I’d support the general thrust of comments that have been made so far. If we are going to connect east and west, trains are not going to be the answer, as has already been recognised. In his response, accepting consideration 1 of the report, the Cabinet Secretary specifically mentions pinch-point removal funding to address congestion on the bus network, and this funding is very welcome.

Caerphilly council has received a portion of that funding to help carry out improvements on the busy Pwll-y-Pant or Cedar Tree roundabout in Caerphilly. On the council’s website they’ve said:

The improvements will increase capacity at this key strategic location, as well as reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability for local bus services.’

Throughout the report, however, there’s the discussion of political risk, and one of the problems with carrying out this kind of fundamentally needed improvement works is that the work takes time. Caerphilly residents are currently up in arms at the delays that are happening at the Pwll-y-Pant roundabout, which go right back through to Ystrad Mynach and Bedwas and towards Penyrheol. It’s a huge problem, and my intention is to meet with Caerphilly council and to talk to them about how further actions can be taken. I know local councillors have met today with the council to address these issues.