The glorious uptick in the in weather has seen me return to the allotment, but this has sadly also brought the roaring return of bikers to the area. Please be reassured that I am working closely with Dyfed Powys Police over the excessive noise and the increased volume of traffic on certain roads. Whilst we welcome all visitors to the area, I make a repeated plea to visitors – remember, we live here!
James Evans, our new MS, and I have already began working together on a number of local issues, one being the threatened closure of 3 schools in Brecon and Radnorshire - Cradoc, Dolau and Llanbedr primaries. Having visited and spoken with parents, teachers, governors and the pupils we firmly support Councillor Iain Macintosh in his fight to keep these schools open. Local Liberal Democrats have expressed their glee at this split within Powys Conservatives but James, Iain and I simply cannot accept the proposals put forward by council officers.
I’ve had a number of meetings and emails with constituents over the reports and media speculation surrounding a trade deal with Australia. As I write, no deal has been agreed and no draft deal has been published. However, I commit once again, both as your Member of Parliament and as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Farming to always be the proudest advocate for the farming community in Brecon and Radnorshire. A trade deal must present opportunities and I am working closely with my colleagues in the Department for International Trade to ensure that it does.
Shopping local is extremely important – especially as the Totally Locally Fiver Fest is underway. This gives us the chance to thank our local businesses and independent shops especially after they have worked so hard throughout the Coronavirus. Consequently, I was really disappointed to learn that a new supermarket had been approved in Crickhowell. I have long been against this idea – not only because it undermines our independent retailers but because the site is completely unsuitable for increased traffic. I hope this is not the end of the story.
As always, my inbox is open to constituents; please get in touch if I can help in any way. My office in Llandrindod Wells is back up and running but I’m happy to meet wherever in the constituency. After months of a quiet constituency diary, I’m pleased to say I’m busier than ever so please do get in touch and book an appointment.
