NEWPORT City Centre is thriving, and with the new Friars Walk development due to open later in the autumn, this is an exciting time to be in the city. I was pleased to hear that Newport businesses will be able to benefit from a high street regeneration programme backed by Business in the Community.

The 2015 Healthy High Streets programme will enable vacant units to be dressed up with a window graphics exhibition, a Welcome to Newport ambassador programme and a night-time ambassador scheme. The recent news that M&S will be returning to Newport is more success for the city and this fantastic development.

My congratulations to Tiny Rebel Brewery on winning the prestigious Best Beer in Britain Award at the Great British Beer Festival! This is great recognition for an innovative Newport business, and well done to all involved.

Tredegar House is a great attraction to visit this summer and the National Trust is holding a wide range of fun events for all the family. Throughout the summer you can see the conservation team in action, take tours of the cellars and attics as well as taking part in a special 1930s jazz age experience on the August Bank Holiday weekend. For more details call 01633 815880.

In response to an increasing number of cases of meningococcal group W disease in the UK, all students under 25 and attending university from this September are entitled to receive the MenACWY vaccine. There will also be a catch-up programme for all 13 to 18 year olds, and they will be invited to have the vaccine in school or by their GP. Those attending university are urged to contact their GP surgery as soon as possible to receive the vaccine.

Last month, the UK Government announced the next stage in their austerity programme. The continued financial reduction from the UK Government has seen a net cut of £46 million in 2015-16, and we will not know the longer term impact until the spending review on November 25. It is clear we can expect the Welsh budget to be reduced further in real terms, and the late timing of the spending review makes the challenge of managing the impact of further cuts even greater. As AM, I will continue to fight for fair funding and access to vital services for all my constituents against the backdrop of these UK Government cuts.

Keep up to date with my activities by visiting rosemarybutleram.co.uk or following me on Twitter @Rosemary Butler. To be added to my newsletter mailing list call 01633 222523 or email rosemary.butler@assembly.wales