NEWPORT SHIP

I had the pleasure of meeting some of the determined members of the Friends of the Newport Ship (FONS) when I visited an industrial unit on the Queensway Estate, where the medieval ship is stored.

It is vital that a plan is in place for a museum housing the 15th century Newport Ship well before funding is due to run out in March 2017.

I understand from the Friends of the Newport Ship (FONS) that they have three possible sites alongside the River Usk for a museum where a rebuilt ship can be put on public display.

The current base for the ship, which is far from ideal for visitors, is very much a stop-gap until a permanent home is found.

From talking to the Friends’ officials, it is clear to me that this is a project should be led and given priority by the Welsh Government. I urge the National Museum of Wales to become closely involved as they have the expertise.

The support of Newport council is important but this should be viewed very much as a Welsh national project because of the importance of this ship. The council also like all local authorities have serious financial challenges ahead.

The clinker-built ship, which held up to 300 tonnes of cargo, I was told pre-dates the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Amazing.

It is now 13 years since the discovery of the ship and, I believe, this 15th century merchant ship would act as an important attraction in bringing visitors into Newport, spending money in the local economy.

ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

In less than five months people in Wales will go to the polls to choose a new government.

The performance of the NHS under the current Welsh Labour Government is expected to be the main issue during the election campaign along with education service and the economy where Wales is lagging further behind the rest of the UK.

I hear people criticise the Assembly as an institution but it shouldn’t be blamed for the failings of the Labour government over the past 16 years in the same way that you can’t blame Parliament as a body for what the Conservative Government in Westminster does.

I hope that those that have felt it was pointless voting will think again. Nothing will ever change if people just sit on their hands and do nothing.

Finally, I wanted to wish all Argus readers a happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous new year.

LINDSAY WHITTLE AM,

PLAID CYMRU

SOUTH WALES EAST