Local AM Helen Mary Jones and Plaid Cymru’s Parliamentary Candidate for Llanelli, Myfanwy Davies have welcomed the news that Hendy Post Office is one of 75 branches in Wales that have been awarded a total of £1.5m from the Post Office Diversification Fund.
The funding will lead to the equivalent of 57 full time jobs at post offices throughout Wales. This is the second round of funding which is designed to help sub – postmasters and sub – postmistresses diversify and improve their Post Offices. A total of £1.1million for sixty three post offices was announced in July.
The £4.5million fund, which will run for three years and is open to every sub pos office in Wales, aims to help with business and marketing advice, advertising, training and some set-up costs for new services. Funding can also be applied for improvements such as creating better access to buildings, upgrading computer equipment, improving security or providing better signs for the outside of premises.
Twelve Post Offices have been awarded grants of up to £5,000 each for small capital projects such as new air conditioning or security systems and sixty three have been awarded up to £20,000 each for larger capital projects such as renovation, improving access or installing facilities for new services. Thirty four of the Post Offices have also received up to £15,000 in revenue funding which will help employ new staff or increase
Plaid's Helen Mary Jones said:
"I am delighted that the Hendy branch will be benefiting from the funding that has been made available from the Welsh Assembly Government. Post Offices are often the heart in the community, and I know that in Hendy, this is certainly the case. This money will help us to keep branches open and I am delighted that so many post offices in Wales have been able to take advantage of the fund.”
Myfanwy added:
"The extra investment in Hendy post office is a real boost to the community and particularly to people who do not want to travel out of Hendy to shop. The investment package is very important in safeguarding post offices that remain a kept part of community and business life but it is sad that this investment is happening against a backdrop of a post office closure campaign by the London labour Government and the withdrawal of post office services like passport applications and the post office card."
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Wednesday 2 December 2009
Helen Mary and Myfanwy pleased as plans to shut care homes are shelved
Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones and Plaid's Parliamentary candidate for Llanelli Myfanwy Davies have expressed their delight that council plans to close Caemaen and St Paul’s residential homes in Llanelli have been shelved. Both Helen Mary and Myfanwy last week pledged their to support an action group that has been fighting hard against these closure plans.
The County Council had wanted to close the residential homes in order to finance new home care services but the plans made no provision for care while those services were being delivered and had no detail of the costs or savings to be made. The plans contained no detail about where residents who were too frail for home care would be housed , but officers’ remarks about empty beds in private care homes raised residents fears that they would be sent out of Council care.
Myfanwy travelled to Carmarthen in a convoy of two buses of protesters from Caemaen home yesterday and helped lobby councillors as they arrived for the meeting of the County Council’s Scrutiny Committee. During the meeting, members of the Plaid Cymru group time and again drew attention to the weakness of the report and warned about privatising care by stealth. To the protesters delight, the Plaid group insisted on a vote to reject the plans as they stand. However, a task and finish group will be convened to examine the plans in detail.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
"I’m very pleased indeed that the Council’s Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee has rejected the proposal to shut St Paul’s and Caemaen. I am concerned however that the discussions of the task and finish group around the future of social care in Carmarthenshire should not end up coming to the same conclusions but behind closed doors.
There has been a great campaign in the community to support the care that’s being provided at Caemaen and St Paul’s, and both Myfanwy and I have been fully supportive of the hard work that's been going on. I will continue to support those campaigning to keep this provision available for the people who want it and need it.”
Myfanwy added:
“The Council’s plans were ill-conceived and it was quite right for the Plaid members of the scrutiny committee to reject them on those grounds. It is entirely wrong to make savings at the expense of our most vulnerable people but it seems the Council had not even calculated the costs and had not considered how residents would be cared for while the new accommodation was built.
Moving older people from their homes is distressing and some may not survive a move. I am very pleased that we have been able to win the first battle in this war. Our older people will not be sacrificed to the Council’s half-baked ideas about privatisation. "
The County Council had wanted to close the residential homes in order to finance new home care services but the plans made no provision for care while those services were being delivered and had no detail of the costs or savings to be made. The plans contained no detail about where residents who were too frail for home care would be housed , but officers’ remarks about empty beds in private care homes raised residents fears that they would be sent out of Council care.
Myfanwy travelled to Carmarthen in a convoy of two buses of protesters from Caemaen home yesterday and helped lobby councillors as they arrived for the meeting of the County Council’s Scrutiny Committee. During the meeting, members of the Plaid Cymru group time and again drew attention to the weakness of the report and warned about privatising care by stealth. To the protesters delight, the Plaid group insisted on a vote to reject the plans as they stand. However, a task and finish group will be convened to examine the plans in detail.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
"I’m very pleased indeed that the Council’s Health and Social Care Scrutiny Committee has rejected the proposal to shut St Paul’s and Caemaen. I am concerned however that the discussions of the task and finish group around the future of social care in Carmarthenshire should not end up coming to the same conclusions but behind closed doors.
There has been a great campaign in the community to support the care that’s being provided at Caemaen and St Paul’s, and both Myfanwy and I have been fully supportive of the hard work that's been going on. I will continue to support those campaigning to keep this provision available for the people who want it and need it.”
Myfanwy added:
“The Council’s plans were ill-conceived and it was quite right for the Plaid members of the scrutiny committee to reject them on those grounds. It is entirely wrong to make savings at the expense of our most vulnerable people but it seems the Council had not even calculated the costs and had not considered how residents would be cared for while the new accommodation was built.
Moving older people from their homes is distressing and some may not survive a move. I am very pleased that we have been able to win the first battle in this war. Our older people will not be sacrificed to the Council’s half-baked ideas about privatisation. "
Tuesday 1 December 2009
Dwr Cymru give their commitment to Helen Mary and Myfanwy
Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones and Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli Myfanwy Davies have been left feeling reassured following a positive meeting with Dwr Cymru. Senior Management from Dwr Cymru met with both Helen Mary and Myfanwy to discuss the ongoing issues in Llanelli with regards to water quality and flooding.
During the meeting, Dwr Cymru gave their commitment that they will continue to do everything that they can to ensure that the issue will be resolved. Even though the water quality has improved, it is still unclear what is causing the mass cockle deaths which is affecting the livelihoods of many local fishermen and cockle pickers in the area.
Both Helen Mary and Myfanwy has been very concerned about the worrying possibility that cockle beds in the Burry Estuary may continue to die this year – a situation that would cause devastation to the local industry.
Plaid's Helen Mary Jones said:
“I was pleased after the meeting that the Senior Manager from Welsh Water were taking the issues with regards to water quality and flooding in Llanelli very seriously. It is disappointing that Ofwat’s interference means that some of the planned investment will now not be met, but I do have some confidence that working together with the other appropriate agencies, Dwr Cymru will make what progress they can on these issues. They have committed to keeping myself and Myfanwy informed on progress, and we will certainly be keeping a very close eye on developments as they move forward.”
Myfanwy added:
"I’m very pleased that Senior Managers from Welsh Water were able to come and have a wide ranging discussion with us. We touched on a number of issues to do with the Estuary and also flooding within the area. I’m particularly pleased that they were able to make an unequivocal commitment that they would do what had to be done to ensure that Dwr Cymru is not contributing to the cockle deaths. I think that this is an important commitment for cockle fishermen in Llanelli and for other people who are reliant on the industry.”
During the meeting, Dwr Cymru gave their commitment that they will continue to do everything that they can to ensure that the issue will be resolved. Even though the water quality has improved, it is still unclear what is causing the mass cockle deaths which is affecting the livelihoods of many local fishermen and cockle pickers in the area.
Both Helen Mary and Myfanwy has been very concerned about the worrying possibility that cockle beds in the Burry Estuary may continue to die this year – a situation that would cause devastation to the local industry.
Plaid's Helen Mary Jones said:
“I was pleased after the meeting that the Senior Manager from Welsh Water were taking the issues with regards to water quality and flooding in Llanelli very seriously. It is disappointing that Ofwat’s interference means that some of the planned investment will now not be met, but I do have some confidence that working together with the other appropriate agencies, Dwr Cymru will make what progress they can on these issues. They have committed to keeping myself and Myfanwy informed on progress, and we will certainly be keeping a very close eye on developments as they move forward.”
Myfanwy added:
"I’m very pleased that Senior Managers from Welsh Water were able to come and have a wide ranging discussion with us. We touched on a number of issues to do with the Estuary and also flooding within the area. I’m particularly pleased that they were able to make an unequivocal commitment that they would do what had to be done to ensure that Dwr Cymru is not contributing to the cockle deaths. I think that this is an important commitment for cockle fishermen in Llanelli and for other people who are reliant on the industry.”
Friday 27 November 2009
Helen Mary and Myfanwy call for urgent review of Kidwelly transport
Responding to the concerns of Kidwelly residents regarding the loss of the ‘dial a ride’ town bus service and difficulties in using the train service, Dr. Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli and local AM Helen Mary Jones have asked for a series of meetings to look at the effects of poor transport and to find solutions. Myfanwy has written to Plaid leader and Minister for Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones to ask his officers to assess the impact of limited access to transport on Kidwelly residents and businesses. Helen Mary has also asked for a meeting with County Council officials to discuss the future of the ‘dial a ride’ scheme which had used local taxi and minibus companies to provide services within Kidwelly town but which will come to an end next month (December) as no tenders were submitted for the service.
Myfanwy said:
“Train, bus and taxi companies in Kidwelly are making commercial decisions based on their assessment of demand. In the case of the train company however, it is likely that the current arrangements where passengers catch the train by hailing it like a cab and need to ask for the train to stop at Kidwelly, serve to discourage potential train users. Helen Mary and I want a proper analysis made of the effects these transport problems may have on businesses and residents in Kidwelly. We are also keen to discuss with the Council what progress has been made towards meeting the gap in transport services left by the failure to maintain ‘Dial a ride’ contracts.
Helen Mary said:
“The railway station has been in need of upgrading for many years. Now with the ‘dial a ride’ town service being withdrawn we need to take a really good look at transport needs in Kidwelly and see what support we can find to provide necessary services.
Huw Gilasbey, Kidwelly Town Councillor said:
“Many people in Kidwelly with limited mobility depend on the ‘dial a ride’ service and are distressed that it is being lost. It is also high time that proper thought was given to upgrading Kidwelly station because it is not fit for a town of our size”.
Myfanwy said:
“Train, bus and taxi companies in Kidwelly are making commercial decisions based on their assessment of demand. In the case of the train company however, it is likely that the current arrangements where passengers catch the train by hailing it like a cab and need to ask for the train to stop at Kidwelly, serve to discourage potential train users. Helen Mary and I want a proper analysis made of the effects these transport problems may have on businesses and residents in Kidwelly. We are also keen to discuss with the Council what progress has been made towards meeting the gap in transport services left by the failure to maintain ‘Dial a ride’ contracts.
Helen Mary said:
“The railway station has been in need of upgrading for many years. Now with the ‘dial a ride’ town service being withdrawn we need to take a really good look at transport needs in Kidwelly and see what support we can find to provide necessary services.
Huw Gilasbey, Kidwelly Town Councillor said:
“Many people in Kidwelly with limited mobility depend on the ‘dial a ride’ service and are distressed that it is being lost. It is also high time that proper thought was given to upgrading Kidwelly station because it is not fit for a town of our size”.
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Helen Mary and Myfanwy slam fake consulation on Council’s plan for Llanelli's older people
Following a packed meeting at Caemaen Residential Homes last night, Helen Mary Jones AM and Plaid Westminster candidate Myfanwy Davies, have condemned the way in which the consultation has been conducted by officers and demanded that Pat Jones, the executive member in charge of social care take responsibility for her decision and the conduct of the consultation.
Last week the Llanelli Star reported on council plans to close Caemaen and St Pauls’ residential homes in Llanelli. Responding to this news, Myfanwy and Helen Mary sought and received a reassurance from Bruce McLearnon, Carmarthen’s Director of Social Services who claimed in a letter, that all options were open and that no decision had yet been made on closing the homes.
Nonetheless, yesterday evening Bruce McLearnon supported by Sheila Porter as Director of Integrated Services, affirmed that his preferred plan was for the closure of Caemaen and the development of support services at home known as ‘extra care’. Ms Porter, who was recently employed by the County and who had developed “extra care’ programmes in Bromley vociferously supported his position many times silencing residents and their families in order to advocate this contentious model of care which is associated with failure in England.
Throughout the meeting, the Director also emphasised the need to cut costs as a primary motivator for the plan. Residents and families at the packed meeting were vigorously opposed to closure with residents making a unanimous show of hands in support of staying at Caemaen.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
“Myfanwy and I had been assured that all options were open. It is clear that they are not insofar as Carmarthen Council is concerned and it is also clear that these decisions are being made for financial reasons. Yes, there is less money available and some of those MPs who voted to bail out the banks need to look carefully at their consciences now, but Carmarthen Council still finds funds for showcase projects and for its own publicity.”
“It is unacceptable that officials have sought to mislead families and residents by suggesting that Caemaen contravenes care standards by not having en-suite facilities. That is not the case. During the meeting, officials sought to suggest their plans were in some way intended to protect older people’s dignity. Those residents present made their views known by a unanimous show of hands, how much dignity does it afford any of us that their wished are denied?”
Myfanwy added:
“After receiving assurances from Mr McLearnon, Helen Mary and I went to the meeting with open minds. It is now clear that Carmarthen Council’s mind is already made up. Indeed when residents and families asked whether their opposition had made any difference at all to the Director’s view, he replied that it had not. That in itself is shocking proof of the need for Burry Port Labour Councillor Pat Jones, the lead on Social Care to stand up and take political responsibility for her decision and the conduct of her officers.”
“In general, I would support plans that keep people at home and independent where that are properly supported but there are sadly few examples of these plans working. We heard last night how residents in Caemaen had not been able to stay at home with existing home care support and had in some cases suffered serious neglect within home care. It is just not acceptable that older people should be moved against their will”.
Myfanwy and Helen Mary have pledged to support an action group that will fight these closure plans.
Last week the Llanelli Star reported on council plans to close Caemaen and St Pauls’ residential homes in Llanelli. Responding to this news, Myfanwy and Helen Mary sought and received a reassurance from Bruce McLearnon, Carmarthen’s Director of Social Services who claimed in a letter, that all options were open and that no decision had yet been made on closing the homes.
Nonetheless, yesterday evening Bruce McLearnon supported by Sheila Porter as Director of Integrated Services, affirmed that his preferred plan was for the closure of Caemaen and the development of support services at home known as ‘extra care’. Ms Porter, who was recently employed by the County and who had developed “extra care’ programmes in Bromley vociferously supported his position many times silencing residents and their families in order to advocate this contentious model of care which is associated with failure in England.
Throughout the meeting, the Director also emphasised the need to cut costs as a primary motivator for the plan. Residents and families at the packed meeting were vigorously opposed to closure with residents making a unanimous show of hands in support of staying at Caemaen.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
“Myfanwy and I had been assured that all options were open. It is clear that they are not insofar as Carmarthen Council is concerned and it is also clear that these decisions are being made for financial reasons. Yes, there is less money available and some of those MPs who voted to bail out the banks need to look carefully at their consciences now, but Carmarthen Council still finds funds for showcase projects and for its own publicity.”
“It is unacceptable that officials have sought to mislead families and residents by suggesting that Caemaen contravenes care standards by not having en-suite facilities. That is not the case. During the meeting, officials sought to suggest their plans were in some way intended to protect older people’s dignity. Those residents present made their views known by a unanimous show of hands, how much dignity does it afford any of us that their wished are denied?”
Myfanwy added:
“After receiving assurances from Mr McLearnon, Helen Mary and I went to the meeting with open minds. It is now clear that Carmarthen Council’s mind is already made up. Indeed when residents and families asked whether their opposition had made any difference at all to the Director’s view, he replied that it had not. That in itself is shocking proof of the need for Burry Port Labour Councillor Pat Jones, the lead on Social Care to stand up and take political responsibility for her decision and the conduct of her officers.”
“In general, I would support plans that keep people at home and independent where that are properly supported but there are sadly few examples of these plans working. We heard last night how residents in Caemaen had not been able to stay at home with existing home care support and had in some cases suffered serious neglect within home care. It is just not acceptable that older people should be moved against their will”.
Myfanwy and Helen Mary have pledged to support an action group that will fight these closure plans.
Tuesday 24 November 2009
Helen Mary and Myfanwy slam fake consulation on council’s plan for Llanelli older people
Following a packed meeting at Caemaen Residential Homes last night, Helen Mary Jones AM and Plaid Westminster candidate Myfanwy Davies, have condemned the way in which the consultation has been conducted by officers and demanded that Pat Jones, the executive member in charge of social care take responsibility for her decision and the conduct of the consultation.
Last week the Llanelli Star reported on council plans to close Caemaen and St Pauls’ residential homes in Llanelli. Responding to this news, Myfanwy and Helen Mary sought and received a reassurance from Bruce McLearnon, Carmarthen’s Director of Social Services who claimed in a letter, that all options were open and that no decision had yet been made on closing the homes.
Nonetheless, yesterday evening Bruce McLearnon supported by Sheila Porter as Director of Integrated Services, affirmed that his preferred plan was for the closure of Caemaen and the development of support services at home known as ‘extra care’.
Throughout the meeting, the Director also emphasised the need to cut costs as a primary motivator for the plan. Residents and families at the packed meeting were vigorously opposed to closure with residents making a unanimous show of hands in support of staying at Caemaen.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
“Myfanwy and I had been assured that all options were open. It is clear that they are not insofar as Carmarthen Council is concerned and it is also clear that these decisions are being made for financial reasons. Yes, there is less money available and some of those MPs who voted to bail out the banks need to look carefully at their consciences now, but Carmarthen Council still finds funds for showcase projects and for its own publicity.”
“It is unacceptable that officials have sought to mislead families and residents by suggesting that Caemaen contravenes care standards by not having en-suite facilities. That is not the case. During the meeting, officials sought to suggest their plans were in some way intended to protect older people’s dignity. Those residents present made their views known by a unanimous show of hands, how much dignity does it afford any of us that their wished are denied?”
Myfanwy added:
“After receiving assurances from Mr McLearnon, Helen Mary and I went to the meeting with open minds. It is now clear that Carmarthen Council’s mind is already made up. Indeed when residents and families asked whether their opposition had made any difference at all to the Director’s view, he replied that it had not. That in itself is shocking proof of the need for Burry Port Labour Councillor Pat Jones, the lead on Social Care to stand up and take political responsibility for her decision and the conduct of her officers.”
“In general, I would support plans that keep people at home and independent where that are properly supported but there are sadly few examples of these plans working. We heard last night how residents in Caemaen had not been able to stay at home with existing home care support and had in some cases suffered serious neglect within home care. It is just not acceptable that older people should be moved against their will”.
Myfanwy and Helen Mary have pledged to support an action group that will fight these closure plans.
Last week the Llanelli Star reported on council plans to close Caemaen and St Pauls’ residential homes in Llanelli. Responding to this news, Myfanwy and Helen Mary sought and received a reassurance from Bruce McLearnon, Carmarthen’s Director of Social Services who claimed in a letter, that all options were open and that no decision had yet been made on closing the homes.
Nonetheless, yesterday evening Bruce McLearnon supported by Sheila Porter as Director of Integrated Services, affirmed that his preferred plan was for the closure of Caemaen and the development of support services at home known as ‘extra care’.
Throughout the meeting, the Director also emphasised the need to cut costs as a primary motivator for the plan. Residents and families at the packed meeting were vigorously opposed to closure with residents making a unanimous show of hands in support of staying at Caemaen.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones said:
“Myfanwy and I had been assured that all options were open. It is clear that they are not insofar as Carmarthen Council is concerned and it is also clear that these decisions are being made for financial reasons. Yes, there is less money available and some of those MPs who voted to bail out the banks need to look carefully at their consciences now, but Carmarthen Council still finds funds for showcase projects and for its own publicity.”
“It is unacceptable that officials have sought to mislead families and residents by suggesting that Caemaen contravenes care standards by not having en-suite facilities. That is not the case. During the meeting, officials sought to suggest their plans were in some way intended to protect older people’s dignity. Those residents present made their views known by a unanimous show of hands, how much dignity does it afford any of us that their wished are denied?”
Myfanwy added:
“After receiving assurances from Mr McLearnon, Helen Mary and I went to the meeting with open minds. It is now clear that Carmarthen Council’s mind is already made up. Indeed when residents and families asked whether their opposition had made any difference at all to the Director’s view, he replied that it had not. That in itself is shocking proof of the need for Burry Port Labour Councillor Pat Jones, the lead on Social Care to stand up and take political responsibility for her decision and the conduct of her officers.”
“In general, I would support plans that keep people at home and independent where that are properly supported but there are sadly few examples of these plans working. We heard last night how residents in Caemaen had not been able to stay at home with existing home care support and had in some cases suffered serious neglect within home care. It is just not acceptable that older people should be moved against their will”.
Myfanwy and Helen Mary have pledged to support an action group that will fight these closure plans.
Monday 2 November 2009
Give us free parking for Town centre say Myfanwy and Helen Mary
Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones and Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate have joined local business leaders in calling on the County Council to release the Stepney Hotel site for free car parking over the Christmas period. The call follows a breakfast meeting arranged by Myfanwy and Helen Mary at which Ieuan Wyn Jones, Economy Minister and Plaid Cymru Leader met with business leaders to discuss problems faced by the town centre.
The number of shoppers visiting the town centre continues to decline despite many empty shops having recently being filled. Many businesses are nervous of borrowing from banks even where credit is available. Increasing the number of shoppers visiting the town centre during the Christmas period will be crucial to the survival of many local businesses. Traders also noted that free parking in out of town centres represented an unfair advantage over the town centre.
In a letter to Ieuan Wyn Jones, Myfanwy wrote:
Our town centre businesses are under severe pressure due to the developments at Parc Trostre and Pemberton but also due to the wider effects of the recession on lending and consumer spending. Releasing the empty Stepney Hotel site in the town centre could provide an important boost to visitors in the run up to Christmas. I understand that the County Council believes that the site cannot be released due to concerns about pollution - presumably by petrol. I would be grateful if your officers could discuss options for opening the site or another suitable site and providing support for marketing free car parking during the Christmas period.
Myfanwy said:
“We are asking the County Council to do something very simple to help support Llanelli’s businesses during a period when they have seen an unprecedented fall in sales. Our businesses pay their rates and it is right that they expect suitable support from the county council.”
Helen Mary added:
“Free parking at Christmas would give people the opportunity to see how much Llanelli town centre has to offer. I understand that plans are in place for the site to be developed, but whilst we’re waiting for the plans to come through, I don’t see why the site can’t be used as a free car park. We’re still in a situation where people can park for free in Trostre Park, and charged in the town centre. Releeasing the empty Stepney Hotel site would be a small way to sort out this inbalance.”
St Elli Shopping Centre Manager Gilmore Jones said:
"I would warmly welcome the release of the Stepney Hotel site for parking over the Christmas period and into late January. I have been approached by a number of traders and tenants asking for this to happen - the site is the first thing visitors to the Town Centre see and is a complete eyesore as it currently stands. Utilising the site for free parking would mitigate its negative image, and would be an enormous boost to the Town Centre - putting us on a level playing field with Parc Trostre."
The number of shoppers visiting the town centre continues to decline despite many empty shops having recently being filled. Many businesses are nervous of borrowing from banks even where credit is available. Increasing the number of shoppers visiting the town centre during the Christmas period will be crucial to the survival of many local businesses. Traders also noted that free parking in out of town centres represented an unfair advantage over the town centre.
In a letter to Ieuan Wyn Jones, Myfanwy wrote:
Our town centre businesses are under severe pressure due to the developments at Parc Trostre and Pemberton but also due to the wider effects of the recession on lending and consumer spending. Releasing the empty Stepney Hotel site in the town centre could provide an important boost to visitors in the run up to Christmas. I understand that the County Council believes that the site cannot be released due to concerns about pollution - presumably by petrol. I would be grateful if your officers could discuss options for opening the site or another suitable site and providing support for marketing free car parking during the Christmas period.
Myfanwy said:
“We are asking the County Council to do something very simple to help support Llanelli’s businesses during a period when they have seen an unprecedented fall in sales. Our businesses pay their rates and it is right that they expect suitable support from the county council.”
Helen Mary added:
“Free parking at Christmas would give people the opportunity to see how much Llanelli town centre has to offer. I understand that plans are in place for the site to be developed, but whilst we’re waiting for the plans to come through, I don’t see why the site can’t be used as a free car park. We’re still in a situation where people can park for free in Trostre Park, and charged in the town centre. Releeasing the empty Stepney Hotel site would be a small way to sort out this inbalance.”
St Elli Shopping Centre Manager Gilmore Jones said:
"I would warmly welcome the release of the Stepney Hotel site for parking over the Christmas period and into late January. I have been approached by a number of traders and tenants asking for this to happen - the site is the first thing visitors to the Town Centre see and is a complete eyesore as it currently stands. Utilising the site for free parking would mitigate its negative image, and would be an enormous boost to the Town Centre - putting us on a level playing field with Parc Trostre."
Thursday 29 October 2009
Plaid ramping things up with Llanelli wide bus campaign
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones and Myfanwy Davies visited the First Cymru bus depot in Llanelli earlier this week to see one of the many local buses which are currently carrying Plaid adverts. The Plaid Cymru bus adverts, that feature both Helen Mary and Myfanwy, are being trialled on buses in Llanelli and is a first with regards to political advertisement on buses in the country.
The new bus campaign that features the slogan ‘Think Llanelli, Think Plaid’ is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the people of Llanelli who best to approach with regards to any problems or issue that they need help with. Helen Mary Jones is the long-standing AM for the area, while Myfanwy Davies hopes to be elected as her home-town's MP at the next General Election. Both Plaid representitives are already working tirelessly for the people of Llanelli, but are keen for anyone who needs help with any problems or issues to get in touch.
Plaid ‘s Helen Mary Jones said:
"Hopefully, these bus adverts will remind the people of Llanelli that both Myfanwy and I are here to help, whether it’s a small or large problem. I feel very proud that Llanelli has been chosen as the place to pilot the bus adverts, and I hope that many more Plaid adverts will be seen in the near future on buses all over Wales.”
Myfanwy added:
"I'm immensely pleased that so many Llanelli people have already come to Helen and me to deal with problems they have and that we have been able to help them. The recession is biting much harder in Llanelli than elsewhere and money worries often put an extra strain on people already facing difficulties. We want to make sure that people know where to come for advice and support as early as possible. The bus adverts are a really useful way to get that information across and to make people feel comfortable in asking for advice."
The new bus campaign that features the slogan ‘Think Llanelli, Think Plaid’ is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the people of Llanelli who best to approach with regards to any problems or issue that they need help with. Helen Mary Jones is the long-standing AM for the area, while Myfanwy Davies hopes to be elected as her home-town's MP at the next General Election. Both Plaid representitives are already working tirelessly for the people of Llanelli, but are keen for anyone who needs help with any problems or issues to get in touch.
Plaid ‘s Helen Mary Jones said:
"Hopefully, these bus adverts will remind the people of Llanelli that both Myfanwy and I are here to help, whether it’s a small or large problem. I feel very proud that Llanelli has been chosen as the place to pilot the bus adverts, and I hope that many more Plaid adverts will be seen in the near future on buses all over Wales.”
Myfanwy added:
"I'm immensely pleased that so many Llanelli people have already come to Helen and me to deal with problems they have and that we have been able to help them. The recession is biting much harder in Llanelli than elsewhere and money worries often put an extra strain on people already facing difficulties. We want to make sure that people know where to come for advice and support as early as possible. The bus adverts are a really useful way to get that information across and to make people feel comfortable in asking for advice."
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Myfanwy to introduce world-famous Wolfe Tones tomorrow in Llanelli
Ireland’s world-famous folk band, the Wolfe Tones will be playing a special concert with our own Dafydd Iwan at Llanelli's Calsonic Club tomorrow (28th). Myfanwy will be introducing the bands. Myfanwy said: " Wolfe Tone is a national hero in Ireland who had the vision to understand that a nation's future rests in the hands of ordinary people. The songs of the Wolfe Tones and Dafydd Iwan celebrate how ordinary people can build a more secure future. As we in Llanelli look forward to the year ahead - the challenges of fighting for jobs and protecting fairness as well as the historic opportunity of the next election - this is a very relevant message to us. I'm delighted I will be at Calsonic to enjoy the evening and am grateful to the organisers for asking me to be involved".
Thursday 22 October 2009
Llanelly House gets £2m funding boost
The £6m project to restore Llanelly House has been given a £2m funding boost from the Plaid driven Welsh government. Llanelli Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones AM and Myfanwy Davies welcomed the news which they said would be a huge boost to the project.
Llanelli Plaid AM Helen Mary Jones said:
"The £2m funding announced today will be a huge boost to the restoration of Llanelly House. Plaid in government recognises the importance of supporting local, cultural community assets and as one of Llanelli’s most historic properties, Llanelly House is fully deserving of this support. This welcome funding boost is further proof that Plaid Cymru is committed to delivering for Llanelli."
Plaid's Llanelli Westminster Candidate, Myfanwy Davies, said:
"I am delighted that the Plaid driven One Wales government has delivered this huge investment for Llanelli. Too often, people talk our town centre down, and yet we have so much to be proud of. Llanelly House is a hidden jewel that dates back to the origins of the town and is important to all of us. Once it is restored, it will bring visitors and shoppers in to see just how much our town has to offer.”"
Llanelli Plaid AM Helen Mary Jones said:
"The £2m funding announced today will be a huge boost to the restoration of Llanelly House. Plaid in government recognises the importance of supporting local, cultural community assets and as one of Llanelli’s most historic properties, Llanelly House is fully deserving of this support. This welcome funding boost is further proof that Plaid Cymru is committed to delivering for Llanelli."
Plaid's Llanelli Westminster Candidate, Myfanwy Davies, said:
"I am delighted that the Plaid driven One Wales government has delivered this huge investment for Llanelli. Too often, people talk our town centre down, and yet we have so much to be proud of. Llanelly House is a hidden jewel that dates back to the origins of the town and is important to all of us. Once it is restored, it will bring visitors and shoppers in to see just how much our town has to offer.”"
Tuesday 20 October 2009
Ieuan Wyn Jones supports Llanelli industry and town centre traders
>Local AM Helen Mary Jones and Plaid Cymru's Parliamentary Candidate Dr Myfanwy Davies today (15.10.09) welcomed Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM to Llanelli. The Plaid Cymru Leader took time out of his busy schedule to meet with local traders and business people, to include stall holders in the town market.
Mr Jones also visited car parts manufacturing factory Calsonic Kansei, who recently received financial support from the Plaid driven Welsh Government, and as a result safeguarding over 200 jobs and creating nearly 40 new jobs. The £3.2 million from the One Wales Government’s Single Investment Fund (SIF) will focus on the introduction of new products for the next generation vehicles including Hybrid and EV technologies that require lighter and more efficient components.
Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones was also eager to show his support for Myfanwy Davies’ campaign to become Plaid's first woman MP.
Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said:
“It’s vital that we have someone like Myfanwy in Westminster who would act as a strong voice for the communities of Wales. So many important decisions that have a huge impact on Wales are made in Westminster, and that’s why I’m here today to support Myfanwy’s campaign to become Plaid's first woman MP.
My visit to Llanelli also gave me the opportunity to listen to the views of local business people on what they think can be done to secure a prosperous future for the area’s economy.”
Plaid ‘s Helen Mary Jones said:
"I was very pleased to welcome Ieuan Wyn Jones to Llanelli today to show his support for Myfanwy's campaign. His visit shows how Plaid in Government is committed to listening to communities and businesses, and as the Minister for Economy, it was great that he was able to meet with some of our local traders and business people today to discuss their concerns. The One Wales Government is doing an excellent job of protecting communities against recession, but the powers are limited. We in
Llanelli need a strong and independent voice in London - a voice that will stand up for us, and it was great to have our Plaid Leader here today showing his confidence in Myfanwy.”
Myfanwy added:
“The new investment in Calsonic is wonderful news and I am delighted that Ieuan came down to
visit the plant. Llanelli people are also very worried about small businesses in the town centre. I
was pleased to be able to get support from Plaid’s conference for practical steps to help our town
centre businesses such as addressing business rates. I know that our local business people were very
keen to have a nuts and bolts discussion about problems they face with Ieuan, and I’m very grateful that he was able to offer answers to their concerns.”
Mr Jones also visited car parts manufacturing factory Calsonic Kansei, who recently received financial support from the Plaid driven Welsh Government, and as a result safeguarding over 200 jobs and creating nearly 40 new jobs. The £3.2 million from the One Wales Government’s Single Investment Fund (SIF) will focus on the introduction of new products for the next generation vehicles including Hybrid and EV technologies that require lighter and more efficient components.
Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones was also eager to show his support for Myfanwy Davies’ campaign to become Plaid's first woman MP.
Plaid Cymru Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said:
“It’s vital that we have someone like Myfanwy in Westminster who would act as a strong voice for the communities of Wales. So many important decisions that have a huge impact on Wales are made in Westminster, and that’s why I’m here today to support Myfanwy’s campaign to become Plaid's first woman MP.
My visit to Llanelli also gave me the opportunity to listen to the views of local business people on what they think can be done to secure a prosperous future for the area’s economy.”
Plaid ‘s Helen Mary Jones said:
"I was very pleased to welcome Ieuan Wyn Jones to Llanelli today to show his support for Myfanwy's campaign. His visit shows how Plaid in Government is committed to listening to communities and businesses, and as the Minister for Economy, it was great that he was able to meet with some of our local traders and business people today to discuss their concerns. The One Wales Government is doing an excellent job of protecting communities against recession, but the powers are limited. We in
Llanelli need a strong and independent voice in London - a voice that will stand up for us, and it was great to have our Plaid Leader here today showing his confidence in Myfanwy.”
Myfanwy added:
“The new investment in Calsonic is wonderful news and I am delighted that Ieuan came down to
visit the plant. Llanelli people are also very worried about small businesses in the town centre. I
was pleased to be able to get support from Plaid’s conference for practical steps to help our town
centre businesses such as addressing business rates. I know that our local business people were very
keen to have a nuts and bolts discussion about problems they face with Ieuan, and I’m very grateful that he was able to offer answers to their concerns.”
Monday 12 October 2009
Stop the cuts in our schools and hospitals say Myfanwy, Helen Mary and Plaid Council leaders
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid's Llanelli candidate for Westminster has revealed that independent research for the Holtham Commission shows the London government may deny Llanelli £227m needed over the next 10 years.
Myfanwy said:
"I have always known that Wales' funding is unfair. But astonishing research into the UK Government's own figures shows that over the next ten years we will lose over £220 million pounds - money that our communities in Llanelli need so badly.
We are fed up with London Labour cutting Wales' funding to pay for city bankers' bonuses. And these cuts are going to be deep despite the Welsh Government doing all it can. Cardiff just can't go on using its own reserves for ever and ever. So next year the cuts may be even more severe.
We say enough is enough! We are not here just to buy off Mandleson's millionaire friends. Hands off our schools and hospitals. "
She added,
" These cuts come despite the independent Holtham commission saying that Wales' funding should not be touched until we get the money we need to provide vital public services. But Wales is getting less from Westminster because of all the money that London Labour has paid to bail out the bankers in the City.
And ominously, the Tory Party says it will cut Wales' money in exactly the same way as London Labour."
Myfanwy and the leader of Plaid's County Councillor group are calling on London Labour to listen to all the independent advice and stop the cuts until Wales gets fair funding.
Cllr. Peter Hughes Griffiths, Leader of the Plaid Group on the county council said:
"As local councillors we support Myfanwy's call all the way. It is so unfair that the Westminster Labour government is cutting back so drastically on Welsh finances. Remember this when the general election comes along!"
Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones added:
"The Welsh government has managed to cushion the blow of savage funding cuts this year by using reserves. But it will not be able to do this every year. The London parties need to commit to taking immediate action to ensure that Welsh communities get the funding they need, the money which is their right.
In the meantime they must call a halt to any proposed further cuts in the Welsh budget, to allow the Welsh government to invest in our communities for the good of all the people of Wales."
DIWEDD / ENDS
Notes for editor
The independent Holtham Commission has stated that the cumulative under-funding of Wales over the next decade will mean we could lose out to the tune of £8.5bn.
That means an underfunding of £2,900 for every person in Wales.
So with a population of 78,300 in Llanelli, this could mean a loss of an estimated £227m for the constituency - unless action is taken to change the now thoroughly discredited Barnett Formula
Myfanwy said:
"I have always known that Wales' funding is unfair. But astonishing research into the UK Government's own figures shows that over the next ten years we will lose over £220 million pounds - money that our communities in Llanelli need so badly.
We are fed up with London Labour cutting Wales' funding to pay for city bankers' bonuses. And these cuts are going to be deep despite the Welsh Government doing all it can. Cardiff just can't go on using its own reserves for ever and ever. So next year the cuts may be even more severe.
We say enough is enough! We are not here just to buy off Mandleson's millionaire friends. Hands off our schools and hospitals. "
She added,
" These cuts come despite the independent Holtham commission saying that Wales' funding should not be touched until we get the money we need to provide vital public services. But Wales is getting less from Westminster because of all the money that London Labour has paid to bail out the bankers in the City.
And ominously, the Tory Party says it will cut Wales' money in exactly the same way as London Labour."
Myfanwy and the leader of Plaid's County Councillor group are calling on London Labour to listen to all the independent advice and stop the cuts until Wales gets fair funding.
Cllr. Peter Hughes Griffiths, Leader of the Plaid Group on the county council said:
"As local councillors we support Myfanwy's call all the way. It is so unfair that the Westminster Labour government is cutting back so drastically on Welsh finances. Remember this when the general election comes along!"
Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones added:
"The Welsh government has managed to cushion the blow of savage funding cuts this year by using reserves. But it will not be able to do this every year. The London parties need to commit to taking immediate action to ensure that Welsh communities get the funding they need, the money which is their right.
In the meantime they must call a halt to any proposed further cuts in the Welsh budget, to allow the Welsh government to invest in our communities for the good of all the people of Wales."
DIWEDD / ENDS
Notes for editor
The independent Holtham Commission has stated that the cumulative under-funding of Wales over the next decade will mean we could lose out to the tune of £8.5bn.
That means an underfunding of £2,900 for every person in Wales.
So with a population of 78,300 in Llanelli, this could mean a loss of an estimated £227m for the constituency - unless action is taken to change the now thoroughly discredited Barnett Formula
Sunday 27 September 2009
Helen Mary and Myfanwy enjoy World Biggest Coffee Morning with Macmillan
Last Friday (25/0), local AM Helen Mary Jones and Myfanwy Davies showed their support for Macmillan Cancer support by visiting a coffee morning in Lakefield School, Llanelli. They joined pupils, parents and teachers as part of Macmillan’s World Biggest Coffee Morning.
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support’s biggest and best known annual fund raiser. It has a simple yet compelling objective: share a cup of coffee and raise funds for the fight against cancer. These funds provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support for better cancer care.
Last year, thousands of coffee mornings were held all over Wales, raising nearly £290,000. This money helped Macmillan continue to support services and professionals working to help people affected by cancer across Wales.
Plaid's Helen Mary Jones said:
"In the UK today 2 million people are affected by cancer. I know that many of my constituents have personal experience of the problems a cancer diagnosis can bring to both patients and their family. Macmillan Cancer Support is there for people from the moment they are diagnosed, with really practical help and support. Holding a coffee morning is an easy way to make sure Macmillan has the money to continue its vital work and I hope lots of coffee was consumed today in Llanelli!”
Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, Myfanwy Davies added:
"I know from my own family's experience how devastating a diagnosis of cancer can be and what a huge difference a Macmillan nurse can make in so many ways. I was delighted to be able to join in the fun today at Lakefield school. It is amazing that just enjoying a cup of coffee and catching up with friends can improve things so much for people affected by cancer.”
Rhian Kenny, teacher and organiser of The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Lakefield School said:
“We are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause that helps so many people in Llanelli. In addition, it is fantastic that we can use fair-trade products at our coffee morning and bring together the great work that both Macmillan and Fair-Trade do. We believe that education outside the classroom but within the school, is a brilliant way to raise the children’s awareness of such great causes and of the wonderful work that is done within the local community.”
Fundraising Manager for South West Wales, Sue Reece said:
“The help we provide people with cancer is absolutely essential. We want to be able to give support to everyone who needs it and that’s why we need to raise more from this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning than ever before. It’s a really fun event that is so easy to take part in, especially as you can tailor it to suit yourself, in fact it’s a piece of cake to help Macmillan!”
The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support’s biggest and best known annual fund raiser. It has a simple yet compelling objective: share a cup of coffee and raise funds for the fight against cancer. These funds provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support for better cancer care.
Last year, thousands of coffee mornings were held all over Wales, raising nearly £290,000. This money helped Macmillan continue to support services and professionals working to help people affected by cancer across Wales.
Plaid's Helen Mary Jones said:
"In the UK today 2 million people are affected by cancer. I know that many of my constituents have personal experience of the problems a cancer diagnosis can bring to both patients and their family. Macmillan Cancer Support is there for people from the moment they are diagnosed, with really practical help and support. Holding a coffee morning is an easy way to make sure Macmillan has the money to continue its vital work and I hope lots of coffee was consumed today in Llanelli!”
Plaid’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, Myfanwy Davies added:
"I know from my own family's experience how devastating a diagnosis of cancer can be and what a huge difference a Macmillan nurse can make in so many ways. I was delighted to be able to join in the fun today at Lakefield school. It is amazing that just enjoying a cup of coffee and catching up with friends can improve things so much for people affected by cancer.”
Rhian Kenny, teacher and organiser of The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at Lakefield School said:
“We are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause that helps so many people in Llanelli. In addition, it is fantastic that we can use fair-trade products at our coffee morning and bring together the great work that both Macmillan and Fair-Trade do. We believe that education outside the classroom but within the school, is a brilliant way to raise the children’s awareness of such great causes and of the wonderful work that is done within the local community.”
Fundraising Manager for South West Wales, Sue Reece said:
“The help we provide people with cancer is absolutely essential. We want to be able to give support to everyone who needs it and that’s why we need to raise more from this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning than ever before. It’s a really fun event that is so easy to take part in, especially as you can tailor it to suit yourself, in fact it’s a piece of cake to help Macmillan!”
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Myfanwy wins national support for town centre businesses
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate has won national support for a plan to help Llanelli’s town centre businesses. In a motion to Plaid Cymru’s National Conference, last weekend which was passed to a packed hall, she called for revising the rate relief scheme to help small businesses effected by out of town developments. She also called on the Assembly Government to develop community finance initiatives to provide credit to local businesses and for a national strategy to fill empty shops, promote local produce and provide suitable housing in town centres.
In her speech to the conference Myfanwy said:
“In Llanelli the failure of Carmarthenshire County Council to stop a huge out of town development together with the loss of hundreds of manufacturing jobs is bleeding our town centre dry”.
Speaking in Llanelli on Wednesday, Myfanwy added:
“For our town centre traders, business rates have become a real burden. I’m delighted that we have won national support to look at prioritising their needs. We also won support to call for a strategy to fill empty town centre shops and our Plaid AMs will now be able to campaign for community finance schemes to fund viable new businesses and to support surviving traders who need credit to grow. I know of a number of established businesses that are struggling to grow because they are scandalously being refused credit by those very same banks we bailed out with our public money.”
Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM added:
“The decision gives us a clear platform to campaign for more Assembly support for small businesses in Llanelli and to look at how we can continue to help good local businesses get going and grow”.
In her speech to the conference Myfanwy said:
“In Llanelli the failure of Carmarthenshire County Council to stop a huge out of town development together with the loss of hundreds of manufacturing jobs is bleeding our town centre dry”.
Speaking in Llanelli on Wednesday, Myfanwy added:
“For our town centre traders, business rates have become a real burden. I’m delighted that we have won national support to look at prioritising their needs. We also won support to call for a strategy to fill empty town centre shops and our Plaid AMs will now be able to campaign for community finance schemes to fund viable new businesses and to support surviving traders who need credit to grow. I know of a number of established businesses that are struggling to grow because they are scandalously being refused credit by those very same banks we bailed out with our public money.”
Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM added:
“The decision gives us a clear platform to campaign for more Assembly support for small businesses in Llanelli and to look at how we can continue to help good local businesses get going and grow”.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Myfanwy and Helen Mary fight against County’s puppy farm shame
Puppy farms in Carmarthenshire are keeping dogs in cruel and dirty conditions, says Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate. Following a recent Channel 5 film on unacceptable conditions at puppy farms that had been visited and given licences by Carmarthenshire County Council, Myfanwy has joined forces with Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM, to tighten up the Council’s control of puppy farming.
Myfanwy has written to Helen Mary asking her to raise the matter with Elin Jones the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Rural Affaris. In her letter Myfanwy explained:
“I am concerned that the Council’s inspection practices are inadequate and require scrutiny especially given Carmarthenshire’s history as a centre for licensed (and also unlicensed) puppy farming. In its response to the programme, the Council also indicates it would be willing to revise its license conditions if required to do so by Welsh Assembly Government Ministers”.
Speaking this week, Myfanwy added:
“ I am very pleased that a pet superstore that has been buying puppies from these farms has agreed to stop sourcing puppies from them. I am disappointed by the Council’s response. It is shocking that council inspectors visited and passed those puppy farms shown in the film and I hope that the response Helen Mary’s receives from Elin Jones will help clarify the standards of animal welfare that the council needs to ensure”.
Helen Mary Jones added:
“I have seen a recording of the Channel 5 news item since Myfanwy contacted me and it raises some very worrying issues about animal welfare standards in the County. I am pleased Myfanwy has raised this with me and I will be discussing the issue with Elin Jones within the next weeks to make sure that the standards followed are made clearer and if needed are changed protect dogs and puppies from the levels of neglect shown in the film.”
Myfanwy has written to Helen Mary asking her to raise the matter with Elin Jones the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Rural Affaris. In her letter Myfanwy explained:
“I am concerned that the Council’s inspection practices are inadequate and require scrutiny especially given Carmarthenshire’s history as a centre for licensed (and also unlicensed) puppy farming. In its response to the programme, the Council also indicates it would be willing to revise its license conditions if required to do so by Welsh Assembly Government Ministers”.
Speaking this week, Myfanwy added:
“ I am very pleased that a pet superstore that has been buying puppies from these farms has agreed to stop sourcing puppies from them. I am disappointed by the Council’s response. It is shocking that council inspectors visited and passed those puppy farms shown in the film and I hope that the response Helen Mary’s receives from Elin Jones will help clarify the standards of animal welfare that the council needs to ensure”.
Helen Mary Jones added:
“I have seen a recording of the Channel 5 news item since Myfanwy contacted me and it raises some very worrying issues about animal welfare standards in the County. I am pleased Myfanwy has raised this with me and I will be discussing the issue with Elin Jones within the next weeks to make sure that the standards followed are made clearer and if needed are changed protect dogs and puppies from the levels of neglect shown in the film.”
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Dafydd Iwan, Helen Mary and Myfanwy to close Breaktho’s 25th anniversary celebrations with one-off fund-raising concert on Saturday
Popular singer and Plaid Cymru President Dafydd Iwan will join Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and Helen Mary Jones AM together with and parents, volunteers and young people with a range of disabilities to close Breakthro’ s 25th birthday celebration with a special concert at Stebonheath Club on Saturday. Dafydd Iwan has been a disability campaigner for many years and is a founder member of Antur Waunfawr a successful community enterprise based outside Caernarfon which is part-run by people with disabilities.
The group’s birthday celebrations began on 25th of July when Dafydd Iwan visited the Coleshill Centre to cut an enormous 40 inch birthday cake. He and Myfanwy served the cake to volunteers and Breakthro’ members and Dafydd closed the visit by singing especially composed songs to the young people. Last weekend a group of Breakthro volunteers led by Jessica Sheehan completed a sponsored climb to the summit of Snowdon to celebrate the group’s birthday. Before beginning their climb, they were met for breakfast by Myfanwy and Hywel Williams MP, who represents the Arfon constituency in which Snowdon stands.
Tickets for Saturday’s concert are selling fast with some sold to people from Neath and one man travelling by bus from Swansea to Burry Port solely to make sure he had a ticket in advance. Dafydd Iwan will be waiving his usual fee and it is hoped that the group will make over £1,000 to support its activities.
Dafydd Iwan said:
“I am fully supportive of the work of Breakthro’. It is enormously important that young people with disabilities get to meet and socialise with each other as well as learning skills in mainstream schools and colleges. The young people have developed exceptionally strong friendships and they have learnt to depend on each other and to support each other. Developing that kind of trust takes years but it is crucial if people with a range of disabilities are to have a full social life. I was delighted that Myfanwy asked me to become involved with the group and am looking forward to Saturday very much.
Myfanwy said:
“We are very grateful to Dafydd for coming down once again to support Breakthro’. The impromptu concert he gave the young people last month was an extraordinary event with some young people who are usually quite withdrawn coming out of themselves and singing and dancing to the music. Next Saturday’s concert promises to be even better and tickets are going fast. I’m pleased that Helen Mary will be able to be there too. Like me she is very proud of Breakthro’ Llanelli because of the work it does but also because of the unstinting support the group has from people and groups across Llanelli”.
Christine Darkin, who has been Breakthro’s organiser for over 10 years said:
“Just a few months ago we were facing a drastic cut in our budget and we were considering how we could continue to keep the club going for our members who are now adults and who have grown up with the Club. Now thanks to an intervention by social services, we are looking forward to going into our 26th year and the support we’ve had from people across Llanelli has been amazing. I’m really looking forward to Dafydd’s concert !”
Notes to Editor
The concert will take place at Stebonheath Football Club in Llanelli at 7pm on Saturday 15th August. Tickets will be available at the venue and are priced at £10 or can be ordered on 07940122776
The group’s birthday celebrations began on 25th of July when Dafydd Iwan visited the Coleshill Centre to cut an enormous 40 inch birthday cake. He and Myfanwy served the cake to volunteers and Breakthro’ members and Dafydd closed the visit by singing especially composed songs to the young people. Last weekend a group of Breakthro volunteers led by Jessica Sheehan completed a sponsored climb to the summit of Snowdon to celebrate the group’s birthday. Before beginning their climb, they were met for breakfast by Myfanwy and Hywel Williams MP, who represents the Arfon constituency in which Snowdon stands.
Tickets for Saturday’s concert are selling fast with some sold to people from Neath and one man travelling by bus from Swansea to Burry Port solely to make sure he had a ticket in advance. Dafydd Iwan will be waiving his usual fee and it is hoped that the group will make over £1,000 to support its activities.
Dafydd Iwan said:
“I am fully supportive of the work of Breakthro’. It is enormously important that young people with disabilities get to meet and socialise with each other as well as learning skills in mainstream schools and colleges. The young people have developed exceptionally strong friendships and they have learnt to depend on each other and to support each other. Developing that kind of trust takes years but it is crucial if people with a range of disabilities are to have a full social life. I was delighted that Myfanwy asked me to become involved with the group and am looking forward to Saturday very much.
Myfanwy said:
“We are very grateful to Dafydd for coming down once again to support Breakthro’. The impromptu concert he gave the young people last month was an extraordinary event with some young people who are usually quite withdrawn coming out of themselves and singing and dancing to the music. Next Saturday’s concert promises to be even better and tickets are going fast. I’m pleased that Helen Mary will be able to be there too. Like me she is very proud of Breakthro’ Llanelli because of the work it does but also because of the unstinting support the group has from people and groups across Llanelli”.
Christine Darkin, who has been Breakthro’s organiser for over 10 years said:
“Just a few months ago we were facing a drastic cut in our budget and we were considering how we could continue to keep the club going for our members who are now adults and who have grown up with the Club. Now thanks to an intervention by social services, we are looking forward to going into our 26th year and the support we’ve had from people across Llanelli has been amazing. I’m really looking forward to Dafydd’s concert !”
Notes to Editor
The concert will take place at Stebonheath Football Club in Llanelli at 7pm on Saturday 15th August. Tickets will be available at the venue and are priced at £10 or can be ordered on 07940122776
Myfanwy leads fight for free ATMs in Llanelli communities
ATMs that charge people to withdraw their money are cashing in on some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, says Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate. While there is a choice of free ATMs in the town centre and in the retail parks, people in areas like Felinfoel and Llwynhendy need to choose carefully if they are to avoid paying up to £1.99 for a withdrawal of any kind. In Dafen and Furnace, there is currently no choice other than to pay to withdraw cash.
Myfanwy is worried by the recent rapid price increases on charging ATMs. She believes this development is particularly damaging to families struggling to deal with the recession and to groups like older people and the disabled who do not have easy access to transport. Myfanwy will be working with Plaid colleagues at Westminster to call on the UK government to regulate charges on ATMs that target the most vulnerable in our communities.
Myfanwy will also be working with Plaid’s Social Justice Spokesman, Dr. Dai Lloyd AM and Helen Mary Jones AM to investigate what can be done at an Assembly and local level to protect Welsh communities from unfair charges.
Dr Davies said:
“These withdrawal charges target people on lower incomes who take out less money at once as so pay more as a proportion on each withdrawal. These unfair charges also disproportionately affect people like pensioners whose benefits are paid directly into their accounts”.
“For those who don’t have access to cars and who live in communities like Llwynhendy and Felinfoel where most cash machines charge for withdrawal, this is an additional cost at a time when they need it least. In communities like Furnace and Dafen, there is literally no choice available.”
“Small shops and pubs in our communities provide a vital service and it is easy to see why owners would be willing to host a fee-paying ATM. Nonetheless, my concern is that the charges will place an unsustainable burden on their most loyal customers and in the longer term, introducing these ATMs may jeopardise the future of our key local businesses as people spend less locally”.
“Over the last five years the number of cash machines that charge has increased by more than 18,000 while free cash machines have only increased by around eight thousand.”
“This is an issue of basic social justice. We can’t allow our most vulnerable people to be unfairly targeted in this way and I will be working closely with Helen Mary and colleagues at Westminster to find ways of providing free ATMs across all our communities.”
Cllr. Clem Thomas from Dafen added:
“I am concerned that there is no free ATM in Dafen. We are lucky to still have our post office which has so far survived the Governments’ closure programme but the days of withdrawing benefits and pensions directly and over the counter are long gone.”
“In these difficult times, I can understand entirely why small business people would want to diversify by providing a fee-paying ATM which provides them with up 60p per transaction. It goes without saying that we need to support small local businesses. Nonetheless I am sceptical whether the cost of having a fee-paying ATM in a local business does not outweigh the potential benefit as people who feel they have paid a large fee are likely to spend less in that business than they otherwise would.”
DIWEDD / ENDS
Notes for editor
Myfanwy is campaigning for 3 things:
1. She is working with Plaid’s MPs to press the London Labour Government to regulate ATM charges and the proliferation of charging ATMs.
2. She working with Helen Mary Jones to call on WAG to increase the provision of free machines for example through public service providers such as post office network, local government offices or community centres
3. She is researching into whether planning law can be amended to protect isolated/deprived communities where there is currently no option other than to pay for cash withdrawal.
For a map of ATMs and details of charging in the Llanelli area go to: www.link.co.uk
Myfanwy is worried by the recent rapid price increases on charging ATMs. She believes this development is particularly damaging to families struggling to deal with the recession and to groups like older people and the disabled who do not have easy access to transport. Myfanwy will be working with Plaid colleagues at Westminster to call on the UK government to regulate charges on ATMs that target the most vulnerable in our communities.
Myfanwy will also be working with Plaid’s Social Justice Spokesman, Dr. Dai Lloyd AM and Helen Mary Jones AM to investigate what can be done at an Assembly and local level to protect Welsh communities from unfair charges.
Dr Davies said:
“These withdrawal charges target people on lower incomes who take out less money at once as so pay more as a proportion on each withdrawal. These unfair charges also disproportionately affect people like pensioners whose benefits are paid directly into their accounts”.
“For those who don’t have access to cars and who live in communities like Llwynhendy and Felinfoel where most cash machines charge for withdrawal, this is an additional cost at a time when they need it least. In communities like Furnace and Dafen, there is literally no choice available.”
“Small shops and pubs in our communities provide a vital service and it is easy to see why owners would be willing to host a fee-paying ATM. Nonetheless, my concern is that the charges will place an unsustainable burden on their most loyal customers and in the longer term, introducing these ATMs may jeopardise the future of our key local businesses as people spend less locally”.
“Over the last five years the number of cash machines that charge has increased by more than 18,000 while free cash machines have only increased by around eight thousand.”
“This is an issue of basic social justice. We can’t allow our most vulnerable people to be unfairly targeted in this way and I will be working closely with Helen Mary and colleagues at Westminster to find ways of providing free ATMs across all our communities.”
Cllr. Clem Thomas from Dafen added:
“I am concerned that there is no free ATM in Dafen. We are lucky to still have our post office which has so far survived the Governments’ closure programme but the days of withdrawing benefits and pensions directly and over the counter are long gone.”
“In these difficult times, I can understand entirely why small business people would want to diversify by providing a fee-paying ATM which provides them with up 60p per transaction. It goes without saying that we need to support small local businesses. Nonetheless I am sceptical whether the cost of having a fee-paying ATM in a local business does not outweigh the potential benefit as people who feel they have paid a large fee are likely to spend less in that business than they otherwise would.”
DIWEDD / ENDS
Notes for editor
Myfanwy is campaigning for 3 things:
1. She is working with Plaid’s MPs to press the London Labour Government to regulate ATM charges and the proliferation of charging ATMs.
2. She working with Helen Mary Jones to call on WAG to increase the provision of free machines for example through public service providers such as post office network, local government offices or community centres
3. She is researching into whether planning law can be amended to protect isolated/deprived communities where there is currently no option other than to pay for cash withdrawal.
For a map of ATMs and details of charging in the Llanelli area go to: www.link.co.uk
Dafydd Iwan and Myfanwy to celebrate Breaktho’s 25th anniversary with young people and carers
Popular singer and Plaid Cymru President Dafydd Iwan will join Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and parents and young people with learning difficulties to celebrate Breakthro’ s 25th birthday at the Coleshill Centre on Saturday. Dafydd Iwan has been a disability campaigner for many years and is a founder member of Antur Waunfawr a successful community enterprise based outside Caernarfon which is run by people with learning difficulties and employs people with and without learning disabilities.
On Saturday, children and young people will meet with Dafydd Iwan and Myfanwy Davies, who is a sponsor of Breakthro’ to share a 40inch square birthday cake. Dafydd Iwan will also perform in a fundraising concert for Breakthro on 15th August at Stebonheath Club in Llanelli.
Dafydd Iwan said:
“Breakthro’ does extremely important work and I’m particularly pleased to see some of the younger people themselves starting to run the group. I know from my experience at Antur Waunfawr what a difference that makes to young people’s sense of pride in themselves that they are able to make their own decisions. It is a real achievement for eveyone involved in Breakthro’ to have kept the group going so long and it also reflects the incredible support they have had from people in Llanelli. Da iawn nhw!”
Myfanwy said:
“Dafydd and I are immensely pleased to be part of the birthday celebrations that will also include Dafydd’s concert on the 15th of August. The difference Breakthro’ makes in the lives of the children and young people it serves is immeasurable because it gives them a place where they are never judged and where they can take responsibility for each other. I wish them a wonderful birthday and a great anniversary year”
Robin Burn, Trustee of Breakthro said:
“All the members of the Management committee, and Christine and Jess our club Coordinators are immensely pleased to have Myfanwy and Dafydd take part in our birthday celebrations on Saturday. All our clients are excited at the prospect of a special birthday celebratio
n with all the trimmings. Special thanks to Dafydd for supporting us through the concert on August 15th. We hope this will help raise funds to enhancing the lives of the adults and children that use the club, Diolch yn fawr, Dafydd a Myfanwy” .
Notes to Editor
Breakthro’ was established in Llanelli in 1984 to provide social activities and opportunities for children with learning difficulties. Parents, carers and the young people themselves coopertate in organising actitivites including holidays, cinema visits, meals and fund-raising events. Activities are provided for children and for young people who have grown up with Breakthro’. The future of the group had been in doubt due to a lack of funding but a recent contribution from Carmarthenshire County Council has ensured that it has been able to continue into its 26th year.
On Saturday, children and young people will meet with Dafydd Iwan and Myfanwy Davies, who is a sponsor of Breakthro’ to share a 40inch square birthday cake. Dafydd Iwan will also perform in a fundraising concert for Breakthro on 15th August at Stebonheath Club in Llanelli.
Dafydd Iwan said:
“Breakthro’ does extremely important work and I’m particularly pleased to see some of the younger people themselves starting to run the group. I know from my experience at Antur Waunfawr what a difference that makes to young people’s sense of pride in themselves that they are able to make their own decisions. It is a real achievement for eveyone involved in Breakthro’ to have kept the group going so long and it also reflects the incredible support they have had from people in Llanelli. Da iawn nhw!”
Myfanwy said:
“Dafydd and I are immensely pleased to be part of the birthday celebrations that will also include Dafydd’s concert on the 15th of August. The difference Breakthro’ makes in the lives of the children and young people it serves is immeasurable because it gives them a place where they are never judged and where they can take responsibility for each other. I wish them a wonderful birthday and a great anniversary year”
Robin Burn, Trustee of Breakthro said:
“All the members of the Management committee, and Christine and Jess our club Coordinators are immensely pleased to have Myfanwy and Dafydd take part in our birthday celebrations on Saturday. All our clients are excited at the prospect of a special birthday celebratio
n with all the trimmings. Special thanks to Dafydd for supporting us through the concert on August 15th. We hope this will help raise funds to enhancing the lives of the adults and children that use the club, Diolch yn fawr, Dafydd a Myfanwy” .
Notes to Editor
Breakthro’ was established in Llanelli in 1984 to provide social activities and opportunities for children with learning difficulties. Parents, carers and the young people themselves coopertate in organising actitivites including holidays, cinema visits, meals and fund-raising events. Activities are provided for children and for young people who have grown up with Breakthro’. The future of the group had been in doubt due to a lack of funding but a recent contribution from Carmarthenshire County Council has ensured that it has been able to continue into its 26th year.
Myfanwy and Mari Davies back Pwll residents fighting for answers on flooding
Following the misery caused by flooding in Llanelli earlier this month, Dr Myfanwy Davies Plaid’s Westminster Candidate for Llanelli and her mother, Hengoed Councillor Cllr. Mari Davies visited residents in the Nurseries and Bassett Terrace in Pwll.
Residents raised concerns about the management of the river Dulais, the bed of which has risen considerably due to a failure to remove silt and stones. Concerns have also been raised about the condition of the mud and sand bank behind the Nurseries which was breached this month leading to severe flooding in the Nurseries. Further concerns raised by residents in Bassett Terrace centre on the diversion of the River Dulais which now flows directly behind their homes.
Trudi Williams who is a spokesperson for the group said:
“When I moved here they said that severe flooding happens once in seventy years but we’ve had floods three times in the last ten years. During all that time, the silt and stones in the river have not been cleared and the only time I have ever seen people from the Environment Agency here is once we have had flooding. They admit responsibility for managing the river, so let’s see some management. We need the river cleared so that there is room for the water to flow because the arches under the bridge are nearly underwater even on a dry day. When there is heavy rain, it has got to the point where it will overflow. I live in dread of stormy weather now because I just don’t know how bad it could get”
Myfanwy Davies said: “It is clear that the Agency needs to remove the silt and stones from the river Dulais. I am appalled that they have allowed the river bed to fill up so dangerously when we know that the area suffers from flooding and I will be demanding swift action to clear the debris before the next heavy rain”.
“It is very disappointing that the Agency is seeking to avoid responsibility for the flood defenses behind the Nurseries. Together with Helen Mary Jones I will be working to establish who owns the bank so that we can ensure that resources are found to build adequate flood defenses”.
“I was shown photos of the River Dulais where it is diverted behind Basset Terrace after heavy rain and it is clear that the 90 degree bend slows the flow of the water and is much more likely to cause flooding. I have been told that representatives of the Environment Agency have agreed to reinforce the wall behind the nurseries but none of the residents know what implications that building work would have further upstream. I have written to Jane Davidson AM, the Minister for the Environment to ask her for an inquiry into the potential risk of flooding where rivers have been diverted by the Environment Agency. Clearly there are implications for other areas where rivers have been diverted. I will ask the Minister to ensure that the Agency performs its basic statutory duty of managing the river behind the Nurseries and I have also asked Helen Mary Jones to call a meeting with Ms Davidson and local residents at the earliest possible date”.
Cllr Mari Davies said: “It is just not acceptable for the Environment Agency to try to avoid its fundamental duty of managing the river north of Pwll Road. If the residents of the Nurseries are responsible for the bank, and that is debatable, why were they never informed of that and advised what to do to protect their homes? We need to know whether a flooding risk assessment was performed before the river Dulais was diverted south of Pwll Road. Myfanwy is quite right to raise those questions with Helen Mary and the Minister.”
Diwedd / Ends
Notes for Editors:
The residents are keen to address 3 issues:
1. To have the river dredged behind the Nurseries
2. To establish who owns that bank, what defense works would be suitable and what resources could be found to help them build them
3. To establish whether the houses in Bassett Terrace and The Nurseries are more likely to be flooded following the diversion of the Dulais and the low walls build around it to prevent flooding.
Residents raised concerns about the management of the river Dulais, the bed of which has risen considerably due to a failure to remove silt and stones. Concerns have also been raised about the condition of the mud and sand bank behind the Nurseries which was breached this month leading to severe flooding in the Nurseries. Further concerns raised by residents in Bassett Terrace centre on the diversion of the River Dulais which now flows directly behind their homes.
Trudi Williams who is a spokesperson for the group said:
“When I moved here they said that severe flooding happens once in seventy years but we’ve had floods three times in the last ten years. During all that time, the silt and stones in the river have not been cleared and the only time I have ever seen people from the Environment Agency here is once we have had flooding. They admit responsibility for managing the river, so let’s see some management. We need the river cleared so that there is room for the water to flow because the arches under the bridge are nearly underwater even on a dry day. When there is heavy rain, it has got to the point where it will overflow. I live in dread of stormy weather now because I just don’t know how bad it could get”
Myfanwy Davies said: “It is clear that the Agency needs to remove the silt and stones from the river Dulais. I am appalled that they have allowed the river bed to fill up so dangerously when we know that the area suffers from flooding and I will be demanding swift action to clear the debris before the next heavy rain”.
“It is very disappointing that the Agency is seeking to avoid responsibility for the flood defenses behind the Nurseries. Together with Helen Mary Jones I will be working to establish who owns the bank so that we can ensure that resources are found to build adequate flood defenses”.
“I was shown photos of the River Dulais where it is diverted behind Basset Terrace after heavy rain and it is clear that the 90 degree bend slows the flow of the water and is much more likely to cause flooding. I have been told that representatives of the Environment Agency have agreed to reinforce the wall behind the nurseries but none of the residents know what implications that building work would have further upstream. I have written to Jane Davidson AM, the Minister for the Environment to ask her for an inquiry into the potential risk of flooding where rivers have been diverted by the Environment Agency. Clearly there are implications for other areas where rivers have been diverted. I will ask the Minister to ensure that the Agency performs its basic statutory duty of managing the river behind the Nurseries and I have also asked Helen Mary Jones to call a meeting with Ms Davidson and local residents at the earliest possible date”.
Cllr Mari Davies said: “It is just not acceptable for the Environment Agency to try to avoid its fundamental duty of managing the river north of Pwll Road. If the residents of the Nurseries are responsible for the bank, and that is debatable, why were they never informed of that and advised what to do to protect their homes? We need to know whether a flooding risk assessment was performed before the river Dulais was diverted south of Pwll Road. Myfanwy is quite right to raise those questions with Helen Mary and the Minister.”
Diwedd / Ends
Notes for Editors:
The residents are keen to address 3 issues:
1. To have the river dredged behind the Nurseries
2. To establish who owns that bank, what defense works would be suitable and what resources could be found to help them build them
3. To establish whether the houses in Bassett Terrace and The Nurseries are more likely to be flooded following the diversion of the Dulais and the low walls build around it to prevent flooding.
Friday 7 August 2009
Breaktho reaches for the summit to celebrate 25th anniversary on top of Snowdon
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and patron of Llanelli disabilities group, Breakthro’, met volunteers working for the group celebrating Breakthro’ s 25th birthday and raising funds by climbing Snowdon on Saturday 6th August. Dr Davies was joined by Hywel Williams MP who represents the Arfon constituency in which Snowdon stands, for breakfast with the group. Mr Williams who worked for many years in social care, recently helped celebrate the 25th Birthday of Antur Waunfawr a successful community enterprise based in his constituency outside Caernarfon which is part-run by people with learning difficulties.
.
Hywel Williams said:
“It goes without saying that young people with disabilities need to learn and gain confidence in a range of settings. My experience with Antur Waunfawr has shown me how people like the members of Breakthro’ can make very important contributions in the workplace. Breakthro’ also offers children and young people a place where they can take responsibility for themselves and each other. I’m immensely pleased that the group has lasted so long particularly since it was recently under threat. The fact that the group has lasted so long says a lot about the support that people in Llanelli have been willing to give it over the years and it's great that Myfanwy was able to help gain the core funding that Breakthro' relies on!”
Myfanwy said:
“The work Breakthro’ does is sometimes overlooked because it doesn’t focus on teaching skills or preparing people for employment. The group is mainly focused on enabling young people a range of disabilities to have the same kind of social life as other people of their age. I have seen many of the young people support and help each other week by week. On Saturday the volunteers climbing Snowdon had a large part of our country at their feet. I hope that memory stays with them because there is so much they can do they work together. I’m now looking forward to the Dafydd Iwan concert next Saturday that is the high point of Breakthro’s birthday celebrations”
Jessica Sheehan Breakthro’ organiser said:
“We wanted to mark the birthday in style. Breakthro’ is all about making sure that our members have access to all the things they want to do. What better way could there be of celebrating what Breakthro has done and what it wants to do than to climb right up to the top of Snowdon?
.
Hywel Williams said:
“It goes without saying that young people with disabilities need to learn and gain confidence in a range of settings. My experience with Antur Waunfawr has shown me how people like the members of Breakthro’ can make very important contributions in the workplace. Breakthro’ also offers children and young people a place where they can take responsibility for themselves and each other. I’m immensely pleased that the group has lasted so long particularly since it was recently under threat. The fact that the group has lasted so long says a lot about the support that people in Llanelli have been willing to give it over the years and it's great that Myfanwy was able to help gain the core funding that Breakthro' relies on!”
Myfanwy said:
“The work Breakthro’ does is sometimes overlooked because it doesn’t focus on teaching skills or preparing people for employment. The group is mainly focused on enabling young people a range of disabilities to have the same kind of social life as other people of their age. I have seen many of the young people support and help each other week by week. On Saturday the volunteers climbing Snowdon had a large part of our country at their feet. I hope that memory stays with them because there is so much they can do they work together. I’m now looking forward to the Dafydd Iwan concert next Saturday that is the high point of Breakthro’s birthday celebrations”
Jessica Sheehan Breakthro’ organiser said:
“We wanted to mark the birthday in style. Breakthro’ is all about making sure that our members have access to all the things they want to do. What better way could there be of celebrating what Breakthro has done and what it wants to do than to climb right up to the top of Snowdon?
Wednesday 5 August 2009
Myfanwy and Pembrey councillors demand action on release of sewage into Burry Inlet
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate, has obtained data from the Environment Agency that show levels of sewage in the Burry Inlet from Pembrey that are once again in breach of European standards. Readings for sewage bacteria (Feacal Coliforms and Feacal Streptococci) in the inlet rose from 10 parts per 100 ml. on July 1st and 32 on the 9th July to 400 on the 17th July and 420 on the 23rd July. During July, sewage bacteria thus increased by more than three thousand percent (3000%). This follows heavy rain on the night of the 15/16th during which the Ashburnham sewage pump discharged untreated sewage for 12 hours. As heavy rain also fell on the night of July the 28/29th, it is expected that levels of sewage bacteria will continue to be very high during the next week.
While these reading are classified as ‘good’ by the UK and EU standards, the Environment Agency’s own figures show they are many times worse than the vast majority of beaches in Wales tested by the Agency. In addition UK/EU standards of ‘good’ water quality have been criticised for causing a number of health risks. Conditions proven to be associated with sewage pollution in bathing water within acceptable (‘good’) UK/EU levels are problems of the digestive tract and skin diseases. The EU has much higher bathing water standards than these where sea life is in danger of being poisoned by algae growing on sewage particles (eutrification). Since 2002, parts of the Burry Inlet have been classified as being at risk in this way.
Following an intervention by Dr. Davies on 30th June, Plaid MEP, Jill Evans met with representatives of the European Commission to inform them of recent levels of sewage pollution and continuing cockle deaths in the Inlet. As a result of this meeting, infringement proceedings, leading to a possible £1 million per day fine on the UK Government, have been started. Ms. Evans will be informing the European Commission of the recent surge in pollution.
Dr. Davies said:“The Environment Agency allows Dŵr Cymru to release raw sewage into the inlet in circumstances where sewage would otherwise flow back towards people’s homes. Of course discharging sewage is better than allowing it to flood people’s homes, but it is shocking that Dŵr Cymru continues to put people in Llanelli, Pembrey and Burry Port in this position.”
“Following a report form the UK Government on the need to separate sewage and storm water, it is likely that Welsh law will make the separation of sewage and storm water compulsory. In the light of this, Dŵr Cymru has publicly committed itself to separate sewage and storm water by replacing old and deficient pipes such as those that have served Llanelli, Burry Port and Pembrey for decades. The company has also indicated its intention to build a new water treatment works, but what we need to see is a timetable for replacing the pipes and building the sewage works. We pay high water rates in Llanelli and it is right that we expect Dŵr Cymru to respect its obligation to us to keep us and our homes safe and to preserve the cockle industry.”
Cllr Robin Burn from Pembrey said: “People in Pembrey and all along the inlet should not have to accept that their bathing water is polluted time and again because the sewage processing plant at Bynea is inadequate. UK Standards for bathing water are low and pose risks to people’s health. Added to that, the estuary is a particularly sensitive area and we are in danger of losing the cockle industry. Dŵr Cymru must commit to building the new water treatment works.”
Cllr Malcolm Davies of Pembrey added:
“People in Pembrey are worried that once again Cefn Sidan next year will not be awarded a blue flag. This is in marked contrast to the increase in Welsh beaches that reach this level and there are fears that it will have an effect on people’s confidence in the safety of the water and their willingness to visit Pembrey. It is very frustrating that the Environment agency, which is the body that awards Blue Flags is also the body that allows this pollution to happen when there is a storm”.
Notes to Editor:
Welsh Water/ Dŵr Cymru response to the DEFRA paper calling for a halt to releasing surface water through the sewage system can be found at: http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk/English/library/publications/surface%20water%20management%20strategy/english.pdf
For complications associated with sewage pollution within acceptable EU/UK levels see for example: Prieto, MD et al. J Epidemiol Community Health 2001;55:442-447. http://jech.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/55/6/442
While these reading are classified as ‘good’ by the UK and EU standards, the Environment Agency’s own figures show they are many times worse than the vast majority of beaches in Wales tested by the Agency. In addition UK/EU standards of ‘good’ water quality have been criticised for causing a number of health risks. Conditions proven to be associated with sewage pollution in bathing water within acceptable (‘good’) UK/EU levels are problems of the digestive tract and skin diseases. The EU has much higher bathing water standards than these where sea life is in danger of being poisoned by algae growing on sewage particles (eutrification). Since 2002, parts of the Burry Inlet have been classified as being at risk in this way.
Following an intervention by Dr. Davies on 30th June, Plaid MEP, Jill Evans met with representatives of the European Commission to inform them of recent levels of sewage pollution and continuing cockle deaths in the Inlet. As a result of this meeting, infringement proceedings, leading to a possible £1 million per day fine on the UK Government, have been started. Ms. Evans will be informing the European Commission of the recent surge in pollution.
Dr. Davies said:“The Environment Agency allows Dŵr Cymru to release raw sewage into the inlet in circumstances where sewage would otherwise flow back towards people’s homes. Of course discharging sewage is better than allowing it to flood people’s homes, but it is shocking that Dŵr Cymru continues to put people in Llanelli, Pembrey and Burry Port in this position.”
“Following a report form the UK Government on the need to separate sewage and storm water, it is likely that Welsh law will make the separation of sewage and storm water compulsory. In the light of this, Dŵr Cymru has publicly committed itself to separate sewage and storm water by replacing old and deficient pipes such as those that have served Llanelli, Burry Port and Pembrey for decades. The company has also indicated its intention to build a new water treatment works, but what we need to see is a timetable for replacing the pipes and building the sewage works. We pay high water rates in Llanelli and it is right that we expect Dŵr Cymru to respect its obligation to us to keep us and our homes safe and to preserve the cockle industry.”
Cllr Robin Burn from Pembrey said: “People in Pembrey and all along the inlet should not have to accept that their bathing water is polluted time and again because the sewage processing plant at Bynea is inadequate. UK Standards for bathing water are low and pose risks to people’s health. Added to that, the estuary is a particularly sensitive area and we are in danger of losing the cockle industry. Dŵr Cymru must commit to building the new water treatment works.”
Cllr Malcolm Davies of Pembrey added:
“People in Pembrey are worried that once again Cefn Sidan next year will not be awarded a blue flag. This is in marked contrast to the increase in Welsh beaches that reach this level and there are fears that it will have an effect on people’s confidence in the safety of the water and their willingness to visit Pembrey. It is very frustrating that the Environment agency, which is the body that awards Blue Flags is also the body that allows this pollution to happen when there is a storm”.
Notes to Editor:
Welsh Water/ Dŵr Cymru response to the DEFRA paper calling for a halt to releasing surface water through the sewage system can be found at: http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk/English/library/publications/surface%20water%20management%20strategy/english.pdf
For complications associated with sewage pollution within acceptable EU/UK levels see for example: Prieto, MD et al. J Epidemiol Community Health 2001;55:442-447. http://jech.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/55/6/442
Friday 17 July 2009
Myfanwy fights to keep Jobforce scheme to help Llanelli’s children out of poverty
Responding figures that show an increase in the number of children living in poverty in Wales, Dr Myfanwy Davies Plaid’s Westminster Candidate for Llanelli has strongly criticised Government plans to cut funding for a scheme that helps Llanelli’s lone parents back into work or training.
Myfanwy is joining the fight to save a scheme offered by jobforce Wales that provides free childcare to lone parents so the can work or complete the training they need to return to work.
Myfanwy said:
“The official figures show more children in Wales slipping back into poverty which will have a huge effect on the choices they have in life. Next week Parliament will discuss the Child Poverty Bill that aims to take some of the positive steps our Assembly has already taken towards eradicating child poverty. I welcome the debate and it is a wholly good thing to introduce targets for raising parents’ income such as those proposed in the Bill. But those targets are meaningless while Gordon Brown is still planning vicious cuts in schemes that help parents back to work”.
“One very concrete example of the UK Government’s failure to deal with child poverty is the fact that the New Deal for Lone Parents in Llanelli has come to the end of its funding. There are dozens of lone parents in Llanelli who have expressed an interest in taking up training but can’t do so because they do not have the resources to look after their kids. I will be raising this issue with our AM Helen Mary Jones in her role as Chair of the Assembly Children’s Committee”.
“It is all very well for Gordon Brown and his self-serving MPs to set targets they know will not be met they need to take this chance to put the needs of our families in Llanelli first”.
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editor:
In Wales, 32% of children now face living in a home which has less than 60% of the average UK household income. In 1999, the average level of risk that that Welsh child would be in a household that fell below the poverty line was 35%.
While the level of poverty appears to be rising in Wales, in Scotland the rate continues to fall, now standing at 25% of children at risk. Northern Ireland has also kept poverty levels stable at 26%.
Link to the full Rowntree Foundation Report:http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/end-child-poverty-wales-summary.pdf
Next Tuesday Parliament will begin to discuss The Child Poverty Bill that will require the Government reports on progress towards eradicating child poverty and includes targets on increasing family income
Myfanwy is joining the fight to save a scheme offered by jobforce Wales that provides free childcare to lone parents so the can work or complete the training they need to return to work.
Myfanwy said:
“The official figures show more children in Wales slipping back into poverty which will have a huge effect on the choices they have in life. Next week Parliament will discuss the Child Poverty Bill that aims to take some of the positive steps our Assembly has already taken towards eradicating child poverty. I welcome the debate and it is a wholly good thing to introduce targets for raising parents’ income such as those proposed in the Bill. But those targets are meaningless while Gordon Brown is still planning vicious cuts in schemes that help parents back to work”.
“One very concrete example of the UK Government’s failure to deal with child poverty is the fact that the New Deal for Lone Parents in Llanelli has come to the end of its funding. There are dozens of lone parents in Llanelli who have expressed an interest in taking up training but can’t do so because they do not have the resources to look after their kids. I will be raising this issue with our AM Helen Mary Jones in her role as Chair of the Assembly Children’s Committee”.
“It is all very well for Gordon Brown and his self-serving MPs to set targets they know will not be met they need to take this chance to put the needs of our families in Llanelli first”.
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editor:
In Wales, 32% of children now face living in a home which has less than 60% of the average UK household income. In 1999, the average level of risk that that Welsh child would be in a household that fell below the poverty line was 35%.
While the level of poverty appears to be rising in Wales, in Scotland the rate continues to fall, now standing at 25% of children at risk. Northern Ireland has also kept poverty levels stable at 26%.
Link to the full Rowntree Foundation Report:http://www.jrf.org.uk/sites/files/jrf/end-child-poverty-wales-summary.pdf
Next Tuesday Parliament will begin to discuss The Child Poverty Bill that will require the Government reports on progress towards eradicating child poverty and includes targets on increasing family income
Thursday 2 July 2009
Myfanwy calls on Nia Griffith to protect Royal Mail
Plaid Cymru Llanelli
Ty Bres,
Heol Bres
Llanelli
SA15 1UH
July 2nd, 2009
Nia Griffith MP
6 Queen Victoria Road
Llanelli
SA15 2TL
Dear Ms Griffith,
I enclose a letter sent to you on June 2nd and note that I have not yet received any response to this from your office.
I had asked you to oppose plans to privatise our Royal Mail to protect jobs and to preserve the level of service we expect and need. As you will know your colleague Lord Mandelson has now admitted that the UK Government will not push through legislation to part-privatise the Royal Mail in the near future because no buyer could be found.
It is also very clear that among your more outspoken colleagues this is an unpopular measure and failing to get the bill passed would be an embarrassment for the Government.
While the climb-down is welcome, it not good enough for the plans to be shelved so that they can be resurrected when a buyer is found or when the Labour whips think they can win the debate. Not even the Tories dreamed of privatising the Royal Mail and you must know that job losses will follow from this move and that there can be no justification for supporting a measure that puts more jobs in Llanelli at risk.
I urge you to pledge publicly to people in Llanelli that you will vote against these reckless measures when they come up for debate.
Yours faithfully,
Myfanwy Davies
Ty Bres,
Heol Bres
Llanelli
SA15 1UH
July 2nd, 2009
Nia Griffith MP
6 Queen Victoria Road
Llanelli
SA15 2TL
Dear Ms Griffith,
I enclose a letter sent to you on June 2nd and note that I have not yet received any response to this from your office.
I had asked you to oppose plans to privatise our Royal Mail to protect jobs and to preserve the level of service we expect and need. As you will know your colleague Lord Mandelson has now admitted that the UK Government will not push through legislation to part-privatise the Royal Mail in the near future because no buyer could be found.
It is also very clear that among your more outspoken colleagues this is an unpopular measure and failing to get the bill passed would be an embarrassment for the Government.
While the climb-down is welcome, it not good enough for the plans to be shelved so that they can be resurrected when a buyer is found or when the Labour whips think they can win the debate. Not even the Tories dreamed of privatising the Royal Mail and you must know that job losses will follow from this move and that there can be no justification for supporting a measure that puts more jobs in Llanelli at risk.
I urge you to pledge publicly to people in Llanelli that you will vote against these reckless measures when they come up for debate.
Yours faithfully,
Myfanwy Davies
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Myfanwy and Hywel Williams join Llanelli bingo protestors at Westminster
Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams MP and Plaid’s Westminster candidate in Llanelli Dr Myfanwy Davies, today joined forces with bingo players from Llanelli to campaign against unfair taxation on bingo.
The group from Llanelli lead by Nigel Griffiths traveled 330 miles to fight for their bingo club’s future by protesting in Dean’s Yard opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Protestors wore Alistair Darling masks, carried several placards, some even circled the square aboard the ‘Bingo bus’, and even joined in a game of Bingo on the green to champion the cause.
Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams has previously warned that the decision to increase in the rate of duty from 15% to 22% could signal a decline for Bingo clubs.
A Plaid-backed SNP motion to reverse the decision was recently defeated by Labour MPs. Other forms of gambling such as casino or online poker remain taxed at 15%.
Plaid’s Hywel Williams MP said:
“The Government's treatment of the bingo sector is incredibly unfair. In the Budget, the Government announced that it had removed the VAT on participation fees for Bingo players, but at the same time has increased the rate of bingo duty from 22%. This makes no sense in practise.
“Tax fairness is essential during the recession and this taxation on licensed bingo halls is dangerous as it targets the heart of our communities, and in particular older women and those from lower income households. Bingo halls provide a safe and friendly environment for the whole community to meet and socialise.
“The protestors have championed this cause fantastically today. I hope that the Government will now see for itself that bingo clubs and their constituents are suffering under this burdensome tax.”
Dr Myfanwy Davies added:
“Bingo has been part of life in Llanelli for as long as I can remember and the last thing we need in the town centre is for the club in Market Street to have to close.
“This is a completely unfair and ridiculous tax on people’s enjoyment. Bingo is already taxed once and there is no justification for treating bingo differently from online poker or any other form of gambling.
“We’ve come today to show those MPs that voted for the tax hike will see that they cannot ignore the voice of their constituents.”
The group from Llanelli lead by Nigel Griffiths traveled 330 miles to fight for their bingo club’s future by protesting in Dean’s Yard opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Protestors wore Alistair Darling masks, carried several placards, some even circled the square aboard the ‘Bingo bus’, and even joined in a game of Bingo on the green to champion the cause.
Plaid Cymru’s Hywel Williams has previously warned that the decision to increase in the rate of duty from 15% to 22% could signal a decline for Bingo clubs.
A Plaid-backed SNP motion to reverse the decision was recently defeated by Labour MPs. Other forms of gambling such as casino or online poker remain taxed at 15%.
Plaid’s Hywel Williams MP said:
“The Government's treatment of the bingo sector is incredibly unfair. In the Budget, the Government announced that it had removed the VAT on participation fees for Bingo players, but at the same time has increased the rate of bingo duty from 22%. This makes no sense in practise.
“Tax fairness is essential during the recession and this taxation on licensed bingo halls is dangerous as it targets the heart of our communities, and in particular older women and those from lower income households. Bingo halls provide a safe and friendly environment for the whole community to meet and socialise.
“The protestors have championed this cause fantastically today. I hope that the Government will now see for itself that bingo clubs and their constituents are suffering under this burdensome tax.”
Dr Myfanwy Davies added:
“Bingo has been part of life in Llanelli for as long as I can remember and the last thing we need in the town centre is for the club in Market Street to have to close.
“This is a completely unfair and ridiculous tax on people’s enjoyment. Bingo is already taxed once and there is no justification for treating bingo differently from online poker or any other form of gambling.
“We’ve come today to show those MPs that voted for the tax hike will see that they cannot ignore the voice of their constituents.”
Monday 29 June 2009
Myfanwy and Jill Evans MEP fight for answers on cockle-deaths and flooding in Europe
Following a request by Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate, Plaid MEP Jill Evans will meet with representatives of the European Commission on Wednesday (1st July). Recent figures show that cockles are continuing to die in large numbers putting the future of Llanelli’s cockle industry at risk. Last week a packed meeting called by a National Assembly Committee also heard accounts by people across Llanelli who had been victims of flooding.
Myfanwy is concerned that the existing flooding problem is being made considerably worse by the effects of more extreme weather but also by insufficient attention given by government agencies to the impact of some large-scale housing developments on draining surface water and on over-used sewage facilities.
Myfanwy has recently backed calls for independent scientific research to explore the reasons for the cockle deaths so that action can be taken while there is still a fishery to protect.
Ms. Evans will question the representatives of the Commission on where responsibility lies for calling for environmental impact assessments to assess the full impact developments will have on our environment. She will also ask officials about potential sanctions where for organisations have not called for these assessments where risks to the environment such as flooding have followed. Ms Evans will also request details of investigations into events similar to the cockle deaths elsewhere in Europe and will ask for these reports to be made available to Welsh scientists, cockle pickers and campaigners.
Ms. Evans said:
“Flooding in Llanelli is becoming much more severe and more frequent. This is partly due to the more extreme weather but it is a cause for concern that many new developments in the area that involve concreting over land that would drain water have not been subject to proper environmental impact assessments. I am not against new houses where they are affordable and needed, but we must make sure that new developments are properly assessed and that sensible measures are built into them to allow water to drain and to prevent flooding elsewhere”.
“I have been supporting the fishermen’s campaign to find out what is killing the cockles for a number of years. It is sad and frustrating that we are no nearer to getting real answers while the fishery risks being destroyed. There is no substitute for rigourous scientific research into this, and I will use my meeting with the representatives of the Commission to gather evidence on similar events in other places.”
Myfanwy said:
“I am delighted that Jill Evans has been able to organize a meeting with representative of the Commission so quickly. Our communities are suffering from severe flooding on a much more regular basis than was previously the case. The Assembly’s meeting last Friday confirmed to me the importance of making sure that new developments along the estuary do not effect flooding elsewhere. Jill Evans is also intending to raise the issue of the cockle deaths. We urgently need to know what is killing the cockles so that we can act to preserve the fishery and the livelihoods that depend on it.”
Myfanwy is concerned that the existing flooding problem is being made considerably worse by the effects of more extreme weather but also by insufficient attention given by government agencies to the impact of some large-scale housing developments on draining surface water and on over-used sewage facilities.
Myfanwy has recently backed calls for independent scientific research to explore the reasons for the cockle deaths so that action can be taken while there is still a fishery to protect.
Ms. Evans will question the representatives of the Commission on where responsibility lies for calling for environmental impact assessments to assess the full impact developments will have on our environment. She will also ask officials about potential sanctions where for organisations have not called for these assessments where risks to the environment such as flooding have followed. Ms Evans will also request details of investigations into events similar to the cockle deaths elsewhere in Europe and will ask for these reports to be made available to Welsh scientists, cockle pickers and campaigners.
Ms. Evans said:
“Flooding in Llanelli is becoming much more severe and more frequent. This is partly due to the more extreme weather but it is a cause for concern that many new developments in the area that involve concreting over land that would drain water have not been subject to proper environmental impact assessments. I am not against new houses where they are affordable and needed, but we must make sure that new developments are properly assessed and that sensible measures are built into them to allow water to drain and to prevent flooding elsewhere”.
“I have been supporting the fishermen’s campaign to find out what is killing the cockles for a number of years. It is sad and frustrating that we are no nearer to getting real answers while the fishery risks being destroyed. There is no substitute for rigourous scientific research into this, and I will use my meeting with the representatives of the Commission to gather evidence on similar events in other places.”
Myfanwy said:
“I am delighted that Jill Evans has been able to organize a meeting with representative of the Commission so quickly. Our communities are suffering from severe flooding on a much more regular basis than was previously the case. The Assembly’s meeting last Friday confirmed to me the importance of making sure that new developments along the estuary do not effect flooding elsewhere. Jill Evans is also intending to raise the issue of the cockle deaths. We urgently need to know what is killing the cockles so that we can act to preserve the fishery and the livelihoods that depend on it.”
Monday 15 June 2009
Myfanwy and Helen Mary fight to save Llanelli Bingo Clubs
Myfanwy and Helen Mary slam Gordon’s Bingo Tax
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM have spoken out against the double taxation on bingo clubs that MPs voted on last week. Myfanwy has accused Gordon Brown’s government of placing Llanelli’s bingo clubs at risk.
The warning comes after Welsh Labour MPs defeated a Plaid-backed SNP motion to reverse the increase in the rate of duty from 15% to 22%. Other forms of gambling such as casino or online poker will remain taxed at 15%.
Myfanwy said:
Bingo clubs are an important part of social life in Llanelli. They provide safe entertainment and are places where women in particular come to meet their friends. This is a tax hike on bingo, when duty on other forms of gambling will remain the same. This is entirely unfair.
She warned:
“Bingo clubs may have to close in Llanelli over the next few weeks. Along with Helen Mary Jones, I will be supporting customers and staff at Llanelli’s bingo clubs who are very concerned about the situation”.
Helen Mary said
“There is widespread support for bringing down the rate of Bingo duty from 22 per cent to 15 percent in line with the tax rate for every other form of gambling. This is about fair play for one of the most popular pastimes enjoyed by people in all communities."
Myfanwy and Helen Mary will be talking to staff and customers at Bingo Clubs in and around Llanelli over the next few weeks.
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM have spoken out against the double taxation on bingo clubs that MPs voted on last week. Myfanwy has accused Gordon Brown’s government of placing Llanelli’s bingo clubs at risk.
The warning comes after Welsh Labour MPs defeated a Plaid-backed SNP motion to reverse the increase in the rate of duty from 15% to 22%. Other forms of gambling such as casino or online poker will remain taxed at 15%.
Myfanwy said:
Bingo clubs are an important part of social life in Llanelli. They provide safe entertainment and are places where women in particular come to meet their friends. This is a tax hike on bingo, when duty on other forms of gambling will remain the same. This is entirely unfair.
She warned:
“Bingo clubs may have to close in Llanelli over the next few weeks. Along with Helen Mary Jones, I will be supporting customers and staff at Llanelli’s bingo clubs who are very concerned about the situation”.
Helen Mary said
“There is widespread support for bringing down the rate of Bingo duty from 22 per cent to 15 percent in line with the tax rate for every other form of gambling. This is about fair play for one of the most popular pastimes enjoyed by people in all communities."
Myfanwy and Helen Mary will be talking to staff and customers at Bingo Clubs in and around Llanelli over the next few weeks.
Tuesday 2 June 2009
Myfanwy's Open Letter on Royal Mail privatisation
Plaid Cymru Llanelli
Ty Bres,
Heol Bres
Llanelli
SA15 1UH
June 2nd, 2009
Nia Griffith MP
6 Queen Victoria Road
Llanelli
SA15 2TL
Dear Ms Griffith,
I have heard that the Government intends to announce the privatisation of part of the Royal Mail in the course of the next few days. Along with postal workers and many people in Llanelli, I am outraged by this foolish and reckless step. No sensible government would sell off this vital public service, particularly so during the deepest recession we have seen in our lifetimes. The disastrous Tory years taught is that brutal job cuts follow privatisation. We cannot afford to loose any more jobs in Llanelli - least of all through the intentional action of the UK Labour Government.
The Hooper Report commissioned by your Labour Government says that the Royal Mail should be partly privatised to release funds to enable it to modernise. The report claims our Royal Mail is not as efficient as other European postal operators. But the evidence it offers to support this is misleading and inconclusive. For example, it confuses pricing and operational efficiency. It fails to take account of the different domestic markets. It ignores the negative effects of our Royal Mail being an established operator. Worst of all, the report does not explore how Royal Mail could modernise by other means and does not even suggest how much money would be needed to support that process. Many people suspect that the whole process has been biased in favour of selling off this national asset to continental competitors such as DHL or INT.
The privatisation of the Royal Mail on the basis of this flawed report would be nothing short of an act of vandalism. The consequences will be felt first by loyal Royal Mail workers but very soon I fear we will all be suffering a decline in service and a jump in prices. This is the lesson of previous Tory privatisations.
I urge you in the strongest possible terms to vote against these measures when they come up for debate. People in Llanelli want the Royal Mail to remain in public hands and it is right that they demand the support of their MP to help protect it.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Myfanwy Davies
Plaid Cymru Westminster Candidate, Llanelli.
Ty Bres,
Heol Bres
Llanelli
SA15 1UH
June 2nd, 2009
Nia Griffith MP
6 Queen Victoria Road
Llanelli
SA15 2TL
Dear Ms Griffith,
I have heard that the Government intends to announce the privatisation of part of the Royal Mail in the course of the next few days. Along with postal workers and many people in Llanelli, I am outraged by this foolish and reckless step. No sensible government would sell off this vital public service, particularly so during the deepest recession we have seen in our lifetimes. The disastrous Tory years taught is that brutal job cuts follow privatisation. We cannot afford to loose any more jobs in Llanelli - least of all through the intentional action of the UK Labour Government.
The Hooper Report commissioned by your Labour Government says that the Royal Mail should be partly privatised to release funds to enable it to modernise. The report claims our Royal Mail is not as efficient as other European postal operators. But the evidence it offers to support this is misleading and inconclusive. For example, it confuses pricing and operational efficiency. It fails to take account of the different domestic markets. It ignores the negative effects of our Royal Mail being an established operator. Worst of all, the report does not explore how Royal Mail could modernise by other means and does not even suggest how much money would be needed to support that process. Many people suspect that the whole process has been biased in favour of selling off this national asset to continental competitors such as DHL or INT.
The privatisation of the Royal Mail on the basis of this flawed report would be nothing short of an act of vandalism. The consequences will be felt first by loyal Royal Mail workers but very soon I fear we will all be suffering a decline in service and a jump in prices. This is the lesson of previous Tory privatisations.
I urge you in the strongest possible terms to vote against these measures when they come up for debate. People in Llanelli want the Royal Mail to remain in public hands and it is right that they demand the support of their MP to help protect it.
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Myfanwy Davies
Plaid Cymru Westminster Candidate, Llanelli.
Monday 11 May 2009
Myfanwy and Dafydd Wigley in plea to clean up Westminster sleaze
In the wake of the disclosure of MPs expenses claims last week Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, has issued a plea for a transparent system of expenses to restore people’s faith in parliament.
Myfanwy Davies is calling for a new set of rules which are clear, strong and open to public scrutiny. The new rules would introduce a completely open accounting system and would enable MPs to employ the staff they need and to travel to and from London to their constituencies.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“There is no excuse for the kind of abuses of the system we have seen in the past few days. For me the worst aspect of this behaviour by some MPs is that it makes people feel their votes don’t matter at precisely the time we desperately need MPs to stand up for our communities and to be accountable to them”.
“I have been talking to people in Trimsaran over the weekend and I am very concerned that instead of using their votes to hold politicians to account, some people feel that there is no point in voting in elections and may not vote at all”.
“There is a much clearer system of supporting the work of elected representatives already in place in Wales, at the National Assembly. What I would like to see is a system like the one they have in Sweden where all members’ expenses are available for the public to see. For far too long we have accepted a culture of secrecy at Westminster and that has now become a real danger to democracy as people are choosing not to vote”
Dafydd Wigley the former MP for Arfon and former Plaid leader added:
‘The systems in the Assembly, whilst they undoubtedly need tightening are very much more rigorous than those in the House of Commons. Westminster would do well to learn from the Assembly in these matters’
End/Diwedd
Notes for the editor:
According to the 'Audit of Political Engagement' published by Hansard in April, only a third of UK people believe that that the system of government works well or very well.
Last week following the first disclosures of MP’s expenses 89% of those quizzed by ICM for the News of the World warned that the reputation of parliament was being tarnished.
Dafydd Wigley is currently involved in the Independent Review Panel on AM’s pay and allowances that is chaired by Sir Roger Jones
Myfanwy Davies is calling for a new set of rules which are clear, strong and open to public scrutiny. The new rules would introduce a completely open accounting system and would enable MPs to employ the staff they need and to travel to and from London to their constituencies.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“There is no excuse for the kind of abuses of the system we have seen in the past few days. For me the worst aspect of this behaviour by some MPs is that it makes people feel their votes don’t matter at precisely the time we desperately need MPs to stand up for our communities and to be accountable to them”.
“I have been talking to people in Trimsaran over the weekend and I am very concerned that instead of using their votes to hold politicians to account, some people feel that there is no point in voting in elections and may not vote at all”.
“There is a much clearer system of supporting the work of elected representatives already in place in Wales, at the National Assembly. What I would like to see is a system like the one they have in Sweden where all members’ expenses are available for the public to see. For far too long we have accepted a culture of secrecy at Westminster and that has now become a real danger to democracy as people are choosing not to vote”
Dafydd Wigley the former MP for Arfon and former Plaid leader added:
‘The systems in the Assembly, whilst they undoubtedly need tightening are very much more rigorous than those in the House of Commons. Westminster would do well to learn from the Assembly in these matters’
End/Diwedd
Notes for the editor:
According to the 'Audit of Political Engagement' published by Hansard in April, only a third of UK people believe that that the system of government works well or very well.
Last week following the first disclosures of MP’s expenses 89% of those quizzed by ICM for the News of the World warned that the reputation of parliament was being tarnished.
Dafydd Wigley is currently involved in the Independent Review Panel on AM’s pay and allowances that is chaired by Sir Roger Jones
Monday 27 April 2009
Myfanwy holds a Conference on a creating a sustainable economy for Wales at the National Botanical Gardens
As we face the twin crises of the recession and rapid environmental change, Plaid Cymru’s Dr. Myfanwy Davies and Nerys Evans AM hosted a one-day conference with experts from a range of fields aiming to develop solutions on each level of government. The conference was held at the National Botanical Gardens on Saturday.
Key points made were:
• Wales has excellent resources to produce sustainable food and energy
• These industries support good long-term jobs
• The policies of councils, the Welsh Assembly and Westminster could increase the market available for local food and energy
• The relationships of supermarkets to suppliers need to be regulated
• Communities need to have a better deal when selling locally produced energy on the national grid
• Communities need to make their own decisions on which sustainable technologies to develop
Speaking from Llanelli, Dr. Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s candidate in Llanelli for the next Westminster election said:
“As a party we have been committed to sustainability for decades, we are fully committed to acting upon the points raised at this important conference. It is clear that the recession and the wider environmental crisis are linked to patterns of consumption that create huge inequalities of wealth and that make our jobs uncertain”.
“We have seen an increase in joblessness of 80% in Llanelli over the past year. Those jobs were lost because it is too easy to relocate and because we do not have policies in place that mean we are able to buy local goods in preference to those shipped from the other side of the world”
Adam Price, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr added:
“We all need to change the way we think and the way we live to respond to the environmental and financial crisis. There is a lot we can do as individuals, but essentially we need bold actions from politicians. I was very pleased to see so many experts and organisations come to the conference and I would urge people concerned about crisis facing the environment to get involved politically and start making their points from inside the political parties”.
Key points made were:
• Wales has excellent resources to produce sustainable food and energy
• These industries support good long-term jobs
• The policies of councils, the Welsh Assembly and Westminster could increase the market available for local food and energy
• The relationships of supermarkets to suppliers need to be regulated
• Communities need to have a better deal when selling locally produced energy on the national grid
• Communities need to make their own decisions on which sustainable technologies to develop
Speaking from Llanelli, Dr. Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s candidate in Llanelli for the next Westminster election said:
“As a party we have been committed to sustainability for decades, we are fully committed to acting upon the points raised at this important conference. It is clear that the recession and the wider environmental crisis are linked to patterns of consumption that create huge inequalities of wealth and that make our jobs uncertain”.
“We have seen an increase in joblessness of 80% in Llanelli over the past year. Those jobs were lost because it is too easy to relocate and because we do not have policies in place that mean we are able to buy local goods in preference to those shipped from the other side of the world”
Adam Price, MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr added:
“We all need to change the way we think and the way we live to respond to the environmental and financial crisis. There is a lot we can do as individuals, but essentially we need bold actions from politicians. I was very pleased to see so many experts and organisations come to the conference and I would urge people concerned about crisis facing the environment to get involved politically and start making their points from inside the political parties”.
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Plaid pays tribute to local volunteers who lost their lives in the fight against facism
Last Wednesday saw the 70th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War where people from Wales, including Llanelli, volunteered to fight against fascism in Spain. Local AM Helen Mary Jones and Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Candidate for Llanelli, Dr Myfanwy Davies have been looking back at the proud tradition that Llanelli has in resisting fascism.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones commented:
“Taking part in the march and rally against the BNP a few weeks ago brought back a real reminder of Llanelli’s proud tradition in resisting fascism, not only at home but also abroad. A large numbers of Welshmen, including Llanelli, travelled to the continent to fight for what they knew was a battle for the freedom of us all.”
The Spanish Civil War started after an attempted coup d’etat committed by parts of the army against the government of the Second Spanish Republic. The war devastated Spain from July 17,1936 to April 1, 1939 with the victory of the rebels and the founding of a dictatorship led by the Nationalist General Francisco Franco for the next 36 years.
Plaid Cymru’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, Dr Myfanwy Davies added:
“We are immensely proud of the fact that we have outside the Plaid Cymru office in Llanelli the official plaque that commemorates the brave volunteers who left the area to fight and eventually die in Spain in the war against fascism. Unfortunately, today’s fight against facism continues, and is even harder with fascists such as the BNP attempting to present themselves as a normal political party. There is no place in our communities for their politics of hate.
”The BNP's attitude to disabled people as a burden on society and their denial of the most basic women's rights - including protection from rape and domestic violence - means they cannot be accepted as part of ordinary politics. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a disabled person or an abused woman who would have to go to a BNP councillor or representative for help with their problems.”
There is a national memorial to the volunteers from Wales who participated in the Spanish Civil War outside the South Wales Miners Library, but there is no memorial that names of all who bravely went overseas to fight for democracy.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones commented:
“It’s right and proper that we remember, as we do every year, about those soldiers who so bravely fought against fascism in the 2nd World War. But we should also remember that before then, there were volunteers who could see what was coming, and went to resist fascism in Spain. Fellow Plaid Cymru member Leanne Wood AM has recently raised the issue of the need for a national memorial to be installed in the Senedd to commemorate those who those who participated and died in the war, and I fully support this call.”
Both Helen Mary and Myfanwy are eager to remind people that we owe the freedom that we enjoy now, not only to the soldiers of the 2nd World War, but also to the volunteers who lost their lives in the Spanish Civil War. We should never forget them.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones commented:
“Taking part in the march and rally against the BNP a few weeks ago brought back a real reminder of Llanelli’s proud tradition in resisting fascism, not only at home but also abroad. A large numbers of Welshmen, including Llanelli, travelled to the continent to fight for what they knew was a battle for the freedom of us all.”
The Spanish Civil War started after an attempted coup d’etat committed by parts of the army against the government of the Second Spanish Republic. The war devastated Spain from July 17,1936 to April 1, 1939 with the victory of the rebels and the founding of a dictatorship led by the Nationalist General Francisco Franco for the next 36 years.
Plaid Cymru’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, Dr Myfanwy Davies added:
“We are immensely proud of the fact that we have outside the Plaid Cymru office in Llanelli the official plaque that commemorates the brave volunteers who left the area to fight and eventually die in Spain in the war against fascism. Unfortunately, today’s fight against facism continues, and is even harder with fascists such as the BNP attempting to present themselves as a normal political party. There is no place in our communities for their politics of hate.
”The BNP's attitude to disabled people as a burden on society and their denial of the most basic women's rights - including protection from rape and domestic violence - means they cannot be accepted as part of ordinary politics. I can't imagine what it would be like to be a disabled person or an abused woman who would have to go to a BNP councillor or representative for help with their problems.”
There is a national memorial to the volunteers from Wales who participated in the Spanish Civil War outside the South Wales Miners Library, but there is no memorial that names of all who bravely went overseas to fight for democracy.
Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones commented:
“It’s right and proper that we remember, as we do every year, about those soldiers who so bravely fought against fascism in the 2nd World War. But we should also remember that before then, there were volunteers who could see what was coming, and went to resist fascism in Spain. Fellow Plaid Cymru member Leanne Wood AM has recently raised the issue of the need for a national memorial to be installed in the Senedd to commemorate those who those who participated and died in the war, and I fully support this call.”
Both Helen Mary and Myfanwy are eager to remind people that we owe the freedom that we enjoy now, not only to the soldiers of the 2nd World War, but also to the volunteers who lost their lives in the Spanish Civil War. We should never forget them.
Myfanwy warns against ‘week without benefits’
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate has this week warned people on benefits in Llanelli of Government plans to re-organise payments that will mean that they lose 1-2 weeks’ benefits overall.
Gordon Brown’s government wants to reorganise the way benefits are paid so that all are paid the same way. Accordingly from last week the Department of Work and Pensions has moved everyone who receives benefits weekly to receive them 2 weeks in arrears. It is estimated that 2 million people across the UK will be affected and should be informed by letter. People affected will need to respond to the letter to get a loan so that they still have an income while they wait for their payments to be received. Nonetheless, the loan will have to be paid back over 12 weeks meaning that those affected will lose a week’s benefits and in some cases – including widows – people will lose their income over 2 weeks. Some experts who have dealt with benefits claimants over the past week have commented that people find it very difficult to understand the letters sent out and do not realise they need to respond to them.
Despite affecting 2 million of the most vulnerable people in the UK, Gordon Brown’s Government has presented the change as an adminstrative measure. Accordingly there has been no debate on this issue at Westminster. The Department of Work and Pensions was unable to release figures on the expected cost saving of denying these 2 million people their benefits over a 1-2 week period.
Myfanwy has questioned whether it was necessary to change all claimants to receiving benefits 2 weeks in arrears rather than for example changing benefits claimants to receiving payments 1 week in advance. Such a measure would have released spending where it is most needed.
Speaking from home in Furnace on Monday, Myfanwy said:
“I am very concerned that people in Llanelli will not understand that they have to answer the letter in order to ask for a loan. The problem is likely to be more serious as the change is being phased in over 2 years so people may not be aware of it. For people on incomes of 60-70 pounds a week, losing a week or even two weeks’ money will mean that they will struggle to pay for food and housing. Even where people affected get a loan, they will need to pay it back over 12 weeks so thay will be losing 1-2 weeks’ money overall.
“At a time when the Gordon Brown is interested in smearing people through their private lives to mask his poor management of the economy, he and his MPs need to look to their own values. We need to tell him it is not right to target the most vulnerable in our communities and take what little they have.”
Gordon Brown’s government wants to reorganise the way benefits are paid so that all are paid the same way. Accordingly from last week the Department of Work and Pensions has moved everyone who receives benefits weekly to receive them 2 weeks in arrears. It is estimated that 2 million people across the UK will be affected and should be informed by letter. People affected will need to respond to the letter to get a loan so that they still have an income while they wait for their payments to be received. Nonetheless, the loan will have to be paid back over 12 weeks meaning that those affected will lose a week’s benefits and in some cases – including widows – people will lose their income over 2 weeks. Some experts who have dealt with benefits claimants over the past week have commented that people find it very difficult to understand the letters sent out and do not realise they need to respond to them.
Despite affecting 2 million of the most vulnerable people in the UK, Gordon Brown’s Government has presented the change as an adminstrative measure. Accordingly there has been no debate on this issue at Westminster. The Department of Work and Pensions was unable to release figures on the expected cost saving of denying these 2 million people their benefits over a 1-2 week period.
Myfanwy has questioned whether it was necessary to change all claimants to receiving benefits 2 weeks in arrears rather than for example changing benefits claimants to receiving payments 1 week in advance. Such a measure would have released spending where it is most needed.
Speaking from home in Furnace on Monday, Myfanwy said:
“I am very concerned that people in Llanelli will not understand that they have to answer the letter in order to ask for a loan. The problem is likely to be more serious as the change is being phased in over 2 years so people may not be aware of it. For people on incomes of 60-70 pounds a week, losing a week or even two weeks’ money will mean that they will struggle to pay for food and housing. Even where people affected get a loan, they will need to pay it back over 12 weeks so thay will be losing 1-2 weeks’ money overall.
“At a time when the Gordon Brown is interested in smearing people through their private lives to mask his poor management of the economy, he and his MPs need to look to their own values. We need to tell him it is not right to target the most vulnerable in our communities and take what little they have.”
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Myfanwy to host Carmarthenshire conference on building a sustainable economy
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate and Plaid regional AM, Nerys Evans will host a high-profile national conference on saving jobs and preparing for a green economy. The event which will be held at the Botanic Gardens near Llandeilo will explore how to protect local jobs and businesses from the effects of the recession while building an economy that is sustainable and where decisions are made by local people.
The ‘Sustainable Spring’ conference will focus in particular on developing sustainable food and energy production and improving infrastructure like roads, rail and telecommunications. It is expected that around 150 people will attend including experts and representatives from the environmental sector, industry and the farming unions. With figures recently released showing dramatic differences in the effects of the recession across the UK, the conference will explore why the recession has hit Wales - and particularly West Wales - so much harder than other parts of the UK.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“The economic crisis and the environmental crises are closely related. The Brown boom of the last few years was based on consumption that nobody could afford. But once again, it is our communities in Llanelli and Carmarthen that are suffering while Brown protects the bankers.
“The conference is about taking a hard look at the policies that got us here – looking at transport, education and how we use our natural resources – using the powers that we have in the Assembly, Westminster, Europe and our councils to create a stronger, greener economy.
“We will see Wales through but it will be a different economy that comes out of this recession. It will be an economy that puts people ahead of profits and that is sustainable and locally-based. We can offer that change and the conference is about establishing how we can work with experts, environmentalists and industry to deliver that change”.
Nerys Evans AM added:
“We have always believed in developing a sustainable economy in Wales. It is proof of the seriousness with which we take the economic and environmental crises that so many of our front line politicians will meet with representatives from the field for a day to develop an integrated approach to living sustainably. We will see Wales through the crisis but now is the time to make sure we are world-leaders in living and working sustainably."
The ‘Sustainable Spring’ conference will focus in particular on developing sustainable food and energy production and improving infrastructure like roads, rail and telecommunications. It is expected that around 150 people will attend including experts and representatives from the environmental sector, industry and the farming unions. With figures recently released showing dramatic differences in the effects of the recession across the UK, the conference will explore why the recession has hit Wales - and particularly West Wales - so much harder than other parts of the UK.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“The economic crisis and the environmental crises are closely related. The Brown boom of the last few years was based on consumption that nobody could afford. But once again, it is our communities in Llanelli and Carmarthen that are suffering while Brown protects the bankers.
“The conference is about taking a hard look at the policies that got us here – looking at transport, education and how we use our natural resources – using the powers that we have in the Assembly, Westminster, Europe and our councils to create a stronger, greener economy.
“We will see Wales through but it will be a different economy that comes out of this recession. It will be an economy that puts people ahead of profits and that is sustainable and locally-based. We can offer that change and the conference is about establishing how we can work with experts, environmentalists and industry to deliver that change”.
Nerys Evans AM added:
“We have always believed in developing a sustainable economy in Wales. It is proof of the seriousness with which we take the economic and environmental crises that so many of our front line politicians will meet with representatives from the field for a day to develop an integrated approach to living sustainably. We will see Wales through the crisis but now is the time to make sure we are world-leaders in living and working sustainably."
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Myfanwy works with Breakthro’ Llanelli to win cash promise from County Council
Following concerns raised by members of the Breakthro’ Llanelli group, Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, and Breakthro’ sponsor, supported committee members when they met with Robin Moulster the Senior Principal Officer for Learning Disabilities on Friday. The group which supports social activities for children and adults with learning disabilities also helps them integrate in to society. Last year Carmarthenshire County Council asked the group to separate its activities for children and adults leading to doubling staff costs with no additional income. Myfanwy raised the issue of funds for the group and asked for a meeting with a senior official at the County Council. At the meeting which was eventually held last Friday, Myfanwy and the committee members described the range of activities that Breakthro undertakes and their value to the children and adults. They also explained how the shortfall of £5,000 in funding would mean that the group could not continue after this year. Myfanwy and committee members were delighted that Mr.Moulster pledged £1,500 in funding immediately and also promised to try to find funds to meet the remaining funding gap.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“I’m delighted that the Council has decided to support the important work that Breakthro’ in Llanelli does. Social activities might not seem to be a priority but they are the chance for many of these young people to have a social life. The young people also have tasks in Breakthro’ like organising rotas, collecting funds and in some cases learn skills like DJ-ing and sitting on committees. The skills the young people learn help them integrate and nobody who has seen them raising funds in the town centre would say that they are not happy and confident in each other’s company”
“We still have some way to go to address the rest of the funding gap. As ever, we will be raising money for the activities but alongside that, we’ll be working to find those with the County Council and others to restore the money that will allow us to pay a part-time wage to our convenor who is currently working for free”.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“I’m delighted that the Council has decided to support the important work that Breakthro’ in Llanelli does. Social activities might not seem to be a priority but they are the chance for many of these young people to have a social life. The young people also have tasks in Breakthro’ like organising rotas, collecting funds and in some cases learn skills like DJ-ing and sitting on committees. The skills the young people learn help them integrate and nobody who has seen them raising funds in the town centre would say that they are not happy and confident in each other’s company”
“We still have some way to go to address the rest of the funding gap. As ever, we will be raising money for the activities but alongside that, we’ll be working to find those with the County Council and others to restore the money that will allow us to pay a part-time wage to our convenor who is currently working for free”.
Sunday 15 March 2009
Myfanwy calls on Westminster Government to scrap ID card scheme to save schools and hospitals
Responding to the news that Wales may face a £500 million cut in public spending next year, Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, has backed local teacher Aerona Edwards in calling on the Westminster Government to abandon its controversial plan to introduce ID cards. Myfanwy and Mrs Edwards are calling on Gordon Brown’s Government to redistribute the money to protect basic services like education and health.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“The ID card scheme goes way beyond establishing a secure ID card. It will be more extensive than anything existing in another country and will give the Home Secretary unprecedented powers over an individual’s actions. Scrapping the scheme is clearly the right thing to do.
“The Government’s confused response to the financial crisis also means that public services face a huge cut in Wales next year. Given that the Government’s own figures showed the cost of the ID card scheme would be £5.5 billion, scrapping it would release funds that we desperately need to protect our jobs and public services like schools and hospitals”.
“In terms of introducing direct and unaccountable power over its citizens this government has shown itself to be more destructive than even the Thatcher government was. They have to stop putting their own narrow priorities first and take action now to protect the public services all of us need and deserve”.
Aerona Edwards a former secondary school teacher from Cleviston Park, Llangennech added:
“It's hard to imagine what a cut of 500 million would do to schools in Wales. Cuts in education put children's chances in life at risk and they affect the most vulnerable children most. Gordon Brown’s Government has admitted that ID cards won’t stop terrorists. The scheme is completely unnecessary and it won't work. I would ask Gordon Brown to reconsider because we so badly need the money for our schools”.
Helen Mary Jones’ initial press release on spending cuts to Wales: http://www.plaidcymru.org/content.php?nID=101;ID=1128;lID=1
The ID card plans will allow the, Home Secretary to cancel or require surrender of an identity card, without a right of appeal, at any time. For more information see: http://www.no2id.net/
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“The ID card scheme goes way beyond establishing a secure ID card. It will be more extensive than anything existing in another country and will give the Home Secretary unprecedented powers over an individual’s actions. Scrapping the scheme is clearly the right thing to do.
“The Government’s confused response to the financial crisis also means that public services face a huge cut in Wales next year. Given that the Government’s own figures showed the cost of the ID card scheme would be £5.5 billion, scrapping it would release funds that we desperately need to protect our jobs and public services like schools and hospitals”.
“In terms of introducing direct and unaccountable power over its citizens this government has shown itself to be more destructive than even the Thatcher government was. They have to stop putting their own narrow priorities first and take action now to protect the public services all of us need and deserve”.
Aerona Edwards a former secondary school teacher from Cleviston Park, Llangennech added:
“It's hard to imagine what a cut of 500 million would do to schools in Wales. Cuts in education put children's chances in life at risk and they affect the most vulnerable children most. Gordon Brown’s Government has admitted that ID cards won’t stop terrorists. The scheme is completely unnecessary and it won't work. I would ask Gordon Brown to reconsider because we so badly need the money for our schools”.
Helen Mary Jones’ initial press release on spending cuts to Wales: http://www.plaidcymru.org/content.php?nID=101;ID=1128;lID=1
The ID card plans will allow the, Home Secretary to cancel or require surrender of an identity card, without a right of appeal, at any time. For more information see: http://www.no2id.net/
Thursday 5 March 2009
Elfyn Llwyd MP will meet with British Legion Officers in Llanelli to discuss support for servicepeople
Dr. Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s parliamentary candidate for Llanelli, has invited Elfyn Llwyd MP for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy and leader of Plaid’s Parliamentary Party to meet with representatives of the Royal Britsh Legion in Llanelli on Friday 6th March.
The meeting will take place at 2pm in room 4 in the Town Hall. Aerona Stupe, the regional director of the Royal British Legion is expected to be present, along with the chair and officers of the Llanelli branch.
Mr. Llwyd has recently raised concerns about the support provided to service people during and after their time in the forces.
Following a number of cases of ex-servicemen convicted of criminal offences in Wales, Mr. Llwyd tried to obtain figures on the number of ex-service people in prison and received an unsatisfactory reply. He then contacted the National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO) to conduct a survey of its members. Evidence unearthed by the survey indicates that thousands of former armed services personnel who served either in the Gulf or Afghanistan have been convicted of criminal offences and sentenced to a term of imprisonment following discharge from the army*. The results have caused real concern as they suggest that as many as 8,500 former soldiers are currently in custody in the UK - almost 10% of the prison population for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - with over 7000 of those in custody in England and Wales. The case histories show that the majority of ex-soldiers suffered at some stage or another from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and that very few had received any counselling or support at any time after their discharge from the Army.
Elfyn Llwyd who has previously campaigned on Gulf War Syndrome, succeeded in obtaining a debate on support for service people during and after service. As a result of the Westminster Hall debate on 21st of October 2008 , extra psychologists have been sent out to Afghanistan and Iraq and the Government are looking into ways to care for veterans once they return home.
Mr Llwyd said:
"Having come across several incidents where members of the armed forces were committing offences which really were a cry for help, I tabled a parliamentary question which gave a somewhat innocuous answer. I wasn't happy with that because I have witnessed ex-servicemen being sentenced for serious assaults in courts in North Wales and these offences were occurring with worrying regularity.
If this is a matter of resources, then that will not wash**. At a time when serving soldiers must make do with inferior kit, failure to act on the problem will be seen as further evidence that the Government has breached the covenant with the armed services in the most serious way.
Speaking from her office in Llanelli on Tuesday Myfanwy Davies said:
“It is deeply worrying that at a time when the armed forces are recruiting very actively from our communities, they have not been offering the most basic support needed by young men and women who have undertaken this difficult, dangerous and often traumatic task. If proper treatment had been available for these disturbed servicemen, I am convinced that 100s if not 1000s would not have offended. The government is letting them and their families down very badly indeed.
“Elfyn’s work in pursuing this issue and obtaining more psychological support has drawn wide acclaim and I am very pleased that he is coming to Llanelli to meet with representatives of the British Legion.”
The meeting will take place at 2pm in room 4 in the Town Hall. Aerona Stupe, the regional director of the Royal British Legion is expected to be present, along with the chair and officers of the Llanelli branch.
Mr. Llwyd has recently raised concerns about the support provided to service people during and after their time in the forces.
Following a number of cases of ex-servicemen convicted of criminal offences in Wales, Mr. Llwyd tried to obtain figures on the number of ex-service people in prison and received an unsatisfactory reply. He then contacted the National Association of Probation Officers (NAPO) to conduct a survey of its members. Evidence unearthed by the survey indicates that thousands of former armed services personnel who served either in the Gulf or Afghanistan have been convicted of criminal offences and sentenced to a term of imprisonment following discharge from the army*. The results have caused real concern as they suggest that as many as 8,500 former soldiers are currently in custody in the UK - almost 10% of the prison population for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - with over 7000 of those in custody in England and Wales. The case histories show that the majority of ex-soldiers suffered at some stage or another from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and that very few had received any counselling or support at any time after their discharge from the Army.
Elfyn Llwyd who has previously campaigned on Gulf War Syndrome, succeeded in obtaining a debate on support for service people during and after service. As a result of the Westminster Hall debate on 21st of October 2008 , extra psychologists have been sent out to Afghanistan and Iraq and the Government are looking into ways to care for veterans once they return home.
Mr Llwyd said:
"Having come across several incidents where members of the armed forces were committing offences which really were a cry for help, I tabled a parliamentary question which gave a somewhat innocuous answer. I wasn't happy with that because I have witnessed ex-servicemen being sentenced for serious assaults in courts in North Wales and these offences were occurring with worrying regularity.
If this is a matter of resources, then that will not wash**. At a time when serving soldiers must make do with inferior kit, failure to act on the problem will be seen as further evidence that the Government has breached the covenant with the armed services in the most serious way.
Speaking from her office in Llanelli on Tuesday Myfanwy Davies said:
“It is deeply worrying that at a time when the armed forces are recruiting very actively from our communities, they have not been offering the most basic support needed by young men and women who have undertaken this difficult, dangerous and often traumatic task. If proper treatment had been available for these disturbed servicemen, I am convinced that 100s if not 1000s would not have offended. The government is letting them and their families down very badly indeed.
“Elfyn’s work in pursuing this issue and obtaining more psychological support has drawn wide acclaim and I am very pleased that he is coming to Llanelli to meet with representatives of the British Legion.”
Sunday 1 March 2009
Myfanwy calls for a dialogue with County Officers on meeting the needs of autistic adults and planning new services
Dr. Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s parliamentary candidate for Llanelli, has called on her colleague Helen Mary Jones, Llanelli’s Plaid AM, to ensure that Carmarthenshire looks after its autistic adults and understands the needs of autistic children in order to plan services. In April last year Wales became the first country in the world to introduce a national strategic action plan to help the estimated 30,000 people in Wales directly or indirectly affected by autism.
The Welsh Assembly Government’s Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan aims to ensure that county council education, housing and social service departments work together to improve the lives of people with autism. The plan was funded in the first year (2008/09) through 1.8 million pounds to be shared between our 22 Councils.
During the first years, County Councils are expected to assess the need for autism services in their areas and to give a full account of all the services available to people with autism from childhood through to adulthood. Responding to the National Autistic Society’s campaign to raise awareness of the mapping and needs assessment, Myfanwy has called on Helen Mary to meet with council officials to discuss the exercise in the County.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“I’m delighted that Helen has agreed to call meetings with the council’s representatives so that they can report on progress in mapping existing services and assessing the need for new services. Families need to know what progress has been made and how they can contribute to these processes which will be so important for planning future services”.
“Parents have particular concerns about funding services for autistic adults. There are excellent projects in the county that enable adults with autism to live independent and full lives. For example intensive supportive housing schemes combine a high level of care but still allow adults to keep their benefits so they can maintain independence through paying rent and contributing to carers’ pay”.
“However alongside these examples there is a sense of disappointment among the families of autistic children that young people with autism who are too old to use children’s social services are not routinely provided with the same support services”.
Helen Mary has requested to meet with Bruce McLernon, Director of Social Care and Housing in Carmarthenshire.
The Welsh Assembly Government’s Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan aims to ensure that county council education, housing and social service departments work together to improve the lives of people with autism. The plan was funded in the first year (2008/09) through 1.8 million pounds to be shared between our 22 Councils.
During the first years, County Councils are expected to assess the need for autism services in their areas and to give a full account of all the services available to people with autism from childhood through to adulthood. Responding to the National Autistic Society’s campaign to raise awareness of the mapping and needs assessment, Myfanwy has called on Helen Mary to meet with council officials to discuss the exercise in the County.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“I’m delighted that Helen has agreed to call meetings with the council’s representatives so that they can report on progress in mapping existing services and assessing the need for new services. Families need to know what progress has been made and how they can contribute to these processes which will be so important for planning future services”.
“Parents have particular concerns about funding services for autistic adults. There are excellent projects in the county that enable adults with autism to live independent and full lives. For example intensive supportive housing schemes combine a high level of care but still allow adults to keep their benefits so they can maintain independence through paying rent and contributing to carers’ pay”.
“However alongside these examples there is a sense of disappointment among the families of autistic children that young people with autism who are too old to use children’s social services are not routinely provided with the same support services”.
Helen Mary has requested to meet with Bruce McLernon, Director of Social Care and Housing in Carmarthenshire.
Thursday 19 February 2009
Myfanwy Davies calls for action on waste water to create green jobs and cost savings for families
Dr. Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s parliamentary candidate for Llanelli, has called for action to combat pollution in the Burry Inlet and has outlined possibilities for creating green jobs and cuts in water bills for families. Last week Myfanwy released figures showing a peak of sewage pollution following the decision by Welsh Water and the Environment Agency to release untreated sewage into the Burry Inlet over 20 hours after a period of heavy rainfall. The Environment Agency has claimed that the loss of the Blue Flag at Pembrey was associated with water draining from fields and streams throughout the wet summer of 2008. However, the Agency’s own data shows good water quality throughout the summer suggesting that the exceptional release of sewage in September was to blame.
Myfanwy has revealed the true connection between flooding and sewage pollution in our estuary. Despite the assertions of the Environment Agency that the discharge of surface water through the sewage system is normal practice, this practice has been identified as a major threat to seaside communities. In its response to the UK Government’s water strategy ‘Future Water’, Welsh Water commits itself to phasing out this dangerous and irresponsible practice that appears to have cost Cefn Sidan its Blue Flag.
Due to longstanding concerns with water quality in the Burry Inlet, independent research on water quality in the Burry Inlet is currently being undertaken by Bangor University in order to verify the Environment Agency’s own figures. Myfanwy is calling on her colleague, Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM to request that Jane Davidson, the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, presses for new sewage works to be built west of Llanelli should these independent results show a significant increase in pollution.
Myfanwy has also noted that a new water treatment works, while welcome, will not address the problem of surface water drainage as so many developments change drainage patterns without offering alternative solutions. She has suggested that new homes need to conform to the highest legal standards in terms of allowing surface water to drain into artificial lakes or ponds and providing reed-beds for natural filtration. New government guidelines also require that new housing developments allow the re-use of ‘grey water’, such as that used in washing machines, in the sewage system. These developments will considerably cut water bills for families and have the potential to create green jobs in terms of building ponds, lakes and developing and maintaining reed-beds.
Speaking from her office in Llanelli yesterday, Myfanwy said:
”Like most people from the west of Llanelli, I view the Environment Agency’s assurances on water quality with a healthy dose of scepticism. Nonetheless, I am ready to wait for the independent report before judging the current state of our estuary. If the independent shows an increase in sewage pollution, then of course we will need a new water treatment plant in Burry Port. If that is the case, my colleague Helen Mary will do all she can to make sure that a waste water treatment plant will be built. I welcome the change in building regulations that mean that rain water can no longer be discharged through the sewage system creating a pollution catastrophe such as that which cost us the Blue Flag.
Some short-sighted people will always portray a concern with the environment as being something that will cost jobs. That is just not the case. Housing developments along the Burry Inlet are already being strongly encouraged to provide additional drainage by UK government guidelines. If building regulations were devolved to the Assembly, we could do so much more to protect the estuary and cut water bills for families. We have the potential here to develop green jobs in building a water treatment works, in terms of digging ponds and lakes and developing reed beds. All these developments will add to our environment and will help ensure that it is clean for years to come.
Welsh Water’s response to the DEFRA paper calling for a halt to releasing surface water through the sewage system can be found at: http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk/English/library/publications/surface%20water%20management%20strategy/english.pdf
Myfanwy has revealed the true connection between flooding and sewage pollution in our estuary. Despite the assertions of the Environment Agency that the discharge of surface water through the sewage system is normal practice, this practice has been identified as a major threat to seaside communities. In its response to the UK Government’s water strategy ‘Future Water’, Welsh Water commits itself to phasing out this dangerous and irresponsible practice that appears to have cost Cefn Sidan its Blue Flag.
Due to longstanding concerns with water quality in the Burry Inlet, independent research on water quality in the Burry Inlet is currently being undertaken by Bangor University in order to verify the Environment Agency’s own figures. Myfanwy is calling on her colleague, Helen Mary Jones Llanelli’s Plaid AM to request that Jane Davidson, the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, presses for new sewage works to be built west of Llanelli should these independent results show a significant increase in pollution.
Myfanwy has also noted that a new water treatment works, while welcome, will not address the problem of surface water drainage as so many developments change drainage patterns without offering alternative solutions. She has suggested that new homes need to conform to the highest legal standards in terms of allowing surface water to drain into artificial lakes or ponds and providing reed-beds for natural filtration. New government guidelines also require that new housing developments allow the re-use of ‘grey water’, such as that used in washing machines, in the sewage system. These developments will considerably cut water bills for families and have the potential to create green jobs in terms of building ponds, lakes and developing and maintaining reed-beds.
Speaking from her office in Llanelli yesterday, Myfanwy said:
”Like most people from the west of Llanelli, I view the Environment Agency’s assurances on water quality with a healthy dose of scepticism. Nonetheless, I am ready to wait for the independent report before judging the current state of our estuary. If the independent shows an increase in sewage pollution, then of course we will need a new water treatment plant in Burry Port. If that is the case, my colleague Helen Mary will do all she can to make sure that a waste water treatment plant will be built. I welcome the change in building regulations that mean that rain water can no longer be discharged through the sewage system creating a pollution catastrophe such as that which cost us the Blue Flag.
Some short-sighted people will always portray a concern with the environment as being something that will cost jobs. That is just not the case. Housing developments along the Burry Inlet are already being strongly encouraged to provide additional drainage by UK government guidelines. If building regulations were devolved to the Assembly, we could do so much more to protect the estuary and cut water bills for families. We have the potential here to develop green jobs in building a water treatment works, in terms of digging ponds and lakes and developing reed beds. All these developments will add to our environment and will help ensure that it is clean for years to come.
Welsh Water’s response to the DEFRA paper calling for a halt to releasing surface water through the sewage system can be found at: http://www.dwrcymru.co.uk/English/library/publications/surface%20water%20management%20strategy/english.pdf
Saturday 7 February 2009
Plaid delivers £1 million for affordable housing in Carmarthenshire
CAMPAIGNING Plaid Westminster candidate for Llanelli, Dr. Myfanwy Davies has welcomed news of a £15million boost for affordable housing across Wales, with £907,228 of this to be allocated to housing associations in Camarthenshire. 300 new affordable homes will be built across Wales using this money, with more than 6,000 other affordable homes to be created in the next few years in addition to this boost. Plaid’s Deputy Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies announced the cash injection this week.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“This is a welcome boost for affordable housing across Carmarthenshire, and there is more to come because this money is in addition to the Social Housing Grant. Plaid in the Welsh Government is delivering affordable housing for the people of Wales, which is essential in the current economic climate. This funding will also help support the Welsh construction industry”
The Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies, said:
“Housing associations have been given this new money to enable them to make the most of the current economic situation. This cash has allowed them to buy unsold homes and plots from private contractors. This action has provided a cash flow to the construction industry, keeping people in work and supporting jobs.”
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editors
For further information contact Rhydwyn Ifan on 07703574822
SCIF investment breakdown:
The Assembly government has allocated an extra £42 million for the SCIF to boost the creation of affordable homes. The money will be spent via the 22 local authorities in Wales over three years.
£15 million will be spent in 2008/09. The Breakdown is:
Awdurdod lleol / Local Aurthority Allocation from SCIF
Blaenau Gwent £361,013
Bridgend £656,291
Caerphilly £840,723
Cardiff £1,556,142
Carmarthenshire £907,228
Ceredigion £387,902
Conwy £596,687
Denbighshire £484,742
Flintshire £720,359
Gwynedd £652,313
Isle of Anglesey £360,401
Merthyr Tydfil £283,765
Monmouthshire £441,410
Neath Port Talbot £708,427
Newport £694,421
Pembrokeshire £636,562
Powys £677,571
Rhondda Cynon Taf £1,161,770
Swansea £1,172,013
Torfaen £444,175
Vale of Glamorgan £606,942
Wrexham £649,141
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“This is a welcome boost for affordable housing across Carmarthenshire, and there is more to come because this money is in addition to the Social Housing Grant. Plaid in the Welsh Government is delivering affordable housing for the people of Wales, which is essential in the current economic climate. This funding will also help support the Welsh construction industry”
The Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies, said:
“Housing associations have been given this new money to enable them to make the most of the current economic situation. This cash has allowed them to buy unsold homes and plots from private contractors. This action has provided a cash flow to the construction industry, keeping people in work and supporting jobs.”
Diwedd / Ends
Notes to Editors
For further information contact Rhydwyn Ifan on 07703574822
SCIF investment breakdown:
The Assembly government has allocated an extra £42 million for the SCIF to boost the creation of affordable homes. The money will be spent via the 22 local authorities in Wales over three years.
£15 million will be spent in 2008/09. The Breakdown is:
Awdurdod lleol / Local Aurthority Allocation from SCIF
Blaenau Gwent £361,013
Bridgend £656,291
Caerphilly £840,723
Cardiff £1,556,142
Carmarthenshire £907,228
Ceredigion £387,902
Conwy £596,687
Denbighshire £484,742
Flintshire £720,359
Gwynedd £652,313
Isle of Anglesey £360,401
Merthyr Tydfil £283,765
Monmouthshire £441,410
Neath Port Talbot £708,427
Newport £694,421
Pembrokeshire £636,562
Powys £677,571
Rhondda Cynon Taf £1,161,770
Swansea £1,172,013
Torfaen £444,175
Vale of Glamorgan £606,942
Wrexham £649,141
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