P-06-1319 Provide a pedestrian crossing on A4042 at Goytre Arms crossroads and reduce the speed limit to 20mph, Correspondence – Petitioner to Committee, 03.03.23

I would like to add to my earlier email. I hope it is relevant to include it. I understand that Stagecoach has been receiving WG support funding to help through the post-covid period. This has resulted in restructuring the X3 service through Goytre Fawr and is the service residents catch at the Goytre Arms bus stops, the site of the proposed crossing.  I understand that this funding is being withdrawn. I am concerned that any further reduction in service will have detrimental effect to our community

I have received a number of complaints from residents;  in particular concerning the very early ‘last chance to get back home’ bus from Cardiff which now leaves at 16:10 passes through Pontypool at 17:50 arriving at Abergavenny 18:13 where it terminates.  Stagecoach have dropped the 17:10 and 18:10 services out of Cardiff which now terminate at Pontypool.

I have a group of really upset residents who had been enjoying the Matinee performances at Cardiff New Theatre who are no longer able to do so. This is affecting those residents who for health reasons are no longer able to drive the hardest. They have lost a really important opportunity to stay active, socialise and generally improve their well-being. I also feel personally affected by this as it is a rush to get out from Cardiff to make the 16:10.

Is Lee Waters able to do anything about restoring the 17:10 and 18:10 X3 Stagecoach service out of Cardiff?

On a separate matter I have been given information that WG are looking to put an Active Travel route from Penperlleni to Little Mill (which was raised by Goytre Community Council with SWTRA pre-covid). I ask whether this is the case? It makes a lot of sense to help connect us with the improved railway station under construction at New Inn.  At the same time we would also welcome an Active Travel route to Lllanover our new sister village (post the boundary changes) to the North.

My last question relates to rail connections. The main line runs through the entirety of Goytre Fawr ward. Our station at Nant-y- derry was closed in 1958. At that time the rising use of the car was used as the reason for closure. I ask whether as times are changing in the opposite direction whether now might be the time to revisit that decision. Could a walk-in station be considered? I realise this is a big ask as it’s not just about infrastructure but timetabling too. It is an idea that is gaining traction in my village.

Kind regards,

Jan