Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

Weekly Round-up 9 July 2021

It has been a very varied week, with a number of residents from across the region getting in touch about a whole range of different issues. With only a week to go before the Senedd breaks for the summer, it is all go trying to have opportunities to raise things directly with Ministers. Committees are also meeting for the first time next week, and it has been confirmed that I will be a member of the Culture, Welsh Language, Communications, Sport and International Relations Committee as well as the Standards Committee.

Key things I’ve been doing this week:

Pentre Flooding Report

Following on from its publication last week, I raised it twice in the Senedd this week. Twice I also asked for an independent inquiry into the floods, given the very public fall-out since the publication of the report between Natural Resources Wales and RCT Council. Again, Welsh Government rejected this but for me, it is the only way to secure justice for residents. The eighteen other section 19 reports covering the 2020 floods in RCT are due to be released over the coming weeks.

Rhondda Tunnel Society

Yesterday, I was honoured to visit the Rhondda Tunnel Society and actually got to go inside the tunnel. It is a fantastic project, seeking to re-open the tunnel as walking and cycle path. It would be brilliant for the local economy, attracting tourists to a beautiful part of Wales as well as enhancing active travel. You can find out more here: Home - Rhondda Tunnel Society Official Website

East Aberthaw Speed Awareness Campaign group

On Wednesday, I was invited to meet with the East Aberthaw Speed Awareness Campaign group in the Blue Anchor. The meeting was also attended by other local representatives, and residents made their case strongly for the need for action to address their concerns. We agreed to work cross-party to try and secure traffic calming measures, as well as enhance opportunities for safe active travel. We also agreed to work with the community and Transport for Wales to explore re-opening the train platform.

Other Work

• Met with ITV Cymru Wales and Colegau Cymru.
• Interviewed by the BBC in relation to the Rhondda Tunnel.
• Visited Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda
• Attended a briefing by Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, and raised issue of cancer care. Also raised the need for a Cancer Diagnosis Centre in the Rhondda with the Health Minister.
• Casework – my team continues to support a number of residents on a number of different issues across South Wales Central. If you need our help, contact us [email protected]