by 4theManagement | Jul 15, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership
MILFORD HAVEN 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. We invited the community to join us to co-create a shared vision for the future of the station and surrounding area.
There has been lots of discussion around this particular station which is in need of some care and attention. Pembrokeshire County Council have announced funding through the WG Local Transport Fund for an upgrade of Milford Haven Train Station. Milford Haven Port Authority are investing in Milford Waterfront which is likely to bring increased footfall to the area. The Place Board is making positive steps towards linking the town centre and the waterfront.
Dan Mills | Placeboard
- The Placeboard was formed out of a number of stakeholder engagement sessions, facilitated by the Port Haven and Waterfront. Comprising a cross section of businesses, voluntary organisations and groups from across the town. Focused on developing the brand of “Visit Milford Haven.”
- The Visit Milford Haven website will signpost people to different locations of interest in the town. Keen to see the train station developed as a key part of the town and for better connectivity to the rest of Pembrokeshire and beyond.
Clare Stowell | Milford Haven Port Authority
- Focus on regeneration of the port area with hopes it will spill into the town and beyond. We hope in the next few weeks, to be granted planning consent for a 100 bedroom hotel, former ice factory.
- A conference centre will be built upon the Quay Stores site, it is currently derelict and abandoned. First impression of the arrival to MH waterfront is important, and a new conference centre will improve the initial impressions of visitors to the town.
- Quay Stores at the entrance to the waterfront will be a multi purpose venue. Entertainment, events.
Ceri Rees | Pembrokeshire County Council, Transport Strategy & Project Coordinator
- Preliminary design in 2014 for a new station.
- Successful grant submission in January 2020, meaning the plans from 2014 will be revisited. Funds will be used to refresh and develop the process. Stipulation of funding that the WG Weltag process be followed.
- Looking at better multi modal integration, active travel and public transport connectivity. Approx. 4 years to deliver, funding is dependant at each stage.
- A disconnect between the waterfront, town and station area.
- Not the best first impression when you leave the station.
- An unpleasant walk through neglected areas. Lighting is quite poor and unsafe surrounding the station.
- No fixed water for planters in the area.
- Better connections with the town needed – walking, cycling and buses.
- We need a strong link point to renewable and rechargeable public transport. Green connections and the sense of place – good maps, signage and information from the station to nice outdoor locations.
- The first thing to see when you exit the station is Tesco and Costa. Something unique is needed to enhance that arrival experience.
- Look at Quay Stores as a crossroads to connect the station and waterfront to the town.
- We should look at how the railway station can relate to freight.
- Clear focus on the short-term and long-term.
- Proper station building, possibly multi-use.
- Sense of ‘arrival’- somewhere we want to be
- Improved disability access.
- Better links that are green and active to the waterfront. Destination management to make the area more attractive. Bee hotels, green roofs, insect hotels on signs, planters that support pollinators. Derelict buildings on station approach should be tidied or demolished.
- Integrated hub with the town, Torch and Charles Street. Better security and safety. Present a warm welcome to MH and the wider reason. Ways of reducing traffic on the “through route”. Better links to the rest of the town. A water based lift?
- Improved facilities – toilet services. Landscaping, active travel links with the town.
- Interactive digital signage with touch screen technology (food, taxis), more signage with interactive elements, improved links with town and the Waterfront.
- Landscaping, signage and bike hire centre will be a great addition.
- Would it be possible to shorten the rail line and have the station closer to the town? Potential for linkage up the hill through the woods.
- Visit Milford Haven has expressed interest in expanding upon the volunteering ‘task force’
- Land Train with integrated ticket opinion raised.
- Milford Value Independence group – special needs clients in Milford values link with a future community garden area.
- ‘Living Walls’ – History of the town, storytelling; Involvement of local schools. Possible funding of an artist to work with the community.
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- 4theRegion
- South West Wales Connected CRP
- Transport for Wales
- Milford Haven Port Authority
- Milford Haven Placeboard
- Swansea University
- Pembrokeshire County Council
- Milford Haven Residents
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 Milford Haven 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.
by 4theManagement | Jul 1, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership, Travel Transport Tourism
SOUTH WEST WALES CRP
TEMPORARY STEERING GROUP – 26TH June 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 second virtual meeting of the temporary steering group on 26th June 2020. You can find the agenda circulated for the steering group meeting, as well as a write up of notes from the event below.
You can listen to an audio recording of the full 2 hour meeting below:
UPDATE ON SOUTH WEST WALES CONNECTED
Following a press release from Pembrokeshire County Council, almost £1.8m of funding will be allocated towards various transport improvements. £667,000 of the grant will go to the Local Transport Fund, which will fund the detailed design and planning of three major transport schemes in Haverfordwest, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock.
Under the Welsh transport appraisal guidance (WelTAG) framework provided by the Welsh Government, Haverfordwest is currently at Stage Three, which is a full business case, whilst Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock are at Stage One & Two. (You can find a detailed explanation of each stage here.)
In Haverfordwest, the initiative comprises a new bus station, coach parking, active travel facilities and multi-storey car park. In Pembroke Dock the funding will be used to draw up a ‘preliminary design’ to improve links to the public transport interchange between the town’s rail station, the London road nearby retail park and Water Street.
Finally, in Milford Haven, it includes plans to improve the existing rail station and associated coach provision. The local transport grant will allow for revision of a design drawn up in 2014 intended to improve upon transport links and active travel facilities.
Meetings between South West Wales Connected and Milford Placeboard have highlighted a shared goal of redefining Milford Haven as a welcoming and positive location to arrive at by rail. A new station building could provide opportunities for community hubs and organisations to be set up and friendlier public transport links could encourage more footfall to Milford Haven’s various festivals and celebrations whilst reducing congestion and environmental impact.
With regards to South West Wales Connected’s website, we need to converse with relevant parties in regards to integration of content being produced by councils and tourism partners. Our aim is to develop an inclusive and accessible website that is helpful to tourists and residents from across the region and signpost towards resources provided by other organisations, whilst still providing our own content, such as blogs, events and community news.
reflections on the discussion
- Website – Local authority Tourism pages align with Visit Wales – Year of the Outdoors extended to 2021. Ensure SWW Connected website is accessible for all, maps for assisted technology users.
- Public Transport message – Essential travel only remains the key message. As recovery continues, the public may be wary of public transport. When the time is right, the railway will be promoted as ‘open’ and ‘safe’
- Community projects – funding to be applied for to support community schemes and activities.
- ‘Transforming Towns’ – Welsh Government’s focus on regeneration – encouragement of food markets in towns one idea amongst many.
- Community gardens and community growing projects – researched across the region.
by 4theManagement | Jun 1, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership, Travel Transport Tourism
South West Wales Community Rail Partnership
TEMPORARY STEERING GROUP – 28th MAY 2020
Since the previous meeting, the temporary steering group have finalised the identity and brand of the new South West Wales Community Rail Partnership: South West Wales Connected. Additionally, with the appointment of a new Community Rail Officer, progress regarding activity and business plans have been going underway in preparation for when we can safely promote usage of our rail networks once again.
Since the co-creation of the brand took place, we have been formalising the agenda structure and working towards achieving certification as an established Community Rail Partnership. This will allow access to useful resources and will enable collaboration with other CRPs across the UK.
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 dawn@4theregion.com and zoe@4theregion.com, or call 07789 226 457.
Here follows a report of the second virtual meeting of the temporary steering group on 28th May 2020. You can find the agenda circulated for the steering group meeting, as well as a write up of notes from the event below.
CRP Steering Group Agenda
CRP Steering Group Notes
You can listen to an audio recording of the full 2 hour meeting below:
We want to develop a collaborative alliance between organisations, communities and businesses to recognise and work towards the aims of the CRP. We have drafted an agenda outlining our terms of reference.
The CRP aims to develop a collaborative alliance between organisations, communities and businesses, and ensure that they are involved in every step of the CRP’s goals. It’s important to communicate how we can make the railway more accessible and encourage a welcoming network of stations. Developments should take place to allow people with disabilities to have easier and more comfortable access to rail transport.
Accessibility for cycle transport is also another key point brought up during these steering group meetings. Cycling is an important past-time for many and it seems necessary to build connections along the network using cycle carriages to encourage active travel. With cycling and walking being critical connectors, it’s important to encourage people to return to sustainable transport.
The regeneration of stations is one of the first steps that the CRP will involve itself in. The future of Milford Haven station is seeing future development efforts to encourage rail transport. Local stakeholders such as TfW, the Port Authority and Milford Haven town board are working together to envision the future of Milford Haven. Massive developments are planned within the next 18 months – 2 years, such as a conference centre and a 150 bed hotel, just moments from the train station. There’s an opportunity provided to promote sustainable travel to Milford Haven. Discussions with local communities and businesses provide insight into how to undertake improvement of the arrival opportunities to Milford Haven. This can become a great example of local community members and businesses being the experts in the investment of the area. It’s key to bring everyone together to explore possibilities and share knowledge.
THE NEW COMMUNITY RAIL OFFICER
Since the last steering group meeting, we have appointed a Community Rail Officer, Jennifer Barfoot.
For the past nine years Jennifer has been employed by the four local authorities across South West Wales, delivering regional transport projects mostly within the educational sector. In 2016 the four local authorities were successful in their GWR CCIF application and Jennifer set up and ran ‘My Train Wales’ – a regional safety and promotional initiative delivered to schools and social groups across the region.
As Community Rail Officer, Jennifer can take the lead in terms of reference, activity and business plans, website and preparations for when we can promote our rail networks once again. TfW is looking to employ CRP Ambassadors, who will work with Jennifer.
REFLECTIONS ON THE DISCUSSION
- Recovery – Recently TfW have been working with their partner organisations to develop a multi agency approach to encourage the public back onto public transport when the appropriate restrictions are lifted and the time is ‘right’. Due consideration given to cleanliness and social distancing.
- Wellbeing and Future Generations – Wellbeing is key for us all during this time of lockdown and will continue to be as we enter the recovery phase
- Inclusion – In terms of widening the net of organisations to be involved in the Partnership (walking/cycling groups) We should move to make all stations more inclusive and welcoming.
- Sustainability – Not just in terms of transportation but also consideration of the natural and built environment surrounding stations in relation to bio-diversity
- Hubs – Utilising and bringing back to life the disused spaces in and around stations
- Transformation – At the moment focused around Milford Haven but visions for other stations and communities throughout the region in the future.
by admin | May 1, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership
The first challenge for the new Community Rail Partnership is to agree on a name/identity for the partnership, something which all partners across the four counties of our region will feel part of. This is no small task, given the diversity of our region and the separate brands and identities already in use by each county and local area. Having initially suggested a selection of possible names reflecting the values and USPs emerging from previous conversations, we were grateful for the input of participants at our recent online meeting, who all agreed that the attempt to unify everyone under a new brand would be futile – because we are all so different! And because visitors and residents will identify with different messages and ideas.
So the consensus arising out of a wide ranging and useful discussion, was to keep it simple! We are South West Wales – nothing more and nothing less. We agreed that if partners across all four counties would get into the habit of locating themselves in “South West Wales”, this in itself would be a major step forward.
The theme of CONNECTION and CONNECTIVITY was also popular and meaningful to members of the temporary steering group, and could have a number of interpretations. It relates to transport and travel connectivity – an integrated travel network etc. It relates to collaboration and joined-up working. And it can also be used in a flexible way to encompass other themes, sectors and values – connected to well-being, connected to education, connected to business etc etc.
So, where we got to after an hour of conversation, was general support for collaboration under the geographic banner of SOUTH WEST WALES, and for the CRP name to include the word “CONNECTED” to signify the purpose and ambition of the partnership.
If partners and collaborators across the region shared the view that joined-up working and regional co-promotion is generally beneficial, they could begin to incorporate the words “South West Wales” into their own communications and branding, signifying their “belonging” to the region and demonstrating a willingness to collaborate with, and through, the new Community Rail Partnership. No doubt some will object passionately to the idea, preferring to stand alone and do things their own way, and that’s absolutely fine! But, perhaps, over time, more and more businesses, organisations and destinations will see the benefit of working together under a shared geographic identity. We think that would be wonderful. What do you think??
To listen to the discussion and understand how we came to this decision for the CRP, check out the report from our first steering group meeting here: https://www.4theregion.org.uk/crp-temp-steering-group-meeting/
by admin | May 1, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership, Impact Areas, Travel Transport Tourism
South West Wales Community Rail Partnership
TEMPORARY STEERING GROUP – 30th April 2020
4theRegion is the host organisation for a new Community Rail Partnership for South West Wales. The COVID-19 crisis has affected our plans for the recruitment of a Community Rail Officer and put on hold the planned events and conversations across the region. In the meantime, we are forming a temporary steering group to help us shape the CRP and its activity, so that we are well placed to move forward when the crisis is over. We will meet online via Zoom video conference. 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 dawn@4theregion.com and zoe@4theregion.com, or call 07789 226 457.
Here follows a report of the first virtual meeting of the temporary steering group, on 30th April 2020. You can find the papers circulated for the steering group meeting, as well as a write up of notes from the event below.
CRP Steering Group Papers
CRP Steering Group Notes
You can listen to an audio recording of the full 2 hour meeting below:
WHAT SHALL WE CALL OURSELVES?
We started from the point of view that we need to collectively agree what we call ourselves, as a CRP and as a region. We love the way “The Heart of Wales Line” has become a recognisable identity for a region that spreads itself along a railway line, and we think it connects with visitors and residents alike. It is simultaneously a “brand”, and name for the line itself, and a name for the CRP. Of course, our region is bigger and different, in that we are seeking to connect not only the towns and villages along the railway line, but all the communities across all four counties of South West Wales, and many of these already have their own successful tourism identities – Pembrokeshire, Gower, the Garden of Wales.
There was (and remains!) some confusion as to whether we are naming our organisation, or our region, and whether the name is intended to attract visitors (e.g. as a tourism brand) or to engage residents and businesses that are based in South West Wales. The most immediate deployment of the name will be in the URL of the new CRP website and in our social media handles. It will be used on maps, marketing campaigns and publications that the CRP might produce.
Beyond this, we hope that partners, communities and organisations across the region will see the value of using the new regional identity in their own materials and activity, as a sign of collaboration, shared interest, and commitment to regional working. This video recording captures some of the discussion about choosing a name for the CRP and the region. By the end of the meeting there was a surprising level of consensus!
REFLECTIONS ON THE DISCUSSION
There was some lack of clarity during the meeting over the purpose of the Community Rail Partnership, and a fixation on the railway itself and the tourism sector. The key point for us is that the purpose of the CRP is not just about trains and it’s not just about tourism. It’s about how the rail network can be leveraged to unlock greater wellbeing in all its forms – prosperity, health, equality, environmental, social and cultural, encouraging more joined up thinking and collaborative working across South West Wales, and helping everyone (not just visitors) to feel better connected to opportunities and experiences right across the region – education, employment, leisure, culture, wellbeing…
Much of the conversation centred on the difficulty of defining the identity of South West Wales through a single “brand”, due to it being such a large and diverse region. And of course it has been attempted in the past – and efforts have failed – so what can we learn and do differently now? Collectively, we gained some new clarity around using “campaigns” and themes for tourism marketing – and that some of the previously suggested “names” for the CRP were in fact different themes and ideas for particular future campaigns. Also, celebrating the diversity our region offers, and realising that different audiences will be attracted to different things.
I think what we need to do is to use this opportunity of the Community Rail Partnership to overcome some of the divisions across the region, and actually turn it into a strength for the region. We are a region of diverse elements, the industrial side, the coast, the countryside, we’ve got culture, language, all in different parts of the region. I think what we need to do is to show that the rail network can open up the region, so that people can go and have a meeting with industry, they can take their bike on the train to Neath, they can come to Pembrokeshire and to the coast, they can go and see the garden of Wales which is Carmarthenshire.
Perhaps what I’m nervous about is that a lot of the conversation seems to be about tourism, and campaigns about tourism. What I’m thinking is that we’re using the rail network as a “connected” South West Wales, that we connect to… economy, skills, for young people to get to places of education, for people to get to places of work, but we also connect it for people to understand the food and drink producers that we have across the region, all these small businesses who are really struggling now and will require accessibility and promotion post-lockdown. And also connection to wellbeing, for example the wellbeing village in Delta Lakes in Carmarthenshire.
So I would say we use “connected”, which I know has been utilised many times before, but if we’re smart and we use it for the rail network to open up how we’re connected to different sectors, different geographies across the region, and we bring it together and we say, South West Wales is connected, be it for business, leisure, tourism, well-being, whatever it may be.
It was great to reach such consensus around the idea of using just “SOUTH WEST WALES” as our shared “brand”, which seems rather obvious now! We expect that partners across the region will continue to focus purely on marketing Pembrokeshire, or Gower, or “the Garden of Wales”, as successful brands in themselves, and that’s understandable. Perhaps the mission of the CRP is to encourage better joined up working to unlock opportunities and maximise potential, and if we can encourage the use of “South West Wales” as a subtitle, or an aside, we should regard that as a win!
Connectivity and connection were key words for many participants during the meeting, that seemed to encapsulate both the PURPOSE of the CRP, and the aspiration for the region – suggesting travel connectivity but not limited to transport. We need to strive towards connecting both rural and larger communities, businesses and organisations in order to encourage a wider area of trade, skills and education. This theme of ‘connection” was popular within the discussion.
You can find the papers circulated for the steering group meeting, as well as a write up of notes from the event below.
CRP Steering Group Papers
CRP Steering Group Notes
All questions and comments should be directed to dawn@4theregion.com and zoe@4theregion.com
TFW REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER FORUM
The Community Rail Partnership will not be an effective forum for talking about rail services or the performance of TfW. As hosts of the CRP, 4theRegion is not an expert in trains or services, and has no power to improve them. “Train business”, such as reporting service problems and lobbying for changes to timetables, will be signposted to TfW’s new Regional Stakeholder Forum.
Our newly appointed Regional Stakeholder Managers will lead and manage local relationships, aiming to find ways to maximise the impact of our work and better understand local people’s needs. For matters relating to transport planning, strategy, and making sure the train service does what it should in the region, the new Stakeholder Forums will have a varied membership including the Welsh Government, Network Rail, British Transport Police, local authorities, rail user groups, and business groups. This forum will improve collaboration between stakeholders, creating the opportunity to discuss our performance and progress as well as to provide us with valuable feedback that will allow us to continually improve and shape our plans. Katie Powis will remain involved with the new Community Rail Partnership for South West Wales, and will be a point of contact for all matters relating to the trains, the services, and the network itself.
Katie Powis,
Rheolwr Rhanddeiliaid / Stakeholder Manager
Trafnidiaeth Cymru / Transport for Wales
Katie.Powis1@tfw.wales
T: 07493 060539
by 4theManagement | Feb 12, 2020 | Community Rail Partnership, Features, Projects, Reports
South West Wales Community Rail Partnership Event
Friday 24TH January 2020
Swansea Train Station
On Friday 24th January, 4theRegion held a launch event for the community rail partnership. This is our write up of the event, intended to capture the key discussion points and themes.
In partnership with Transport for Wales (Rail), 4theRegion is now host to a new Community Rail Partnership for South West Wales, covering the four counties of Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Held at the Grand Hotel opposite Swansea Train Station, the Community Rail Partnership launch event brought together people and organisations from across the region, to discuss the potential to make change happen for the region, by working together under the banner of the new CRP.
The Community Rail Partnership seeks to connect a team of organisations, businesses and individuals who want to see the region flourish in alignment with the 7 well-being goals outlined in the Well-being of Future Generations Act. By maximising the beneficial impact of the rail networks and existing services, we can aim to generate more footfall, spending and activity within the heart of communities across the South West Wales region.
The new CRP will aim to engage with communities, businesses and organisations along the South West Wales rail network in order to champion all of the unique identities of each location, create a shared sense of place and facilitate collaboration towards achieving greater social, environmental and economic value in the region.
- The creation of a South West Wales Community Rail Partnership a benefit to local communities – The CRP can be utilised as a voice to improve transportation in the region, providing a beneficial effect on local economy.
- Cycling, leisure and transport – Better joined up working between different modes of transport. Opportunities for better cycle storage on Transport for Wales. Promotion of accessible information regarding cycle routes to encourage leisure and tourism in the region.
- Local economical and environmental benefits – Using sustainable transport to reduce the carbon footprint of individuals in the region. How would we encourage commuters to leave their car and use the rail network?
- Disused spaces along rail networks could be used as hubs for business and social enterprise. Transport for Wales want to see train stations developed into hubs for business and community use. Vacant station buildings could be adopted and repurposed. Train stations could play a bigger role in local communities, bringing people together, addressing social exclusion and community cohesion.
- Inter-connectivity and identity – Aim to bridge the four regions of South West Wales. Celebrating the unique identities of local destinations would benefit a wide range of businesses and individuals.
- Timetables don’t always align to local events – Improved travel synchronisation with major events such as sport and festivals could be beneficial to the regional economy.
- Community transport connectivity – Public transport services require improved connectivity and delivery of travel information in order to encourage commuting via public transport.
- Accessibility – Promotion of South West Wales as a region. People may not be aware of what’s on their doorstep due to lack of communication and distribution of information.
- Transport, travel and the environment – Key challenges in a world needed to reduce carbon emissions whilst promoting access to the natural environment. How can we encourage people to consider public transport as the first option?
- Frustrations over limited / unreliable services. While the CRP can build a business case for continued investment in more trains and services, the purpose of the new CRP for South West Wales is not just to talk about the trains, but to leverage the benefit of the services we already have, to connect the regional offer and encourage more joint working.
During this first conversation about the new Community Rail Partnership, we heard from diverse organisations and individuals, about their priorities and ideas. 4theRegion has subsequently drafted a document outlining the purpose of the new CRP, its proposed structure, and a job description for the new Community Rail Officer. These documents are will be published during March 2020, but you can review the drafts at the following link. Please get in touch with your thoughts and with any questions!
Community Rail Partnership for South West Wales – Mission & Structure
All questions and comments should be directed to dawn@4theregion.com and zoe@4theregion.com
