Stiwdio 37
It was great to catch-up with Ruth and Gareth at Stiwdio 37 today, and hear about what they’ve been up to since last time I visited.
The Future of the South Wales Metro
Last week I had the chance to question the Welsh Government on the discussions it has had with the UK Government to secure the right level of investment to take the vision for the south Wales metro further and properly connect communities from valley to valley.
I look forward to scrutinising the plan for rail to be published by the industry next week, that will contain a pipeline of enhancements, including how the south-east Wales metro will be expanded in the years to come, to ensure that they maximises its potential to connect communities and the economic and social benefits that would bring.
Perthcelyn Surgery & Further Help
A huge thank you to everyone that came along to my surgery at Perthcelyn Community Centre earlier this week.
It was a chance for me to meet with members of the community, and hear directly about the issues that matter to them — such as school transport , lack of support for children with additional learning needs, and housing problems.
My team and I are always happy to meet anyone who has an issue , and discuss how best we can support them in receiving the help to which they are entitled. So if you feel we maybe able to help, please contact my office via [email protected] or 01443 853214.
Future of Palliative Care in Cwm Taf Bro Morgannwg
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has today launched a 7 week public consultation on the future of their Specialist Palliative Care (SPC) and end of life services for adults.
One of the options being considered is the closure of the eight bed SPC ward at Ysbyty Cwm Cynon, Mountain Ash, something which I know is deeply concerning for many constituents.
Funders Fair
It was great to see so many organisations and funders turn out at our funders fair at YMa in Pontypridd last Friday.
However, I'm really concerned to hear how many organisations are at risk of disappearing completely because of cuts to funding and I’ll be raising this urgently with the Welsh Government.
Visit to Bryncelynnog School
I enjoyed meeting year 12 and 13 students at Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School earlier this week.
I spoke about my life as a Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd, my motivations for becoming a politician and matters of local and national interest, including tackling flooding in the area, transport and creating work and training opportunities closer to home.
It was also an opportunity to give the students an insight to my work at the Senedd and discuss May’s Senedd elections, including the importance of making informed decisions. I shared where they can find reliable information about the policies of the different parties standing and how and where to register and cast a vote.
Thank you to the school and the students for the welcome and the questions.
Sporting Arena
I enjoyed sponsoring a fantastic event at the Senedd this week and speaking to the range of organisations representing the sports sector including Sports Wales, the FAW, Disability Sports Wales, StreetGames, Tennis Wales, Actif North Wales, Central South Active Partnership, Colegau Cymru, Welsh Athletics.
Problems with ECO4
Since the announcement of City Energy Group going into administration and the impact not only on the individuals and families involved but the households affected by incomplete or poor quality work through the ECO4 Scheme, Plaid Cymru questioned the Welsh Government about support around this at the Senedd last week.
I shared some of the issues that my constituents have faced with work undertaken in the same Senedd session, including a lack of heating and the impact on health.
School Transport Petition
I’ve long supported the Save the School Transport RCT Campaign, and I was glad to be able to support their petition as it was debated in the Senedd yesterday.
It was great to welcome Tina Collins and campaigners from Save the School Transport RCT Campaign to the Senedd yesterday along with Becci Smart
from Bridgend ahead of the debate on their petitions about School Transport. This is a culmination of years of campaigning to improve access across Wales.
Urban Nature Based Flood Defences
This week at the Senedd, I asked the Cabinet Secretary to ensure investment in urban nature-based solutions for flood risk mitigation beyond the traditional defences model, which are sustainable and effective as shown in a recent report by the WWF “Urban Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Risk Mitigation”
The Welsh Government acknowledge that there was more to be done in urban areas, with a focus beyond the natural solutions in the upland areas. This would be of great benefit to the urban areas I represent in my region, such as Pontypridd and Taffs Well.