January 2008
I always try to be positive at the beginning of a new year. This is not always easy. Recent local news has had its problems especially for those who work at Orion in Margam where redundancies have again been announced. I intend to work with unions, management and all levels of government to minimise the pain for those families who are directly affected. Hopefully the Amazon development at Jersey Marine, with 1,200 jobs, will provide the possibility of alternative employment
I was very pleased to be one of the principal signatories to the Parliamentary Early Day Motion congratulating Sustrans Connect 2 on reaching the short list of the Big Lottery Fund £50 million contest. I was even more pleased that it won and was the biggest pay-out ever from the People's Millions Lottery Fund.
Peter Knowles of Cwmafan has done sterling work locally for this UK wide project to create new walking and cycling routes in the community. Port Talbot is one of the 79 communities involved and our 'sea to forest' scheme has met with lots of local support.
Sustrans is an excellent sustainable transport charity which I am sure will be involved locally for a long time to come and build on the growing sense of local civic pride which is evident from many of our recent environmental campaigns.
I recently welcomed groups of young carers to Parliament. They met with the Prime Minister and also the All Party Parliamentary Carers Group which I chair. These young carers are part of the Young Carers' Forum which is campaigning for care services for the whole family, the training of professionals who deal with young carers and ensuring that young carers have a chance of a normal childhood.
I was delighted to hear Ed Balls, the Education Minister, announce after the young carers visit that extra funding will be provided to support young carers. Lobbying works!
I had the opportunity recently of praising in Parliament the work of the New Sandfields Aberavon Development Trust. I have been associated with this organisation from its earliest days and I am delighted to see that it is one of the fastest growing organisations of its kind in Wales.
Could I take this opportunity of wishing all Tribune readers an enjoyable peaceful and prosperous New Year.
