Energlyn railway station
I was delighted to be invited to the opening of the Energlyn station along with residents, disability access campaigners and other politicians last week.
European and Welsh Government funding has helped pay for this scheme which as the local councillor, as well as the Assembly Member, I’ve been calling for over many years.
With it seems increasing traffic congestion on the A470, the train is a great option for those living in the north of Caerphilly, who will be served by this station. Although there are a limited number of parking places at the station, I hope people will walk to the station wherever possible so the lives of residents nearby are not disrupted.
I’m sure the station will prove popular, particularly for shopping and leisure trips into Cardiff as well as for work.
Arthritis
I’m Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson in the Assembly on social services and older people so I found an event at the Senedd involving the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and Arthritis Care very interesting.
The idea was to highlight the problems people suffering from all the various forms of arthritis have.
I was put in what is called an arthritis simulator suit or A-suit for short. It’s very much like a straight-jacket and gives you an experience of what it is like for the many thousands in Wales who have to try and cope with this debilitating condition.
Children are Unbeatable Alliance
I attended an event at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff last Thursday which was aimed at raising the issue that it is not acceptable to smack children.
The intention is to promote ways of managing children’s behaviour without resorting to physical abuse.
Since I was elected I have been campaigning with fellow Assembly Members from other parties to persuade the Welsh Government to remove the defence of what is now termed “reasonable punishment” as an acceptable reason for inflicting a physical assault on children.
I’m pleased that Cardiff Council is the first authority in Wales to adopt the aims of the alliance which argues that hitting children is a lesson in bad behaviour. I hope other local authorities will do the same.
Can I wish all readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Lindsay Whittle
Plaid Cymru South Wales East AM
Same to you Lindsay.