THE start of the New Year brought positive news for Newport people.

More than £30 million of funding was recently announced for the Communities First programme, which is continuing to help people in disadvantaged areas across Wales.

The £31.7 million of funding will benefit 52 cluster areas, and support the most vulnerable people by combating poverty and promoting education, health and economic prosperity.

Newport City Council will receive £2,391,530 which will be split between its four clusters: North, East, West and Central.

The funding is another boost from the Welsh Government for its work to support Newport’s most vulnerable communities and narrow the economic, education and health gaps between our most deprived and affluent areas.

The new Pye Corner railway station is now open.

The station has a 62 car park spaces, as well as electric car park charging points, and will be served by the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff service with the potential to see more destinations added in the future. The new £3.5 million station was part funded by the Welsh Government and will ensure that individuals have access to public transport services. It’s vital that we use this service, and I am confident that the new station will provide important access to jobs and services.

The Friars Walk development continues to rise, and it is exciting to see Newport’s new skyline nearing completion. I was delighted to hear that River Island is the latest retailer to confirm a space at the development, and I’m really looking forward to continuing to follow the progress of the site over the next few months.

I was also pleased to receive an update from Aneurin Bevan University Health Board regarding stroke services. A Community Neuro-rehabilitation Service has been piloted over the last several months, enabling stroke patients to rehabilitate in their own home when it is safe to do so. Over the coming months, the Health Board will be reviewing its outcome data for this service, and will also be creating a hyper-acute stroke unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital. This commitment is so important for those recovering from a strike, and I look forward to participating in the forthcoming stakeholder engagement later this year.

Keep up to date with my activities by visiting www.rosemarybutleram.co.uk or following me on Twitter @RosemaryButler. Get in touch with me on 01633 222523 or rosemary.butler@wales.gov.uk