Petition powers gives public strong voice in new Assembly – Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 11/06/07

Contact/Cyswllt: Mick Bates
029 2089 8342/ 01686 625527/ mick.bates@wales.gov.uk 

Mick Bates, AM for Montgomeryshire, has called on the people of Wales to make sure their voices are heard in the Assembly - by making the most of new Assembly procedures to deal with petitions .

His comments come ahead of a visit to the Senedd tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday) by campaigners from Montgomeryshire, who will be presenting a petition to re-open the train station at Carno.

Commenting Mick said: "The group from Carno will be presenting one of the first petitions to the Assembly since it took on its new powers.

"Under new Assembly standing orders petitions are taken much more seriously than before. In the past they were given to the Minister responsible and pretty much put in a draw never to be talked about again.

"Now they can ultimately end up being debated fully by AM’s. This gives members of the public with a genuine grievance real power to get something done. It’s an exiting system that can really help people connect to our work in the Assembly, and keep AMs on their toes.

"The Campaign to re-open Carno train station is something I have been involved in and something I support. Not only will it encourage people to use their cars less and cut carbon emissions, it will be highly beneficial to the local economy.

"Carno has suffered a great deal in recent years since the decline of the Laura Ashley factory. Re-opening the train station will present new economic opportunities for the area.

"When the petition is presented tomorrow I for one am going to be working hard to make sure the train station is re-opened. I hope my fellow AM’s will join me."

Ends

Notes:

The residents from Carno will be presenting the Petition outside the Senedd at 1.30pm Tuesday 12th June 2007.

Mick has invited regional AM’s from Mid and West Wales to join him at the event.

Photographers welcome