Community
Feedback wanted on regional transport vision
VIEWS are wanted on the future of transport in South West Wales.
Covering Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, a case for change that’s been developed for a regional transport plan is now open for public feedback until Monday August 26.
The case for change shows how the plan is essential to support the ongoing economic development of the region, while recognising its diverse communities and varying transport needs.
Aims of the plan include improving walking and cycling routes to local services, as well as achieving a shift away from private car usage to more sustainable forms of transport. Affordability will be at the centre of the plan to ensure access to transport is available to all.
Comments on the case for change will help inform a draft regional transport plan that will also be consulted on when it’s ready for feedback.
Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro plans for an integrated bus and rail network will continue to be developed alongside the regional transport plan’s delivery in future.
The rail metro elements are projected to add over a million journeys to the rail network, helping move more people out of cars and onto public transport than any other scheme in Wales.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader and Chairman of the Corporate Joint Committee (CJC) for South West Wales, said: “Adding to an outstanding tourism offer, South West Wales is undergoing a time of unprecedented investment, thanks to developments like the Celtic Freeport and £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal.
“These schemes – in combination with many others – will help create thousands of jobs for local people and attract even more investment to South West Wales in future, but we’ve also identified that our current transport network needs significant improvement to keep pace with these developments, while also better meeting the needs of local people in all the region’s communities – both urban and rural.
“The case for change – which also highlights the importance of affordability, climate change considerations and low-carbon transport – is intended as a guide to help inform the emerging regional transport plan.”
Cllr Darren Price, Carmarthenshire Council’s Leader and Chairman of the CJC’s transport sub-group, said: “The transport network is at the heart or our region. It takes us to work, education, healthcare and leisure and social activities both throughout South West Wales and further afield.
“It affects everyone, which is why we’re opening up our case for change for the regional transport plan for public feedback.
“With the population of the region also expected to increase in the coming decades, we need a transport system that accommodates existing and future developments in a way that supports sustainable travel choices, economic activity and social inclusion across the region.”
Head to www.cjcsouthwest.wales/consultation for more information and the opportunity to give feedback.
Email [email protected] if you have any queries.
Paper copies of the feedback form and consultation materials are available at:
Carmarthenshire: Ammanford Customer Services Hwb on Quay Street, Carmarthen Customer Services Hwb on St Catherine’s Walk or Llanelli Customer Services Hwb on Stepney Street.
Neath Port Talbot: Neath Civic Centre, Port Talbot Civic Centre or The Quays on Brunel Way in Baglan Energy Park.
Pembrokeshire: County Hall in Haverfordwest.
Swansea: The Civic Centre on Oystermouth Road.
Community
Pembrokeshire Coast Rangers issue important seal pup advisory
IN a timely reminder from the Pembrokeshire Coast Rangers, the public is being urged to take care around seal pups during their visits to the coast. The region is home to a population of Atlantic Grey seals, and it’s important to know that their pups aren’t born ready to swim.
These seal pups, known for their fluffy white or cream-coloured coats, are not quite as seaworthy as they might appear. The coat, referred to as lanugo, serves a crucial purpose in keeping the pups warm during their early days on land. However, this thick fur is not waterproof, meaning the pups don’t begin learning to swim until they shed it, which typically occurs at around 2-3 weeks old.
A recent series of photos shared by the Rangers illustrates this process. The first image shows a seal pup at just one day old, wrapped in its fluffy white lanugo. By the second image, taken at 15 days old, the pup’s transition is clear, with a smoother, mottled grey coat starting to emerge beneath the remaining white fur.
In contrast, the region’s Common seals, which give birth in June and July, have a different approach. Their pups are born with a brown coat, having already moulted in the womb. These pups are ready to swim almost immediately, often seen diving alongside their mothers within hours of birth. Unlike their Atlantic Grey counterparts, Common seals can breed in tidal areas, such as estuaries, where the young seals are quickly introduced to the water.
The Rangers have issued a firm plea to the public: If you spot a seal pup on the beach around the Pembrokeshire Coast, do not attempt to return it to the water. These young seals are often on land for a reason, and human interference could cause more harm than good.
As the coastline becomes busier with visitors, it’s crucial to remember that these pups are still learning the ropes of seal life. Giving them the space and time they need is essential for their survival.
Community
Deputy Prime Minister visits Haverfordwest numeracy project
ADULTS participating in an innovative learning course in Haverfordwest had a visit on Wednesday (Aug 21) from Angela Rayner MP, the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
PATH (Pembrokeshire Action for the Homeless) have been running the Numeracy Project this year following a successful application to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The Numeracy Project is aimed at adults aged 19+ who want to build confidence with numbers, improve employability, gain a qualification or simply manage their finances better to support their daily living. Many of these issues are leading causes of homelessness within Pembrokeshire.
The homelessness charity also provides mental health counselling and support workers at the sessions so that the learners get a complete wraparound service. Mrs Rayner called this an “incredible extra that people get” in addition to improving their maths skills.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who herself left education with no formal qualifications, spent a lot of time talking with the learners about how the project has not only improved their numeracy skills, but also benefited their mental health, social anxiety and loneliness.
“It’s not just the numeracy, but the social interaction, the confidence… you can see firsthand the incredible work that’s going on here,” she said in a discussion with PATH Managing Director, Michael Hooper.
“You can also see some of the structural problems here that we see across the whole of the UK, for example social housing.”
Mrs Rayner said that the housing situation has got “chronically worse” since PATH started in 1979 and this is a topic she was “keen to address” with the new Labour Government now in place.
One learner, Salastina Victor, spoke to Mrs Rayner about her challenges prior to joining the Numeracy Project and how she now runs her own successful business.
“To see the lady who went from domestic violence and not having numeracy skills, to running her own business and having the confidence that you can see there… it’s incredible that you can do that. Thank you you for all the work you do together,” Mrs Rayner said to the PATH team in a discussion after meeting the learners.
In total the project has received £550,000 but funding now runs out at the end of the year. With over 75 learners how signed up the project, with a total of 100 expected to be onboard by the end of the year, gaining extra funding is vital for the project to be able to continue.
PATH is currently going through a consultation process as it applies for future funding and require as much feedback as possible. You can fill in their survey here for a chance to win a £50 Tesco voucher and help shape the future of this vital service.
Community
Appeal for lost keys and sentimental key ring in Milford Haven
A MILFORD HAVEN resident has asked us to put out an appeal for a lost Mercedes key which also includes, on the same ring, a house key and an orange “BEST DAD” key ring which is of sentimental value.
The keys were recently lost in the Milford Haven area.
The photo on the key ring is as below. If you have seen it please contact The Pembrokeshire Herald via our Facebook Page.
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