Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Community

New pilot scheme aims to help disabled people maintain mobility and independence

Published

on

A NEW pilot scheme is being introduced this year to help disabled people access a parking space near their property if they don’t have a driveway.

Pembrokeshire County Council will be accepting applications for Disabled Persons Parking Places (DPPPs) from Monday 20th June for a six-week period.  

For the first year of the scheme a maximum of ten places will be available. If the pilot is a success, more places will be installed in the coming years and applicants who meet the criteria will go onto the waiting list if they are not successful this year.

A successful permit will cost £20 annually. The application process can take a minimum of six months.

Cabinet unanimously backed the provision of the scheme in March.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Leisure, said the aim is to help a disabled person to maintain their independence and also improve their quality of life

“Parking is such a significant issue for many householders at the moment and none more so than disabled persons. This pilot scheme will begin to address the need to provide parking places located as near to the property as practical to help disabled people whose mobility impairment is such that they cannot walk any significant distance,” he said.

Jessica Hatchett, Access Officer for Pembrokeshire County Council, said a great deal of work has gone into the scheme, including consulting Pembrokeshire Access Group, other local authorities and setting up a working group.

“We’re really keen to find the best way to make this work and set up a good, workable scheme for years to come,” she said.

Jessica added: “It can be very difficult to get out and about when you have a disability and if you also have the stress of about whether you can park close to your property when you come home, it can be very worrying.”

In order to help those most in need of the provision of a DPPP, applications will only be considered if:

•           The applicant has a Blue Badge

•           The applicant owns and drives/is driven in a vehicle that is registered at the address of the proposed location of the disabled bay.

•           The applicant does not already have access to off-street parking or be able to provide an off-street parking space by clearing an existing drive/hard standing or by bringing back into use an existing garage.

Meeting the above criteria does not guarantee that a DPPP will be provided; only that the application will be assessed for suitability. Applicants should not provide any additional evidence unless asked to do so.

The Council will not consider a DPPP provision in the following locations:

•           In the turning head facility of any cul-de-sac.

•           In any location where an existing prohibition or restriction of parking (inclusive of permit parking), of waiting or loading is in place or is being considered by the Council.

•           Within 10 metres of a road junction.

•           At locations where there is a history of visibility related collisions.

•           In a position that may prevent the passing of normal traffic flows.

•           In a position where a parked vehicle will be unsighted to travelling vehicles such as on a bend.

•           On un-adopted highway or private land.

•           Other areas where highway safety is deemed to be compromised

Community

Pembrokeshire waste centres could soon be open on fewer days

Published

on

A CALL for waste centre users across Pembrokeshire to “share the pain” in a cut in the number of days they are open rather than close St Davids’ recycling centre is being recommended to senior councillors.

Members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s policy pre-decision overview and scrutiny committee, at their November 12 meeting, received a report on the provision of recycling centres in the county, which had been referred from full council at its March budget meeting.

Back at that meeting, St Davids recycling centre, at risk of potential closure against a backdrop of severe budget pressures, was given a reprieve.

A report for the November committee, presented by Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett, said the council’s medium term financial plan identifies “a ‘most likely’ projected funding gap of £84.6m over the period 2024-25 to 2027-28,” with the council needing to deliver at least £70,000 of savings against the waste and recycling centres, adding: “if this is not possible this saving will be required to come from alternative areas within environmental services impacting on collection arrangements and services provided across Pembrokeshire.”

Four options were presented to the committee: no change, with the £70,000 coming from other areas of the service; the closure of St Davids netting the £70,000; its closure along with reductions in the amount of days other centres at Winsel, Waterloo, Crane Cross and Hermon to save £110,000; the final option being a reduction in the number of days all were open, but keeping St Davids running, saving the £70,000.

The choice of the options, complicated by various capital investment requirements for the sites, before committee would take the form of a recommendation to the council’s Cabinet before a final decision is made.

Members heard many objections to the closure of St Davids had been received, with the city council “unanimously” opposed to it on many grounds, including its use by both the Coastguard and the RNLI for the disposal of maritime debris, and the distances involved for members of the public to use the other facilities.

Nearby local county councillor, Cllr Mark Carter of Solva said he had never seen as many responses to an issue in his seven-and-a-half years as a councillor, proposing the fourth option, later described as “a sharing of pain across all sites” be submitted to Cabinet.

He said the facility at St Davids was much valued by local residents.

“They understand Pembrokeshire County Council has got a severe financial problem, they understand doing nothing is not an option; they understand that, I understand that,” said Cllr Carter, adding: “The problem we’ve got with the budget is a county-wide problem, it’s not St Davids exclusively; logic says we should not be inflicting all the pain on this peninsula.”

He was backed by fellow local councillor Cllr Bethan Price.

Members, by nine votes to three, backed the fourth option of a reduction in hours at all sites but keeping St Davids open, be recommended to Cabinet, expected to be heard at its December meeting.

Continue Reading

Business

Bluestone National Park Resort pledges support to armed forces community

Published

on

BLUESTONE National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant to pledge its commitment to the UK Armed Forces as the country commemorates Armistice Day.

Bluestone, which employs several former armed forces personnel, marked Armistice Day on 11, with a commitment to reaching gold status on the covenant.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or have served in the armed forces and their families are treated fairly.

The Covenant aims to eliminate disadvantage and ensure that no member of the armed forces community faces discrimination in providing public and commercial services compared to any other citizen.

Glenn Hewer, Head of Sales at Bluestone, is a former Royal Marine who volunteers with the Milford Haven Sea Cadets and Royal Marines. He said: “More and more employees recognise the importance and significance that former armed personnel have and play in their communities and workplaces. The covenant is a commitment to them and a recognition of what they and their families have sacrificed for us.

“Additionally, ex-forces personnel make great employees in all walks of life. They are highly trained in a wide range of skills and bring many benefits to businesses. Providing an opportunity that allows them to further their careers outside the military is a great way of supporting them and their families.”

This commitment has also led Bluestone to join the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Bronze award. The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same. It encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for organisations that pledge, demonstrate, or advocate support for defence and the armed forces community.

Marten Lewis, Director of Sustainability at Bluestone National Park Resort who is also a veteran of the Royal Engineers, said: “At Bluestone, we deeply value the contribution of the Armed Forces community to our country.

“We are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrate our commitment to supporting them. We believe it’s important to recognise the sacrifices made by service personnel and their families and ensure they are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve. We are committed to attaining the Gold ERS as we build our relationship with the armed forces community.”

Craig Middle, Regional Employer Engagement Director at the Ministry of Defence, said: “We are delighted that Bluestone National Park Resort has signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is committed to supporting the Armed Forces community. This is a fantastic example of a business recognising the value that serving personnel, veterans and their families bring to the workplace and wider society.”

Marten added: “The Armed Forces Covenant is a living document, and Bluestone is committed to updating its pledge to reflect its ongoing support for the Armed Forces community.”

Continue Reading

Community

Bishop Joins Street Pastors on Pembroke Outreach

Published

on

PEMBROKE’S Street Pastors received a visit from Bishop Dorrien over the weekend as he joined their outreach efforts to witness their work within the local community.

The Street Pastors, active in both Pembroke and Haverfordwest, provide pastoral and practical support to people using the town’s pubs and clubs. Their assistance ranges from offering water to the dehydrated, tissues to those in distress, and even flat shoes to help patrons make a safe journey home. Most importantly, they offer a compassionate ear, comfort, and prayers to those in need.

Supported by a dedicated prayer team, the Street Pastors take breaks to pray and gather strength, reflecting on their encounters with the community. Bishop Dorrien praised their work, describing it as a witness to Christ’s command to love our neighbours.

The Bishop noted the warm reception the team received during their rounds and the affection the community holds for their ministry. He blessed their ongoing service, acknowledging its positive impact on the lives of many.

Continue Reading

Business1 day ago

Bristol Trader to temporarily serve menu at the Castle Hotel

The team of a popular riverside pub in Pembrokeshire, devastated by a recent fire, will relocate to a new town...

News2 days ago

Ferry diverts to aid yacht after medical emergency alert in Irish Sea

FISHGUARD RNLI lifeboat launched on Sunday night (Nov 10) after HM Coastguard requested assistance for a 40ft yacht, approximately 28...

Community2 days ago

Those who gave their lives in service honoured at Freshwater West

A REMEMBRANCE service took place at 11:00am on Monday (Nov 11) at Freshwater West Bay, South Pembrokeshire, marking a poignant...

Community3 days ago

Remembrance service honours fallen at Haverfordwest’s war memorial

CROWDS gathered in Salutation Square for a solemn Remembrance Service at the historic Pembrokeshire County War Memorial, paying tribute to...

News6 days ago

Large fire at Bramble Hall Farm – Arson suspected

FIREFIGHTERS have brought a large blaze under control at Bramble Hall Farm in Pembroke Dock. The fire broke out in...

News6 days ago

Fire strikes popular Pembrokeshire pub – no staff or customers hurt

A FIRE broke out at The Bristol Trader pub on Quay Street, Haverfordwest, today (Wednesday, Nov 6), impacting two floors...

News1 week ago

Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum updates Pembrokeshire Marine Code

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM (PCF) has introduced key updates to the Pembrokeshire Marine Code, following a comprehensive review with stakeholders and...

News1 week ago

Blaze at Bristol Trader: Emergency services close Quay Street

FIRE crews have been deployed to Quay Street, Haverfordwest, after a blaze broke out at the popular Bristol Trader pub....

Crime1 week ago

Bin lorry driver banned after “squishing” man in road rage incident

RHYS GRIFFITHS, a former bin lorry driver, has been banned from driving after injuring a man by colliding with his...

News1 week ago

Motorcyclist dies after collision on A40 near Canaston Bridge

DYFED-POWYS Police is investigating a fatal motorcycle collision that occurred around 11:15pm on Friday (Nov 1) on the A40, just...

Popular This Week