Archive for the ‘Constituency’ Category

Guto & Janet in Asda Llandudno

Last Friday Guto held another successful open surgery in Asda Store Llandudno and was joined by his colleague new Assembly Member Cllr. Mrs. Janet Finch-Saunders.

Guto and Janet were on hand to meet constituents and were happy to chat about local issues and concerns.

Guto was also delighted to be involved with the launch of Asda’s 2011 “Tickled Pink” campaign.

Guto said,” The staff at Asda have been extremely supportive of the idea of holding informal surgeries in the store. I believe that this format has worked well and I look forward to continuing this relationship. I was also privileged to be invited to support Asda’s “Tickled Pink” campaign and help to highlight this important issue that I know affects many women and their families across Aberconwy.”

Arriving back in Parliament I had a briefing meeting on Monday for the Welsh Affairs Select Committee visit to Brussels to continue our enquiry into Inward Investment and Energy Policy. I then attended an event addressed by the ex Spanish Prime Minister THE HON. JOSE MARIA AZNAR concerning the Israeli Palestinian Peace Process.

With the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process seemingly moribund after months of stalled progress, all eyes will turn to the UN General Assembly in late September, with the Palestinian leadership threatening to execute the highly controversial diplomatic strategy of tabling their unilateral declaration of statehood, instead of negotiating mutually agreed peace accords. Most analysts agree that the point of no return on this gambit has been reached, whether the leadership had intended this as a strategy aimed at generating pressure but stopping short of tabling a resolution or not, and it is now highly likely the effort will go ahead in September on account of its nigh on unstoppable momentum inside the Palestinian polity. The strong view expressed by former Prime Minister Aznar was that an unilateral declaration of Palestinian Statehood would breach the Oslo Accords undermining any remaining hope of an early peace. On Tuesday I travelled by Eurostar to Brussels with the Welsh Select Affairs Committee where we examined the opportunities for inward investment and energy policy in Europe and the potential impact on Wales. We had a hectic schedule of meetings with UKRep, the British Chamber of Commerce and numerous EU officials. We also met the Conservative and Labour Members of the European Parliament and both offered a very gloomy assessment of the future of the Eurozone. We also met with the European Minority Languages Team which was very interesting for myself and undoubtedly despite numerous challenges the way in which the Welsh language has been supported over the past thirty years by successive UK governments was considered to be an exemplar for other EU states .

I returned to London late on Thurday afternoon and did not return to the Constituency as there was a debate on Harriet Baldwin's private members bill about the West Lothian Question which I wished to attend on Friday. I have real sympathy with the argument that Welsh MP's should not vote on issues that concern only England but felt that the Bill as proposed was an useful development since it would demand that the Government assessed the legal, financial and geographical impact of all proposed legislation. This would ensure that when an issue such as the NHS is debated an assessment would be made of the impact of the bill and whether there would be any implications for Wales. Despite Health being devolved to the Welsh Assembly we in North Wales are fully aware that numerous services continue to be provided from the North West of England and thus I as a Welsh MP will have an interest in such legislation. The aim of the proposed Bill was to make this impact clear at the draft stage of the legislation which was an idea that I considered to be worthy of support. However, neither the Government or the opposition supported the proposal and the bill was defeated by 16 votes. However, as a result the Government are to set up a commission in October to bring forward proposals to deal with the West Lothian Question which indicates the way in which a backbench MP such as Harriet Baldwin, with the support of colleagues, can influence government.

On Saturday morning I held meetings with Cllr. Mrs. Janet Finch Saunders AM and Cllr. Mike Priestly. My meeting with Mike was about the strength of public opinion over proposed closures of public toilets, especially in the Conwy Valley. I am delighted that Mike has expressed willingness to work with local communities over this issue and has a number of innovative ideas based around partnerships with local communities. I’m sure that we can work together to ensure that toilets remain open whilst the burden on the taxpayer is reduced.

I also had in depth discussions with a constituent about the Conwy Valley Railway line which, it should be noted, has seen a significant increase in passenger numbers. The credit for this upsurge goes to Michael Portillo and his superb programme which highlighted the Conwy Valley line during the spring.

On a lighter note, in my London office sweepstake for the Rugby World Cup, I have drawn Japan and the USA! I suspect (and hope!) that I will not be a winner.....

Cllr Janet Finch – Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, was delighted to open the Eden Spa (Mostyn Avenue) last Saturday lunchtime at a special preview event. Several mini Individual pampering treatments were available on the day and this proved most popular, as all bookings were taken up by the many potential clients who attended the special preview opening event.

Eden Spa is run by Mrs Andrea Carri and Mrs Jane Highfield, both of whom are highly qualified and trained professionals, renowned locally within the health and beauty industry.

Janet was very pleased to cut the ribbon to launch this prestigious, high class business which carries out such a unique, and wide varied range of therapeutic and holistic beauty treatments. She has represented the Craig-y-Don ward for 17 years, as a Councillor and she has also run her own business there for many years.

Janet added " It is great to see a super new business such as this opening here in Craig y Don. I was particularly impressed with the tastefully designed innovative decor that awaits clients, and further adds to the overall calm and serene atmosphere of the Eden Spa experience. I would very much wish to offer Jane, Andrea and all the staff, my best wishes for a long and happy future."

Cllr Mrs. Janet Finch-Saunders AM will be holding an open surgery at Llandudno Library on Tuesday 30th August between 2pm and 5pm.  For further details or an appointment - please telephone Judith Bond on 07917 711075.

Party Goers

Monday, 22 August, 2011

The Friends of Queens Park annual fundraiser – the Party in the Park – was held this Saturday and was a great success.

Miss Alice accompanied Cllr Janet Finch-Saunders AM as they opened the 3rd annual Party in the Park.

The event was compered by Mr Bryan George and headlined by local singer Rockin’ Ron, who certainly had everybody rockin’!

The event raised money for future projects to improve the park, including a Sensory Garden.

Janet said: “The day was a great success, everyone involved was fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for better weather!

“I would very wish to thank all those who helped with the organisation of the event, including the various stall holders.

“A big thank you to all those who came along to support the event – the Local Fire and Police Officers, Conwy Youth Bus, and many of our local residents. Also, to all the stall holders and in particular Mr Peter Barton Price and Lyn Davies together with the parks Department of Conwy County Borough Council for their help with the park maintenance and general support for the group.”

Friends of Queens Park are holding their annual Party in the Park fundraiser this Saturday and it looks set to be bigger and better than last year!  

As well as the usual stalls including books, cakes, tombola, bottle stall and bric-a-brac, this year’s entertainment has been stepped up a notch. There will be a magical appearance by Peter the Magician, a Fun Dog Show, football competitions, face painting, hot dogs, the Youth Bus, Parisellas Ice Cream and more, all topped off with Rockin’ Ron – a popular local singer – and compered by Bryan George.

The event is being held to raise money, along with various grant applications, to allow the Friends of Queens Park to move onto the next phase of renovating the park. The Friends hope to renovate the entrance pillars and to install a Sensory Garden. 

Cllr Janet Finch-Saunders AM – local Assembly Member and one of the founder members of Friends of Queens Park – said: “This is a perfect example of The Big Society in action.  

“There is a true partnership between the local residents, Councillors and Conwy County Borough Council. Without this partnership approach we could neverhave imagined the possibilities of improving the park as we have.

“We have received anonymous donations and are most grateful to these unsung heroes as every penny is appreciated. 

“We are most grateful to many local shopkeepers and businesses within Craig-y-don and Llandudno who have been very generous and provided us with many items for the raffle and stalls. 

“Fingers crossed for good weather!”

 Janet also paid tribute to those who have helped ensure the continued success of the project, including the dedicated committee members, including Margaret and Richard Own, Barbara Meredith (Chairman), Frank Bradfield (Treasurer and Grants Officer), Cllr Joyce Audus Williams and Laura Oldfield. Also the fundraising committee members, including Cllr Christine Jones, Cllr Mike Pearce, Lindsey Pearce, Carol Burns, Francis and Sonia Davies, Sandy Halliday, Carol and Dave Oldfield and Gareth Saunders. Janet also gave special thanks to Lyn Davies, Peter Barton Price and the parks department at Conwy County Borough Council for all their help, support and advice. 

The Party in the Park will kick off at midday at Queens Park, Queens Road, Craig-y-don on Saturday 20^th August 2011.

Businesses in Conwy have been badly let down by the Labour-Plaid Welsh Assembly Government.

According to government statistics, only £45,000 out of a total Welsh spend of £27 million was committed to Conwy businesses by the Labour and Plaid’s flagship Proact programme. Only 24 employees in 3 businesses benefited from this scheme. Ceredigion is the only county that has received less support than Conwy since ProAct was established.

In addition, only 146 individuals in the Aberconwy constituency, out of a Welsh total of nearly 16,000, have been supported by the ReAct programme to help unemployed people in Wales.

Janet Finch Saunders, the Conservative Assembly candidate for Aberconwy, said she was disappointed at the lack of support by WAG for businesses in Conwy.

“The failure of the Welsh Assembly Government to provide support to the business community in Conwythrough its Pro-Act scheme is shocking. At a time when local companies are struggling to emerge out of recession, it was vital that support was provided to help them through difficult times”.

“The fact that only 0.2 per cent of the funding available for ProAct was given to Conwy enterprises shows that the local business community has yet again been let down by Labour and Plaid.

“The Welsh Conservatives will do everything they can to help develop the Conwy economy. We have already promised to abolish business rates for small firms, a move that will help hard working entrepreneurs create jobs across the constituency.

“Labour and Plaid politicians have also boasted that the React programme has helped the unemployed locally and yet the real truth is that less than 1 per cent of the support has gone to those looking for jobs in the Aberconwy constituency”.

“These figures show Labour and Plaid’s main economic policies in Wales during the recession has failed businesses and the unemployed in Conwy. Only the Welsh Conservatives will make sure that the voice of local business is heard loud and clear in the next Welsh Assembly”.

Notes
1. Details of the ProAct expenditure by local authority can be found at:
http://www.assemblywales.org/11-005.pdf

28th March 2011 - Mark Isherwood and Janet Finch Saunders were delighted to launch the start of the Bo to AV campaign in North Wales ably supported by Councillors and Activists.  Janet Finch Saunders said,  "The Alternative Vote System will fail our democracy.  AV will lead to constant co-alition government.  This is not in the best interest of our nation.  Please ensure that you use your vote to say No to AV."

Local MP Guto Bebb held a public meeting in Penrhyn Bay last Friday evening.  A meeting attended by local residents in St. David’s Church hall allowed them to quiz Guto on a wide variety of subjects including Europe.

Guto has recently been selected to sit on the Welfare Reform Committee and took this opportunity to address those present on these proposed changes that will affect everybody.

The event was filmed by Penrhyn Bay resident, Mel Woosey who is currently in the process of setting up a Community TV Company.

Guto holds regular surgeries and public meetings across the Constituency. Dates and locations can be found in the North Wales Weekly News Community News section and on the website gutobebbmp.co.uk.

 Aberconwy MP Guto Bebb enjoyed a walk around sunny Conwy on Saturday morning as the crowds came out to enjoy the Annual Seed Fare.

Guto was delighted to meet up again with young Sophie Spree who recently sent a decorated pebble to David Cameron.  Sophie paints these to support the work of an orphanage in Uganda and was thrilled to get a note of thanks from the Prime Minister. 

A number of people stopped to grill the local MP on the issues of the day.  Guto was also delighted to stop and chat with the organiser of the event Mr. Peter McFadden.

This event and many others were recently under threat due to a proposed change in the way the police conducted traffic management of such events.  This change would have seen community groups and charities being asked to pay £335 per road closure application.

Mr. McFadden approached Guto Bebb MP who was clearly concerned and asked a number of Parliamentary Questions on this matter, about the effect this would have on community events in Conwy County.

Following a meeting of Conwy County Council’s scrutiny committee on 10^th February 2011 it was decided that this charge would not be enforced. North Wales Police issued a statement saying they will now “Not refuse to carry out Traffic Management for events on the highway”. Conwy County Council stated on 17^th February 2011 “We will still be processing community and charitable events using the Town and Police Clauses Act”. Therefore the status quo has been maintained.  

Guto’s morning ended with an excellent cup of coffee provided by the members of St. John’s Church.

Guto Bebb said,” I had a very enjoyable morning. There was a wide variety of stalls and local produce available.  The Seed Fare is undoubtedly a popular event with both locals and tourists and I am pleased that the future of this event and many others is secure”.