A future travel response for Blaenau Gwent has been considered and supported by the Council’s Economic Development and Environmental Management Scrutiny Committee.
The response has been developed in response to the Citizens’ Forum on the Future of Travel which brought together local residents, representing the diverse population of the borough, to discuss how local travel can be made fairer, greener, and better for everyone.
Over three days, forum members developed 10 recommendations for how the council, its partners and residents can improve travel in the area over the next five years. This initial response outlines actions the Council is able to pursue in taking forward the recommendations forward, with future versions also including updates from partners. The response focuses on local actions but also recognises the need to advocate for change at a regional and national level. A new Travel Group, made up of a range of key partners is being established to coordinate this.
This is a ‘live’ response, with updates provided every six months for at least the next two years to ensure ongoing progress and transparency.
This approach aligns with the council’s Corporate Plan objective to ‘Respond to the nature and climate crisis and enable connected communities.’ It also reflects the new Blaenau Gwent Deal approach, working closely with residents and partners to design and deliver actions that improve well-being.
Councillor Tommy Smith, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Environmental Services, said
“We are committed to working closely with communities and stakeholders to create a more sustainable and connected future for Blaenau Gwent, and as a Marmot Council, we want to create and develop sustainable places and communities. We recognise the importance of improving local travel options to tackle issues such as social isolation and limited access to jobs and services. We also acknowledge that we do not have all the answers and solutions and our new approach of working with communities, volunteers and partners through the new Blaenau Gwent deal will be key to this.
“I’d like to thank all those who took part in the Citizen’s Forum on Travel for providing us with invaluable insights into what our residents need and want when it comes to local travel.”
The response will now be sent for approval to cabinet.
The 10 recommendations were:
- Reduce car use for commutes
- Always have wheelchair ramps available on trains
- Improve public engagement in transport planning
- Explore taking buses back into public ownership
- Improve taxi services
- Increase Fflecsi bus publicity, capacity and funding
- Promote and expand community transport schemes
- Increase transport options in the evening
- Provide better options for school journeys
- Encourage people to walk, cycle or wheel
Find out more about the Citizens’ Forum on Travel here: https://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/en/resident/climate-change/the-future-of-travel-in-blaenau-gwent/