- December 20, 2016
- Posted by: Vikki Howells MS
- Category: Latest News
Dear Resident,
As 2016 draws to a close I want to take this opportunity once again to thank residents of the Cynon Valley for electing me in May as our Member of the National Assembly for Wales. It’s been a busy few months but I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from the length and breadth of the constituency. Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome they have extended when I have been out and about!
My focus since being elected has been on delivering my five election pledges. I promised to be a strong and visible community based Assembly Member. I have opened a shop front office on High Street, Aberdare where I meet constituents by appointment each Monday and Friday (like all AMs I am based at the Senedd in Cardiff Tuesday to Thursday); met with numerous community groups; and am planning public surgeries across Cynon in the New Year. I have also launched this website and also engage with residents using social media.
Health, education, employment and housing were at the top of my election agenda. I have asked questions in the Chamber on issues like Schools Challenge Cymru, further education, and Welsh Government funding for a new GP surgery in Mountain Ash. I have also visited many local schools and businesses, the new college in Aberdare and met with groups like the local Health Board and patient representatives to inform my scrutiny of Welsh Government policies. I also pledged to work hard for the redevelopment of vacant sites and to achieve this I have scrutinised Ministers over their approach to regeneration and worked to open up innovative sources of funding for redevelopment projects.
I have used my position as a member of the Welsh Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee to get commitments on improving road links, and have gained assurances over the funding of the Cross Valley link and the dualling of the A465. I am continuing to liaise with Ministers on improved and enhanced public transport links and whilst the consequences of Brexit means that we need to seek new commitments to ensure the delivery of projects like the Metro (an integrated rail and bus based public transport system scheduled for 2018), I am pressing Arriva Trains to improve the quality of its services as a matter of urgency.
Looking ahead to 2017, I hope to continue with my campaigns around improving access to play opportunities for children with disabilities, and to support the Welsh Government in delivering on its ambitious vision for Wales for the next five years.
If I can ever be of any assistance, please get in touch.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Vikki
Vikki Howells AM