Last week saw so many brilliant businesses reopen their doors to the public, having adapted new ways of working to promote social distancing, good hygiene and safe and enjoyable shopping trips. From the big companies to the small independents, lots of effort has been put into making our town centres as safe as possible, so I would like to thank Flintshire County Council, as well as Holywell, Flint and Mold Town Councils, for their engagement with business owners and the public to make these changes happen.
In recognition of the efforts I have launched my “Love Local” campaign, where I praise independent businesses like The Bookshop in Mold, and the Flower Bowl in Holywell, for the way they have adapted to welcome customers safely back into their shops. I also paid tribute to the Clwydian Range Distillery who used their skills and expertise to produce hand sanitiser to help stop the spread of coronavirus, as well as producing their lovely Cariad Gin. In the coming days and weeks I will continue to highlight the shops and businesses we have in our communities through on my Facebook page – Hannah Blythyn MS – and would welcome further suggestions of why we should all remember to #LoveLocal.
Following the awful outbreaks of coronavirus in North Wales last week, the Welsh Government has issued new guidance for meat and food producers, to prevent and if necessary better manage, future outbreaks. The guidance has been developed across the sector, including the Food Standards Agency and trade unions, and focuses on protecting staff as much as possible and therefore preventing the spread of coronavirus. On behalf of constituents working at the facility in Wrexham I have been in touch with Unite the Union and have written to the company to ask for assurances that they are doing all they can to protect their employees and the public.
Despite the current circumstances Cllr Teresa Carberry, Mayor of Mold Town Council held a virtual “Great Get Together” on Sunday, as part of the national initiative in memory of Jo Cox MP who was tragically killed four years ago. Cllr Carberry invited various speakers including Sue Leake who spoke about the work of Flintshire Foodbank and Una Burke who explained how Flintshire became a City of Sanctuary. It was a privilege to be asked to speak about my journey into politics and what motivated me to do what I do but the highlight for me was hearing from the inspirational people making a difference in Delyn and reaffirming how we can work together to bring about positive change in our communities and our country.
Monday saw schools across Flintshire begin their phased reopening to pupils of all ages. But many of our teachers, teaching assistants and other staff have been working throughout this pandemic – caring for the children of other key workers, preparing home learning packs, and still lending that supportive ear to families in need. Schools have been working tirelessly for the last three weeks to make preparations for those children and families who feel able to return, so to all those staff – thank you.
Some Leader readers may receive a letter inviting them to attend a screening appointment for cervical, breast and bowel cancers. With Besti Cadwaldr UHB and other health boards, restarting their key services, Public Health Wales are encouraging those at risk to get themselves screened. I know all too well how important it is to be aware of and watch out for any signs of breast cancer, which is why screening is so vital and it’s thanks to Breast Test Wales that my mum had an early diagnosis. I urge anyone who receives an invitation to attend. The Welsh Government campaign is right – “Don’t wait. Don’t leave it too late”.
If any constituents have any questions about health services restarting or any other issues which I can be of assistance with, then please do get in touch with me on 01352 762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales and I will do my best to support you.