Last week I had the chance to return to Theatr Clwyd to catch up with executive director Liam Evans-Ford and see the impressive progress being made on the transformation of the theatre. With support from Flintshire County Council, the Arts Council of Wales and £22m of Welsh Government funding, the project is ensuring the theatre’s future while productions have continued in temporary spaces and within the community. Having grown up with Theatr Clwyd – like many of us here in North East Wales – I know how important it is to our area and beyond. Since being elected, I’ve worked to highlight its significance and secure its future as a centre for theatre and a space for our community to enjoy for years to come – the new-look theatre, restaurant, community facilities and landscaped areas around it will make the theatre even more of an asset to our area.
I also had the chance to meet with Kevin Bithell, a resident of the Oaks Estate in Oakenholt, alongside my Labour colleague Mark Tami MP. Kevin has been driving a campaign to get better road access for the residents – the 500-home estate has been established for a decade or more and a new school is being built, but local residents say that only one of the three access points to the estate is open, causing congestion problems for the people who live there and for the emergency services. Kevin has organised a petition and is urging Anwyl Homes and Flintshire County Council to look at this issue urgently. Mark Tami and I will continue to support Kevin and fellow residents to seek a resolution.
Back in the Senedd last week, I asked the Welsh Government for an update on their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, particularly the pledge to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices. After attending a global LGBTQ+ leaders conference, it’s clearer than ever that solidarity isn’t enough – we need decisive, supportive action. We’ve come so far, but progress is fragile and we must stay resolute to ensure we remain on the right side of history. I want our Welsh Government to show how it is advancing this ban and what collaboration is happening with the UK Labour Government for a fully inclusive, cross-nation ban. No exclusions, no excuses – it’s time to consign conversion practices to the dustbin of history where it belongs. You can see me talking about this issue on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn.
In recent weeks we’ve seen a lot of snow and ice and weather warnings across Flintshire. As this cold weather continues into late January, it’s important that we look after ourselves and those around us, particularly more vulnerable people. Public Health Wales has issued some advice to help us keep well during the cold weather – wear plenty of thin layers, have plenty of hot drinks and food throughout the day, check in on loved ones and neighbours and stay indoors if you don’t need to go out – and you can find further help at www.agecymru.wales or call the Age Cymru helpline on 0300 303 44 98. The extra cost of heating is also an issue for many residents and British Gas Energy Trust offers help there as well, with grants to deliver vital financial aid, advice and support to households struggling with energy costs – you can find out more at www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk.
Winter flu in our communities has been much in the news recently and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has been running a flu vaccination ‘mop up’ since early December. If you’re eligible and haven’t yet had your flu vaccine – or the Covid-19 booster jab – I urge you all to get vaccinated to avoid getting ill this winter and putting further pressure on our NHS. You can find out more about the BCUHB programme at www.bcuhb.nhs.wales/health-advice/vaccinations.
Finally, January is Walk Your Dog Month, a time to focus on the health and wellbeing of both dogs and their owners. For me, walking our two dogs is a simple but rewarding part of daily life. It’s not just about the exercise, it’s also an opportunity to connect with others or to take some time to reflect and look after my mental wellbeing. If you’re searching for new walking routes this year, there are plenty to explore in Flintshire – you can find new ideas at www.walkiees.co.uk/dog-walks/flintshire. And I’d also love to hear about your favourite dog-walking spots in the area!
As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait for an advice surgery.