9. Short Debate: Protecting community spaces: Taking back control

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:36 pm on 9 March 2022.

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Photo of Carolyn Thomas Carolyn Thomas Labour 6:36, 9 March 2022

I'd like to say thank you to Rhys for a minute of his time and bringing the important debate to the Senedd today. When I first entered local politics, I did so because I firmly believed in the importance of communities. I recently spoke to a social enterprise in Bethesda who had worked to buy a building of note, to save for the benefit of those living in the area. But, at the last moment, they were gazumped by a private buyer. I would like consideration to be given to local residents to have a say in purchasing such community assets for perhaps converting them into rental properties where their money goes back into the community. I am pleased that Flintshire has been leading the way in this area to help protect community spaces and buildings. Recently, two old school fields have been given over to the local community for play, a safe haven for biodiversity, and for local people to grow vegetables. Once a piece of land is developed, a building demolished or an asset sold, it's lost forever, and we should be doing all we can to help local communities to be a part of securing their public assets for their future generations and well-being in the community. Diolch.