Community

MPs should be ‘a bloody nuisance’

Published

8 years ago

January 28, 2015

A nuisance: Simon Hart

SIMON HART arrives for his interview with the air of a man eager to get cracking with business. That does not, however, stop him from taking time to chat about his experiences as a surveyor in and around Tenby and the deep connection he feels to his home locality. With a message sent on his mobile phone to explain he would be late for his next stop on a journey that had seen him visit a trampoline factory in Pembroke Dock before heading to The Herald offices and then off to visit Llawhaden, he gives the impression of being a man constantly active and on the move.

The same habits permeate his speech: he is, by turn, measured and bubbling with infectious enthusiasm as he warms to a subject. We start off with a subject featured in last Friday’s edition of The Herald. A couple of weeks ago, our columnist Badger offered an assessment of how the local seats in the coming election would pan out. In that column he described Mr Hart, whose chances he did not fancy, “a humane and committed constituency MP of a type becoming increasingly rare at Westminster”.

Badger’s words were met with correspondence from those who wished to draw attention to their contention that Mr Hart’s past as Chief Executive of the Countryside Alliance made the word “humane”, at best, moot. That correspondence was featured, as was Badger’s somewhat pithy response. Mr Hart said: “I am interested that those who are opposed to hunting are those who appear to be obsessed about it and are constantly raising it.

“My priorities in my constituency are, I hope, basically the same as everyone else: jobs, housing, health, the future of Withybush. Of course, I have never made any secret about what I did before I was an MP.I am proud to have been associated with a 200 year old Pembrokeshire institution – the South Pembs Hunt. So, I have no problems. People must make their own judgements and if they found what I did before I was an MP too much to stomach, then I have to live with that.”

He continued: “The usual thing you hear about MP’s is that we are all the same and nobody knows what anyone stands for. I personally think that voters these days would prefer to vote for somebody who has beliefs and opinions and is prepared to stand by them. “It was not my party who spent 700 hours of parliamentary time debating hunting. In this Parliament not a single hour of debate has been devoted to the issue. I am not going to be accused of devoting time to a subject which, as I say, I never raised and which I never would have raised.”

We asked Mr Hart whether he was optimistic about the prospects for economic regeneration in his parliamentary constituency. He said: “I’m always somebody with a positive demeanour. Entering 2015, and trying to be realistic about the obstacles some families face, I am immensely proud of the fact that we have great businesses around here. Some of them are long-standing and some of them relatively new. This morning, I was at Atlantic trampolines in Pembroke Dock, who have sold 50,000 trampolines over the last few years and are selling their goods across the UK and worldwide.

“There is a lot to be positive about with small and medium-sized business opening up: the manufacture of the ZANO drone based at the BIC, in Pembroke Dock, puts us at the forefront of new and developing technologies. The lists of these new businesses is endless.” Simon Hart paused to take a sip of tea and continued: “It is fantastic we are seeing unemployment fall in the area. I hate it when people talk about jobs in tourism as “not proper jobs”.

If you are working on that caravan site or in that hotel, earning your own money and spending it in your community: that’s a proper job. I did that once and I think it is condescending of people to suggest that they are not proper jobs.” Looking at the loss of manufacturing jobs, at Murco and Cambrian Windows, Mr Hart acknowledged the challenges but remained upbeat: “There are career prospects in the County: I don’t want it to seem that I am looking at things through rose-tinted spectacles. There are a signifi cant number of new jobs being created and maintained. People are fi nding Pembrokeshire is a very good place to do business.”

In terms of what he has done for his constituents he replied: “My ambition is to provide a voice for people that they otherwise would not have. I like sticking up for the small guy. I think the role of an MP is become a bloody nuisance on behalf of people in need of help. “If that means knocking on the doors of the Welsh Government, the County Council and the Health Board, so be it. I know that there are times when the phone rings at County Hall when people go ‘oh no not him again’. Good!”

Moving on to discuss Withybush Hospital and the actions of the Health Board in respect of health services within Pembrokeshire, Simon Hart was very clear: “My frustration with Hywel Dda, and that should indicate how I feel about it, is that its communication is poor. It does not think it communicates either its intentions or its decisions effectively, either its staff or the public. This creates an information void which can be alarming.”

Visibly warming to a subject upon which he has campaigned vociferously, Mr Hart continued: “We need to know what the longterm is and whether the Board sees a future for Withybush. Without that we cannot plan for our families or our businesses. “One thing the Board says is an issue is recruitment, and it has blamed a lot of things for that being a problem for it, but the real issue affecting recruitment is the lack of certainty about Withybush’s future.

How does the Board think it will attract professionals to Pembrokeshire if nobody knows whether the jobs on offer are permanent? “The Board has created a selffulfi lling position for itself in recruitment. Until we have certainty about the future of the hospital for the next ten or fifteen years, we are still going to encounter that problem.”

Discussing the Welsh Government’s role in the NHS, Simon Hart expressed concerns that the Welsh NHS had not had its funding protected in the same way as the NHS in England. Speaking of a meeting he had the previous day with Mark Drakeford he said: “Mark Drakeford made some sensible points about the treatment of patients, but it worries me that the budget has been cut and that the public is losing confidence in the NHS.

“In relation to comparisons between the performance of the NHS in England and Wales, Mark Drakeford said that comparisons were unfair, and then proceeded to make some to illustrate his argument. “Whether it is true or not, people believe that the Welsh NHS is not as good and it has a signifi cant economic impact on Wales. We are trying to encourage people to come to Wales with their businesses and families, and the negative perception of the Welsh NHS is discouraging them.” The Herald will reveal part two of this interview next week.

Community

‘Last chance’ for Welsh households to pick up a tree in monumental planting scheme

Published

4 days ago

March 26, 2023

Tom Sinclair

COED CADW, the Woodland Trust in Wales, are urging people to take advantage of the final weekend of the Welsh Government’s tree giveaway, My Tree Our Forest, to help tackle the effects of climate change.

Over the past year, households across Wales have been collecting trees, free of charge, as part of the giveaway, with each tree contributing towards a National Forest for Wales. So far, the project has allocated tens of thousands of trees to Welsh households.

As part of the popular My Tree Our Forest initiative, over 60 collection hubs facilitated by Coed Cadw will close for the final time on 31st March 2023.

With each phase of the giveaway, more collection hubs were introduced across Wales to keep up with demand, including new hubs in Newtown, Llandrindod Wells, Conwy, Risca and more.

Ten different species of native and broadleaf trees are available to choose from and take home. These are: Hazel; Rowan; Hawthorn; Silver Birch; Crab Apple; Sessile Oak; Dogwood; Dog Rose; Field Maple; and Elder.

As well as cleaning the air and improving our mental health and wellbeing, broadleaf trees are a haven for birds and wildlife. Planting a tree in your garden can improve the biodiversity of your space by providing food and shelter for a range of different species.

Natalie Buttriss, Director of Coed Cadw said: “Tree planting season comes to an end this month, so this is the final window to collect a tree from your local hub and plant it at home to help fight the effects of climate change.

“Trees have always offered simple and cost-effective solutions to the challenges we all face and through the My Tree Our Forest initiative, we hope to inspire people from all backgrounds, regions and walks of life to play their part, and make the most of the multiple benefits trees can bring. Visit a local hub and plant a tree in ’23!”

Members of the Welsh public are encouraged to collect a tree, free of charge, from a local collection hub near them. On collection they will receive advice from trained volunteers on the best tree for their space, as well as how to plant and care for their new tree.

Those unable to attend a hub, can take part in the Plant a Tree for Me element of the campaign where a tree can be planted on their behalf by landowners providing green spaces as part of the scheme, helping to create a National Forest for Wales.

Community

Additional £657k invested in Welsh woodlands by The Woodland Investment Grant

Published

4 days ago

March 26, 2023

Tom Sinclair

THREE woodland projects in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Cardiff are the latest to benefit from a Welsh Government environmental grant programme.

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is getting £245,860 for the ‘Llys y Fran’ project in Pembrokeshire.

Carmarthenshire County Council has been awarded £219,397 for its Coed Ynys Dawela project near Brynamman.

And near Cardiff, St Fagans National Museum of History’s ‘Gwyrdd Ni’ project is receiving £191,786.

The money – £657,043 in total, comes from The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) which is run by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

These latest awards brings the overall investment by the TWIG programme since it launched in June 2022 to over £1.7 million – £1,715, 498.

Minister for Climate Change Julie James said: “We all know the importance of having access to green spaces and nature near to our homes and places of work. These projects will not only be of great importance for biodiversity but for the local communities that will benefit, enabling better access to our existing woodlands so more people can use and enjoy.

“As part of our National Forest programme these projects will help to restore and maintain some of Wales’s irreplaceable ancient woodlands, which in time will form a connected network running throughout Wales, bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.”

The TWIG programme provides grants of £40,000 – £250,000 to create, restore and enhance woodlands in Wales.

It is part of the Welsh Government’s National Forest for Wales programme and this is the second round of five funding awards to be made over two years.

Welcoming the announcements, Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales said:

“Funding natural heritage projects which help tackle the effects of climate change and support nature’s recovery is a key priority for The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales. The Woodland Investment Grant in partnership with the Welsh Government is just one of the ways that we are meeting this objective.

“From the creation of new woodlands and the restoration of others, these grants will also contribute to the National Forest for Wales programme, enhance capacity to adapt to the climate crisis and bring direct health benefits to the people and communities involved.”

One project benefitting close to home is run by Welsh Water. They are getting £245,860 for the ‘Llys y Fran’ project in Pembrokeshire. The project will focus on delivering multi-purpose woodlands to create access to them for recreation, tourism, community engagement, education and learning opportunities, as well as enhancing the woodland and creating a wildlife corridor around the reservoir. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water will bring the woodlands up to National Forest of Wales standards and promote tourism, health and wellbeing. Culverts and bridges will be installed to open up a 6.5 mile route to a wider range of visitors including those who require mobility equipment or pushchairs.

Vicky Martin, Head of Visitor Attraction Strategy at Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water said: “We are delighted to be awarded this funding which will enable us to bring the woodlands around Llys-y-frân Lake up to National Forest of Wales outcomes allowing us to promote tourism, health, and well-being, whilst also enhancing the biodiversity in a much-loved and valued area.

“Collaboration with the local community is important to Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water. This project will support the creation of a forest school and will develop volunteers’ skills and knowledge, along with broadening public access by providing accessible green spaces for the community and visitors.”

Further east in Carmarthenshire, the county council has been awarded £219,397 for the Coed Ynys Dawela project at the Ynys Dawela Nature Park near Brynamman. A mix of semi-ancient woodland and secondary woodland, it provides a unique habitat for a diverse range of wildlife including the marsh fritillary butterfly is a valuable community resource used by a wide range of people and the local primary school. Work will include coppicing of selected areas to improve the structure of the woodland; installing approximately 400m of boardwalk over wet areas; replacing existing bridges with drainage pipes to reduce the around of maintenance required; improving signage to the site and creating a webpage about it.

Cllr. Gareth John, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: “This grant funding will create the opportunity to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the woodland and meadows at Ynys Dawela for the present and for the future.

“Through the use of this fund, we will be able to showcase the incredible diversity of natural life in the woodlands and meadows and, in doing so, create and maintain a space for the whole community to enjoy and cherish.

“Opportunities will be created for the local community to benefit from the investment by offering a wide range of wellbeing activities, which include the chance to learn new woodland and outdoor based skills. Volunteering opportunities will also be created with a mix of citizen science opportunities, volunteer ranger roles, and conservation workdays.”

St Fagans National Museum of History is getting £191,786 for its ‘Gwyrdd Ni’ (Verdure/’Our lush green vegetation’) project to enhance an existing deciduous woodland on its site outside Cardiff. Many of the trees there are over 100-years old, consisting of a mixed broadleaf canopy of oak, elm, sycamore, beech, ash, cherry, and birch. The current ground layer is a fallen mix of bramble, nettle, and fern. The vigorous growth of bramble and hung-up windblown trees restrict access. The project will create a dynamic and interpretative woodland which will be managed not just through the seasons, but as it matures and evolves.

Janet Wilding, Head of Estates, St Fagans Museum of National History said: “We are delighted to receive funding for Gwyrdd Ni project. Thank you to the Welsh Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund! The funding from The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) will give our visitors the opportunity to explore Gwyrdd Ni woodland at St Fagans National Museum of History.

“We will be installing an accessible footpath through the woodland to provide a peaceful, wellbeing walk with interpretation panels about the trees and wildlife, supported by the Welsh Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund and as part of the National Forest for Wales programme. We will also be providing an area dedicated to school groups to introduce them to wellbeing as well as nature.”

Community

Preseli MP kicks off The Great British Spring Clean with roadside litter pick

Published

1 week ago

March 21, 2023

Tom Sinclair

PRESELI Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has called for action to halt the growing quantity of litter discarded on roadside verges across Pembrokeshire. “Litter plaguing county could jeopardise Pembrokeshire’s tourism reputation”, he said.

The MP has used the start of The Great British Spring Clean 2023, which runs from 17th March to 2nd April, to draw attention to the state of the County’s green verges and hedgerows, some of which are now strewn with drink cans, coffee cups and fast-food cartons. As well as damaging the environment, the volume of litter risks undermining Pembrokeshire’s reputation as a wonderful place for tourists to visit.

Hearing direct from Pembrokeshire residents concerned about the increase in litter, Stephen Crabb MP has called on Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to step up and take action ahead of the busy tourism season.

Stephen and his team, together with Johnston County Councillor Aled Thomas, gathered for a litter pick around Johnston on the first day of the British Spring Clean on Friday 17th March.

Commenting during the litter picking session, Stephen Crabb said, “I’m really concerned right now about the amount of litter that I am seeing. It’s the worst it’s ever been. Today, we have been picking up lots of fast-food wrappers, cigarette packets, energy drink cans and coffee cups scattered along the roadsides – it’s a real disgrace.”

He commended local efforts by groups such as the Newgale Beach Wombles and Eco Dewi and others who regularly volunteer their time to help keep our beaches and County clear of rubbish. He urged residents to think about how they are disposing their litter and encouraged people consider becoming a Litter Champion – part of the Keep Wales Tidy campaign.

He added, “Locals are raising it with me all the time at the moment and it’s a wide-spread problem across the County. People are really fed up of it. I am also concerned about the impression that it provides to tourists who visit our County for its outstanding natural beauty.”

The MP used equipment provided by one of the six Caru Cymru‘s Keep Wales Tidy community litter picking hubs across Pembrokeshire. They provide equipment free of charge to members of the community. This includes litter pickers, hoops, hi-vis vests and bin bags. The kit also contains all necessary health and safety guidance and support on competing a Litter Picking Loan Agreement and a Risk Assessment.

Stephen Crabb has also called on Welsh Government Education Minister, Jeremy Miles, to use the new Welsh curriculum to educate and help influence behaviour in young people in primary and secondary education on litter prevention.

County Councillor Aled Thomas said, “We all have a responsibility to keep our communities as clean as possible and to show our natural environment at its best. We have to be pro-active and do our bit and stop turning a blind eye to the problem that we have here in Pembrokeshire.”

In his letter to the Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, he wrote “I appreciate there is considerable pressure on the maintenance team covering Pembrokeshire but there is enormous strength of public feeling about this issue locally. Local people are being asked again to pay large increases in Council Tax; they want to see core functions delivered well.”