I WANTED to let Argus readers know that I will be backing independent candidate Ian Johnston in the Gwent police commissioner elections on November 15.

I’ve known Ian, a former chief superintendent in Gwent, for many years since I served on the Gwent Police Authority, as well as when I was leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council.

In fact, I was part of a police delegation to Northern Ireland many years ago with Ian which aimed to bring the various factions closer together.

Personally, I have concerns about the involvement of party politicians in these commission roles and I believe it is best suited to someone with first-hand experience and knowledge of the police.

Ian not only worked for Gwent Police but, when he left the force, took a post with the Police Superintendents’ Association so also has that wider experience.

Policing is not easy and I believe a strong independent candidate with that vital police background would deliver best for Gwent.

Plaid did not believe there was any need for police commissioners given the current financial situation, but the UK coalition government decided to press ahead.

Every force area will have a police commissioner, so I urge people to have their say and vote.

Commissioners will be making massive decisions for our communities in Gwent, tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour, which plagues many areas, and drug dealing.

LUNG DISEASE

It was a pleasure to meet representatives of the British Lung Foundation at the Senedd.

Wales has a very high incidence of lung disease, with one in five people affected.

It was surprising to hear that there were more respiratory hospital admissions across the nation for a decade – more than 46,000.

The BLF, along with members of the Breathe Easy groups, visit the Assembly every year to lobby members in ensuring respiratory services are delivered fairly across Wales, wherever people live. They have my support.

I met representatives from the Breathe Easy group that meets at St Mary’s Church Hall in Stow Hill, Newport, every third Tuesday between 2pm and 4pm.

It is open to anyone with a lung condition, along with their carers, and you are assured of a warm welcome.

STROKE ASSOCIATION

Well done to Cllr Fiona Cross, of Coed Eva, Cwmbran, who raised more than £200 for the Stroke Association from her run