Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MS Dawn Bowden's blog: April 6, 2021

Dawn Bowden is the Labour Senedd Member for the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency.

Covid-19 update

We are reaching an important stage of the step-by-step journey back towards more normality. After a long hard winter it is good to feel some warm spring air and we have the gradual relaxation of the restrictions.

As the virus remains under control, all children will return to education after Easter and non-essential retail will be able to open from April 12. We also know what further activities will be allowed from April in to May as we all hope to steadily emerge from the shadow of this dreadful virus.

Rhymney High Street

I was very pleased that the Welsh Government has provided financial support to Caerphilly Council for improvements to Rhymney High Street. This is work that Gerald Jones MP and I have been discussing with local councillors for some time. Now there is funding and the work will progress as the covid restrictions allow. This will include free wi-fi access on the High Street.

Merthyr and Gelligaer common

Looking after the beautiful common land that straddles the constituency is a major task. There are a range of challenges from fly tipping to off road vehicles that have caused damage to some important sites. I know many people welcome the recent activities of the local police in seeking to tackle these problems. I urge everyone to respect and enjoy these beautiful local resources, their farm life and wildlife.

Vaccination success

My huge thanks goes to everyone who has helped to make the vaccination programme a success. It is a huge planning and logistics process and I continue to urge everyone to take up their jab when offered. The data already suggests that the vaccination is easing pressure on the local NHS and that will remain a critical indicator as we move forwards.

Even after receiving the vaccination we must continue to follow the rules: wash our hands, keep our distance and wear a face covering to reduce the risks from this virus.

Philipstown Flying Start

I was pleased to see the Welsh Government recently confirm £20,000 for the Philipstown Flying Start project. Flying Start is a fantastic project that seeks to support children and families in the early years of development. This round of the funding will fund some physical changes to make premises more Covid-secure.

Thank you

Thank you for reading my regular blog reports and to Caerphilly Observer for publishing them. As it will soon be Senedd election time, this will be my last report of this Senedd term. I hope to have the opportunity to resume my reports after the election, but that is rightly now a matter for you as the voters in the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency on May 6.

My best wishes to you and take care.

Dawn Bowden MS: “We are reaching an important stage of the journey back towards normality”