Two important announcements
Posted by Paul Murphy, MP for Torfaen, at 11:34, Mon 9 March 2009:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you today because you wished to be informed of any issues of importance in Torfaen when you contacted me via WriteToThem.com. Two significant announcements have been made recently.
Prison announcement
Firstly, I’m sure you will have heard the good news regarding the possible sighting of a prison in Cwmbran. Prisons Minister David Hanson has decided to locate the prison in north Wales rather than at the old police training college site.
Over the past two years, I have spoken to many families worried about a prison on their doorsteps and received hundreds of letters. The well-attended public meeting that I held in Cwmbran Stadium showed the passionate feelings of local people loud and clear.
I have held intensive discussions with Government Ministers, including the former Prisons Minister Gerry Sutcliffe MP and the current Minister David Hanson MP. I argued vigorously against any idea of using the former police college site and I am delighted that the Minister has agreed with me.
I am grateful for the good work of local AM Lynne Neagle, Council Leader Bob Wellington and local residents in campaigning on this issue.
Torfaen Economic Summit
Secondly, it is clear that the unprecedented downturn in the global economy is having an impact on the economy of Torfaen and Wales. An Economic Summit is being held in County Hall on the 13th of March from 9.30am to midday, a response from Torfaen Council, supported by Government in Westminster and the Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff Bay.
The Torfaen Economic Summit - titled the Torfaen SOS: A ‘Summit on Survival’ - will bring together speakers who can offer National, Regional and Local perspectives on the economy plus representatives from business support networks and the business community will be on hand to offer advice.
The event will present an opportunity to talk through issues and listen to the real challenges currently faced by the Torfaen business community. It will also be an opportunity to seek advice; share local knowledge and information, all of which could help local business through the current downturn in the economy.
Practical advice will be available from delegates on a broad range of subjects including: Representatives from banks and financial institutions. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau will be on hand to provide individuals with information on benefits, dealing with redundancy, debt and borrowing. JobCentre Plus will provide advice to businesses FS4B - the Welsh Assembly Government’s new service replacing Business Eye will refer businesses to local support.
Plus officers from Torfaen Council will be in attendance to discuss: Procurement - offering advice on tendering for public sector contracts Asset Management - to give advice on rental levels/property developments Economic Development - to provide information on Enterprise, Marketing and the new ‘Convergence Local Investment Fund’ Planning - Officers will discuss opportunities for changing or expanding premises Housing - Officers will discuss with lenders how together they get credit markets moving; increase public/private partnerships and create jobs Training and Skills - to give advice on gaining new skills, retraining, recruitment and apprenticeships.
If you are a local business and are interested in attending, could you please contact me at paulmurphymp@parliament.uk and I will ensure that you will be welcome to attend what I am certain will be a tremendously useful summit.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Murphy MP
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