Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to report of the Head of Regeneration.

The Head of Regeneration presented this initial report which sought Members views on the content and scope of the proposed transport strategy for Blaenau Gwent.  The officer explained that further projects in relation of Metro Plus was on the cusp of being developed and the regional transport work with neighbouring authorities would shortly be drawing to a conclusion.  Therefore, it was now the opportune time to develop a local strategy for the next 5 years.

The Head of Regeneration, thereupon, spoke in detail to the following paragraphs in the report which outlined:

Paragraph 2.2 – the scope of the strategy and the elements which should be included.

Paragraph 2.3 – the main strategic recommendations that needed to be considered around developing a long term vision for the strategy that commits to long-term planning.

Paragraph 2.4 – operational improvements and new opportunities that could be explored and utilised.

It was noted that relevant stakeholders would also be consulted as part of the process.  The Head of Regeneration emphasised that the strategy would not only relate to connectivity for trains but would also include buses, taxis and community transport – i.e. various vehicular movements and the areas/services that required improved access e.g. links were needed to the Rassau and Tafarnaubach Industrial Estates, G.P. surgeries.  Discussions would also have to take place with third party organisations e.g. GAVO in order to plug any gaps in the network.

The Head of Regeneration concluded by requesting that discussions primarily focus around paragraph 2.2 i.e. the scope of the strategy and elements that should be included.

Members, thereupon, commented as follows:

ØThe importance of links to transport people to work.

ØTransport links were required to care homes as a matter of urgency as people living in these care settings felt isolated specific mention was made to Red Rose Nursing Home where the nearest bus service was located outside the hospital.

ØThe provision of bus routes should be a priority.

The Head of Regeneration advised that on occasions commercial bus routes were not available, therefore, alternative forms of transport and options needed to be investigated, for example GAVO ‘book a bus’ for specialist journeys that not were not necessarily commercially viable.  There were a number of digital sites available that provided information on the different forms of transport that were available but this needed to made easier for people to use.

Ø A Member expressed his concern regarding the digital aspect of booking a service and said that some older people did not have access to and use IT facilities.

Another Member suggested that enquiries be made with local bus companies to ask whether they could change their routes to include care homes as there should be direct bus routes provided to these facilities.

The Head of Regeneration undertook to pursue this matter with the Transport Section.

Ø A proactive approach should be taken to obtain data from subsidised transport companies.

Ø As young  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7