Monthly Archive
Plaid AM takes playing field battle to next level
Plaid Cymru AM Dr. Dai Lloyd has said that he has received overwhelming public support for his bid to pass a new law designed to protect playing fields in communities across Wales.
Dr. Lloyd is seeking to introduce new legislation to the Assembly which would place a duty on local authorities to consult communities before selling any playing fields, such as Swansea’s Recreation Ground, for development.
The Plaid AM’s proposal for a measure to protect playing fields is being debated in the Senedd tomorrow (Wednesday 1st July). If successful, this will enable the proposal to progress one step closer to becoming law.
Dr Lloyd has won the support of playing field campaigners from communities across Wales. He now hopes to persuade AMs to support his measure when it comes before the whole Assembly for a vote.
Plaid’s Dai Lloyd AM said:
“Playing fields are vital community assets both in terms of health and wellbeing and in terms of community spirit. In an age when we are being encouraged to do more sport and exercise, playing fields offer free and easy access to physical activity. Furthermore they give children somewhere to get together and kick a ball around – something that could be deemed a nuisance if done elsewhere. All too often these community needs are overlooked by councils looking to generate profit by selling land for development. The legislation I’m proposing would give every community the right to have their say.
“Ever since I first proposed this measure, I have been overwhelmed by the passion and commitment of members of the public in fighting to save their local playing fields. Campaigners from across Wales have been in touch to give me their support; it would be very disappointing if after all their efforts we had to let them down.
“The only way that I can ensure that this issue is not kicked into the long grass is by introducing this measure. I am determined that these communities will not be let down and that they will win the opportunity to have their say on the future of their playing fields.”
Swansea can benefit from One Wales Science appointment: Plaid
Plaid AM Dr. Dai Lloyd has welcomed the announcement by the One Wales Government that they are to appoint a Chief Scientific Adviser to Wales.
Following the announcement today (Tuesday, June 16) Dr. Lloyd was hopeful that the appointment would see Swansea further develop as a regional centre of research excellence, bringing jobs and wealth to the city.
The announcement follows a review into the creation of a Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, carried out by Professor Christopher Pollock on behalf of the One Wales Government during 2008.
Dr. Lloyd stated:
“This is a very important decision in Wales’ attempt to progress and develop a true knowledge-led economy.
“Science and technology must play a key part in Wales’ future development and the appointment of a Chief Scientific Advisor, who will have a pivotal role in developing our science base, is a hugely important step.
“Here in Swansea we already have some positive work taking place in terms of scientific research such as the £22 million NanoHealth Centre at Swansea University - alongside the nearby £50m Institute of Life Sciences and Boots Innovation Centre.
“I am sure that the new Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales will want to build on what Swansea has already achieved and move towards creating even more high-quality jobs which are essential in the city’s development.”
Reassurances needed over Swansea City Centre redevelopment
Plaid AM Dr. Dai Lloyd has asked Swansea Council for reassurances over the development of Swansea City Centre.
Dr. Lloyd has written to Swansea Council Chief Executive Paul Smith following the news this week that a £200m flagship city centre scheme in Newport has been shelved by Newport City Council after it emerged that the developer behind the city’s Friar’s Walk had lost a number of investors, largely due to the global financial crisis.
Dr. Lloyd today stated:
“The Swansea City Centre Framework was launched amid some fanfare back in 2007 and I’m sure that many people in Swansea were excited to hear of the level of investment predicted for Swansea.
“Understandably the world economic crisis has taken its toll, and the flagship city centre redevelopment in Newport has had to be shelved due to a number of investors pulling out of the scheme.
“In 2007 we were told that the Swansea City Strategic Framework was based on robust evidence. I do feel that the Council needs to make a detailed statement with regards to the project’s future and it is with this in mind that I have written to the Council’s Chief Executive.”
Plaid take up Gorseinon College cash fight
The fight to get extra cash for Gorseinon Collge has been taken up by Plaid AMs Dr. Dai Lloyd and Bethan Jenkins.
The College has already made some cutbacks in staffing numbers and is also considering the closure of educational establishments such as Canolfan y Bont in Pontarddulais due to a shortage of cash.
The Plaid AMs today (Friday) met with College Principal Nick Bennett to discuss the College’s Financial plight, including the closure of Canolfan y Bont in Pontarddulais.
Dr. Lloyd stated:
“The College’s financial difficulties are having a real impact on staffing numbers and in terms of what the college can deliver.
“Plaid feels strongly that we should try and protect key educational services locally and this is why we have met with the Principal today to try and see if there is any way that we can assist.”
Bethan Jenkins added:
“It is clear that the College needs extra recurring funding from the Assembly, and also some European funding in order to maintain educational provision locally.
“Plaid is committed to doing all that we can to protect services such as Canolfan y Bont, and we will be contacting Ministers at the Assembly and Officials at the Welsh European Funding Office to ensure that all is being done to provide the College with the extra funding that is needed.”
