Column: Neath Guardian - Thomas Talks - 17 October 2007

My column in the Neath Guardian, 17 October 2007:

"Since becoming Neath’s AM in 1999, I have always represented my constituents on many of the controversial issues that have stoked public opinion, based on their views and their opinions. This was the case with the proposed secure unit in Glynneath, the proposed residential development at the site of the Cimla Court Hotel, and the opposing of the relocation of the Neurological Unit from Morriston Hospital to Cardiff.

I am very much aware of the deep sense of resentment within the community regarding the proposals to build wind farms across the Neath and Dulais Valleys. I’m also aware that there are many people who welcome such developments, and actively promote wind turbines as a means of tackling the causes of climate change.

As your Assembly Member, I feel it is my duty to listen to your views, and I remain fully committed to doing so. I will be holding advice surgeries this Friday evening between 5pm and 6pm at my Constituency Office at 7 High Street, Pontardawe, and on Saturday morning between 10:30am and 11:30am at the Co-op store in Glynneath, where I would be delighted to meet with anyone who has an issue they would like me to help them with, or for a chat about issues that you feel that you want to raise with me as your AM.

Last week in the Assembly, my colleague Ann Jones, the AM for the Vale of Clwyd became the first member of the Assembly who is not a member of the Welsh Assembly Government to begin a process that could allow for the introduction of a law that would require all newly built houses, from 2010 onwards to be fitted with a sprinkler system. This has been welcomed by the three Fire Services in Wales, and would dramatically cut the number of deaths caused by fires in the home.

It was also announced last week that the Assembly Government have given Swansea University the go-ahead to establish a full four year medical degree at its Medical School. This is excellent news and is yet another significant boost for the university.