2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:12 pm on 18 June 2019.

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Photo of Rebecca Evans Rebecca Evans Labour 3:12, 18 June 2019

Thank you for raising both of those issues. With regard to the first, which was the north-east Wales metro, it is certainly a vital part of our plan to improve and modernise transport in the region, and work on delivering the metro vision is progressing well. A Transport for Wales business unit in north Wales has been established to support the delivery of the metro project, including the development of a new Deeside parkway railway station, an integrated Shotton railway station, and an integrated transport hub at Wrexham General rail station. That work is continuing.

Increasing weekday service frequency on the Wrexham-Bidston line to two trains per hour from the end of 2021 is an important aspect of delivering the north-east Wales metro, and we've provided funding to Flintshire County Council for schemes to improve access to and within the Deeside industrial park, with a focus on bus and active travel, and to Wrexham County Borough Council for improvements to Wrexham bus station. We're also progressing plans for the Flintshire corridor red route, which has been supported by the local authority and will be integral to the delivery of the metro. Our proposals for the north-east Wales metro will help the region be better connected and provide access to jobs, facilities and services, which will be a boost for commuters, businesses and the economy, and will also support our ambitions for a north Wales and cross-border area that is competitive and a key component of the Northern Powerhouse.

I think it should be recognised that implementing improvements, in many cases, does require the need to go through the statutory process, and we recognise that some of those interventions will not be quick, but we will begin the roll-out of our vision for the integrated metro system by focusing on those things that could be delivered quickly. If the new leader has particular concerns, I'm sure that he'll take the opportunity to raise them directly with the Minister for transport.

Your point about the Drink Wise Age Well campaign and alcohol misuse amongst older people is very well made, and I know that it's something that the health Minister is keen to address through the substance misuse delivery plan, but I will ask him to provide you with the latest update on that.FootnoteLink