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

The start of 2022 has seen the steady lifting of recent Covid restrictions and a return to Alert level Zero. I welcome this opportunity to resume much of our normal activities. I hope we all follow the simple guidance to wear face coverings in public spaces, wash our hands and take the other actions that can help to keep our families and friends safe. Restrictions have eased but Covid remains in our communities. 

Vaccination – Remember no one is left behind 

Can I also thank everyone who came forwards to receive their vaccinations during the booster campaign. The vaccination work is ongoing and it remains very important as the evidence shows us the vaccine has been a major reason why people did not end as seriously ill or hospitalised in recent weeks. 

Please remember that in Wales our policy is that no one is left behind and, like others, you can still come forwards for your jab. The health board has details on the dates and times of vaccination work. 

Bryn Carno and external cladding   

I was pleased to start the year with the news that the Welsh Government has “awarded funding in principle, not exceeding the value of £1.05m, over two financial years (2021/22 and 2022/23). The purpose of this funding is to carry out the essential remedial work required to properties in Bryn Carno, following the failure of External Wall Insulation”. 

I thank local Councillor Carl Cuss, who has been a determined champion for this cause, and I hope that Caerphilly Council can now finalise the business plan required and carry out the work required to rectify this longstanding problem.     

Rhymney 

I am also pleased to note that Caerphilly Council have further allocated a budget for some further improvement work planned for Rhymney in the months ahead. 

Visits 

I am now making a number of visits to local businesses and organisations to catch up with issues and to check the progress of various schemes. Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you want me to visit at any point over the months ahead. 

Get a postal vote 

In May of this year there will elections for Caerphilly County Borough Council. I am not here to tell you how to vote but to ask you to think about how you can make voting easier. Why not ask the council for a postal vote? It makes the process of voting far easier and a ballot paper will arrive at your home address.

Contact details 

Please remember to contact my constituency office if my team and I can help in anyway. 01685 386 672. Email: dawn.bowden@senedd.wales,   

Please take care and I hope to see you at a local event in the near future.