Clwyd South MP welcomes community champion to Downing Street reception

The Member of Parliament for Clwyd South has welcomed a community champion to a Downing Street reception.

Gail McEvoy-Jones has played a leading role in securing community-ownership of the Llwyneinion Woods near Rhos.

Mr Baynes has worked closely with Gail and the Llwyneinion community since he was elected as the MP for Clwyd South four years ago in order to secure environmental and green-space protection for the Llwyneinion Woods, which have previously suffered from vandalism and poor management.

With the help of Mr Baynes and the hard work of Gail and Mr Baynes’ Office Manager Marianne Kemp, who also attended the reception, the Llwyneinion community has now secured ownership of the woodland. Wrexham County Borough Council and the local police have also played a major part in achieving this outcome.

On Tuesday 5 December Gail attended a reception at No 10 Downing Street – which was held by Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP to celebrate the work of community champions.

During the reception, Mr Baynes introduced Gail McEvoy-Jones to the Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon Alex Chalk MP, and they discussed the way in which community ownership can benefit sites such as Llwyneinion Woods, which had previously been left unprotected from vandals.

Through the collaboration of the Llwyneinion community and Mr Baynes’ team, the woodland will now be preserved for use by the community and future generations.

Speaking after the Reception, Gail McEvoy-Jones said: “I feel very honoured and privileged to be part of the reception at No. 10, surrounded by amazing people and meeting the Lord Chancellor.

“On behalf of the residents of Llwyneinion, I would like to thank Simon Baynes and his team for their assistance over the last four years. Simon was there to support the community during many challenging meetings.

“He and his team responded quickly whenever advice or counsel was sought and ultimately, he was able to facilitate a legal solution.

“Four years ago, our community was struggling to prevent the wanton destruction of an ancient woodland in our village.

“We never envisaged such a positive outcome; we now own and manage the woodland for community.

“Simon Baynes has been instrumental in making that happen and the residents of Llwyneinion and the surrounding areas will be forever grateful.”

Mr Baynes, speaking after the Reception, said: “Gail McEvoy-Jones and the Llwyneinion community have worked incredibly hard to protect this woodland and safeguard local green space.

“I am proud to have been able to recognise the hard work and success of the Llwyneinion community and my team at No 10 Downing Street with the Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC MP, and I look forward to my next visit to the Llwyneinion Woods.”