We’re now back in full swing down in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, and my weekly Brecon to Cardiff and back again trips have resumed. My colleagues and I are back in our committee sessions and taking part in debates. As much as I enjoyed the Christmas and New Year period, it is good to be back representing you in the Welsh Parliament.
I took part in a debate on the future of the Wales Air Ambulance, which serves people in our area although it is based in Welshpool. There are talks to shut that base and move it to North Wales, which to my mind is totally wrong. We need that provision here – it is literally a lifesaver. Shutting the base, and relocating in North Wales will reduce the ability of the Air Ambulance to fulfil its role in our area. It will mean longer travel times for the team coming from North Wales and a reduced ability to get to Mid Wales when weather conditions are poor. I am continuing to campaign against the closure of the Welshpool base.
One of the other things that has impacted people in the area is the school transport chaos we’ve recently seen as a result of a new timetable and changes introduced by Powys County Council. This has resulted in serious problems for children going to and from school – for example being put on buses going in the wrong direction and having to wait by the side of the road in the dark and rain to change buses. This is unacceptable and I immediately called on the Council to take action, and in the Senedd I called for Ministers to pressure the Council to urgently find a solution.
If you have any issues, please drop me an email at [email protected]
James
