Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Bethan Jenkins has written to the Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council raising concerns about the relocation of Bridgend Football Club to fields in Lockes Lane, Porthcawl.

Bridgend County Borough Council sold land where the previous Bridgend FC pitch was to Asda. £2m was given to the club in return for the land. Bridgend FC has given Porthcawl Athletics Association (PAA) £150,000 to develop club house in Lockes Lane. Bridgend FC are planning to move to Lockes Lane where there is current provision for Porthcawl FC and the Boys and Girls Club, as well as cricket facilities and common land.

Speaking from the Senedd, Ms Jenkins said:

“This development has taken away 70% of local common land according to campaigners who oppose Bridgend FC moving to the area. They say that access to the car park for the current pitches is already limited due to narrow roads, and cars are already parking on the kerbs outside their homes. There has been a sharp rise in traffic, and they raised concerns over access and safety.”

Ms Jenkins will inform local residents of the response of the Chief Executive of Bridgend County Borough Council as soon as one is received.

ENDS

For further information contact Steffan Lewis on 02920 898 713 / 07961 732405

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Bethan Jenkins has today raised concerns about attempts by the One Wales Government to increase benefit take-up whilst the Department of Work and pensions in London is closing offices and making redundancies.

Ms Jenkins, Assembly Member for South Wales West, asked Social Justice Minister, Brian Gibbons:

“I very much welcome last month’s launch of the One Wales Government’s Benefit Take Up Campaign but would like to ask the Minister how he thinks we encourage benefit take up in Wales when so many DWP offices are being closed in Wales, and people are forced, instead, to ring phone lines which are often unanswered?

“Clearly we need more cohesion between ministers at Westminster and in the Assembly, so that we can deliver for the people who need our help most.”

Ms Jenkins’ question comes as news emerged this week that the Public and Commercial Services Union will be striking against Government redundancy and pay plans for DWP workers.

“I fully endorse the actions of the PCS Union and wish them well in their quest to ensure justice for front-line servants of the public.”

ENDS

For further information contact Steffan Lewis on 02920 898 713 / 07961 732405