December 2022 Newsletter
Welcome to my December newsletter.
As we come to the end of the year and the winter arrives, there is still a lot of news and developments across Montgomeryshire for me to update you on. This newsletter includes information about developments on the campaign to protect the Air Ambulance base in Welshpool and my Cost of Living Advice Fair that I’m holding with Craig Williams MP this coming Saturday.
I know that many people are struggling to access appointments with their GPs. I am working hard to raise issues of access to health services with the Welsh Government. A useful service if you want a chat about your symptoms is calling 111 - a free NHS phone line.
If I can help you with an issue or concern, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me by email - russell.george@senedd.w
Happy Christmas!
I want to wish everyone a very happy Christmas. I hope that it gives you time to unwind, to spend with loved ones and to reflect on the year.
My thanks go to all of those who entered my annual Christmas Card competition. This year there were so many amazing entries that I have decided to do a card combining four designs!
I'd like to give a special thanks to the four winners: Dylan Pounds, Georgie Kendall-Evans, Isaac Griffiths and Lilly Cimadoro.
Air Ambulance Update
Russell George MS questions the Welsh Government Health Minister Eluned Morgan about the Wales Air Ambulance proposals.
I continue to push the Welsh Government to ensure that there is a formal consultation on the proposals to close Welshpool's Air Ambulance base.
I raised this issue again in the Senedd last month. I was disappointed that the Minister replied suggesting that the Welsh Government's role in this process is limited.
Last week, I joined a range of politicians and campaigners in sending a joint letter to Stephen Harrhy, the Chief Ambulance Services Commissioner, posing a number of concerns before the planned public engagement begins. These concerns included issues around the modelling used in the proposals, around how data is shared with the public and claims we believe are inaccurate that 583 additional missions will be flown each year.
We secured a commitment to a public meeting in January which I will - of course - share details of as soon as they are published. It is very important that all residents are able to share their thoughts and views on the proposals.
On Monday this week, I was invited by several local businesses, to meet with the Chair of Trustees, the Chief Executive and others from the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. We had a robust discussion about the future of the service and public feeling about the proposals. The charity’s team were open, clear in their answers and responded transparently to our questions. The charity also stated that the proposal to re-configure the service, was not their proposal, and they were now also consultees in the process. Everyone attending agreed that it would be important for the public of Mid Wales to engage with the Commissioner’s engagement process.
Cost of Living Advice Fair - THIS SAT
I know that many people are finding price increases are having a real impact on their cost of living and I want to do everything I can to get advice, support and guidance for constituents.
Together with Craig Williams MP, I will be hosting a Cost of Living Advice Fair between 10am and 12:30pm THIS SATURDAY (December 10th) in Newtown at the Hafan Yr Afon located in the Back Lane Car Park, Newtown, SY16 2NZ.
Local and national organisations will be on hand to speak with residents and assist them in accessing the help they need. Organisations who are already confirmed include Centrica (British Gas), E.ON Next, Barclays Bank, Hafren Dyfrdwy, DWP, Age Cymru Powys and Citizens Advice Powys.
Craig and I will both be on-hand to answer questions and help you with any specific issues you might be facing. This is an advice surgery open to all to attend without booking.
Shop Local This Christmas
Christmas is a really important time for our local independent shops and businesses.
In all of our small villages and towns, there are a huge wealth of passionate business people working hard to keep their premises operating for all of our benefits.
On Saturday 3rd of December, Small Business Saturday was celebrated. I had a great time visiting a number of businesses in Llanidloes, Llansantfraidd, Welshpool and Newtown.
Please consider supporting our small and independent businesses in the run up to Christmas.
Upgrading Telford Hospital
NHS patients across Montgomeryshire will know the extent that planned and emergency care for local people is actually provided in England by the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust.
Major reforms and changes to how that Trust operates its services have been planned for many years to best meet the healthcare needs of both Shropshire and Mid Wales residents.
I'm pleased that major changes at the Telford Hospital will now be made to significantly improve access and the quality of planned care such as operations.
Focusing the delivery of planned care in Telford will reduce our waiting times and should lead to better recovery rates.
I will be continuing to discuss the developments with the relevant health authorities and representing the needs of constituents.
Mobile Coverage Progress
I'm very pleased that the development of the Shared Rural Network is continuing at a good pace.
The map above shows how the coverage will be improved by the scheme developed by four of the main mobile operators and the UK Government's Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.
16 new masts will be installed in Montgomeryshire, significantly improving access to users of these four networks (EE, O2, Three and Vodafone). These masts should be activated by the end of 2024 with some coming into use earlier.
Masts are planned for Y Fan; Old Hall (SY18); Hafren Forest; Manafon; Rhiwargor; Llangynog; Lake Vyrnwy; Llanwddyn; Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant; Maengwynedd; Llanfyllin; Staylittle; Tregynon and Bettws Cedewain.
The scheme should deliver greater choice in providers and better mobile signal overall across Montgomeryshire.
Remembrance Weekend
It is always an honour and privilege to attend services on Remembrance Day and over the traditional Remembrance Weekend.
This year, I attended the Cenotaph in Newtown on November 11th before going on to meet with the British Red Cross shop alongside Cllr Joy Jones to see their poppy display.
On Remembrance Sunday, I attended the service at St Mary's Church in Welshpool before meeting Kathleen Summerville from Guilsfield. Kathleen celebrated her 106th birthday on the 12th and was involved in evacuating Birmingham's school children during the Second World War in her role as a teacher.