Support For Fair Trade Fornight

Carl Sargeant AM Urges Residents to Consider Buying Fair Trade Goods
Carl Sargeant, Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside, is urging his constituents to consider buying Fair Trade goods as Fair Trade Fortnight kicks off.
The two week campaign, which runs until Sunday March 7, aims to promote a fairer deal for workers in the developing world.
A number of ‘Big Swap’ events are taking place across the country where consumers are able to swap regular products for fair trade products.
Carl said: “Fair Trade is about making sure that we all play our part in encouraging sustainable development which offers better working rights and process for marginalized producers and workers in countries across the world.” “There is a lot we can do as consumers, communities and businesses and I would encourage everyone in Alyn & Deeside to buy Fair Trade goods wherever possible.”
“Enormous progress has been made in Wales regarding Fair Trade and the Big Swap is another great way to spread the message.”
To find your closest Big Swap event visit www.fairtrade.org.uk.
For more information on Fair Trade in Wales visit www.Fairtradewales.com or call 029 2080 3293

AM Welcomes Extra Funding

Carl Sargeant AM Welcomes Extra Funding for Vulnerable Older and Disabled People in Wales

Carl Sargeant, Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside, has welcomed the announcement that extra funding will be made available for vulnerable older and disabled people in Wales. The Labour-led Assembly Government has announced a £4.9m Wales-wide package to provide practical help for older and disabled people to remain in their own homes. The funding has been awarded to Care and Repair Cymru and to the individual Care and Repair agencies across Wales.
The service helps older people and people with disabilities to repair, improve and adapt their homes to enable them to continue living in them by offering a range of services including:
• advice about housing options• advice on funding and technical matters• practical assistance in completing forms, finding a reliable builder, arranging plans and schedules of work and inspecting the quality of building work• co-ordination of all the services needed to successfully complete the work• provision of direct in-house fast-track solutions
Carl said:
“If older and disabled people want to stay in their own homes, it is right that they are given a helping hand to do so. The extra funding announced today will bolster the excellent current services that we already have and, in doing so, will go a long way in helping many to adapt their homes in line with their changing needs. This is another example of the Labour-led Assembly Government demonstrating its commitment to helping the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Rural Development Plan

Carl Sargeant AM Praises WAG Support of Rural Communities
Carl Sargeant, Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside, is delighted to mark the two-year anniversary of the Rural Development Plan and has spoken of the benefits that it has brought to Wales.
It was announced today that more than £225 million has been spent on developing rural communities since Wales’ Rural Development Plan 2007-13 was approved two years ago.
The Rural Development Plan (RDP) for Wales 2007-13 was formally approved by the European Commission on 20 February 2008, bringing a total of £795million to rural Wales. Of this, £195million represents the European Union Contribution.
The RDP is the mechanism by which the Welsh Assembly Government delivers activities which support the countryside and rural communities, encouraging the sustainable management of agriculture and the environment.
A range of schemes supporting individuals and groups is funded through the RDP, from the farm business support scheme Farming Connect, to agri-environment schemes and funds to support community enterprises and rural businesses.
Carl said:
“Through the Rural Development Plan, the Welsh Assembly Government has given rural areas in Wales the opportunity to operate in a competitive and sustainable environment. This has meant businesses have been able to expand, and so jobs have been created and made more secure. I am delighted therefore that, on its two-year anniversary, we can see the level of financial commitment that has so far been made. I look forward to seeing the range of benefits that this, along with the continued investment, will bring to rural Wales in the coming years.”

Major Boost For Local Community

Carl Sargeant AM Delighted with Funding Boost for Treuddyn Village Hall

The Village Hall in Treuddyn is set to benefit from a major funding boost of over £125,000, thanks to a popular grant scheme from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.

Local Labour AM Carl Sargeant has welcomed the news as a shot in the arm to community life and the local economy.

The Community Facilities and Activities Programme funding will go a long way in refurbishing the Village Hall, including an extension that will make it compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Carl said:

“This is great news and I’m delighted that Treuddyn Village Hall has been successful in its application for this funding. It will help them to carry on their good work in our communities.”

“The funding is also a further shot in the arm for community life and the local economy during these difficult times.”

“The project is one of 46 across Wales to benefit from the latest round of the Welsh Assembly Government’s popular Community Facilities and Activities Programme. In total, £7 million is being invested in these 46 projects over three financial years.”

“The programme is not just about buildings. It’s about people, regenerating our towns and villages and restoring a sense of community spirit.”

AM Supports Campaign

Carl Sargeant AM Encourages Alyn & Deeside to go ‘Red for Heart’

Carl Sargeant AM, alongside the British Heart Foundation (BHF), is encouraging residents of his Alyn & Deeside constituency to join National Wear Red Day on Friday 26th February 2010 and to follow the BEAT health code.

By wearing red, for a suggested donation of £1, participants will help the BHF save lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information.

The campaign also raises awareness of the BEAT health code, which encourages taking simple steps to improve heart health. The code urges participants to Be active, to Eat healthily, to Avoid smoking and to Take the lifestyle check.

Carl said: “I’d urge anyone that would like to help raise awareness of heart health to take part in this campaign. The National Wear Red Day is a positive step in highlighting of this very important health issue and will no doubt encourage people to think a little bit more about how they look after their hearts.”

For more information on National Wear Red Day and the BEAT health code - visit bhf.org.uk or call 0845 2410976.

Local History Campaign

CARL SARGEANT AM SUPPORTING LOCAL HERITAGE PROJECT
Carl Sargeant, local AM for Alyn & Deeside is urging local residents with memories of Connahs Quay’s past and tales of local history about the Town, to take part in an exciting project to create a heritage trail that will preserve the rich history of the Town.Friends of Flintshire Community Café based at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Connahs Quay, Connahs Quay High School and Groundwork trust are working together to complete a Connahs Quay Heritage Trail Project; with the first phase having been completed last year.Young students from Connahs Quay High School are to produce a heritage trail leaflet detailing points of historical interest in the Town and would like local residents to assist with memories about the Town.Carl Sargeant local Welsh Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside who is supporting the project said;“There is a wealth of history about Connahs Quay and I am certain that local people will support the project, with the assistance of local memories a local heritage trail will preserve the history of Connahs Quay for generations to come.”Any local residents who would like to get involved should contact Carl Sargeant’s Constituency Office for further details on 01244 823547.

Support For Energy Advice

CARL SARGEANT AM SUPPORTS ENERGY ADVICE ROADSHOWS
Alyn & Deeside Welsh Assembly Member, Carl Sargeant is urging local residents to take full advantage of the Energy Advice Road shows that are taking place across Flintshire over the coming weeks.
North Wales Energy Advice Centre is holding Energy Advice Road shows at local supermarkets in the County over the next few weeks.
Carl Sargeant, Welsh Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside said;
“I would urge local residents to attend the very helpful roadshows and check what grants are on offer to insulate their homes and reduce their energy bills; loft and cavity wall insulation can save families an average of £265 a year on heating bills.”
The North Wales Energy Advice Roadshows are due to take place on the following dates in Alyn & Deeside.
06/03/2010 – Broughton Retail Park and 20/03/2010 – Somerfield, Connah’s Quay
Residents attending the road shows can receive advice on a wide range of energy saving options, including the Flint-sulate scheme whereby eligible households could qualify for up to 65% discounts on loft and cavity wall insulation.
Additional support is available in the area for vulnerable residents and the elderly to combat fuel poverty, including grants for central heating where there is none.

CARL SARGEANT AM SUPPORTING NATIONAL NEST BOX WEEK

Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside is supporting National Nest Box Week which runs from14-21st February this year. The natural nest sites on which many of our bird species depend, such as holes in trees and buildings, are fast disappearing as gardens and woods are ‘tidied’ and old houses are repaired. Since National Nest Box Week was launched in 1997, thousands of enthusiastic naturalists across the UK have put up boxes to compensate for this loss. It is estimated that there are now 5-6 million boxes in gardens across the UK.
Carl Sargeant AM said, ” Nesting Birds could include Blue Tits through to Robins or Flycatchers depending on the setting and size of box. Wildlife brings a new dimension to our gardens and community. It is important that we do as much as we can to help nesting birds at the start of the season. It is also a great activity to involve the whole family, from setting the box to monitoring activity and hopefully, having a successful nesting box.”
National Nest Box Week is great for birds. Starting on St Valentine's Day, it's the time we remind ourselves to provide homes for dozens of species, from Blue Tits to Barn Owls.
“If you've never built a nest box before, why not give it a go this year? Or if you haven't got the time, it's easy to buy a good one. Go on, take part for Britain's birds!" says BBC “TV’s Conservationist - Simon King.”

AM Welcomes Additional Funding

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR YOUNG PERSON’S JOB SCHEME
Alyn & Deeside, Welsh Assembly Member, Carl Sargeant, has today welcomed the announcement of additional funding to help young people find employment.
In December 2009, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published a White Paper, Building Britain’s Recovery: Achieving Full Employment. The White Paper announced DWP’s intention to bring forward eligibility for the Young Person’s Guarantee to the six month stage of unemployment. The Young Person’s Guarantee provides a guaranteed offer of a job, work placement or training place for all long-term unemployed 18-24 year olds.
The Welsh Assembly Government has committed to deliver the Young Person’s Guarantee in Wales and has provided additional funding amounting to nearly £5m to deliver the Guarantee in Wales. The funding is in addition to a £20.5m package to support youth unemployment which was secured in the December 2009 budget.
Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside said;
“The additional funding for the Young Person’s Guarantee will enable more young people in Flintshire to benefit from the scheme and to secure the skills they need to find satisfying and sustainable careers.”
The additional funding from the Labour led Welsh Assembly Government will ensure that the Young Persons Guarantee will provide;
Additional places of the full-time work-focussed training programme;
Training support for young people entering employment through the Routes into Work initiative so that they are better able to sustain their employment;
Training support for young people entering temporary employment through the Future Jobs Fund so that they acquire a range of skills that will help to ensure they can progress to permanent employment as soon as possible.
Carl Sargeant AM added;
“The Young Person’s Guarantee is an important part of the Welsh Assembly response to the recession I am confident that the Guarantee will deliver real benefits for young people and the communities in which they live by helping them to develop the skills they need to find and to sustain employment.”

AM Welcomes Announcement

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT OFNEW BOILER SCRAPPAGE SCHEME
Householders in Alyn & Deeside are set to benefit from a new boiler scrappage scheme introduced by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.
£2.5m has been allocated to the scheme which is expected to help up to 5,000 homes across Wales.
A further £1.4m has been allocated towards tackling fuel poverty tackle through the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme.
Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside said the scrappage scheme, which will be launched from April 1, would bring great benefit to those needing to replace their inefficient older boilers.
Carl Sargeant AM said: “This is great news for the people of Alyn & Deeside this boiler scrappage scheme will save hundreds of pounds for many householders who are currently suffering from fuel poverty.
“It will also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions – a key part of Labour’s green agenda.
“The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme has already assisted over 100,000 households with heating and insulation measures across Wales and so the extra £1.4m will ensure residents will continue to see the benefits of this.
“Details of the application process are still being finalised but for further information please contact my office at Deeside Enterprise Centre, Rowley’s Drive, Shotton CH5 1PP or call the office on 01244 823547.
The key eligibility criteria of the scrappage scheme are:
• Applicants must be 60 or over • Non-means tested • £500 towards replacing an inefficient (G rated) boiler