On the 27 January 1945, almost 80 years ago, Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by Allied Forces from the horrors of the Nazi regime. For the last 20 years this date has marked Holocaust Memorial Day, which gives us chance to remember the horrors of genocides across the world, from Nazi Germany to Rwanda, Bosnia and others. It also ensure that we can educate future generations to prevent these levels of hatred from happening again.

There is always “one day” in our lives which changes who we are. We often hear from survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides about the “one day” which changed their lives – from the day when they were first targeted or chose to leave their country, to the day where they escaped with their lives.

The focus of this year’s theme – “One Day” – is to learn about one day in history and to look ahead and consider how we can all help reach the one day in the future where acts of genocide are consigned to history. You can find out more at www.hmd.org.uk.

Over the last few weeks I have been speaking to residents, Councillors and North Wales Police about the anti-social behaviour which is affecting Holywell Town Centre and the impact it is having on the community. The Town and County Councillors have proactively been reporting issues and encouraging others to do so, which has directly led to an increase in police presence in the town.

Like many I do not believe that policing is the way to deal with issues like these and I will look to work with partners to ensure that our young people are offered activities which they can engage in positively. For me it is important that young people have their voices heard and are able to influence the kinds of activities which they can get involved in, and I would ask that Leader readers with children, grandchildren or nieces and nephews, encourage them to share their ideas with myself, Councillors or the local policing team.

I have always been a keen supporter both personally and politically of shopping locally, and have done my best both in Government and locally, to encourage people to support our high streets and town centres. The Holywell and Greenfield Business Forum are asking people to get involved in helping Holywell and Greenfield to evolve to overcome the challenges the businesses are currently facing.

In particular they are keen to hear from the community about why they do or do not shop locally, and what could encourage others to return the high street to support businesses. Those interested are being asked to contact the team via Martin.Fearnley@holywell.wales.

I’ll continue to play my part in supporting local businesses across the constituency and celebrating all that we have to offer right here on our doorstep.

If you have an issue you’d like to speak to me about,  please get in touch and I will do my best to help.

You can drop me a line by emailing Hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales or get in touch by using the contact form on my website: www.hannahblythyn.cymru/contact.