COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY TRANSPORTTRANSPORT in Pembrokeshire - 2003
Phil Brookes Community Transport Development Worker Contents
Forward 1
1. Introduction 3
2. A Profile of Pembrokeshire 4
General 4
Transport 4
3. The Community Transport Project 7
4. Identification of Needs in Pembrokeshire 9
Research with geographical communities 9
Research with communities of interest 10
CT workers research 11
SWWITCH 13
5. Existing Services 15
Pembrokeshire Country Cars 15
Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport 15
Red Cross Transport and Escort Service 16
School minibuses 16
Social Services Volunteer Drivers 16
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis and Minibuses 16
Community Education Minibuses 17
Pembrokeshire County Council Adapted Vehicles 17
Narberth Dial-a-Ride 20
Hospital Cars 20
Cars for Carers 20
Preseli Rural Transport Association 21 6. Pembrokeshire County Council 22
The role of the Council in Community Transport 22 and Strategic Planning
Concessionary Travel Pass Scheme 24
7. Funding Opportunities 25
Community Fund 25
Objective 1 26
Local Transport Services Grant 27
Trust Funds 28
Match funding and In-Kind Contributions 30
8. Prioritising Needs 31
9. Role of the Forum 32
10. The work of other groups in the county 33
Greenways 33
North Pembrokeshire Transport Forum 34
Pembrokeshire Rail Travellers Association 35
Pembrokeshire Access Group 35
11. Proposed developments 35
12. Conclusions 36
13. Recommendations 38
Appendices 39 Forward
The importance of community transport
I am delighted to have been asked to contribute to ‘Community Transport in Pembrokeshire - 2003’. Community transport has always played an important part in meeting the transport needs of many people who find it difficult to access conventional public transport, whether because of a lack of services, or because those services that are running may be less than ideal for passengers with mobility problems. This is perhaps especially true for people living in isolated Valleys communities, or in the rural areas of Wales, such as Pembrokeshire.
As Welsh Assembly Government Minister responsible for transport I appreciate the vital contribution that community transport plays in helping people to access essential health care, and to link up with conventional bus and train services, as well as the equally valuable visits to friends and relatives, to social events, and simply to get out and about. Recognising this vital contribution I have allocated more than £7.5m under the Local Transport Services Grant (LTSG) scheme to local authorities to help boost the number and range of community transport projects, as well as to subsidise local buses. Pembrokeshire’s allocation is almost £400,000. To help the community transport sector to further develop its professionalism and expand its expertise, I am providing to the Community Transport Association (CTA) in Wales more than £300,000 over three years to boost the advice and support services it provides throughout Wales.
Grants from the National Assembly to community transport projects over the last 5 years have already helped the work of several organisations operating in Pembrokeshire. They include South Pembrokeshire Partnership for Action for Rural Communities, and the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services. The voluntary sector makes a tremendous contribution to our society, and I am proud to pay tribute to the work of the many volunteers who give their time freely within the community transport sector. Their dedication and professionalism is a lesson to us all.
To give extra help I was pleased recently to announce the extension of Bus Service Operators Grant, which gives a fuel duty rebate and thereby reducing operating costs to more community transport services in Wales. I very much hope that this extra funding will enable community transport operators to increase and develop the range of services they already provide so that even more people who depend on, and value, their work will benefit in the future.
1 Working in partnership with the sector and local authorities great progress has been achieved in recent years, but I am determined to ensure that this momentum is not lost. The Welsh Transport Forum - which I chair and which benefits from the membership of Wynford Lloyd-Davies of the CTA - has undertaken a review of community transport in Wales. A final report and action plan has been endorsed by the Forum and by the Assembly’s Environment, Planning and Transport Committee. We will be implementing the report’s recommendations in partnership with local authorities and the community transport, health, education, voluntary and social services sectors, and a seminar to help disseminate and promote its findings is scheduled for late October.
From 1 April this year the Welsh Assembly Government has fulfilled its commitment to guarantee free travel on local bus services by pensioners and disabled people. The scheme is proving immensely successful, and has greatly improved accessibility for bus passengers. We would like to extend this to community transport but there are many difficult issues that would need to be overcome before that could happen. To help with this I have established a Steering Group including the CTA and the Welsh Local Government Association to investigate the issues involved in more detail, and to make recommendations to me.
Community transport has traditionally made a major contribution to enhancing the mobility of very many people throughout Wales. That contribution has grown significantly in recent years, and I believe there is considerable scope and opportunity for further growth. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the voluntary and community transport sectors to achieve our shared objectives, and congratulate the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services on producing this helpful and informative report.
SUE ESSEX AM
Minister for Environment Welsh Assembly Government
2 1. Introduction
Welcome to this, the first report into Community Transport in Pembrokeshire, the aim of which is to provide a focus for exploring the current and potential role of community transport in meeting a range of transport needs. The report has been produced as part of the work of the Community Transport Project, a multi agency partnership.
Starting by looking at transport in the context of an overall profile of Pembrokeshire, the report then focuses on the range of research which has been carried out with; those geographical communities that are affected by peripherality and the lack of services in rural areas, and those communities of interest that have specific access issues due to physical and other sensory impairments.
It gives a description of current provision in the county, before moving on to focus on the role of Pembrokeshire County Council and the potential for attracting new resources to build on what currently exists. The role of a Community Transport Forum is discussed as well as an exploration of issues such as the prioritisation of resources, proposed developments and the contribution made by other groups in the county to the overall transport agenda.
The report closes with some conclusions and recommendations. However, one of its key purposes is to inform the process of debate. We would therefore urge you to take advantage of the opportunity to express your views in writing and/or by attending meetings of the Community Transport Forum. Your views have already helped to strengthen the report and make it a useful starting point to guide future developments in Community Transport in the County.
3 2. A Profile of Pembrokeshire
General
z Pembrokeshire forms the south-western peninsula of Wales. z The county covers approximately 1,600 square kilometers. z The county is predominantly rural with a population density about half the Welsh average. z The tourist industry has a significant effect on population at certain times of the year. z Levels of unemployment are consistently above the Welsh average. z Levels of health are better in Pembrokeshire overall than across Wales. z Levels of crime are low compared with much of the UK. z There are currently 8,000 Blue Badge holders in the county. (See Appendix I)
Transport
Pembrokeshire’s communications to the east with Wales and England have improved dramatically over the past 10 years. The A40 from Fishguard, through Haverfordwest, links up with the M4 motorway just east of Carmarthen, and the Whitland by-pass has helped ease traffic flow in and out of the county even further. The Trunk Road system contains the strategic routes into Pembrokeshire. About 30% of the total vehicle distance travelled is on Trunk Roads despite the fact that they make up only 5% of the County’s highway length. The level of car ownership in Pembrokeshire, as outlined in the 1991 census, was 78.5%, which was 8.5% above the national average. National Road Traffic Forecasts show that car ownership is likely to increase by up to 2% a year. Despite this 25% of the county’s resident population do not have access to private transport and are therefore often dependent on public transport in one form or another. 43% of the county’s rural population do not have access to a daily bus service. Demand for bus services in rural areas is in decline. Rising car use has resulted in a circle of declining bus service use and financial viability, rising fares and reducing service levels. These sparsely populated areas are unable to
4 support conventional bus services on a commercial basis. Particular problems exist for young people, people with disabilities, people of pensionable age, carers and the unemployed. If no provision is available to them they become excluded to a greater or lesser extent from economic and social activity.
Rail links into Pembrokeshire are similarly inadequate, both in terms of the rail infrastructure itself and the standard of service. The majority of passenger train services running through the county are unprofitable. In the current debate over an all-Wales rail franchise the core service requirement must be extended beyond Swansea to both ferry ports, and the frequency, reliability and quality of service must be improved.
The ports of Fishguard and Pembroke Dock provide significant ferry links to Southern Ireland, resulting in a large throughput of people and traffic, both private and commercial, across the county. In 1995 more than 1.5 million passengers used the ports and the introduction of the high speed Sea Lynx catamaran at Fishguard and the super ferry at Pembroke Dock has dramatically boosted the traffic. These cross channel services provide a crucial bridge for freight and commercial traffic, including a British Rail link direct into Fishguard harbour. The port of Milford Haven is extremely important, especially for the oil industry, servicing the remaining refinery and storage depot facilities.
The county has a strategically placed civil airport at Withybush, on the outskirts of Haverfordwest, with direct links to the A40 Trunk Road making access to the facility very good. The airport has recently undergone improvements to the runway, navigational assistance to pilots equipment and lighting systems. Further planned developments will help to ensure that airport capacity is sufficient to serve the growing need of the County and the wider region.
References Pembrokeshire County Council - Local Transport Plan - 2000-2005 Pembrokeshire County Council - Training and Development - August 1997 Pembrokeshire Partnership Management Board - Objective 1 in Pembrokeshire: The Local Strategy - November 2001
5 opyright. nce Number LA 09015L99 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown C Office. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with permission of Controller Her Majesty's Stationery Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Pembrokeshire CC - Lice
6 Transport Infrastructure 3. The Community Transport Project
Building on work initiated by the Pembrokeshire Voluntary Sector Liaison Panel, the aims of the project are to develop a co-ordinated inter-sectoral approach to community-based and voluntary transport in ways that maximise the potential of current services, identify unmet needs and develop appropriate responses to these needs.
The project has received a 2-year grant form the National Assembly for Wales to fund a Community Transport development Worker. The main objectives of this worker are as follows; z To carry out a comprehensive audit of community-based and voluntary transport services in Pembrokeshire. z To develop information services about community and voluntary transport services in the county. z To explore ways of maximising the potential of what currently exists, including the development of initiatives such as a brokerage scheme. z To collate information and research which already exists on the identified community and voluntary transport needs in the county. z To design and carry out any additional research necessary to inform the development of a comprehensive analysis of community transport needs. z To carry out research into innovative transport solutions and build an information resource of good practice. z To work in collaboration with Partner agencies to z draw up co-ordinated proposals for pilot schemes and projects that will meet the unmet community transport needs in the county. z bid for resources to fund the identified community transport services. z facilitate a minimum of two meetings per year of a Community Transport Forum.
The targets of the post will focus on research and maximising the potential of what currently exists leading to a more developmental focus on putting together pilot projects, bidding for additional resources and piloting new schemes.
7 Partners involved in setting up the project have included:
z Age Concern z Ambulance Trust z Local Health Group z Pembrokeshire Access Group z PIPPA z Pembrokeshire Coalition Opportunities for Disabled People z Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services z Pembrokeshire County Council z Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport z Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust z Red Cross z Women’s Royal Voluntary Service
The Community Transport Development Worker is based in County Hall within the Transport and Environment Department and has full use of all the facilities and expertise available. PAVS have responsibility for the budget and the employment of the worker, including line management. Supervision on a day to day basis is by the Councils Innovative Transport Officer.
The management structure is as follows, the Community Transport Development Group is chaired by a PAVS trustee who has the responsibility for reporting back to the PAVS Executive Committee. The group has the power to make delegated decisions based on the knowledge and expertise within the group. The Management membership is as follows:
z PAVS Trustee as Chairman z Community Transport Development Worker z PAVS line manager z PCC Innovative Transport Officer z Representative of the Older Persons Forum z Representative of the Pembrokeshire Access Group z PCC Transport Strategy representative z Pembs and Derwen NHS Trust representative z Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport representative z Representative from the Pembrokeshire Coalition z WRVS Country Cars representative
It was felt that this membership provided a reasonable balance representing the community as a whole whilst still retaining a manageable size. Temporary co- options would be considered if specialist advice was needed on any issues.
8 4. Identification of Needs in Pembrokeshire
Research with geographical communities z PLANED(SPARC) and Menter Preseli A substantial amount of consultation has been undertaken within Pembrokeshire over recent years, with two Leader groups, PLANED (formerly SPARC) and Menter Preseli, undertaking community appraisals since 1990.
There are also a number of projects currently ongoing or planned. z Community Regeneration Unit Pembrokeshire County Council has established a Community Regeneration Unit (CRU), part of the role of which is to assist communities within Pembrokeshire to identify their priorities and needs and to see them realised. The CRU is well placed to feed the needs and aspirations of the communities into the Community Planning process.
Summary of research findings: Although each community appraisal and other consultations brought up different issues for each area or community, there were definite trends, especially in respect to transport. The same points can be seen recurring in most comments made by residents regarding traffic and transport, these are outlined below.
z Safety is seen as a major concern for most people, with speeding, poor lighting and cycle routes cited as the main factors. In rural areas lack of pavements/kerbs and bus shelters was also seen as a problem, but speeding far outweighed all other factors. z A Community minibus is often raised as an important priority, although most have not thought about the use, sustainability or all the implications of such a vehicle. z There were also a number of recurring criticisms of existing transport, with either lack of or insufficient service provision as the main issue. Secondary issues were with dirty, uncomfortable vehicles and unhelpful drivers.
References Copies of all community appraisals can be obtained from PLANED (SPARC) 01834 860965 Community Regeneration Unit (Menter Preseli) 01437 775535
9 Research with communities of interest
Pembrokeshire Access Group
The Pembrokeshire Access Group, a registered charity, is a voluntary organisation. Its objective is to improve access for people with disabilities. Some members are able-bodied, but many have disabilities. Councillors and officials, nominated by Pembrokeshire County Council, are also members of the executive committee.
Its work includes: z Consultation with the local authority on access issues; z Monitoring planning applications; z Surveying existing buildings to recommend access improvements; z Improving access to information, for those with impaired vision or hearing; z Promoting effective access legislation; z Supporting the provision and use of accessible public transport.
The group is a partner in the Pembrokeshire Greenways Initiative and is affiliated to Disability Wales. Many members are trained as access auditors and carry out access surveys on request.
It organises Access Award Schemes in the major towns of Pembrokeshire, with the co- operation of local residents. These schemes are aimed at improving access and to draw attention to the full implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act in 2004.
The group publishes 'A Guide for People with Disabilities in Pembrokeshire'. This handbook was launched in 1998 and a revised edition will be published in 2003. It is a gazetteer covering all types of buildings to which the public has access. For each building it lists availability of parking, ease of access and facilities that are helpful to people with disabilities.
The group carried out a survey in 1999 with the objective of collecting information on the number of people in Pembrokeshire who have a disability and to what degree they used existing means of transport. Their aim was to see that if it could be demonstrated that there was a large demand for adapted transport then local bus companies and taxi operators may have been persuaded to invest in more access friendly vehicles. The survey was restricted to Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Fishguard, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock due to a lack of resources. All those claiming disability payments from these Post Offices were asked to complete a questionnaire and return it to the Access Group.
10 Summary of research findings: The main points are outlined below.
z Nearly half the respondents suffered from more than one disability. z The majority state a car as their main mode of transport, with a third saying that they have to use taxis regularly. z The majority would use adapted buses on a weekly basis if such provision were available. z Other issues were around the problems of getting to public transport stops and getting on and off existing busses and trains.
References Copies of the research can be obtained from Pembrokeshire Access Group 01646 692134
CT worker’s research z Questionnaires. A questionnaire was devised and distributed to all the existing community transport providers in Pembrokeshire. The aim was to learn more about their organisation, vehicles, customers, funding and the service they provide. z Workshops. A series of six participatory workshops for assessing use and needs of community transport were carried out during the period September to November 2001. They were devised by Global Connections who facilitated the first three. The six workshops used groups with differing disability, geographical location and age (one Young Persons and one Elderly). z Interviews. A number of in-depth individual interviews were carried out covering a reasonable cross-section of the community. Ten interviews took place between May and October 2001.
11 Summary of research findings: As with the other research mentioned above the results varied greatly depending on the group or individual spoken to. There were vastly different individual needs depending on age, ability, financial situation and location. Having said that there were also a surprising number of recurring themes and similar issues. The main points are outlined below.
z Information is one of the main issues, cropping up again and again with all people. Surprisingly the vast majority of people do not know what public transport services are already provided, what other transport provisions exist or how to find out about them. In Pembrokeshire we have an excellent Country Cars Scheme but most people have either never heard of it or if they have do not know how to contact it or think they are not eligible to use the service. The same can be said of the Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport accessible minibuses, those that use them have nothing but praise for the service, but still the vast majority of people have not heard of them. The issue of perceived eligibility around community transport is an issue that needs to be addressed. z Cost of other forms of transport than public buses, especially taxis, is usually too expensive to use on a regular basis. Most people, other than those on a low income and stating finance as their main transport inhibitor, said that cost, although important, was not the main factor but the fact that transport was not available. Most people said they would pay a fair rate for transport if the provision existed. z Nearly all people with accessibility issues rely almost totally on a partner for their mode of transport, with other relatives, friends and neighbours helping out. z Introduction of the low-floor bus corridor is hailed as a good start to accessible transport, but, obviously, is only of use to people living near enough to be able to use it. z The new Concessionary Travel Pass Scheme for the elderly and disabled is also cited as a major improvement. z There is a general dissatisfaction with the state of public transport, dirty and uncomfortable being the main problems. Driver attitude is also a main issue, especially cited by groups with disabilities. Groups with non-obvious disabilities, such as hearing, reading and epilepsy stated driver attitude as the major reason why some did not use public transport as often as they would like or had stopped using it at all. The vast majority stated that customer care was far greater when using community transport than any form of public transport. The same comments but on a greater level were aimed at the majority of taxi vehicles, with the smell of smoking on the drivers and in the vehicles an added irritant to the majority of potential users.
Other issues were; z Lack of late evening and early night transport for use after cinema, theatre, sports and social events. z General lack of services in rural areas. z Issues around transport to attend hospital, doctor and dental appointments. z Perceived safety problems in the dark at bus stops and on buses. z All the existing community transport providers said they had recurring problems with a shortage of volunteer drivers.
References Further details of the research can be obtained from 12 Community Transport Development Worker 01437 775158 SWWITCH
The South West Wales Integrated Transport Consortium (SWWITCH) of local authorities comprises Carmarthenshire County Council, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and The City and County of Swansea. The Consortium takes a regional view of transport provision, both in terms of traditional bus and rail based public transport and community and voluntary based transport.
The consortium received a grant from the National Assembly for Wales to undertake studies of rural and community-based transport schemes within the sub-region. In April 2000 the consortium commissioned independent transport consultants to undertake this comprehensive study of rural accessibility initiatives across the region. The study aimed to identify the potential for benefits to the rural community from the establishment of a Vehicle Co-ordination and Demand Management Centre. A further report, soon to be published, is a conclusion of a more detailed study into the objectives and benefits of such a scheme and the possible ways it could be implemented.
The study encompassed: z Research and consultation with the various schemes and groups providing transportation services in the region and an assessment of the potential for a demand management and vehicle co-ordination centre or centres; z Development of proposals on the establishment of either one centre or a number of centres for the region; z Research into the technology and IT systems required to support the proposals; z The identification of appropriate hardware and software costs for the proposals.
1 2
SWWITCH Members 3 4 1. Pembrokeshire County Council 2. Carmarthenshire County Council 3. City and County of Swansea 4. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council 13 Summary of research findings: The SWWITCH consortium have produced a detailed study and the final report is in the consultation stage, but the main points are outlined below.
z Pembrokeshire would be used as the pilot area, with expansion to cover further areas once the scheme was operationally proven. The rationale for Pembrokeshire being that it is a rural county and has the two main resources of a Community Transport Development Worker to promote the scheme and suitable transport resources, mainly Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport, to be integrated into the scheme. z Other existing resources include, Social Services transport, Education Special Needs transport, Community Education transport, Country Cars scheme, Red Cross, Ambulance Car Service and other voluntary organisations. z Pembrokeshire County Council has purchased a software package to help co-ordinate and improve efficiency of the schools transport system, where over 5,000 pupils are provided with transport to school every day. Once this is working effectively a second part of the package will deal with demand responsive transport including Social Services minibuses, Country Cars and other voluntary vehicles.
Reference For further details contact SWWITCH Co-ordinating Officer 01437 775005
14 5. Existing Services
Pembrokeshire Country Cars
Pembrokeshire Country Cars is a voluntary transport scheme which provides transport for residents of Pembrokeshire, regardless of age, who do not have transport available for essential journeys. Volunteer drivers operate ten schemes throughout the county. Fares are payable and hospital appointments are not eligible. Pembrokeshire County Council funds Country Cars and the WRVS acts as the co-ordinating body. Passengers need to contact their area adviser to request transport, usually at least 24 hours in advance. The number of journeys allowed is limited to one per week. Users with wheelchairs must be able to move unaided from their chair to the vehicle, and the wheelchair must be able to be placed in a normal car boot. For further information contact: WRVS County Co-ordinator tel: 01437 762911
Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport
This association operates a non-profit making accessible community transport service for the elderly and disabled residents of Pembrokeshire, for social and recreational purposes. The organisation has 4 fully accessible vehicles adapted to carry wheelchair users including a small minibus that can carry up to 2 wheelchairs and escorts. All the drivers are volunteers. Passengers are charged a fare based on distance travelled.
For further information contact: Mr Brian Fletcher, Company Secretary tel: 01437 765201
15 Red Cross Transport and Escort Service
The British Red Cross offers suitable transport with an escort if required, or an escort service for people using public transport. The service can be used for doctor or hospital appointments, shopping trips and other leisure activities. There is a contribution towards the costs based on distance travelled. Wheelchair users can only be accommodated if they are able to move unaided from the chair to the vehicle, and the wheelchair is of a type that can be placed in a normal car boot. To book a journey, contact: The Red Cross Office in South Pembrokeshire Hospital tel: 01646 685908. The Red Cross Area Office in Carmarthen tel: 01267 237874 This is normally staffed between 10.00 am - 1.00 pm with an answerphone service at other times.
School minibuses
All the Comprehensive schools in the county and some other schools have their own minibus. These are the property of the individual schools and permission and arrangements to borrow them is at the discretion of the individual Head Teacher. There are also two wheelchair-adapted minibuses based at Portfield School in Haverfordwest. Inquiries about these vehicles can be made with the Transport Unit, Pembrokeshire County Council tel: 01437 775221
Social Services Volunteer Drivers
This is a service co-ordinated by the County Council’s Transport Unit. It relies on volunteer drivers using their own vehicles. The drivers transport young people, frail, elderly people, and those with disabilities that cannot use public transport. All drivers used have been police checked where necessary. Use of the service requires a referral from Social Services.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis and Minibuses
There are a limited number of these vehicles in Pembrokeshire and inquiries need to be made well in advance of any proposed journey as to the availability and suitability of these vehicles for each specific need. For further information contact: Phil Brookes, Community Transport Development Worker tel: 01437 775158
16 Community Education Minibuses
Community Education has six 17-seater minibuses available for hire. None of these vehicles are adapted for wheelchairs. These buses are available to hire by community groups and voluntary organisations at a charge of 26p per kilometer, inclusive of insurance. There is no mileage limit. Youth organisations have priority when requesting use of these vehicles. Arrangements to hire these buses should be made directly with the Further Education Officers at each of the six centres.
Crymych Kevin Davies 01239 831455 Fishguard Pauline Chesters 01348 872488 Haverfordwest Jackie Owen 01437 764869 Milford Haven Karen Picton 01646 693727 Neyland Anne Hackett 01646 601219 Pembroke Dock Chris Birch 01646 682668
Pembrokeshire County Council Adapted Vehicles
The Council operates 16 wheelchair accessible minibuses of varying sizes. The largest is able to carry up to 3 wheelchairs together with 13 passengers. These vehicles are usually available in the evenings, weekends and over public holidays for use by groups who can provide their own driver. They may be picked up from various points throughout Pembrokeshire.
At present, only a valid current driving licence is required, with a one-hour assessment and instruction session for first time drivers. Seven days notice is required for arranging this training session.
The Council has joined the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS). It is a programme developed to enhance the driving and passenger awareness skills of the drivers. MiDAS is designed to make appropriate assessment, training and accreditation available to minibus drivers. In the course of time all drivers using the Council minibuses will have to undergo MiDAS training as a condition of the hire arrangement. The vehicles are made available at a mileage rate that includes fuel and insurance. For further information and arrangements for using these vehicles, contact: The Transport Unit tel: 01437 775223 during normal office hours.
17 opyright. nce Number LA 09015L99 Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown C Office. Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with permission of Controller Her Majesty's Stationery Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Pembrokeshire CC - Lice Community Transport in Pembrokeshire
18 Community Transport in Pembrokeshire St Dogmaels
Newport Eglwyswrw
Letterston Rosebush
St.Davids Llys-y-Fran Llandissilio
Haverfordwest
Broad Haven Narberth
WRVS Country Cars drivers
Dale Amroth Milford Haven Pembroke Dock
Angle Pembroke Tenby
Castlemartin Freshwater East
Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Pembrokeshire CC - Licence Number LA 09015L99 19 Narberth Dial-a-Ride
The ‘Bloomfield Bus’ is the first Dial-a-Ride service in Pembrokeshire. It is a fully accessible minibus powered by LPG gas, which is a cleaner burning fuel, so is much more environmentally friendly than conventionally powered vehicles. The service runs on two days a week taking people from some of the outlying villages into Narberth. Passengers telephone in advance to book the vehicle to collect them from their home, take them to town and then return them to their door later. The vehicle is provided and maintained by Pembrokeshire County Council who also fund the scheme.
Children under the age of 16 are entitled to half price fare and Concessionary Travel Pass holders can travel without charge.
The vehicle is also available for hire during the days when not on the Dial-a-Ride service and in the evenings and at weekends. For further details contact the Bloomfield Bus co-ordinator tel: 01834 860293
Hospital Cars
The Ambulance Service provides a free transport service for patients considered by their doctor, dentist or midwife unable to attend the appropriate health care facility by any other means. The service relies on volunteer drivers using their own vehicles. Patients who think that they may be eligible for such transport should contact their GP.
Cars for Carers
This is a pilot scheme that has been set up by RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme) to provide transport for carers who do not have access to a vehicle or are unable to use public transport. Any carer needing transport to get to a meeting, a carers group, shopping or any other essential journey is eligible. 48 hours notice is required to book transport.
This scheme is still under development and running as a pilot in order to assess carer’s requirements and plan for the future. Any carer needing transport to get to a meeting, a carers group, shopping or any other essential journey can contact either Sally Davies tel: 01437 768993 or Jill Edge tel: 01437 768195
20 Preseli Rural Transport Association
The ‘Preseli Green Dragon’ is the second fully accessible gas powered Dial-a-Ride scheme in Pembrokeshire. It is run by the Preseli Rural Transport Association and funded and supported by the County Council. The scheme is being run as a pilot to help address the transport needs of people in the Brynberian, Llangolman, Tegryn and Newport areas. A number of services will be provided in these areas to link with existing bus and rail services. The vehicle will also be available for group hire during the days when not on Dial-a-Ride service and in the evenings and at weekends. For further details contact: Freephone 0800 7831584
References Community Transport Project Management Group - Community Transport Services in Pembrokeshire - July 2002
21 6. Pembrokeshire County Council
The role of the Council in Community Transport and Strategic Planning
Introduction
Under the terms of the Transport Act 2000, the County Council is empowered to provide public transport services that meet the needs of its residents and which are not otherwise provided. In order to prioritise the limited resources (both revenue and capital) available for this purpose, the Council is required to produce a Public Transport Strategy. Recent guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government provides that the Strategy should be a balance between regional and local issues.
To provide a regional framework in South West Wales for grant bidding purposes, the Council has joined with Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea Councils to form SWWITCH - the South West Wales Integrated Transport Consortium. SWWITCH has commissioned a number of studies to develop a regional transport strategy and framework, funded by Transport Grant from the Welsh Assembly.
Developing Strategy
The studies include a scoping study for a Demand Management & Vehicle Co- ordination Centre and a Public Transport Strategy Study. The former study recognises the special needs of very rural areas where conventional bus and rail services are not available and often will never be available to meet effectively their very scattered and individual needs.
The study examines how best to co-ordinate the public’s transport demand and information needs for unconventional and community transport by the establishment of a one-stop telephone enquiry service. The centre will ensure that these needs are met in the most effective way by the most appropriate existing and developing transport schemes and services, both conventional and unconventional. A pilot scheme is proposed for Pembrokeshire.
The Public Transport Strategy study will through consultation and further study provide a regional and local strategy to link the various public transport modes (including Community Transport). The study will identify priority bus and rail service corridors, interchange and focal points for further local investment to facilitate more convenient and effective interchange by passengers, particularly for longer journeys.
22 Scheme Development
Over recent years the Council has established measures to facilitate delivery of transport projects and services for the benefit of the public. These include: z A Transport Unit responsible for all the Council’s transport services - education, social services, community and public transport and the Council’s fleet of vehicles. The Unit employs a Rural Transport Innovations Officer; z A Community Transport Partnership with the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services, Pembrokeshire Access Group, Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport Association and the local National Health Service Trusts. The Partnership has a Community Transport Development Officer.
The evolving Strategy will provide a framework for developing schemes that are considered to be a local priority.
23 Concessionary Travel Pass Scheme
The All Wales Concessionary Fares Scheme was introduced in April 2002 through funding made available by the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG). The Council is responsible for the local administration of the scheme with guidelines laid down by WAG. As required by legislation, elderly and disabled persons are entitled to free travel on all local bus services in Pembrokeshire and throughout the whole of Wales. It also enables those with disabilities who would be unable to travel without assistance to take a companion free of charge.
A travel pass in the form of a Smartcard, consisting of a plastic card with a microchip embedded in it, enables the passenger easier boarding time compared to the previous paper pass system. The travel pass is available free of charge on completion of an application form available through all Post Office branches in the county.
As in all of the Welsh Authorities the new policy has been welcomed in Pembrokeshire, and has resulted in a significant increase in the numbers of people applying for bus passes and their usage within the County. The number of concessionary pass holders in Pembrokeshire currently stands at 12,200 and is estimated to rise to 14,000 by March 2003. This compares with a figure of less that 4,900 pass holders in 2001/2002.
It is the Assembly’s intention to expand the policy to include free travel for men aged over 60 commencing on the 1st April 2003. In Pembrokeshire, however, there has been pressure to expand the scheme from operators and customers of Community Transport. It seems anomalous that the elderly and disabled are able to claim free travel on public bus services, where these exist and where the disabled are able to use them, but the same facility is not available to those whose mobility problems are such that they need specialised transport or where public transport simply does not exist for pass holders to use.
To remove some of the clear anomalies within the system, created by the new policy, the Council has decided to address the issue by allocating additional funding to enable free travel on community transport in the County. On 31st October 2002 the Council resolved to introduce free concessionary fares on community transport minibuses in Pembrokeshire. For scheme guidelines and further information contact: Transport Unit, Pembrokeshire County Council, County Hall, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. SA61 1TP Tel: 01437 775097 (Monday to Friday, office hours)
24 7. Funding Opportunities
Community Fund
The Community Fund is the independent organisation set up by Parliament to distribute money raised by the National Lottery to support charities and voluntary and community groups throughout the UK. The main aim is to give grants to help meet the needs of those at greatest disadvantage in society and improve the quality of life in the community. There are a number of different grant programmes designed to suit different organisations and projects. Their grants programme is open to organisations of any size. Priority funding is given to projects that help disadvantaged people and improve quality of life in the community. They particularly encourage applications from locally based community organisations, whether new or established groups. Under the Community Fund Strategic Plan local funding priorities are reviewed each year. At present in Wales one of their priorities for 2002/03 is the provision of community transport, particularly projects that meet the transport needs of the community by either developing a current service, creating a new scheme or complementing local strategies. In particular, projects that stem from partnership working and agreed local strategies, whether at ward or regional level.
Full details of who can apply, what can be applied for and how to apply are included in the comprehensive Application Pack.
Reference For further details and an application pack contact:
Community Fund 08457 919191 www.community-fund.org.uk or for general assistance:
PAVS 01437 769422 Community Regeneration Unit 01437 775535 PLANED(SPARC) 01834 860965
25 Objective 1
The European Union has designated West Wales and the Valleys as a ‘lagging region’ as its Gross Domestic Product per head of population (a measure of wealth creation) is less than 75% of the European average. As a result West Wales and the Valleys, which includes the whole of Pembrokeshire, receives aid from the European Structural Funds through the Objective 1 programme until the end of 2006.
The types of activity that can be funded are set out in the Objective 1 Programme Complement. Community transport initiatives may be funded through Priority 5 Measure 8 of the programme ("support to promote access and enhance visitor enjoyment…") and Priority 3 Measure 3 ("increasing the accessibility of transport for marginalised groups through community based transport schemes"), although P3M3 support for community transport is only available for the wards of St Dogmaels and Maenclochog.
Reference Organisations wishing to apply for Objective 1 should contact the Secretariat to the Pembrokeshire local Objective 1 partnership (the Pembrokeshire Partnership Management Board (PPMB)). They can be contacted via the County Council’s Economic Development Division at County Hall, telephone Gwyn Evans, Helen Ross or Owen Roberts on 01437 776174/75/81. Alternatively contact Michael Odlin, European Officer, at PAVS, telephone 01437 769422. There is also a Pembrokeshire Objective 1 website, which contains more information useful to applicants (www.objective1-pembrokeshire.gov.uk).
26 Local Transport Services Grant
The Welsh Assembly Government allocates Local Transport Services Grant to unitary authorities in Wales for the provision of additional bus and other local transport services in the financial year 2002-3. Its purpose is to support authorities’ expenditure in exercise of their powers under the Transport Acts of 1985 and 2000, in connection with the provision of certain bus and other local transport services. Extending the scheme to include community transport has provided flexibility for authorities to determine the most appropriate solutions that offer best value in meeting local needs. The Assembly is keen that there should be coherent and complementary networks of local transport services, promoting accessibility and encouraging modal shift. Support will be considered for local transport schemes that might include conventional buses, community and flexibly scheduled buses, minibuses, dial-a-rides, social car schemes, taxi and voluntary car-sharing schemes, and support for local transport co-ordinators. The local authorities have the maximum discretion to support the types of services that will best meet the need for bus and other transport services in the area, having taken account of promoting social inclusion and modal shift. Specific reference is made for the need to consult with local people, town and community councils, bus operators and other local transport providers and the Community Transport Association in Wales.
Reference For further details contact Pembrokeshire County Council 01437 775097
27 Trust Funds
There are a vast number of Trust Funds that can be approached with an aim to raising money. Having said that the process of going about this can be a very daunting and challenging process. Simply because there are so many, finding the right one is a difficult proposition. All funders have their own agendas covering eligibility, status, support, location, match funding, capital, revenue, grant size, etc. the list is almost endless. A number of organisations provide a varied degree of support with identifying the most appropriate funders using a range of grant finding software:
z PAVS 01437 769422 z Community Regeneration Unit 01437 775535 z PLANED(SPARC) 01834 860965 z Pembrokeshire County Council 01437 764551 z Pembrokeshire College 01437 765247 z Wales Council for Voluntary Action 02920 431700 z Pembrokeshire Business Initiative 01646 695300
Some provide a Funding and Development Service that can do searches of funders tailored to your specific needs and give all the advice and assistance needed. They have the resource to improve the chances of groups making successful funding applications. The service is also there to provide help with putting proposals together and constructive comments before the proposal is finalised.
Examples of funders with a brief description:
Listed here are just some examples of funders specifically listing community transport type projects as being within their remit.
z Abbey National Charitable Trust Support to charities in the areas of equal opportunities for disabled people, education and training plus employment opportunities and job promotion for disadvantaged and socially excluded groups of people.
There are three levels of grant donation programmes ranging from £100 to £20,000. Donations will not be given to projects lasting more than one year.
z Esmee Fairbairn Foundation The Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities that face disadvantage, specifically with reference to social development, environment, education and arts and heritage.
Grants generally range from £250 to £250,000. Match funding is normally required and must be in cash.
28 z Garfield Weston Foundation Projects in the fields of education, arts, health, environment, community, youth and welfare.
Grants from £1,000 to £10 million, although most grants are under £20,000. Applicants must show that other sources of funding have been sought and secured. z Help the Aged Grants, advice and fundraising for health, community and welfare projects assisting elderly people (such as the provision of minibuses).
Usually below £10,000 , but may be up to £30,000. Applicants must indicate what other sources of funding have been secured. z Lankelly Foundation (Hambland Foundation) The foundation funds community projects in the following broad priority areas: elderly people, homelessness, neighbourhood work, physical and learning disabilities, families and children, mental health, penal affairs and young people. Only registered charities are supported.
The minimum grant is £5,000. Revenue support is usually for a 3-year period but may be up to 5 years. z Mencap - The Challenge Fund Projects that cater for adults and children with profound and multiple handicaps in the fields of respite care, day care and leisure, community integration and summer schemes.
Grants up to £5,000 on condition of 50% match funding. z Shell Better Britain Campaign - Partnership Innovation Innovative projects encouraging local action for sustainability.
Grants up to £10,000 providing applicants show other sources of funding have been secured. z Tudor Trust Practical projects which encourage people to play a part in their community in localities which are under-resourced and where there are high levels of social disadvantage.
Grants, and occasionally loans, from £500 upwards. Match funding is not normally required although projects are not normally awarded 100% of costs.
29 z WCVA - Volunteering in Wales Fund Projects which are volunteer based, both recruiting and placing volunteers, in areas where volunteering is under-developed.
Maximum grant of £25,000 , on condition that some matching funds are secured, for up to three years.
Match funding and In-Kind Contributions
Some funders require match funding when determining the allocation of grant funding. This can be anything up to 50% of the total project costs. Match funding, unless specifically stated as cash, can be in the form of another grant or in-kind contributions. These in-kind contributions can cover things like existing or potential resources, volunteer time, professional time, etc. A value can be placed on all of these types of resources and used as match funding when applying for grants that have this as a requirement. Assistance from one of the previously mentioned organisations would be useful in assessing type and value of any intended or potential in-kind contributions.
30 8. Prioritising Needs
The Community Transport Project Management Group identified the need to draw up a method of assessing and then prioritising community transport initiatives throughout the whole of the county. A scoring system was designed as an aid to facilitating this process, which assesses each proposal against three core criteria, which are evidence of need, readiness of the community concerned and availability of resources. z Evidence of need: this could include published information from sources such as Census data, Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation, unemployment statistics and Joint Health and Social Care Plans, together with more specifically local information from Community Appraisals, other local research and existing public transport provision. z Readiness of the community concerned: would include requests from that community, support from Community Council, level of commitment and the existence of a working group. z Availability of resources: might include evidence of any existing volunteer workers or vehicles. Existing or potential funding and organisation willing to host a community transport initiative would also be used as a resource. The Community Transport Development Worker carries out these assessments, making recommendations for approval by the Community Transport Project Management Group, which then result in project prioritising. (See Appendix II)
31 9. Role of the Forum
The Community Transport Project Management Group instigated the Community Transport Forum for Pembrokeshire. The inaugural meeting being held at the Bloomfield Centre at Narberth in July 2002. Nearly fifty delegates from a large cross-section of the community heard speakers and attended workshops. The event was organised to provide an opportunity to:
z Launch the updated Community Transport Services in Pembrokeshire booklet z Review the Demand Management Centre proposal options for Pembrokeshire z Find out more about the Community Transport Project and the achievements of the project to date z Contribute to shaping the future direction of the forum and the Community Transport project
The aim of the Forum is to improve transport provision across all sectors of the community throughout the whole of the county.
The main objectives are:
z To act as the focal point for collating information about needs and issues z To provide a means of improving links and co-ordination of existing provision z To provide a way of consulting on proposed priorities for development z To involve all aspects of Pembrokeshire, the voluntary sector, the statutory sector and the commercial sector. z To advise the Community Transport Project Management Group on matters concerning the holistic and strategic view of Pembrokeshire.
32 10. The work of other groups in the county
Greenways
Pembrokeshire Greenways is an initiative to help and encourage local residents and visitors, of all abilities, to access the countryside through walking, cycling, bus and
Pembroke train travel. The project covers the whole of Pembrokeshire
shire Greenways and is managed by the Greenways Partnership, which is made-up of the following organisations: Teithiau Gwyrdd Sir Benfro
Countryside Council for Wales, Environment Wales, National Trust, Pembrokeshire Access Group, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire County Council and SPARC/PLANED. The Greenways project is funded from the European Union Rural Wales Objective 5b Programme, CCW, National Assembly for Wales - Rural Transport Grant and the Environment Development Fund.
BUS IT! - Introduction of four new ‘Puffin’ coastal bus services to help people access the coast without having to rely on a car, thus reducing congestion in the national park. They also promote bus services as a ‘green’ means of accessing the countryside. The flagship project is the ‘Celtic Coaster’ bus, which is wheelchair accessible and when not being used as a summer coastal bus service it is placed in a community as an ‘incubator’ bus to kick-start transport schemes. The introduction of the ‘All Wales Bus Pass’ for both elderly and disabled passengers is anticipated to have a big influence on the development of Greenways projects in the future.
TRAIN IT! - The train provides the perfect solution for accessing the Pembrokeshire countryside. Using the Greenways ‘Walk & Ride’ leaflet enables people to enjoy a walk from train stations, and discounted train travel is available between Whitland and Pembroke Dock with the ‘Greenways Day Ranger’ ticket. Guided walks operate from railway stations to encourage people to use the train as transport when walking.
33 WALK IT! - Greenways have developed a wide range of signposted and themed walking routes and leaflets for South Pembrokeshire, under the pilot scheme managed by SPARC/PLANED, and now that Greenways is a Pan-Pembrokeshire initiative the hope is to continue this work within North Pembrokeshire. This has been accompanied with guided walks schemes and ‘Access for All’ projects to improve access to the countryside both physically, through the development of accessible paths, and visually, with leaflets printed in 14pt and containing information on gradients and obstacles.
BIKE IT! - Guided Family Bike Rides. Cycle routes have been identified, signposted, mapped and publicised to encourage cycling as a means of accessing the countryside. Now that the National Cycle Network Route 4 and 47, the Celtic Trail, runs through the county greater emphasis will be spent promoting this route and developing traffic-free sections, where possible. Greenways also encourage cycling through a ‘guided rides’ programme, organised and run by Pembrokeshire Freewheelers, providing the ideal opportunity to discover the many routes suitable for cycling in Pembrokeshire. For further details contact Kirsty Morris tel: 01437 776313 www.pembrokeshiregreenways.co.uk
North Pembrokeshire Transport Forum
The North Pembrokeshire Transport Forum was launched in March 2000, following a public meeting held in Newport at the end of 1999. The meeting was called to address the need for improved public transport in the North Pembrokeshire area. The aims of the Forum are twofold. Firstly to work for the provision of an effective integrated transport system in the North Pembrokeshire area, and secondly to promote the benefits of public transport and work towards greater use of public transport systems. To achieve these aims the Forum works closely with elected representatives, government at all levels, transport operators and groups with a transport interest.
The Forum began its work by holding a series of meetings with town and community councils in different parts of the North Pembrokeshire region. The aim of these meetings was to gather information about the specific transport requirements and concerns in each of the areas. The Forum is holding a series of ‘Transport Surgeries’, in recognition of the need to engage members of the public in the discussion of local transport issues and concerns. The first surgeries have been held in Crymych and St Dogmaels. These surgeries have also provided an opportunity to promote the benefits of public transport. These meetings have brought members of the public together with local authority transport officers, local transport operators, representatives of organisations such as the Community Transport Association, the National Federation of Bus Users and SUSTRANS. The Forum is currently conducting its fourth survey of rail services to Fishguard and North Pembrokeshire. Reports of all of the Forum’s activities are widely circulated, both at local and national level. For further details contact: The Secretary tel: 01348 874217 34 Pembrokeshire Rail Travellers Association
The Pembrokeshire Rail Travellers Association is a small voluntary organisation founded in 1989 and operating in West Wales.
Their main aims are: z to press for improvements to rail and associated bus services in the area west of Carmarthen. z to encourage greater use of the current services. z to assist in the improvement of the railway environment, particularly at stations. z to liaise with other pro-rail organisations.
They also run a social programme, including jazz and folk trains, champagne breakfasts and public transport orientated walks. For further details contact: The Secretary tel: 01646 692254
Pembrokeshire Access Group (see page 10)
11. Proposed developments September 2002 - April 2003 a) To facilitate two further meetings of the Community Transport Forum for Pembrokeshire. b) To facilitate an opportunity for all existing community transport providers to explore the potential of making the best use of existing assets and improving the co-ordination of their services. c) To facilitate a period of consultation and finalise the Community Transport report d) To develop and launch a community transport use of the Celtic Coaster e) To review and evaluate the Narberth dial-a-ride scheme in conjunction with Narberth and District Community Sports Association f) To agree the priority communities for the immediate development of community transport schemes g) To begin development work with the prioritised communities h) To respond to the SWWITCH report and instigate the development of the role and services as recommended. i) To undertake exploratory work with PVT around the potential of developing the services provided
35 12. Conclusions
The present outlook for community transport in Pembrokeshire is very encouraging, as outlined below:
z The initial development work done by the Community Transport Development Worker. z Formation of a Community Transport Project Management Group. z The instigation of a Community Transport Forum for Pembrokeshire. z The Community Transport Development Worker is now on the Executive Committee of the Community Transport Association (Wales). z Close links have been established with the Transport Policy Division of the Welsh Assembly Government. z The Welsh Assembly Government will be instigating a revue of bus subsidies later in the year. This will include community transport services. z Launch of the Concessionary Travel Pass Scheme for free bus travel for the elderly and disabled throughout Wales. The Welsh Assembly Government, with the assistance of the CTA (Wales), are looking into the possibility of extending this scheme to include community transport. z Pembrokeshire County Council has also included a 100% subsidy to those people with a Concessionary Travel Pass to travel on recognised community transport schemes. z The introduction of the Bus Service Operators Grant. This enables community and voluntary transport groups to claim back 80% of the duty paid on the fuel they use while proving their service. z The Welsh Transport Forum has undertaken a review of community transport in Wales. A final report and action plan has been endorsed by the Forum and by the Welsh Assembly Government who will be implementing the report’s recommendations in partnership with local authorities and the community transport, health, education, voluntary and social services sectors. A seminar to help disseminate and promote its findings is scheduled for late October. z The SWWITCH consortium have undertaken a study of the options for the development of a demand management and vehicle co-ordination centre which will: z more closely integrate and co-ordinate the activities of individual Community Transport projects; z integrate and co-ordinate Community Transport services with the wider transport network, particularly public transport; z provide a one-stop point of contact to satisfy the transport needs of people who cannot readily access transport in their communities by reason of geography or disability; z provide a one-stop point of contact to provide people with information about the most appropriate community transport services available and links to the wider transport network.
36 z Pembrokeshire would be used as the pilot area for SWWITCH. The rationale for Pembrokeshire being that it is a rural county and has the two main resources of a Community Transport Development Worker to promote the scheme and suitable transport resources, mainly Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport, to be integrated into the scheme. z The SWWITCH Co-ordinating Officer is based in County Hall. z SWWITCH would look at integrating existing resources including, Social Services transport, Education Special Needs transport, Community Education transport, Country Cars scheme, Red Cross, Ambulance Car Service and other voluntary organisations. z Pembrokeshire County Council has purchased a software package that will deal with demand responsive transport including Social Services minibuses, Country Cars and other voluntary vehicles. z The launch of the ‘Bloomfield Bus’, the first dial-a-ride service in Pembrokeshire, paving the way for other community transport schemes throughout the county. z Pembrokeshire County Council is very proactive in supporting community transport in many different ways. These include: helping to support and develop existing schemes, pilot new services, instigate community studies and meetings, introducing subsidies for Concessionary Travel Pass holders on CT services and generally giving support both of a financial and expertise nature. z The Community Transport Development Worker is employed by PAVS but is based at County Hall, benefiting from the vast knowledge and experience of the Transport department. z Most County Councils have each of their transport services run by different departments, Education, Social Services, etc. Pembrokeshire County Council has all of it’s fleet of vehicles under one manager, this leads to a much better use of resources and potential for integration with community transport. This includes a software package they have purchased that can be used to integrate community transport into the network of other transport provision throughout the county. z Pembrokeshire County Council and SWWITCH have formed part of a group looking at the NHS Patient Transport Service and the Community Transport Sector. The group is led by Meurig Parri of the Community Transport Association and made up of representatives from the Ambulance Service as well as community transport providers and local authorities. The aim of the group is to identify ways in which, through a partnership approach, community transport can play a greater role in the provision of non- emergency patient transport and thus improve the quality of service to the user.
37 13. Recommendations
z Extension of the appointment of the Community Transport Development Worker for a further three years. z Include the Local Health Group as a project partner. z Input from the Ambulance Trust on the Project Management Group. z Facilitating the increased provision of accessible taxis. z Upgrading the County Council’s minibus fleet to provide more accessible vehicles. z Expand the network of low floor bus corridors as access points to Community Transport. z Keep car-parking spaces available at railway stations. z Produce updated ‘Community Transport Services in Pembrokeshire’ booklet annually. z Ensure SWWITCH pilot scheme in Pembrokeshire is kept at a local input level. z Improve links, through Community Transport if necessary, to all Pembrokeshire railway stations to co-ordinate with existing rail services. z Publicise services more to make sure people are aware what is available. z Build up a network of trained voluntary minibus drivers.
38 Appendix I
General introduction to Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire forms the south-western peninsula of Wales, bordered to the north and east by the counties of Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, and to the west and south by the waters of Cardigan Bay, St. George’s Channel, the Bristol Channel and Carmarthen Bay.
The county covers approximately 1,600 square kilometers, which relates to about 7.5% of the total area of Wales. Approximately one third of the county’s landmass forms the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only National Park in the UK designated primarily for the beauty of its coastal features. The county is rich in sites of high conservation value, including unique islands and formal designations including a Marine Nature Reserve, Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas, National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. There are pressures on environmental quality, many of which are common man- made problems such as intensive land use, waste disposal and transport issues, although some are obviously not as pronounced as in more urbanised areas.
The county is predominantly rural, with a population density of 71 people per square kilometer, which is about half of the Welsh average. The 115,200 population of the county lives in some 53,000 households. Haverfordwest is the County town and also the seat of the County Council with its headquarters at County Hall. Forty five percent of the county’s total population lives in the six main towns of Fishguard (4,010), Haverfordwest (13,345), Milford Haven (13,440), Pembroke (7,170), Pembroke Dock (8,650) and Tenby (4,751). Population projections show that the proportion of people of pensionable age will increase significantly in future years, and the number of young people will decline, which has implications for health.
Pembrokeshire has an important agricultural base, but the economy is dominated by the service sector. Principal employers are associated with public administration, education and health, and tourism also accounts for significant numbers of employment opportunities including hotels, restaurants and goods distribution. The largest employer is the new unitary authority that was formed in 1996 and provides over 5,500 jobs throughout the county. More than 1,800 people are employed throughout the education system in 94 primary, eight secondary, twelve community education centres and one college. There are nearly 19,000 children in Pembrokeshire schools.
The tourist industry has a significant effect on population at certain times of the year; for example 1,096,000 staying visits and a further 2,400,000 day visits were made in 1999, with an average of 56,000 visitors per day during August.
39 Pembrokeshire hosts a predominantly small business economy. Although this is in many ways a good sign and one of an entrepreneurial culture, these businesses are often restricted by the small size of local markets. Pembrokeshire would benefit from a broader based economic structure that is resilient to economic cycles, whilst targeting high value added activities and business growth sectors. Pembrokeshire’s peripheral geographical location is hindered by being poorly served by road and rail links, which further exacerbates the perception of remoteness. This has contributed to fewer employment opportunities and thus levels of unemployment, which are consistently above the Welsh average, with a consequent knock on effect for the Pembrokeshire economy. There are some long- term unemployment black-spots. Average earnings are relatively low, which is attributed to a high proportion of the workforce working in relatively low paid sectors, including agriculture and tourism.
The ports of Fishguard and Pembroke Dock provide significant ferry links to Southern Ireland, resulting in a large throughput of people and traffic, both private and commercial, across the county. The port of Milford Haven is extremely important, especially for the oil industry, servicing two refineries and a tank storage depot.
Although Pembrokeshire as a whole is not particularly deprived, particular pockets of deprivation and social exclusion exist, especially in Pembroke Dock, Pembroke, Milford Haven, Neyland, Goodwick and Haverfordwest. This influences health to some extent, with higher than average levels of illness, long-term illness, disability and mortality, with a lower life expectancy, in some of these areas.
Despite poorer health in some of these areas, levels of health are better in Pembrokeshire overall than across Wales, with lower than average long-term illness and disability. In common with the rest of Wales the main causes of death are heart disease and cancers, with men in Pembrokeshire suffering higher than average levels of these. The rural nature of the area leads to an undesirable distance for many people to travel to reach health care facilities, especially hospitals.
Levels of crime are low compared with much of the UK, but specific local issues exist that need to be tackled. This poor economic situation has led to Pembrokeshire, as part of a larger West Wales and the Valleys area, being targeted for the highest level of European grant assistance in the form of Objective 1 funding (between 2000 and 2006). The five wards of Llanion, Maenclochog, Monkton, Pembroke Dock (Central) and St.Dogmaels have been identified as being of particular high priority.
References Pembrokeshire County Council - Local Transport Plan - 2000-2005 Pembrokeshire County Council - Training and Development - August 1997 Pembrokeshire Partnership Management Board - Objective 1 in Pembrokeshire: The Local Strategy - November 2001
40 Appendix II
Assessing and Prioritising Community Transport Initiatives
Decisions on which communities of geography or interest to prioritise in relation to the development of community transport initiatives in Pembrokeshire will be made by assessing each proposal against three core criteria which are:
z Evidence of need z Readiness of the community concerned z Availability of resources
The Community Transport project worker will carry out this assessment, making a recommendation for approval by the Community Transport Project Management Group.
Name of community / Date Community of interest Core Criteria Summary of the evidence Score
1. Evidence of need This could include information from: z Census data z Welsh index of multiple deprivation High z Community appraisals z Local statistics Medium z National or local research z Public transport provision Low z Unemployment statistics z Joint Health and Social care plan z Data about Health inequalities 2. Community readiness This might include evidence of: High z Requests from the community z Community Council support Medium z Level of commitment from community Low z Existence of working group 3. Availability of Resources This might include evidence of High z Volunteer time z Existing or potential organisation Medium willing to host a community transport initiative Low z Funding z Availability of appropriate vehicle/s 4. Overall recommendation High Medium Low 41 Further Reading
Association of Transport Co-ordinating Officers - Safe Journey: Home to School Transport for Children in Wheelchairs - June 1996 Commission for Integrated Transport - Rural Transport: An Overview of Key Issues - April 2001 Community Transport Association - Community Buses: Operation of Local Bus Services by Community Groups - 1999 Community Transport Association - Community Transport Index Issue 9 - 1981-2001 Community Transport Association - Lets Get Going - 1998 Community Transport Association - Mind the Gap - November 1997 Community Transport Association - Minibus Management - November 2000 Community Transport Association - Minibus Safety Charter - October 1995 Community Transport Association - Streetwise - December 2001 Community Transport Association - Transport for Young People in Rural Areas - May 2002 Community Transport Association - Volunteers and Community Transport - Community Transport Association - Your Minibus: Is It Legal? - 1990 Community Transport Project Management Group - Community Transport Services in Pembrokeshire - July 2002 Countryside Agency - Great Ways to Go: Good Practice in Rural Transport - April 2001 Countryside Council for Wales - Transport and the Environment - 1994 Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions - Driver’s Hours and Tachograph Rules for Road Passenger Vehicles in the UK and Europe - July 2000 Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions - Local Bus Service Registration - October 1998 Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions - Passenger Transport Provided by Voluntary Groups under the Section 19 or 22 Permit System - January 1999 Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions - Review of Voluntary Transport - July 1999 Department of Transport - A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone - 1998 Department of Transport - Door to Door: A Guide to Transport for Disabled People - 1996 Department of Transport - Low Floor Bus: Trials in a Rural Area - 1999 Department of Transport - The Flexible Future - August 2002 Department of Transport - The Safety of Passengers in Wheelchairs - 1987 Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee - Accessibility Specification for Small Buses - November 2001 Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations - The Provision Versus Needs Debate - 1995 National Assembly for Wales - Policy Review of Public Transport - December 2001 National Assembly for Wales - Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation - 2000 42 Nutley, S - Unconventional Transport in the UK - 1990 PAVS - Making better funding applications - December 2000 Pembrokeshire County Council - Indicators of Poverty and Deprivation - December 1996 Pembrokeshire County Council - Local Transport Plan - 2000-2005 Pembrokeshire Partnership Management Board - Objective 1 in Pembrokeshire: The Local Strategy - November 2001 Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations - Community Transport Provision in Powys - June 1999 Priestly, M and Winrow, M C - Social and Economic Stress in Wales - 1975 Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - Minibus Safety: A Code of Practice - March 2002 Rural Development Commission - Country Lifelines: Good Practice in Rural Transport - 1996 Rural Development Commission - Promoting Transport for Rural Communities - 1989 Rural Development Commission - Rural Transport Problems and Needs - 1993 Statutory Instruments (The Stationery Office) - The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations - 2000 SWWITCH - Rural Accessibility Initiatives in South West Wales - September 2000 TRANSfED - Workforce Development Plan for the Road Passenger Transport Industry - September 2001 Transport and Road Research Laboratory - A Technique for Assessing Accessibility Problems in Rural Areas - 1985 Transport Research and Information Network - Getting the Best from Bus and Rail in Rural Communities - 1999 Wales Council for Voluntary Action - Wales Funding Handbook - October 2000 Welsh Assembly Government - Community Transport in the Welsh Transport Network - July 2002 Welsh Assembly Government - Wales Community Transport Review: Action Plan - July 2002 Welsh Assembly Government - Well Being in Wales - 2002 Welsh Local Government Association - Integrated Transport: The Local Government Agenda in Wales - June 1999 Welsh Office - 1991 Ward Index of Socio-Economic Conditions - 1994
Contact/Availability The above publications can be accessed by contacting the Community Transport Development Worker on 01437 775158.
43 Produced by Pembrokeshire County Council This report was produced by the Community Transport Project Management Group, comprising:
Older Persons Forum
Pembrokeshire Access Group
Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services
Pembrokeshire County Council - Transportation and Environment Directorate
Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust
Pembrokeshire Voluntary Transport
Physical and Sensory Impairment Forum
Women’s Royal Voluntary Service
This report is also available in Welsh, large print, braille and audio-tape by request from Phil Brookes, Community Transport Development Worker 01437 775158