By Simon Baynes

MP for Clwyd South

As your Member of Parliament, my team and I work hard to help local communities address concerns that they may have. Last year, I launched my survey petition objecting to the Welsh government’s crazy 20mph policy. We had a huge response in Clwyd South, and I have now written letters to constituents thanking them for taking part and assuring them that we have written to the Welsh government making clear in no uncertain terms their opposition to this policy.

Whilst many rely on our cars as our primary mode of transport, others rely on public transport. It is therefore important that this infrastructure is accessible to all. I recently met with the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Mark Harper MP, in the House of Commons to discuss my campaign for Step-Free Access at Ruabon Station and other transport issues in Clwyd South.

My team and I help many people in Clwyd South with broadband and mobile connectivity issues so it was very helpful to meet in parliament with Building Digital UK (BDUK) on 11th December 2023. BDUK is tasked by the government with improving our digital connectivity in the UK and in Clwyd South Openreach has helped to connect many rural areas, providing a gigabit-capable connection to the exchanges in Corwen, Llangollen and Ruabon. It was great to learn more about their continued progress in Clwyd South.

I am proud to support a government that is continuing to invest in Clwyd South, and I am delighted by the news that the Llangollen Museum is one of two projects in Wales to receive a share of the UK government’s Community Ownership Fund. The Museum has been awarded £146,580 to undergo essential renovations to make it available for future generations to enjoy. Once completed, the building will reopen as a museum and art gallery offering a range of educational programmes for schools and educational institutions.

Having worked with the Plas Power Residents Group to negotiate with Lightsource BP on the latter’s proposals to construct a solar farm on land surrounding their properties near Bersham, in Clwyd South, I am very pleased that a mutually agreeable settlement has now been reached. This agreement will minimise impact on residents and preserve the surrounding beautiful green spaces for future generations. It was very good originally to meet the Plas Power Residents Group on Friday 27th October last year.

Many readers will have seen the ITV Drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office which outlined one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in recent years. It was welcome news that on 10th January the Prime Minister announced the introduction of a blanket exoneration, quashing the convictions of those wrongfully prosecuted, clearing their names and providing justice. This will also ensure swifter access to compensation for those affected.

As a border constituency, I know many residents rely on services covering both Wales and England. It was good to highlight the benefits of these shared services to the strength of the Union in Northern Ireland Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday 17th January 2024. The Gobowen to Wrexham Line, the A5/A483 and the Chirk/St Martin’s GP partnership are all fantastic services that operate to serve residents of Clwyd South. In his response, the Secretary of State, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, commended the success of shared cross-border services at improving connectivity in the UK.

One of my proudest achievements since my election in 2019 has been to help secure, in conjunction with Wrexham County Borough Council and Denbighshire County Council, the UK government’s £13.3 million Clwyd South Levelling Up Fund, which is financing projects in the Trevor Basin, Llangollen and Corwen. I am very pleased by the news that OBR Construction have now been appointed to complete the works on Llangollen’s Four Great Highways. Work will recommence in February and is due to be completed by June of this year. The project will enhance how we travel in and around Llangollen and I look forward to seeing its completion.

Finally, this year marks 79 years since the liberation of the concentration camps of Europe and the end of the Second World War. These events must never be forgotten, and the Holocaust Educational Trust is playing a key role in ensuring this within the UK. It was an honour to sign the Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on Monday 22nd January, honouring those who were murdered during the Holocaust, paying tribute to those that survived and committing to fighting against antisemitism and hate today.

As your Member of Parliament, my team and I are here to provide advice and support. If you’ve got an issue of concern, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me on simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk. For updates on my work in Clwyd South and Westminster, please visit my website www.simonbaynes.co.uk.