At Newport’s heart, work is under way to transform our historic Newport Market. This will be the biggest refurbishment of its kind anywhere in the UK.

Loft Co, the company behind the redevelopment, is aiming to create a community-led scheme, giving independent businesses the space and opportunity to grow.

Part of the existing building will be retained, becoming home to specialist retail, greengrocer and delicatessen, to name but a few. Added to this will be space for a ten Food Court restaurants, 75 offices, and hiring space for local events of up to 250 people, like weddings and conferences.

The redevelopment promises to be a catalyst for the improvement of the city centre, along with the Market Arcade. It’s due to open in early 2022 and I can’t wait to see it finished. We all want to see Newport Market flourish once again.

If you would like to learn more about the redevelopment, or enquire about spaces available, visit newport-market.co.uk.

At the end of June I was proud to be elected chairperson of the Senedd’s Children, Young People and Education Committee.

We saw in the last Senedd the impact the committee had on raising the voices of children and young people, and I’m determined to continue that good work. There is much to build on from that committee, led by Lynne Neagle MS for Torfaen.

It’s young people who will hold the answers to some of the biggest challenges we face, and their ideas, hopes and experiences need to be heard. If you have any ideas or questions about the committee’s work this Senedd term, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

As this exceptionally hot weather continues, it’s important to make sure you stay safe while enjoying the sun. Regularly applying sun cream, drinking enough water, and avoiding direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm can help.

It’s also so important to remind pet owners of ways to keep pets safe in hot weather. Leaving your dog in a hot car for minutes can sadly be fatal. The RSPCA has some good advice and tips on looking after pets in hot weather: www.rspca.org.uk.

Finally, during the summer months, I would just like to remind you that I am always available to help. If you’re a Newport West resident with ideas, concerns, or issues you would like to raise, please email me: Jayne.Bryant@Senedd.Wales or call: 01633 376627.