Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has welcomed the work of Age Cymru in evaluating the age-friendliness of local communities, following the launch of their report ‘Towards Common Ground: Key findings of the Community Calculator’.
Commenting, Mr Bates said:
“I welcome the excellent work by Age Cymru to identify the barriers faced by older people in communities throughout Wales. The Community Calculator is a tool which allows older people to assess their community based on ten elements they feel makes a community suitable. From public toilets to pavements and public seating, the evidence shows that older people are often getting a raw deal.
“In Powys the three elements that older people are most worried about are public seating, public toilets and being heard by decision makers. People commented that more consultation is needed on decisions that affect local communities. There are concerns that public facilities are too sparse and are closed in the evenings and more public seating is needed near shops, leisure facilities and bus stops.
“I will be writing to Powys Council to highlight these concerns. Access to services and making sure that every voice is heard are important ways to ensure older people engage in community life and I will be asking what action we can take in Powys to address the concerns identified.”
Graeme Francis, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Age Cymru said:
“Age Cymru is delighted to receive cross party support for the results of our Community Calculator Campaign. The report highlights how important it is that decision makers across Wales take seriously the importance of making every community age friendly.
“Age Cymru acknowledges the current economic challenges and pressures on public spending. However we also believe that this challenging time can be used as an opportunity to look at how services and facilities are delivered in local areas to make sure that all communities in Wales are suitable for older people.”
