North Wales overlooked in trail spectator events, says MS

* North Wales MS Mark Isherwood.

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called on the First Minister to reconsider the Welsh Government’s decision to trial spectator sporting and cultural events to manage the return of audiences as Covid restrictions ease solely in South and West Wales. 

Mr Isherwood has written to Mark Drakeford following the Welsh Government’s announcement  earlier this week of a proposed list of pilot test events to take place over the forthcoming weeks. 

There are nine trial events on the list, but not one of them is in North Wales and Mr Isherwood has been contacted by a number of constituents asking why North Wales has been left out. He has therefore written to the First Minister asking this question and urging him to reconsider the decision.

His letter states: “I have been contacted by several concerned constituents in North Wales with comments such as the following:

'I read today that the Welsh Government is to trial 9 sport and mass gathering events in Wales for the safe return of fans to stadia and events. I also note that all events are in South and West Wales, with the furthest event North being in Brecon.

'I'd like to ask why events have not been considered for North Wales. 

'North Wales Crusaders Rugby League have recently started their season and have their first home game at Eirias Parc Colwyn Bay on May 15th. We have asked for consideration to be given to trailing our home games as a test event. There is an ideal opportunity for a game which will attract less than 1000 fans in a suitable stadium with Covid protocols in place.

'I would like you to investigate why our home games haven't been considered.

'The Welsh Government have announced that they are allowing spectators to watch football and cricket in South Wales. What about Wrexham football club. They have two critical home matches to play which if results are favourable could see them in the play offs. Will you do your best to get the decision reversed?'

Mr Isherwood added: “It is the Welsh Government who have decided where these trials will take place, and true to form they have completely overlooked North Wales. 

“The First Minister needs to remember that his Government represents the whole of Wales and he must therefore listen and act on the views of spectators and clubs here in North Wales. Clubs in North Wales have struggled just the same as those in other parts of Wales throughout the pandemic and It is grossly unfair that they are missing out.”