In an interview with Rhyl Nub News Conservative candidate for the Vale of Clwyd MS seat at the May 2021 elections, Gareth Davies, outlines his support for Rhyl:
What is your name, age and where do you live
My name is Gareth Lloyd Davies, I'm 32 years old, and I live in Prestatyn. I was born in St Asaph, grew up in Rhyl so I've always lived in the Vale of Clwyd.
At what age did you get into politics - what interested you about it?
I’ve been interested in politics for as long as I can remember, but I’ve been involved in frontline politics for around five years. I was inspired by the fact that people have the power to change things – on a local or national level – through the ballot box. My dissatisfaction with the way my own area was run drove me to stand as a candidate in local elections. I was successfully elected and take my role as a councillor very seriously, always striving to be a strong voice for local residents.
As the Vale of Clwyd candidate what would be your mandate for the constituency?
I have spent a decade working in the NHS, so I suppose it is no surprise that my principle concern is health. After spending five years in special measures under the Welsh Labour Government – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board needs more investment than ever, so that our vital service can improve. I want to use my experience to help bring about the changes we desperately need in GP services, mental health provision and emergency department waiting times.
Education standards in Wales have fallen to an unacceptably low level and our young people face even further disruption to their learning because of the pandemic. After twenty years of Labour, Wales sits at the bottom of the league table of UK nations in reading, writing and mathematics. This is simply not good enough, and I want to work with the education sector to raise standards across the board and give young people the very best start in life.
It is also my mission to make sure North Wales is not forgotten about by the government in Cardiff Bay. We are often left at the back of the queue behind areas in South Wales. I will fight our corner at every turn to make sure we are on a level playing field and get the attention we deserve.
In regards to Rhyl, what would you do to support the ongoing regeneration in the town?
The ongoing regeneration of Rhyl is a fantastic boost for the area which is slowly bringing back a feel good factor. It is a great effort by Denbighshire Council and private partners and I want to help by attracting more private sector investment in our projects to get Rhyl buzzing.
What would be your ideas to 'boost' up interest in Rhyl to be a top coastal attraction once again?
Rhyl has a long history as a seaside resort and I want to build on that. Thinking outside the box about what we can do to make the town a successful coastal attraction for the 21st Century is critical. And it’s not just about pleasing visitors: local people should feel proud of their town too.
What Rhyl would benefit from is investment and opened up thinking to tackle long standing issues on the High Street which has suffered in recent years with the increasing rate of shop closures and empty units. I don't believe that the long term solution to this is to continue opening a never ending variance of pound shops and charity stores. If elected to the Senedd I will be calling on the Welsh Government to make cuts and exceptions to business rates in Wales that will give business more confidence to invest in Rhyl High Street and attract private sector investment in exciting projects such as the Queen's Market development. I also want to be working closely with local businesses to ensure that their needs are being heard in Cardiff Bay in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and do all I can to ensure recovery and sustainability to keep them investing in Rhyl and having confidence in the town. I believe that if business has the confidence it needs to thrive they can play a key role in the regeneration of Rhyl and change the towns fortunes in the long term.
How would you try to improve the lives for many in Rhyl who are living in deprived areas?
First and foremost, Rhyl needs a government in Cardiff Bay that is willing to spread resources out equally to all parts of Wales. Our local authorities, health services and schools need better funding and we need more private sector investment. A thriving local economy means more jobs and more opportunities for people who live here.
What is your view also on the Welsh Government's current handling of the Covid pandemic - in light of today's news is it fair to lockdown the whole of Wales as one?
We are living in unprecedented times and governments across the world are having to make tough decision to try and bring the virus under control and save lives. Wales is no different. But I feel North Wales, with comparatively low infection rates, is having to suffer for high infection rates in the south. We need a regional, tiered system, that is fair to everyone in Wales and reflects the number of infections in that particular area rather than a 'one size fits all' approach.
What would be your message to the Rhyl businesses that are really struggling at this current time?
My message would be one of real sympathy for their plight in these difficult times, and my thoughts go out to all affected businesses in Rhyl and the wider area. But I would also urge them to hang on in there if possible. The pandemic will not last forever and brighter times will be back. If elected to the Senedd, I would work with local businesses to help them make a full recovery. Reducing business rates, controlled by the Welsh Government, would be a good start. It would also encourage new start-up projects that will be vital as part of the regeneration effort.
In as few words as possible - why should the people of Rhyl vote for you
I'm a local person who cares passionately about the area and its people. I want to be fighting our corner in Cardiff Bay to make sure we have the best chance of success in a post Covid-19 world.
