A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home – you can find them all here. ‌

In this month’s column Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, writes:

Readers may be aware the Welsh Government has drawn up a new three-phase plan that will focus on the 20mph speed limit.

From now until July, the Welsh Government will listen to citizens, as well as a wide range of relevant bodies and organisations, to understand their perspectives on road safety.

The Welsh Government will then work with councils during the summer to prepare for the outcome of the discussions.

Once the new guidance is finalised, the third step will be for the highway authorities to start the process of adjusting speed limits on relevant roads.  This final stage is expected to start in September.

While the 20mph policy hasn’t changed, this work will allow a wide range of views and evidence to be collected, helping ensure the guidance is clear and thorough. Many agree 20mph is the right speed limit outside schools, hospitals and in built-up residential areas but there are currently significant variations across the local authority areas in Wales.

I continue to be contacted by constituents who are for the 20mph speed limit and by those who are against it.

We must remember the principal objective of the policy is to save lives and reduce casualties on our roads and the Welsh Government is clear that the degree of change in each of the 22 local authorities across Wales will ultimately be determined by the public and by councils.

Wholesale changes are not expected but if residents believe a particular road is not suited to the 20mph restriction, and there are legitimate reasons to support the claim, they can highlight this to Wrexham County Borough Council.

I have been regularly corresponding with the Local Authority on the matter and constituents can offer their views and thoughts by contacting the Council via the dedicated email address – [email protected].

Help us get the right speed, on the right road.

You can contact the relevant highway agency to feedback on a road that you think should have a #30mph limit.

Or if it’s currently 30mph and should have a #20mph limit.https://t.co/xAp6fRyd8w #ListeningOn20mph pic.twitter.com/G5e02db0Au

— Welsh Government Transport (@WGTransport) May 10, 2024

Congratulations to Wrexham author Samantha Maxwell who has recently published her latest book.

‘Disabling Ableism’ is a general study of disability in the eyes of society. The book deals with public perceptions and opinions of disability, questioning whether anything needs to change.

A special book launch was held at Xplore Science Discovery Centre in Wrexham and it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance.

Disabling Ableism is Samantha’s second book. Last year, she published ‘CP Isn’t Me’, a part autobiographical, part factual account which shared her own personal experiences of living with mild cerebral palsy.

After meeting Samanatha last year, I arranged for CP Isn’t Me to be stocked at the Senedd shop in Cardiff Bay, and I hope to do the same with her second book.

Samantha refuses to be defined by her disability. To publish two books is a wonderful achievement and I wish her every success.

Herio rhagfarnllyd ‍

Pleased to attend the launch of ‘Disabling Ableism’ by @AuthorSamMax at @XploreScienceUK.@lesley4wrexham – MS for Wrecsam & Venture Patron – contributed to the book alongside Kerry Evans @OfficialDLOWAFC at @Wrexham_AFC ⚽️ #EndDisabilityDiscrimination pic.twitter.com/L7VGintALY

— Y Fenter C.P.I. | The Venture I.C.C. (@TheVenture78) April 23, 2024

Times are tough at the moment and people are struggling to make ends meet during this cost-of-living crisis.

The Welsh Government has introduced a number of support mechanisms that aim to help people through this difficult financial climate.

One measure is the School Essentials grant which helps with the cost of school uniform, shoes, bags, sports kit and equipment.

Latest figures show 88% of those eligible have claimed their free supplies and I’m encouraging Wrexham residents to check their eligibility and apply for this year’s funding before the deadline closes at the end of this month (31 May).

Under the scheme, children of families on lower incomes who receive certain benefits can claim £125 per year to help with school costs.

Children going into Year 7 are entitled to £200 due to the extra costs associated with going to secondary school.

Your child could be entitled to additional support with school costs, even if they already receive Universal Primary Free School Meals.

Visit: https://t.co/yvJJrI7tg7 ahead of applications closing on 31 May.#FeedTheirFuture @wrexhamcbc    @CyngorGwynedd pic.twitter.com/0yAQ9LlLPc

— Welsh Government Education (@WG_Education) May 13, 2024

Eid ul Fitr was celebrated last month and it was a pleasure to be invited to the Wrexham Islamic Cultural Centre, along with Wrexham’s Welsh Labour Parliamentary candidate, Andrew Ranger.

Good to catch up with old friends at the Wrexham Islamic Cultural Centre and join in with the Eid ul Fitr celebrations @asranger #Wrexham pic.twitter.com/tgSmRm5ekp

— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) April 16, 2024

Finally, the annual Wrexham Walking Festival gets underway at the beginning of next month, offering the ideal opportunity for ramblers to strap on their walking boots and enjoy our region’s picturesque surroundings.

A series of free walks will take place every day from Saturday 1st – Sunday 9th June and people of all ages and abilities are welcome.

This photo is from last year’s festival and I hope the weather this year will be just as nice. For updates and more information, visit the website – www.walksinwrexham.com.

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.