Part of 2. Questions to the Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language – in the Senedd at 2:53 pm on 30 January 2019.
Minister, I heard your spiel—very nice—regarding Cwmcarn forest, which, actually, is in my region. Cwmcarn forest offers visitors a wide range of activities, including walking, fishing, mountain biking and, more than everything else, going with friends and family for barbecues there. It's a wonderful place to go. However, this popular and scenic Cwmcarn Forest Drive still remains closed, since 2014, to cars, which is totally unacceptable. It is only for Natural Resources Wales to cut down thousands of diseased trees. So, what discussions have you undertaken on the effect of this closure on visitor numbers to Cwmcarn forest? And, what discussions have you had with ministerial colleagues to ensure the speedy reopening of this road so that visitors can come and enjoy the breathtaking scenery? The Minister mentioned that the Welsh convention centre is on its way, and, especially after the abolition of the Severn Bridge tolls, we're expecting, in summer, which is only a few months away, an influx of visitors, and this scenic place should be open, not for us, but for the overseas visitors. This is one of the most beautiful places in south-east Wales.