Madam,

Last week’s paper was a learning curve in itself. There was quite an article on long-distance travel in Wales, seemingly anything but appealing and satisfactory.

There was, also, a very telling letter about youth clubs/groups losing their level of support. Yes, I know you can have 40 friends on Facebook, but that is not the same as meeting up for fun/activities/games/ribbing and the odd insult with actual friends, is it? Besides, who is taking an interest in these youngsters and who is prepared to invest in them?

Then, on the next page or so we were told of the sort of official letter no-one would wish to receive saying “this is going to happen”, “you are expected to comply in this way”. Who dictates such a letter and who agrees to its circulation? I notice the unpleasant changes and reductions are all for the lower orders, and not-so-well paid. Where lie solutions there?

The next page or so, we were told of the dismay Liz Saville Roberts was voicing over the closure of banks in this area.

How many closures have we experienced now, with no contrition and no news of anything worthwhile coming this way, in future? Surely disenfranchising so very many of us in this way is no good advertisement for their services and won’t bode well for upliftment here.

Add to this mix the rises in our council charges, which no-one escapes; the fact of these rises not likely to add to the services we have at present. Police officers are very concerned about the many scams circulating to dupe elderly and vulnerable into parting with their cash; and there’s very disturbing figure of £36m overspend by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, and their indisputable staffing issues.

Everything highlighted is very real and up close. The late spring season is fast approaching as well as high season. Tourism is rated higher than farming as far as money turnover is counted.

We must look forward and ensure visitors feel welcome. One almighty draw-back encumbrances us, by all accounts. We have been officially designated a deprived area. Who or what is going to be for us?

Yours etc,

Jill Baxter, Abergynolwyn.

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