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…

Wrexham.com readers will be aware Wales remained at Alert Level 0 after the latest review of the coronavirus regulations.  Certain protective measures have been gradually relaxed over the course of February, the latest being the removal of the legal requirement to wear face coverings in many indoor places, such as cinemas, theatres and museums, which came into force on 28 February. The Welsh Government hopes to be in a position to remove the remaining legal requirements relating to face coverings by the end of this month, providing the public health situation continues to improve. Thankfully, with increasing numbers of people vaccinated and boosted, rates have fallen and the situation is much brighter than what it was just a month or two ago.  Coronavirus, however, has not disappeared and I firmly believe this cautious, step-by-step relaxation of the measures is welcomed by the majority of constituents I speak to. The outcome of the next three-weekly review of the regulations will be announced on 4th March.

Almost all coronavirus measures have lifted in Wales, including wearing a mask in most indoor settings.

Unless exempt or under 11, please continue to wear a face covering in all retail settings, on public transport, and in health and care settings.

👉 https://t.co/ePvZn0oLiA pic.twitter.com/KQCXFWOqrt

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) February 28, 2022

Back in December, the Welsh Government announced every household in Wales would be offered a free tree to plant as part of its commitment to tackling climate change. I am pleased Wrexham is part of the initial pilot having been selected as one of the five regional tree collection hubs. The first 5,000 trees are now available for people to collect. This batch of trees, however, are available just for the month of March on a first-come, first-served basis. In the autumn, the scheme will extend to 25 regional hubs across Wales where 300,000 trees will be available to collect. People in Wrexham can collect their trees from the wonderful Erlas Victorian Walled Garden, located on Bryn Estyn Road, and I look forward to visiting later this month to see how the pilot is operating.

The first people in Wales have been collecting their trees as part of our pilot #MyTreeOurForest give-away project to fight climate change.

More info on the scheme and how you can get your free tree here 👇https://t.co/IKcoGAOW3b pic.twitter.com/pmKUpEOMhp

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) February 25, 2022

In addition to the tree planting scheme, last year, the Welsh Government announced two commemorative woodlands would be created – one in North Wales and one in South Wales – in memory of those who lost their lives to coronavirus.  Wales’ First Minister confirmed last month the location of the North Wales woodlands will be part of the Erddig Estate in Wrexham.  The commemorative woodlands will be a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic.  A permanent and living memorial where, in time, families and friends can visit to reflect and remember those who passed away.  Planting is expected to begin this year.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford and I visited the Erddig Estate last year

As I have previously highlighted in this column, social care staff in Wrexham and across Wales will be paid the real living wage from April.  On top of the pay rise, the Welsh Government has now announced the tens of thousands of eligible workers will also receive an extra £1,000 payment.  Social care workers play such an important role caring for the most vulnerable and I hope the introduction of the real living wage, coupled with the £1,000 payment, helps demonstrate just how valued they are.

Social care workers play such a crucial role in society each and every day.

It has been a difficult couple of years but I hope this £1,000 bonus, on top of the introduction of the Real Living Wage, helps demonstrate just how valued the workforce is.https://t.co/Zmdi8hywnD

— Lesley Griffiths (@lesley4wrexham) March 1, 2022

The Wrexham Gateway Project – which centres around regenerating the area surrounding the Mold Road – is something I have long-supported. I believe it has the potential to transform the town and I was pleased to receive an update from Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, which outlines the latest position. Up to £2.5m of the £25m grant awarded to Wrexham Council by Welsh Government in March 2021 has been committed to complete detailed designs of a new stand at the Racecourse Ground. The funding will also undertake the critical surveys and reports, prepare a full planning application at the appropriate time and demolish the existing Kop stand. Work is being undertaking jointly with Wrexham AFC and the FA Wales is engaging with the project to ensure the new stand will meet the standards for competitive international fixtures. A lot of work has taken place over a number of years to get to the current stage. I am pleased momentum is gathering and partners are working together to secure something truly special for the town.

Full PDF copy here.

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).