Archive for the ‘News’ 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.”

It was a proud day for local Conservatives yesterday as Conwy Town Mayor Cllr Anne Roberts celebrated Civic Sunday. Anne is supported in her Mayoral year by fellow Conservative Deputy Mayor Cllr Cedric Rigal.

Aberconwy MP Guto Bebb joined the parade to the St. John's Methodist Church. New Conservative AM Janet Finch-Saunders was also a welcome guest.

 The service was a lively and joyful event celebrating the work of those who put themselves forward for Council and other offices and re-inforcing what we can all give to our communities.

The Mayor would also like to thank Mrs. Sioned Terry who provided a beautiful solo performance.

We wish Anne well in what promises to be a very busy Mayoral year.

 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”.

Local MP Guto Bebb is calling on Conwy County Council to take robust action in respect of the site of the former Billingtons garage in Conwy.

 The site, closed since 2007, has become increasingly dilapidated and is a blot on the historic landscape of Conwy.

In a report to Councillors Mr Frank Youd former Chief Environmental Health Officer to Aberconwy Borough Council is calling on the Council to serve a “dilapidations notice” on the owners Muller Holdings. This, says Mr. Youd, would force the owners to either restore the building or demolish it and clear the site.

Mr. Bebb has been contacted by many residents who have voiced their concerns about this issue.

Mr. Bebb stated, “Conwy is a World Heritage Site which relies heavily on Tourism. The town’s historic castle and town walls are being blighted by this eyesore and this cannot be encouraging for visitors. I am aware of many organisations who are interested in the site with ideas for educational and tourism ventures. A decision needs to be made about the site so more positive steps can be taken for its future development.”

 Unrhyw gwestiwn i’ch Aelod Seneddol?

Come and question Guto Bebb, your MP or raise your concerns about the economy, schools, local or national issues.  Guto will be at St David’s Church House, Penrhyn Bay on Friday 25^th March 2011 6pm- 7pm. This is your opportunity to have your say.

Dewch i holi Guto Bebb, eich Aelod Seneddol er mwyn trafod eich pryderon ynghylch yr economi, ysgolion a materion eraill lleol a chenedlaethol.  Fe fydd Guto yn Nhŷ’r Eglwys Bae Penrhyn dydd Gwener y 25fed o Fawrth 2011 rhwng 6yh a 7yh.  Dyma eich cyfle i gael dweud eich dweud.

Leader of the Conservative Party in Wales, Mr Nick Bourne A.M. has announced that he has appointed Cllr Janet Finch - Saunders who is the Conservative Welsh Assembly Candidate for Aberconwy as a Special Policy Adviser on Local Government.

This acknowledges the expertise that Cllr Finch-Saunders has gained whilst she has been actively involved within the Conservative Party, in particular as a member and Senior Officer of the Aberconwy Conservative Association.

Cllr Janet Finch- Saunders has vast political experience being recognised as an approved Parliamentary Candidate and Welsh Assembly Candidate, narrowly missing out last time and Janet is also a Conwy County Councillor and has served on Llandudno Town Councillor for the past 17 years,

Janet is currently the Conservative Group Leader and Leader of the Opposition, chairing the main Principal Scrutiny committee. She says; "I am really looking forward to working with Nick Bourne A.M. and the Welsh Conservative Assembly team, as we set out our policies for the forthcoming Welsh Assembly Election Manifesto, the elections of which will be held on May 5th 2011"