Local Assembly Member Paul Davies held a short debate on regenerating the towns of Milford Haven and Fishguard in the Chamber this week. 

Mr Davies focused his debate on issues such as both towns' importance to the Welsh energy and tourism sectors and the need for a more integrated public transport system in both areas.

Paul Davies said "I was delighted to bring this very important debate to the Chamber and highlight the need for Milford Haven and Fishguard to become the Welsh Assembly Government's next strategic regeneration areas."

"These towns are undoubtedly strategically important to some of our country's industries, such as energy, tourism and agriculture. Indeed, I believe that they play an important strategic role for Wales and the United Kingdom. Milford Haven and Fishguard should be considered as strategic regeneration areas, given that no area of Pembrokeshire is currently included in the Welsh Assembly Government's current programme."

"This would result in modernizing the transport infrastructure by building a more integrated transport system. These towns are currently badly served by transport links, and it is therefore essential that the transport infrastructure is much improved to boost the local economy. In the case of Fishguard, there are only two trains that currently access the area; one of which leaves during the early hours of the morning. That is incomprehensible, given that Fishguard is one of the major ports of Wales."

"After explaining the need for regeneration in both towns, I urged the Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration to consider Milford Haven and Fishguard as the next strategic regeneration areas in Wales. I am pleased that the Minister did not dismiss my arguments and responded by saying that there is no reason why Milford Haven and Fishguard could not be part of the Welsh Assembly Government's regeneration plans in the future, if they meet the criteria set out by the new National Regeneration Panel."