Following concern over many local job losses in recent months, Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates has challenged the First Minister in the Chamber to outline his vision for sustainable growth in Mid Wales.
Commenting, Mr Bates said:
“This week Wales was celebrated as one of Europe’s best regions for sustainability. We heard many warm words from the First Minister about the need for social and economic sustainability as well as environmental sustainability. Whilst I fully agree with this, sadly the rhetoric does not reflect the reality in Mid Wales.
“The Welsh Government’s Economic Renewal programme aims to encourage entrepreneurship and help the private sector to flourish, but instead we are seeing a diminished Government presence in Newtown and jobs drained from the region.
“Sadly Siemens has now confirmed that they will be relocating their operation to Newcastle. This is exactly the type of business the Labour-Plaid Government should be encouraging, but instead they are letting jobs and investment slip through their fingers.
“I have challenged the First Minister to outline his vision for sustainable growth in Mid Wales. I was disappointed by his response which lacked any vision or commitment to Mid Wales and simply said that the Government will try and maintain a presence where it can.
“This is simply not good enough. The Labour-Plaid Government are letting the people of Mid Wales down, full of warm words and rhetoric but lacking any practical vision or action. This must change and I will continue to demand more investment and support to stimulate economic growth in Montgomeryshire.”
