Friday saw the latest review of the coronavirus regulations announced by the First Minister, outlining the current situation here in Wales and the Welsh Government’s plans on easing restrictions in the coming weeks.

Naturally the First Minister emphasised that the priority for the next few weeks is using the headroom we have created as a nation, to ensure that teachers, school staff and pupils are safe when schools reopen next week. It is vitally important that schools are a safe space where staff feel comfortable going to work and where families are confident they and their children will be safe from the spread of the virus.

I previously wrote to Headteachers to convey my thanks for their hard work in recent months and I will keep in touch with them in the coming weeks, to offer any support I am able to. The same goes for any parent, carer or young person who has concerns about schools reopening – I am here to support you.

Alongside schools reopening, the Welsh Government has also reopened applications for the Childcare offer which ensures up to 30 hours of funded childcare to children aged three and four years old. Applications can be made through Flintshire County Council at www.flintshire.gov.uk/en/Resident/Schools/childcare-offer.aspx and as always I am willing to offer my support to any parents who need it.

The weekend also saw up to four households be able to come together to form one exclusive, extended household. The idea behind this is to allow family and close friends to enjoy each other’s company indoors, whilst also supporting caring arrangements for children and some vulnerable individuals. If you have any queries around extended households then please do get in touch and I will do my best to provide you with the most recent advice.

The announcement also included plans to trial three outdoor events across Wales, to explore how we can organise larger events safely. It was great to see that some of these events will take place at our very own Theatr Clwyd, with a number of live performances scheduled alongside the theatre throughout September.

Despite being forced to close for public safety, Theatr Clwyd has continued to support the community in various ways, from holding blood donation sessions and distributing food packages, to continuing to encourage creativity across the wider area. They have also acted as the childcare hub for the children of keyworkers over the summer holidays, relieving parents of some stress and allowing them to focus on running essential services.

It is great, and only right, that this real jewel in the crown of North Wales and invaluable asset to Wales as a whole, plays such a major part in the recovery of the arts sector here in Wales. I wish the amazing team at Theatr Clwyd all the best and I will be sure to check in on how things go. To find out more about what Theatr Clwyd has to offer, Leader readers should visit www.theatrclwyd.com.

A three week consultation exercise on the plans for Hendre Quarry opened on Monday 24 August and will run until Sunday 13 September, inviting residents across Flintshire to give comments on the plans for the extension. Information is being delivered to properties near the quarry, but everyone is invited to visit their website and submit their comments on the plans. The plans can be found online at www.tarmac-hendre.virtualexhibition.info or hard copies are being kept at Rhydymwyn Village Stores (please note only two people are allowed in the store at once).

Whilst the Senedd is in recess I am taking the opportunity to get out and about in the constituency, meeting with residents and businesses about issues they face. I am also using the time to deliver newsletters across our communities, updating constituents on my work as your Member of the Senedd. Although I will not be door knocking, if you would like a socially distanced chat with me about an issue, then please let me know and I will do my best to offer my support.

As always I can be contacted on 01352 762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales and will always do my best to offer you the support you need.