A view from Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd

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…

The latest review of the coronavirus regulations in Wales took place at the end of last week. With rates of Covid-19 in Wales currently the highest in the UK, the Welsh Government has acted by strengthening certain protective measures to help try and reduce transmission. The guidance around self-isolation is changing (details below), secondary school students and staff are being encouraged to take twice-weekly lateral flow tests and the Welsh Government intends to extend the use of Covid Passes to theatres, cinemas and concert halls from 15 November. All the information can be found online. It is hoped these changes will help make the difference but Wales’ First Minister, Mark Drakeford warned some tighter restrictions may be reintroduced at the next review due later this month if rates continue to increase.

We're changing our advice on self-isolation for people who are vaccinated.

If a member of your household has symptoms or tests positive, you should self-isolate until you receive a negative PCR.

You can read the full guidance and book a test here 👇

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) October 29, 2021

Vaccination remains our best defence against coronavirus and the rollout of the booster programme is a priority. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is administering around 3,000 booster vaccinations daily and is on track to have offered a third jab to 90% of those eligible by mid-December – an aim that is shared by all Health Boards across Wales.

I have heard reports some older residents who are due their booster jab are not attending their appointment at Vaccination Centres as they’re waiting for vaccines to arrive at their GP surgery. GPs played a crucial role during the initial rollout of the first and second doses earlier this year, but with current unprecedented demand coupled with the added challenging of administering flu jabs, most GPs will not be taking part in the booster programme.
People must wait for their appointment invitation to arrive in the post and do not need to contact their GP surgery or local Vaccination Centre. Once the appointment has arrived, please ensure you attend. Coronavirus has not gone away. Adhering to the latest guidance and rules is essential if we want to keep Wales open and keep people safe as we enter the winter months.

Have you had your flu and COVID-19 vaccines to protect yourself yet? It’s important, so don’t miss out.

Vaccination against COVID-19 and flu can help keep your life open, so you can carry on doing the things you love 💙

👉 https://t.co/3Fgpgcavzu pic.twitter.com/yLvq31BhjX

— Public Health Wales (@PublicHealthW) October 28, 2021

I recently visited two new community hubs in the heart of Wrexham town centre.  Yellow and Blue is located on Henblas Street and was founded by the inspirational Pete Humphreys in memory of his late father. The non-profit social enterprise has provided invaluable support to the Wrexham community during this particularly challenging time.  The vibrant café and outdoor space is an ideal spot to enjoy a coffee and some food but there are also a wide range of activities and workshops taking place, from furniture restoration to fitness classes.  There are plans in the pipeline to help Yellow and Blue grow and develop further, such as creating an IT hub for visitors in an attempt to combat digital exclusion, and I will do all I can to support Pete and the team.

Great to meet Pete and to find out more about Yellow & Blue @Yabgroupltd.

Since it was founded last year, the Hub has been a beacon of support for people from all walks of life #Wrexham pic.twitter.com/JvxsudwWnP

— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) October 12, 2021

I also visited Hope Street Church.  Anyone who has visited the town centre recently will have seen the spectacular renovation that has breathed new life back into the old Burtons building.  Set over three floors, the building includes a worship space, meeting rooms, a kitchen and a base for social and community projects.  The church’s presence in the town centre is certainly a boost and I look forward to visiting again soon.

Despite the disruption caused by coronavirus, Hope Street Church in #Wrexham town centre is starting to embed itself into the local community.

Lovely to meet lead pastors, Andy and Rachel and to hear about their longer-term plans. pic.twitter.com/LYCsbY9elL

— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) October 21, 2021

To mark its centenary, the Royal British Legion is looking for both public and private buildings, however large or small, to support its Poppy Appeal by lighting up red in the days leading up to Remembrance Sunday on 14 November. I am supporting the ‘Light Up Red’ campaign after being approached by local volunteer and former RBL Community Fundraiser for North Wales, Kevin Forbes. I’ve written to Wrexham County Borough Council, as well as several other local organisations and businesses. St Giles’ Church has confirmed it will light up red and any building with external lighting can take part. I believe it would be a poignant and fitting tribute to see a number of Wrexham’s buildings and landmarks lit up to honour our servicemen and women on this very special anniversary.

Good support in Wrexham #turnwalesred #lightupred Please use hastags to post any photos of illuminated buildings to acknowledge 100 years of RBL welfare work supported by #PoppyAppeal pic.twitter.com/84I4l30Lij

— Kevin Forbes (@northwalespoppy) October 25, 2021

Food and drink producers from Wrexham and across Wales came together last week to showcase their amazing produce to the world. My role as Welsh Government Minister for Rural Affairs & North Wales, and Trefnydd includes responsibility for food and drink so it was a privilege to host the two-day Blas Cymru / Taste Wales event at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport. The industry has shown incredible resilience during this challenging period.

What an amazing couple of days at #BlasCymru #TasteWales. 🙌

As the event draws to a close, here is Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths with her thoughts on what has been a busy but hugely enjoyable event. 🎥👇 pic.twitter.com/iVKg4sJERM

— Welsh Government Rural Affairs (@WGRural) October 28, 2021

If there is an issue I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me – email: [email protected] or call my office: 01978 355743. You can also 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).