The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (30 September) spoken of her concern for vulnerable constituents, following the announcement of a local lockdown in Conwy County from 6pm on Thursday 1 October 2020. 

Last night, Mrs Finch-Saunders asked several urgent questions to the Welsh Health Minister about support for the elderly and vulnerable. Exceptions to the restrictions include travelling to school or to work if you are unable to work from home. People can travel to buy food and medical supplies, seek medical assistance or go to the vets and move home.

Commenting on her concern, Janet said:  

“I really do fear the impact that these latest restrictions may have on some of my vulnerable and elderly constituents, who have already spent much of the year isolated from their loved ones. 

“Research carried out by Age UK earlier this year found that over two fifths of people aged 70 and over believed that their mental health had been affected badly by Coronavirus. This is a real concern for my constituency, where the demographics tends to skew older. 

“Throughout the previous lockdown, Conwy County Borough Council did a truly commendable job in providing a strong net of support for our local communities. But this came at a cost to our local authorities, and they are still reeling from the lack of funding support provided by the Welsh Government. 

“Therefore, I have urged the Welsh Government to consider reviewing their rules to ensure that a loving support network is provided to some of society’s most vulnerable. Authorities must ensure that due respect is given to our right for private and family life.” 

ENDS