I know from conversations and correspondences with constituents that the challenges faced and the progress being made by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is something – rightly – high on our minds here in Flintshire. Local representatives receive updates from the health board and I’m always keen to share the latest news with residents – the latest updates include the reinstatement of the Home Birth Service, due to improvements in staffing the service, and the outcome of the local health conversations which took place across the region to gather your thoughts on local healthcare services. I will, of course, continue to both keep constituents updated but also to seek people’s views ahead of regular meetings with representatives of BCUHB, but you can read the full update on my website at www.hannahblythyn.cymru/betsi-cadwaladr-university-health-board-update-mar24.
Last week, the Welsh Government unveiled the comprehensive Roadmap to Bus Reform aimed at prioritising connectivity and passengers’ needs over profit margins in Wales’ bus services, something which many Flintshire residents will have been concerned about since the pandemic. With a focus on seamless journeys and integrated ticketing, this plan aims to tackle the challenges faced by our communities in accessing reliable and affordable bus services and Transport for Wales will collaborate with local authorities to improve bus services ahead of new legislation, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable transport system. You can read more about it on my website at www.hannahblythyn.cymru.
Closer to home, I visited Flint Library on Friday to award the staff there with one of my Community Champion awards to recognise the invaluable work they do with members of the public. Flint Library was nominated by a local resident who described it “as a hub of activity where everyone is welcomed, drinks available and papers to read, all are treated with respect, dignity and given attention”. My Community Champion awards recognise individuals, groups and organisations in Flintshire that go above and beyond for others in their communities. If you know of anyone else who you think deserves an award, you can nominate them at www.hannahblythyn.cymru/community-champion-nomination.
Following the presentation I popped around the corner to Llys Raddington – the excellent independent living scheme for older people run by Clwyd Alyn which offers quality apartments with the added benefit of on-site flexible care and support – to talk to residents there about the issues they care about. It was an interesting chat over a cuppa and cake and residents spoke to me about various issues including health and housing as well as Senedd reform. I was also accompanied by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Dunbobbin and he spoke to residents about personal safety and managing cyber crime and gave advice on how to avoid being a victim of scams.
Recently I had another update from Network Rail about the work the company is undertaking to improve Flint Station. Network Rail has successfully installed the temporary footbridge at the station, which allows for upgrades and cable diversion away from the old footbridge to take place, and during the week the company removed the old footbridge without disrupting train services, keeping the station open throughout. The car park is now open again, but work on upgrading accessibility is still ongoing and there is signage is in place around the station to guide passengers safely. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or my office.
Finally, I want to offer my congratulations to both Ysgol Mynydd Isa and Argoed High School for winning the Primary School of the Year and Secondary School of the Year awards respectively in the Leader Education Awards. It’s a great tribute to all the staff – and the pupils – who work so hard to support their school communities and offer the best start for children in our area. The Leader awards also recognised Jo Jackson-Wyatt from Ysgol Bryn Gwalia for the Teaching Assistant Award and Lorraine Dalton, also from Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, for Best Professional Leader. The Specialist Provision School of the Year was Ysgol Maes Hyfryd in Flint. Well done to you all!
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/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait until an advice surgery.