Ahead of the New Year it is important to not just look forward, but to reflect on the year gone by.
This past year has seen significant challenges, Putin’s aggression in Ukraine has continued to have an effect on energy prices both locally and internationally.
The impact of this has been felt by households and local businesses across the Vale. Having discussed these issues and met with some of our fantastic publicans and business owners, it is vital that we do all that we can to support our high streets which make the Vale so special!
Earlier this year, I was incredibly proud to submit the ‘Levelling Up Fund’ bid for a Barry Marina. I was delighted that roughly 80% of Barry Waterfront residents supported the multi-million-pound projects in my survey. A marina for Barry is something I have advocated for years, and I will continue to work with local groups while promoting the bid in Wales and Westminster as we await the funding results.
Welcoming new businesses to Barry and elsewhere in the Vale has been a particular highlight of my year, I will continue to champion our fantastic communities and bring investment to the area.
Having made calls for a St Athan Station in Parliament, I will continue to promote investment in our local transport links. Following my ‘Bus Back Better’ survey, I have worked closely with local bus operators around the extension of its 303 and 304 bus services. It was also fantastic to mark the opening of Barry Station’s new footbridge and accessibility improvements, funded by the UK Government.
Upgrades to local transport infrastructure are central to my plan and the massive investment from the UK Government shows their commitment to the Vale’s transport infrastructure.
Running my tenth marathon in October, I raised over £5,000 for two fantastic charities: Parkinson’s UK and Calon Hearts – a Welsh-based charity that provide life-saving defibrillators and training across local communities. The total of ten London Marathons approaches £90,000 for local causes.
My priorities for this coming year include a new train station for St Athan, an integrated health hub for Llantwit Major, better bus services across the Vale, protecting our valuable green spaces such as Model Farm in Rhoose, maintaining high water quality in coastal communities, supporting our incredible local small businesses and high streets across the rural vale and in towns, and a Barry Marina!
I am proud that myself and my team have been able to help so many residents through casework enquiries, having dealt with almost 5,000 individual cases this past year ranging from housing and health to immigration and education.
As always, if I can help in any way please get in contact by emailing: alun.cairns.mp@parliament.uk
Following the restrictions of years gone by, I have been incredibly proud of how the Vale has come together this past year. Particularly by hosting Ukrainian families in their time of need. We must continue to come together in these ways.
It is on that note that I would like to wish you a happy and healthy New Year.
