I was glad to meet with representatives from Age Connects, Glamorgan Voluntary Services and the Vale of Glamorgan Council to hear about progress in establishing a hub for older people in Llantwit Major which will be based at Illtyd House to support people in the Western Vale with a focus on alleviating loneliness and isolation.

It will serve as a central point of contact for older isolated people to help them feel happier and healthier. I am please work is being undertaken on Illtys House to increase accessibility and that it will be fully accessible soon.

I would like to thank Kathryn Thomas, the Good Neighbourhood Coordinator for all of her work in Llantwit to support older people and I am delighted that she will be based at the new hub.

I would also like to extend my thanks to Nona Hexter from Age Connects who will be retiring shortly. Nona has worked in Age Connects in the Vale for a long time and has ensured the success of the Age Connects Shop on Holton Road in Barry. I wish Nona the best for her retirement and she will be greatly missed.

The Hub will allow people to access information and support as well as social and leisure activities.

Welsh Government funding has been made available to help create Age Friendly Communities. The funding will be used to support existing services and run new activities.

Any third sector organisation can apply for up to £2000 funding and applications will be reviewed by the partnership board with representatives from GVS, Age Connects and the Local Authority. This funding launched on the 1st February.

I also recently met with residents of Dinas Powys regarding the ongoing flood prevention discussions. I was pleased to be joined at my virtual surgery by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, NRW, Dinas Powys Community Council and the Dinas Powys Flood Action Group. I am pleased that the property flood resilience surveys have started and to have confirmation that any works that need to be undertaken as a result of the surveys will be met as a 100% grant from the Welsh Government.