September 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to my September 2024 Newsletter
Following the break, I look forward to returning to the Senedd. I have enjoyed spending more time in Montgomeryshire and enjoyed catching up with many of you at events and local shows over the summer.
I just want to congratulate all students who collected their results last month.This is a moment to celebrate your achievements and look forward to the exciting paths ahead, whether that's further education or starting a new job.
As ever, if you would like an update on something not mentioned in my newsletter, or I can help in another way, please email me at [email protected] or call my office at 01686 610887.
Changes to Cottage hospitals
During August, Powys Teaching Health Board announced proposed temporary changes to the provision of services at local cottage hospitals. There is particular concern with a downgrading of services at Llanidloes War Memorial Hospital.
Following the announcement, I met with the CEO of Powys Teaching Health Board and attended a packed public meeting in Llanidloes.
Not only did the hundreds of members of the public outline their concerns about the health boards plans to make changes to the provision of services at Llanidloes Hospital, but it was also clear from the meeting that several health professionals and staff oppose the Health Boards plans.
Given the significant concern and public interest, I have called for the health board to pause their current plans, so a formal and meaningful consultation can take place. I have also taken up my concerns directly with the Health Minister.
My full update provides more details on the above, and updates on the proposed new hospital and health facility planned to be built in Newtown.
Rail Station Improvements
Last month I met with Transport for Wales and Network Rail to discuss a number of issues on the Cambrian Line including overcrowding, delayed trains and ongoing train cancellations. I have also raised several maintenance issues regarding the bridge across the railway line at Welshpool.
Disappointingly the new rolling stock (train carriages) on the Cambrian Line has been delayed yet again. I have been told because of delays with the supply of the carriages to TfW the new stock will not be available until the latter part of 2025. This is very disappointing when the new stock is already being used on the lines in other parts of Wales.
On a more positive note, I was pleased to visit Newtown station during August to see first-hand the accessibility improvements being carried out. The improvements include a new footbridge over the railway with lifts to access both sides of the platform, improved lighting, CCTV and a PA upgrade for train announcements at the station. I am pleased this is taking shape and is hoped to be completed and usable by the end of the year.
My full update provides more details, and updates on various road schemes.
Russell George MS visits improvements at Newtown Railway Station.
Positive Show and Carnival Season
It was good to chat to those who visited my stand or spoke with me at local shows over the Summer, this was also an opportunity to provide updates on various issues.
There is much work that goes into organising these events, and I want to pay a special tribute to the many volunteers that give up their time to make these events and shows a success.
Police Open-day
My thanks to Newtown Police Station for organising their open day. Good to chat to lots of organisations, including the team at Mid Wales Advanced Motorists, a charity that helps to make better drivers and roads safer by improving driver and rider skills.
Also met up with the St John’s team who have been busy over the summer, as well as chatting to the Councils Road safety team.
Progress on Mobile Masts
I have been supporting plans for 16 new mobile masts across Montgomeryshire. These Emergency Services Network masts are the new 4G critical communications system for Britain’s emergency services.
The last UK Government funded upgrades to several sites to enable mobile network operators to provide greater commercial mobile coverage. The programme will also allow us in Mid Wales to access competing mobile contracts, with coverage boosted for all major network providers.
Progress on all the new masts is going well, and I am told all are due to be activated by the end of 2024 at the latest, and five have already been brought online.
Please let me know if you would prefer to receive my newsletter in Welsh.
