6. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government: Supporting our Town Centres

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:15 pm on 28 January 2020.

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Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour 6:15, 28 January 2020

Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. I will start by thanking Caroline Jones for mentioning Connah's Quay. It's not often Members from south Wales mention towns in north Wales, so I do very much welcome that. [Laughter.] 

Minister, the high street is changing, and if high streets like Buckley in my own constituency are to thrive, then we must ensure that the infrastructure allows them to do so. Firstly, as many people have said in the Chamber, it's about having a reliable and affordable way of getting there. So, the north Wales metro, for me, could play a key part in resolving this issue and creating a transport hub. In a town like Buckley, it would enable residents to access the high street whilst leaving the car behind, but it also has the ability to link up our rural communities to their nearest high streets and town centres. 

Now, Minister, I have spoken to you a lot about the importance of banking infrastructure as well, and what that can mean for the high street, which we are still to see. We are losing so many banks at a rapid pace. The difference of a community bank and what that could mean to the people in these towns is huge. Free access to cash and face-to-face banking services keeps the money in the local economy. So, can I ask you, Minister: what conversations have you had with the Minister for Economy and Transport about creating transport hubs in towns like Buckley, but also creating community banks in towns like Buckley as well? 

Finally, if I may—I know we're pressed for time here, Deputy Llywydd—but I would just like to speak in my role as chair of the cross-party group on beer and pubs in Wales. Now, we need to preserve our unique community spaces in towns. Elsewhere, planning rules restrict the turning of pubs into other commercial ventures like shops, for example, without the need for consent from the local authority. Now, I understand that the Welsh Government has proposals in place to amend the legislation in Wales, but will you stress the need for urgency to take this forward with your colleagues within the Welsh Government? Diolch.