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Tag: Silverdale

Update On Recent Changes to the 552 Bus Service

Following complaints about recent changes to the bus service to include Silverdale and Carnforth, Westmorland and Furness Council are investigating the issue.

Data from recent journeys show that the arrival times are erratic with the service sometimes running on or close to time, and on other days significantly late – although there is no apparent pattern. On some days the bus appears to leave Carnforth on time, but loses time on the way to Arnside, possibly delayed by roadworks or other obstructions outside the control of the operator.

There are concerns about the time being allowed between Carnforth and Arnside, so if there is a re-occurrence of the problem, please contact the Council’s Scheduled Bus Services team on 01228 226433 so the issue can be brought to the company’s attention.

The best place to find the current timetable, or any timetable for the area, the Council’s own website as that gets updated whenever services change, including warnings of forthcoming changes: westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/buses/service/552 (for other services just add the service number in place of 552). A paper copy of the timetable can be posted out if necessary by ringing 0333 240 6965 (option 1) in office hours Monday to Friday.

552 Bus ServiceDownload

The train seen from above with Morecambe Bay and Grange in the background (Image: Network Rail)

Northern Train Derails Near Grange-Over-Sands

A Northern service from Preston to Barrow derailed on the approach to Grange station early on Friday, March 22nd. Four passengers and four members of staff were safely evacuated from the train.

Network Rail is advising passengers that the route will be closed while the investigation, train recovery and repair work is complete. Initial investigations suggest this could take two weeks.

Around 150m away from the derailment location, a void in the ground has opened. Network Rail is working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) to determine the cause of the void and the train derailment. Once the RAIB have completed their initial investigation, Network Rail will begin the complex recovery process. This will involve using a specialist Network Rail crane to re-rail and remove the train, carrying out repairs to the ground, installing new ballast (railway stones) and laying new track over the affected area.

Chris Pye from Network Rail said: “On the rare occasions trains leave tracks like this it can cause extensive damage and unfortunately this incident is no exception. The additional problem with the ground conditions means this is an especially complicated recovery process. I understand this will be extremely frustrating for passengers travelling between Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness. Across the rail industry we’re working hard to keep people on the move through rail replacement buses while we work as fast as we can to restore the railway for passengers and freight.”

The closure will not significantly affect the timetable over the Easter bank holiday due to preplanned work in the area. From Monday 25th March, train services will run between Carlisle and Barrow on the Cumbrian coast line. Bus replacement services will be in operation between Barrow and Lancaster while the recovery of the train and repair work takes place at Grange. They will call at Lancaster, Carnforth, Silverdale, Arnside Grange-over-Sands, Kents Bank, Cark, Ulverston, Dalton, Roose and Barrow -In-Furness.

Disruption is expected to last some time, so customers should make alternative arrangements wherever possible. “We’re sorry for the inconvenience and delay. Customers can always speak to a member of our team at their local station or visit northernrailway.co.uk/service-updates for the latest information.

Image Courtesy of Network Rail

Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape

Arnside & Silverdale AONB becomes Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape

As of today, 22nd November 2023, all the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty become National Landscapes, so Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape is the new name for Arnside & Silverdale AONB and we congratulate them on the rebrand. The new name highlights the national importance of this special place and we look forward to continuing to work with the team.

Each National Landscape has a new logo that reflects their landscape or one of its iconic species. The new logo for Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape is above and I’m sure will be easily recognisable as the Bittern. There is now a suite of 39 logos (including the National Landscapes Association logo) representing all the National Landscapes throughout the country.

National Landscapes teams have been at the forefront of delivering natural solutions to the main challenges facing the nation for many years. The new brand underscores their commitment to redoubling their efforts and engaging with a wider audience. In 2019, teams set themselves the most ambitious targets for nature and climate in the sector (the Colchester Declaration) and continue to work to meet them. The rebrand marks the next step in fully realising the National Landscapes’ vision to be the leading exemplars of how thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK: restoring ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding against drought and flooding,
whilst also nurturing people’s health and wellbeing.