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South West Wales Connected Launch

South West Wales Connected Launch

by | 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

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

South West Wales CRP – July Temporary Steering Group Meeting

by | 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) 

Attendees

  • Jennifer Barfoot – CRO

  • Peter Absolom – Pembrokeshire Rail Travellers Association

  • John Davies – BayTrans

  • Zoe Antrobus, Dawn Lyle – 4theRegion

  • Laura Webley – Tourism Neath Port Talbot Council

  • Geraint Morgan – Community Rail Manager

  • Rhiannon-Jane Raftery – Community Rail Network

  • Chris Lund, Lewis Ward – Great Western Railway

  • Claire Hickman – Network Rail Community Manager 

  • Lisa Denison – Heart of Wales Line

  • Jane Tonks – Uplands Living Streets

  • Jeremy Martineau – Fishguard & Goodwick Chamber of Trade & Tourism

  • Gitti Coates – Project Leader Haverhub

  • Becky Lloyd – St Davids Community Projects

  • Bernie Davies – Introbiz

  • Carl Gough – Social Business Wales

  • William Mansfield – Natural Resources Wales

Milford Haven Shared Vision Meeting

Milford Haven Shared Vision Meeting

by | 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. 

EVENT OVERVIEW

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.

THEMES

  • 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.

ARISING IDEAS

  • 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.

COMMUNITY ACTION

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PARTICIPANTS

  • 4theRegion
  • South West Wales Connected CRP
  • Transport for Wales
  • Milford Haven Port Authority
  • Milford Haven Placeboard
  • Swansea University
  • Pembrokeshire County Council
  • Milford Haven 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 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.

South West Wales CRP – June Temporary Steering Group Meeting

South West Wales CRP – June Temporary Steering Group Meeting

by | 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:

 

 

 

Audio Recording of the Meeting<br />

South West Wales CRP - Temporary Steering Group - 26th June 2020

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.

South West Wales CRP – May Temporary Steering Group Meeting

South West Wales CRP – May Temporary Steering Group Meeting

by | 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:

Audio Recording of the Meeting

South West Wales CRP - Temporary Steering Group - 28th May 2020

ENVISIONING THE FUTURE

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. 
A Regional CRP – But Who Are We?

A Regional CRP – But Who Are We?

by | 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/