Dear resident,
Please find below an update on various issues. I’m looking forward to attending a range of events and county shows across Montgomeryshire over the summer. I have put a list of the shows I’m attending at the foot of this newsletter.
I’m also looking forward to attending the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show next week. During my time at the Show, I will be meeting with a range of organisations including representatives of the farming industry and I will also be meeting with the European Commissioner for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, for discussions on European agricultural policy. I’m also looking forward to the National Eisteddfod which will be held in Meifod from 1st - 8th August.
Transport
Canal traffic lights by Abermule
I am pleased that the traffic lights between Abermule and Garthmyl have finally been removed following the completion of repair works. Once work started, the repairs were completed fairly quickly, but it should not have taken 4 months for the work to start.
I raised this matter a number of times with the Minister for Transport, Edwina Hart AM, to try to speed up the repairs which were crucial before the summer break. In recent weeks, I have been in correspondence with the Canal and Rivers Trust (who own the canal), Powys County Council and Natural Resources Wales who are responsible for environmental issues in connection with the canal. I was as frustrated about the lack of urgency of repairs as many others who regularly travel this road.
Welshpool One Way System
Concerns were further expressed at a public meeting on 22nd June regarding the one-way system in Welshpool. The Minister for Transport, Edwina Hart AM, has agreed to my request to come to Welshpool to discuss the concerns with local representatives, relating to pedestrian safety and the proposed alterations to improve the current system. I will keep you updated on progress.
Newtown Bypass
A couple of weeks ago, I spoke at the Newtown Bypass public inquiry (PI) in support of the preferred route. The PI will close next week. It is anticipated that the Inspector will take a couple of months to report back to the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government and contractors (depending on the result of the PI) are keen to start construction work later this year.
You can read my full statement to the PI here.
Changes to Bus Services
Following Powys County Council’s Public Transport consultation, a number of constituents have contacted me with concerns about a number of transport routes. I agreed to support campaigners, and on Monday (ahead of Powys County Council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday), I arranged for petitioners to hand in their petition to Cllr. Barry Thomas, Leader of Powys County Council. There are a number of bus services in north Powys which are clearly crucial to communities, which I believe should be retained. For the latest news, please see this media report here.
Education
Schools Reorganisation
I have been contacted with concerns over Powys County Council’s review of secondary education in North Powys. The review has two parts: part 1 is to determine whether or not there is a need for a Welsh medium secondary school or schools in Montgomeryshire; and part 2 is to make recommendations about the future configuration of secondary education in Montgomeryshire. There are currently six high schools in Montgomeryshire and it is the Council’s view that all are struggling to deliver the full curriculum range within available resources. Powys County Council states that to continue secondary education in its current form in Montgomeryshire is not an option.
The Council has appointed an organisation called Sbectrwm to consult with high schools and parents across Montgomeryshire. These consultation events have taken place. If you were unable to attend a consultation event you can still give your views by emailing [email protected]
There are various options up for discussion which include:
All through schools 3 – 18
All through schools 3 – 16
Sixth Form mergers
Welsh medium provision
Build new education centres
Close some secondary schools
Establish a federation of secondary schools in the area
I have had a number of very serious concerns raised with me about the consultation process and how Sbectrwm has conducted the consultation. I have raised these concerns with Powys County Council and they have responded to say that they have full confidence in Sbectrwm. I will continue to ensure that your views are heard so if you have any views or concerns about the consultation process, or if you are aware of others who do, I would encourage you to contact me – [email protected]
I will do all I can to help defend our high schools and the communities that our schools underpin.
Mid Wales Connection Project
The Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change has recently made a statement on the future of onshore wind energy. It is now clear that there is very little likelihood of significant onshore wind development going ahead in Mid Wales following the new policy position adopted by the new Conservative Government which will see the end of public subsidies for onshore wind. For a useful update on the latest situation, please visit Glyn Davies MP’s blog.
Health
Elective Operations at Bronglais
Earlier this month, I called for an urgent update from the Health Minister, Mark Drakeford AM, on the cancellation of elective operations at Bronglais General Hospital. Residents are rightly losing their patience and some have contacted me to say that they have had their operations cancelled for non-clinical reasons three times on the trot at very short notice.
I continue to be very concerned that decisions about the cancellation of inpatient elective procedures are being taken by administrators rather than clinicians and am not confident that Hywel Dda University Health Board are doing what is required to remedy this situation.
National Eisteddfod
I’m looking forward to the National Eisteddfod which will be held in Meifod from 1st - 8th August. Please click here for more information.
Surgeries
I will be at the following events and shows over the summer.
In addition to the surgery dates below, you can also call my office to make an appointment in my Newtown or Welshpool office.
Saturday 25th July - Machynlleth Carnival, Y Plas – 12pm – 2pm
Saturday 1st August - Trefeglwys Show – 4pm – 6pm
Sunday 2nd August - Churchstoke Funday – Harry Tuffins Store – 12pm – 2pm
Saturday 8th August – Llangurig Show – 3pm – 5pm
Thursday 13th August - Guilsfield Show – 12pm – 2pm
Saturday 15th August - Llanfyllin Show – 12pm – 2pm
Saturday 15th August - Carno Show – 3pm – 5pm
Saturday 22nd August - Berriew Show – 12pm – 2pm
Monday 31st August – Llanbrynmair Show – 12pm – 2pm
Monday 31st August – Castle Caereinion Show – 3pm – 5pm