First Convergence-funded scheme brings benefits to Bargoed

A new Park and Ride facility in the Caerphilly county borough is the first scheme in Wales to be completed using European Convergence Funding.

The Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, officially opened the Bargoed Park and Ride site this week (Wednesday 4th November).

The facility will help boost the number of journeys made by public transport and will also have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions as more people will be encouraged to leave their cars in this modern, conveniently-located Park and Ride site near the town centre.

The scheme is the result of a successful bid for European Convergence Funding by the South East Wales Transport Alliance (Sewta) in conjunction with Caerphilly county borough council.

The Deputy First Minister said, "I am delighted to be here to officially open this fantastic facility, which will not only help reduce road congestion and carbon emissions but also goes some way to continue the economic regeneration of the upper valleys."

"I am pleased that this project has been supported by Convergence funding as it demonstrates the practical value of our management of European structural funds."

"I am also grateful to Caerphilly County Borough Council and the SEWTA transport alliance for their close cooperation with the Welsh Assembly Government in developing this new facility."

This scheme is part of the European Regional Development Fund funding of £2.8million that was confirmed to match the Welsh Assembly Government's £3.2million grant to Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Councils earlier this year, to create 365 new Park and Ride spaces along the busy Rhymney Valley and Taff Vale lines.

The project capitalises on the capacity and frequency enhancements on the Rhymney line and contributes to the development of a more sustainable transport system.

Sewta Board Member, Cllr Rob Gough, who is also Caerphilly county borough council's cabinet member for transportation said, "Park and Ride schemes have a big part to play in sustainable transport, both from an environmental point of view and in terms of reducing congestion on the roads."

"The roads linking the Valleys and Cardiff are highly congested at peak times and rail travel is proving an increasingly useful and popular alternative. Of course, not everyone lives within walking distance of a railway station and Sewta Park and Ride schemes such as the one at Bargoed will make rail a more viable and attractive option for many commuters and passengers."

The Caerphilly county borough will benefit from three major Sewta-supported schemes. Bargoed is the first to be completed and soon Pengam and Rhymney will also gain much needed extensions to their existing park and ride facilities.

"We are keen to get more people out of their cars and onto public transport, and this demonstrates that successful partnership working is helping us achieve this goal," said Cllr Gough.