THIS year’s Big Splash festival proved, once again, to be a huge success with thousands enjoying the spectacular weekend and the exciting activities and events that it had to offer.

Congratulations to Newport City Council and all of those who worked so hard to make it a memorable event.

It was fantastic to see the first Admiral workers move into their new building located on Queensway last week.

With the redevelopment of the city centre in full swing, the Admiral building and its staff bring a visual presence to the regeneration of the heart of Newport.

It is good to hear that more than 50 businesses are offering special offers to the firm’s employees, and I hope that they will continue to support local traders.

Are you looking to learn or develop your existing skills? Adult Learners Week is taking place from June 14 to 22, and there are many events on in Newport marking the occasion. From creative writing to first aid, social media to food safety visit www.learningskillswales.org.uk or call 0800 028 4844 to find out further details.

You can also visit my website www.rosemarybutleram.com for a detailed and downloadable list of activities in the Newport area.

The Welsh Government’s recent announcement of its third Programme for Government demonstrates the real difference that it is making in Wales.

Real achievements are being made in areas such as Jobs Growth Wales, where more than 13,000 job opportunities have been created in two years.

In Newport, 546 jobs have been created, and across Wales, figures show that 80 per cent of participants go on to a job, an apprenticeship or further training opportunities.

Similarly, roll-out of the Superfast Cymru broadband programme is continuing, with further investment by the Welsh Government in 2013, with many businesses and over 58 per cent of rural premises able to access next generation broadband. Fibre broadband is already at 50 per cent of local exchanges in Newport, and this represents over 14,790 premises able to receive broadband today. To find out more about Superfast broadband visit: www.superfast-cymru.com

Other achievements include the recruitment of an extra 500 PCSOs, over 23,500 children benefitting from Flying Start in 2012-13, and an overall rise in credit union membership. These achievements signify that the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government is working, and I look forward to following developments of these initiatives and others over the next year.

For further information and to read the Programme for Government visit http://wales.gov.uk/docs/strategies/140603progressen.pdf

Keep up to date with my activities by visiting www.rosemarybutleram.com or following me on Twitter @RosemaryButler.