We inWales deserve better infrastructure

The decision of the WRU to not host any more Friday night Six Nations matches, because of the travel difficulties the evening games present to fans, highlights the need for the many transport projects “in the pipeline” across south Wales to be delivered.

As President of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, I want to see our cities, Swansea and Newport as well as Cardiff, able to host major events any day of the week. Most importantly, though, I want to see our businesses supported by the infrastructure they need to trade within the region, across the rest of the UK and, indeed, further afield.

When we consulted our members regarding the M4 relief road around Newport they told us that event organisers, whether for sporting events or conferences, often didn’t look at south Wales because of the difficulty that attendees from outside Wales would face getting through the Brynglas tunnels. Tourism businesses in west Wales raised similar concerns – that people are choosing not to holiday in the area due to the difficulties getting here.

Chamber of Commerce members in the Valleys tell me of the challenges they have in recruiting people, particularly younger people who may not have their own transport, from outside the immediate area. The integrated public transport that the proposed Metro will bring will be a considerable boost to these businesses.

The need for substantial improvements to south Wales’ transport infrastructure is clear. Half-baked solutions such as an upgraded duel-carriageway around Newport, or new trains but no connecting buses in the Valleys, just won’t cut it. Wales deserves better. Welsh businesses, especially the hardworking employees of those businesses, and rugby fans deserve better. Liz Maher President, South Wales Chamber of Commerce