Libraries, big issues
LOSING local libraries, affordable childcare provision and a lack of joined up infrastructure – just some of the concerns people in the Valleys have.
They have all been raised at meetings of the Valleys Taskforce, a body that was set up by the Welsh Government last summer.
The focus of the group is firmly on employment and economic issues affecting the South Wales Valleys, and aims to build on existing work across the region in a more coordinated and targeted way to meet the needs of communities.
It’s had six meetings so far with three of those public, the latest of which was last Monday.
Here are the 12 most raised issues so far:
Concerns over lack of joined and frequency of the up infrastructure, including transport services like buses and trains. Raised four times in total.
Losing local services like leisure centres, libraries and swimming pools, as well as concerns over community mobilisation to “save the service” causing instability. Raised three times.
Making sure local assets regarding culture and tourism are capitalised upon. Raised three times.
Concerns over affordable and accessible childcare. Raised three times.
Affordable and accessible transport for jobs, training and education. Raised three times.
Supporting people into local Raised twice.
Concerns over a lack of careers advice and support for alternative avenues for both younger people and older people. Raised twice.
Support for disablility and mental health issues to access work. Raised twice.
Publicising the work of the taskforce and its future decisions. Raised twice.
Concerns over the lack of appropriate skills and experience in the current workforce. Raised twice. local The skills local jobs. provision of in relation