Have your say on A55 Junctions 15 and 16 improvement plans

The consultation which begins on Monday 4 June and runs until Friday 24 August looks at possible options to remove the two roundabouts at junctions 15 and 16, and replace them with separated junctions.

There are nine options begin considered, five for Junction 15 and four for junction 16.

The new junctions will result in safer travel for road users along the A55, and for people using the route to travel to and from Dwygyfylchi, Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr. It will also improve journey times and the road’s resilience.

Active Travel is integral to the A55 junctions 15 and 16 improvement scheme and the options proposed seek to improve current active travel routes which will increase opportunities for walking or cycling.

Public Consultation Exhibitions are being held for people to see the options being considered in detail and the timescales involved. These will take place at St Gwynin’s Parish Hall, Dwygyfylchi on 12 June, Penmaenmawr Community Centre on 13 June and Llanfairfechan Community Centre on 14 June. All take place between 10am and 8pm. The exhibitions are free to attend and everyone is welcome.

Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates said:

“The A55 Junction 15-16 improvement scheme is a significant development in North Wales and a prime example of the action we are taking to invest in and improve our transport infrastructure.

“The A55 is a key strategic route linking Wales with Ireland, England and the rest of Europe and this scheme will deliver many benefits including better traffic flows and journey time reliability as well as improving safety.

“People’s views on the options being considered will form a vital part of the decision process and I encourage everyone with an interest to contribute to this consultation.”



“Wales’ close relationship with the US will continue despite challenges” – First Minister

He will also hold high level talks with senior representatives of the British Embassy to express his serious concerns about the potential impact US tariffs will have on the Welsh steel industry.

Since becoming First Minister in 2009, Carwyn Jones has visited the US 8 times to meet with businesses looking to invest in Wales, discuss trade with political representatives and raise Wales’ profile across the pond.

During that time, US firms have created or safeguarded over 12,800 Welsh jobs, bringing the total number to almost 50,000 – a record high.

With 260 American-owned companies in Wales, the United States is by far Wales’ largest inward investor and most important global business partner. Meanwhile, the value of Welsh exports to the USA continues to rise and was worth £2.3 billion in 2017, meaning that the USA is Wales’ third largest export destination.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said:

“Wales and the United States enjoy a strong and prosperous relationship, which has gone from strength to strength during the past decade. Today, the US is Wales’ single most important global business partner.

“Barack Obama was president when I became First Minister of Wales in 2010 and I had the pleasure of welcoming him to Wales when we hosted the Nato Summit in 2014.

“Since then, I have visited the US 8 times meeting with politicians, business leaders and potential investors to talk to them about all Wales has to offer. A great deal has changed over the past nine years, but the bond between Wales and the US remains strong. In recent years, American investment in Wales has reached an all-time high and US exports are now worth over £2 billion to the Welsh economy each year.

“While our 2 administrations do not agree on everything, we have worked together to the benefit of our countries, our businesses and our people.

“Any suggestion of a return to the protectionism of the past misunderstands the challenges faced by Wales and the USA today. I want to see fewer obstacles to trade, more cooperation, more internationalism, to help our economies continue to grow.

“It is, therefore, extremely disappointing that the US is pressing ahead with tariffs on EU steel and aluminium imports. This is a short-sighted measure that will have wide ranging implications for business, defence and diplomacy right across the globe. It could also harm the Welsh steel industry, which we have fought so hard to protect.

“Despite this, we remain committed to promoting international trade, which is vital to ensuring the prosperity of Welsh people and communities.

“I have always said that we cannot promote Wales from behind a desk and have actively promoted Wales to the world over the past 9 years. Trade missions, major events and international visits will become even more crucial if we are to make the most of future trading opportunities as the UK leaves the EU.

“Wales is an outward looking, innovative and welcoming country – and that is the message I am once again proudly taking to the States on my final visit as First Minister of Wales.”



12 year old transplant recipient climbs Snowdon to mark 10 years after surgery

Before setting off on her journey with family, friends and supporters, Ella said: 

She wanted to mark this important milestone in her life by climbing the highest peak in Wales and England to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation, and to encourage everyone to think about and share their decision on giving the gift of life.

After suffering from liver disease as a baby, Ella Noon received her life saving liver transplant when she was only 26 months old. Ella was very lucky as she was on the waiting list less than a week when an organ became available. 

“I have always wanted to do something challenging to show the world that having a transplant doesn’t stop you from doing exciting and challenging things. I thought it was important to mark 10 years since my transplant because without it, I wouldn’t have survived. The liver I received gave me another chance at life so I’m determined to live it in honour of my donor.”

Joining her on the trek, Ella’s mother Andrea Noon said: 

“When Ella fell seriously ill as a baby, we were told that she needed an urgent liver transplant. We were so lucky a liver was found in time; sadly, not all families are so lucky. I think it’s so important for families and loved ones to discuss their organ donation decision, especially now as the law has changed in Wales, deciding to donate has such a huge impact on someone’s life.” 

Following a social media campaign, Ella found her donor’s mother, who is also amongst the climbers. Lindsey Adderson said; 

“Today is about celebrating Ella’s life, and remembering my daughter Jessica, whose tragic passing saved her life.”

Jessica died when she was 17 years old, and had discussed her organ donation wishes with her mother a few weeks previously. Lindsay added: 

“That conversation came back to me when the subject of organ donation came up. It was an easy decision for me to make, however other members of the family weren’t so sure. I’m proud I was able to stick to my guns and help fulfil Jessica’s wishes to become an organ donor. 

“Just by asking ‘would you donate your organs?’ can start a really important discussion that could help save a life, like Jessica saved Ella’s.” 

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: 

“Ella is a truly remarkable girl, determined to make the most of her life after her transplant and highlights the importance of organ donation. I also want to commend all donors and their families, without their generosity and support people like Ella will not get the transplant they so desperately need.

“We want to encourage everyone across Wales to talk with their loved ones about their organ donation decision. We know awareness and understanding is increasing, but it is really important we reach as many people in Wales as possible.

“We have seen huge improvements in our consent rates, in March 2013 they were just 50% but in March 2018 they increased to 70%, however while there are people dying waiting for their transplant we must work harder to further increase the consent rate to have a significant impact on reducing transplant waiting lists.

“Your family will be involved in any discussions about organ donation if, when you die, you are in a position to donate your organs. This could make an already difficult time more stressful if families have never discussed organ donation. 

“I encourage everyone across Wales to talk to their loved ones about their organ donation decision to ensure they will honour it.”

Simply having a chat can help benefit the people of Wales and the UK by reducing the number of people dying whilst waiting for a suitable organ to become available, and transforming the lives of others.

You can register a decision at any time by calling 0300 123 23 23 (Calls to this phone line will be answered by NHS Blood and Transplant) or visiting www.organdonationwales.org or by telling your family (and friends).



£6m to support older people to live at home

Care & Repair agencies work in every part of Wales and provide services to help older people live as independently as possible in their own homes. As well as delivering small adaptations to properties, agencies also provide free home visits to help keep residents safe and warm, and protect their health and well-being. 

Rebecca Evans said:

“Housing adaptations play an important role in helping many older and disabled people live safely and independently. As well as improving their lives, it reduces pressure on frontline health and social care services. The services provided by Care and Repair agencies help people to live longer at home with more confidence and dignity, and with an improved quality of life.

“This funding will enable agencies to provide valuable support at the heart of the communities they serve, working closely with partners in Health, Social Care, Housing and the rest of the third sector.”

There are 13 Care and Repair agencies in Wales whose responsibilities cover every local authority area. Last year Care and Repair agencies helped more than 40,000 older people in Wales, carried out over £11.5 million of repairs, helped more than 22,000 with safety and falls-prevention work, and carried out some 17,000 small adaptations.



Counsel General visits Ireland on fact-finding mission

The Counsel General will visit the Law Reform Commission and will also meet the Attorney General for Ireland, Séamus Woulfe, the British Ambassador for Ireland, Robin Barnett and the new Chief Parliamentary Counsel, June Reardon.

Consolidation, codification and simplification of legislation will feature on the agenda when Jeremy Miles meets Mr Justice John Quirke SC, President of the Law Reform Commission. This has been a focus for the Commission since 2014 and the Counsel General will discuss lessons learnt to inform Wales’ Draft Legislation Bill, currently out for public consultation, and wider efforts to make Welsh law more accessible.

Speaking ahead of the visit the Counsel General said:

“The complexity of the law that applies to Wales is a big problem and steps need to be taken to simplify it and make it more accessible to everyone. It is vital that citizens understand their rights and responsibilities under the law; they know what the law means and who is responsible for what. This is a question of social justice.

“The Draft Legislation (Wales) Bill is currently out for public consultation, so the visit provides a useful opportunity to learn from the work that the Law Reform Commission has already done in this area.”

Later in the day Brexit will be on the agenda in talks with the Attorney General, Séamus Woulfe SC, as withdrawal from the EU will throw up complex legal problems.

Brexit will also feature tomorrow (1 June) when finding common solutions to the legal implications of EU withdrawal will be discussed at a meeting of law officers in Belfast. The Counsel General will join the Scottish Lord Advocate, James Wolffe QC, the Attorney General for Northern Ireland, John Larkin QC, and the law officers for Jersey and Gibraltar.