Agenda and draft minutes

Frances Taylor declared a non-prejudicial interest as founder member of the Magor Walkway group.

Select Committee Public Open Forum ~ Guidance

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None.

Link for Monmouthshire CC Local Transport Plan

Cabinet Member Catrin Maby introduced the report. Debra Hill-Howells delivered the presentation and answered the members’ questionswith Christian Schmidt, Mark Handand Nicholas Tulp. 

Key points raised by the Committee Members:? 

·        The current provision in some areas is insufficient. We can’t change people’s practice if we don’t have alternatives for them e.g. Severn Tunnel car park isn’t very accessible. 

·        The Active Travel network in Caldicothasn’t come back to Members to discuss outstanding issues, so isn’t felt to be ‘complete’ as an action.  

·        Can the positive impact of the B4245 project on High Beech roundabout be emphasised to Welsh Government? 

·        How can the digitally excluded be assisted to access the consultation? 

·        How is the Wellbeing Assessment being assessed? 

·        Some of the consultation questions and response options could be better for engaging the public and the Christmas period may not be the most appropriate time for a consultation. 

·        Members would like greater clarity on the timescales for actions associated with the Magor with Undy walkway station. 

·        Members are hesitant about some of the active travel measures relating to the station, for example, dropped kerbs.  (ACTION): - Officers to provide more information about interventions. 

·        Concern that the improvements for buses to High Beech roundabout cannot happen without a dedicated bus lane. Concerns around variable lanes on link roads in general. 

·        Concern that if Chepstow bus station is moved, the National Express may no longer stop at Chepstow. 

·        Concerns that electric vehicle charging on-street is going to be more difficult in older towns and concern as to whether we have the electricity infrastructure to make it happen. 

·        Concern that commuters from Chepstow to Bristol via Severn Tunnel Junction, 20mph limits will slow commuting traffic between Chepstow and Bristol.  

·        A member advised that the lobby group Transition Chepstow didn’t invite local councillors to their discussions, so there may be some disjoint.  

·        General concerns around the accessibility of bus platforms and drop kerbs: Example being Goytre, and Llanover, which only has one drop kerb. 

·        Members requested more information on the proposed route through Penperllenni, noting future employment near the site and more information on the Goytre to Llanellen project (Action): Officers to provide.  

·        Questions around the core bus services, including the No.60. 

·        Queries around the Integration of public buses and Home to School transport. 

·        Members would appreciate information on the New Inn/Pontypool station and whether there will there be a bus link to Usk (Action): Officers to provide.(Action): Officers to provide. 

·        Concern that Usk isn’t considered a key town in the plan. 

·        Delivery vehicles on roads: a Member commented that residents need to shift to using local shops and pickup points. 

·        Monmouth: concern that there are no trains, and that National Express doesn’t stop there and whether any progress could be made on this.  

·        A feeling that there isn’t  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

19^th June 2023

3^rd October 2023

The minutes were agreed with a correction for the appointment of Vice Chair on 19^th June 2023, advised by Councillor Penny Jones (ACTION).  

An update on Dentistry Services has been sent to members and Members are able to contact the officer directly with any future queries. Members cited some ongoing concerns around the recruitment of dentists and services to care leavers.  

The Scrutiny Manager highlighted that the Committee had tabled all the items suggested by Members, but that there are some topics remaining on the work programme list that the Committee may want to table to future meetings. This was agreed.  

Members raised accessing neighbourhood policing as a key concern and asked whether the new inspector could be invited to the next meeting. 

The plan was noted.