IN MY last column, I expressed my dismay at the proposal from Post Office Ltd, to close Barry Crown Post Office on Holton Road.

Barry is the largest town in Wales and it is simply unacceptable that it should lose its Crown Post Office. This must remain in the heart of our town, which is why I have launched a petition, which is gathering huge support, calling on Post Office Ltd to withdraw its plans for closure. (Hard copies can be requested from my office at 115 High Street and there is an electronic version at https://goo.gl/7LP28W)

Last week, the Welsh Government announced that it will provide up to £100,000 over two years, to ensure all Local Authorities in Wales offer free swimming for anyone currently serving, or who has previously served, in the Armed Forces.

We are committed to strengthening our support for the Armed Forces community and have already invested in a unique NHS service for Veterans in Wales and extended council tax relief.

A campaign to promote the Defence Discount Service and its Privilege Card in Wales was also launched by Leighton Andrews, Minister for Public Services in November 2014. (The Defence Discount Service and Defence Privilege Card provide online savings to eligible members and can be used in stores and leisure centres as well.)

Also last week, we heard how more people are surviving stroke in Wales - with over a thousand fewer deaths from stroke a year, compared to a decade ago.

The third all-Wales annual report for stroke sets out the progress the NHS has made in preventing and treating stroke, against the Welsh Government’s stroke delivery plan.

The report also highlighted an improved awareness of the symptoms of stroke as a result of campaigns such as FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) or Lower Your Risk of Stroke.

Encouragingly, Welsh services are above the UK national average for the percentage of stroke patients discharged with a continence plan (drawn up within four weeks) and rehabilitation goals agreed within five days.

And in a speech to the Welsh NHS Confederation annual conference, the First Minister Carwyn Jones, contrasted the stability of the Welsh NHS with the recent images of junior doctors in England in open revolt standing outside hospitals with placards, while doctors in Wales remained on the wards treating patients.

The Welsh approach to health is collaboration not confrontation.