The Committee welcomed Simon Green and members of the Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People in order to discuss issues faced by disabled people.  Members of the Coalition raised concerns regarding direct payments; wheelchair accessible taxis and the development of a dedicated bus shuttle service between Bridgend railway station and bus station. 

The Coalition expressed concern at the lack of availability of wheelchair accessible taxis at all times of the day which did not promote independence for wheelchair users.  A member of the coalition commented that some taxis had put seats back in and were unable to accommodate wheelchairs.  A member of the Committee commented that taxis were subject to inspection twice a year in addition to spot checks being carried out by enforcement officers.  The Cabinet would take up the issue of the availability of wheelchair accessible taxis with the Licensing Section. 

The Coalition requested that a dedicated bus shuttle service between the railway station and bus station be put in place due to the distances between both bus and railway stations with the railway station situated at the top of a hill, which often necessitated a taxi journey having to be taken to get to the railway station.  The Coalition also stated that a combined bus and train ticket could be purchased however there was no bus stop outside the railway station and passengers were faced with taking a taxi to connect with the bus station.  The Committee commented on the need to address linkages between the bus and railway stations and that there is a plan for an integrated hub between both stations which has been postponed due to the rail electrification plans, but would be progressed as a matter of urgency between the Council and Network Rail.  The Cabinet would also take up the lack of timetabling of a regular bus service between the bus and railway stations with the Highways and Transportation Department.  A member of the Coalition questioned whether OTED would be interested in providing a link between the bus and railway stations.  A member of the Committee commented that OTED could not pick up from regular stops.  A member of the Committee also commented that he had recently met with representatives of Network Rail who had advised that some local authorities work up bids for projects such as integrated hubs for when funding becomes available.  A member of the Committee commented whether existing bus services could be re-routed to go up Station Hill to pick up passengers.  A member of the coalition stated that this issue had been raised with the bus operators previously however some buses would have difficulty in negotiating the turn at the top of the hill.  

A member of the Committee asked whether the coalition had checked out the suitability in relation to the provision of dropped kerbs of the route of the re-located Shopmobility facility to the Town Centre.  A member of the coalition commented that the re-location of Shopmobility had met with a mixed response and that there were some shops on Nolton Street which were not wheelchair accessible however shops in Queen Street were more accessible for wheelchair users.  The coalition confirmed they were consulted on the proposals for the re-location of Shopmobility. 

A member of the coalition expressed concern at the lack of a bus shelter at the bus stop outside the Bridgend Life Centre.  The Cabinet undertook to raise the lack of a bus shelter at the bus stop outside the Bridgend Life Centre with the Highways and Transportation Department and that a cantilever option in order to accommodate wheelchairs be looked at.  The Equality and Engagement Officer informed the Committee that the Access Forum meets regularly with the Bridgend Coalition for Disabled People.  He also informed the Committee that Equality Impact Assessments were carried out on schemes which should involve consultation all access groups.  The Cabinet undertook to ensure that consultation is carried out with access groups on highways and transportation schemes.  The Diversity Champion informed the Committee that it was hoped a member of the Bridgend Coalition for Disabled People would be a mentee as part of the Diversity in Democracy project.  The Committee considered the impact of the proposed development of some 500 new properties at Waterton would have on accessibility and on the infrastructure of Bridgend which was very reliant on cars.  The Committee also considered that it would be useful for dialogue to be had with the Access Forum when major projects are being planned.  The Committee considered that accessibility issues at the Civic Offices be looked at meaningfully. 

A member of the Coalition raised an issue of direct payments would be taken up with the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing.

The Committee thanked the members of the Bridgend Coalition for Disabled People for their contribution to the meeting.

RESOLVED:               That the Committee noted the report.