Carl Sargeant
Assembly Member for Alyn and Deeside

Wednesday, 24 March 2010

Details of Boiler Scrappage Scheme

Carl Sargeant AM Welcomes£500 Boiler Scrappage Scheme Vouchers
Carl Sargeant, Welsh Assembly member for Alyn & Deeside has today welcomed the announcement that vouchers worth £500 will be available from April 6 under the boiler scrappage scheme in Wales. The scrappage scheme - which the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government announced in February - will specifically target people in fuel poverty, and from next month the scheme will be open to applications from homeowners over the age of 60 who will be able to apply for a £500 voucher towards the cost of replacing a G-rated boiler with an A-rated boiler.The £2.5million Welsh Assembly Government funding is expected to help up to 5,000 households:• After its launch on 6th April the boiler scrappage scheme will be managed, alongside the Welsh Assembly Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, by Eaga Cymru.• From 6th April applicants will be able to apply by telephone on 0800 316 2816 or online at
www.heeswales.co.uk. Successful applicants will then be sent a voucher worth £500, which can be presented to an installer registered with the scheme who would install the replacement boiler.• From 1st April installers will be able to register with the scheme via boilerscrappagewales@eaga.com • Applicants to the Welsh boiler scrappage scheme may also be able to benefit from additional discounts offered by British Gas, Eaga Heat, npower hometeam and Swalec. Local Assembly Member, Carl Sargeant said;
“So far, the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Scheme has assisted more than 100,000 households across Wales with heating and insulation measures as a result of an £100 million investment, I would urge Alyn & Deeside residents who are eligible to apply early to avoid disappointment, I am certain that the scheme will be in high demand.”
Replacing a G-rated boiler with an A-rated boiler could save households up to £235 per year in energy costs, as well as significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Assembly Government will also be investing an additional £1.4 million to tackle fuel poverty through its Home Energy Efficiency Scheme during the next financial year.
Those who may not be sure if their boiler is G-rated can check by making a note of the boiler number and contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012 who will advise you on this issue.

Saturday, 20 March 2010

Support for Village Campaign


Carl Sargeant AM Supports Village Speed Reduction Campaign
Local Welsh Assembly Member Carl Sargeant has lent his support to local residents in Ffrith who are campaigning for speed reduction and traffic safety measures to be introduced in their village.
The Alyn & Deeside Welsh Assembly Member has conducted a resident’s survey to gain peoples views and concerns about traffic problems in their village. Residents have raised issues ranging from speeding traffic, lack of footpaths for pedestrians and parking issues.
Following a visit to Ffrith to witness first hand the traffic problems, Carl Sargeant AM has raised local resident’s plight with the County Council and is calling for urgent action.
Carl Sargeant AM said;
“The residents of Ffrith are demanding action to improve the safety of pedestrians in the village and in particular there is a demand for a safe route to school for local children. Speeding traffic and a lack of footpaths is a recipe for disaster and I would urge the County Council to bring forward urgent plans to improve road safety within Ffrith.”

Monday, 15 March 2010

AM Welcomes Commitment

Carl Sargeant AM Welcomes Commitment to Free Bus Travel
Local Labour Welsh Assembly Member, Carl Sargeant has welcomed a commitment by the Welsh Assembly Government that elderly and disabled passengers will still travel free on Welsh local bus services.Responding to the Department of Transport’s decision to raise the age of entitlement in England in line with State Pension rules from April 1st, the Assembly Government has clarified there are to be no changes in Wales.The Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government has also re-iterated its commitment to extend the scheme to include seriously injured veterans and service personnel from April 2011.Carl Sargeant AM said;“The free bus pass scheme is a lifeline to elderly and disabled people in Alyn & Deeside and I am delighted that the Labour - led Welsh Assembly is as committed as I am to continuing the scheme, I am particularly pleased that the scheme will be offered to seriously injured veterans and service personnel from next year.”More than 620,000 free bus passes have been issued throughout Wales, and Welsh Labour’s successful free bus travel scheme continues to go from strength to strength.

Congratulations To Local Volunteer


Carl Sargeant AM Congratulates Local Hospital Volunteer on Receiving the MBE
Carl Sargeant local Welsh Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside has personally congratulated, the chairwoman of Deeside Community Hospital League of Friends Mrs. Kathleen Fox MBE, who was among those in Flintshire to be recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.Kathleen Fox of Buckley was made an MBE for her voluntary work, which has included raising thousands of pounds for the Aston-based hospital.Mrs. Kathleen Fox, was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Kathleen is Chairwoman of Deeside Community Hospital League of Friends and was made an MBE for her voluntary work, which has included raising thousands of pounds for the Aston-based hospital.
Carl Sargeant AM said“It was a privilege to personally congratulate Mrs Fox, she has enthused and inspired many people in the locality to get directly involved with the Deeside League of Friends and has encouraged many to hold fund raising efforts for the hospital, she is a credit to the hospital and the local area.”
This is the second honour awarded to Kathleen Fox in less than twelve months. She was made a member of the Order of Mercy earlier in 2009. The Order of Mercy is an award established 110 years ago and is given to honour outstanding voluntary efforts in hospitals.

Monday, 8 March 2010

Praise for Local Hospital



Carl Sargeant AM PraisesDeeside Community Hospital Following Visit
Alyn & Deeside AM Carl Sargeant recently visited Deeside Community Hospital. The healthcare facility, based within his constituency where staff and volunteers were keen to demonstrate their services and achievements.
During his visit, Carl Sargeant AM was accompanied by Myra Allison the Community Hospital Manager and Mrs Kathleen Fox, Chair of the League of Friends on a tour of the Community Hospital.
Carl visited the both Branwen and Gladstone Wards and the Physiotherapy Department.
Following the visit Carl Sargeant AM said, “Deeside Community Hospital really is a very special place. It provides a range of services to local people – outpatient clinics, scans, intermediate care especially for elderly patients recuperating after serious illness or surgery, rehabilitation and much more. The Hospital and its staff serve the local community well.”“The Hospital really is a success story and is valued by local people; there is huge commitment to its ongoing success by the community, the League of Friends led by Kathleen Fox MBE, the staff and patients, it is everything a local hospital should be.”