tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-351702332011-04-21T14:57:08.451-07:00The latest news from Bridgend Labour Assembly Member, Carwyn Jones. Promoted by: David Sage 35 The Spinney Brackla Bridgend CF31 2JD On behalf of Carwyn Jones 137 Park Street Bridgend CF31 4BBCarwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-7000311825064440762007-10-05T09:36:00.000-07:002007-10-05T01:40:23.609-07:00

I am in the process of launching my new website - www.carwynjonesam.co.uk.From now on all of my news, updates and details of how to get in touch will be available on the new site.

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-20929245246425378622007-09-10T14:34:00.000-07:002007-09-10T06:36:26.038-07:00

The YMCA in Bridgend is set to undergo a multi-million pound redevelopment of its facilities thanks, in part, to funding provided by the Welsh Assembly Government.An Assembly grant of £970,000 has helped to give the organisation a budget of £3.2 million towards a complete reconstruction of its building in Angel Street. The new centre, when finished, will provide accommodation for 17 homeless

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-35980601636161649742007-08-20T11:17:00.000-07:002007-09-04T03:18:52.068-07:00

Two of Bridgend’s leading Labour politicians have united to help workers campaigning to prevent the closure of the Remploy factory at Waterton Industrial Estate in the town.Assembly Members, Carwyn Jones and Janice Gregory have issued a call for management at the company to think again in a strongly worded letter to the company’s Chief Executive, following meetings with staff at the plant and

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-78568623335688566032007-08-03T03:15:00.000-07:002007-09-04T03:16:37.371-07:00

EXTRA support is on its way for disabled children and their families thanks to Welsh Labour.£1.54m funding will be provided to local authorities in Wales to develop more short break care support services to families.Short break carers can provide regular support to disabled children, easing the pressure and strain on parents and families. Children can develop new skills, become more confident and

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-15364470574219925072007-06-19T14:07:00.000-07:002007-06-19T06:18:32.034-07:00

Local organisation SUSSED are organising a Big Fairtrade Picnic in Porthcawl at 12.30 on the Village Green opposite the Atlantic Hotel.They are asking people to bring along their own rugs and food - including at least one Fairtrade item. A stall selling Fairtrade food will be there if you need to buy Fairtrade items on the day.For more information, please visit this website: http://

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-48260438714189511852007-05-23T09:55:00.000-07:002007-05-23T01:57:14.112-07:00

I will be holding advice surgeries on Friday, 01 June 2007 atCommunity Hall, Pendre 4.00—4.30pmGilead Chapel Hall, Coity 4.45—5.15pmCommunity Hall, Brackla 5.30—6.00pmMemorial Hall, Coychurch 6.15—6.45pm If you have any issues of concern that you would like to discuss with me then please come along. No appointment

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-91759604738296726852007-05-09T14:48:00.000-07:002007-05-09T06:50:13.423-07:00

I would like to thank everyone who voted for me in last week’s Assembly Elections and all those who kindly offered me their support and help during the campaign itself.It is a great honour to have been re-elected as the Assembly Member for Bridgend and to have been given the opportunity to continue to represent local people in Cardiff Bay.I pledge to speak up on behalf of all of my constituents,

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-76071918013456186762007-04-30T11:52:00.000-07:002007-04-30T03:57:37.517-07:00

The above photo was taken last Wednesday outside Bridgend Council when parents from Brackla held a protest against Tory-Lib Dem plans to implement huge cuts in its free school transport provision.The parents hired a campaign bus to ferry them from Brackla to the Civic Offices where they were met by myself and Mel Nott (Council Labour Group Leader). They handed over a 884 signature strong petition

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-48396587219156576382007-04-18T08:45:00.000-07:002007-04-18T04:00:51.767-07:00

Harriet Harman MP officially opens my campaign office in Wyndham Street, Bridgend. (l-r) Cllr David Sage, Janice Gregory AM, myself, Harriet Harman MP, Madeleine Moon MP, Huw Irranca-Davies MP, John BunkerHarriet Harman MP, Minister for Justice at the Department for Constitutional Affairs, came to Bridgend last weekend to help support my election campaign and officially open my campaign office in

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-37197836511162372282007-04-17T10:46:00.000-07:002007-04-17T02:53:26.162-07:00

This a picuture taken at Saturday's sponsored car wash event.The volunteers have worked really hard in their fundraising efforts but still need more help.Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by sending it to The Bridgend Deanery Pilgrimage Trust, c/o, St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ewenny Road, Bridgend

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-26152156606830771442007-04-13T09:34:00.000-07:002007-04-13T06:37:12.521-07:00

This Saturday (14th Apr) I would like to encourage as many local car owners as possible to go along to the Fire Station in Bridgend between 10am and 4pm where the Bridgend Lourdes Group will be raising much needed cash via their annual sponsored car wash.Why not join me in having your car washed and help with raising the essential funds that are required in sending the sick and infirm to

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-20339242209930908132007-04-12T13:23:00.000-07:002007-04-12T05:27:07.052-07:00

Network Rail really do need to account for the massive disruption being experienced by passengers on the Cardiff to Swansea line due to the overrun of engineering works to test a new signalling system.The line will now be closed for the rest of the week, with services replaced by buses, despite the deadline for work to be completed expiring on Easter Monday.As a regular traveller on the line, I

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-80127445433111206332007-03-27T15:31:00.000-07:002007-03-27T07:35:34.865-07:00

Last week I hosted a performance by National Eisteddfod Winners Bridgend Male Choir at the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff Bay.The lunchtime concert, which took place on Tuesday, 20 March 2007, was organised in recognition of the Choir’s competition successes at the National Eisteddfod and the Cheltenham Cup. The Choir has also reached the final of S4C’s Cor Cymru to be held in Aberystwyth on 31st

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-71156682205591607782007-03-20T11:04:00.000-07:002007-03-20T04:11:05.696-07:00

Pictured (l-r) Win Griffiths, Chair of Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust, myself, Janice Gregory and First Minister Rhodri Morgan.On Friday 16th March, the new Delivery and Support Unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital was officially opened by First Minister Rhodri Morgan.The £2m investment is a clear example of the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to modernise and improve the health service in

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-46450899086639014392007-03-16T13:26:00.000-07:002007-03-16T06:31:14.860-07:00

BUS passengers and community transport users in Bridgend will benefit from an additional £435,349 thanks to Labour.This is great news for communities in Bridgend. This money will help people who need to rely on community transport like the elderly.The extra cash can go towards adding new local bus services or making them more regular. Schemes like dial-a-ride, community minibuses and shopmobility

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-2043350750866488452007-03-16T11:13:00.000-07:002007-03-16T05:15:36.963-07:00

YOUNG people in Bridgend will need better skills for future employment in the growing economy of Wales and Labour will deliver these opportunities if it wins the Assembly elections.Labour will make new, high quality, vocational courses available to 14- 19 years olds of all abilities in Wales from 2008 and give young people the training that directly relates to their future careers.New courses in

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-79900288495398201682007-03-13T07:47:00.000-07:002007-03-13T07:57:48.354-07:00

The week before last I officially opened the new nursery at Tremains School, Brackla. The nursery will enable the school to offer free nursery places to children at the school where no provision had previously existed. It will also increase the number of nursery places available to families in the Brackla area. I was delighted to open the new Nursery. Parents and young children in the area need

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-7430552508637838792007-03-12T11:22:00.000-07:002007-03-12T04:25:51.926-07:00

I recently visited the Shaw Trust offices in Wyndham Street to see at first hand how the charity is helping hundreds of local people find work.The Shaw Trust is a national charity that provides training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill health or other social circumstances. They are the largest UK provider of employment services

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-73655005590481203632007-03-11T14:32:00.000-07:002007-03-11T07:35:15.435-07:00

YOUR local school will stay open for the whole community after the school day comes to an end if Welsh Labour wins on May 3rd.By 2011 Labour wants all maintained schools in Bridgend to stay open for childcare, sport, fitness or academic pursuits for our youngsters, adults and the elderly. This will keep our kids off the streets and give us all more time and space to get fit, stay active and meet

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-4831593788800279402007-03-11T12:11:00.000-07:002007-03-11T05:40:55.381-07:00

More than £12 million in compensation has now been paid out to ex-miners and their families in the Bridgend Constituency. Compensation payouts for respiratory diseases have topped £9.7m, whilst over £2.6m has been awarded for vibration white finger related problems.Miners in South Wales were the backbone of the British coal industry for many years. It is only right and proper that they receive

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-12358939095540561132007-03-08T20:54:00.000-08:002007-03-08T12:56:41.461-08:00

A rise in the National Minimum Wage will benefit Bridgend’s lowest paid workers, and women especially.More than 50,000 Welsh workers will benefit from a rise in the National Minimum Wage from £5.35 to £5.52 an hour from October this year.This is a victory for Welsh workers. For the past 10 years Labour has worked hard to increase the wage for Wales’ lowest paid workers. Just 10 years ago, some

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-27674956788158181692007-03-07T22:30:00.000-08:002007-03-07T14:32:48.476-08:00

Labour will deliver the best skilled workers for Welsh firms if it wins May's Assembly election.As part of its mission to help Bridgend meet the challenges of globalisation, Labour is promising to establish Skills Academies, to provide Bridgend’s industries with the access to excellence in training and learning needed to compete in a global economy.It is essential that we improve the skills and

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-45074101385450754592007-03-05T15:14:00.000-08:002007-03-05T07:18:40.094-08:00

I welcome the announcement that Bridgend County Borough Council has been given £245k for the creation of Safe Routes to Schools for Cwmfelin Primary, Maes Yr Haul Primary and Llangewydd Junior Schools by the Labour Welsh Assembly Government.Too many children are hurt in road accidents around schools. 16 children aged 0-7 were killed or seriously injured every week on the roads. This is

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-57143806115671393132007-03-04T22:21:00.000-08:002007-03-04T14:25:08.210-08:00

Council Tax plans announced by the Tories at their conference in Cardiff on Friday (02/03/06) are too little too late for pensioners in Bridgend.It is nothing more than a cheap attempt to buy some votes on May 3rd. People in the town still remember when the Tories introduced the Council Tax as a replacement for the horrific Poll Tax. In the last year of John Major’s Government, council tax

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-58712758029970602622007-03-01T13:12:00.000-08:002007-03-01T05:19:39.536-08:00

Congratulations to Bridgend Male Choir on reaching the final of the Male Voice Choir section of S4C’s Cor Cymru 2007 competition which takes place on 31 March in Aberystwyth.As a vice-president of the choir, I know of the hard work and dedication of choir members who will be bidding to retain the trophy having won it in 2005, the last time the competition was held.The choir is developing an

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-89966683811286871952007-02-26T15:29:00.000-08:002007-02-26T07:36:27.937-08:00

The week before last, I had the great pleasure of opening the RSPCA’s new fundraising shop in John Street, Porthcawl. I was delighted to have been invited to take part in the ceremony. Not only will it provide good quality items for the people of Porthcawl but shoppers will also be supporting the world’s oldest animal welfare charity.Sally Hyman, Chair of the Llys Nini Branch of the RSPCA (

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-11095143948361925852007-02-23T08:34:00.000-08:002007-02-26T05:33:14.547-08:00

WELSH Labour will build a better, safer, tidy Bridgend.I very much welcome the party’s early Assembly election pledges, launched at the beginning of the Labour Party Conference here in Llandudno yesterday.The key message from the Party’s annual get together to the people of Bridgend is that Labour has the ideas to lead Wales after May’s Assembly election with plans to make local communities

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-71639665429274711442007-02-21T08:50:00.000-08:002007-02-21T01:10:10.927-08:00

Everyone in Bridgend should get behind the bid to Make Bridgend a Fairtrade County and schoolchildren can lead the way.I am urging local shoppers, schoolchildren, local businesses and Bridgend County Borough Council to back the campaign and support Wales’s bid to become the world’s first Fairtrade country.Fairtrade guarantees a fair price and safe working conditions for producers of things like

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-56251022554157064742007-02-16T09:14:00.000-08:002007-02-16T01:19:08.669-08:00

KEEPING the kids occupied and active over half term doesn’t have to cost you a penny extra if you send them swimming.Local leisure centres are offering FREE swimming sessions and lessons to children and young people under 16, thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government’s school holiday free swimming scheme.The £2.5m idea has proved a great success - with more than two million swims taken up around

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-88514518053363289242007-02-13T10:37:00.000-08:002007-02-07T07:07:42.858-08:00

SIXTH FORM students in Bridgend schools are set to be among the first in Wales to take up the new Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. Education Minister Jane Davidson announced today that the Welsh Bacc will be offered to all Sixth Form students in Bryntirion Comprehensive, Archbishop McGrath Comprehensive and Bridgend College from September this year.A-levels students in Bridgend will now be able

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-40198383450824913462007-02-07T12:04:00.000-08:002007-02-07T07:07:43.192-08:00

The Welsh Assembly Government has launched a new plan to improve the quality of life for people and children with autism.The plan is backed up by an extra £1.7m – set aside by Labour - for local authorities like Bridgend over the next two years to have a look at how they can improve services for children with autism.Health Minister Brian Gibbons and Education Minister Jane Davidson launched the

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-81346745954466147942007-02-07T11:45:00.000-08:002007-02-07T06:48:04.571-08:00

Ambulances in Bridgend are set to have state-of-the-art digital radios installed to help them improve response times.The £55 million upgrade was announced by Health Minister Brian Gibbons last week and marks a major step in the investment the Labour Assembly Government promised to modernise the ambulance service in Wales.The new system will give far greater radio coverage across Wales, currently

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-57576174266087945212007-02-06T14:18:00.000-08:002007-02-06T06:23:13.008-08:00

STAYING safe and secure in their own homes will be made a whole lot easier for Bridgend’s pensioners and disabled thanks to the Labour Welsh Assembly Government.Last week the Assembly’s Social Justice Minister, Edwina Hart, announced a £136,960 package to provide practical help for older and disabled people in Bridgend to remain living in their homes. The funding has been awarded to Care & Repair

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-39220200042430611042007-01-30T15:20:00.000-08:002007-01-30T07:23:23.978-08:00

On Thursday 1st February I will be holding a Warmer Safer Homes Surgery to explain how Bridgend residents could be eligible for a special grant under the National Assembly run Home Energy Efficiency Scheme, which will make homes warmer, and more energy efficient.Residents who think that they may be entitled to apply for funding under the scheme, should attend the advice session at 10am this

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-28614217380731905172007-01-30T15:01:00.000-08:002007-01-30T07:14:16.207-08:00

Today I welcomed 6th Form pupils from Archbishop McGrath Comprehensive on their very first visit to the National Assembly for Wales.During the visit the pupils were given a briefing on the work, role and responsibilities of an Assembly Member and in particular, how the new powers given under the Government of Wales Act which will begin as from May 2007 will impact upon their work.After the

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-56511983137892243142007-01-26T08:51:00.000-08:002007-01-26T00:54:01.433-08:00

Bridgend schools are making progress in just about every area of education and training.The Annual Report for 2005-06 of the Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales (Estyn) shows that school children and teachers are reaching higher standards than previous years.Labour Education Minister Jane Davidson welcomed the findings which showed that across Wales the number of primary schools

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-7042165919476854902007-01-24T11:45:00.000-08:002007-01-24T03:48:26.931-08:00

FROM April 1st patients in Bridgend and across Wales will no longer have to pay for NHS prescriptions thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government.I voted for the move yesterday by the Labour Assembly Government that would see all charges for NHS prescriptions in Wales dropped.This is great news for all patients in Bridgend and will benefit young families and the elderly. But the news is especially

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-35015123488136933542007-01-23T11:07:00.000-08:002007-01-23T03:10:54.818-08:00

Last Friday I hosted a seminar on behalf of Bridgend Mental Health Matters in the National Assembly for Wales where the guest speaker was the Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons.The seminar included participants from Bridgend College and Ynysawdre Comprehensive School who took part in a number of presentations through the use of music, drama and their own writings, based upon their experiences

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-50296298225528002042007-01-18T08:11:00.000-08:002007-01-18T08:17:59.246-08:00

Devolving crime busting in Wales to local communities like Bridgend will be the key to tackling petty crime, vandalism and binge drinking in our neighbourhoods, Hazel Blears (pictured) said yesterday.On a visit to Wales the Labour Party Chair said that party proposals to give citizens in Wales a greater say on how crime and anti-social behaviour is tackled in their communities is an important

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-55765658067711520072007-01-17T07:50:00.000-08:002007-01-18T08:06:46.950-08:00

A 24-hour helpline for victims of domestic abuse throughout Wales was officially launched on Tuesday at the National Assembly for Wales.The news follows a £250,000 boost from the Assembly Government for the bilingual service, provided by Welsh Women’s Aid.In Wales, an average of 49 women contact Welsh Women’s Aid every single day because of domestic violence and the extra funding for the helpline

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-6880381446029283932007-01-15T13:05:00.000-08:002007-01-15T05:05:42.907-08:00

Iwill be holding advice surgeries at the following venues on Friday, 19 January 2007:Community Hall, Pendre 4.00 – 4.30pmGilead Chapel Hall, Coity 4.45 – 5.15pmCommunity Hall, Brackla 5.30 – 6.00pmMemorial Hall, Coychurch 6.15 – 6.45pmResidents who have any issues of concern are invited to come along.No appointment is necessary.

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-26890556478812884822007-01-15T07:54:00.000-08:002007-01-15T07:57:20.188-08:00

This week is the first-ever Child Trust Fund Week, which runs from January 15th to 20th.Parents in Bridgend are using their £250 vouchers to open an account and ask friends and family to get engaged with their child’s account to build a nest egg for the child’s future.New figures published this month show that in Bridgend, 3274 Child Trust Fund vouchers have been issued to parents. 2320 savings

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-90723579400304719392006-12-28T09:57:00.000-08:002006-12-28T01:59:46.783-08:00

Vital life saving equipment for heart attack victims in Bridgend has been made available thanks to Welsh Assembly money.The Assembly’s £140,000 fund for new public access defibrillation machines will help save the life of anyone suffering from a heart attack in busy shopping centres and rail stations across Wales.Defibrillators deliver controlled electric shocks and the sooner the shock the

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-14008697054151041222006-12-15T12:15:00.000-08:002006-12-15T12:22:53.036-08:00

Speaking last Friday to the annual general meeting of the Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO), I explained that during the next five years the way that public services are organised and delivered in Wales will dramatically change because of the Welsh Assembly Governments response to the Beecham Report.Sir Jeremy Beecham’s Report whilst acknowledging that there were examples of

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-33961069782283618972006-12-08T11:49:00.000-08:002006-12-08T03:52:27.681-08:00

Rail passengers in Bridgend using Arriva Trains’ Manchester to Carmarthen line are to benefit from more modern, spacious trains from Monday (11 December 2006).Arriva Trains Wales receives £140 million each year from the Welsh Assembly Government and the newly purchased ‘Coradia’ trains on the Manchester to Carmarthen route will boost the number of seats available and give passengers a speedier

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1165503981461680052006-12-07T15:04:00.000-08:002006-12-07T07:06:21.470-08:00

A report has been published proving that Welsh Assembly money for local councils like Bridgend to improve road safety is dramatically reducing serious collisions, deaths and injuries on Bridgend roads.For the year 2005/6, £323,000 was given to Bridgend County Borough Council by the Labour Welsh Assembly Government to pay for more road safety projects. A consultant’s report to the Assembly today

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1165406835615821992006-12-06T12:01:00.000-08:002006-12-06T04:07:15.623-08:00

On Saturday December 2nd , I had the privilege of opening the annual Porthcawl Town Council Christmas Fayre which was held at Trinity Church Porthcawl.I was delighted to be asked to perform the official opening ceremony.I would like to congratulate the organisers and the stall holders for all their hard work and effort. I was particularly impressed by the wide variety of stalls on display,

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164990759481774662006-12-01T16:29:00.000-08:002006-12-01T08:32:39.496-08:00

New state of the art mental health services are to be implemented in Bridgend thanks to over £30 million worth of investment by the Welsh Assembly Government.Proposals put forward by Bro Morgannwg NHS Trust will mean new build centres for integrated day care and continuing care for patients with mental health problems. It is vital that we continue to replace outdated services and buildings as

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164991190532869012006-12-01T08:35:00.000-08:002006-12-01T08:41:27.440-08:00

News that the Orion Electrics plant in Margam is to cut its workforce by 50% has been greeted locally with great concern.The company, which currently employs 180 people manufacturing DVD players and plasma televisions, will cut 98 jobs at the end of the year.It is a cruel blow to those employees affected and their families. There is never a good time to lose your job but coming as it does in the

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164807296383306082006-11-29T13:30:00.000-08:002006-11-29T05:34:56.393-08:00

A new scheme for low income families in Bridgend to give free milk and fresh fruit and vegetables for children and mums to be has been introduced.The Department of Health’s Healthy Start scheme will give vouchers to qualifying families in Bridgend to buy the nutritious milk, infant formula and food they need to give their children a healthy start in life – as well as free vitamin

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164802367704456132006-11-29T12:11:00.000-08:002006-11-29T04:12:47.716-08:00

I have been happy this week to give my backing to the Welsh Assembly’s plan to save the Welsh taxpayer the millions of pounds lost each year due to work stress-related illness and days off.The Healthy Minds at Work campaign has revealed that when people are out of work due to stress, anxiety and depression it costs each Welsh taxpayer £100 a year. The cost of work absences includes the rise in

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164299950046370362006-11-23T16:36:00.000-08:002006-11-23T08:39:10.056-08:00

Last weekend, I visited the Bridgend Samaritans office in Green Street to see at first hand the work they are doing helping local people with their problems.The branch first formed in the early 1970s with the group moving into their current offices in 1988. Staffed by volunteers, the office offers a 24-hour, confidential, non-judgemental emotional support helpline.I was particularly impressed by

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164290428183635862006-11-23T13:55:00.000-08:002006-11-23T06:00:28.190-08:00

I am pleased to be able to give my backing to the International Day to End Violence Against Women, Saturday November 25th.Research shows that in Wales the number of women who suffer from domestic abuse is higher than the UK average and that up to a third of all women in Wales are likely to have suffered some form of violence. A recent ICM survey also revealed that 40 per cent of young people in

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164283770274465992006-11-23T12:07:00.000-08:002006-11-23T04:12:22.033-08:00

The Welsh Assembly Government has announced plans to cut the cost of home care services for disabled and older people on low incomes in Bridgend.Yesterday, First Minister Rhodri Morgan gave details of how part of a £76m fund would help over 10,000 older and disabled people in Wales remain independent in their own homes and that £600,000 would be made available to purchase more motorised

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164106034474018142006-11-21T10:45:00.000-08:002006-11-21T02:47:14.483-08:00

Welcome news - Celtic Energy have withdrawn proposals for an opencast mine in Pyle.This announcement is good news for the communities surrounding the planned mine. The opencast would have had a hugely detrimental impact on people in the Pyle and Margam areas. There is an alternative to opencast mining at Parc Slip. Celtic can now sink the deep mine as they said they would.The plans put

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1164019937500397022006-11-20T10:50:00.000-08:002006-11-20T02:52:17.506-08:00

Last year Welsh Labour boosted Wales’ Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) by £10 million. This year Welsh Labour has increased the HEES grants from £2,700 to £3,600 to help pensioners, the disabled, families receiving benefits and other vulnerable groups of people install new insulation measures, heating systems and improve home security with window and door locks. This week I will be continuing

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1163754823774359672006-11-17T09:10:00.000-08:002006-11-17T01:13:43.783-08:00

I will be standing firmly by the side of children in Bridgend in support of anti bullying as Wales prepares to mark Respecting Others Week 2006 (20-24 November) by wearing blue.Education Minister Jane Davidson announced recently that blue is the colour of the week and ‘bystanders’ are the focus of the campaign – led by the Welsh Anti-Bullying Network and Welsh Assembly Government – which aims to

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1162895304211131172006-11-07T10:19:00.000-08:002006-11-07T02:28:24.226-08:00

I believe that First Great Western should think again and reconsider its decision to remove the 5.18pm train from Cardiff Central to Swansea from its timetable.The proposal, which will take effect from 11 December, leaves passengers travelling west of the capital city with no mainline service between 5.02pm and 5.38pm.I commute between Bridgend and Cardiff every day by rail and often use that

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1162888593695262692006-11-07T08:27:00.000-08:002006-11-07T00:36:33.703-08:00

My advice surgery dates for the rest of 2006 are as follows:NOVEMBERFriday 10 St Brides Church Hall 4.15 – 4.45 pmWick Sports Hall 5.00 – 5.30 pmBroadlands Llangewydd Arms 6.00 – 6.30 pmSaturday 18

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1162827908753851372006-11-06T15:43:00.000-08:002006-11-06T07:45:08.763-08:00

Bridgend children will be amongst the first to benefit from the Welsh Assembly Government’s flagship early years education plan.Flying Start is the Assembly Government’s £46m investment in communities like Bridgend to give children aged 0 to three years old a better start in life and prepare them for school and their future.Education Minister, Jane Davidson AM today announced that the scheme

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1162228708415878502006-10-30T17:15:00.000-08:002006-10-30T09:18:28.426-08:00

Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons today announced £700,000 extra to meet the increasing need for high cost drugs to treat Welsh patients with Multiple Sclerosis. The extra money will go to hospitals that treat Welsh MS patients and comes on top of the yearly £2.5 million the Assembly provides for Welsh MS patients to access Disease Modifying Therapies (DMTs). This extra Welsh Assembly funding is

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1161782774823652282006-10-25T11:19:00.000-07:002006-10-25T06:26:14.853-07:00

Today, I have been pleased to give my full support to a fundraising campaign that has been set up to help local families affected by Farepak Food & Gifts Ltd going into liquidation and leaving its customers without their Christmas hampers and presents.The campaign, which is being organised by the Bridgend branch of Peter Morgan Estate Agents, aims to raise money to provide those people, who are

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1161687379152464772006-10-24T11:49:00.000-07:002006-10-24T03:56:19.160-07:00

The proposed closure of the Hyper Value store in Bridgend could not have come at a worse time for its employees.The news comes as part of a decision by the discount retailer to close 9 out of its 15 stores in a restructuring exercise.There is never a good time to lose your job but with Christmas approaching, this announcement will create a great deal of anxiety amongst its staff who will be

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1161617922951552102006-10-23T16:36:00.000-07:002006-10-23T08:38:42.963-07:00

A new report authored by Deputy Social Justice Minister Huw Lewis AM outlines the Assembly Government’s goals for 2010 and 2020 to ensure all Welsh children have a fair start in life. Eradicating Child Poverty in Wales – Measuring Success covers issues such as childhood accidents, teenage pregnancy, poor health and achievement at school.Ending child poverty is the most important goal this Labour

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1161263842696398052006-10-19T14:15:00.000-07:002006-10-19T06:17:22.706-07:00

Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Jane Davidson AM announced yesterday that the Welsh Bacc was fit for purpose to be offered to all Sixth Form students in Wales from September next year following a successful pilot scheme.A-levels students in Bridgend will now be able to gain a broader qualification than the traditional A-level and an advantage when they look for University places and

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1161094580766130242006-10-18T07:14:00.000-07:002006-10-17T07:17:44.713-07:00

I welcome the Welsh Assembly Government’s commitment to a £7.6m investment to provide extra curricular sports for secondary school children in Wales.Welsh Labour is delivering on its promise to extend the Dragon Sports initiative into secondary schools. Dragon Sports has been already been successful in getting more primary school children involved in sports outside of school time.We have all

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1161089576274526092006-10-17T13:48:00.000-07:002006-10-17T05:52:56.286-07:00

Last year Welsh Labour boosted Wales’ Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) by £10 million. This year Welsh Labour has increased the HEES grants from £2,700 to £3,600 to help pensioners, the disabled, families receiving benefits and other vulnerable groups of people install new insulation measures, heating systems and improve home security with window and door locks. This new investment also

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1161090534614113482006-10-17T02:07:00.000-07:002006-10-17T06:08:54.653-07:00

Today’s Welsh Labour budget shows that people can trust Welsh Labour to deliver on their promisesPledges made in 2003 for better jobs, better schools, better health and stronger communities have been honoured by the Welsh Assembly Government’s budget. Welsh Labour is delivering on the record investment in public services it promised Wales at the last election and smashing its own targets.People

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1161010347912077692006-10-16T15:50:00.000-07:002006-10-16T07:52:27.926-07:00

This week is the Welsh Assembly Government’s Free Healthy Breakfast Week.Welsh Labour is delivering on a Manifesto commitment to provide a free healthy breakfast to primary school children in all schools in Wales which have opted to operate the scheme by next year.This Welsh Labour promise is ensuring not only that our youngest children are given a flying start in life, but also that children

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1160916269066337772006-10-15T13:38:00.000-07:002006-10-15T05:44:29.076-07:00

Plans to close the John Grooms Danygraig Respite Care Centre in Porthcawl will be a hugely disappointing to many local people.Proposals to combine the 30-bed nursing and residential care home with the Jane Hodge Resort Hotel near Cowbridge will mean the Porthcawl centre, which was kept open following a campaign in 2001 which attracted over 12,000 supporters, is to close almost immediately.This

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1160746456508682352006-10-13T14:22:00.000-07:002006-10-13T06:34:16.546-07:00

The Lib Dem / Tory Bridgend Council coalition need to think again and reconsider their decision to axe free Christmas car parking in Bridgend town centre.Christmas is traditionally the busiest time of the year for local traders and as a town we need to make a clear statement to people that we really want them to come and shop here.Neighbouring local authorities, such as Labour run Neath Port

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1160737811951264792006-10-13T11:08:00.000-07:002006-10-13T04:10:11.960-07:00

An announcement that £16 million is to be invested in a new fleet of ambulances across Wales is particularly welcome news for BridgendThe money will pay for 119 new ambulances and 67 other patient vehicles over the next few months. This outlay will provide drivers and paramedics with brand new vehicles carrying the very latest lifesaving equipment. It is the first instalment of the

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1160564409034415312006-10-11T11:39:00.000-07:002006-10-11T04:00:09.063-07:00

On Friday September 29th, I held a coffee morning at North Cornelly Public Hall as part of the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer SupportA good turnout represented the strong community spirit of the area and the coffee, biscuits and cakes were all contributed by supporters and friends. Raffle prizes were also generously donated and £181.50 was raised. All those present were

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1160038611309249482006-10-05T10:46:00.000-07:002006-10-05T01:56:51.316-07:00

This week I have been busy lauching my second annual Christmas Card Competition.The competition is open to young artists across the Bridgend constituency and invites them to design my official Christmas card, which will then be sent to hundreds of people across the country. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each of the four age categories (Nursery & Reception, Years 1&2, Years 3-6, Years 7-

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1159950021681377942006-10-04T09:14:00.000-07:002006-10-04T01:20:21.690-07:00

Brackla Labour councillor, John Spanswick last Friday left Bridgend to embark on his charity trek to the base camp at Mount Everest and the adjacent peak of Kalar Patar at a height of 5,560m.He tells me that he expects to raise in the region of £4,000 for Cancer Research and the Stroke Association. More information on his adventure can be found at www.cobwebs.uk.net/everesttrek where you can also

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1159908770694932532006-10-03T13:46:00.000-07:002006-10-03T13:52:50.703-07:00

I will be holding the following advice surgeries this month:Friday 13Porthcawl Community Council Offices 4.00 – 4.30 pmNottage St David’s Church 4.45 – 5.15 pmNewton School Room 5.30 – 6.00 pmFriday 27Wildmill 103 Glanffornwg 11.00 – 11.30 amCefn Glas West Ward 11.45 – 12.15 pmBryntirion OCLP Club 1.30 – 2.15 pmLaleston The Oystercatcher 2.30 – 3.15 pmPlease ring Helen on (01656) 664320 to make

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1159436119869822552006-09-28T10:30:00.000-07:002006-09-28T02:35:19.883-07:00

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the Porthcawl Elvis Festival this weekend.The Festival is now in its third year and is the biggest of its kind in Europe. There will be many people visiting the local area for the first time and it is a chance for us to show to them what we have to offer.Coming at the end of the season, it will prove to be a welcome shot in the arm for the tourism

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1159456613225590652006-09-19T08:13:00.000-07:002006-09-28T08:16:53.236-07:00

I will be hosting a World's Biggest Coffee Morning Event on Friday September 29th in North Cornelly Public Hall between 10am and 12 noon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.Together people across Wales raised £275,000 in 2005 to help reach more people affected by cancer, their carers, families and communities. One in three people will get cancer and 1.2 million people are currently living with the

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1159473703103462462006-09-18T12:57:00.000-07:002006-09-28T13:01:43.116-07:00

A campaign I have been leading to secure the future of Post Offices in the area has received a boost following an announcement that the business rate relief system will be reformed to help more small businesses across Wales.The new scheme, wholly financed by the Labour Welsh Assembly Government, will increase the number of eligible businesses in Bridgend able to benefit from 150 to 1,400. Special

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1159519685598510102006-09-12T09:42:00.000-07:002006-09-29T01:48:05.600-07:00

I am pleased to join local carers in welcoming the opening this week of a brand new £1/2 million Breakaway Respite Care Centre in Kenfig Hill, Bridgend.Carers are unsung heroes and they do an excellent job in looking after family members or friends that need their help the most. They often juggle caring duties alongside employment and other family life and it is important that we continue to give

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1159439847635863032006-09-11T11:32:00.000-07:002006-09-28T03:37:27.643-07:00

Politicians serving time behind bars might be a dream of many people, but for fundraisers at the Llys Nini RSPCA centre in Penllergaer that dream became a reality.I was imprisoned as part of the “Lock up your boss" event at the Centre’s Open Day yesterday to raise money to help pay for the running costs of the animal centre which serves South and West Wales, including Bridgend and Mid

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35170233.post-1159441769303794352006-09-07T12:02:00.000-07:002006-09-28T04:09:29.360-07:00

Picture features Youth Works Project Co-ordinator Tyrone Hughes (back left) and myself with local youngsters displaying one of the proposed signs they have designed to reduce speeding in Wildmill.Last night I visited a pioneering project to rejuvenate a community of Bridgend and provide young people with the chance to develop personal skills to help them obtain employment or enter further

Carwyn Joneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12105824704077093685noreply@blogger.com0