THE UK Government has confirmed its decision to relocate 1,700 Department for Work and Pension jobs from Newport, Cwmbran, Caerphilly, Merthyr and Gabalfa into one single site in Treforest.

This plan has been drawn up with no understanding of the current staff, commuting times or the geography of Wales.

Three hundred and sixty-five staff at the Newport DWP office in Sovereign House will be affected.

More than an hour each way will be added to the commute of staff travelling by train from Newport, plus extra travel costs.

For those travelling by car, I understand the planning application for the new building in Treforest only has 450 parking spaces.

The decision pays scant regard for those workers who have caring responsibilities.

Along with other Assembly Members, I met with the PCS Union and once again raised my serious concerns with the Welsh Government.

Although the decision is not devolved to Wales it is vital we do all we can to fight against these closures.

John Griffiths AM and myself are working closely with Paul Flynn MP and Jessica Morden MP to ensure the case against closure is heard.

Anyone affected by the decision can contact me on Jayne.Bryant@assembly.wales or 01633 376627.

- It was a privilege to mark Firefighters Memorial Day at Malpas Fire Station.

Every time firefighters go out on a call, there’s always a danger they will not come back.

It was very moving to pay tribute to those who sadly passed away on duty and an important opportunity to thank the firefighters who put their lives at risk to protect us.

- Caerleon is home to the most complete amphitheatre in the UK, impressive fortress baths, and the only remainder of Roman legionary barracks on view anywhere in Europe.

The redevelopment of the Roman Legionary Museum was announced in the recent review of the National Museum Wales.

Upcoming essential maintenance work to the roof of the museum will mean its closure for some months but the Roman Baths, amphitheatre and barracks will continue to be open to the public throughout the period of the museum’s closure.

- It was an honour to open the Tredegar House Folk Festival on Saturday. The festival is a fantastic annual celebration of music and dance, bringing together people from all over the world. Hope to see you at the festival's 30th anniversary next year.