In her last blog of 2016 for Caerphilly Observer, Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore talked tackling flood risks and promoting music within education.
Risca Flood Alleviation Scheme
For Islwyn the year ends with the good news that the £2.4 million Risca Flood Alleviation Scheme has been completed. The flood alleviation scheme, which runs along the River Ebbw through Risca, was jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Caerphilly County Borough Council and will reduce the flood risk to 278 properties.
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM paid Risca a visit to see the works as the Welsh Government announced an additional £33million capital funding for flooding schemes across Wales.
The scheme has also provided additional benefits to the area, including tree planting and improved recreation facilities and access.
Support for Music Education
On December 6, I raised a statement of opinion in the National Assembly for Wales in support of Music Education. Statements of Opinion are statements that AMs can table in the Assembly (meaning the statement is formally published). Other AMs can sign a Statement of Opinion to show that they support it.
It is a subject that I am passionate about and I am heartened that currently that fourteen other Assembly Members, from across the political spectrum, have subscribed their support to it.
The written statement reads:
This Assembly:
- Welcomes the Welsh Government and Arts Council of Wales’s £20 million investment for the Creative Learning Through the Arts plan.
- Notes the Creative Learning and Experience modules within the Donaldson education curriculum for Wales, the regional creative networks and Lead Creative Schools pathways.
- Asks that the Welsh Government implement a holistic music education plan delivering an offer of consistent tuition and orchestral access.
- Anticipates a positive and sustainable outcome for music support services and youth arts ensembles throughout Wales.
- Asks that Welsh Government continue to develop and strengthen equality of access to arts at all levels.