By Hannah Blythyn, MS for Delyn

I want to open this week’s column by saying how proud I am of the efforts of Flint’s finest, Jade Jones, at the Tokyo Olympics over the weekend. Though it wasn’t the result which was hoped for, it was amazing to see the way in which Jade’s home town of Flint and further afield, came out in support of her.

I am sure that Leader readers will join me in thanking Jade for all her hard work and saying how proud we are of her for representing our corner of the country on the Olympic stage.

This week I visited one of Flintshire County Council’s play schemes in Flint to see some of the excellent opportunities which the team have on offer for children throughout the summer holidays. It was great to see the children enjoying themselves so much, despite the wet weather and even gave me the chance of having a go in goal!

The scheme is funded as part of the Welsh Government’s Summer of Fun package, which is designed to offer children and young people opportunities to engage with friends and develop their skills. The Welsh Government has also continued to fund the School Holiday Enrichment Programme (SHEP) which is running at Ysgol Treffynnon, Ysgol Maes Glas and Ysgol Bryn Gwalia. SHEP is designed to support parents with childcare support throughout part of the summer holidays, whilst also ensuring children are able to access healthy meals during the day.

In the run up to this year’s election and in correspondence since, parents and carers have raised the topic of inclusive access to play schemes and play area, for children and young people with disabilities.

I am keen to work collectively with children, parents and Flintshire County Council to identify possible upgrades which would improve the experiences of children with disabilities when using play areas. If you or a loved one have a positive, or negative, experience of a play area which could help improve the situation, please get in touch and share it with me at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales or by calling 01352762102.

Another issue which continues to be raised with me is dog mess, bagged and unbagged, being left in some of our beautiful parks and on our streets. I’d like to encourage all those responsible dog owners, who do bag and bin their dog mess, to get involved in Keep Wales Tidy’s search for a dog model for their next big campaign.

All you have to do is share a picture of your four legged friend, tagging in Keep Wales Tidy and use the hashtag #BagItBinIt before August 13. You can find out more information on my Facebook page - Hannah Blythyn MS.

I will of course continue to work with Flintshire County Council to help tackle the issue of dog mess, but we all need to play our part in encouraging those few dog owners to do the responsible thing.

In the coming weeks I will continue to spend some day times, evenings and weekends, speaking to residents about any local issues they may have. However, if there is anything which you would like to raise in the meantime please get in touch.