Here's the latest Argus column by Islwyn MP Chris Evans:
THIS month South Wales was deeply affected by flooding caused by Storm Dennis.
I was shocked that in last week’s budget the Chancellor failed to mention the huge impact flooding has had on Wales.
One part of my constituency that was deeply affected were our rugby clubs. All the way from Crosskeys and Risca to Blackwood, clubs up and down Islwyn faced serious flooding. The floods affected not only their pitches but also their club houses.
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I visited the worst impacted clubs in my constituency last week.
While it was hard to see the clubs so damaged, I left feeling heartened that our communities were pulling together.
At every club I visited I heard how the community had come together to help.
Each club shared a very similar story with me that on the Sunday, after the worst of the floods when they came to survey the damage, there were already people waiting outside ready to lend a helping hand.
At Blackwood Rugby club I was told it was hard to keep hold of a mop or broom because if you put it down for a second someone else would instantly pick it up.
These clubs are not just about the sport although we all know how important that is, they are the beating heart of communities.
These clubs also host youth clubs, mother and toddler groups and veterans’ associations.
They are where we host our children’s birthday parties, where we celebrate engagements and even where we mourn our loved ones.
Our rugby clubs are at the heart of our communities and I will be doing everything I can to help them get back on their feet.
It is heartening to know so many others feel the same.
These floods had have done a lot of harm but one good thing they have done is shown once again how strong our Valleys communities are.
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