OCTOBER 2009 UPDATE

The final Assembly term this decade presents a busy schedule for Members from all sides of the House. While much of the media attention will focus on the race to succeed Rhodri Morgan as First Minister and the efforts of the Welsh Government to finalise its budget for the forthcoming year, Members will take the opportunity to draw attention to the successes and needs of their respective constituencies. Having fought on the issues for many years, like many local people I was disappointed by the Welsh Government’s decision to scrap the M4 relief road and the slow progress in developing a time frame for the opening of the rail link between Ebbw Vale and Newport. However, while the job of an Opposition AM is to scrutinise Government performance I am always looking to highlight local examples of best practice which might be replicated throughout Wales, such as the excellent work of the Stroke Unit in Nevill Hall Hospital which has achieved impressive results on modest funding, with particular importance placed on developing a rapid access clinic so that patients can be referred to the unit within hours of the episode. Indeed, in recent months we have seen both celebrations for the achievements of the young, with pupils at Monmouthshire schools achieving outstanding A-level results that again surpass the Welsh average, and recognition of the continued importance of the agricultural and tourism industries to the area, with a number of memorable shows and festivals

The excellent results at A-Level in Monmouthshire schools- with A-C passes at 82.7 per cent- represents the culmination of hard work by pupils, parents, teachers and effective leadership by Monmouthshire County Council. With the county’s schools performing their responsibilities so well, more pressure falls on the Welsh Government to deliver policies that will deliver the employment and social opportunities that will give more of our talented young people to the chance pursue careers close to home. This point is especially important in Monmouthshire which has a higher than average number of older people and must be taken seriously by the Welsh Government. The success of the Monmouth and Usk Agricultural Shows highlight the vibrancy of our farming communities and the sustained level of interest in the county’s agriculture and country pursuits that exists both near and far. It is vital that we have a living, working countryside in farming strongholds such as Monmouthshire for many generations to come in order to strengthen the country’s food security and properly protect our much-loved rural heritage. The Welsh Government may not be able to address the rain that affected this year’s harvest or always predict disease like the outbreaks of bovine TB that has infected a number of cattle herds across Wales but it can work to reduce bureaucracy such as the implementation of European legislation requiring the introduction of electronically tagging sheep that frustrates existing farmers and discourages new entrants to the profession. The high quality food that local producers and chefs offer, together with that from further afield was showcased brilliantly in last month’s Abergavenny Food Festival. As the reigning Best Food Tourism destination in Wales it was no surprise that Monmouthshire again rose to the challenge of hosting Britain’s biggest food festival and the people of Abergavenny deserve credit for playing their part in an event has been repeatedly commended in the national press not only for its excellent produce and displays but also for its family friendly atmosphere.