1. Will the Deputy Minister provide an update on Welsh Government interventions to improve community safety in Cynon Valley? OQ56210

The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring our communities are safe, strong and resilient.  We continue to work with our four police forces, local authorities, UK Government and other agencies to help ensure our people and our communities remain safe.

Thank you, Deputy Minister, and I'd like to extend my thanks to all those who work so hard to keep our communities safe in these very difficult times.

During the pandemic, my constituency has experienced a notable increase in anti-social and dangerous behaviour by off-road motorcycles illegally using popular walking paths and other public rights of way. The laudable work of Welsh Government to open up our walking paths and allow fully inclusive use has, with the removal of barriers, made it much easier for off-road motorcycles to use such paths, and more difficult for the police to enforce the law and keep residents safe. What discussions have you had with South Wales Police and with the police and crime commissioner about how this intractable problem can best be tackled?

Thank you very much, Vikki Howells, for that question, an important question about promoting community safety, and, as you say, thanking all of those in your constituency in the Cynon Valley, and across Wales, for the ways in which they have worked to ensure there is community safety.

But you've raised the issue of off-road biking. I'm very much aware, and obviously your evidence today shows that there's been an increase in reports of illegal activity during lockdowns, and, of course, that encroaches on all those important open spaces for walking and for taking exercise, which are so crucial for health and well-being. I do understand that South Wales Police have planned operations as part of an approach to tackle this issue. Because we have strong relationships with our police forces, I will raise the points the Member makes and ensure that we look at off-roading as an issue where we can make sure that they are not accessing routes that have no vehicle rights, or driving in an illegal manner, and that this will be an important issue in terms of community safety and well-being.