Community

Public transport issues could affect thousands of older people in Wales

Published

2 months ago

May 24, 2024

THOUSANDS of older people across Wales may find it difficult to get out and about and do the things they want to do this bank holiday weekend due to difficulties accessing public transport, according to the findings of a new poll undertaken by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales.¹

A third of older people who responded to the Commissioner’s poll said they find it difficult to access public transport in their area, while the Commissioner’s findings also highlight that 1 in 5 people aged 70+, and nearly 1 in 4 older people living with health issues or disabilities, are now using their bus pass less compared to two years ago.

Reasons shared by older people as to why they were using public transport less frequently included fewer buses, unreliable or delayed services, changes to routes or the location of bus stops and difficulties finding information about routes or timetables.

Older people using their bus pass less frequently told the Commissioner they had less freedom and independence, and found it more difficult to access appointments and services. They also said they had become more reliant on others, or had no option but to use a car or taxi rather than greener public transport options.

The Commissioner is concerned that any further cuts to bus services would make it even more difficult for older people to use public transport, leaving people unable to get out and about and do the things that matter to them, and at greater risk of loneliness and isolation.

She says that where changes to services are unavoidable, it is crucial that older people’s voices and experiences are used to guide decisions and shape future plans, and that community transport services should be supported to fill gaps in provision.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said: “Transport plays a crucial role in supporting us to be independent and do the things that matter to us regardless of our age, whether it’s enjoying ourselves on a bank holiday or doing other things such as attending health appointments, caring for loved ones, volunteering, meeting up with family or friends, or going shopping on the high street.

“And as we get older, we may come to rely on public transport more often to do these things.”

“My poll findings suggest that a third of older people in Wales – nearly 300,000 people – find it difficult to access public transport in their communities, and that use of the concessionary bus pass has fallen over the past two years, particularly amongst people over the age of 70, and those living with long-term health conditions or disabilities.

“Without access to public transport, a growing number of older people will find themselves with less independence, less active and engaged with their communities, and at greater risk of loneliness and isolation.

“Many of the issues highlighted by older people that make it more difficult to use public transport – such as the distance of bus stops from key facilities such as GP surgeries – could be tackled through ensuring that older people are involved in planning and decision-making, so their voices can shape bus services in a meaningful way, particularly where changes to services cannot be avoided.

“It’s also crucial that in areas where public transport provision is lacking, community transport services are supported, via longer-term, more sustainable funding, to fill gaps and help ensure older people can get where they need to go.”

Community

Cresswell Quay conservation consultation launch backed

Published

16 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A PUBLIC consultation is to be held on potentially making one of south Pembrokeshire’s most scenic estuarial villages, home to a CAMRA award-winning pub, a conservation area.

At the July 24 meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, members backed a public consultation being launched for potentially designating Cresswell Quay as a Conservation Area.

Cresswell Quay, home to the Cresselly Arms, is “one of the most scenic villages within the National Park and is highly significant as a very early coal port, retaining several buildings of architectural importance,” a report for members stated.

There are some 500 conservation areas, defined as “areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance” across Wales, 14 in the national park.

The report for Park members added: “The designation of a conservation area at Cresswell Quay would recognise the special architectural and historic interest of the village and would ensure that future development either preserves or enhances the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“The designation would introduce controls over the demolition of buildings which would require conservation area consent and affords greater protection of works to trees. Officers consider that part of the special interest of Cresswell Quay is the relationship between the village, the estuary and its wooded setting, which is unusual in a Pembrokeshire context.”

The consultation on the conservation status has been backed, rather than simply be designated in-house as Cresswell Quay is the home of the Buildings Conservation Officer; the consultation being launched “to avoid any potential conflict of interest or wider public misconception”.

It will be undertaken by Linda Jones of Babb Architects, Whitland and Emily Holder, Conservation Assistant, supported by members of the Strategic Policy team.

Initial engagement with key landowners and the three community councils of the area has already taken place, and a public drop-in event is expected to take place in early August.

Further information on the consultation will also promoted at events including the Pembrokeshire County Show and Martletwy Show.

At the national park meeting, member Cllr Simon Hancock expressed his surprise the ‘Quay was not already in a conservation area.

The eight-week consultation is expected to be launched on July 29, finishing on September 23.

Earlier this year the Cresselly Arms won the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) pub of the year award for the whole of Wales.

The Cresselly Arms averaged 89 points out of a maximum 120 after surveys were conducted across the country by members of other branches.

Community

Public reminded to stay away from Ward’s Yard and Criterion Quay

Published

18 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PORT of Milford Haven is reminding members of the public to stay away from Ward’s Yard in Milford Haven and Criterion Quay (sometimes known as the offshore jetty) in Pembroke Dock due to concerns over public safety. 

Despite significant security measures, people continue to access the sites illegally, ignoring and sometimes damaging the onsite signage and fences.

Niall Yeomans, Head of Health, Safety and Security at the Port of Milford Haven said: “Safety is our key priority. Members of the public are continuously putting themselves and members of our team at risk of serious harm by trespassing in these areas.”

“Both Ward’s Yard and Criterion Quay are unsafe for public access. They are isolated areas next to deep water and are susceptible to slips, trips and falls.”

Both sites are owned by the Port of Milford Haven and are private property. Anyone found onsite without consent is trespassing, and any criminal damage could result in prosecution.  

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity at Ward’s Yard or Criterion Quay is asked to contact Dyfed Powys Police on 101 urgently.

Community

Port sponsors water safety programme for Pembrokeshire pupils

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

OVER 200 children from coastal schools in Pembrokeshire have learnt important water safety skills in a project sponsored by the Port of Milford Haven.

Dale-based water sports provider, Windswept CIC, has been running the Swim Safe programme for Year 5 and 6 pupils from St Francis Catholic Primary School, Milford Haven Community Primary School, Neyland Community School, Broad Haven Primary School and Cleddau Reach School over the past few months. Swim Safe was started by the RNLI and Swim England and consists of a teacher-led school session with materials and lesson plans provided, followed by a beach session covering a wide range of topics including what to do in an emergency situation, survival techniques and recognising risks associated with water.

Director of Windswept, Sarah Bagley, said “This is our second season conducting Swim Safe training to schools in Pembrokeshire, supported by the Port of Milford Haven. Swim Safe is such a great initiative and is so important for all young children to equip them with life saving skills prior to the summer holidays. We’d like to thank the Port of Milford Haven once again for supporting this great cause!”

Sara Richards, PR and Communications Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, attended a session with Cleddau Reach School from Llangwm and commented “Living near the sea means it’s vital that young people know what to do in an emergency and are aware of the risks associated with the water. We want everyone to enjoy the coastline as much as possible this summer armed with the safety tips that they will have learnt with Windswept.”