DRACONIAN cuts by the Westminster Government are continuing to affect Newport residents, with a real risk to reductions in services. I know that members of Newport City Council are working hard to reduce the impact of these cuts, and I will continue to support them in their efforts to make Newport a positive place to live and work.

I am extremely disappointed by the University of South Wales’ proposals to move courses from Caerleon campus by the end of the academic year. I have had discussions with the vice chancellor and the chair of governors and will continue to campaign against the closure.

I recently held an information event in Rhiwderin Village Hall. Representatives from Newport City Council’s rehousing service, the Pensions Service, NEST (energy efficiency advice,) Care and Repair and the Fire Service were on hand to provide information about the vital services that they provide.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently offering the chance to have a free fire safety check on your home carried out by fire fighters from your local fire station. The check takes about 30 minutes, and the service will provide and install free 10-year smoke alarms where necessary.

For further information or to arrange the free home fire safety check call 0800 169 1234 or e-mail cfs@southwales-fire.gov.uk with ‘Home Fire Safety’ in the subject line.

Congratulations to Aneurin Bevan Health Board on achieving university status! This is a fantastic achievement and it demonstrates the health board’s commitment to partnership working and the broad range of educational and research activity taking place in the area’s hospitals.

The Chartist Commission is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and self-motivated project manager to manage the delivery of a commemoration of the Chartist uprising of 1839. The role will include advertising for artists, organising consultation on proposals, and identifying and securing funding for the commemorative piece/event. For further details contact Mark Hand on 01633 210091 or e-mail mark.hand@newport.gov.uk.

The Newport Senior Citizens information day held last Saturday was a great success, and it is the biggest event of its kind in Wales. Well done to those who continue to make the event a highlight for attendees every year.

You can keep up to date with some of my activities by visiting www.rosemarybutleram.co.uk or following me on Twitter @RosemaryButler. If you live in Newport West and have an issue you think I may be able to help with, e-mail me on rosemary.butler@wales.gov.uk