AM Warns of Asbestos Danger

Do you have an asbestos roofed shed in your garden? Think before you demolish it warns local AM.

Gwenda Thomas, AM for Neath, said: "I’ve recently been receiving many enquiries from constituents worried about pulling down asbestos laden out-buildings."

"One of my constituents, an elderly lady, contacted me because she was terribly worried about her son who intended to replace the roof of her garage without safety equipment. She thought it might contain asbestos but she had no idea how she could check. She was afraid that a professional survey could prove very expensive."

"Fortunately I was able to put her in touch with Neath Port Talbot Council’s free asbestos advice service. Within days an inspector had visited the property, confirmed that it did indeed contain high levels of asbestos and helped her contact professionals who were able to remove and dispose of the potentially deadly material."

"I know there are many other houses in Neath, especially in the valleys villages, that still have asbestos roofed sheds and garages. If people want to take these structures down it’s vitally important that they take care not to expose themselves to asbestos dust. Asbestos dust is linked to several deadly diseases including asbestosis and various cancers."

"I would encourage anyone who wishes to demolish and dispose of a structure that potentially contains asbestos to contact the Council’s Customer Service Centre on 01639 686868. They will be able to make an appointment with an inspector who will be able to offer help and advice about safe disposal."
　

AM WANTS VIEWS ON PLASTIC BAGS

How thick should a ‘bag for life’ be? Is 7p the right price for a disposable bag? Should bags for raw meat and fish be exempt? The Welsh Government wants your answers to these and other questions says local AM Gwenda Thomas.
Mrs Thomas, AM for Neath, today encouraged her constituents to respond to the consultation on the Single Use Carrier Bag Charge before the deadline of the 2nd of August.
Mrs Thomas said: "Once again the Welsh Assembly is at the vanguard of attempts to make Britain a more environmentally responsible country. It costs Wales over £1 million a year to dispose of plastic bag litter. Plastic bags can take hundreds of years to degrade. They often become an eyesore and a danger to wildlife. They take up huge amounts of space in landfill sites and add substantially to our nation’s carbon footprint."
"For all these reasons we’re determined to reduce the number of single use plastic bags in Wales. This is why we intend to bring in a compulsory charge for them. We’ve already consulted on the principle and I’m happy to say that it seems the majority of people support of the scheme.
"We’re now at the draft regulation stage and we’d appreciate the public’s help in ensuring we’ve got the detail of the regulations right. This is, I think, without doubt, a significant step forward but it’s vitally important that we bring the people of Wales with us."
"I really hope the shoppers and shopkeepers of Neath will take the time to let Welsh Government know what they think about the proposal as it currently stands."
Copies of the consultation document and response forms are available on the Welsh Assembly’s website (wales.gov.uk/consultations/) or by contacting Gwenda Thomas at her constituency office at 7 High Street, Pontardawe; Tel. 01792 869993.

WELSH ASSEMBLY CLAMPS DOWN ON PREMIUM RATE GPS NUMBERS

The number of GPs surgeries in Neath using premium rate phone lines will soon decrease said Gwenda Thomas, AM for Neath.
Until this year some GPs surgeries were still able to take out contracts for premium rate ‘084’ phone lines that charged substantially above the national landline rate.
Mrs Thomas said: "Many people assume, quite reasonably, that a call to their GP will be, if not free, at least charged at the normal landline price. It’s only when they receive the phone bill that they realise they’ve been charged over the odds. Clearly this is not an insignificant issue, especially for those on a restricted income."
Following recent changes to the regulations, instigated by Edwina Hart, Minister for Health in the Welsh Government, GPs surgeries are barred from entering into or extending contracts for phone services that charge more than the cost of a local call.
Mrs Thomas said: "I'm happy to reassure my constituents that although some surgeries are still contractually committed to providers of ‘084’ numbers we’ll see more and more switch to local rate phone lines as these contracts come up for renewal over the course of the year."
If GPs practices have not switched from ‘084’ numbers by 1st April 2011 the regulations will oblige them to consider introducing a ‘ring back’ system where patients can request the practice call them back at its own expense.

Praise for Examination Results

Gwenda Thomas AM today commended the students of Neath Port Talbot College and YG Ystalyfera for their hard work over the last two years which has once again produced exceptionally high standards in A level and National Diploma qualifications.

‘There have been some outstanding results this year over the whole curriculum with many of our young people heading off to university and further education throughout the UK.’

‘I wish everyone well in their chosen path, be it in pursuit of a degree, apprenticeship or the world of work. I realise that there will be some young people who will be disappointed today but urge them to seek the advice of their teachers and lecturers who are well placed to help them make the next step.’

Mrs Thomas also thanked the dedication of the teachers, lecturers and staff.

‘The education of our young people is a vital role in our communities and I wish to thank and congratulate everyone involved in the process which has resulted in such a superb standard of results today.’