Plans to create a north east Wales national park

MS for Delyn

Last week, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) opened a period of engagement with residents, businesses and communities over plans to create a north east Wales national park, based on the existing Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This would be the fourth national park for Wales and the first new park to be established in Wales since 1957. The Welsh Government has commissioned NRW to evaluate the case for the designation and, while the consultation process is ongoing until the end of November, a series of online and in-person engagement events are planned to give communities the opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions of the team and share feedback on an early map of the area being assessed. Find out more and have your say at https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/north-east-gogledd-ddwyrain/north-east-wales-national-park-designation-project.

This week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week and on Tuesday I gave a statement to the Senedd to update members on the Welsh Government-funded Wales Hate Support Centre, which continues to provide support and advocacy to victims of hate crime across Wales. National Hate Crime Awareness Week is a week of action to encourage communities to tackle hate crime – everyone in Wales has the right to feel safe and we all have a responsibility to stand against hatred and discrimination by raising awareness and by calling out unacceptable behaviours and reporting any hate crimes to the police. We can only truly tackle hate crime if each and every one of us is aware of what a hate crime is, the harm it can cause and are prepared to challenge, change and call it out.

The Welsh Government is committed to making Wales a safe space for everyone and I’m proud to have brought forward plans to make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in Europe as part of my role as Deputy Minister for Social Partnership. Back in February, the Welsh Government relaunched the Hate Hurts Wales campaign, to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month and the publication of the LGBTQ+ Action Plan. The refreshed version of the campaign not only aims to empower victims to report hate crime, but also calls for witnesses and bystanders to step forward and, as part of the campaign, former international rugby referee Nigel Owens has helped to raise awareness by sharing his own experiences of prejudice and discrimination.

This week also saw snares and glue traps banned in Wales as part of the Welsh Government’s Agriculture (Wales) Act, which was passed in the summer. Both snares, sometimes referred to as cable restraints, and glue traps cause a great deal of suffering to animals and are indiscriminate as they can harm species they are not intended for, such as otters and domestic dogs and cats. An animal caught in a snare or glue trap can endure acute pain and suffering and Wales is the first UK nation to ban the practice of trapping unwanted animals using this method ¬– this is a real win in terms of ending unnecessary suffering and demonstrates the Welsh Government’s commitment to animal welfare.

Finally, Mold Town Council is inviting local history buffs to take a step back in time and visit the Historic Mold exhibition at the Daniel Owen Centre on October 24th and 25th. During the event, there will be a display of photographs and memorabilia showing the history of Mold over the last 200 years and many of the photographs on display will be from the late Ray Davies Collection, who throughout the years recorded the changing face of Mold and the surrounding area. Local historian and author David Rowe will be giving short talks as well on subjects including the Mold Riots of 1869 and the Argoed Hall Mining Disaster and the council is asking anyone who has Mold memorabilia or items of interest that they would like to display to get in touch with Jane Evans on 01352 758532 (option 3) or email events@moldtowncouncil.org.uk.

As always, if you would like advice and/or support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on any of the following contact details – 52 High Street, Mold, Flintshire, on 01352 753464 or by email hannah.blythyn@senedd.wales. You can also keep up to date via my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/HannahBlythynForDelyn. Constituents are, of course, welcome to contact my office to arrange an appointment to see me, you don’t need to wait until an advice surgery.