Opinion: it's all change in our area

It's been an interesting couple of months in politics.

Here in Montgomeryshire, we have seen a change of not only our MP but of the political party. This will be quite a big change for Montgomeryshire becoming Labour area.

Now the boundaries have changed and the area the new MP has to cover is huge, I hope he remembers to show his face in our the area regular and get to know the issues and people. I can only say good luck it's going to be a mammoth task covering the whole constituency.

So just as the dust is beginning to settle from the general election we hear the First Minister has resigned. And now all we're hearing is the fallout of why and who they can blame It really does sound like children in the playground.

Now is the time for change and as government they need to look at what is going so wrong and why so many people are unhappy about the way they have handled new controlling laws.

Let's hope the next First ministers is to make Wales somewhere people want to live and have a good quality of life  - a First Minister who listens and engages to residents.

It's been wonderful seeing a bit of sunshine this week as the rain and cold weather has been getting people down. I have even heard of people having to put some heating on as it's been cold and damp. This has an awful effect on people finances. I am sadly seeing more and more people struggling to make ends meet this year more than ever, with more people and families having to turn to food banks for the first time and find help from other providers in the area. Thankfully we have various organisations who are try to help, not only for the people in need but everyone, to try and make it easier for people in and around Newtown

As we start the summer holidays many families worry about what there is to do in the area. But the are various things being put on over the holidays, eo keep your eyes on various local social media pages as there are lots of different adverts floating about. Please remember to keep your eye on the Newtown integrated family centre Facebook page as they have a lot of different things going on for families and I have also seen that Open Newtown has got various things advertised. So hopefully there will be something to enjoy.

The Community Cafe is offering free food at the Methodist Church in Newtown (next door to Argos) each Wednesday throughout August this is available for parents or carers and children of aged primary school. For info contact Helen on 07966211396 [or click on our link to the first event above].

Finally another surprising turn around was the decision that Democratic Services Committee had made to get rid of the champion roles in Powys County Council. I have held the anti-poverty champion role for many years and I've tried to work with families and different organisations to highlight how poverty is having a very real affect on so many hard working families and people in various areas in Powys.

The vote was taken to Full Council and thankfully was completely voted down, a second vote for it to go back to Democratic Services to be relooked at was excepted this will now look into how the roles can be improved and taken forward in a positive way that not only helps the council but is beneficial to the public.

I will look forward to hearing what the next steps are and I am sure all the other champions will agree that this was a good way forward.

As always if any of the residents on my ward needs help please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Cllr Joy Jones
County Councillor for Newtown East