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Posted: Tue 26th Apr 2022

A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd

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This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Apr 26th, 2022

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).

Wrexham MS Lesley Griffiths writes…


Tackling child poverty has always been a priority for the Welsh Labour Government.  In April 2020, Wales became the first UK nation to guarantee free school meal provision would be made available through the summer holidays, with the extra investment benefiting an additional 15,000 children nationwide.  As the cost-of-living crisis escalates, the Welsh Government has announced it will invest a further £25m in school kitchens and dining facilities as part of its plans to provide free school meals to all primary school children.  From September, some of the youngest children in primary schools will begin receiving free school meals as the policy is introduced in a phased way.  Working with schools and local authorities, the Welsh Government will plan and prepare the infrastructure needed for all primary aged pupils to receive free school meals by September 2024.  Every child, no matter what their background, deserves the best possible start in life. 

We are facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis and families in Wrexham are feeling the squeeze.  I’m proud the Welsh Government is continuing to lead the way, with the extension of the free school meals programme just one of several measures taken to support people through this difficult time.

Based on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, Air Covers is a world-leading manufacturer of protective covers for aircraft.  In recognition of the company’s year-on-year growth, the business was awarded the Queen’s Award for International Trade, the highest independent business accolade in the UK.  It was a pleasure to attend the ceremony and I believe Air Covers are fully deserving of this prestigious award.  I have closely followed their progress since they moved to Wrexham several years ago and I am pleased the business is moving from strength to strength, despite the difficulties brought about by the pandemic.

Members of the local community and businesses have contacted me in recent months expressing their concerns regarding the lack of facilities on and around the Wrexham Industrial Estate for HGV drivers.  The situation isn’t ideal for the drivers or local residents so I have worked with Wrexham Council to explore possible solutions.  Earlier this month, I went on a fact-finding mission to Formula Premier Truck Stop in Ellesmere Port, along with representatives from the Local Authority.  The tour was interesting and informative and I believe the facilities in Ellesmere Port would be ideal for the Industrial Estate.  I will continue to work with the relevant bodies on the matter and hope to help bring about these improvements, which are certainly needed.

At the beginning of this week, the National League confirmed this year’s playoff final will be held at the London Stadium, much to the disappointment of many Wrexham AFC fans. I have written to the Chairman of the National League on the matter and will share his response when I receive it.

I’m pleased the Welsh Government has confirmed it will extend the NHS Wales Bursary scheme until at least 2024. Student nurses, midwives and allied healthcare professionals who commit to working in Wales up to two years after qualifying are eligible for the bursary. The support is non-repayable and covers tuition fees in full, as well as living costs. By continuing to fund the bursary scheme, the Welsh Labour Government is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to training the next generation of nurses and midwives, helping safeguard the future of the NHS.

Bus services provide important access to essential services and provide vital links for communities.  However, there are issues in Wrexham and constituents have regularly contacted me about withdrawn services or reduced timetables in areas such as Hightown and Coed-y-Glyn, Llay and Gwersyllt. To help tackle the problems, the Welsh Government is bringing forward legislation which aims to transform the way buses are governed, allowing all levels of government in Wales to work together to design the bus networks our communities need.  The impact of the pandemic, coupled with the climate change emergency, means we cannot simply carry on as normal and I firmly believe reform is needed. We are in the very early stages and this is a long-term, nationwide proposal but I do hope this move will enable the authorities and operators to make wholescale, lasting improvements to Wrexham’s bus network, ultimately ensuring buses are a more attractive option for people. A consultation has been launched and if any residents have any views, I encourage them to take part.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is anything I could help you with, please email me: [email protected] or call 01978 355743. You can sign up to my regular e-newsletter by clicking here.

 

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Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South constituency Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in Parliament and the Senedd, and closer to home. (You can view an archive here).

 



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