As many of us head back to work proper after the festive break, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all constituents the very best wishes for 2026 – Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! As a new year begins, we reflect on the past year and I thought I’d use this column to share a snapshot of some of the highlights of the year just gone...

£1 travel for 5-21 year olds: The autumn saw young people aged 5-21 access bus travel across Wales for just £1 a journey or £3 for unlimited daily travel. If you’re 16-21 and haven’t already done so, you can apply for your free MyTravelPass at https://mytravelpass.tfw.wales.

The Bus Bill: 2025 saw the passing of a new law which will give the Welsh Government powers to plan and manage bus services through franchising, permits or directly providing services. It gives communities a real say in bus routes and better connects our towns and villages, putting people first. I’ll be keeping constituents updated in the implementation of this important legislation.

1,000 days straight on Duolingo learning Welsh: Cymraeg oedd iaith gyntaf taid, ond roedd fy nain yn dod o Lerpwl, a doedden nhw ddim yn siarad Cymraeg gartref, felly wnaeth fy nhad erioed ddysgu Cymraeg. Dechreuais i ddysgu Cymraeg eto pan oeddwn yn oedolyn. Ar hyn o bryd, mae gen i wersi yn y Senedd ac dw i hefyd yn gwneud duolingo bob dydd – wrth gwrs!

Christmas cheer boxes: For the sixth year I’ve organised festive treat boxes for families in Delyn. With support from local businesses and community groups we delivered Christmas Cheer boxes to more than 200 families.

Supporting our high streets: I’ve long been a champion of our town centres and I’ve  been out supporting our shops and market stalls in places like Holywell and Mold throughout the year, listening to traders’ concerns and encouraging constituents to shop local.

A55 safety and potholes: Throughout the year I have raised concerns about the A55 with our local authority and on the floor of the Senedd, including highlighting the need for a crawler lane westbound around Halkyn. Alongside this I have celebrated the investment in our area and the 1,400 potholes filled in just three days on the A494 Mold bypass.

Greyhound racing ban: I’m pleased to see that the Welsh Government has made the move towards banning greyhound racing in Wales – the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill is making its way through the Senedd right now.

Street surgeries across our community: From street surgeries to delivering newsletters, I’ve been out and about in Gwernymynydd, Sychdyn, Rhosesmor, Nannerch, Nercwys, Gwernaffield, Cilcain, Pantymwyn and Holywell, amongst others.

New-look Flint Station: Over the years I have campaigned for much-needed improvements to Flint Station – currently the only train station in my constituency – and in 2025 the station was revamped with new lifts, a footbridge and safer, more accessible platforms.

Transformation of Theatr Clwyd: Since being elected, I’ve worked to highlight our theatre’s significance, both culturally and economically, and to secure its future – and last year I had the privilege of attending a community celebration to commemorate the theatre’s transformation.

Women’s Euros: 2025 saw Wales Women play in their first major championship, the Women’s Euros.

Holywell Town FC Ynni Cymru funding: The club secured support from Ynni Cymru, which helps communities generate their own clean, affordable power. This saves the club money to reinvest in grassroots sport and I was pleased to welcome the First Minister to the club for a visit.

It continues to be an absolute privilege to serve the community that shaped me as Member of the Senedd for Delyn and as we move forward into 2026, my commitment to continuing to work hard day in, day out for our communities, our constituency and our country remains steadfast.

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/HannahBlythyn. 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.