'I have continued to raise individual concerns around crime and anti-social behaviour with North Wales Police'

MS for Delyn

Monday this week kicked off Air Ambulance Week and I’d like to start my column thanking all the staff and volunteers at the Wales Air Ambulance Charity for the amazing work which they do in all corners of our country. The team do incredible work and rely on donations to keep that work going, so are using this week to promote what they do, day in, day out, to save lives up and down the country.

If you want to show your support for the Wales Air Ambulance this week, why not follow them on social media or if you’re able to, make a donation to support their ongoing work.

In recent weeks I have continued to raise individual concerns around crime and anti-social behaviour with North Wales Police, to help deal with the issues which our communities face on a regular basis.

The Welsh Government has announced a further £4 million of funding for 100 additional PCSOs across Wales, with 20 new officers set to join North Wales Police. PCSOs are often the police’s main point of contact with our communities and play a key role in helping to make our streets as safe as possible.

However we all need to play our part by reporting crime and anti-social behaviour, either directly to our PCSOs, through online forms, or by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. I also want to encourage Leader readers to sign up to the new community alert system which share in about crime, events, advice and general policing activity in your local area.

Last summer I ran a Community Champions scheme to try and highlight just some of the amazing work being carried out by individuals, community groups and businesses across our corner of the country, at the height of the pandemic.

One of the businesses which was nominated was the amazing Cariad Gin, who I caught up with a few weeks ago. I met with owners Fiona and Simon who were nominated for the way they adapted their business to produce hand sanitiser, and donating some to health care providers.

They also shared with me their plans to continue to develop their business, including more flavours and different tasting experiences and I will do what I can do support them as they go forward.

Though life has continued to change, it is great to know that the community spirit which strengthened so much during the height of the pandemic is still with us. It’s great to see individuals, community groups and businesses continue to look out for one another.

If any Leader readers have any concerns or ideas they would like to discuss, please get in touch on 01352 762 102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.