I HAVE recently been contacted by a number of residents of White Farm, Colcot, about highways issues they have been experiencing.

The estate was built by Persimmon Homes, but the roads have not yet been adopted by the council, and so residents find themselves in a state of limbo.

Issues include a lack of road signs and crumbling roads and pavements – as well as a lack of litter bins and poorly maintained fences.

As far as I understand, the council will not adopt the road until Persimmon takes certain action – but I know that as far as residents are concerned they just want the situation sorted.

I have also had people come forward with examples elsewhere in Barry and the Vale – so it is clearly a wider issue where roads are not adopted – and please do get in touch with me if it affects you.

What is clear is someone needs to take responsibility – rather than just pinging back and forth with nothing getting done.

It was a pleasure to attend the recent launch of this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal for Marie Curie – which took place in the Senedd.

The Appeal is now in its 31st year – and raises funds for all the fantastic work Marie Curie do to provide care for terminally ill cancer patients.

It was good to see AMs of all parties come together and support the campaign, which provides much needed funds for the charity.

By making a donation and wearing a daffodil pin, you can help make a difference, and I would urge you to do so.

The daffodil pins are available from Superdrug, Spar and Savers stores across Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan – and I know daffodil sellers have been taking to the streets to encourage people to donate too.

The funds help to keep the Cardiff and Vale Hospice going – and all of their work is fantastic and really beneficial.

I have visited the Hospice in the past, so I have seen first-hand the impact it makes on both terminally ill people and their families, and I am going to be visiting again soon.

This work is only possible because of the kind donations people make – so I would urge you to give generously to enable them not just to continue what they are doing but also provide even better care in future.

I am sure all residents will be as proud as I am knowing we have a hero in our midst in the local area.

I’m talking of course about Vidar – the army rescue dog who has retired to St Athan after he became scared of loud noises.

He has been taken in by Reserve Army medic Angie McDonnell – and he will now have a fully deserved peaceful life here.

While it’s a great story locally, it does draw attention to the wider importance of military working dogs.

Vidar saved the lives of hundreds of soldiers – protecting them from dangerous improvised explosive devices as they served on the front line.