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This year, I’ve once again teamed up with the Roberts Group in Flint to deliver almost 200 Christmas Cheer Boxes across 21 local schools and community groups.
Packed with festive treats – from mince pies to chocolates – these little boxes have grown from the Christmas hampers I started back in 2020. Diolch o galon to Roberts Group for their support and to everyone helping get them to families who need a boost this Christmas.
Last week in the Senedd, I raised ongoing concerns about the A55 in our area – especially around junction 32 – in First Minister’s Questions.
I’ve long been raising the need for focused improvements to the gateway in and out of North Wales and raised this issue again after meeting with Cllr Simon Jones and members of Halkyn Community Council last week.
I’ve asked the Welsh Government to look closely at the layout, poor visibility and safety challenges around junction 32. I was pleased to get confirmation that it will form part of the A55 resilience study – something I will be following up to help make this vital route fit for the future. This is an issue a number of constituents have been in touch about.
I will continue to raise any concerns and suggestions with the Welsh Government and other relevant partners on this matter.
Last week the Senedd took the first vote on the Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Wales) Bill, which creates new offences which effectively bans the sport in Wales.
I’ve long campaigned for legislation on greyhound racing, joining the RSPCA in their calls for the sport to be banned, and the Welsh Government has a proud record on animal welfare and this is the latest step it’s taking to protect the lives and wellbeing of animals here in Wales.
This Bill is a crucial move to keep greyhounds safe and it’s great to see Wales leading the way once again – Scotland is considering a similar ban, while England has ruled out any legislation for the time being.
Ending greyhound racing is a cause that’s been championed in the Senedd, across all parties, for many years.
Last week I also attended the launch of UNISON Cymru’s Time to Value School Support Staff report. At the launch I heard directly from support staff, UNISON officers and the Labour Research Department about how thousands of dedicated school staff across Wales are being trapped in in-work poverty simply because of the pay system.
School support staff, who are overwhelmingly women, keep our schools running, support students’ learning and wellbeing and go above and beyond without seeing additional pay.
The report makes it clear that we must end term-time only pay and give support staff a proper national negotiating body so their pay, conditions and career progression are fair and consistent across Wales.
You can read the full report at https://cymru-wales.unison.org.uk/campaigns.
Closer to home, I dropped in to the Royal Mail sorting office in Mold recently – it was good to talk to workers there, some of whom have been working for Royal Mail for decades.
We chatted about the Christmas increase in parcels and post as well as the broader challenges and changes the service (and its loyal workforce) faces as it takes on more and more parcel deliveries.
It was also a chance to reflect on how important our posties are to our people and places – to many it is much more than simply a mail service. Diolch Royal Mail for the invitation and I hope me stopping by didn’t delay anyone from getting out on their rounds too much!
Christmas can be a troubling time for many families and the financial burden of the festive period can be a worry. If you’re struggling with the cost of living and need help, my website has a list of really useful suggestions of where you can get help with paying bills and the support on offer in Wales.
Take a look at www.hannahblythyn.cymru/our-community/help-with-the-cost-of-living for more information.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all constituents a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and the very best wishes for 2025 – and best wishes also from my staff, Kayla, Kay, Sandra, Jack and Jonah – Nadolig Llawen!
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.
