At First Minister’s Questions last week, I asked about the Welsh Government’s transport priorities for Delyn, taking the opportunity to raise what feels like an attempt to resurrect the ‘red route’ buried away in Ambition North Wales’ draft Regional Transport Plan – there is a need for future-focused transport solutions, not outdated proposals like the so-called ‘red route’. We need improvements to the A55 and A494, but recycling past proposals is not the answer – it’s not good environmentally, economically or politically.
The North Wales Regional Transport Plan is open for consultation until April 14th and I’m encouraging residents, businesses and communities to have their say – I will certainly be raising more suitable solutions such as a crawler lane on the A55 at Halkyn, as well as investing in our public transport infrastructure with stations at Greenfield and Mostyn, as part of ongoing discussions. You can see the proposals and submit your feedback in the virtual consultation room at https://northwalesregionaltransportplan.virtual-engage.com.
On the subject of transport, last week saw proposals for bus reform begin their journey through the Senedd, aimed at improving bus services for our communities. Creating a reliable, affordable and joined-up bus network is essential for connecting people across North Wales and enabling our economy. In my question to the Welsh Government, I raised two key points – firstly, on cross-border travel, buses don’t stop at county boundaries! People in Flintshire need services that connect them beyond Saltney and Broughton to Chester and beyond.
I also raised the importance of workforce engagement – social partnership means listening to and involving those who keep our buses running. I asked how the Welsh Government has engaged with trade unions and how they will ensure meaningful collaboration as the new system is implemented. Issues about bus scheduling and the impact on the workforce was raised at the Public Transport Forum I organised towards the end of last year. The Bus Bill puts local bus services back into public control, meaning they can design a network that truly works for people. This is about one network, one timetable, one ticket – putting passengers first. You can see my contributions in the Senedd at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn.
In Cardiff last week, I joined Julie Morgan MS and those campaigning for justice over the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme outside the Senedd. Thousands of patients in the UK received blood transfusions or treatments using blood products that were contaminated with hepatitis C or HIV between the 1970s and early 1990s, leading to a major public health crisis and a public inquiry, and protesters were outside the Senedd to highlight the delays in receiving compensation. The Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, announced last year, needs to move forward at pace to let the infected and the affected get the compensation they deserve.
Back in North East Wales, Flintshire Local Voluntary Council (FLVC) has been promoting, developing and supporting voluntary and community activity for more than 25 years and last autumn I teamed up with the organisation to hold a funding fair in Mold. FLVC is now looking for local people who have an interest in the voluntary sector to help lead how the group operates. No previous trustee experience is necessary – FLVC is keen to find people who can support the board to develop services and see it as an opportunity for an individual or individuals to use their skills to help the voluntary sector. Anyone interested is welcome to give the chief officer Ann a call on 07867 451827 for an informal chat or email ann.woods@flvc.org.uk – you can find out more about the work FLVC does at www.flvc.org.uk.
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 for an advice surgery.