Latest news with #JaneHutt
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Huge upgrade to 28 miles of road in Wales finally finishes after 23 years
Huge upgrade to 28 miles of road in Wales finally finishes after 23 years The last traffic cone and contraflow has been removed from the A465 Heads of the Valleys road after a long, drawn-out saga It was described as one of the UK's 'most significant infrastructure investments' (Image: John Myers ) It is Wales' most-expensive road building project ever. And now, 23 years on since the work began, traffic can finally run smoothly again in an area which has caused traffic misery for motorists. On Friday night the last traffic cone and contraflow was removed from the A465 Heads of the Valleys road. The long-awaited moment marked the completion of a 28-mile upgrade which began in 2002 and cost £2 billion. The project had been described by Welsh Government minister Jane Hutt as "one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the whole of the UK." Work to convert the A465 into a dual carriageway began in 2002 and has been carried out step by step ever since. The road links the M4 by Neath with the A40 dual carriageway at Abergavenny and ultimately the midlands of England. The final stage of the project - the section between Hirwaun and Dowlais - began in 2001. Now complete, 17.7km of new dual carriageway has been put in place, along with 6.1km of side roads, more than 14km of active travel routes, 38 new culverts to channel water, 30 new bridges and 28 retaining walls. The new road will be a 70mph dual carriageway with six junctions. How construction looked during the project (Image: Welsh Government ) The Welsh Government say the scheme has created more than 2,000 new jobs with over half of those employed living in the local area, employing 158 apprentices with just under half from the valley's region, helping to support education and skills training. As well as economic benefits the project has also created a series of environmental benefits, the Welsh Government adds. Species such as the great crested newt and marsh fritillary butterfly have been relocated and new habitats created for bats, dormouse and lapwing, and more than 55,000 trees have been planted locally, rising to an expected 120,000 by the end of the programme. Wales' transport minister Ken Skates previously said: "This project is an incredibly impressive piece of engineering and a fantastic example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can deliver on many levels, providing jobs for the local community, improving accessibility, supporting education and skills, alongside delivering environmental benefits. "It's been a complex project which has not been without its challenges, and I would like to thank everyone who has played their part in helping us to deliver one of the largest road projects in the UK.' Article continues below Keith Jones, of the institution of civil engineers, told the BBC: "As a whole, the Heads of the Valleys project is one of the UK's biggest road upgrade projects for many years "And what's been so challenging is keeping the existing road operational while the work has gone on in some challenging and bleak terrain."
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welsh Government pressure on Chancellor to tackle poverty
First Minister Eluned Morgan MS, Jane Hutt MS, and Mark Drakeford MS, are pushing for changes to social security policy, particularly advocating for the end of the two-child benefit rule. The calls come as the UK Spending Review nears its conclusion, with the Ministerial Group's work becoming increasingly crucial. The government warns that, without action, child poverty is set to rise by 100,000 children annually throughout the UK parliamentary term. The Welsh Government is also working with the Patriotic Millionaires, a group proposing alternative ways to raise significant funds to combat poverty without increasing taxes on working families. Successive Welsh Governments have implemented various measures to alleviate poverty, which they claim leave more money in the pockets of Welsh citizens. These measures include an inclusive childcare scheme for three and four-year-olds, help with school-related costs, expanding the Flying Start programme for children in disadvantaged areas, and a student support scheme. The Welsh Government says it has used its devolved powers to oversee the rollout of free school meals for all primary school children, increases to the Education Maintenance Allowance, and the Claim What's Yours initiative in a bid to tackle child poverty. The Welsh Benefits Charter, which has been adopted by 22 local authorities to increase the uptake of Welsh benefits, is another tool the government is using in the fight against child poverty. The Welsh Government continues to utilise its devolved powers to address child poverty and is calling on the Chancellor to consider various revenue-raising options to ensure funds are directed towards improving children's lives. The government remains committed to supporting children and families, especially those in disadvantaged areas, as the UK Spending Review draws to a close.
North Wales Chronicle
6 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Free period products available in public spaces in Wales
This initiative is part of the Welsh Government's £3.2 million Period Dignity fund. The funding aims to provide essential period products to all who need them, in a bid to eradicate period poverty by 2027. These products are now freely available not only in every school and college in Wales but also in hundreds of public venues, including libraries, leisure centres, food banks, sports clubs, and youth hubs. The Welsh Government is determined that no one should miss education, work, or social activities because they cannot afford or access period products. Flintshire has been particularly successful with its 'Reusable Period Product Parties', which provide free reusable period cup kits, pad kits, and period pants. These events also create spaces for open conversations about menstrual health. The Community Sports Development Team in Flintshire has also included period products in first aid kits during outdoor activities and events. Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire Council's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture, and leisure, said: "Holding Reusable Period Product Parties across libraries and leisure centres has helped to raise awareness and educate the community on reusable products, including a more sustainable alternative to disposable options. "Over 500 free reusable period pad kits, period pants kits, and period cup kits have been distributed through these events with many period positive conversations." The Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for social justice, Jane Hutt, said: "Period products are essential items and should be freely available to everyone who needs them. "Flintshire's approach to offering reusable products in public spaces while encouraging open conversations about periods is helping break down stigma." The minister for mental health and wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: "Menstrual health is one of the eight priority areas in our Women's Health Plan. "We are striving for period equity for all women and girls with access to products, facilities, and healthcare to manage their period and menstrual health. "By making free period products widely available across Wales, we're not just addressing period poverty – we're empowering women to participate fully in life without barriers."
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Free period products available in public spaces in Wales
This initiative is part of the Welsh Government's £3.2 million Period Dignity fund. The funding aims to provide essential period products to all who need them, in a bid to eradicate period poverty by 2027. These products are now freely available not only in every school and college in Wales but also in hundreds of public venues, including libraries, leisure centres, food banks, sports clubs, and youth hubs. The Welsh Government is determined that no one should miss education, work, or social activities because they cannot afford or access period products. Flintshire has been particularly successful with its 'Reusable Period Product Parties', which provide free reusable period cup kits, pad kits, and period pants. These events also create spaces for open conversations about menstrual health. The Community Sports Development Team in Flintshire has also included period products in first aid kits during outdoor activities and events. Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire Council's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture, and leisure, said: "Holding Reusable Period Product Parties across libraries and leisure centres has helped to raise awareness and educate the community on reusable products, including a more sustainable alternative to disposable options. "Over 500 free reusable period pad kits, period pants kits, and period cup kits have been distributed through these events with many period positive conversations." The Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for social justice, Jane Hutt, said: "Period products are essential items and should be freely available to everyone who needs them. "Flintshire's approach to offering reusable products in public spaces while encouraging open conversations about periods is helping break down stigma." The minister for mental health and wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: "Menstrual health is one of the eight priority areas in our Women's Health Plan. "We are striving for period equity for all women and girls with access to products, facilities, and healthcare to manage their period and menstrual health. "By making free period products widely available across Wales, we're not just addressing period poverty – we're empowering women to participate fully in life without barriers."
Leader Live
6 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Free period products available in public spaces in Wales
This initiative is part of the Welsh Government's £3.2 million Period Dignity fund. The funding aims to provide essential period products to all who need them, in a bid to eradicate period poverty by 2027. These products are now freely available not only in every school and college in Wales but also in hundreds of public venues, including libraries, leisure centres, food banks, sports clubs, and youth hubs. The Welsh Government is determined that no one should miss education, work, or social activities because they cannot afford or access period products. Flintshire has been particularly successful with its 'Reusable Period Product Parties', which provide free reusable period cup kits, pad kits, and period pants. These events also create spaces for open conversations about menstrual health. The Community Sports Development Team in Flintshire has also included period products in first aid kits during outdoor activities and events. Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire Council's cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture, and leisure, said: "Holding Reusable Period Product Parties across libraries and leisure centres has helped to raise awareness and educate the community on reusable products, including a more sustainable alternative to disposable options. "Over 500 free reusable period pad kits, period pants kits, and period cup kits have been distributed through these events with many period positive conversations." READ MORE: Optician Dawn set sights on half marathon charity fundraiser The Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for social justice, Jane Hutt, said: "Period products are essential items and should be freely available to everyone who needs them. "Flintshire's approach to offering reusable products in public spaces while encouraging open conversations about periods is helping break down stigma." The minister for mental health and wellbeing, Sarah Murphy, said: "Menstrual health is one of the eight priority areas in our Women's Health Plan. "We are striving for period equity for all women and girls with access to products, facilities, and healthcare to manage their period and menstrual health. "By making free period products widely available across Wales, we're not just addressing period poverty – we're empowering women to participate fully in life without barriers."
