AM Welcomes Announcement

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES FISHERIES STRATEGY
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming today’s announcement of an Assembly Government Welsh Fisheries Strategy, following the recent public consultation on the issue. The Wales Fisheries Strategy looks at the future of the industry until 2020 across all sectors of aquaculture, commercial fisheries and recreational fisheries. The strategy is supported by an annually reviewed implementation plan.Mr Sargeant said: “I warmly welcome what is the first ever Welsh Fisheries Strategy. It aims to support the development of viable and sustainable fisheries in Wales whilst safeguarding the environment. “Fishing is one of Wales’ oldest industries, benefiting our economy with some 3,500 jobs and an income of £200m. Recreational fishing attracts thousands of visitors to Wales every year.“A sustainable and viable fishing industry needs to be effectively managed and regulated. The strategy seeks to do this and to secure the future of the Welsh fishing industry.”

AM Seeks Constituents Views

CARL SARGEANT AM SEEKS VIEWS ON PROPOSED POST OFFICE CLOSURES
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is consulting with local residents on today’s announcement that the Post Offices in Cymau, Pontybodkin, and Golftyn have been marked for closure. In the latter case it is understood that alternative service provision could be considered.Mr Sargeant said: “I am seeking the views and experiences of local people in Golftyn, Cymau, and Pontybodkin in order to make strong representations in response to the Post Office’s current consultation on these closures. I would like to gather as many views as possible. I am determined that Post Offices should remain open where they are viable.“I am keen to hear how often people use these Post Offices, and what services in particular they value. I would like to hear people’s views on how the closures would directly impact upon them or affect their quality of life. I will be sure to include any responses in my own submission to the consultation. “Constituents can write to me at carl.sargeant@wales.gov.uk or at the National Assembly for Wales, Freepost SWC 3358, Cardiff Bay, CF99 1GY.”The Post Office Ltd’s seven week public consultation will end on 15 September.

AM Welcomes Announcement

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES NEW DRIVE TO IMPROVE CANCER SERVICES
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming today’s announcement of a new drive to improve cancer services in Wales.
The Assembly Government has published a programme of work for the NHS, regional cancer networks and other groups over the next three years to help prevent cancer, improve early detection and increase access to treatment. The programme of work includes:• a review of genetic testing and surveillance of families at risk of certain cancers to ensure that increasing demand is met;• a national survey of patients’ experience of the cancer care they received;• patient groups, cancer networks and the Cancer Services Co-ordinating Group to review and make recommendations to the Welsh Assembly Government on further waiting times targets;• development and implementation of new national standards for children and young people suffering from cancer, rehabilitation, brain cancer and sarcoma; and• implementation of the HPV vaccination programme to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, starting in September 2008.
Mr Sargeant said: “The Assembly Government has made tackling cancer and improving services for people with cancer one of its main priorities.“I am confident that today’s programme of work will help us make real progress towards our goals of reducing death rates from cancer in those under 75 by 20 per cent by 2012 and achieving comparable five-year survival rates with the best in Europe by 2015. “Today’s programme follows the announcement of an additional £4.5m each year to improve services, and a further £12million to replace and enhance facilities at the North Wales Cancer Centre.”

AM Welcomes Plans

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES AMBULANCE IMPROVEMENT MOVE
Moves to further improve the performance and planning of ambulance services have today been welcomed by local Labour AM Carl Sargeant.
The Assembly Government has asked the Welsh Ambulance Service to work with a logistics expert to look at how they can improve on some of the progress which has already been made on response times and cover.
This will involve reviewing the arrangements for planning and managing the deployment of vehicles and staff to meet the needs of patients.
Mr Sargeant said: “Since 2006, the Assembly Government has invested £22 million in new vehicles to improve response times and the quality of service that patients receive.
“While there have been improvements, I know that some problems remain in the performance of the service in areas of Wales, including some involving response times and cover. That is why I welcome today’s announcement of further measures to make sure that these issues are addressed.
“Our ambulance staff do a fantastic job in difficult circumstances and I am pleased that they will be fully involved in this new work. Their skills and experience will be vital in moving the ambulance service forward in Wales.”

Splashing Time

“SPLASH OUT THIS SUMMER,” SAYS CARL SARGEANT AM

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is reminding children in Alyn and Deeside that they can once again swim for free at their local pool this summer holiday.
Mr Sargeant said: “The Assembly’s free swimming initiative is the first of its kind in Europe. It is aimed at increasing participation in physical activity and improving the health and well-being of the nation by removing barriers and improving access to local authority leisure services. So far it has been a tremendous success.“Under 16s can swim for free throughout the summer break, which is great news for Mums and Dads who are looking to keep their children active and entertained. With the dreary weather we have been having so far this summer, I can’t imagine a better place than the local pool for children to have fun. The pools are supervised with lifeguards on hand, so there is that vital peace of mind for parents too.“To avoid disappointment I would recommend calling ahead to check on session times”Buckley Leisure Centre: 01244 544469Connah's Quay Swimming Pool: 01244 819561

AM Welcomes Evidence

CARL SARGEANT AM GIVES CAUTIOUS WELCOME TO SALT INTAKE REPORT

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming the publication of new evidence today by the Food Standards Agency, which shows the UK’s average daily salt consumption has fallen from 9.5g to 8.6g since 2000. However, although the recent figures show an encouraging decline in salt levels, Mr Sargeant is warning that more work is needed to meet the Government's target of 6g a day. Mr Sargeant said: “It is certainly encouraging news that the message that we need to be reducing our salt intake seems to be hitting home. “Eating too much salt is a significant risk factor in developing high blood pressure, which can triple the risk of heart disease and stroke. Reducing our daily intake of salt to 6g could prevent 20,200 premature deaths a year in the UK.“There has to be a three-pronged attack on high levels of salt in the diet. The Food Standards Agency reports that whilst some food manufacturers are making substantial progress in reducing salt, there is still scope to do more. Further, with the average person eating one in six meals out of the home every week, there is certainly a role for the catering industry in helping us reduce salt intake. Finally, and most importantly, there has to be greater education and involvement from individuals in making the right low-salt choices.”

AM Highlights Report

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS MOTORING REPORT

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is highlighting the findings of a new report which reveals how drivers in the UK are driving in an environmentally un-friendly manner.The British International Motor Show has conducted research into the driving habits of people in the UK, which has highlighted several areas of concern.Mr Sargeant explains: “The report shows how one third of us admit to keeping our car boots full of non-essential items. This adds weight to the vehicle, and puts more pressure on the engine. Meanwhile more than a quarter said they drive with under-inflated tyres and ten percent said they rev their engines, which also wastes fuel and increases engine wear and tear.“The survey did find that 70 percent of use care about reducing our carbon emissions when driving, although most of us are unsure of how to do so. Removing unnecessary items from the boot, inflating tyres properly, and not revving the engine are good ways to start.”

AM Welcomes Announcement

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES ACTION ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has welcomed an Assembly Government announcement of five steps to increase the number of affordable housing for people in Wales, make improvements for tenants and local communities, reduce bureaucracy and encourage innovation. The first five steps are: o Giving registered social landlords - mainly housing associations - more flexibility to make greater use of their assets to borrow more money to fund building more homes, and provide additional facilities for communities. o Cutting red tape - make the application process more streamlined for housing associations to seek permission to borrow money to invest in new property o Encouraging housing associations to provide new homes to higher standards that will reduce carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency which will help cut household fuel bills. o Making it easier for housing associations to apply for Physical Adaptation Grants , and prevent backlogs in carrying out adaptations to the homes of some of our more vulnerable tenants. o Giving housing associations greater freedom when working with Local Authorities to purchase existing properties.Mr Sargeant said: “The Assembly Government has acted quickly, putting in place this package of measures only a month after the publication of the major Essex Report on affordable housing. The measures address some of the key recommendations of the report which was commissioned by the Assembly Government in October 2007 to look at how the Assembly Government could deliver its commitment to make at least 6,500 extra affordable homes available.”

AM Highlights Pass Plus Cymru

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS PASS PLUS CYMRU

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is urging constituents to take advantage of Pass Plus Cymru – a major initiative that encourages young drivers to take the opportunity of further training. It is an enhanced version of the Driving Standards Agency’s original Pass Plus scheme which has been available since 1995. Mr Sargeant said: “There is very widespread concern regarding the disproportionate numbers of young drivers and young passengers killed or injured annually on Wales’ roads. The Pass Plus course will help young drivers build on their existing skills and knowledge to help reduce their risk of being involved in a road crash. “As a result of special Welsh Assembly funding, local authorities will be able to heavily subsidise the course, meaning that the cost to participants is just £20. “I would recommend that all young drivers take this opportunity to enhance their skills for the sake of their own safety on the roads, and that of their passengers. I am very hopeful that this scheme can help us reduce the tragic losses of young lives that occur on roads in Wales.” Young drivers will be able to book a course online via a dedicated young drivers’ website: http://www.dragondriver.com/, or by phoning 08450 504255.

AM Highlights Nurse Awards

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS CDNA NHS 60 NURSE AWARDS

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is urging local community nurses to consider nominating their colleagues for a prestigious award from the Community and District Nursing Association.
Mr Sargeant said: “The CDNA is marking the NHS 60th anniversary celebrations by highlighting the commitment of community nurses in the UK to the NHS in the past, present and future, with a new and prestigious awards scheme.
“Making a nomination would be a wonderful way in which to honour the work of local community nurses who have been inspirational to their colleagues, or to encourage those who have particular potential.”
Nurses must be nominated by three colleagues.
There are two awards – one for a community nurse who has recently retired (since July 2007) or who is due to retire (in 2008). They must have worked in community nursing for at least 20 years of which 10 years must have been or still is, as a district nurse. The winner will be someone who embodies the values of the NHS and is a role model for district nurses and who has served their local region as a dedicated community nurse.
The second award will go to a community nurse who demonstrates the potential to be a role model for community nurses/primary care practitioners and contribute significantly to the development of community nursing, as part of the future of the NHS. The Wales regional winners will go on to compete for the title of overall UK winners, who will attend an awards dinner at the Houses of Parliament in November.The deadline for nominations is July 5th. For more information see http://www.cdnaonline.org/.

On your Bike

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES CYCLE ROUTE USAGE REPORT

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming the news that the number of journeys made on the National Cycle Network has increased for the eighth year in succession.
The newly released National Cycle Network Route User Monitoring Report for 2007 shows that a total of 354 million walking and cycling trips were made on the UK’s network last year.
Mr Sargeant said: “The Assembly Government is keen to continue expanding and improving local access to safe walking and cycling routes in Wales in order that people can walk and cycle for their everyday journeys such as going to school, work, or shopping, as well as for recreational purposes.
“Research shows that nearly two thirds of our car journeys are under 5 miles – which could be cycled on the network in under 30 minutes, and a quarter of our car journeys are actually under a mile – a distance that can be comfortably walked by most people.
“With the rising price of oil, concerns about health and climate change, it really does make good sense to walk or cycle. I am confident that we will continue to see year on year increases in the number of people choosing to travel in ways which benefit their health and our environment.”

AM Warns Residents To Be Extra Vigilant

CARL SARGEANT AM WARNS OF BOGUS CALLERS

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is warning local residents to be vigilant after three men claiming to be ‘DVLA officials’ conned a Broughton man out of £80.
The men said that the victim’s car tax had expired and threatened to take the car away. The victim was then taken to a nearby cash machine where he withdrew £80, which the conmen took.
Mr Sargeant said: “Local residents should be vigilant. Remember that genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment to see you, and will carry an identity card with a photograph. Also, they won’t mind if you want to phone and confirm their identity or want to rearrange the appointment.”
All three conmen spoke with a broad Irish accent. Anyone with information relating to this crime should contact PC 1644 Phillip Mather at Saltney Police Station on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Keep Wales Tidy

CARL SARGEANT AM SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR PRESTIGIOUS KEEP WALES TIDY AWARDS
The search is on to find groups, individuals and businesses across Wales that have gone the extra mile to rid our towns, villages and countryside of wanton damage and unpleasant littering.
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is seeking local nominations for the prestigious annual Keep Wales Tidy awards, which are sponsored by the Environment Agency Wales and Visit Wales.
Mr Sargeant said: “These awards seek to recognise those people who have made a real difference to our communities. So many volunteers give of their time and talents to keep Wales tidy, and this is a great way for us to say thank you for their efforts.”
There are prizes of £500 in eleven categories, and an overall winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy and an additional £1,000: Large partnership award River improvementBeach improvement SchoolBusiness Tourism Industry Public Sector Long-term effort Individuals Woodland improvement Community group
The deadline for nominations is the end of September, and the awards ceremony will take place in November.
For more information, see: www.keepwalestidy.org or email twa@keepwalestidy.org.

Support For Cancer Research

CHARITY AMBASSADOR PUTS CANCERAT THE TOP OF THE POLITICAL AGENDA
An Alyn and Deeside woman has been taking action to improve cancer services and policy for Wales up to 2020 and beyond by lobbying their local politician at a special event in Cardiff on Wednesday 2 July.
In their first duty as a Cancer Research UK ambassador, Joanne, from Connahs Quay, spoke to Carl Sargeant AM at the reception, which coincided with the charity’s Race for Life event in the city’s Bute Park.
Joanne was part of a group of volunteer campaigners from across Wales who went to meet their AMs and spread the word about Cancer Research UK’s Cancer 2020 campaign.
The Cancer 2020 campaign calls on the Welsh Assembly Government to introduce a Cancer Plan for Wales. The 2000 Cancer Plan in England and its 2002 equivalent in Scotland, both recently revised, have led to important advances in cancer, such as reduced waiting times and increased survival rates. Cancer Research UK, along with its partners in the Wales Cancer Alliance, would like to see the same commitment to beating cancer in Wales.
Joanne convinced Carl Sargeant AM to commit to taking action on behalf of the campaign. Carl Sargeant AM said: “It was really useful to meet Joanne today. She has highlighted to me some important issues around cancer services in Wales. I support Cancer Research UK’s Cancer 2020 campaign and will be following up on the actions I’ve committed to today.”
Joanne said: “It is enormously helpful to have the support of Carl Sargeant AM for the Cancer 2020 campaign in Wales, which aims to get a commitment from the Welsh Assembly Government to plan for the future of cancer by introducing a Cancer Plan.”
For more information on Cancer Research UK’s Cancer 2020 campaign, please visit http://www.cancercampaigns.org.uk/.
If you are interested in becoming an Cancer Research UK Ambassador contact the CancerCampaigns Team on campaigning@cancer.org.uk or write to the CancerCampaigns Team, Cancer Research UK, FREEPOST WC4066/3, London, WC2A 3BR.

Young Artists Competition

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is urging young artists in Alyn and Deeside to get creative during their summer break and enter Sustrans’ Christmas card competition!Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity, concerned with encouraging people to choose to travel in ways that benefit both their health and the environment. Mr Sargeant said: “The theme of the artwork must be Christmas and/or winter... with a sustainable flavour! The style of the artwork can be traditional or contemporary, and the medium can be either artwork or photograph. I’m sure that the grim weather we are having at the moment will provide plenty of inspiration for some truly wintry scenes!”
Judges at Sustrans will choose one winner whose entry will be turned into a Sustrans Christmas Card for the 2008 range. The winner will receive 200 cards of their printed design, and runners up will receive a Sustrans t-shirt.
The competition is open to all schools pupils in the UK between the ages 5 -16yrs. Entries must be sent to Sustrans, Information & Trading Team, 2 Cathedral Square, Bristol, BS1 5DD by 22nd September 2008. Please include contact details on the back of your entry including name, age and school contact number. Initial entries may be electronic versions/copies.
For further information, see Sustrans.org.uk.

Teacher of the Year Award

CARL SARGEANT AM CALLS FOR TEACHER AWARD NOMINATIONS

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is urging his constituents to nominate teachers for the ITV Teacher of the Year Award. Every year, millions of viewers celebrate the unsung heroes on ITV1 at the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards. The ITV Teacher of the Year Award is for exceptional teachers who have made an outstanding contribution to the lives of their pupils. The AM said: “Given the excellent work that teachers do in Alyn and Deeside, I really hope that pupils and parents will nominate our teachers for this special recognition of their contributions. The work of teachers in shaping the future generations is crucial, and these awards are a great way in which to show how much we value their work.”Nominations can be made for teachers at all levels of education, and nomination forms can be accessed on www.itvlocal.com/teacher. The deadline for applications is 1st August 2008.

AM Congratulates Local School

CARL SARGEANT AM CELEBRATES CASTELL ALUN SCHOOL COOKING SUCCESS
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming the news that Castell Alun High School emerged as the winner of the Welsh heat in Sainsbury’s Active Kids Get Cooking 2008 special challenge, in the Secondary School category. Challenged to prepare a recipe from local ingredients only, Castell Alun student Nicola Peate produced a dish of cheesy Welsh stuffed aubergine, followed by strawberry, orange and Caerphilly crumble. This did not only meet the level of the most inventive and nutritious dishes, but stood out in the eyes of impressed judges Jamie Oliver and Pru Leith.Mr. Sargeant said: “It is incredibly important to raise the profile of the regional foods that we are lucky enough to have, and particularly when it is done in a healthy and creative way. It is essential that kids and adults alike not only eat well, but become more aware of where their food comes from. I am very pleased to see Castell Alun High School leading the way in promoting healthy eating from an early age. This will bode well for future generations and ensure that they keep fitter and live longer.”The AM encouraged other schools to take an interest in the scheme, by signing up on http://www.activekidsgetcooking.org.uk/.

AM Highlights Report

CARL SARGEANT AM HIGHLIGHTS NAO ENERGY REPORT

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is highlighting a new report from the National Audit Office which shows that a typical household could save 30 per cent, or £280 a year, from their energy bills by making small changes. The report also states that 71 per cent of households leave appliances on standby, 63 per cent forget to turn lights off in rooms and 28 per cent leave heating on when their house is unoccupied.Mr Sargeant said: “It makes good environmental sense that we should all switch off appliances when not in use. With energy prices at such high levels, this report has shown that there are easy ways in which we can make significant savings.“Turning lights off in empty rooms and not leaving appliances on standby seem like such small measures – but the energy used really does add up. We can literally cut our bills by 30 percent in the flick of a switch.“I also welcome in particular the report’s finding that the obligation on energy suppliers to provide energy efficiency measures has been successful, particularly in targeting vulnerable households.”

AM Welcomes Investment

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES MAJOR INVESTMENT IN THE NHS IN WALES

Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, is welcoming today’s announcement by the Assembly Government of an investment of more than £100million in new buildings and equipment to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS. More than £25million of the funding will be used to re-develop and improve the units at Wrexham-Maelor Hospital for adults and older people living with mental health conditions. Latest plans to replace and enhance facilities at the North Wales Cancer Centre have been approved, and will now be backed by more than £12million.These developments will be funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. Mr Sargeant said: “I warmly welcome this new capital investment in our NHS. The Assembly Government has invested significantly in the NHS, and is continuing to do so, with the result that we are seeing faster and better treatment for patients in Wales. We are creating good working environments for our dedicated NHS staff. “This announcement reconfirms our commitment to the NHS in this it’s 60th year. It is fitting that we mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS by investing in its future.”

AM Welcomes Announcement

CARL SARGEANT AM CELEBRATES THE WOMEN’S LAND ARMY
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has welcomed an announcement detailing the new efforts to honour former members and veterans of the Women’s Land Army and Women's Timber Corps. In December, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced its intention to honour the contributions made by the Women’s Land Army by presenting each surviving member with a badge to commemorate and celebrate the sacrifices and hard work they undertook for their fellow citizens during World War II.A ceremony will now be held at No.10 Downing Street on 23rd July for around fifty Land Girls from across the country representing their former colleagues. They will meet the Prime Minister and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn, and be presented with their badges. Land Girls across the country will then be sent their badge and a certificate in the following weeks.Mr Sargeant said: “I warmly welcome today’s confirmation that the women of the Women’s Land Army and Timber Corps will receive their long-awaited badge of honour. “The Women’s Land Army provided vital support for their country during the Second World War and I am delighted that they we have this new opportunity to celebrate their efforts.
“The achievements of these women not only helped in the war effort for their friends, neighbours, and the country more widely, but they also aided the long term goals of fighting for greater women’s rights and equality.
“We owe a great debt to The Women’s Land Army. Their selfless service to the country deserves the recognition that this badge will represent.“Over 29,000 applications for the badge have so far been received. Any constituents who are interested in making an application can call my office on 01244 823547 and I will be happy to assist.”