‘News that a replacement town centre post office has been delayed is a blow for Caerphilly’

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News that a replacement town centre post office has been delayed is a blow for Caerphilly.

The Post Office has re-advertised for a new operator with a closing date of September 13. By the time everything is sorted out it could be many months before a new post office opens.

I know there are alternative post offices at Castle View and Penyrheol but for many without their own transport it can be a bit of a trek.

Why can’t they bring in a mobile van, as happens in Cwm in my constituency, for a temporary period until the permanent site is up and running?

What a couple of months it has been weather wise. We’ve not seen the likes of the prolonged heat before – even back in 1976.

Unfortunately, our firefighters, in particular, have faced the horrendous task of dealing with a huge number of wildfires. They along, with other emergency workers and some volunteers, have been working like Trojans in terrible heat and dangerous conditions to keep communities safe.

They have done a brilliant job but a lot of fires have been caused by idiots who either have no idea of the impact of starting fires or couldn’t care less. Apart from the threat to homes, vast areas of habitat for tiny animals and insects have been destroyed which is so sad.

Earlier this month, I attended the Bedwellty Agricultural Show and really the only topic of conversation was the impact of the weather on struggling farmers. They were really worried about their stock and how they will feed them in the winter as they are already using up their winter feed. Their animals are also suffering in the heat.

Congratulations to Anthony Cook, a former soldier, on winning the Hengoed by-election earlier this month. Anthony took 47% of the vote for Plaid Cymru, decisively defeating Reform UK for a fifth time in our area.

Although the Senedd is in recess, I’m continuing work in the community. I’m visiting a Nature Day organised at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall so that children have a really useful insight into their local environment. I’m also attending a coffee morning at Senghenydd Community Centre, organised by the centre management to raise funds for the wonderful St David’s Hospice.

I also plan to visit St John’s Church in Nelson to see the magnificent work the congregation has been doing in providing free meals to families struggling to put food on the table for their children in the long school holidays.