2012 HLOS statement announcing funding for core EWR scheme (£370m) plus electrification (£130m)

Summer 2013 Early/enabling work begins where Permitted Development can be used

Autumn 2013 ORR final determination on Network Rail’s Strategic Business Plan Local contribution payments agreed by Consortium

April 2014 Network Rail’s Control Period 5 begins (2014‐2019). NR implements Strategic Business Plan for CP5

Summer 2014 Alliance/main contractor announced for EWR Phase 2

From Autumn 2014 Design options formulated, single option proposals

Winter 2014 Environmental Impact Assessment complete

Spring 2015 Environmental statement issued Finalise designs and/or methodologies agreed for Bedford to Bicester, Milton Keynes to Aylesbury

Autumn 2015 Submit TWAO/s including Consultation Report

Autumn 2016 TWAO/s granted Work on ‘unauthorised’ sections begin

5. HS2 will bisect EWR at Claydon Junction. The powers required for implementation of HS2 will be sought through

the HS2 Hybrid Bill (aiming for Royal Assent in 2015). The effect on EWR is likely to be significant and will require a great deal of collaboration and understanding between Network Rail, the EWR Consortium and HS2

6. This strategy is based on our knowledge of the project and timeframes as we understand them at the date of

sign‐off. Although the strategy is robust, some details will no‐doubt change as the project evolves and, if this is the case, an update will be circulated as a separate communication and/or through the four weekly Network Rail report

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Objectives

to raise awareness, communicate and engage with all stakeholders in a timely and informed manner of any activity that may affect them as the Western Section, EWR Phase (1&) 2 project progresses

to engage relevant statutory bodies, local authorities and communities on how the Western Section of East West Rail can be delivered efficiently, amicably and sympathetically

to draw on the knowledge and expertise of local authorities and communities ensuring they are fully engaged in the consultation process for the benefit of the project and communities, to maximise benefits and minimise any negative impact

to identify at an early stage of development support, advocates and likely challenges (and challengers) to the scheme

to phase and/or group our stakeholder communication to make efficient use of time and resource required

to support Network Rail’s application for one or more Transport and Works Act Orders to obtain necessary powers to re‐instate the line

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East West Rail Consortium and Joint Delivery Board

The East West Rail Consortium was formed between local authorities and strategic private sector partners from across the region in 1995 with the aim of re‐introducing a strategic rail link between East Anglia, Central and Southern England. The Western Section of the East West Rail link is being delivered by Network Rail in partnership with the East West Rail Consortium. The project is being overseen by a Joint Delivery Board of elected members from each local authority in the railway’s footprint and senior officers from Network Rail and the Department for Transport. Our communications strategy will be delivered in collaboration with Consortium members:

to promote the benefits of East West Rail linking Bedford to Oxford and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury

to draw on the knowledge and expertise of local authorities and communities ensuring they are fully engaged in the consultation process to maximise the benefits and minimise any negative impact. For example, working together to achieve the right solution for railway crossings ‐ Railway Crossings Task Force

to expedite decision making (local authority/planning/highways authority) in a reasonable manner when issues arise concerning delivery of the East West Rail link

to collaboratively work towards achieving a valuable and meaningful consultation process and to assist where possible with logistics (eg use of council meeting rooms, identifying suitable venues for drop‐in sessions and consultation etc)

Network Rail Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (Network Rail) owns and operates Britain’s rail infrastructure. We run, maintain and develop Britain’s tracks, signalling systems, rail bridges, tunnels, level crossings, viaducts and 17 key stations. We strive to provide Britain with a safe, reliable and efficient railway fit for the 21st century.

Department for Transport Works with its agencies and partners to support the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. The DfT plans and invests in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.

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Communication strategy Network Rail and the East West Rail Consortium are committed to early and thorough communication with the local community and interested stakeholders. Since the Department for Transport’s announcement in July 2012 of East West Rail as a committed output for 2014‐2019, we have been engaging with local stakeholders (see Appendix A). Prior to the consultation process we want to provide people living in the vicinity of the works with opportunities to engage and help shape the scheme. We also recognise people living outside this area will have an interest in the proposals and we will make efforts to inform them of future consultations (for example, through media releases, website and other publicity so they can also feedback comments). The benefits of early communications are fourfold: 1. provides people with an opportunity to comment on and submit opinions about the emerging proposal 2. generates feedback that can influence the detail of the proposal and associated mitigation measures 3. helps to deliver the best possible scheme 4. provides accurate information to those who will be affected by the scheme and helps reduce any potential

uncertainty All stakeholder communication regarding East West Rail is being monitored and logged by the communications team. It will help inform and guide the project team and also be summarised in the consultation report that will support application for one or more TWAOs. Consultation is a specific element of our communications programme (see below).

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 EWR Communications Jan‐Jun Jul‐Dec Jan‐Jun Jul‐Dec Jan‐Jun Jul‐Dec Jan‐Jun Jul‐Dec Jan‐Jun Jul‐Dec

Communications

Consultation stages*

Submit TWAO/s

FinalStage 1

*Proposed at this stage

‘Consultation’ versus ‘Communication’ – Roles and responsibilities

Consultation

1. The technical process of gauging stakeholder comment and feedback on specific topics relating to delivery of the Bedford to Bicester and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury sections of the East West Rail link (eg environmental mitigation measures or station design options)

2. Consultation will be carried out by Network Rail, who will be submitting applications for one or more Transport and Works Act Orders for the necessary powers to deliver the East West Rail link

3. Consultation by local authorities, for example, on highway closures or diverting rights of way, will be used to support NR’s TWAO submission, if relevant

4. TWAO applications will include a consultation report that summarises the findings

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Communication 1. Dialogue between various stakeholder groups and the project/Consortium team will be on‐going throughout the lifetime of the project

2. Communication is a two‐way process 3. Communication will include the process of Consultation 4. A consultation report will accompany Network Rail’s application for one or more

TWAOs

Maintaining a continuous dialogue The project communications team will continue engaging with stakeholders concerning various aspects of the project. This process is invaluable and is starting to inform us about where possible issues (eg level crossing at Bow Brickhill) or where local support (Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership) may occur along the proposed route. Line‐side neighbours Early surveys along the route have already begun (ecological surveys and level crossings inspections). Notification of such work is provided to line‐side neighbours via our contractors (on request) as this activity is relatively low‐key. Once the project indicates timeframes for finalising contractors’ and other suppliers’ commercial agreements we will write to line‐side neighbours along the Bedford to Bicester and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury route to formally notify them of the future programme of enabling work and what to expect along their stretch of the railway. Notification of these works will include the following items: 1. Oxford to Bedford (including electrification) / Aylesbury to Milton Keynes is coming 2. This is what to expect

Environmental assessments

Early ground works / vegetation clearance

Fencing mothballed section

Land referencing to understand land ownership interests

Other 3. We’re eager to engage so we can incorporate your feedback into the plans. For example,

Level crossings

Construction methodologies

Consultation process including timeframes 4. How to keep up to date with the latest information 24‐hour Help Line ‐ 08457 11 41 41 Network Rail’s 24‐hour Help Desk details will be provided to allow us to monitor contact with our Contact and Communities colleagues on any issues arising. Notification will also provide website details and a brief synopsis of the project and its benefits to the local community. We will work in collaboration with the Consortium to notify local authorities at the same time. Opportunities to engage – station and community exhibitions

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Once the upgraded website is signed off (autumn 2013) we will begin a series of East West Rail exhibitions at key railway stations (including Bedford, Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Aylesbury, and Oxford) along the route. These will be promoted in a timely and inclusive manner using all appropriate channels. In parallel, we will install an East West Rail information panel and interactive kiosk on a rolling basis in suitable public areas within local authority premises. Both initiatives will provide the latest information about the project, including indicative programme timelines, upcoming works etc and encourage those attending to register their details for further information and email updates or provide comments. Feedback All comments and information we receive from stakeholders is being collated and fed back to the project team. Where possible, feedback will be incorporated into how we deliver the project and will also allow us to formulate more detailed communications plans for our different stakeholder audiences. Initiatives will include local drop‐in events, briefings and kiosk road show.

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Consultation The East West Rail consents strategy identifies the need for submission of one or more Transport and Works Act Orders (TWAOs) to grant the necessary powers required to deliver the Bedford to Oxford and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury rail link. Network Rail, who is delivering the project, has a duty to consult with statutory stakeholders and local communities as part of the TWA legislation. The consultation will be an iterative process. This will allow interested parties to feedback comments throughout the planning stages well ahead of the final plans being developed. In addition to other stakeholder feedback, pre‐application consultation carried out in relation to this scheme will be documented and form part of our formal submission to the TWAO Unit. The consultation report will set out: All consultation activity undertaken The detail of feedback submitted from stakeholder engagement and consultation How we have responded to comments Ways in which the scheme has evolved as a result of consultation. The strategy and activity programme in this document are subject to change as the detail of the project progresses and the results of consultation feedback are reviewed and analysed. What we consult on Details will emerge over the coming months on what elements of the project we are going to consult on ‐ and could involve one or more of the following themes: Consultation theme Possible options Influencing factors Scope

Construction methodologies

Access routes, hours of work, road vs rail

Alliance contractor appointment Autumn 2014 Local

Design options Level crossing bridges, stations and other structures

Alliance contractor appointment Autumn 2014 Level crossing strategy

Local

Environment Mitigation solutions for noise, vibration, ecological factors

Environmental Impact Assessment completes 2014 Environmental Statement early 2015

Entire route

Highways, crossings and rights of way

Alternatives if level crossings closed or how to make them safe

Level crossing strategy Railway Crossing Task Force

Local

Other Other

Environmental Information We will consult on environmental information as it emerges through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). We will closely monitor the results of the EIA survey work (noise, construction etc) to fully understand how the scheme will impact on neighbouring properties. If these assessments show that properties outside of the consultation area are impacted we will extend the boundary line so that affected stakeholders have an opportunity to comment on and influence the plans.

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Furthermore, if the EIA work identifies any specific impacts on properties we will write to residents setting out the potential issue so that they can fully engage in the consultation process in an informed and meaningful way. Railway crossings Network Rail will do everything we can to raise public awareness of the potential danger at railway crossings – particularly amongst young people. Since 2010, we have reduced risk at level crossings by 20% and we will continue this programme into the future. The annual safety report published by the Office of Rail Regulation (16 July 2013) shows that Britain is now the best in Europe at managing level crossing safety. Whenever possible, we are committed to removing level crossings. We will work with local communities and other partners to provide alternative access across the railway if this is feasible. Otherwise we will make crossings safer. East West Rail Crossing Task Force There are almost 90 crossings and rights of way along the East West Rail route between Bedford to Oxford and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury. We have set up a Railway Crossing Task Force to maximise Network Rail and local authority skills and expertise to help find appropriate solutions to either close, divert or make crossings safer. Each level crossing will be assessed according to the proposed addition of East West Rail core services. A second assessment will also be completed to incorporate the additional risks associated with electrification of the line. Dialogue with local communities The Railway Crossing Task Force will work together with local communities to find an appropriate resolution for each crossing. The Task Force has been set up to make sure local authorities and their constituents have an input and a say in how we tackle the issues and find the right solutions together. Timeframes We are still at an early stage in the East West Rail programme delivery and the process to find solutions for all crossings along the line will take time, collaboration and patience. We welcome the input of the local community to help us find the right solutions. In this way, we’re working together to deliver a railway that will minimise potential risk to those who need to cross the lines. We have started the assessment process and our aim is to find an appropriate solution for each railway crossing point in time for the introduction of new EWR train services at the end of 2017. Approach to consultation: strategy Before undertaking widespread consultation a summary of the proposal document will be available to view at the following locations:

Online: www.networkrail.co.uk/[EastWestRail] and www.EastWestRail.org.uk

Consortium member websites

Email: [email protected]

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Possible consultation timings 1. Stage 1 – Summer 2014

Once consultation themes are confirmed (early 2014) then other details can be prepared including:

Consultation logistics ‐ locations and methodologies

Launch event

Preparation of materials

Promotion – advertise in press; website/social media; mail letters – response mechanisms

Location of events at one or more venues including options ie website

Response period (six weeks ideally)

Collate responses

Write report Input to project development The results of Stage 1 consultation will be input into the project development and design. This triggers the opportunity for further communications activity via press, website and other channels.

2. Final consultation – Spring 2015

During the period following Stage 1, various details of the project will begin to be finalised (eg designs, environmental update, construction methodologies) and this information will be collected to form the basis of a Final consultation (estimated March 2015). Once the themes are decided upon and fixed a similar cycle of planning (to Stage 1) will lead to production of relevant consultation materials, promotion, venues agreed and events taking place. This stage will provide an opportunity to explore the detail of the selected scheme including the design, proposed construction methods and the preliminary environmental information. The feedback submitted will be used to help inform the detail of the final application for TWAOs. This phased consultation strategy will allow us to collate feedback at key stages in the design and planning process. Sufficient time will be allocated between each stage of consultation to fully digest the comments before considering how best to progress the scheme.

Consultation report A report will be created documenting the results of consultation. This will become a supporting document, which will also include details of other community and stakeholder feedback, for the submission of one or more TWAOs in autumn 2015 and other consents as required. Consultation options

Write to stakeholders

Briefings with statutory stakeholders and MPs

Public meetings / community events / exhibitions / road shows

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Leaflets with response mechanism

Website (new website due early August 2013)

Surveys – email, website and postal

Press ‐ magazine / local press survey (advertorials)

Workshops and Focus Groups Who are we consulting? 1. Line side neighbours / residents 2. Land owners 3. Local communities 4. Wider public 5. Specialist interest groups – including environmental groups 6. Rail users (passengers) 7. Rail related organisations – Community Rail Partnerships, Passenger Focus, Rail Future, local groups 8. Parish / town councils 9. MPs 10. LEPs, local business groups, businesses and major employers 11. Local authorities / Highways Agency 12. Objectors Our stakeholders – see Appendix B

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Joined up communications We need to make sure our response to various questions is consistent. If in doubt, please contact Richard Flindell or Caryl Jones for assistance.

Compensation Compensation is not applicable when Network Rail or our contractors undertake duties as a statutory undertaker to develop and maintain the railway. Railway upgrade and improvement works are essential and we understand these can sometimes be disruptive for local communities. In such cases we will endeavour to mitigate the impact of our works to minimise levels of noise, vibration, access to property or visual intrusion. We will also work with local authorities and communities to ensure proper notification is given and that any disruption is kept to a minimum. It is likely that some small areas of land may be required for developing and upgrading the railway line (such as land for installing new electrical sub stations or for locating the parapets of new bridges to replace level crossings). There will also be a need to temporarily take possession of or to use land to provide contractors with access points for construction work sites. In these circumstances, compensation will be agreed between Network Rail and the land owners in line with the current compensation rules. Consultation As part of our overall communications strategy, Network Rail will be consulting with statutory stakeholders (such as Local Authorities and English Heritage) and local communities and other stakeholders on the Bedford to Bicester and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury sections of the East West Rail link. Whilst consultation is likely to take place from summer 2014 in two stages, we will be undertaking a series of briefings and information sessions at local railway stations and in local communities and businesses from autumn 2013. Electrification The Western Section of the East West Rail link will include electrification of the line between Bedford and Oxford. Bletchley to Oxford is expected to be completed for use by December 2017. Bedford to Bletchley will follow by the end of the decade, being part of the wider work done to electrify the Midland Main Line to Corby, Nottingham and Sheffield. The Office of Rail Regulation has confirmed funding in principle for the electrification. The exact amount of funding and scope is expected to be determined by the ORR by March 2015 following detailed development between NR, DfT and the train operators. Environment An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be commissioned as part of the enabling work for the Bedford to Bicester and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury sections of the East West Rail link. The findings of the EIA will be documented in an Environmental Statement, due for publication in spring 2015. We will also work with our stakeholders to explore the best ways of reducing or managing the effects of the project on the environment.

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Freight The Western Section is scheduled to start running new EWR services in December 2017. As part of the national railway infrastructure it will be operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and while passenger trains (exception of sleepers) don’t normally operate late at night, freight trains sometimes do. Network Rail also runs engineering trains throughout the night and these are often mistaken for freight.

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HS2 HS2 will bisect EWR at Claydon Junction. The powers required for implementation of HS2 will be sought through the HS2 Hybrid Bill (aiming for Royal Assent in 2015). The effect on EWR is likely to be significant and will require a great deal of collaboration and understanding between Network Rail, the Consortium and HS2. Railway crossings There are almost 90 crossings and rights of way along the East West Rail route between Bedford to Oxford and Milton Keynes to Aylesbury. We have set up a Railway Crossing Task Force to maximise Network Rail and local authority skills and expertise to help find appropriate solutions to either close, divert or make crossings safer. Each level crossing will be assessed according to the proposed addition of East West Rail core services. A second assessment will also be completed to incorporate the additional risks associated with electrification of the line. The Railway Crossing Task Force will work together with local communities to find an appropriate resolution for each crossing. The Task Force has been set up to make sure local authorities and their constituents have an input and a say in how we tackle the issues and find the right solutions together. We are still at an early stage in the East West Rail programme delivery and the process to find solutions for all crossings along the line will take time, collaboration and patience. We welcome the input of the local community to help us find the right solutions. In this way, we’re working together to deliver a railway that will minimise potential risk to those who need to cross the lines. We have started the assessment process and our aim is to find an appropriate solution for each railway crossing point in time for the reopening of the line at the end of 2017. Stations between Bedford and Bletchley The East West Rail Prospectus designates Woburn Sands and Lidlington as the stopping stations along the Bedford to Bletchley section for Bedford‐Oxford services. Whilst the business case currently shows it is best value if only two intermediate calls are made on this section, the DfT and Network Rail will be guided by the EWR Consortium on which two stations present the best overall fit against local requirements. Station at Steeple Claydon Funding for a station at Steeple Claydon has not been included in the delivery plans for the Western Section of the East West Rail link.

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Appendix A – Our progress

Stakeholder engagement Since the Government announced funding for the Western Section in July 2012, the East West Rail Consortium has identified and engaged with key stakeholders along the route to raise awareness of the scheme through a series of briefings, meetings, talks and written updates. Key activity is summarised here:

Business and economic development

Who When Where Format

MK Chamber of Commerce July 13 MK Meeting tba

Invest MK Ongoing MK

Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber of Commerce

May 13 Beds Editorial in Chamber Mag

Bedford Business Group April 13 Bedford Talk

Winslow Chamber of Trade June 13 Winslow Talk

Bucks Business First Spring 13 + Bucks Meetings / editorial

Bicester Vision Jun 13 Bicester

Milton Keynes Economic Development Forum

Sep 13 MK Presentation

Bedford BID tba Bedford Presentation to Board (tbc)

SEMLEP Nov 12 Regional Members’ Event

BTVLEP Region Meetings

Kidlington Voice Autumn 13 Oxon Talk

Politicians

Councillors leading on EWR Ongoing Region Joint Delivery Board meeting

Bucks CC Members’ Briefing May 13 Bucks Written overview

Central Beds Members’ Briefing May 13 C. Beds Written overview

APPG members Oct 12 June 13

Region / National

Events, briefings, written update.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Transport and Environment

Autumn 12 and July 13

MK Presentations & QnA

Rail / Transport Groups

Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership

Continuous

Bedford – C. Beds – MK

Quarterly MVCRP meeting

Bedford and Bletchley Rail Users Association

Quarterly April 13

Bedford – C. Beds – MK

At MVCRP meeting. Presentation at AGM

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Oxon Bucks Rail Action Committee November 12

Oxon Bucks Presentation

Oxford Bicester Rail Action Group Ongoing Oxon Meeting / correspondence

Bedford Commuters’ Association Quarterly Bedford & C. Beds

MVCRP & Stations Travel Plan meeting

Rail Future June 13 Regional / National

Event

Campaign for Better Transport June 13 Regional / National

Event

Association of Transport Coordinators (East and South East)

July 13 Regional Presentation

Railway Correspondence and Travel Society

March 13 MK / Fenny Stratford

Presentation (David Sexton)

Communities and Parish Councils

Lidlington Parish Council Jan 13 July 13

C. Beds Meeting

Brogborough Parish Council July 13 C. Beds Meeting

Aspley Guise Parish Council June 13 C. Beds Talk / Meeting

Ridgmont Parish Council March 13 C. Beds Meeting

Danesborough Forum (Woburn Sands, Bow Brickhill)

Autumn 12 MK Presentation / meeting

Aylesbury Vale Association of Local Councils

March 13 Aylesbury Vale (Winslow)

Presentation

Winslow Rotary Club May 13 Aylesbury Vale (Winslow)

Presentation

Winslow and District Local Area Forum Jan 13 Aylesbury Vale (Winslow)

Presentation, QnA & news

Buckingham Local Area Forum Feb 13 Written updates

Professional bodies

Institution of Civil Engineers Apr–Jul 13 Oct 13

State of the Nation Joint Event

Railway Civil Engineers Association April 13 Talk

Institute of Highway Engineers Autumn 13 Talk

Bedford Surveyors Group October 13 Talk

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This activity is in addition to communication with individual stakeholders including land‐owners, line‐side residents, potential suppliers, special interest groups (such as the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase), business owners, specialist and local media. We have c.250 email subscribers for East West Rail news, over 400 Twitter followers and handled more than 100 enquiries since September. In addition, there have been a number of meetings to discuss areas such as level crossings and public rights of way. Charles Hurst, Network Rail has led on these:

Bow Brickhill ‐ meeting 19 April with Pete Winkelman to discuss MK Dons training ground and proposals around level crossing

Bow Brickhill – meeting 2 May with Cllr David Hopkins – set up monthly update meeting

Oxford Council ‐ meeting 24 April to discuss the level crossing at London Road in Bicester

Covanta – meeting 25 April to discuss proposed Waste from Energy plant on Bletchley to Bedford section of line. Covanta needs to understand the level crossing solution in order to formulate their proposals

Principle contractor briefings – x 34 Adrian Bird, NR


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Appendix B ‐ Stakeholder overview


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Indicative timeline

Western Section, East West Rail Communications and ...

Documents