OVER the past few weeks, my inbox has been filled with emails from constituents opposing the proposed plans for the J34 M4 link road.

At first glance, many of you may be asking yourself why I’m raising this here, since the community of Pendoylan is the one that is set to be carved in two by a viaduct running through the Ely Valley.

But the project has huge implications for residents of Penarth, Sully and Dinas Powys, because it has been prioritised ahead of the much needed Dinas Powys By-Pass.

To me, this makes no sense, because traffic problems between Cardiff, Penarth and Barry and significant, and it’s quite clear we need to address them.

The by-pass would do that, and that’s why I’m such a passionate advocate of it.

It is also a hugely popular project, which will improve our environment as it ends the gridlock we currently experience on local roads.

The road through Pendoylan meanwhile is met with widespread opposition, especially since it is unnecessary.

I firmly believe we need to improve links between J34 and the A48, but upgrading the existing infrastructure would do that.

There is no need for a hugely expensive viaduct, especially since that money could be spent on the by-pass.

The Welsh Government and the Vale Council need to look at this again and make the by-pass the priority it needs to be.

Welsh Government ministers released a statement last week, in which they confirmed they had discovered potential planning breaches at the controversial Barry incinerator.

They were uncovered during investigations into whether to insist an Environmental Impact Assessment be carried out at the plant, a commitment made by the Minister 15 months ago.

No decision has yet been taken on this, and the Welsh Government now proposes to undertake a consultation exercise.

It’s quite clear the whole handling of the incinerator has been a shambles, but this potential breach does lead to serious questions.

Firstly, when was it discovered?

And what action will the Welsh Government take to remedy the situation?

I have raised these enforcement questions with both the Welsh Government and the Council, because it’s clear there is some overlap in regulatory responsibilities.

This surely calls the plant’s future into question, and a decision must be made as soon as possible.

The RSPCA recently announced that there were 164 convictions for animal cruelty in Wales, a six year high.

To me, this highlights the need to properly educate people on the responsibilities of owning a pet.

It is precisely that, a responsibility, and one that cannot be neglected.

Last year, I led a debate in the Senedd calling for “Lucy’s Law” to be implemented in Wales – that would see a ban on third party puppy sales.

I’m pleased that the Welsh Government launched a consultation on this in February, something that was long overdue.

I want to see legislation in this area as soon as possible, and I will continue to keep up the pressure on this moving forward.