AM 'happy' to represent Brecon & Radnorshire

12.00.00pm GMT Thu 28th Aug 2008

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon & Radnorshire, has expressed her delight at representing the 'happiest' place in Britain.

The British Household Panel Survey has found Powys to have the greatest sense of "subjective well-being" out of 273 areas covering all of Britain.

Kirsty commented:" I am not surprised by the results of this survey Brecon and Radnorshire is a beautiful area with strong community spirit in the villages spread across its vast area and a great pace of life.

"Of course we have our problems here - poor public transport and facilities ever under threat - but we are very lucky to live amongst such picturesque and rich rolling hills with so many caring and friendly characters.

"My job is to make sure that because of our rural idyll those with the purse strings in Cardiff do not forget us, and particularly our vulnerable aging population, but ensure that people's happiness is supported and maintained by good local services. I also want to make sure that the young people from our area are not forced away by a shortage of jobs and affordable housing - they have the right to share in our 'happiness'."

Notes:

Powys comprises of the former councils of Brecknockshire, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire.

The 'well-being list' was presented at the Royal Geographical Society/Institute of British Geographers' annual conference.