By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Congratulations to Wrexham author Samantha Maxwell who has recently published her latest book.

‘Disabling Ableism’ is a general study of disability in the eyes of society. The book deals with public perceptions and opinions of disability, questioning whether anything needs to change.

A special book launch was held at Xplore Science Discovery Centre in Wrexham and it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance.

Disabling Ableism is Samantha’s second book. Last year, she published ‘CP Isn’t Me’, a part autobiographical, part factual account which shared her own personal experiences of living with mild cerebral palsy, highlighting some of the challenges she has faced.

After meeting Samanatha last year, I arranged for CP Isn’t Me to be stocked at the Senedd shop in Cardiff Bay, and I hope to do the same with her second book.

Samantha refuses to be defined by her disability. To publish two books is a wonderful achievement and I was very pleased to be asked to contribute to the latest book. Samantha is an inspiration and I wish her every success.

The Welsh Government recently announced it is investing £20.8 million in North Wales to improve public transport and encourage economic growth.

Local authorities were asked to submit proposals to the Welsh Government that would help address particular transport priorities, including improving road safety, delivering walking and cycling routes and tackling issues caused by extreme weather.

The funding is split into several separate allocations but, in total, Wrexham is set to receive more than £7.8m.

Over £3m will support active travel routes around the Mold Road regeneration, over half a million pounds will improve road safety in different areas of the county and over £750,000 will contribute towards the construction of electric vehicle charging hubs.

I am sure this significant investment will be welcomed. As well as enhancing public transport facilities, these grants will improve travel routes that will ultimately enable and encourage more people in North Wales to walk and cycle to work.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743. You can also keep up to date by following me on ‘X’ (Twitter) and Facebook, just search @lesley4wrexham.