During June there were 2 announcements that will have an impact upon the South Wales East region:

1. The South Wales Metro: an integrated transport system focussed upon Cardiff, that will eventually link Chepstow, Abergavenny, Pontypool to Newport with faster, more frequent services.

It has long been acknowledged that our region lacked a coherent “modern” network that could radically change attitudes towards public transport. Many cities and regions have established such networks (Tyne & Wear and Midland Metros, Nottingham Express Transit & Edinburgh Trams); it is anticipated a system adopting Greater Manchester’s tram/light rail network could achieve strong passenger growth.

It has already been estimated that the entire network would take until 2030 to develop. However, work has already begun with new stations at Pye Corner and Ebbw Vale town centre.

I hope that this will allow the speedy introduction of the long campaigned for (by myself and the Argus) Newport – Ebbw Vale rail Link; which was promised by the Welsh Government in 2001, as an integral part of the measures it proposed to address the Corus closures at Ebbw Vale and Lllanwern.

2. Local Government reorganisation: The Welsh Assembly Minister has proposed the future of local government in our region to be a single council to replace Newport City, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly councils.

People will recall the County of Gwent, which roughly covers the area of the proposed “new” council. Gwent is one of the preserved counties of Wales; surviving for the ceremonial purposes of Lieutenancy and High Shrievalty; also retained in the titles of many familiar organisations, services and teams: Gwent Police, Royal Gwent Hospital, Coleg Gwent, and Newport Gwent Dragons.

People will be seeking reassurance that the new council – regardless of its name – will provide effective and efficient services, which reflect the needs of everyone, across the council area. Local representation is vital and already concerns about requirements ‘remote’ communities being lost with determinations centred upon our most populated areas.

The Minister has described concerns about the size and number of county halls is rather old-fashioned in an era of remote access and digital communications, it should be quite feasible for local authorities to enable staff to work in a more modern way.

I have great concerns that these proposals reflect changes that are not centred upon maintaining local representation or the considerations of our remote communities. Remote access, digital communications and staff working in a more modern way, will distance staff and eventually elected representatives, for the people they provide services for and an understanding of the services they require.