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…

Today Wales will find out the make-up of the Government that runs our healthcare, education, and transport for the next five years. It has been a long campaign, affected by a global pandemic. But this is a watershed moment in our history, this is the first election of the Senedd – which replaced the Assembly – and we have a new regional voting system and a lower voting age. Whilst I wish the incoming Senedd Members and Welsh Government well, the first task of the new Welsh Government must be to produce a roadmap out of the restrictions that continue to exist.

A roadmap is not simply a courteous means of letting people know what to expect and when. For some businesses and individuals, it can be the difference between staying afloat and not. Reopening a business cannot happen with 24 hours’ notice: plans need to be made, perishables ordered, staff notified, childcare arranged. In England, people are as clear as they can be about what they will be able to do and when. Not so here in Wales.

Great to see #Wrexham getting back on its feet as lockdown eases and the economy reopens! However, I do know that many constituents would still like a clearer #roadmap. For example, constituents have come to me seeking clarity on weddings & large events, which I hope to see soon. https://t.co/M9siyh3C38

— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) May 4, 2021

A lack of clarity not only affects businesses. A constituent with whom I have been working recently cannot plan a wedding because the lockdown in Wales may not lift at the same rate as it is doing in England. So, over the border in Cheshire people are planning weddings for the end of June, but here in Wrexham people could plan a reception, spend thousands of pounds, only to find that it is not going ahead. Or else not do so, only to find that it could have done.

www.sarahatherton.org.uk/campaigns

Two points from my six-point plan for Wrexham are to aid the Covid-19 Recovery and to develop our local economy. It is for this reason that I bang the drum for Wrexham so often in Parliament. I brought the Prime minister here twice followed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to show them what our town has to offer. However, when it comes to the Covid-19 Recovery and growing our local economy, a roadmap out of lockdown is essential.

https://twitter.com/AthertonNWales/status/1386653165693571074

Nonetheless, it has still been wonderful to see our town centre reopening. Wrexham is the most populated town in North Wales and a thriving high street will be at the centre of our regeneration. More needs to be done and many agencies can play a part in this, not just the Welsh Government. Many residents have come to me about parking fines incurred because of sharp practices by enforcement companies. Such activities deter people from coming to our town, which in turn harms local businesses and our economy. This is something that needs looking at and I am keen to hear people’s views on this. If you have been affected, please complete my parking survey at: sarahatherton.org.uk/surveys.

I have seen a number of posts on Facebook about the situation at Island Green car park in #Wrexham, managed by Euro Car Parks.

If you have been affected by unfair fines, or any other parking issues in Wxm, please do fill out the survey on my website: https://t.co/HfgY2R3bZi pic.twitter.com/Mw501PmGzu

— Sarah Atherton MP (@AthertonNWales) April 19, 2021

Likewise, housing is a significant issue too. I have been working with dozens of residents on the waiting list for council housing, at a time when Wrexham Council has over 500 vacant properties which are being kept empty for “regeneration”. Secure housing is central to anybody’s life chances and this is something that needs fixing and I will work with anybody to make this happen.

So today we celebrate democracy and welcome an incoming Government. Tomorrow, though, the people of Wales need to be clear about their future.

As always, if there is anything I can do to support Wrexham residents please don’t hesitate to contact me on the details below:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 020 2719 4885 | 01978 291742
Post: Office of Sarah Atherton MP, 65 Regent Street, Wrexham, LL11 1PF

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.