In her latest blog for Caerphilly Observer, Islwyn AM Rhianon Passmore hails news of multi-million pound investment in Crumlin, and talks environmental efforts.
Welcome investment
One of my key priorities, as the Assembly Member for Islwyn, is to tackle poverty. It is a passion that drove me into politics.
So I was delighted recently during the Welsh Labour Government’s jobs week to see the Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM, make a headline announcement that benefits Crumlin. The BBI Group unveiled £8.5 million investment to expand and consolidate its UK manufacturing operations to a single site at Border Technology Park, in Crumlin. The BBI Group offers a range of products and services that are provided to the diagnostic, healthcare, research, defence and food industries globally.
It is imperative that the Welsh economy continues to prosper and job opportunities are created not only in our major cities but also here in the heart of our communities in valley towns.
That is why I was so delighted to see Caerphilly County Borough Council pass unanimously the next stage in the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal. The deal will unlock £1.3 billion investment from the UK and Welsh Governments as well as the ten local authorities across South Wales who make up the region.
We have the opportunity to reinvigorate our valley communities. Creating and sustaining well paid jobs for our people. I’d like to commend, the Labour run, Caerphilly County Borough Council for their announcement that they intend to rise council tax a mere 1%.
In an age of continuing cuts from the UK Tory Government it is increasing difficult for councils to maintain services whilst addressing the fact that for ordinary working families the cost of living continues to cut deep.
Felling travesty
Natural Resources Wales have launched an investigation into who is responsible for the illegal felling of two hundred trees near Blackwood’s Pen-y-fan pond.
The trees are estimated to have been around 150 to 200 years old. They were situated in a designated conservation area. I visited the site myself last week to see the scale of the destruction. It is an utter travesty that somebody has to bear responsibility for.
I await the outcome of Natural Resources Wales investigation and will seek assurances that subsequent action will be forthcoming.
Community spirit
The importance of the local environment was on the minds of Pontllanfraith’s residents when I joined them to collect 48 bags of litter. Local Pontllanfraith Labour Councillors Mike Adams, Colin Gordon and Gez Kirby organised the litter pick to show the pride people have in Pontllanfraith. Well done all.
A low rise in council tax another ploy by Labour to win over voters in the up and coming election.
Yes you’re right it is, usual Labour hypocrisy, bleat on about poverty and in the next breath talk about increasing council tax which is a crippling bill for hard pressed families already struggling to make ends meet, and please stop blaming the Tories for Labours failings in Wales, they were given £40million by the Tories in 2011 so that Welsh councils could freeze council tax like they did in England, but Welsh Labour spent the money safeguarding their own jobs down at Cardiff Bay Social Club. A 1% increase is still too much, and merely a sweetener for the forthcoming elections which the blinkered Labour voters will fall for again.
I agree – just another ploy to win votes