It's Polling Day

Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats urges voters to back Elizabeth Evans in Ceredigion

Mair from New Quay explains why she is voting "Elizabeth Evans" on May 5th

'Quiz Liz': Catryn Jessica Richards, Junior Reporter (age 9 from Penrhyncoch) interviews Elizabeth Evans

Catryn joined myself and the team canvassing on a sunny night in Aberystwyth and I was interviewed by her on a range of important issues.  Here is the interview, hot off the press.  

Catryn:  We need clearer labelling on packages about recycling - there is lots of wrapping that can’t be recycled.

Elizabeth:  Well you are right, its better to have more recycling and less packaging.  We know that there are lots of things like apples and oranges that don't really need to be all wrapped up, but the supermarkets sell them with lots of packaging which then needs to be thrown away.    We should look at how we can make it easier to get the weekly shop without so much packaging.  Like you say, we should all recycle as much as we can and it’s very important to do so.  

Catryn:  There should be proper cycling lessons for children because lots of children can’t cycle well.

Elizabeth:   There should definitely be cycling lessons available for all children.  There ought to be money available for this if there isn't already - I will need to check on this for you. I think all children should have cycling lessons because its important for us to be healthy and cycling is a good way to keep fit, but it is also important that everyone is safe on their bikes; especially if they are cycling on the road. You could start a petition about this if the services aren't there to ensure that children can learn to ride their bikes safely.

Catryn:  We should have a giant chess set and a giant snakes and ladders set on the Prom so that you and your friend can meet and play together.

Elizabeth:  Great idea!  I will contact the people responsible for the services on the Promenade and ask them if they can look into this idea.  It would be great for local people and it would also encourage tourists to use the Prom whilst they are on their holidays.   That’s something I would love to do too - although I’m not very good at chess- my husband Graeme loves playing it.

Catryn: There should be more science in primary school because the university science fair is really good.

Elizabeth:  It’s great that you love science!  I have heard that the university science fair is very good too and it’s fantastic that they encourage youngsters onto the campus.  I am a school governor so this is certainly something I can ask teachers about and see if it is possible to teach more science at primary school level.  What you learn in primary school is a really important grounding for going into secondary school and studying further, so we should encourage young people to study science - the earlier the better!

Catryn:  more things to do in the wet weather like ten-pin bowling or ice skating because there are not many things to do in in the wet weather.

Elizabeth:  Yes; I agree with you Catryn. We need more things for young people and visitors to do in the wet weather. There used to be a ten pin bowling alley in Llanbadarn but that closed.   There is a gap in the market here for something similar like laser quest as you say.   This is certainly something that we should try to attract to Aberystwyth. 

Catryn: What do you think about kids voting?

Elizabeth:  I think it’s a great idea and we should certainly try to make that happen for the next election!  I went to see pupils in Penglais school last week who asked the same question - they are much older than you but just a little bit too young to vote; which is very frustrating for them. So, yes, indeed young people should be able to vote and we should seriously look at reducing the voting age to 16.



Catryn's questions

Catryn with her reporter's notebook asking her questions

Joining us to canvas on the doorstep (love the handbag and shades!)



Catryn and I with Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats

Ceredigion should vote Elizabeth Evans says Tim Farron, Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Fantastic support from the Liberal Democrat Party Leader, Tim Farron who visited Ceredigion yesterday. It's time for a change in Ceredigion and this election is going to be close - but we can win! If you want to join the campaign and be part of something special please get in touch with me. 

We were also pleased to visit the TrawsLinkCymru rail campaign http://trawslinkcymru.org.uk/home/ again to hear about the great progress they are making. I was also interviewed by 'junior reporter' Catryn Richards aged 9 from Penrhyncoch; look out for the article on my blog soon!

 

 

 

Catryn asking some tough questions about recycling, science in schools and cycling

 

 

Canvassing and Campaigning across Ceredigion

I've said that campaigning for election is an extreme sport and I think its well worth mentioning again! For the fitness enthusiasts out there I can confirm that my step count is well over the 10,000 recommended daily target!  Calorie consumption (especially cake!!) is high to maintain energy levels(!); so a return to Slimming world will be required - no doubt (eek).  

In all seriousness, the team and I have battled through the rain over the last 2 weeks to visit homes across Ceredigion.  I have been discussing the most important issues that impact on residents and I have promised to campaign hard to win the election and to represent Ceredigion in the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay.     The response 'on the street' is excellent; Team Liz has a great amount  of  support out there.  There is still a lot of work to do and every vote will count. This is going to be a very close election; so remind your friends and family to vote on May 5th.  Voter registration closes on 18th April so if you haven't yet done so please register quickly!  

There are many pressing issues that concern residents across the county which won't come as a suprise.   The three main areas are of course: Health, Education and the Economy.    School closures feature prominently in concerns as well (see the recent video I made in Taliesin which is on you tube).  You should have seen the glossy magazine that has been sent to every resident across Ceredigion - this details the campaign promises that I am committed to.  The Health Promises are  below (more nurses, less discrimination of mental health and improved GP access).  

So over the next few weeks you can expect to see me out and about across Ceredigion, at various 'hustings' events (please come along; your support makes a difference), there will be leafleting of course.   I always welcome extra pairs of hands; so if you would like to help out please get in touch.   

Spotted in Penrhyncoch!

Campaign Launch

Supporter Photo from Betty

Tales from the campaign trail - what matters to the residents of Ceredigion

Dan is supporting my campaign #liz4ceredigion - Diolch Dan

Aberystwyth Crown Post Office is set to close. Why is this an issue for residents of Ceredigion?

The simple fact is that the Crown Post Office in Aberystwyth is not just the Crown Post Office for Aberystwyth, but also for the whole of Ceredigion. It is Ceredigion’s Crown Post Office; which means it provides more services and benefits to both its customers and staff, and there are only just over 320 of these vital and important Crown POs left in the UK.

 

Residents’ of Ceredigion would soon notice when this vital service is franchised out, as the staff and services would be very different. Post Office Ltd have plans to close 39 Crown Offices and offer them as franchises to local businesses with another 3 earmarked for closure.

 

The effects of this on local communities will be:

• A reduction in the services available to local communities;
• The loss of 7 highly trained jobs with access to regular Post Office training;
• A vulnerable local service reliant on the success or otherwise of the franchisee for whom the Post Office will be their secondary purpose.
• If the Aberystwyth CPO closes it would leave local residents with a 70 mile trip in any direction to access the nearest Crown Office.

The Post Office appears to target Wales disproportionately in their franchising programmes. Over 50% of the Welsh Crowns have been on the Post Office target list since 2013. The Government required the Crown Network to financially breakeven by 2015 – this was achieved.

 

However the Post Office has decided it now wants to return a profit of £10 million and yet they have no directive for this from the Government. The Post Office is NOT a business, it is a public service. Since when has making a PROFIT OVER SERVICE been the criteria for public services?

 

I have attended the public meeting to share concerns and build a campaign on this issue on 4th March in the Morlan Centre, as well as the follow-up meetings organised by the Ceredigion People’s Assembly. This campaign needs to be a success, in order to make sure rural Wales is not again forgotten. That's all we seem to do in Ceredigion is campaign to save our vital local services, whether it be the retention of services at Bronglais hospital, the closure of our tax office in Aber, Nat West Bank closures throughout the county, including my local branch in Aberaeron and now, the Crown Post Office in Aberystwyth.

 

Things you can do to support the campaign:

• Sign the Petition at change.uk
• Come to the protest against the closure at 10.45 Trefechan car park, Saturday 19th March.




 

 

 

 

Support from Baroness Jenny Randerson

Supporter Video - William Powell AM

Canvassing in Aberporth

It was a bitterly cold day in Aberporth on Saturday. The sun was shining and we had lots of help and support from local people who helped to deliver our leaflets and canvas support. Mark Williams MP was with us as well to lend his support.   Lots of discussions about the hot political topics of the week (mainly European referendum and Ceredigion budget setting)  I made some yummy snacks for the team as well - they say an army marches on its stomach!   ..... slimming world is a distant memory, but the step count is definitely increasing. Until next time, hwyl...

Canvassing with the team #Aberporth

Fab to see the #liz4ceredigion hashtag getting everywhere

Delicious snacks for the team

Supporter Video

The Pupil Premium - what's it all about?....basically more money for schools secured by the Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats in the Welsh Assembly have relentlessly campaigned for extra resources for Wales’ under-funded schools. The Party managed to secure the Welsh Pupil Premium which means that schools across Ceredigion and Wales will receive £1150 per child for every pupil between the ages of 5-15 who are eligible to receive free school meals.

The aim of the Pupil Premium is to ensure that every child entering the school system has an equal chance of doing well; that every child has the same chances to improve their educational attainment. I am proud that Kirsty Williams and the Welsh Liberal Democrats have got this policy onto the table of Welsh government and is now helping hundreds of children in Ceredigion and throughout Wales.

Even Carwyn Jones, the First Minister praised the Liberal Democrats for this idea: The First Minister said: “I will be generous today, in the hope that that generosity of spirit will continue tomorrow. It is quite right to say that this was a Liberal Democrat idea.” Carwyn Jones 10.10.2012 (First Minister's Questions to Kirsty Williams)

Teachers in Ceredigion have contacted me to say that this is "a lifeline" for schools and makes a real difference to the lives of children. As a result schools have been able to fund additional resources, to ensure that those pupils who need a little bit extra support, gets it.

Schools are reporting significant improvements in English and Maths and they are using the grant to increase the number of teaching assistants who can directly contribute to the increase in good academic results. At key stage 2 the rates of improvement of pupils eligible for free school meals in English, Welsh, Science and Maths has greatly increased and proved that targeted intervention works. Improvement in attendance of pupils eligible for free school means has also accelerated since the introduction of the Pupil Premium. Regulators ESTYN say that the Pupil Premium is delivering better outcomes for children.

In the recent budget negotiations my colleagues also managed to secure the following:

• the extension of the Pupil Premium to include under 5s, worth £300 per pupil on free school meals;
• a Young Persons’ Bus Pass for 16-18 year olds worth nearly £15m;
• funding for around 5,000 new apprenticeships;
• £95m capital investment in infrastructure that will provide a strong boost to jobs and the economy;
• As part of the latest budget deal, the pupil premium will rise to £1,050 per pupil in 2015-16 and £1,150 per pupil in 2016-17.

This will see the total amount spent on the policy rise to £282m over the 5 years. Even in opposition, the Welsh Liberal Democrats are punching above their weight and delivering their policies. So, if you want to be part of a programme of continuous improvement for Welsh Education; vote Liberal Democrat in the May Welsh Assembly Elections.

I will continue to work hard for residents of Ceredigion and you can be part of that change too, by supporting my campaign. Please contact me to find out how you can play an important part in changing Ceredigion for the better.  

Campaign Launch Weekend

We've had a productive few days; the campaign was officially launched at an event in Llanfarian.   A great event (don't forget you can still support the campaign financially via the crowd funding page here: L4C). I had been out with the team in Penparcau all morning on Saturday and we got drenched (as you can see from the photos!) but we treated ourselves to lunch at the farmers market in Aberystwyth (I don't know if my slimming world group will ever take me back!; but the lunch was yummy)..... Running for election really is an 'extreme sport' and really does keep you on your toes; from canvassing and meeting people on the doorstep to going on TV, last week had it all.  I was invited onto the Welsh debate programme Pawb a'i Farn for the first time on Thursday.  I really enjoyed it and it did get a little bit heated on occasions!!! (do watch it on 'clic' on S4C if you get a chance to catch up).    Iolo Corgi was home with Graeme and was completely spoilt as I was not home to oversee the doggy treat rations!

Pawb a'i Farn

 

Rain! Glaw!



Hannah Thompson (campaigner and activist) supporter video

Hannah has been a campaigner against revenge porn. Read more about Hannah and her work here.

Supporter Video - Charlie

Mental Health in Ceredigion: OCD week of action

You may be aware that it is O.C.D. (obsessive compulsive disorder) week of action (more information about it can be found here).  The Liberal Democrats have always been serious about supporting Mental Health and firmly hold the view that it should not be stigmatised or ignored.  Our policy framework ensures that we are determined to help people with mental health issues get the right level of support and that mental and physical illnesses are treated with equal importance. You can find out more from our website.   

Last week I visited Huts (Help Us To Survive) in Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn, they are a Ceredigion charity offering opportunities to adults with mental health challenges.  Huts are unique in their approach and they encourage people to explore their creativity by taking part in artistic activities.

Last year Liberal Democrat Norman Lamb launched a cross-party campaign for improved funding for mental health services. You can read more about it here:  Improved mental health services. As past chairperson of Mencap Ceredigion I fully support Norman and his work to improve the services for people with mental health issues.  Healthcare is one of my key priorities and I'll continue to support our local services and do everything I can to raise awareness of mental health issues. Increased funding and support for mental health is one of the key priorities for the Welsh Liberal Democrats going into the Assembly elections in May. 

#ocdaction

HUTS, Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn

Canvassing in Aberystwyth - video

Kirsty Williams' More Nurses Bill - good news for the NHS in Wales

Kirsty's More Nurses Bill

I remember a nurse telling me in Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth that she questioned at the beginning of a shift whether her nursing registration would be intact at the end of it. That's too much pressure for both the nurse and patient to bear.

 

Kirsty Williams' More Nurses Bill was borne out of something very simple, a conversation with a nurse, which became a conversation with many nurses. She listened to what they had to say and acted upon it, showing that with conviction, politicians like Kirsty Williams and the Welsh Liberal Democrats can make a real difference to people's lives and change the way we do things for the better.

 

Well, yesterday Kirsty Williams and our Welsh Lib Dem Assembly Members delivered a  safe nurse staffing level for Wales, making us the first country in Europe to introduce safe staffing levels into legislation, when the National Assembly voted in favour of Kirsty Williams’ ‘More Nurses’ Bill.

 

People may ask how will the NHS fund this change, well they can't really afford not to. Safe levels of nurses on our wards could also mean less compensation payouts; fewer nurses losing their registration because a Manager thought they'd wing it with their staffing levels, who themselves are under pressure.

 

There needs to be less millions spent on bank nurses and more investment in the nurses who work the wards day in day out, night after night. There is a place for bank nurses but health boards have become too reliant on them and that now needs to change.  The days of the NHS risking a nurses registration because of unsafe staffing levels on a hospital ward are behind us thanks to Kirsty Williams and all the nurses who spoke to her and told their story.

 http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/wales-set-become-first-nation-10873005