Inward Investment in the North Wales Region

Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport and North Wales – in the Senedd at 1:40 pm on 7 October 2020.

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Photo of Janet Finch-Saunders Janet Finch-Saunders Conservative 1:40, 7 October 2020

I would like to raise my concerns about inward investment in Conwy during this enforced economic lockdown by your Government. You must be aware that these actions are having a devastating impact on my constituents and businesses in Aberconwy: the tourism sector has only had two months to trade to see them through the winter; the queen of Welsh resorts now described as a ghost town; hoteliers and the retail sector bewildered and angry at the threat to their livelihoods by your Welsh Government. Now, no-one is denying that public safety is paramount, but your actions should be considered proportionate and fair. There is an overwhelming opinion, now—. In fact, it's over 1,000 on Facebook—they want to even start a campaign group about your actions. Now, you're bringing the tourism and retail sector to its knees. Yesterday, the First Minister had the audacity to suggest that we, as elected politicians, raising these valid concerns on behalf of our businesses, were suggesting residents should break the rules. I'm sure you would agree with me that was preposterous and it was grossly offensive.

Now, the local lockdown business fund—. A week tomorrow it is since this lockdown was announced—people sent home from hotels, bookings cancelled. The lockdown fund, when I've looked into it, is pennies compared to what's needed to see these people not lose their livelihoods. So, what assurances can you provide this Senedd, today, Minister, with, that you will put in place a fair and proportionate response in terms of funding these hard-pressed businesses so that we do actually have them able to open again next spring? But also—