WREXHAM’S most poverty stricken areas are fighting their way out of deprivation, according to the council.

The Cartrefle ward of Caia Park, Queensway and Wynnstay had once been identified as some of the most run-down parts of the borough.

According to the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation published in 2008, an area of Queensway was named the third most deprived area in the whole of Wales.

But people who live there can now look forward to a better future say the council after large scale investment.

That is the message delivered to councillors in a report due to be considered by the authority’s executive board at its meeting next Tuesday.

The report reviews the council’s Community Regeneration Strategy a year after it was adopted.

Economic development manager Rebeccah Lowry said Wrexham looked at various examples of best practice across the UK before implementing the strategy.

The report, which she prepared, points to a direct link between investment into areas and the reduction of their deprivation levels.

And this, she said, could be seen in the three areas of Wrexham which had emerged best from deprivation – Cartrefle, Queensway and Wynnstay.

The report also looks at the relationship between the council and the Caia Park Partnership, which last year was renewed for three years.

Ms Lowry said: “We are now at the end of the first of the three years and we point out there has been a need to drive up the income from the partnership.

“However, there is evidence that this is being done.”

She added: “Across the county borough there are still pockets of deprivation, such as in areas like Cefn Mawr and Brymbo, where we are now working to make improvements.”

Council chief executive Isobel Garner said: “This report shows that our targets are wider than just Communities First.”

Cllr Carrie Harper, who represents Queensway, said: “Deprivation depends on how you measure it – as far as I know my Queensway ward is still number three most deprived ward in all of Wales.

“But it is true that input from organisations such as the Caia Park Partnership and Communities First can make a difference.”

Ms Harper said she was still concerned 80 per cent of the money being spent on Communities First went into administration.”

In relation to any forthcoming cuts that could be made by the local authority in the future, she added: “I hope people will take on board that services are there because they need to be.”