Latest news with #CwmbranLibrary
South Wales Argus
25-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Older People Commissioner for Wales visits Cwmbran Library
Rhian Bowen-Davies, the Older People's Commissioner for Wales, visited Cwmbran Library on July 22 to meet with more than 60 members of the 50+ Forums from Cwmbran, Pontypool, and Blaenavon. The group raised concerns about the rising cost of living and energy prices, saying state pension increases are not keeping pace with their expenses. Ms Bowen-Davies said: "50+ Forums are an important platform for older people to share information, discuss issues impacting their lives and influence local services, so I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with over 60 forum members from across Torfaen. "Many of the older people I spoke with are concerned about living costs and their finances, and find it difficult to access local services, such as health services and public transport." Attendees also spoke about difficulties accessing health services and the shortage of care home places in the area. Concerns were raised about the accessibility of public transport, especially for those using wheelchairs and mobility aids. The impact of digital exclusion and the declining use of cash were also discussed, with forum members noting there have been no banks in Blaenavon for several years. They said the slow progress in establishing a new banking hub has made it much harder to manage their finances, particularly for those not comfortable with online banking. Ms Bowen-Davies said: "I'd like to thank all of the older people who took part in yesterday's event for their openness and willingness to share their personal experiences. "The conversations we had were hugely valuable in highlighting the issues older people in the area are facing, as well as their impact, which will help to guide and shape my work as commissioner."
South Wales Argus
30-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Speed limits to be removed on parts of A4042 in Torfaen
The Welsh Government has issued a public notice of its intention to reinstate the national speed limit on five stretches of the A4042 between Cwmbran and Mamhilad. The decision will revoke the existing restrictions imposed by The A4042 Trunk Road (Llantarnam Bypass, Cwmbran, Gwent) De-restriction Order 1996. The affected sections are: - From 238 metres southeast of the Croes-y-Mwyalch Roundabout to 150 metres north of the same roundabout, including the roundabout itself. - On the northbound carriageway, from 155 metres south of the Crown Roundabout to 36 metres south of the Pontypool Roundabout, including all roundabouts in between. - On the southbound carriageway, from 40 metres south of the Pontypool Roundabout to 155 metres south of the Crown Roundabout, including all roundabouts in between. - On the northbound carriageway, from 213 metres northeast of the Pontypool Roundabout to 18 metres northeast of the Mamhilad Park Estate Roundabout, including all roundabouts in between. - On the southbound carriageway, from 18 metres northeast of the Mamhilad Park Estate Roundabout to 45 metres south of the Court Farm Roundabout, including all roundabouts in between. The notice, published on June 24, invites members of the public to inspect the full details of the proposed changes. The documents are available at Cwmbran Library during normal opening hours and can also be viewed online at the Welsh Government's website. The consultation period runs until July 15. Objections must be submitted in writing, either by email to TransportOrdersBranch@ or by post to Orders Branch, Transport, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ. All objections must specify the grounds on which they are made. The Welsh Government has stated that, as part of the consultation process, it may be necessary to share information, including personal data, with third parties to address issues raised. Anyone submitting objections who does not wish for their personal data to be shared should make this clear in their correspondence. In such cases, the Welsh Ministers will remove names and addresses before forwarding representations to third parties. However, the government has warned that representations may be given less weight if personal data is withheld, particularly if there is a local public inquiry. The full notice can be viewed on the Welsh Government's website. The proposed changes are part of ongoing efforts to review and update traffic regulations across Wales. The A4042 is a key route in south-east Wales, connecting Newport to Abergavenny and serving as a major link for commuters and businesses in the region. The public consultation is open until July 15. All representations must be submitted by this date.
