Here's the latest Argus column by Newport West AM Jayne Bryant:

LAST week the Welsh Government declared a climate emergency.

There is no doubt that climate change needs collective urgent action.

While much of the world is yet to grasp the magnitude of the situation, the Welsh Government has committed to achieving a carbon neutral public sector by 2030 and to coordinating action to help other areas of the economy shift away from fossil fuels.

Air pollution is a significant problem in Newport.

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In 2015 the Centre for Cities ranked Newport third worst in the UK for CO2 emissions.

One of the causes of this poor air quality is idling traffic passing Newport.

An idling engine can produce up to twice as many exhaust emissions as one in motion.

To make matters worse the topography of the area concentrates pollution and we know that idling traffic creates similar problems in places like Caerleon and Bettws.

This is a significant public health issue.

Inaction is not an option.

- Newport County AFC have had a fantastic season. As I write, there is still all to play for in the league.

Off the field County does magnificently well in being a real community club.

Thanks to people like Colin Faulkner, they raise awareness on mental health, preventing domestic violence and dementia.

It was brilliant to see Norman Parselle receive a Special Recognition Award from the club after his outstanding work with County and in the community over many years.

Thanks for all you do.

- The Welsh Government recently announced they will invest approximately £6 million in three schools in Newport West as part of the 21st Century Schools programme.

Newport City Council’s successful application to the fund will see an expansion of places at Tredegar Park Primary and Pillgwenlly Primary.

A new Welsh school will open in 2022 at the current Pillgwenlly Primary School site, with that school relocating to the Whiteheads site off Mendalgief Road.

The council will be conducting a formal consultation on the plans before a final decision is made.

- Finally, many congratulations to Ruth Jones on her election as MP for Newport West.

Ruth cares about Newport and I’m looking forward to working with her.

- I hold regular advice surgeries across Newport West.

To find out details of my next surgery, or if you have any comments or issues that you would like to raise, please do not hesitate to get in touch on 01633 376627 or Jayne.Bryant@assembly.wales