SEPTEMBER is traditionally a time of optimism as the new academic year begins. Photographs of smiling and smartly turned out children fill Facebook feeds across Wales from friends or family. I was particularly delighted to see the images of students from my own constituency - resplendently decked out in their new black and blue uniforms. The crest of their new Islwyn High School proudly being shown off to the world. Pontllanfraith and Oakdale Comprehensive schools have amalgamated and thanks to WG and Caerphilly council match funding in 2017 they will move into a new £25million build. The school will house up to 1,200 pupils and I wish head teacher Tim Williams, his staff and all the children every success for their first year. Despite the swinging cuts to Wales and our Welsh budget, it is testimony to the importance placed in education and priority that the Welsh Labour Government and Caerphilly Council have placed - in this highly regarded project. In total £53.50 million will be spent on developing high quality teaching and learning environments across the local authority.

As readers will be aware I am determined to fight to ensure that Cwmcarn Forest Scenic Drive is fully reopened for the public to enjoy once again. I am in regular dialogue with Natural Resources Wales, Caerphilly Borough Council and Welsh Government. Having raised this issue in the Assembly chamber and with ministers I recently attended a public meeting of the Friends of Cwmcarn Forest Drive held at Cwmcarn Working Men’s Club. It was heartening to see so many members of the public willing to give up their evening for this important cause.

I was very heartened to receive news over the summer recess that Natural Resources Wales have announced that it will extend its consultation on a proposed waste recycling facility at Nine Mile Point. I was protesting with residents, when they presented their voluminous objection letters from the community to the granting of a permit to Hazrem Environmental Limited. Due to the campaigning of the community, new evidence has necessitated National Resources Wales to seek a further consultation with Public Health Wales to assess any potential impact on the health of people living in the area. One of my favourite books is Richard Llewellyn’s classic ‘How Green Was My Valley? I will stand shoulder to shoulder with my constituencies in fighting to ensure that the Sirhowy Valley remains a green valley that future generations can and will enjoy.

I hold regular surgeries around the constituency but if you need to get in touch with me then please contact me at my constituency office: 208 High Street Blackwood, NP12 1AJ on 01495 225162 or e-mail me on Rhianon.Passmore@assembly.wales