ACCESSIBILITY to public transport for people living with disabilities was discussed at a forum in Usk last week.

Monmouthshire council in partnership with Monmouthshire Voices, an equality project, held their second Access For All Forum on Wednesday. More than 80 people attended the forum at County Hall in Usk which was also attended by the council's transport officers, representatives from local bus companies as well as Cllr Peter Fox, council leader and the cabinet member with responsibility for equalities, cllr Phil Hobson.

Issues discussed included bus timetables, accessibility and mobility on public transport, the availability of the council’s community transport Grass Routes service and special educational needs (SEN) post 16 transport.

The Monmouthshire Voices project aims to enable people with disabilities to have their voices heard in the development and delivery of local services.

Pennie Walker, project officer, said: “It is really wonderful to see so many people attending the forum and speaking up about issues that affect them. The council is obviously keen on engagement and its support is very much appreciated.

"This is an ongoing process which will enable disabled people within the community to make a difference about the services they receive. I am pleased it has proved popular.”

Monmouthshire Voices is funded by the Big Lottery and is run by GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations) and the South East Wales Regional Equality Council.