Welsh Conservatives will call for more support for rural communities across Wales during an opposition debate in the Assembly this week.
The group will accuse the Welsh Government of doing too little to empower communities and secure the future of family farms.
Access to public services will also be highlighted.
According to the Welsh Government School Census, the number of schools fell by 13 in Ceredigion between 1999 and 2009, and by 20 in both Carmarthenshire and Pemrokeshire.
The seven top performing ambulance authorities were all predominantly urban according to recent figures and GP access times are – on average – much longer in rural villages.
The Welsh Conservative debate will take place on Wednesday July 6th.
Shadow Minister for Rural Affairs, Antoinette Sandbach AM, said:
“With the right level of support, rural areas across Wales can flourish. At the moment, that support simply isn’t forthcoming.
“Communities are being forced to put up with public services that are much more difficult to access, yet simply by working with local authorities the Welsh Labour government could address these specific needs.
“Communities should be given a stake in their economic and social development. The systems for planning and business rates could both acknowledge the support that rural areas give to the whole of Wales.
“In addition, communities should be given the opportunity to manage assets in their area. Redundant sites – likes pubs and village halls – can be brought back into use for the good of the community.
“The future of family farms can also be secured by the reduction of red tape and further support for producers.
“Our rural communities deserve more. They are vital to the economic, social and cultural life of Wales. They deserve a strong voice at the heart of government, not relegation from the Cabinet table.”
