Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood visits Cenarth sawmills

Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood visited James Davies Sawmills, Cenarth to discuss how government action could boost the firm’s future.

Rhondda AM, Leanne Wood was joined by Mid and West AM Simon Thomas and Ceredigion MP Ben Lake.

Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion Ben Lake commented: “The innovative technology and processes used at James Davies Sawmills is truly impressive. This is a key rural businesses that contributes significantly to the local economy and provides employment for many local workers. I look forward to further constructive discussions with Quinton and his team in the near future.”

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas said: “We expect the Welsh Government to respond to a cross party committee report on forestry in the Senedd chamber soon.

“The Labour Government should agree ambitious targets with the forestry sector for Wales to become increasingly self-sufficient in timber.

“Since 2010, we have seen only one tenth of the Welsh Government’s tree planting target by 2030 met, and we know that the main barriers to meeting this are regulatory and financial, with a perception amongst investors that Wales is closed for business when it comes to woodland creation.

“The National Assembly committee report found that there is great potential in Wales to plant more trees and create more woodlands, and to meet demand for timber that exists in other parts of the UK.

“Demand for home-grown timber is set to rise as the construction industry works to reduce its carbon footprint.  If planned carefully and to the highest standards, creating more woodland will bring a wide range of benefits to us all.”

Rhondda AM Leanne Wood, added: “One aspect we discussed with the staff at the Sawmills was the importance of broadband for their firm. I’m pleased that Plaid Cymru will be bringing forward a debate in the Senedd chamber about broadband availability. It is vital Wales and particularly rural Wales is not left behind by the latest developments.”