Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Russell Hughes-Pickering and Rhodri Llwyd to the meeting.  Russell provided a presentation to the Committee outlining the following:

·         Why?

·         Survey Feedback

·         Original Plans

·         Adjusted Plans

·         Photographs

·         What happened elsewhere

·         Trader Feedback

·         Next Steps

Russell advised the Committee that due to an emergency situation regarding the Covid pandemic, a wide range of measures had to be put in place to protect the County’s population and visitors, one of which was implementation of Safe Zones in Aberystwyth, Aberaeron and New Quay during June / July 2020.  Following implementation, the first consultation took place between  31.7.2020 and 10.8.2020 and the second from 26.10.2020 and 21.12.2020.  It was reported that good responses were received from this consultation exercise.

The presentations also provided a summary of other feedback received through Clic, from Members, the Disability Forum as well as the engagement surveys. An explanation was given of the measures put in place and how they were adjusted in response to feedback. Photographs were presented to show how the Safe Zones evolved from their implementation to the present time. Photos were also presented to show examples of similar measures elsewhere.

Russell then presented a summary of positive feedback from those trading outdoors. This showed the measures maintained and created jobs and that there was a desire from traders to build on these opportunities in the future.

Russell concluded by setting out the next steps which included engagement with local Members and Cabinet Members in October, followed by a report to Scrutiny in November, further engagement with Members in November and a report to Cabinet in December or January. If supported an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) would be introduced. This involves an on-going six month consultation period to allow for further feedback and adjustment.

Members were then provided the opportunity to ask questions which were answered by Russell or Rhodri. 

Main points raised are as follows:

·         Committee Members agreed that regular communication with Local Members and Members of neighbouring Wards should have taken place early in the process. The Committee requested that in future  early member discussions take place prior to any future decisions regarding Safe Zones;

·         That the concerns raised by the older generation and those who are disabled are considered and reflected in proposals;

·         That sufficient parking for the older generation and those who are disabled are provided at all times;

·         That access for large lorries and delivery drivers are considered in future;

·         Ensure that there is clear access for emergency services especially those with a town centre base location so that they can swiftly respond to emergency call outs;

·         Consider Local Residents views prior to any future decisions;

·         That consideration is given to providing more signage on the outskirts of Cardigan Town, to avoid unnecessary traffic through town;

·         Members previously provided written views outlining possible unintended consequences.  These don’t appear to have been considered when implementing the safe Zone arrangements.  Committee requests that these views are   taken into account prior to any future decisions in relation to Safe Zones;

·         That the Regeneration plans for all the Towns in the County, following the effects of Covid, are considered in future;

·         Bear in mind that the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales will be undertaking a review in the near future regarding the Blue Badge Scheme and whether there are sufficient parking spaces in all Towns;

·         During discussion, Committee Members asked it to be noted that Staff from the Waste Collection Service should be praised for their hard work and commitment during the past very difficult 18 months; and;

·         A request is made that cones and barriers that are no longer necessary are collected from Cardigan Town Centre.

Russell advised that relevant Members and Cabinet Members will be involved in future discussions commencing in mid October 2021.  Following which a further report will be presented to the Thriving Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 4^th November 2021 prior to Cabinet.