View from Westminster with Craig Williams MP

It may be only February but already 2016 has been a busy year.

A number of businesses in the village have been in touch with me following several break-ins and I know that some residential garages have also been targeted. I am meeting with Cardiff’s Chief Superintendent Davies and will be raising a number of issues including crime in Whitchurch. I would urge Living Magazine readers to double check that their cars, doors, windows and garages are locked and if they see anything suspicious to ring 101 (or 999 if it is an emergency). Your Whitchurch Police team will offer crime prevention advice to anybody concerned that their property may be at risk.

The Local Development Plan process has now concluded but the planning inspector disappointingly ruled that a proposed Green Belt covering land north of the M4 and Tongwynlais should only be designated as a Green Wedge. As a result the protection of this important backdrop to the city is only for 10 years and I believe this threatens the long-term future of north Cardiff.
I was delighted by the news that Llanishen Reservoir has been acquired by Welsh Water. This is as a result of the activities of the Residents Action Group (RAG) and I pay tribute to their exceptional campaign over many years. Whilst there is now optimism about the future of the site, the Llanishen reservoir needs refilling so that a range of sport accessible to all Cardiff residents can return to the water.

In Westminster, I have called for the honours scheme to be extended so that community groups can be nominated. Volunteer groups put many hours into their community and I believe that a group should eligible for recognition. Look out for a future House of Commons debate on this issue!

At the end of 2015, I visited McLays in Longwood Drive with Treasury Minister David Gauke MP. We were both impressed by the factory and know the importance of businesses such as these to the local economy.

I now have a community noticeboard outside my Rhiwbina office, so if there are any community events you would like to advertise, please contact me on craig.williams.mp@parliament.uk

Can I take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Easter.