IT is hard to write this column without focusing on transport infrastructure at the moment. If we take the two biggest towns in Montgomeryshire, Welshpool and Newtown, their road systems are in a state of disarray.
Admittedly I hope Welshpool’s is only temporary as the new one-way system starts to take shape but it does bring home the importance of building capacity into our transport network.
Businesses are suffering as tourists and locals are avoiding the region, growth in the economy across Mid and West Wales is stagnating, not to mention the huge inconvenience, safety issues and loss of life that the poor traffic infrastructure is causing.
I have been working alongside Powys County Councillor Russell George on these issues and I know Russell and the local MP, Glyn Davies have held extremely productive meetings across the area on these issues and the www.newtowntraffic.com website, which Russell started, has really brought Newtown's traffic concerns to the forefront of the Assembly.
The closure of the Aberbechan Bridge has caused further problems in the area and I have been involved in securing funding and in lobbying for the necessary improvement works to begin.
While we are on the subject of bridges we cannot forget the Dyfi Bridge near Machynlleth which has suffered regular damage in the past.
I recently met with representatives of the South Meirionnydd Older People’s Forum and local residents who presented a petition to the Assembly in relation to the Dyfi Bridge.
They were calling for action to be taken to provide a second crossing.
The Dyfi Bridge is frequently closed, partly because of heavy traffic causing difficulty on and much damage to the bridge, and partly, and increasingly, because of flooding.
I know personally of the effect that the recent floods have had on that bridge.
Another topical issue that I have raised are the concerns about proposed changes to the Fire & Rescue Services in Mid & West Wales.
This is causing massive concern throughout mid and west Wales. I know that there is particular concern in Newtown, where full-time fire officers are to be replaced by a retained fire service, which would make it extremely difficult to get to incidents in due time.
While these proposals will not be made subject to public consultation I think it vital that Minister makes a statement about these proposals to the Assembly before we enter the election period.