October 2022 Newsletter
Welcome to my newsletter.
During September we learnt of the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen. I have paid my full tribute in this newsletter.
Our summer of busy local news is leading to a similar autumn. This newsletter also includes updates on Wales Air Ambulance's proposal to relocate their Mid Wales base, banking services and the autumn vaccination programme.
I work closely with Craig Williams as Montgomeryshire's Member of Parliament in Westminister. If you would like to sign up to his newsletter, you can do so by visiting Craig Williams MP | Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire (craig-williams.org.uk)
If I can help you with an issue or concern, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me by email - [email protected]
Her Late Majesty The Queen
1926 - 2022
The news in early September of the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen was deeply sad.
Her sense of duty, hardwork, commitment and dedication to our country and the Commonwealth was without parallel. Over many glorious decades, she represented the best of our nation's values.
Tributes across Montgomeryshire were poignant and touching. Many books of condolence were opened across the county for people to share their thoughts and memories. I paid my own tribute in the Senedd when I spoke about my first memories of seeking Her Late Majesty on her tour of Montgomeryshire in July 1986. During that tour, she visited Machynlleth, Llanidloes, Montgomery, Berriew, Welshpool and Newtown.
I was pleased to be able to be at the Senedd to welcome His Majesty The King during his tour of the four nations of the UK. I look forward to supporting him throughout his reign.
Air Ambulance Base Update
Russell George MS asking the First Minister about Welshpool's Air Ambulance base.
There remains huge frustration about plans to close Welshpool's Air Ambulance base. I recently attended a public meeting held in Newtown.
In September, I questioned the First Minister about the proposals which can be viewed above along with his answer.
We are currently waiting for the publication of the data and analysis that the proposals have been based on so that I, and others, can further scrutinize the plans.
In recent days, there have been several media reports of missions launched from Welshpool to serve local places like Llanfyllin and Newtown which reiterates the importance of the base.
As soon as the Charity and the Welsh NHS announced their arrangements and consultation plans, I will of course update you.
Banking Services
In September, we saw the sad final closures of the Barclays branches in Welshpool and Newtown announced earlier in the summer.
Following a substantial amount of campaigning and meetings, I am pleased that Barclays have announced that they will continue to provide in-person sessions in community venues. Details of these sessions can be found in my full update.
A positive development has been news that a LINK Banking Hub (where customers of all major banks can use services like paying in cash and cheques) is being proposed in Welshpool.
Last week, Craig Williams MP and I met again with LINK to discuss their plans and to feedback to them the needs of banking customers across Montgomeryshire which were clearly shown in my recent survey.
I am pleased that LINK are now in negotiations for a building in Welshpool and hope more news of this will be forthcoming soon.
Road Closures in Caersws
I am pleased the work on Caersws Bridge has now finally been completed and is open again to two way traffic. The work on the bridge, in my view, took far too long to complete.
Along with County Councillor Les George and others, I have been calling on Welsh Government to bring forward a road safety scheme for a separate footbridge over the river. Following the results of a survey I carried out on the safety of the current bridge, the results clearly favoured a separate footbridge. Work to progress this scheme has been very slow and has been hampered by Welsh Government putting a hold on the building of all new schemes across Wales subject to a road review it is conducting.
There are also proposals for a roundabout to replace the current junction at Moat Lane crossing. Again this has been put on hold due to the road review. The outcome of this review is due to be announced over the next coming weeks.
Click Here for Information on Other Road Schemes
Cancer Research & Support
Russell George MS and James Evans MS recently attended a session with Cancer Research Wales.
Cancer can be such a distressing, frustrating and physically-draining disease.
It is vitally important that we do everything possible to improve treatments for patients, increase our understanding of how cancer spreads and that we care for people suffering with the disease.
As my remit in the Senedd includes chairing the Health committee, I have a particular interest in holding the Welsh Government to account for getting better outcomes for people across Wales.
In September, I met with both Cancer Research Wales and Macmillian Cancer Support to discuss their work. These charities play a vital role and I will continue to encourage Welsh Government to engage with them as key players in the fight against cancer.
Vaccination Update
The autumn/winter programme of vaccinations against flu and COVID-19 across Montgomeryshire has started again.
Many people are eligible will have already received their invitation for a COVID-19 autumn booster. If you are eligible, you should receive your invitation by the end of November. If you are eligible for the flu vaccine you should receive your invitation by the end of December.
It is important to note that your invitation should be received by the end of these months but the actual appointment may be after the end of the invitation period.
I have published on my website a full breakdown of the programme so use the link below to establish if you are eligible in just a couple of minutes.
