Ruth Jones MP talks wildfires, Maxime Cinema, and Green Flag Awards

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I have had a fantastic summer in Newport West and Islwyn spending every spare minute out and about, helping as much as I can across the constituency while catching up with all of you. 

I do have to start on a negative note, however. The fires we’ve experienced, not just here but across south Wales, have been truly heartbreaking to see. Most recently here in Pantside we saw a community come together after a fire destroyed several homes. Fortunately, nobody was injured. 

I would like to once again thank firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service for their support and quick responses after a testing couple of months.

Here in Islwyn, I’ve been visiting lots of businesses, none more central to the community than Maxime Cinema on Blackwood high street. 

I could have spent all day chatting to Steve Reynolds MBE, who runs the cinema and knows the industry inside and out. Everyone knows Maxime for its ridiculously cheap tickets and authentic feel, but I was saddened to hear how much the sector has been struggling in recent years due to lower footfall and rising costs.

The cinema can be a wonderful experience, and I hope to see Maxime at the heart of Blackwood for many years to come. 

I’ve also spent a lot of time outdoors this summer, most recently congratulating two community groups whose gardens were handed Green Flag Awards.

Cefn Fforest Eco Park led by Chris Edwards and supported by the rest of the team are making a real difference by maintaining a huge area of green space allowing kids and dog walkers alike space to play and relax. I enjoyed a lovely walk around in the sun with the volunteers, hearing all about the work they do in the community, including working with artist Andy O’Rourke on a huge colourful mural.

Another garden which received Green Flag status was Libanus Lifestyle Community Garden. Karen James is working wonders at the community centre itself, with the whole group coming together to make it sustainable for the future. Thanks to some recent grant funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council, the centre looks brand new, hosting businesses including Barclays Bank and Santander which are well-used by the community.

Then you get to their wonderful garden, which is growing fruit, veg, and herbs all year round. It was so warming to see so many volunteers of all ages there, putting the work in to keep everything going.

I have also been continuing to host monthly advice surgeries across the constituency throughout the summer, with my next in Cefn Fforest on Thursday August 27. Please do get in touch if you live in Cefn Fforest to book a 15-minute slot. 

As always though, my team and I are on hand to assist with any problems, and you can contact me via: ruth.jones.mp@parliament.uk or call on 01633 256268.