“We must advocate stricter planning regulations to prevent building on delicate environmental areas, such as Greenfield sites and floodplains.

 “This would prevent unsustainable and economically unviable developments.

 “I am also calling for a redefinition of Brownfield sites to exclude gardens to curb the increasing trend of ‘garden-grabbing’ by developers.

“Empowering communities is what planning reform must be about, and I look forward to progress in Wales of changes to planning guidance.”

“Within 24 hours of announcing Enterprise Zones in England the UK Government had set a deadline by which time local authorities will have the power to discount business rates for specific businesses. Such rate relief is worth up to £275,000 per business over five years.

“I call on the Welsh Government to bring a similar rate of relief on stream as soon as possible, and by a specific deadline, for Enterprise Zones in Wales.

“In addition to this I call upon the Welsh Government to promise the people of Wales that they will work more closely with the business community and the private sector over the coming months.”

“The target set by the Welsh Government is that all business and residential premises in Wales will have access to Next Generation Broadband by 2015 and I fully support this.

“Full availability of Next Generation broadband would enable many businesses across Wales to access vast amounts of valuable information and resources and would also give an opportunity for businesses to boost their profile abroad thus helping to foster a more global outlook for enterprise in Wales.

“There are fears however, that the Welsh Government will miss its own target, with BT estimating that only 40% of premises in Wales will have access to next generation broadband by 2014.

“I call upon the Welsh Government to pull out all the stops to ensure that this target is not missed.”

Janet said: “Of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease in Wales, 89% require primary and secondary care – this is around 5,340 people. The remaining 11% are also recommended access to a specialist nurse for advisory purposes.

“Four out of seven Health Boards in Wales have nurses with much higher caseloads than the recommended 300 patients per nurse. This is unacceptable.

“There have been concerns have been raised in the media recently over increased in ‘bed-blocking’ due to a lack of availability of specialist nurses in the community. The recent Royal College of Nursing’s Employment Survey for Wales has also highlighted the increasing stresses nurses in Wales are being placed under.

“I want to see the Welsh Government guarantee effective, personalised care for Parkinson’s patients, but they are cutting £1 billion in real terms from the NHS budget over the next three years, even when specialist nurses have such high caseloads.”

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.”

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.....

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."

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.”