Councillor Andrew Atkinson joins Executive Board as lead member for youth services and anti-poverty

The new lead member for youth services and anti-poverty at Wrexham Council was formally appointed yesterday.

Conservative councillor for Gresford, Andrew Atkinson, will take over the role on the Executive Board after his nomination was voted through unanimously by senior councillors.

As Wrexham.com reported in February, Brymbo Cllr Paul Rogers has announced he will be stepping down from his role as Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti-Poverty to focus on ward issues.

Due to the political make-up of Wrexham Council and the Executive Board, the vacant lead member role has to be filled by a member of the Conservative Group.

Speaking at yesterday’s Executive Board, Council Leader Mark Pritchard said: “Cllr Rogers has decided to step down to continue with work as an effective ward councillor.

“I would like to thank him for all his hard work on the board since his appointment in June and wish him all the best.”

He added: “I would like to formally welcome Councillor Andrew Atkinson to his first Executive Board and nominate him to lead role of people – youth services and anti poverty.”

Seconding the report and nomination, Cllr Hugh Jones, added: ” I am happy to second the report and echo the comments about work from Cllr Rogers. I am sure will be continued by Cllr Atkinson.”

Looking at Wrexham Council’s Forward Work Programme, Cllr Atkinson is set to present his first report – Tackling Poverty Strategy – to the board in May 2018.