These are the 12 biggest issues faced by people in theValleys
Jobs, transport, health... a new initiative has been tasked with listening to the concerns of Valley communities. Tom Houghton reports on what people are saying
LOSING local libraries, affordable childcare provision and a lack of joined up infrastructure – these are 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 took place last week.
Here are the 12 most raised issues so far:
Concerns over the lack of joinedup provision of infrastructure and frequency of 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 local people into local jobs. 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 disability 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;
The provision of local skills in relation to the labour market requirements. Raised twice;
The sustainability of different programmes across the Valleys. Raised twice.
So far, there have been six meetings, with three being open to the public. The most recent of those was chaired by the minister for lifelong learning and Blaenau Gwent AM, Alun Davies.
Mr Davies had said previously that Valleys communities were “dispirited and under-engaged”, and so it was time to react to the “real world circumstances”.
On February 13, he joined local residents at the Redhouse in Merthyr to hear about their aspirations for the future of the Valleys and explain how the newly-established taskforce can help improve opportunities for people living and working there.
As well as members of the public, it was attended by external members of the taskforce, including Ann Beynon, chair of the Cardiff City Region Board, Coun Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Cardiff University professor Brian Morgan and Dr Chris Jones, chair of Cwm Taf University Health Board.
Following the meeting Mr Davies said: “We can feel that understanding and awareness of the work of the taskforce is growing and the engagement sessions we’ve held to date have been invaluable in helping to shape our priorities.
“It is vital however we continue to work with and listen to communities throughout the lifetime of the taskforce.
“From the discussions we’ve had with the public so far, some key themes have emerged.
“These include the importance of linking businesses with local schools to give young people the confidence and skills they need to enter into the world of work and the importance of linking infrastructure like industrial sites, schools, colleges and transport initiatives together, ensuring true connectivity for the valleys.
“I would urge anyone who feels passionately about where they live to engage with the work of the taskforce and have their say. We’re here to listen and your views will help shape our shared vision for the valleys.”
The next public meeting will be held at Cynon Valley Bowls Club in Mountain Ash from 6pm on February 27, and will be chaired by Mr Davies. If you’d like to attend, or submit a question for discussion in advance, you can do so via the Welsh Government Facebook page or @ WG_Communities on Twitter using the hashtag #TalkValleys.