Thursday 18 November 2010

WHY THE HEALTH BUDGET NEEDS RINGFENCING

The Welsh Conservatives remain the only Party in Wales committed to ringfencing spending on health.

Labour and Plaid Cymru have now confirmed they intend to cut the health budget by almost £900 million over the next three years.

I believe the NHS in Wales is our number one priority.

If you look at some of the problems we currently face, such as scandalously bad stroke services, the worst preforming ambulance service in the UK and patchy palliative care services, we cannot afford not to protect the health budget.

Wales is already falling behind in key health outcomes compared to those in England.

In our manifesto we will set out the significant waste we have uncovered in the Assembly Government’s budgets.

The people of Wales will be able to see for themselves that our commitments are affordable.

Labour and Plaid risk turning Wales into the sick man of the UK.

Wednesday 17 November 2010

CROSS PARTY SUPPORT FOR S4C

I spoke today in the National Assembly to affirm on a cross-party basis the support of all four parties for S4C and that we value the creative industries in Wales.

It is natural that concerns have been expressed about the changes announced to S4C’s funding arrangements. S4C was, after all, set up by Lord Wyn Roberts of Conwy. We cherish it.

All parties – in the wider sense of the word – are clear that independence for S4C is crucial.

Everyone can also agree that a sustainable funding stream is necessary. And there is still a discussion to be had about what happens after 2013/2014.

I believe it is incumbent on elected members of the National Assembly to embrace our responsibility for Welsh affairs.

I believe there must be a role for the National Assembly to somehow bring experience and knowledge to bear in the debate about the future of Welsh broadcasting.

The BBC Trust and S4C Authority will shortly begin their discussions on governance.

The Chair of the BBC Trust said last week he would like to “move quickly” to settle the future of the existing partnership.

S4C has already acknowledged – in A Process of Renewal - that “comprehensive reconsideration and a renewal of the channel’s mission and operation” is due.

This will allow the channel to adapt itself and remain independent.

Thursday 11 November 2010

CARMARTHENSHIRE CASTLES IN MOST ROMANTIC RUIN BID

Good news that both Carreg Cennen and Llansteffan castles are on Countryfile magazine’s shortlist of ten to be named Britain’s most romantic ruin.

I have visited both castles personally. They are set in the most beautiful, breathtaking scenery and either of them is worthy of this title.

I hope as many people as possible will vote to ensure this title is won by Carmarthenshire.

More details can be found on the website

www.bbccountryfilemagazine.com/ruinsvote

Wednesday 10 November 2010

HOUSING ASSOCIATION’S PLEDGE ON MOBILITY SCOOTERS WELCOME

I recently wrote to Wales & West Housing Association after being contacted by residents of Christchurch Court in Llandrindod Wells who were concerned about accessibility and storage issues regarding their mobility scooters.

Mobility scooters are an excellent way of allowing the elderly and infirm to retain their independence and their use is becoming more and more widespread.

Residents were asking if there were any plans to provide a storage area for such scooters and automatic sliding doors to allow easy access.

In their response, Wales & West Housing Association said:

“The issue of mobility scooters and their storage is becoming more prevalent at all of the Association’s retirement schemes. I can advise that staff have been investigating a suitable location for a mobility scooter store at Christchurch Court.

It appears that there is somewhere suitable and plans and costings are currently being considered.

With regard to automatic doors being installed, this work is being prioritised for all our retirement schemes across Wales.

Christchurch Court will be considered and as soon as funding is available, residents will be informed.”

I very much welcome this positive reply and am greatly encouraged by Wales & West Housing Association’s recognition of this and their commitment to making their homes more accessible for scooter users.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

IMPACT OF SUPERMARKETS ON TOWNS IN WALES MUST BE ASSESSED

I recently asked Jane Davidson if any assessment had been made of the potential impact of the opening of supermarkets in towns on the economy of the area.

Concerns have been raised with me by residents of Cardigan about the proposed supermarket development on the Bathhouse site in Cardigan.

In reply, Jane Davidson said:

“Local planning authorities should collect and analyse retail information to inform preparation of their Local Development Plan. This should include considering the impact of existing, or proposed, supermarkets on town centres . Where there is an unmet need for further supermarket provision sites may be identified, giving preference to town centre or edge of town centre locations.

All planning applications for supermarkets over 2,500 M2 gross floor space should be accompanied by a retail impact assessment. Planning applications over 10,000 M2 which are departures from the development plan and all planning applications over 20,000 M2 should be notified to the Welsh Assembly Government so that a decision can be made on whether to call in the planning application.”

I have to say I remain concerned about the proposed supermarket development on the Bathhouse site in Cardigan.

I believe this will have a detrimental impact on the small, independent traders in the town as well as increasing traffic on Aberystwyth Road, North Road and Gwbert Road.

This is particularly pertinent as the application now also includes a petrol filling station thereby attracting more traffic to the area.

I have written to Ceredigion County Council to make my concerns known and will follow progress on this development closely.

THEATR POWYS MUST RETAIN FUNDING

I recently gained an assurance from the Heritage Minister that he would raise the issue of funding of Theatr Powys with Arts Council Wales.

I asked Alun Ffred in the National Assembly Chamber

“Funding for Theatr Powys has been cut by the Arts Council.

I recognise the valuable arm’s-length principle, but the Minister sets out the terms of operation in his remit letter, and I hope that, in his discussions with the Arts Council, he will address this particular concern.

The rurality of Powys means that without this educational theatre facility for schools, many schoolchildren would have no access to theatre. It is vital, and it is valued.

Will the Minister please raise the issue, in general terms, in the remit letter and in his discussions with the Arts Council?”

In reply, The Minister said:

“I am happy to give an assurance that these matters will be discussed when I next meet the Arts Council.”

I hope that the Arts Council Wales will listen to all the representations they have received and reconsider their decision to cut funding to Theatr Powys which plays such a vital role in the arts in Mid Wales.”

Monday 8 November 2010

Brecon Theatre

I try to get to Brecon Theatre when I can and have enjoyed many performances there. Clear in my memory are one man shows by Henry Blofeld on cricket, Edward Fox on Trollope, and most recently Charles Collingwood on the Archers. Charles Collingwood is, of course, as all Archers fans know, Brian Aldridge. He is married to Judy Bennett (Shula in the radio series) and Charles Collingwood had his audience entranced with Archers tales and other diverse offerings like Alan Bennett’s sermon on a recent occasion at the Theatre.

It is certainly good to see the arts flourishing in Mid Wales with Theatr Brycheiniog, The Wyeside and the Arts Centre at Aberystwyth, to name but a few. More seriously there are, of course, threats to some excellently funded arts projects in Mid Wales like Carad, Theatr Powys and Theatr Harlech. These are the life blood of civilised life and vitally important in Mid Wales.

I try to get to Brecon Theatre when I can and have enjoyed many performances there. Clear in my memory are one man shows by Henry Blofeld on cricket, Edward Fox on Trollope, and most recently Charles Collingwood on the Archers. Charles Collingwood is, of course, as all Archers fans know, Brian Aldridge. He is married to Judy Bennett (Shula in the radio series) and Charles Collingwood had his audience entranced with Archers tales and other diverse offerings like Alan Bennett’s sermon on a recent occasion at the Theatre.

It is certainly good to see the arts flourishing in Mid Wales with Theatr Brycheiniog, The Wyeside and the Arts Centre at Aberystwyth, to name but a few. More seriously there are, of course, threats to some excellently funded arts projects in Mid Wales like Carad, Theatr Powys and Theatr Harlech. These are the life blood of civilised life and vitally important in Mid Wales.

Ten Green Bottles

Some friends have pointed out it is a while since I have done any blogs – my excuse the usual pressure of business and also now tweeting on a regular basis. Still, I am going to try and do the occasional blog as well.
This week I visited an excellent business in New Radnor called ‘Ten Green Bottles Powys CIC’ or Community Interest Company to give it its full title. This is a form of business which operates as a social enterprise.


Absolutely brilliant. Its mission is described as making quality products from recycled glass in a supportive, work creative, training and volunteering environment. This it certainly does with Gordon’s Gin bottles, Marmite jars, and Ty Nant blue bottles. These entrepreneurs and team set out to make fruit bowls, Christmas decorations, mirror surrounds, tumblers, coasters, cheese boards and a host of other excellent presents.


I am told the only thing they cannot recycle is the labels from the bottles! They also provide fantastic job opportunities for local people and some with learning difficulties. The team spirit and the enthusiasm are palpable.


The business is expanding and there are some large orders in the offing as well as many people buying, particularly at this time of year, for presents for Christmas. The business also operates Glad Bags, making bags for life etc., from off cuts.


I can quite see this business expanding in a Body Shop sort of way. Perhaps even a British feel good type of movie like ‘Calendar Girls’ or ‘Made in Dagenham’ could be cast around the business.


I wish them every luck and think it has massive potential for success.