THE Welsh Government Housing Minister has been invited to take a tour of a ground-breaking scheme to house the homeless in former shipping containers in Wrexham.

The accommodation pods have recently been installed at Ty Nos homeless shelter to help those facing short and medium-term homelessness in the town and surrounding area.

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths says she was so impressed with the scheme that she has sent out an invitation to the Government's housing supremo Julie James to take a tour of the facilities on Holt Road.

The project aims to support rough sleepers in the town find the path to a more stable life and help them secure long-term tenancies.

She said: "It is making a difference in Wrexham and is not just about providing a roof over someone’s head. The team will work to ensure all the necessary support services are in place to help vulnerable individuals turn their lives around.

“As the only project of its kind in North Wales, I have invited the Housing Minister, Julie James AM, to Wrexham to see the modular homes for herself and I will encourage the Welsh Government to continue to support these kind of projects moving forward.”

There are three pods at the shelter being used as regular accommodation with facilities comprising a kitchen, bedroom, living area and bathroom.

A fourth pod is in use now during cold weather conditions and will also act as a drop-in and base for Wrexham Council’s Housing Options service.

As part of the conditions of being housed people affected by homelessness have to sign an agreement to engage with a number of support services.

Maesydre councillor Paul D Jones said: “I am pleased to see the pods have been established at Ty Nos. They will provide an opportunity for people to make a transition from the streets to permanent supported accommodation and a new beginning.”

Wrexham has been identified as an area in Wales with more complex rough sleeping issues than most and recently received an additional £100,000 to support local projects, including a Community Care Hub whose Salvation Army base was paid a visit by Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford last month.

Lesley Griffiths AM added: “The installation of the pods at Ty Nos and ongoing work of the Community Care Hub are prime examples of innovative local projects that are having a positive impact in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping in Wrexham.”