June 2008
I normally use this column to write about my Parliamentary work in London. This time I want to write about my work in the constituency, listening and learning from local residents and their local representatives.
I have recently been talking to new councillors about their hopes for their communities now that they are beginning to undertake their responsibilities.
Councillor Scott Jones of Cymmer has arranged with me a meeting in Croeserw with senior Job Centre Plus representatives to discuss what employment opportunities will come to Afan valley residents with the massive Amazon development in Jersey Marine.
Councillor Ian James of the Port Talbot ward has been talking to me about his campaign for a community centre and Councillor Anthony Taylor of Taibach intends renewing the campaign to improve the railway station (long over due). I know these issues have commanded much public support.
I know the newly elected Labour Council sees these concerns and developments as high priorities alongside the growing awareness of the need for improvement in the environment and local air quality. We need an informed public debate and local action on these vitally important issues.
I have always expressed the view in this Tribune column that public campaigning against certain developments must now be raised to a higher plane of positive action – owned by local residents, their local elected representatives, employers and trades unions – around the new Clean Air Charter. My recent meeting with Mr Uday Chaturvedi, Manager Director at the Corus/Tata Steel Plant was very positive in this respect with his vision of 'greening' the environs of the Plant.
Mr Chaturvedi is keenly interested in strengthening his company's commitment to improving the quality of life of his employees, their families and our communities. Our recent joint visit to the Corus Sailing Club at the Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir and the discussions we held there amply revealed that.
The recent announcement of the Blue Flag Award for Aberavon for the cleanliness of the sea and beach is a very significant milestone and one which has given great impetus to our local environmental improvement.
I remember Councillor Derek Vaughan telling me that if we as elected representatives start by addressing the concerns of local residents within two hundred yards of their front doors – clean and safe streets, clean air and excellent schools – then we are beginning to do our jobs properly. I think we would all agree with that.
Very soon there will be a debate in Parliament on Energy in Wales: I hope the above 'listening and learning' will help inform my contribution to that debate.
You can contact me at my Constituency Office: Eagle House, 2 Talbot Road, Port Talbot SA13 1DH Tel: 01639 897660 Fax: 01639 891725 or email me at [email protected]
