'Nightmare train service must improve'

MANY readers will be all too familiar with the nightmare morning and evening commute.

The situation has been getting gradually worse as passenger numbers increase.

That’s why I’ve been campaigning for more seats at peak time on the Rhymney-Cardiff line since becoming the AM for Caerphilly in 2016.

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I’ve been making the case for improvements both in the Senedd Chamber and to the franchisee, Transport for Wales.

On March 29 I met with Transport for Wales boss James Price who told me that they are going to double the number of seats on the Rhymney-Cardiff line at peak hours in the morning and evening.

This will mean at peak times there will be four carriages, as opposed to the current two.

I welcome this step forward and will continue to campaign to improve rail services for all residents.

- The regeneration of our towns is something that is often raised with me.

How we attract more people to our town centres is one thing, but keeping spend local is also important to ensure home-grown businesses are able to retain a presence on the high street.

The Welsh Government has emphasised a focus on the foundational economy, the everyday basic services on which everyone relies.

Town centres house stores that sell items that support everyday life. For example, you won’t walk down a high street that doesn’t house a food, clothing or furniture store.

Last month I helped to organise a meeting in Bargoed with Wayne David MP.

We met with local traders, the council, Welsh Government and residents to gauge opinion on how we could collectively tackle some of the underlying problems impacting on trade in town centres.

It was a first step towards establishing a way forward.

I’m holding a follow-up business support workshop soon.