South West Wales CRP – October Core Group Meeting

by 4theManagement | Oct 30, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership

SOUTH WEST WALES CRP

CORE STEERING GROUP – 28/10/2020

If you would like to be part of the temporary steering group, or if you have feedback or input you would like to contribute, please email Jennifer@SouthWestWales.co

Here follows a report of the virtual meeting of the core steering group on the 28th October 2020. You can find a write up of notes from the steering group meeting below.

UPDATE ON SOUTH WEST WALES CONNECTED

Terms of Reference have been amended since our last meeting, and submitted as part of our successful application for membership of the Community Rail Network – the directors of which have complimented the quality of our documents.
GWR have provided formal support for the CRP

Marketing & Comms

Jennifer shared social media stats for the CRP. The stats show a steady increase on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
LinkedIn showed slow growth in comparison.
Members of the group involved with other CRPs have reported a similar trend across their social media platforms.
Blogs have been a great and an informative asset to potential visitors.
Produce Google analytics for the website for future meetings.
Hugh stated that nationalisation of the railway should have no negative effect on CRPs.
Transport for Wales’ current public message is essential travel only.
Great Western Rail is currently in emergency measures and not permitted to market destinations
GWR doesn’t currently have a message against travel, instead a ‘safer travel pledge’ – Travel with Confidence
When the time is right, there will likely be more content being shared by rail orgs on social media.

Community and Partnership Projects

Branding and visibility of the community rail partnership was discussed.
Geraint stated that the Heart of Wales logos were introduced by the CRP a few years ago in partnership with the local highway authorities.
To introduce the SW Wales CRP logo onto station signage will require a conversation with the branding team at TFW.
Rhiannon stated that more CRPs have noticeboards with local info at stations than have their logo displayed – this might be an option to explore and was raised at the Haverfordwest vision meeting.

Biodiversity & Community Gardens

William has expressed Natural Resources Wales getting involved.
Pembrokeshire County Council (owners of the Fishguard and Goodwick station concourse) are hoping to expand the car park and to include a greening area as part of that and to have a Welcome notice on concourse exit.
There is a lot of spare land along the platform at Pembroke Dock. Planters were introduced past the canopy a few years ago.
Geraint shared a photograph of land at Pembroke Dock that could work as a wildflower meadow and other landscaping. Referring to behind the platform on the left hand side
There is an opportunity at Carmarthen on Platform 2 for a group to look after the station garden.

Swansea:

Contracted Owen Griffiths for community engagement.
Could Swansea council could extend their wildflower growing to the station?
Geraint stated that wildflower meadows could possibly work away from the lineside where conditions are appropriate. It probably wouldn’t work lineside due to access issues and vegetation management.
The above has been trialled in the past at Knighton on the embankment behind the platform and at Dinas Powys near Cardiff.

Welcome Project

Jennifer introduced the ‘Welcome’ initiative – a specific project to utilise the financial contribution given by GWR:
Part i) aimed at engaging with the community at school level. Schools will be invited to produce a “Welcome” to their town or village in the form of a film, song, rap, poem or storyboard winning entry to be posted on our website and promoted on social media.
Part ii) In association with The Heart of Wales Line and Ramblers Cymru a pilot project to produce mapped walking routes that suit young families, limited mobility or anyone looking to improve their health by walking short distances (0.5 -2 miles – max) also produce an interactive child friendly map focused on 4 stations – Llanelli, Bynea, Llangennech, Pembrey and Burry Port

MEMBER UPDATES

Iwan stated that PLANED has funding for digitalised walks, the team is currently in the process of updating them. Iwan will be happy to share the walks and the template with us when they’re done.
Following from the Haverfordwest Shared Vision Meeting, PLANED is currently in discussion with TfW regarding the building on platform 2, possibly for a digital space tied in with wider connectivity to town. Building survey awaiting.
Report produced by PLANED in partnership with Haverfordwest Town Council last year can provide additional context on what the residents and businesses of the town are looking for – also keen focus on young people.
Ceri provided an update regarding Milford Haven station:
Local transport fund received from Welsh Gov for improved transport interchange through the county. Funding will complete a Weltag 1 & 2 stage.
Commissioned Atkins to lead on a study. Meeting on 14th Oct with principal stakeholders (TfW, NR, Stephen Crabb MP) to gather views on work that was done in 2014.
Ceri will welcome the CRP’s help in liaising processes with local stakeholders & community groups so their views can be fed into the development of the station.

NEXT STEPS

Set up a working group to co-create content and management of the website.
Core group voted unanimously to regroup in the new year.
Jennifer to liase with Iwan and connect him with her contact at Ramblers Cymru, Oliver.
Gitti to be in contact with Sam Evans and Iwan, Walkability for local walks, particularly Haverfordwest to Hook.

ATTENDEES

Dawn Lyle, Zoe Antrobus, Evie Redford – 4theRegion
Jennifer – South West Wales Connected CRP
John Davies – BayTrans
Philip McDonnell – Low Carbon Swansea Bay & Swansea Environmental Forum
Emma Morris – Great Western Railway
William Mansfield – Natural Resources Wales
Claire H – Network Rail
Ceri Rees – Pembrokeshire County Council.
Geraint Morgan, Hugh Evans – Transport for Wales
Ellie Jerman – Traveline Cymru
Rhiannon-Jane Raftery – Wales & Borders, Community Rail Network
Jeremy Martineau, Luigi Bonacina – Fishguard & Goodwick Chamber of Trade & Tourism
Gitti Coats – Haverhub
Iwan Thomas – PLANED

Haverfordwest Shared Vision Meeting

by 4theManagement | Oct 25, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership

HAVERFORDWEST TRAIN STATION SHARED VISION MEETING

This meeting was organised by South West Wales Connected, the new community rail partnership hosted by 4theRegion & Transport for Wales. Our role is then to support, facilitate and and help to take forward the ideas that emerge from these conversations, so that things start happening on the ground.

EVENT OVERVIEW

Taking place on the 8th October 2020, this Haverfordwest Shared Vision meeting was attended by key stakeholders and residents from the Haverfordwest community to co-create a vision for the town and its railway station.

Ideas included the potential for better accessibility to public transport and improved signposting from the station to the shops. Other suggestions included adapting disused space for community projects and ‘greening’ the area while creating niche activities connected with this. Throughout the meeting, key figures in the community shared planned developments for Haverfordwest:

Rachel Moxey | Head of Economic Development and Regeneration, Pembrokeshire County Council

The Riverside Library, Gallery and Information Centre has increased footfall in the town to 30,000 people.
Western Quayside Enhancement will include the redevelopment of the space into a food emporium at an estimated cost of £6.5m. Work is expected to begin in December.
Redevelopment of Haverfordwest Castle is also on the cards. Funding is in place for development work, and an outdoor arena in the castle space is envisioned.
Small grants to improve Castle Square on a practical level, by adding better lighting and electricity.

Wyndham Williams | Community Development Manager, Haverfordwest County Football Club

The club has run many community engagement projects in the town, supporting people with mental and physical health conditions.

Stella Hooper | Haverfordwest Town Council

Highlighted further plans to improve the town, including an exhibition focused on the town’s heritage.
Redevelopment of a former rubbish dump into a wildlife meadow.

Gitti Coats | Haverhub

Haverhub is a community centre and social enterprise focused on rekindling the town.
Currently growing its volunteer team, and is keen to establish a dialogue with other projects in the area.

SHARED VISIONS

More youth involvement.
Making the station feel safe. The road can feel frightening in the dark.
Walkability and well-being walks. Start a well-being walk in line with the train arrival times.
Destination markets, connectivity.
Promoting nightlife within Haverfordwest
A link along the South Wales corridor. The first point where people can find out what’s going on. Community activity board. There’s no information for what’s beyond.
Charge points, bike/scooter. Tourist info.
Digital screen promoting local initiative.
Murals, artwork.
Pedestrianisation.
Station could link with local businesses and social enterprises to incorporate follow on activity bookings in to their ticket prices
Destination and route to the town – signs, screens, pedestrianisations
Destination: flowers, food wildlife, food production goodsheds, culture.
Innovation and identity, move from black energy fossil based oil, coal to blue and green from sun, water, wind and maybe hydrogen train as a feature.
Solar power charging points, electrical cars and bikes (ami vehicles), bike locks.
Must have phone and wifi reception or will go nowhere.

ACTIONS ARISING

Big site behind the station. Are there plans for facilities?
Along the river is underutilised.
HVW Ticket machine stops working from 3pm.
Concerns for accessibility.
Focus on first impressions

COMMUNITY ACTION

[et_pb_dfbm_blog dfbm_fullwidth=”off” article_distance=”15″ custom_posttypes=”project” posts_number=”12″ post_content_background_color=”#182c48″ thumb_same_height=”on” show_content=”none” show_comments=”off” show_categories=”off” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” read_more=”off” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”#ffffff” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(0,154,215,0.42)” hover_icon=”%%47%%” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ post_body_text_align=”center” post_body_text_color=”#182c48″ post_header_font=”|700||on|||||” post_header_text_align=”center” post_header_text_color=”#ffffff” post_header_line_height=”1.1em” post_meta_text_align=”center” post_meta_link_text_align=”center” post_content_text_align=”center” pagination_text_text_align=”center” pagination_text_current_text_align=”center” post_body_fb_text_align=”center” post_header_fb_text_align=”center” post_meta_fb_text_align=”center” post_meta_link_fb_text_align=”center” post_content_fb_text_align=”center” custom_read_button_filt=”on” read_button_filt_text_size=”12px” read_button_filt_text_color=”#ffffff” read_button_filt_bg_color=”#009ad7″ read_button_filt_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” read_button_filt_bg_color_gradient_start=”#009ad7″ read_button_filt_border_width=”0px” read_button_filt_border_radius=”0px” read_button_filt_font=”|600||on|||||” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ post_header_line_height_last_edited=”off|desktop” z_index_tablet=”0″ post_body_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_body_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_body_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_meta_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_meta_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_meta_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_meta_link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_meta_link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_meta_link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_content_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_content_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_content_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” pagination_text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” pagination_text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” pagination_text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” pagination_text_current_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” pagination_text_current_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” pagination_text_current_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_body_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_body_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_body_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_header_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_header_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_header_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_meta_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_meta_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_meta_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” post_content_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” post_content_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” post_content_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” read_button_feat_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” read_button_feat_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” read_button_feat_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” read_button_filt_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” read_button_filt_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” read_button_filt_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” add_button_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” add_button_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” add_button_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_horizontal_read_button_feat_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_read_button_feat_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_read_button_feat_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_read_button_feat_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_horizontal_read_button_filt_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_read_button_filt_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_read_button_filt_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_read_button_filt_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_horizontal_add_button_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_add_button_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_add_button_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_add_button_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” saved_tabs=”all” include_project_tags=”133″ sticky_enabled=”0″ text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_body_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_body_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_body_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_body_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_body_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_meta_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_meta_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_meta_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_meta_link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_meta_link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_meta_link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_content_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_content_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_content_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_content_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_content_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_content_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ pagination_text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”pagination_text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ pagination_text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”pagination_text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ pagination_text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”pagination_text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ pagination_text_current_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”pagination_text_current_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ pagination_text_current_text_shadow_vertical_length=”pagination_text_current_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ pagination_text_current_text_shadow_blur_strength=”pagination_text_current_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_body_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_body_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_body_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_body_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_body_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_body_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_header_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_header_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_header_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_header_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_header_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_header_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_meta_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_meta_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_meta_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_meta_link_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_content_fb_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”post_content_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_content_fb_text_shadow_vertical_length=”post_content_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ post_content_fb_text_shadow_blur_strength=”post_content_fb_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ read_button_feat_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”read_button_feat_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ read_button_feat_text_shadow_vertical_length=”read_button_feat_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ read_button_feat_text_shadow_blur_strength=”read_button_feat_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ read_button_filt_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”read_button_filt_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ read_button_filt_text_shadow_vertical_length=”read_button_filt_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ read_button_filt_text_shadow_blur_strength=”read_button_filt_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ add_button_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”add_button_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ add_button_text_shadow_vertical_length=”add_button_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ add_button_text_shadow_blur_strength=”add_button_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″]

[/et_pb_dfbm_blog]

PARTICIPANTS

4theRegion
South West Wales Connected CRP
Pembrokeshire County Council
Transport for Wales
Haverfordwest County AFC
Haverhub
PACTO
Llangwm Cricket
National Park Engagement Officer
PAVS
Access2Funding
Span Arts
Community Rail Network
Rhwydwaith Resilience
Transition Bro Gauwn
Riverside Shopping
Haverfordwest Town Council
Cleddau Cafe, Haverfordwest Train Station
Haverfordwest Residents

CONTACT

With all the interaction and energy there was simply too much to cover in a single meeting, so we will regroup again to discuss next steps for taking things forward.

Please get in touch if you would like to be included as our Haverfordwest projects emerge and move forward – everyone is welcome and everyone has a valuable contribution to make. Please email zoe@4theregion.com and jennifer@southwestwales.co for more details.

South West Wales CRP – September Wider Group Meeting

by 4theManagement | Sep 30, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership

SOUTH WEST WALES CRP

WIDER STEERING GROUP – 24/09/2020

If you would like to be part of the temporary steering group, or if you have feedback or input you would like to contribute, please email Jennifer@SouthWestWales.co

Here follows a report of the virtual meeting of the wider steering group on the 24th September 2020. You can find a write up of notes from the steering group meeting below.

UPDATE ON SOUTH WEST WALES CONNECTED

Marketing & Comms

The group discussed ideas on content to share across social media and blog material.

Sharing community events on social media as an incentive to explore the rail network. These could include monthly farmer markets, festivals, arts and crafts fairs, etc.
Blog articles about businesses that have adapted to lockdown. Fishguard & Goodwick café have takeaway meals during lockdown.
Events, festivals and recommended places to visit. Days out by rail.
John suggested a future campaign to “Love our Trains” to welcome people back to rail transport.

Community and Partnership Projects

Jennifer met with Wales on Rails. The Wales on Rails website seeks to identify missing gaps between public transport links. This is currently being built.
Wales on Rails will show all points of interest near local stations and all Welsh CRPs are involved.
Jennifer is working in partnership with Ramblers Cymru to produce walks along the rail network.
Walks are ready to be uploaded on the website, beginning at the east of the region and travelling west.
There are issues with rights of way in Neath which are currently being resolved.

Signage

Poster timetables/signs can easily and very quickly become outdated.
Digital solutions such as screens would help to remedy this, saving time and costs on paper signage.
Access to digital information may be hindered by lack of mobile connection or poor Wi-Fi at stations.
Touch screens would be a concern due to current circumstances. Hugh has expressed that such screens planned would be touchless.
There’s opportunity to work with Ferry operators to deliver information on port ends to show the opportunities within Wales.
Port Talbot Station is very grey. Potential for signage and content, “branding the region.”

Biodiversity & Community Gardens

Incredible Edible are interested in becoming involved with Llanelli’s Westbound Platform.

Geraint explained that Llanelli is due for a new bridge as part of the Access for All scheme. The land for the garden may be impacted by this.
Ideas arising at Swansea station for a community garden in the back of the station. A Heritage Lottery bid is currently being written.
No current access to the space behind the station. Focus on building that access.

MEMBER UPDATES

Iwan shared with the group that PLANED is in the process of digitising leaflets on Pembrokeshire walks across all communities.
Digital leaflets will be on PLANED and Echoes (Pembs Heritage) and may include video content of the walks.
Geraldine will invite Carmarthenshire and more Swansea council contacts to join the group.
Lewis suggested developing a strategy for next year.
Hugh is looking at overcoming issues with digital solutions in conjunction with a number of organisations.
Hugh has stated there is a plan for a café at Port Talbot Station.

NEXT STEPS

Haverfordwest Shared Vision Meeting to take place.
Jennifer to continue working with Ramblers Cymru on the Walks project.
Find representation for Carmarthenshire and invite them to join the group.
Continue discussions surrounding Llanelli station. A shared vision meeting to take place in future.

ATTENDEES

Zoe Antrobus, Evie Redford – 4theRegion
Jennifer Barfoot – South West Wales Connected CRP
Becky Lloyd – Transition Bro Gwain
Hatti Woakes – North Pembrokeshire Transport Forum
Hugh Evans, Geraint Morgan, Arron Bevan-John – Transport for Wales
Kevin Rodericks – Traveline Cymru
John Davies – BayTrans
Rhiannon-Jane Raftery – Wales & Borders, Community Rail Network
Peter Absolon – Pembroke Rail Travelers Association
Lewis Ward, Emma Morris – Great Western Railway
Iwan Thomas – PLANED
Liz Williams – Pembrokeshire Tourism
Jeremy Martineau – Fishguard & Goodwick Chamber of Trade & Tourism
Laura Webley – Neath Port Talbot Tourism
Philip McDonnell – Low Carbon Swansea Bay & Swansea Environmental Forum
Geraldine Williams – Swansea Council
Kirsty Thomas, Stuart Thomas – Natural Resources Wales

South West Wales CRP – September Core Group Meeting

by 4theManagement | Sep 15, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership

SOUTH WEST WALES CRP

CORE STEERING GROUP – 10/09/2020

If you would like to be part of the temporary steering group, or if you have feedback or input you would like to contribute, please email Jennifer@SouthWestWales.co

Here follows a report of the virtual meeting of the temporary steering group on the 10th September, 2020. You can find a write up of notes from the steering group meeting below.

UPDATE ON SOUTH WEST WALES CONNECTED

Jennifer provided the group with a draft copy of the Terms of Reference. The activity plan is to be used as a first draft in order to involve each member of the partnership in the process. The activity plan will be revised as necessary. Any specific amendments to the previously circulated terms of reference should be forwarded to Jennifer. The updated terms of reference will then be circulated via email to allow members to make further comments ahead of the next Core Group meeting. The Terms of Reference will be approved in the October meeting. Overall, the response to the presented terms of reference draft was positive.

Partners signed up to be involved with SWWCo: Traveline Cymru, Sustrans, PLANED, Swansea Environmental, Bay Trans, Pembrokeshire County Council, Natural Resources Wales, NPT Tourism, Great Western Railway, Haverhub. The group is keen to grow the organisations involved as Carmarthenshire currently lacks representation. As people become more involved in the wider group, there’ll be opportunity for them to join the core group.

Agreement with recording steering group members time and the approach of not asking for financial contributions at the outset. We had discussed so far that we are not asking for an upfront financial contribution from partners. As we agree activities, partners could agree to support certain projects or streams of work as costs/use of time are incurred. There needs to be a clarification on what is expected from each member. Historically, CRPs have been partly funded by the Welsh Government, train operators and local authorities. The support what people are looking for could be through finances, time or networking. The Steering Group then becomes a joint activity and not all down to the CRO. The steering group should be composed of active members with a good working relationship, instead of acting as a committee.

The website will be focused on what our region has to offer for both visitors and locals. We want to represent what is along the lines without duplicating the work of others. User generated and community collaboration approach.

MEMBER UPDATES

SWWCo Community Rail Officer, Jennifer has been working with Ramblers Cymru to develop on-going walks across the SWWCo rail network. Seeking opportunities to work with schools to encourage passengers of the future. Jennifer to meet with counterpart CROs to share good practice and advice.

Lewis Ward from Great Western Railway has expressed possible financial contributions for the CRP. GWR works very closely with CRPs along the GWR network, and SWWCo marks the 8th that GWR is working with. SWWCo to follow up with Lewis regarding this outside of the meeting.

John Davies of BayTrans shared that the organisation will soon be no more, but will continue promotion of sustainable transport. John is Involved as a director of the Heart of Wales Development Company. Will continue liaising between the two CRPs, Heart of Wales and SWWCo.

Gwyn Smith at Sustrans acts as an active travel advisor to the Welsh Government.

Ceri Rees from Pembrokeshire County Council stated that he can represent the four authorities if need be, as Pembrokeshire is Chair of the Regional Transport Forum group.

NEXT STEPS

Jennifer to create a simple pro-forma to capture the time that members of the steering group. It has a worth, especially with public sector funding.
If any members are getting involved in projects outside of the meetings, that time could be recorded.
The updated terms of reference will be circulated via email to allow members to make further comments ahead of the next Core Group meeting.
The Terms of Reference will be approved in the October meeting.
Review priorities on an annual basis, they may change from different periods.
Future blogs about station adoption, generate interest for additional station adopters to join.
As we run more shared vision conversations around specific stations, people will emerge who want to be more involved in upkeep going forward.

ATTENDEES

Dawn Lyle, Zoe Antrobus – 4theRegion
Jennifer – South West Wales Connected CRP
Hugh Evans, Geraint Morgan – Transport for Wales
John Davies – BayTrans
Laura Webley – Neath Port Talbot Tourism
Philip McDonnell – Low Carbon Swansea Bay & Swansea Environmental Forum
Jeremy Martineau – Fishguard & Goodwick Chamber of Trade & Tourism
Rhiannon-Jane Raftery – Wales & Borders, Community Rail Network
Gwyn Smith – Sustrans
Ceri Rees – Pembrokeshire County Council.
Ellie Jerman – Traveline Cymru
Emma Morris, Lewis Ward – Great Western Railway
Stuart Thomas, William Mansfield – Natural Resources Wales

South West Wales Connected Launch

by 4theManagement | Aug 20, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership, Features, Impact Areas, News, Projects, Travel Transport Tourism

South West Wales now has its very own Community Rail Partnership, designed to help communities get the most benefit from their existing railway lines.
The new Community Rail Partnership, South West Wales Connected, will engage with communities across Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire to maximise the role the railway can play in fulfilling the goals of the Welsh Government’s Well-Being of Future Generations Act.

South West Wales Connected has been established by Transport for Wales and is hosted by 4theRegion, a membership alliance working to bring about positive change across the region. It is based in a dedicated community facility at Swansea Railway Station in a previously empty area that has been redeveloped as part of Transport for Wales’ Station Improvement Vision.

The overall aim of SWW Connected is to connect local communities with their railway, delivering social and economic benefit and increasing rail use within the region. Among other things it will promote rail as a sustainable, accessible and healthy means of travel, encourage rail use by locals and tourists, and help local communities and businesses engage with the rail network.

New Community Rail Partnership Officer Jennifer Barfoot, who will be leading the initiative, said it will bring the communities and the railway closer together to promote and celebrate everything the region has to offer.

Jennifer Barfoot, Community Rail Partnership Officer for South West Wales Connected

“I am very excited to be joining South West Wales Connected,” she said. “We are distinctly aware of the challenges that Covid-19 has brought to our communities and we have the opportunity to help communities overcome those challenges.

“By connecting and encouraging collaboration among businesses and organisations in local communities, we can empower those communities to work better together on a whole range of social, economic, cultural and environmental issues. I am very much looking forward to working with communities across South West Wales.”

Jennifer has a background in education and has been delivering regional initiatives for the past nine years, including My Train Wales, an initiative to educate school pupils about rail safety.

“We welcome Jennifer to this new role, for which she is perfectly suited,” said 4theRegion founder and chair Dawn Lyle. “South West Wales Connected will play an important part in helping 4theRegion achieve its aims of creating positive change in the region in areas such as wellbeing, sustainability, tourism and economic development. Our rail network is a hugely valuable resource that connects and unites the region, and we want to help people get the most out of it. We very much look forward to working with Jennifer and SWW Connected on this project.”

Transport for Wales is part funding South West Wales Connected to deliver its wider vision for community rail. South West Wales Connected will work collaboratively with Transport for Wales and other local partners to identify and develop opportunities to help individuals, groups and communities make the most of the advantages the rail network can deliver.

Head of Community Rail at Transport for Wales Hugh Evans said: “Community Rail can drive real change for the better across our network, helping make rail travel more accessible and inclusive, which in turn creates a real economic benefit and an opportunity, during these difficult times, to support the health and mental wellbeing of people in these communities.

“We’re delighted that South West Wales Connected have become the first new Community Rail Partnership since Transport for Wales took over the Wales and Borders network. Their ideas and ambitions are incredibly exciting and we look forward to working with them over the coming years.”

Community Rail Network Chief Executive, Jools Townsend said: “As the umbrella body representing community rail partnerships and groups across Wales and beyond, we’re thrilled to welcome South West Wales Connected on board. Community rail plays an incredibly important role in helping communities get the most benefit from their local railways, including promoting sustainable travel and tourism by rail, and developing accessibility and inclusion. They also help local people to have a voice in rail development, making the railway more inclusive, community-minded and future-focused. This is doubly important right now in helping our communities and railways recover and build back better from Covid-19. We’re looking forward to supporting South West Wales Connected to engage and empower their local communities, connecting them with their railways.”

Transport for Wales Rail Services also works with five other community rail partnerships around its network. Its wider Community Rail Vision also includes an active and successful station adoption scheme. The eventual aim is to have Community Rail Partnerships to cover its entire network of 247 stations across almost 30 local authority areas.

South West Wales CRP – July Temporary Steering Group Meeting

by 4theManagement | Aug 1, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership, Projects, Travel Transport Tourism

SOUTH WEST WALES CRP

TEMPORARY STEERING GROUP – 30/07/2020

If you would like to be part of the temporary steering group, or if you have feedback or input you would like to contribute, please email Jennifer@SouthWestWales.co, or call 07917 587073.

Here follows a report of the virtual meeting of the temporary steering group on the 30th July, 2020. You can find a write up of notes from the steering group meeting below.

You can listen to an audio recording of the full 2 hour meeting below:

Audio Recording of the Meeting<br />

South West Wales CRP - Temporary Steering Group - 30/07/2020

UPDATE ON SOUTH WEST WALES CONNECTED

Dawn welcomed new attendees to the CRP and briefly surmised the actions of the CRP during lockdown months, namely the invaluable input of all attendees in the co-creation of the name South West Wales Connected, the logo and the formation of the website.

Jennifer gave an update on the activities of the CRP during the past month. Jennifer has attended various meetings and connected with various community organisations and individuals. Notable meetings include Swansea Sustainable Travel Group, discussions included cycle lanes within the city, it was also advised that Swansea Council had been awarded a sum of money to improve cycling facilities at Park and Ride facilities. Jennifer has also met with Stephanie from TfW Business Centre regarding the promotion of a discount code for students attending open days/special events at Swansea University. This code for students travelling on TfW services will be promoted via the University website and specific event promotional material. GWR also offers a discount code.

All TfW railcards have been resigned, this includes the Pembrokeshire Railcard which offers a 34% discount and costs £10 per year. The railcard can be used as far as Swansea.

Claire Hickman, Network Rail’s Customer Support Manager for Wales joined the meeting and was invited to speak about her role within NR. Claire explained that NR is an ‘arms length’ Government body separated into Regions and then sub-routes. Claire is part of the Wales and West Region and Wales and Borders sub-route. Claire is the main point of contact for all community rail groups which includes community licenses which will fit into the wider agenda of SWWCo. These licences allow community groups to access land owned by NR for gardening, growth projects or general community ‘green’ areas within the Region. NR also offers an arts and murals licence for stations – this scheme is currently under utilised.

Milford Haven – a vision meeting took place in July. Improvements at the station are key and the priorities were agreed as follows: planters/plants; signage/wayfinding. Discussions also took place regarding the engagement of a local artist to work with the community and produce a piece of community art work. Detailed costings will be sought by the Visit Milford team.

Swansea Station Community Garden: A number of key personnel met at a socially distanced site visit earlier in the month regarding the land at the rear of High Street Station and a smaller linked area owned by The Grand Hotel. A proposal for a feasibility study and scoping exercise has been undertaken by Owen Griffiths, Director of ‘Ways of Working’ – a social enterprise working with communities on land based projects. WoW will collaboratively explore the potential of the site looking at biodiversity, edible landscape potential and green infrastructure for the “delivery of a new community green space” at the station.

MEMBER UPDATES

SWWCo Community Rail Officer, Jennifer has been involved with several meetings with Llanelli Town Council regarding their vision in improving connectivity between the town centre and the waterfront. Grant funding from Coastal Communities Fund is being sought in order to further this vision.

Lisa Denison from Heart of Wales Line and Jennifer met with the Friends of Llanelli station, this group includes Nia Griffith MP. The Friends shared their plans for The Goods Shed and an area of land just outside of the station which they hope to develop as a community space with flower beds.

Other meetings attended by Jennifer include PAVS and CAVS and email communication with the Swansea equivalent. PAVS in particular are interested in capturing local walks taken during lockdown. The group was advised that ‘Welcome Teams’ are ‘out and about’ in Pembrokeshire. These teams have been trained to provide local information and direct visitors to less busy beaches/car parks etc. To ensure visitors are enjoying their time in the County but still being responsible to other visitors and residents alike.

Becky Lloyd introduced the ‘Spin off Bunting Challenge’ to the group. Becky had success making community bunting with Facebook groups in St David’s, Narberth and Kilgetty during lockdown. The spin off challenge aims to engage with community groups across the Region to create one bunting, with groups or individuals being encouraged to send in pendants from upcycled materials.

Laura Webley from NPT Tourism Team spoke about recovery within NPT. Laura advised that they have been quieter in terms of visitor numbers without the large influx that other parts of the region have experienced. The main issues have been within ‘Waterfall Country specifically’ in relation to parking. Laura advised that the team works closely with Brecon Beacons National Park, Rhondda Cynon Taff and NRW.

Jenny White has been engaged to write some blogs and other engaging posts for the website. Jenny is very experienced and is doing a great job. Jenny has contacted the cafe owned at Fishguard and Goodwick station with view to writing a blog about its success story. Thanks were offered to Jeremy for provision of the contact.

Peter Absolom talked about walks from stations within Pembrokeshire, station guides and the real ale guide.

Lisa advised that the Heart of Wales line is offering grant aid to assist groups experiencing hardship. The application process is robust but straightforward.

John Davies of Bay Trans reflected on sustainable travel in and around Swansea Bay without a car.

Jeremy Martineau mentioned that Fishguard & Goodwick Chamber of Travel and Tourism is to be renamed as the North Pembrokeshire Trade and Tourism. Jeremy informed the group that around 10% of visitors to F&G arrive by train, the Chamber of Trade is keen to increase this percentage. An Intern is currently working for the Chamber to develop their social media. Jeremy advised that boat trips operating from Fishguard usually carrying 12 passengers can currently carry 8. Jeremy also notified the group of an Interreg Project – ‘Ancient Connections’ a 3 day Pilgrim Route from Fearns to St Davids and also a Ports Past and Present initiative.

Chris Lund, Regional Marketing Manager from GWR spoke about his role – to look after Regional campaigns, stations and trains with regard to signage. GWR are following the guidelines issued by Westminster Government “Let’s Travel Safely this summer”. Chris advised GWR trains do have the capacity for social distancing. The “new peak” for travelling is currently 11am. Face coverings are compulsory and passengers are advised to purchase all tickets prior to traveling and use contactless payment.

Lewis Ward from GWR’s Commercial Development Team spoke next, his role includes supporting CRP’s across the Network. Lewis spoke of the reintroduction of services across SW Wales but that services are not at their usual strength. Lewis is keen to be involved with SWWCo in the future.

Carl Gough of Social Business Wales expressed interest in SWWCo from a social benefit perspective. Carl informed the group that a regular series of network events had been available, including webinars allowing social businesses ‘drop in sessions’ Carl spoke of geography not being an issue, with a pan Wales vision of bringing businesses together. Wales Cooperative Centre has a 10 year vision for social enterprise, transforming Wales by 2030.

Gitti Coates of Haverhub informed the group that the builders are on site in the Old Post Office in Haverfordwest town centre. Haverhub is awaiting feedback on their application to the Big Lottery. Gitti advised that collaborative working and meeting spaces will be available from April 2021. These places are bookable in advance. Haverhub will also have a large space for socially distanced meetings. www.haverhub.org.uk

PLANED CEO, Iwan Thomas advised that PLANED have been a partner in the “Welcome Teams” initiative operating across Pembrokeshire. These Welcome Teams will evolve and develop over time, aiming to help both visitors and communities. Iwan advised that the leaflets produced to promote walks from stations were ‘of their time’ with no digital versions available. PLANED have also been involved with the educational sector – FE/HE establishments regarding the use of public transport. PLANED have been at the forefront of initiatives involving charities and the distribution of laptops in the Fishguard area in association with Point Youth and Pembrokeshire College, with 20 laptops being distributed to vulnerable households. PLANED is also working with the Tourism sector on a next generation project. A ceremony is due to be held at the Senedd next year to promote green travel and railways. Lastly PLANED were commissioned by Milford Haven Town Council to undertake a survey, 150 responses, feedback to follow.

Bernie Davies from Introbiz is happy to help promote SWWCo on Introbiz newspage, Bernie is also happy to arrange podcasts with any business/initiative to further promote and a Zoom interview to get any initiatives into the public domain.

William Mansfield, Natural Resources Wales informed the group that the CRP has particular links with green infrastructure and active travel to reduce health and inequalities. At present NRW is in the planning stage, producing new Area Statements outlining the challenges and opportunities.

Jane Tonks, Uplands Living Streets is seeking physically better connectivity to the railway station and aiming to improve links to Uplands (Dylan Thomas link) and local markets in this location.

Next Steps

Interest will be sought for individuals/organisations to join formally as members. These members will be asked to approve the Governance, the Terms of Reference and the Service Level Agreement.
The next meeting of the Core Group will take place in early September with the wider group meeting a few weeks later (last Thursday of the month)