CONCERN OVER PLANNED CHANGES TO FIRE SERVICE

I wrote recently to Carl Sargeant to raise concerns about proposed changes to the Fire & Rescue Services in Mid & West Wales.

This is causing massive concern throughout mid and west Wales. There is particular concern in Newtown, where full-time fire officers are to be replaced by a retained fire service, which would make it extremely difficult to get to incidents in due time. These proposals will not be made subject to public consultation.

It is vital that Minister makes a statement about these proposals to the Assembly.

STATEMENT NEEDED ON DYFI BRIDGE

I recently met with representatives of the South Meirionnydd Older People’s Forum who presented a petition to the Assembly in relation to the Dyfi Bridge.
They were calling for action to be taken to provide a second crossing.

Dyfi Bridge is frequently closed, partly because of heavy traffic causing difficulty on and much damage to the bridge, and partly, and increasingly, because of flooding. I know personally of the effect that the recent floods have had on that bridge. Later that day in the Chamber I called on the Transport Minister to make a statement on the important issue of the need for a new bridge across the Dyfi at Machynlleth.

BETTER NHS DATA REQUIRED TO AID SCRUTINY

I am increasingly concerned about the lack of data kept by the NHS to assist the scrutiny of health services in Wales.

In answers to written questions I have been told that the data are not available to show how much is being spent on dementia-related illnesses in Wales and we cannot find out the amount spent per patient on cancer care, stroke care, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

The Nuffield Trust has stated that there is a concern across all of the devolved administrations about the quality and quantity of available data.

It certainly makes a difference when we are trying to scrutinise the health service and its performance in the way that everyone wants to see to ensure that we get the best from our excellent staff and the health service.

The Assembly Government needs to address this issue because it makes a difference to the performance of the health service and to the scrutiny that we as Assembly Members can give it.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.

North Korea

This weekend I watched an excellent BBC documentary presented by Sue Lloyd-Roberts on North Korea.

It is extraordinary that more than twenty million people are still in thrall to the hereditary Communist dictatorship that governs their country.

The Beloved Leader, revered as a God and dead for 16 years rules from beyond the grave whilst his son, the Dear One carries out his earthly will.

There is little or no contact with the outside world and a North Korean youth asked to compare the Beloved one ( or was it the Dear One?) with rivals for the throne of greatest living leader could only mention Stalin and Mao as in the same league.

Famine haunts much of the country outside of Pyongyang and probably disease as well.

There are some markets for food and goods but although Sue Lloyd Roberts was ultimately allowed to visit one no cameras were permitted. Seemingly the hosts were embarrassed by their success and these markets she was assured were to be phased out. I was reminded of a good friend of mine, Edwin Liechtenstein, whose daughter Olivia was producing a TV programme on an aspect of Soviet life in the late 80s and had secured the visit to London of a Soviet policewoman. The Soviet woman could scarcely comprehend the freedoms in Britain and could not grasp at all that members of the public, as opposed to party officials, could buy goods in shops full of goods.

The mystery of North Korea is how the terror and the brainwashing has kept the state going for so long. Then again I recall a friend of my grandparents who was convinced that the Berlin Wall had been built to keep out West Berliners determined to seek a better life in the West. The reality, of course, was somewhat different.

Labour Leadership

The ballot opens for the leadership of the Labour party.

I believe that the election of a leader is going to help the Government as much as the Opposition.
Any likely victor (sorry Diane) will have been a Cabinet minister in the Gordon Gang and so 'steeped in the blood'.

He will have to explain where he was when all the policy errors on diverse areas from Iraq to pensions to tax and government borrowing were made. He will also have to set out a convincing argument for an alternative strategy to the current one.

Bring it on.

David Kelly

A full inquest into the death of Dr David Kelly is surely needed to allay any doubts about his sad death.

It will be recalled that the normal inquest procedure was suspended by the then Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer.

Medical opinion continues to cast doubt on the cause of death.There are evidential doubts too. There is also a most unusual if not unprecedented embargo of 70 years on the release of Dr. Kelly's medical records.

The Hutton inquiry substituting for an inquest only briefly looked at the medical evidence.
Dr. Kelly served his country. In all conscience a proper inquest is needed.

Calendar Girls

Thanks to the cast of Calendar Girls. I managed to get along to the last evening of its run at the Wales Millennium Centre.

You can tell when a cast is enjoying itself and this cast clearly was. It was an exuberant performance of a life enhancing story before a very appreciative audience.

It is good to see the Wales Millennium Centre buzzing, and Ffresh restaurant straining at the seams too serving pre-theatre suppers with their usual grace and courtesy. There was obviously quite a lot of other activity going on too.

This really is a national institution that we can be rightly proud of.

Barry John

Chance encounter with the great Barry John in Cardiff on Saturday as I walk home with my brother and his girlfriend from a trip into town.

Then on Sunday, as happens, we get a second powerful reminder of his magic when we are having lunch in the Waterguard in Cardiff Bay as there on the walls there are photos of that same great side as well as a more recent one of Barry.

Chatting with the staff we agree he is one of the great immortals. Surely time for some lasting monument.

I remember following the great Welsh rugby side of the early 70s the fluidity, the elan and the flair of Barry John. What a great era that was.

Eisteddfod

Good visit to the Blaenau Gwent Eisteddfod and congratulations to the organisers, especially on the People’s Sunday. I think this is a fantastic innovation and I hope it will be repeated at future Eisteddfodau. Perhaps it should be aimed at the entire local community?

Our tent was very busy and I took the opportunity to tour the Maes and meet with others. The situation at S4C certainly came up frequently as a topic of conversation and there is very real concern about the future of S4C. I am sure that it will get through the current difficulties as it is a vital institution for us delivering broadcasting in Wales for Welsh speakers and will remain so.
Heard from Alun Cairns that David Davies was on the Maes, and I joked to Alun that he was probably sitting at the Cymru Yfory stand as we spoke. Short while later passing the Cymru Yfory tent there, indeed, is David chatting happily away to Cynog Dafis. I go over and speak to them and tell David that I would be very happy to handle the press on this one if he is agreeable – don’t think he is quite ready for this yet. Not since I saw Chris Gwyther standing next to a burger van at the Pembrokeshire Show have I had such a scoop.

David has some good ideas about issues that will be looked at by the Welsh Affairs Select Committee. I think it is really good that David has this niche and is taking it very, very seriously and obviously wants to make a positive contribution to Welsh issues. I think many of his detractors are in for a surprise.

The only problem with the Maes is it is very dusty, and on a warm day there are clouds of dust everywhere. It might be great for a remake of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (another great Welsh location for filming). It is a small price to pay for what, in every other respect, I think is an excellent Eisteddfod and all credit to the organisers.

Reading

As usual I read a great deal in the summer recess.

I have read 'The Third Man' by Peter Mandelson.

It is predictably well written. Its hero is prdicatbly vindicated on the major issues of the day. He is tough on Gordon Brown, who, whatever positive qualities he doubtless has, seems to have been a nightmare to work with and even worse to work for.

He is also clearly much more tribal than either Peter Mandelson or Tony Blair and so out of synch with the times. The tribal instinct seems to be what finally and fatally did it for Gordon and enabled Dave Cameron and Nick Clegg to make the groundbreaking Coalition agreement. A point not lost on the Baron Foy and Hartlepool.

From this tome of some 550 pages to an appropriate antidote in the shape of 'The Gropes' by Tom Sharpe. I am a massive fan of Tom Sharpe but in this volume he is not at his best, I feel. Certainly all the usual Hogarthian grotesques of characters are here as are many of the usual Sharpe ingredients:- explosives, bulldozers, violence, bandaged officialdom and Northumberland wilderness.

It is not as rib-huggingly, laugh-outloudishly funny as some of the classic Tom Sharpe's, particularly the Wilt series.

I have just finished reading one of the Morse books, which I must have missed, 'The Secret of Annexe 3 ' by Colin Dexter. It was a very enjoyable read indeed. For much of the tale it is not clear who the victim is, let alone the murderer.It is not oflen that I stay awake to read a book from alpha to omega but this was an exception.

And now to 'Jeeves in the Offing'. It could be forgiven to Shakespeare, some 350 years in advance of Plum to maintain that sleep 'knits the raveled sleeve of care' and so it does, but so too does the world of Wodehouse.

It is a world that never palls and it is a gentle, kindly humour that pervades the page. The reader is safe in the knowledge that order and justice will triumph. That's fine as far as I am concerned!

Social Legislation

Attitudes change. When the breathalyzer was inteoduced many people opposed it as an infringement of personal liberty. Not now. Indeed there is a strong case for reducing the alcohol limit in line with most other countries in Europe. I have sympathy with that view.

Then again when the Race Relations legislation was first mooted there were voices raised against legislating in this area. I believe had we not done so there would have been racial division and bitterness in Britain today that has largely been avoided.

We would probably not have seen the emergence of politicians, business leaders and sportsmen and sportswomen from the ethnic minority communities that has occurred.

Thank goodness that we live in a country that has embraced change and diversity and recognised the strength that this gives our country and us all.

HAY NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE

I have always considered Hay-on-Wye to be an economic wonder. The fascinating blend of literature, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and pubs, together with a lively local arts movement, seems unique to such a small town.

We are all aware of those who helped to create the wonder of Hay that we see today and it is this wonderment that continues to attract people from far and wide. For sure, this attraction ensures a certain level of financial affluence but it is also the continual stream of new ideas that serves to stimulate the whole town.

Hay could easily serve other towns as a social and economic blueprint for success; if you could ‘bottle’ its charms, it would be a sure-fire best seller.