A view from Wrexham’s Member of Parliament

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

Today, Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton writes…

With 2021 fast approaching I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our community for coming together to overcome the difficulties that have come our way. From producing face visors to caring for our neighbours, it is safe to say that whilst 2020 has certainly been difficult for many, it has also brought out the very best in us and I am extremely proud to represent this fantastic community.

This month we become the first country in the world to administer a clinically approved vaccine against coronavirus, marking the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history. This is an important step in our country’s fight against the virus, and provides fresh hope that we can beat this pandemic, reclaim our lives and get our economy moving again. I’m immensely proud of our national effort, we owe all those who have worked tirelessly to develop and administer the vaccine an enormous debt of gratitude. It was a pleasure to be able to welcome the Prime Minister to Wrexham to meet the hardworking staff at Wockhardt where the Oxford/AstraZenica vaccine will be manufactured followings its approval.

"… Salvation for humanity" says the PM taking about the vaccine at Wockhardt in #Wrexham today.

The PM has seen the talent, the drive, the community and the passion that Wrexham has to offer and its now getting the long awaited platform it deserves. pic.twitter.com/RUS23BVrw1

— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) November 30, 2020

Whilst the roll out of the vaccine represents the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for many, it will not end the pandemic overnight. We must remember to remain vigilant, so that our sacrifices over the past year have not been in vain. It is vital that as the vaccine is rolled out, starting with the most vulnerable groups that we do not relax our guard and abide by local restrictions, to suppress the virus and protect the NHS as they carry out this vital work.

It is vital that as the vaccine is rolled out that we do not relax our guard and abide by local restrictions, ensuring that the sacrifices we’ve all made over the last year have not been in vain.

For more information visit my website⤵️https://t.co/OuSqTVqE7a https://t.co/BVkQlVgfUH

— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) December 10, 2020

Like most things, we will be celebrating Christmas slightly differently this year with scaled back services and celebrations. However, the Christmas spirit and sense of community in Wrexham is stronger than ever, with local residents teaming up with MECCA bingo to deliver hampers to families, and initiatives such as ‘Operation Kidz shoebox’ appeal and the Rotary Club’s ‘Rainbow bag’ collecting and delivering toy parcels for the most vulnerable children in our community, ensuring that everybody can enjoy Christmas in this difficult year.

https://twitter.com/AthertonNWales/status/1334825615783055364?s=20

Whilst we have made great strides in defeating the virus, our economic recovery won’t be without its challenges. I alongside North Wales colleagues continue to work with the Government to ensure that Wales gets its fair share of resources as we build back better from Coronavirus. The UK Government has already provided unprecedented levels of support, and I am confidents that it will continue to support lives and livelihoods into the new year.

We all know the devastating impact that coronavirus has had on our small businesses, but also of the resolve and determination they have shown in innovating and adapting to the challenges of the pandemic. Last week Small Business Saturday was celebrated across Wrexham. To mark this occasion, I visited a variety of local businesses to hear from them how they’ve adapted to the challenges that the pandemic has thrown their way and importance of supporting our small local businesses this festive period and beyond.

Today is #SmallBusinessSaturday!#Wrexham is home to a variety of fantastic #SmallBusinesses. Show them your support this Christmas season and beyond.

To mark this day, I met a handful of business owners to hear from them the importance of supporting our small business ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/mwJZ07y1XQ

— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) December 5, 2020

I recently welcomed the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, to Gresford AFC to see first-hand how the recent financial support package from the National Lottery, facilitated by the UK Government will support grassroots football in Wales. I’m delighted that this funding recognising the essential role that they play in our community, providing opportunities for residents to be active, whilst also bringing a sense of pride to our town.

As a local club, I know of the importance of @GresfordFC to the community, as well as the importance of football to #Wrexham! Lockdown has been hard for some many sectors, and sports is no different. pic.twitter.com/XnDoiLx9ww

— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) December 1, 2020

As we are nearing the end of the Brexit transition period, I am excited for the next chapter in our nation’s long history. I know that the Wrexham spirit which has served us well this year, will allow us to thrive in this new era of our national life. I am on hand to help local people and business to prepare for the changes they may need to make.

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I’d like to wish everyone across Wrexham a Merry Christmas and I hope that you will all join me in a moment of reflection to pay tribute to those who sadly lost their lives to coronavirus. Though we are driven by hope following the vaccine announcement, we will never forget our family, friends and neighbours that were lost to this pandemic.

As always, if there is anything I can do to be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact me:
[email protected]
01978 291742 | 020 7219 4885
65 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1PF

For regular updates on what I’m doing to represent you in Wrexham and Westminster, sign up to my e-newsletter.

https://twitter.com/AthertonNWales/status/1323581071502512128?s=20

Wrexham.com has invited Wrexham & Clwyd South Welsh and UK Parliament representatives to write a monthly article with updates on their work and closer to home – you can find them all here.