Are booze ASBOs the answer?

In Scotland and in Wales new legislation is being introduced to try and deal with alcohol related problems. In Scotland drinks promotions (2 for 1 etc) will be banned and stores will only be able to sell alcohol between 10am and 10pm. In Wales drinkers who cause problems can be given ASBOs and banned from particular pubs. I have to say I think the Scots approach is certainly far more sensible than the ASBOs route brought forward by the UK Government for England and Wales. Crucially the Scottish approach is about starting to tackle the problem at source, from a public health perspective - rather than the UK Government approach of criminalising people who have a problem.

Were we to be able to set our own priorities in this field I’d strongly support the Scottish proposals – though I’d like to go further and tackle supermarkets selling alcohol at a loss to get people through their doors. I’d also support restrictions on when people can buy alcohol (particularly from off-licenses).

In terms of pubs there are a number of good examples of publicans who will regularly refuse to serve people who’ve had too many – this good practice should certainly be universal. But there are also examples of pubs in large centres where minor changes e.g. no drinking at the bar, queuing systems and maximum numbers of drinks that can be purchased at any one time, have had a major impact.

I’d also support much clearer labeling of the numbers of units in bottles / glasses etc. I was shocked to find out that a large glass of red wine can contain 4 units of alcohol!

All of these initiatives could help, but ultimately there are people who have real difficulties with alcohol and need help. In my view we need greater sources of information and support for those who may be worried by their intake but probably not problematic drinkers. Most importantly though we need enough money invested in rehab facilities so that those who are in difficulty can get help quickly. I’ve heard of examples of people either having to wait months for rehab support, or having to pay privately to get treatment. Where people need treatment, that treatment should be provided promptly – and hopefully then we can help people get their lives back on track.

Developing the Cynon Trail

Last week I cycled the length of the Cynon Trail again. We do seem to be getting there with the signs. It was as ever a great ride, but three things annoyed me.

1. Towards the beginning of the trail in Abercynon there was a fair bit of fly tipping. I'm writing to the council about this, but if anyone spots any other areas that need attention please let me know.

2. Barriers. I know in some places barriers are necessary, but recently most of the barriers on the Taff Trail have been removed. Surely there's a case for doing something similar on the Cynon Trail. Getting on and off your bike every couple of minutes from Aberdare to Hirwaun is crazy.

3. Further Development. For now I accept there's not much chance of getting a riverside trail up through the hospital land (Mountain Ash to Cwmbach), but surely the off road path could be extended from the bridge in Mountain Ash to the School - this would cut off an on-road and very busy section and be a major help.

Any other ideas I shoud take up with the Council / Sustrans please let me know.

Rip Off ATMs

I was very disturbed to see the information on the Link website about charging ATMs in Cynon Valley. While the ATMs in post office and linked to banks are free, a number of ATMs charge between £1.50 and £2.00 - so if you're taking £10 out that's an extra £2 for the privilege. In some areas there are fee charging ATMs very close to free ones, but in a number of communities the only option is an ATM that charges.

There are charging ATMs in the following villages: Penywaun, Cwmbach, Gadlys, Perthcelyn, Ynysboeth, Carnetown, Abercynon, Glyncoch and Cilfynydd. In places like Penywaun and Perthcelyn the only ATM in the village charges a fee. Hardly fair on those without transport who rely on their local shops for all of their services.

Cockle, Linc, Cymru, Oyster or even Lobster - VOTE now!

Thanks to all of those who suggested names for the All Wales Transport Entitlement Card (our own Oyster Card). I've put a poll on the side so please vote for your favourite.

Promo - BBQ Cwm Cynon Saturday 3pm in Ynysybwl - send me an Email for more info - all welcome.


Diolch i bawb wnaeth awgrymu enwau ar gyfer y cerdyn trafnidiaeth newydd i Gymru - fersiwn Gymreig o'r 'Oyster' yn Llundain, neu (diolch Emlyn) yr 'Octopus' yn Hong Kong. Dwi wedi gosod arolwg ar yr ochr felly pleidleisiwch am eich hoff ddewis.

Hysbys - BBQ Cwm Cynon Dydd Sadwrn 3pm yn Ynysybwl - halwch Ebost ataf am fwy o fanylion - croeso i bawb.

Our Own Oyster Card

I've been arguing for some time that we need a Welsh Oyster Card, and I'm pleased that progress in now being made to creating such a card for travel around Wales. Anyone who has used an oyster card in London knows how useful it is, and how generally well the system works. If we are really serious about developing sustainable transport in Wales, then such a card would be of major benefit. But, what should it be called? Prof Stuart Cole in the Western Mail recently tells us it is to be called the Wales Transport Entitlement Card. He suggests Cerdyn Cymru. For me that seems a little boring - how about following a seafood theme ... the 'Cockle Card' ... Just a suggestion, but if people could post a few suggestions in the comments I'll run a quick poll on the favourites from Friday onwards.

Back to blogging ... Celebrate the Village Green

Between a wedding in Inverness, the Eisteddfod and a few days off, I've been very poor on the blogging front lately. I think I've been inspired again by a great bike ride with Lisa yesterday from Cardiff to Penderyn and great cooking by Mam when I arrived!

But, to the most important local news I think over the past few weeks - what a terrific result for Hirwaun to have the planning inspector find in favour of the village and designated the Gloucester's site as a Village Green. I know how much work a large number people put in to the application, but no one deserves our congratulations more than Cllr Karen Morgan. She worked tirelessly on the hearing, quite literally morning, afternoon and night - but the hard work really did pay off, and an important piece of Hirwaun's history can now be preserved for everyone's use to the future. I was pleased to be able to send a brief note to the planning inspector myself about playing on the Gloucester's site when I was still in Primary School. I have a very vivid recollection of one time when Karl Williams and I managed to get into one of the old tunnels - it was great fun, but my Gran left me in no doubt how dangerous it was when I got home.

So llongyfarchiadau mawr Karen - a great job for the community, by a hard working local (Plaid) councillor.