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…

I wish I could provide some more positive news ahead of the festive period but we are facing an extremely serious situation.  There is a sustained rise in Covid-19 cases across the country, with one in five tests returning positive.  People in Wales were already aware we would be moving to alert level 4 after Christmas following the First Minister’s announcement last week.  However, over the weekend, the situation swiftly changed once again as all four UK governments met to discuss the latest strain of coronavirus.  This new form is significantly more infectious and spreads more quickly than the original one.  The pattern of rapid transmission in London and the South East of England is remarkably consistent with what is happening in Wales, which suggests the new strain is present in our communities.  As a result, First Minister Mark Drakeford made the difficult decision to impose alert level 4 in Wales almost immediately, from midnight on Saturday (19 Dec).

A new highly-infectious strain of COVID-19 is spreading in Wales. The situation is very serious. We've made the difficult decision to move to level 4 from midnight. We need to tighten Christmas rules – 2 households can join on Christmas Day only. Please stay home and stay safe.

— Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) December 19, 2020

I recognise this is not the news people want to hear at this time of year when we traditionally come together and celebrate with family and friends.  2020 has been a long and challenging year and I believe this latest announcement demonstrates just how serious the situation still is.  Clearly, the decision to move to alert level 4 was not taken lightly.  No Minister or Government wants to enact these strict restrictions on our lives, but it is needed in order to save lives, protect the health service and control the spread of this dreadful virus.  Everyone needs to be careful, cautious and responsible this Christmas.  We must protect ourselves and our loved ones to help keep Wrexham and Wales safe.

Throughout this public health emergency, we’ve had to work together and respond quickly to new information.

There's a new strain of coronavirus circulating.

We’re at Alert Level 4. The risk is very high.

Please stay home.

➡️ https://t.co/pDUXERiJzk pic.twitter.com/DjTwRCLDsd

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) December 20, 2020

These latest restrictions will have a major impact on people’s lives and the Welsh Government has announced additional financial support will be made available for businesses affected.  On Friday, it was confirmed a further £110m will support firms during this difficult period, adding to the £340m announced earlier this month.  The support will be administered by local authorities via their existing business rates mechanisms, speeding up the process and making sure businesses receive the support as quickly as possible.  It is a major undertaking but, so far, 5,400 have been processed in a relatively short amount of time, resulting in almost £20m being paid into accounts.  More will follow on a daily basis.  I do not underestimate how difficult it has been for businesses in Wrexham, and I know the weeks ahead will continue to be challenging.  However, I am proud the Welsh Government continues to provide the most generous package of financial support anywhere in the UK, assisting businesses and helping protect people’s livelihoods.

We're providing an extra £110m to support businesses affected by Alert Level 4.

This money will help over 35,000 businesses, and is in addition to the £340m we announced in November.

➡️ https://t.co/Qmg3ObNt4G pic.twitter.com/Kol3N0yZSD

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) December 18, 2020

There is, at least, a glimmer of hope on the horizon and reason to suggest 2021 will be a better year as far as coronavirus is concerned.  Many will be aware the vaccination programme is underway in Wales and across the UK.  Some frontline staff in the Maelor Hospital were amongst the first to receive the vaccine anywhere in the UK.  In recent days, more NHS and care home staff have been vaccinated.  Last Wednesday, residents in a care home in Mold became the first in the whole of Wales to receive the vaccine.  The rollout will continue to develop and evolve over time.  In the New Year, Vaccination Centres will be set up in Wrexham and across the region as more supplies become available.

Today the first care home residents in Wales will receive the coronavirus vaccine.

A designated care home in north Wales will be the first to participate in this pilot.

This will protect some of our most vulnerable from coronavirus.

➡️ https://t.co/YRvRUcT1pM pic.twitter.com/Cj0IXKSiXa

— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) December 16, 2020

I have long-championed Wrexham as the ideal location for a National Football Museum.  Last week I received an update on its progress and in spite of the challenges created by Covid-19, I am pleased the Welsh Government is pressing ahead with its plans.  A business plan and case for investment was completed during the summer and its recommendations are currently being considered by the steering group, with particular focus on maximising the available space in the Wrexham Museum building.  The town has always been the rightful home of Welsh football and the impending takeover of Wrexham AFC by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has helped raise our footballing profile furthermore onto a truly global scale.  Coupled with the Wrexham Gateway project, there is an opportunity to achieve something truly special and transformative for the town.  Establishing the museum and securing the investment would be a major boost and I determined to see this project come to life. You can read more here.

My staff and I are continuing to offer support and guidance to constituents.  I will be holding virtual advice surgeries again throughout the New Year and if there is anything you believe I can help you with, please get in touch.  In spite of the difficulties we are facing, I do hope Wrexham residents have a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

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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).