Welsh assembly gets on the bus

The bus will be taken to events in the community, where people can learn more about the assembly's work and how to get involved

The Welsh assembly is getting on the bus in a bid to take power to the people.

Launching the vehicle in Llandudno, assembly Presiding Officer Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas said it was important to reach out across Wales.

Visitors to the bus will be able to learn more about how the assembly works and leave video messages for members.

There will also be a chance to learn how to start a petition and provide evidence to assembly committees.

"It's a great idea, and another way for us to take democracy to the people," said Lord Elis-Thomas.

He said people now realised the difference the assembly was making to life in Wales.

There was no longer a perception that it was too Cardiff-based, he said, but "the onus on us is still to go out to people".

The bus is seen by the assembly as an extension of the work done at its Colwyn Bay office.

The bus has the facility to record messages to assembly members

Two staff members, education officer Ann Owen Williams, and outreach and liaison manager Lowri Lloyd Williams, will take the bus to events across the region.

"We go out already to meet different groups," said Ms Owen Williams.

"The bus will give us more facilities to do this, such as access to the internet, and we hope to take it out once or twice every week," she added.

The presiding officer was met by representative from gay and lesbian groups for the first official meeting on the bus.