Carl Sargeant
Assembly Member for Alyn and Deeside

Tuesday, 22 June 2010

CARL SARGEANT WELCOMES NEW CEMETERY
Carl Sargeant Local Welsh Assembly Member has joined local Connah's Quay Councillors in welcoming a new Cemetery in the Town after a long battle.
The current Bryn Road Cemetery has been nearing capacity for some time and Connah’s Quay Cemetery now officially opened by the Council has been three years in the planning process.
The new Cemetery based in Kelsterton, by Deeside College has cost £1 million and will provide the Town of Connah’s Quay with burial space for over 80 years.
Carl Sargeant, Alyn & Deeside Welsh Assembly Member said;
“The new Cemetery is a credit to the Town and all those that campaigned for it, I have no doubt that the peaceful and picturesque setting will be welcomed by local people, the walled garden of remembrance is a particularly striking feature.”
Connah’s Quay Councillor Aaron Shotton said,
“Many local people were fearful that they would be forced to bury their relatives outside of the Town but after a long 3 year campaign I am delighted that the Town now has a cemetery for the next 80 years.”The new cemetery includes a walled garden of remembrance, people will be able to buy memorial marble plaques with simple inscriptions on three sides of the garden. It is hoped that plans for a visitor centre and a sexton's hut on the cemetery grounds will be put forward some time in the future.

CARL SARGEANT VISITS NEW GOLF COURSE
Carl Sargeant Local Welsh Assembly Member joined local Connah’s Quay Councillors in sampling the facilities at the recently launched Golf Course and Shop at Wepre Park.
Following a long campaign by local residents and led by local Labour Councillors and Carl Sargeant AM the Golf Course at Wepre was recently re-launched and is being run by a PGA Professional, Justin Griffiths.
Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside said,
“It is fantastic to see that the Golf Course has been restored to its former glory and will once again provide local people with a facility to be proud of.”
The course is open to all residents with no membership fees charged; it is only £6 for 9- holes or £10 for 18 holes. Golf equipment is available to hire from the new Golfing shop and children under 16 play FREE if accompanied by a paying adult.
Lessons are also available.
Cllr Aaron Shotton, Connah's Quay Councillor said,
“ The plans for Wepre have taken over two long years to come to fruition but I am delighted that the facility is now up and running, hopefully local people will take full advantage of the course.”

Armed Forces Day


CARL SARGEANT FLYS FLAG FOR ARMED FORCES
Carl Sargeant AM has called on local communities, organisations and businesses across Alyn & Deeside to help celebrate Armed Forces Day this Saturday.
The day is an annual opportunity for the nation to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, and from veterans to cadets.
Labour AM for Alyn & Deeside, Carl Sargeant said: “I think it’s fantastic that we now have a day to formally thank our service men and women.
“I pay tribute to all our armed forces members, past and present, who have made great sacrifices to defend the UK and its interests and contribute to international peace keeping operations.
“The nation owes them all a debt of gratitude.”
For more information log on to the Armed Forces Day website at
www.armedforcesday.org.uk

Sunday, 20 June 2010

AM Welcomes Investment

CARL SARGEANT WELCOMES NEW MOBILE BREAST SCREENING UNITS

Carl Sargeant, Welsh Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside has welcomed the announcement of almost £1m of funding from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government for new state-of-the-art mobile breast screening units. The seven mobile screening units will replace Breast Test Wales’ ageing fleet. Public Health Wales has already provided funding to replace three other mobile units this year, the first of their type in the UK. The units visit approximately 100 locations across Wales. More than 100,000 women are screened for breast cancer every year in Wales, and roughly half of all registered cases each year are diagnosed through the national screening programme. The investment is part of a wider scheme by Breast Test Wales to modernise and improve screening services over the next few years. The new units, which are designed to make the service easier for disabled users and older patients, will: Speed up access to screening. Support a growing demand for equal access to screening services across Wales by providing facilities in local, convenient locations. Enhance patients’ experiences of screening in order to encourage more women to keep coming forward for routine check-ups. Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside said in welcoming the news,"These new state-of-the-art units clearly demonstrate the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to continue to support frontline services, despite difficult financial times. The new screening units will be critical in providing women with early detection of breast cancer and I fully support the investment.”The Welsh Assembly Government is also currently considering further proposals by Breast Test Wales to improve screening services. They include plans to introduce high-tech digital equipment that will enable Breast Test Wales to work collaboratively with consultants and partners and allow patients to benefit from a more efficient screening service. The seven new mobile units are likely to be in operation by January 2011.

Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge

Carl Sargeant AM Supports Recognition of Merchant Seafarer’s Bravery

Alyn & Deeside AM Carl Sargeant is seeking to raise awareness amongst UK Merchant Seafaring Veterans of the changes in eligibility to qualify for the Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge.
The Merchant Seafarers bravery and sacrifice in assisting HM Armed Forces in military operations is commemorated with the UK Merchant Seafarers Badge.
Launched in 2006, around 9000 badges have been issued. It is now available to all Merchant Navy Seafarers and fishermen who served in a vessel at a time when it was operated to facilitate military operations by UK Armed Forces prior to 1994.
Carl Sargeant Alyn & Deeside AM said,
“2010 is the official ‘Year of the Seafarer’ and I hope that all local people who have served our Country but have yet to be recognised for their brave service will be made aware of the Merchant Seafarers Veterans Badge.”
Application forms and further information is available via the Veterans website
www.veterans-uk.info or by phone on the Veterans UK helpline 08001692277

Support For Care and Repair Cymru

Carl Sargeant AM Supports National Falls Awareness Week

Local Welsh Assembly Member, Carl Sargeant has lent his support to a Care and Repair Cymru, national campaign aimed at reminding older people how to avoid common hazards around the home which can result in trips, slips and falls.
Care and Repair Cymru is distributing a factsheet that provides top tips for older people on how to protect against accidents in the home.
The factsheet has been launched to coincide with National Falls Awareness Week (21st – 25th June).
Carl Sargeant, Alyn & Deeside Welsh Assembly Member, supporting the campaign said,
“I fully support National Falls Awareness Week and the awareness raising work of Care and Repair Cymru, although the factsheet is aimed at older people it gives simple, common sense advice which we could all benefit from.”

AM Welcomes Grant

Flintshire Record Office Receives Funding Boost
Flintshire Records Office, based in Hawarden, has been awarded a grant of more than £17,000, local Welsh Assembly Member Carl Sargeant has announced.
The capital grant is part of a nationwide investment to help modernise libraries and archive services across Wales.
Flintshire Record Office preserves the county’s archival heritage by collecting, listing, storing and making available to the public, historic records of local interest and origin.The additional funding boost will enable many historical documents to be digitised and therefore conserved.
Carl Sargeant, Alyn & Deeside AM said:
“I am delighted that Flintshire Records Office has been awarded this grant. The Records Office is a valuable source of information for many local residents and this funding follows on from the £300,000 provided by the Welsh Assembly to redevelop Connah's Quay Library, this clearly demonstrates the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to improving library services in Alyn & Deeside.”

Carl Sargeant AM Calls for Urgent
Protection for Broughton Residents.


Local Welsh Assembly Member Carl Sargeant has called on the Minister for Transport, Plaid Cymru's, Ieuan Wynn Jones AM to take urgent action to protect local residents living adjacent to the major highway construction works currently being undertaken at the A55 junction with Warren Hall, Broughton.

Carl Sargeant AM has requested that protective screening be erected without delay to protect nearby houses and people from the dust and noise pollution that residents are suffering as a direct result of construction work upon the A55 in the vicinity of Warren Hall, Broughton.

Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside said,

"I have asked the Minister and his officials to meet me on site to witness first hand the problems and provide an urgent solution to the dreadful conditions that local Broughton residents are enduring, more consideration should have been given to local people, I am currently awaiting the Ministers response."

Wednesday, 9 June 2010

CARL SARGEANT WELCOMES NEW GUIDANCE FOR GREENER BUILDINGS IN WALES

Local Alyn & Deeside Assembly member, Carl Sargeant has welcomed new guidance for local planning authorities and developers to deliver sustainable buildings through the planning system
The guidance sets out the Assembly Government’s planning guidance to support the innovative planning policy published in 2009 which set a minimum standard for sustainability for most new buildings proposed in Wales.
For new homes this will:
• reduce their carbon emissions by more than 31 per cent compared to current building regulations through energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy
• reduce the consumption of water
• use more sustainable materials
Carl Sargeant AM said,
“I welcome the new guidelines because it is important that all new buildings are kinder to the environment. The guidelines will also assist in reducing energy costs and contribute to reducing carbon emissions in our Country.”
Housing proposals will be expected to meet the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 and non domestic buildings will be expected to meet the BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard as a minimum. The publication of this technical advice note is just the latest Welsh Assembly Government action on using the planning system for the green agenda. This, alongside the devolution of building regulations will help move towards more sustainable and zero carbon buildings in Wales, contributing to the Assembly Governments targets to reduce emissions in devolved areas by 3 per cent from 2011.

Thursday, 3 June 2010

Walkies


CARL SARGEANT AM LAUNCHES DOG ACCESS GUIDE

Alyn & Deeside Assembly Member Carl Sargeant joined the Kennel Club yesterday to help set the record straight regarding access rights for dog owners with the launch of the KC Dog Access Guide for Wales, called ‘Walkies’.


A keen supporter of the Kennel Club’s dog access campaign, Carl commented:
“The KC Dog Access Guide is an important step towards a more harmonious relationship between dog walkers, farmers and land managers.

“The Welsh countryside is there to be enjoyed by those that respect the legislation regarding access, and the Kennel Club's guide is an ideal way to provide walkers with this information in a concise way."

Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act local authorities can restrict dogs’ access to open spaces, whether on private or public land. The Kennel Club's KC Dog campaign advocates that responsible dog ownership is a key step towards preventing such measures from being implemented.

The Kennel Club’s comprehensive new wallet-sized access guide is designed for dog owners and walkers to carry with them when out and about in the Welsh countryside, as a way of ensuring that they know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to access.

Kennel Club Chairman, Ronnie Irving said: “Dog walkers make an important contribution to the vitality of our countryside and economies, yet sadly they are all too often treated as an unwelcome group, and suffer from a bad reputation due to the irresponsible actions of a minority.

“Despite the small number of owners who choose to act irresponsibly, Kennel Club research shows that very often those who depart from the desired responsible behaviour, do so not out of malicious intent but often simply because of a lack of information that is clear, credible and consistent.

“The Kennel Club is optimistic that the new access guide will help owners and their dogs to enjoy the beautiful Welsh countryside with confidence.”

To join KC Dog or request an English or Welsh KC Dog Access Guide, email kcdog@thekennelclub.org.uk or visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/kcdog.

AM Welcomes Extra Funding

CARL SARGEANT AM WELCOMES £1MILLION
ANNOUNCED TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS

The Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government recently announced £1 million of extra funding to prevent homelessness across Wales.
The funding has been specifically targeted to ensure that people get the advice and help they need as early as possible. Homeless prevention projects across Wales have received funding to tackle issues such as:
o preventing youth homelessness;
o improving access to housing advice services;
o helping vulnerable people stay in their homes; and
o helping people affected by redundancy and employment problems.
All Councils in Wales will be beneficiaries of funding delivered through housing network projects and the National Charity Shelter Cymru.

Carl Sargeant AM, Local Labour Welsh Assembly Member said;

“The additional funding is critical to assisting people who find themselves facing homelessness, particularly as the Country finds itself at risk of a double dip recession following the cuts recently announced by the Tory/Lib Dem UK Government. I welcome the fact that the Welsh Assembly
is committed to assisting the most vulnerable in our society.”

AM Welcomes School Nursing Service

Carl Sargeant welcomes launch of New school nursing service
Local Welsh Assembly Member Carl Sargeant has welcomed the launch of a new all Wales School Nursing Service. The Framework for a School Nursing Service for Wales sets the target to introduce a named nurse for every secondary school by May 2011. The nurses’ role is to help address the health, emotional and social needs of children and young people and promote healthy behaviour and well-being. It will address the needs of all pupils and will include services outside school hours and during school holidays where required.
Local Welsh Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside, Carl Sargeant said,
“The provision of a school nurse for every secondary school pupil will improve the health of children and young people in Alyn & Deeside, universal access to a healthcare professional to support pupils during their most vulnerable years will no doubt improve the health of our nation’s children.”
It is widely accepted that schools that promote the health and well being of children and young people are more likely to create an effective learning environment.
School nurses can contribute significantly to this, including:
• Supporting children with complex health needs so that they can stay in school, and identifying vulnerable children and children with additional needs;
• The successful delivery of mass immunisation and responding to outbreaks of infectious disease; and,
• Working with pupils to enhance their understanding of health issues, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices that will improve all aspects of their health and well being from exercise and nutrition, to sexual health, dental health, positive mental and emotional health and accident prevention.

AM Welcomes ' Skills for the Workforce'


Carl Sargeant Welcomes £3.5 Million Boost
For North Wales Businesses
Carl Sargeant, Labour’s Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside has welcomed news that companies in North Wales are to get a £3.5 million boost to develop their staffs’ skills and improve their business performance, as announced by the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government.
Following EU backing, Deeside College will lead the ‘Skills for the Workforce’ programme which will offer around 2,400 employees of up to 600 Small Medium Sized Enterprises within Flintshire and Wrexham the chance to acquire new skills.
For a £50 per person registration fee, companies can join the scheme to upskill their workforce in areas relating to their business needs. The businesses do not have to pay anything else for the training they receive through the project.
Training will be at Levels 1- 3 and can be used to progress onto programmes such as Modern Apprenticeships.
The Deeside College project will be delivered in collaboration with Yale College and Coleg Llysfasi, and is backed with £1.5m from the European Social Fund (ESF) through the Welsh Assembly Government.
Carl Sargeant AM for Alyn & Deeside in welcoming the news said;
“This is fantastic news for local employers, local workers and Deeside College.”
“It is a step in the right direction to achieving the Welsh Assembly’s commitment to driving North Wales forward on the road to economic recovery. If local employers take advantage of this scheme then it can only be good news for the employment prospects of the area.”

Lottery Win For Flintshire


Carl Sargeant Congratulates Local Voluntary Groups Following Lottery Funding Boost
Carl Sargeant, local Welsh Assembly Member has welcomed news that two local voluntary organisations have received nearly £100,000 of Big Lottery funding between them.
Barnardo’s Flintshire and the County’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) branches have received the Big Lottery Fund grants as part of a bid to boost projects which help people deal with the effects of the recession in the county.
The CAB branches will receive a total of £50,000 and Barnardo’s Flintshire will receive £47,234.
Barnardos Flintshire have been awarded the funding for a two year project in Flintshire to work with disadvantaged and socially isolated groups of young people and families, who have been or are at risk of being adversely affected by the recession. The project will provide one day financial capability courses to improve financial literacy skills, helping people maximise their income and minimise their debt. The participants will also be trained to disseminate the information to other young.
Carl Sargeant, Welsh Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside said,
“Once again local groups have successfully been granted substantial funding by the Big Lottery Fund. The latest funding announcements will be very important in assisting local people who have been affected by the economic downturn and will undoubtably play a key role in difficult times ahead.”