The big news last week was the announcement by the UK Government in conjunction with the Welsh Government of up to £14bn of investment in Welsh rail – this is a major commitment to deliver a modern rail service for all areas of Wales and to correct the chronic underfunding by successive Tory governments in Westminster. The plans for North Wales include a new station serving Deeside – I’ve been campaigning for better rail links across North Wales for years and I’ll also keep pushing for a new station in Greenfield to boost our local economy and improve connectivity.

This investment means more local jobs, better links to work and training and stronger connections for our communities – it’s estimated that 12,000 jobs will be created across Wales as part of this investment. Our Welsh Labour Government is making real improvements to our transport network, with new trains, station improvements, upgraded tickets and now seven new stations across Wales. Transport for Wales (TfW) last week published it’s vision for the Wales and Borders railway network, which celebrates what’s been achieved and sets out what comes next – entitled Today, Tomorrow, Together, you can see more at https://tfw.wales/today-tomorrow-together.

I was pleased to see the news last week on new Level 2 construction apprenticeships in Wales. These new employment routes in bricklaying, carpentry, scaffolding and maintenance will help more people get the skills they need for good, secure jobs. To create an economy that works for Wales, we need it to work for those who are the power that drives our economy – we do this by investing and supporting the current and future workforce. I’ve always believed that investing in skills is investing in our future and I’ll keep making the case in the Senedd for stronger support for learners, colleges and employers. You can read more about the new construction apprenticeships at www.hannahblythyn.cymru/updates/hannah-blythyn-ms-welcomes-new-construction-apprenticeships-boost-skills-and-opportunities-wales.

The St David’s Day Fund has provided much-needed money for St David’s Day events being held across Wales – our special day on March 1^st is a real chance to show off our cultural heritage and celebrate the things we in Wales all have in common. The £1m fund supports celebrations of Welsh culture and heritage with community, regional and national organisations creating events between mid-February and early March. The fund offers grants ranging from £500 for smaller grassroots initiatives to £40,000 for larger nationwide celebrations, ensuring communities of all sizes can take part.

In Flintshire, Côr Merched Caerwys has received funding to deliver its Penwythnos Gŵyl Dewi / St David’s Weekend, a celebration dedicated to Welsh music, language and local culture, bringing residents together to mark the national day with pride. Across neighbouring areas, projects such as Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain / Do the Little Things led by Outside Lives Ltd in Denbighshire and Alaw’s DGD x Tafarndai Cymunedol also help people connect through creativity, community activity and Welsh traditions.

Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities – and it’s time they get the recognition and support they deserve. I’ve often raised in the Senedd the need for better respite care, early support and stronger voices for carers, who so often go above and beyond – and the Welsh Government wants your views to help shape the new National Strategy for Unpaid Carers. The public consultation will run until April 13th and you can have your say by visiting www.gov.wales/draft-national-strategy-unpaid-carers-2026.

Finally, last week I hosted the second successful meeting of Holywell town businesses at Holywell Town FC, bringing together local traders alongside police and PCSOs, Business Wales, Mind the Gap, Flintshire County Council and the Development Bank of Wales to discuss the challenges facing local businesses and identify opportunities for collaboration and provide advice. Supporting our local businesses isn’t just about funding, it’s about working together and making sure businesses know where to turn for help – I’m committed to championing investment into our high streets and working with the local businesses and organisations which are vital to our communities. Diolch to all who braved the weather!

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.