One million people have now had at least one Covid-19 jab

One million people across Wales have had at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, meaning almost 40% of the adult population now have a level of protection from COVID-19.

Today’s data [9 March] shows 1,007,391 people - or 4 in 10 adults - have received at least their first dose.

And 192,030 have also had their second dose, equating to 1,199,421 doses administered altogether within the first 13 weeks of Wales’ vaccination programme. 

Following an anticipated dip in supplies over the past few weeks, Wales is shortly going to see a significant increase again. Expected supplies should see the availability of around 200,000 vaccinations over the course of the next couple of weeks – with around 30,000 a day being administered.

This includes second doses for the many more people due to receive theirs in the coming weeks, and supplies for this have been planned for too.

An update to the Vaccination Strategy for Wales was published at the end of February and this brought forward two key target dates and also sets out plans for the next phase of roll-out.

It was recently announced that Wales aims to have offered vaccinations to every eligible adult by 31 July, as long as supply is maintained.

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “To be able to say that one in four adults in Wales have now had at least their first dose of the vaccine is a truly incredible testament to the hard-work of everyone involved in the roll-out of this life-changing vaccine.

“We have seen an incredible level of up-take so far and my thanks go to every person who has done their bit for this national effort. It is crucial these high levels of uptake are maintained and I would urge everyone to take up their offer - every single dose really does count. Each is a step closer to opening up our society, a step closer to a brighter future and our ‘new normal’.

“We do however need to reiterate that even if you have had your jab, please keep to the social distancing and hygiene measures we’ve become accustom to over the past year - everyone’s efforts to keep this virus at bay are so vitally important.”

Although vaccination greatly reduces the risk of severe COVID, we are still learning about how the vaccine affects transmission of the virus and someone could still pass it on even after being vaccinated. 

Once someone has had the vaccine however they should still follow the same steps to keep themselves and Wales safe; wearing a mask, keeping a 2m distance, washing their hands regularly and keeping rooms as well ventilated as possible.

All eligible adults will be invited to for an appointment when it is their turn – please do not call local health services, unless asked to do so.

Progress made towards step-free access at Ruabon station

* Simon Baynes MP at Ruabon station.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed "major progress" by the UK Government on step-free disability access at Ruabon Railway Station. 

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps has said that Ruabon Station will be progressing to the next stage of the Access for All programme.

This next stage of design will allow the Department for Transport to establish any risks and the anticipated final costs associated with the project. 

Since becoming the local MP Mr Baynes has make the case for step-free access to the UK Government, which is responsible for the infrastructure of the railways in Wales, during Questions in the Chamber of the House of Commons and in meetings with Ministers in the Department for Transport, the Treasury and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales. 

He has also worked closely with the stakeholders involved in Ruabon Station including Wrexham Council, Network Rail, the Welsh government, Ruabon Community Council, Friends of Ruabon and the Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership. 

Ruabon is a busy station with two flights of stairs that passengers need to use in order to access the Chester platform and it is the only station on the Chester to Shrewsbury route that fails to meet passengers’ step-free access needs. 

From 2002 to 2017, footfall increased by 220% among those entering and exiting the station and the addition of a new development 360 houses and a hotel in Ruabon is also expected to bring additional footfall and demand for the station. 

Ruabon Station is also the rail and bus gateway access for Llangollen and the World Heritage site at Pontcysyllte.

Grant Shapps said: “Simon Baynes has been championing the cause of constituents who need step-free access at Ruabon station, and I'm delighted we can now progress work to the next stage. This shows the value of having strong Conservative voices in North Wales. 

“Our railway should be easily available to all, not just the able-bodied, and we must press ahead with projects to make stations accessible.”

Mr Baynes said: “It is very good news for residents in Ruabon and the wider community in Clwyd South and Wrexham that the UK Government has said today that Ruabon Station will be progressing to the next stage of the Access for All programme. 

"This is something I’ve been campaigning for both locally in Clwyd South and in Parliament since day one of becoming an MP, and before that as a candidate, and it shows the commitment of the UK government to Clwyd South and North Wales. 

“Many representatives, organisations and residents in Ruabon have been campaigning for step-free access at Ruabon Station for several years and I am very pleased to see this important progress to the next stage of design. 

"This would not have been possible without the help and support of County Cllr David Bithell (Environment and Transport Lead at Wrexham Council), Darren Williams (Chief Environment and Technical Officer at Wrexham Council), County Cllr Joan Lowe (the local County Councillor for Penycae and Ruabon South), Sheila Dee (Community Rail Officer of the Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership), the team at Network Rail, the Welsh government, Ruabon Community Council and the Friends of Ruabon who have all worked so hard to get to this crucial stage. 

“This project is needed to make sure all passengers can access the jobs and leisure opportunities that will make our community an even greater place to live and work.”

Government pledges £72m to support learners

Education Minister Kirsty Williams (pictured) has announced a further £72 million to support learners as part of the response towards recovery and progression since the pandemic.

The funding will include the continuation of the Recruit, Recover and Raise Standards programme into the next academic year, extra learning resources and support for foundation phase learners in schools and childcare settings that provide early education.

Support will also be targeted at learners in years 11, 12 and 13, to provide additional help with their transition into the next stage.

Since last July, the equivalent of 1,800 extra full-time school staff have been recruited in schools across Wales to provide extra support during the pandemic, double the original target of 900.

Funding will also be used to support 1,400 trainee teachers currently in Initial Teacher Education, enabling them to complete their practical experience in the autumn, complete their qualifications and move into full-time teaching.

In a comparison of UK nations in February, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) found that Wales’ “catch up programmes are far better targeted at their most disadvantaged pupils”. The announcement today is expected to increase the spend-per-pupil equivalent to £239 – the highest in the UK.

Kirsty Williams, the Education Minister, said: “We all know it’s been a difficult period for learners and staff. Schools and colleges have done terrific work in ensuring learning has continued, while putting preparations in place so the return of learners is as smooth as possible.

“I know that extra help is needed, especially for learners at key stages in their academic careers and in their lives. As learners continue to go back to face-to-face learning, we are providing this additional funding to ensure support is in place when our young people return to the classroom.”

In a big week for education reform in Wales, the Minister also looked ahead to Tuesday’s final Senedd stage of the Curriculum and Assessment Bill and the introduction of the first ever ‘made in Wales’ national curriculum:

“It is a significant milestone in our national mission as the Curriculum and Assessment Bill reaches its final stage before being passed into law.

“I call it a ‘national mission’ as it has involved everyone working together – teachers, parents, academics, businesses, national organisations, and my department of course - to raise standards, tackle the attainment gap and have an education system that is a source of pride to us all.

“Diolch yn fawr to everyone who has played their part in this historic journey for education in Wales.”

Unpaid carers should register to get their Covid-19 jab

Unpaid carers who may not be registered as such with their GP are being asked to come forward by completing a new online self-referral form so they can receive their Civid-19 vaccine as part of priority group six.  

Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething, has published guidance to outline who is eligible for a vaccine as part of priority group 6. Within the guidance eligible unpaid carers are those who are the sole or primary carer of someone who is at increased risk were they to catch coronavirus.

Those clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 include children with severe neuro-disabilities, those who are designated clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), adults who have underlying health conditions and those who need care because of advanced age.

Each local health board will be making the online form available on their websites in the coming days, starting on Monday 8th March. Further details can be found here https://gov.wales/get-covid-19-vaccine-unpaid-carer

People should complete an online form with the health board in which they live or the health board area in which their GP is based.

Once the form is submitted, the health board will arrange for the information to be uploaded to the Welsh Immunisation System (WIS) and a vaccine appointment will be issued.

Everyone within groups 5-9 will be invited for a vaccination by mid-April. Those already registered as an unpaid carer with their GP should receive an invite in the next couple of weeks and do not need to complete the online form.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said: "The pandemic has added more challenges to unpaid carers across the country and I want to thank them for everything they are doing. 

"The guidance issued should give more clarity to those who are in priority group six and I would urge anyone who is eligible and not already registered with their GP to complete the online form. When you are invited for a vaccination I would urge you to accept in order to protect yourself and those you care for.

"I want to thank the national care organisations who have assisted us with our guidance and the referral form and helped us to get the process right for our invaluable unpaid carers."

Claire Morgan, Director of Carers Wales, said: "Having put their lives on hold caring for vulnerable people, we know that many unpaid carers will feel relieved to be called for their vaccination. Carers Wales has worked with the Welsh Government on the self-identification process and urges eligible unpaid carers to complete the new online self-referral form as soon as they are able."

Welsh Conservatives select police commissioner candidate

* Pat Astbury.

Pat Astbury, the current chair of North Wales Police and Crime Panel, has been selected as the Welsh Conservative candidate in the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Pat Astbury, who was born and raised in North Wales, is also the panel member champion for Modern Day Slavery and Child Exploitation. 

She said: “I have a first-hand understanding of the diverse areas and needs that are prevalent across the region – from the industrial areas of North East Wales to rural Gwynedd. 

"If elected, I would make sure the public has the chance to raise their concerns through well publicised meetings and surgeries. I will listen to what people have to say and take action.”

Rural crime, county lines drug gangs, modern slavery and child sexual exploitation are areas of concern for Ms Astbury, who is a Welsh speaker.

She said: “County lines is a particular problem along the A55 – with huge implications for education (excluded pupils), social services, health, the police – not to mention damage to families and the community.

"There would be no laissez-faire attitude to issues such as drugs."

Although there has been an increase in numbers deployed to the rural crime team in North Wales, Ms Astbury says she believes it is important that PCSOs are regularly seen in these areas.

She said: “I would continue to press for more visible policing whilst fully understanding the need for the less visible – for example, there is a need for an increase in staff who can combat fraud and other online criminality.

“Nothing gives more reassurance than the sight of a uniformed member of the police.”

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: “I’m delighted that Pat Astbury has been selected as our Police and Commissioner candidate. 

"I’m certain that she will be a great advocate for residents and our hardworking police officers in North Wales. And that she will look to capitalise on the extra 20,000 officers being recruited by the UK Government across England and Wales. 

"Pat will be totally focused on the job in hand and strongly committed to tackling the impact of drugs on young people and communities in North Wales.”

Latest local roadworks alert

 

Latest roadworks alert from one-network includes:

Willow Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 09 March — 11 March   Delays likely - Road closure   Works location: OUTSIDE THE WILLOW   Works description: Inspection with TMA Notice (Dummy) Replace Hydrant on Hall Street Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (...   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000012609854A   Hall Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 09 March — 11 March   Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Works location: OUTSIDE WILLOW HOUSE   Works description: Hydrant Renew Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )...   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000012423477B

County consults on new measures to control dog fouling

* Bag it and take it home: that's the message from Cllr Mark Young.

Denbighshire County Council is consulting on a draft Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to make people properly control their dogs in public areas in the county.

A PSPO allows the council to take action against pet owners who allow a dog to foul in an area of public land without cleaning it up and those letting a dog off a lead anywhere this is not allowed.

In 2017 the council introduced a Control of Dogs PSPO to help to tackle these issues and when producing a new PSPO, we have a legal duty to ensure members of the public, as well as partner organisations such as North Wales Police and Natural Resources Wales, have an opportunity to give feedback.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “The vast majority of dog owners are respectful of others and clean up after their pets. 

"However, we receive a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour from dog owners who don’t control their dogs properly in public places. This PSPO will allow us to take action against those who behave irresponsibly with their pets.  

“I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say on the draft PSPO before the deadline on April 18 and take part in the consultation process.”

* You can read the draft PSPO document, view maps of the proposed restricted areas, and provide feedback at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/573 or in writing to PO Box 62, Ruthin, LL15 1AZ.