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Hefin David is the Labour Senedd Member for the Caerphilly constituency.

With the data still looking promising and restrictions continuing to ease, Wales will find itself moving into Alert Level 3 in time for the Spring sunshine.

From April 12, all children across Wales will return to full time, face-to-face schooling. As a parent myself, I think this will be a great relief for many children and parents alike, with education having been significantly impacted since the start of the pandemic. Colleges and universities will also be able to open to all students for blended learning.

All remaining shops can reopen from the same date; including close contact services such as beauty salons, tattoo shops and driving lessons. 

Travel restrictions around coming in and out of Wales will be also lifted from April 12.

You can find further details of easing of restrictions taking place after April 12 on my Facebook page here.

In the meantime, April 6 will be my last day as Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly before the election period begins. I will then become a candidate. 

This makes my role a bit difficult for the time being, as I am unable to hold meetings with public bodies as I usually would. However, if I am re-elected on May 6, I will be right back to work the following day.

We have achieved so much together over the past Senedd term – including bus services to the Heath, the Gwent and to the vaccination centre in Newbridge. A flexi service is currently being considered from Caerphilly to the new Grange Hospital in Cwmbran.

We’ve seen a £750 million Welsh Government investment in a newly nationalised rail service. As well as, the introduction of the new Class 769 model and a big uplift in capacity for Caerphilly residents who travel by train.

It is an absolute privilege to represent my home community in the Senedd, the place where I was born, grew up and have always lived. 

I stood with you when it came to stopping the plans to build on greenfield sites, ditching the councils damaging LDP.

We’ve achieved getting wild animals banned in circuses and are still fighting the big fight against climate change, to protect wildlife across Wales. 

If I am re-elected on May 6, I will continue to ensure that green spaces are protected in future planning decisions.

This past year has been the most difficult of our lives. Thank you to every single resident, group and business who has shown such huge commitment and sacrifice to protect our communities.   

I am very grateful to have been able to represent you over the past Senedd term and I hope to continue to do so in the years ahead.

But for now, stay safe and stay well.