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
Thursday 19 February 2009
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
Wednesday 4 February 2009
Llanelli Plaid candidate calls for increase in free childcare entitlement
Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid’s Llanelli Westminster candidate has this week called on the UK government to increase the free childcare entitlement to include all two year olds. Myfanwy’s call was made in support of demands by the ‘Daycare Trust’ for an increase in free childcare entitlement to two year olds.
Myfanwy’s comments came as the ‘Daycare Trust’ published the findings of the eighth annual childcare costs survey. The survey found that the yearly cost of a typical nursery place for a child under two in Wales is £7,592.
Myfanwy, who has a background in health and social care, highlighted the work that is being done by the One Wales government to improve access to affordable childcare.
Llanelli Plaid candidate Dr. Myfanwy Davies said:
“We need high quality childcare to develop our children and to give parents peace of mind. Providing childcare is a growing part of the economy but the survey published by the Daycare Trust has shown that paying for childcare places is a huge financial burden on many families. The One Wales government recognises this problem and has invested in making childcare more affordable.
Recent proposed changes to benefits to lone parents, mean the UK government will in fact be limiting parents’ access to childcare. That is a step in the wrong direction especially now when we need investment in childcare to beat the recession and when parents more than ever need to be able to maintain their jobs and use their training. It is crucial the UK government follows Wales’ lead and updates its childcare strategy to support universal, affordable provision.
In areas across Wales the lack of affordable childcare can be a huge barrier to people, especially women, who want to return to work. Only last week I was talking to a mother in Llanelli who was struggling to pay for childcare, and was concerned that she may be forced to give up her job. The One Wales government in the Assembly is working to reduce this pressure but unfortunately it does not have all the tools it needs to fully address the issue. Therefore I fully support the Daycare Trust’s call for the UK government to increase the free childcare entitlement to include all two year olds.”
Adding to Myfanwy’s comments, Helen Funnell, said that the cost of childcare has a serious impact on the employment prospects of people across Wales :
“As a mother, I’m only too aware that bringing up children is very expensive these days. The high cost of childcare can be very prohibitive. I am very pleased that the One Wales Government is doing what it can to extend affordable childcare in Wales so more parents can go to work to help pay household bills.”
Myfanwy’s comments came as the ‘Daycare Trust’ published the findings of the eighth annual childcare costs survey. The survey found that the yearly cost of a typical nursery place for a child under two in Wales is £7,592.
Myfanwy, who has a background in health and social care, highlighted the work that is being done by the One Wales government to improve access to affordable childcare.
Llanelli Plaid candidate Dr. Myfanwy Davies said:
“We need high quality childcare to develop our children and to give parents peace of mind. Providing childcare is a growing part of the economy but the survey published by the Daycare Trust has shown that paying for childcare places is a huge financial burden on many families. The One Wales government recognises this problem and has invested in making childcare more affordable.
Recent proposed changes to benefits to lone parents, mean the UK government will in fact be limiting parents’ access to childcare. That is a step in the wrong direction especially now when we need investment in childcare to beat the recession and when parents more than ever need to be able to maintain their jobs and use their training. It is crucial the UK government follows Wales’ lead and updates its childcare strategy to support universal, affordable provision.
In areas across Wales the lack of affordable childcare can be a huge barrier to people, especially women, who want to return to work. Only last week I was talking to a mother in Llanelli who was struggling to pay for childcare, and was concerned that she may be forced to give up her job. The One Wales government in the Assembly is working to reduce this pressure but unfortunately it does not have all the tools it needs to fully address the issue. Therefore I fully support the Daycare Trust’s call for the UK government to increase the free childcare entitlement to include all two year olds.”
Adding to Myfanwy’s comments, Helen Funnell, said that the cost of childcare has a serious impact on the employment prospects of people across Wales :
“As a mother, I’m only too aware that bringing up children is very expensive these days. The high cost of childcare can be very prohibitive. I am very pleased that the One Wales Government is doing what it can to extend affordable childcare in Wales so more parents can go to work to help pay household bills.”
Plaid Candidate calls for ministerial meeting on Water Quality in the Burry Inlet
Responding to the very disappointing news that the Blue Flag award has been withdrawn from Cefn Sidan beach, Dr Myfanwy Davies, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster candidate for Llanelli, has called for action through the Assembly to improve water quality.
Myfanwy has obtained official figures for the water quality in the Burry Inlet released by the environment agency showing a huge peak in pollution in late September. The total number of sewage bacteria in 100 ml of water jumped from around 200 to over 22,000, an increase of 11,000%. The dates of the pollution surge coincide with the release of raw sewage from Burry Port pumps over a 20hr period during exceptionally heavy rain in mid September. The duration of the sewage leak was confirmed by Dr Kiel, a representative of Welsh Water at a meeting of Burry Port Town Council on November 18th last year. Given the capacity of the existing pumps, hundreds of tonnes of sewage would have been released at that time. In addition, during early November, Dr Keil confirmed that sewage was pumped directly into the estuary for a record 36 hours.
Councillors in Burry Port and Pembrey had been voicing concerns about water quality prior to losing the Blue Flag. Losing the award has increased local uneasiness about water treatment and the impact that large-scale housing developments will have on inadequate and over-used water treatment works.
Myfanwy is calling on the Assembly Government to ensure that the water is made safe again and has asked for a series of ministerial meetings to discuss this pressing issue. Helen Mary Jones has arranged to meet the Minister for the Environment on 11th of February where she will bring forward these concerns. Dŵr Cymru, the Environment Agency and the Countryside Commission Wales have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to improve water quality. The meeting will focus on how this agreement can be used to ensure that Dŵr Cymru develop adequate water treatment works along the Burry Inlet.
Myfanwy's call comes a week after she arranged a meeting in Llanelli to discuss the state of the estuary with Jill Evans, Plaid's MEP.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“The situation whereby there was an increase of 11,000% in sewage bacteria in the estuary last September is completely unacceptable. I am delighted that Helen Mary Jones will meet with the minister on February 11th to discuss how to deal with the problem as a matter of real urgency.
The sewage systems inherited by Welsh Water were already old but there is no excuse for failing to invest in new works. Facts point to the inadequate sewage works on this side of the inlet as the source of the pollution surge. But if further facts point to problems elsewhere, those works will need to be replaced as part of the same project. Building new water treatment works would be a very large project and couldn’t come at a better time for the construction industry locally. We cannot allow a disaster like the sewage surge of last September to happen again”
Cllr Malcolm Davies said:
“I am pleased that Myfanwy has taken this issue on and is drawing on all the available evidence in the public realm to show how dangerous the situation has become. For far too long, hollow reassurances have been given about the state of the estuary. This is not about pinning blame on any particular agency, but it is time for all of them to work together to stop another environmental catastrophe like the one that cost us the Blue Flag”.
Cllr Robin Burn said:
“The pace of new residential developments in Burry Port worries me. I will work with my colleagues on the Council to make sure that inappropriate developments are halted while water quality is improved. I am not in favour of a complete ban on housing, as we need to continue building affordable homes for local people, but we cannot continue to build recklessly with no consideration for the environmental cost.”
The pollution figures can be found at this address:
http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/queryController?topic=coastalwaters&ep=2ndtierquery&lang=_e&layerGroups=1&x=240000.0&y=199800.0&extraClause=SAMPLING_POINT~'37700'&extraClause=SAMPLE_YEAR~2008&textonly=off&latestValue=&latestField=
Myfanwy has obtained official figures for the water quality in the Burry Inlet released by the environment agency showing a huge peak in pollution in late September. The total number of sewage bacteria in 100 ml of water jumped from around 200 to over 22,000, an increase of 11,000%. The dates of the pollution surge coincide with the release of raw sewage from Burry Port pumps over a 20hr period during exceptionally heavy rain in mid September. The duration of the sewage leak was confirmed by Dr Kiel, a representative of Welsh Water at a meeting of Burry Port Town Council on November 18th last year. Given the capacity of the existing pumps, hundreds of tonnes of sewage would have been released at that time. In addition, during early November, Dr Keil confirmed that sewage was pumped directly into the estuary for a record 36 hours.
Councillors in Burry Port and Pembrey had been voicing concerns about water quality prior to losing the Blue Flag. Losing the award has increased local uneasiness about water treatment and the impact that large-scale housing developments will have on inadequate and over-used water treatment works.
Myfanwy is calling on the Assembly Government to ensure that the water is made safe again and has asked for a series of ministerial meetings to discuss this pressing issue. Helen Mary Jones has arranged to meet the Minister for the Environment on 11th of February where she will bring forward these concerns. Dŵr Cymru, the Environment Agency and the Countryside Commission Wales have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to improve water quality. The meeting will focus on how this agreement can be used to ensure that Dŵr Cymru develop adequate water treatment works along the Burry Inlet.
Myfanwy's call comes a week after she arranged a meeting in Llanelli to discuss the state of the estuary with Jill Evans, Plaid's MEP.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said:
“The situation whereby there was an increase of 11,000% in sewage bacteria in the estuary last September is completely unacceptable. I am delighted that Helen Mary Jones will meet with the minister on February 11th to discuss how to deal with the problem as a matter of real urgency.
The sewage systems inherited by Welsh Water were already old but there is no excuse for failing to invest in new works. Facts point to the inadequate sewage works on this side of the inlet as the source of the pollution surge. But if further facts point to problems elsewhere, those works will need to be replaced as part of the same project. Building new water treatment works would be a very large project and couldn’t come at a better time for the construction industry locally. We cannot allow a disaster like the sewage surge of last September to happen again”
Cllr Malcolm Davies said:
“I am pleased that Myfanwy has taken this issue on and is drawing on all the available evidence in the public realm to show how dangerous the situation has become. For far too long, hollow reassurances have been given about the state of the estuary. This is not about pinning blame on any particular agency, but it is time for all of them to work together to stop another environmental catastrophe like the one that cost us the Blue Flag”.
Cllr Robin Burn said:
“The pace of new residential developments in Burry Port worries me. I will work with my colleagues on the Council to make sure that inappropriate developments are halted while water quality is improved. I am not in favour of a complete ban on housing, as we need to continue building affordable homes for local people, but we cannot continue to build recklessly with no consideration for the environmental cost.”
The pollution figures can be found at this address:
http://maps.environment-agency.gov.uk/wiyby/queryController?topic=coastalwaters&ep=2ndtierquery&lang=_e&layerGroups=1&x=240000.0&y=199800.0&extraClause=SAMPLING_POINT~'37700'&extraClause=SAMPLE_YEAR~2008&textonly=off&latestValue=&latestField=
Statement on the economy
Thanks to New Labour letting reckless bankers have a free hand the recession is likely to continue for at least a year. Repossessions have doubled since the summer. Llanelli has seen hundreds of jobs under threat. Plaid’s Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones is working hard to keep manufacturing jobs in Llanelli, and Plaid’s Ieuan Wyn Jones is making sure that the Assembly Government is doing all it can, but for many of us the future is uncertain.
Myfanwy is calling for further action to help Llanelli get through this difficult time.
Town Centres in Llanelli and Burry Port: Shops can be left empty when tenants face legal problems getting out of their leases. The County Council must act to match new clients to empty shops in Llanelli and Burry Port.
Myfanwy will support a realistic bid for funding for Upper Park Street and will campaign for changes to the Local Development Plan to reflect the needs of people in Burry Port.
Businesses: Ieuan Wyn Jones has introduced the ‘ReAct’ scheme to provide cash payments to businesses who take on unemployed people.
Companies with orders on their books for the future who don’t have work now can be helped to keep workers on by the ‘ProAct’ scheme. Myfanwy has called on Mr Jones to make sure all Llanelli companies know how to apply.
With her colleague Adam Price MP and Jill Evans MEP, Myfanwy is campaigning to change EU competition law so that the Assembly Government can provide loans to Welsh business at below the market rate.
Affordable Homes: Myfanwy is calling on the Council to make sure that people in Llanelli can get help from Plaid Minister Jocelyn Davies’ mortgage rescue scheme and to make best use of nearly £1 million pounds Jocelyn Davies has made available to provide more affordable homes in Carmarthenshire.
Help for Families: With Helen Mary, Myfanwy has called on the UK Government to fund affordable childcare for all parents.
Myfanwy has joined Plaid MPs in calling for a limit on energy prices and for cheaper rates for those struggling to pay, especially young families and pensioners.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said: “ Plaid in the Assembly is taking practical steps to help ordinary people and businesses. Now it’s time for Labour in London to invest where it matters instead of throwing money at the banks . We need action now to safeguard real jobs and get ready for the future. And we need new laws to make sure greedy bankers can never do anything like this to our communities again.”
Myfanwy is calling for further action to help Llanelli get through this difficult time.
Town Centres in Llanelli and Burry Port: Shops can be left empty when tenants face legal problems getting out of their leases. The County Council must act to match new clients to empty shops in Llanelli and Burry Port.
Myfanwy will support a realistic bid for funding for Upper Park Street and will campaign for changes to the Local Development Plan to reflect the needs of people in Burry Port.
Businesses: Ieuan Wyn Jones has introduced the ‘ReAct’ scheme to provide cash payments to businesses who take on unemployed people.
Companies with orders on their books for the future who don’t have work now can be helped to keep workers on by the ‘ProAct’ scheme. Myfanwy has called on Mr Jones to make sure all Llanelli companies know how to apply.
With her colleague Adam Price MP and Jill Evans MEP, Myfanwy is campaigning to change EU competition law so that the Assembly Government can provide loans to Welsh business at below the market rate.
Affordable Homes: Myfanwy is calling on the Council to make sure that people in Llanelli can get help from Plaid Minister Jocelyn Davies’ mortgage rescue scheme and to make best use of nearly £1 million pounds Jocelyn Davies has made available to provide more affordable homes in Carmarthenshire.
Help for Families: With Helen Mary, Myfanwy has called on the UK Government to fund affordable childcare for all parents.
Myfanwy has joined Plaid MPs in calling for a limit on energy prices and for cheaper rates for those struggling to pay, especially young families and pensioners.
Speaking from her campaign office in Llanelli, Myfanwy said: “ Plaid in the Assembly is taking practical steps to help ordinary people and businesses. Now it’s time for Labour in London to invest where it matters instead of throwing money at the banks . We need action now to safeguard real jobs and get ready for the future. And we need new laws to make sure greedy bankers can never do anything like this to our communities again.”
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