By Hannah Blythyn

MS for Delyn

As Leader readers will no doubt understand, the last week has been a difficult time for me and my family. I am grateful for the many messages of support from people – of all political leanings – and I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer me help and support at this time. It is appreciated.

Earlier this month, I met with representatives from Alzheimer's Society Cymru at the Senedd and I spoke with Ian, Linda and Tracey over a cup of tea to discuss the challenges faced by those living with dementia and what would make a difference to their day-to-day lives. Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is a vital resource for information and community support, and I was grateful to take part in raising awareness during Dementia Action Week. When talking with representatives we spoke about memory cafés and the Holywell Dementia Centre in the constituency – nobody should go through dementia on their own and the Alzheimer’s Society has created a guide, Knowledge is Power, which could make life a little easier after receiving a diagnosis of dementia. To see the guide, go to www.dementiavoices.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Knowledge-is-Power-dementia-booklet.pdf or, if you prefer a physical copy, get in touch with my office.

Recently the Post Office got in touch with my team to let me know of a new service they have set up in Holywell at the YLS store on Bryn-y-Gwynt, CH8 7BX. The store will be one of the Post Office’s Drop & Collect branches, which provides convenient access for customers to make bill payments and prepaid parcel collections and returns using a handheld device in the shop. This new service is in addition to what’s available at the main Post Office branches in Holywell and Bagillt.

Also in Holywell, cash machine company Link has started an ‘access to cash’ review in the area – something that I requested when I met them as I know many local residents have had problems accessing facilities like this recently after the high street banks have abandoned our communities. This follows on from the recent announcement that TSB will be closing it’s Flint branch in May 2025 and I met with representatives from TSB last week to share community concerns and the options which could be available to residents, many of whom will be concerned that the area will have no access to banking facilities. I will share any news I receive on this issue with residents in due course.

Recently, the Welsh Government announced an investment of £20.8 million in North Wales to improve public transport and encourage economic growth. As part of the Wales’ Transport Strategy, our local authority can help deliver transport improvements across the transport network, including planned safer routes in Holywell, road safety schemes on the A548 between Mostyn to Ffynongroyw and funding towards the flood alleviation scheme. You can read more about this on my website at www.hannahblythyn.cymru/hannah-blythyn-welcomes-20-8-million-to-improve-public-transport-and-support-economic-growth-in-north-wales.

Finally, North Wales Fire & Rescue Authority have started a consultation on its Community Risk Management Plan 2024-2029, which aims to identify risks facing the community and describes how the authority will manage those risks and continue to prevent and respond to fires and other emergencies. North Wales Fire & Rescue is keen to hear your views on its service and objectives, so I would urge residents to join in the conversation at www.northwalesfire.gov.wales and fill in the questionnaire – the consultation closes on June 16.

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 for an advice surgery.