By Sarah Atherton

MP for Wrexham

Last week brought the welcome news that with the reopening of the country in July and August brought the continued bounce-back of the economy. According to the Office of National Statistics, during the second quarter of 2021 the UK economy grew by 4.8%, with the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP) increasing by 1% in June. This marked five months of continuous growth and was the fastest growth out of the G7 nations.

This positive news is a testament to the success UK Government’s economic support measures – which have targeted individuals and businesses as we have reopened – and the continued rapid vaccine rollout, which now includes 16- and 17-year-olds, and has allowed some level or normality to return. However, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer said last Thursday, the work is not done, which is why the UK Government’s support measures will continue and is why, going forward, I will be focussing on making this national economic recovery translates into more opportunities in Wrexham and the recovery of our town from the detrimental impacts of the pandemic.

Today, I will be back in the town centre on two ‘walkabouts’, one with the local Police team and another with representatives from the Council. Having done this before, I have found it to be a great way of engaging town centre businesses, individuals out and about doing their shopping or meeting friends, and those working in the town, with the authorities that have the power to make the changes you want.

Last time I went out with the Police in the town centre, it was a pleasure to be able to introduce the town Police team to constituents that had previously contacted me about instances of antisocial behaviour in the town centre. This time around, I hope to continue these introductions to make sure that constituents – whether they be businesses or individuals – have access and contact with those that can help enact the change that many want to see on our high street.

During my walkabout today with representatives from the Council I will be discussing several issues that have come into my mailbox recently. One of those is the ambition help by a number of businesses in Wrexham to increase the availability of outdoor dining in the town centre, inspired by the changing dining and eating habits brought about by the Coronavirus pandemic. This vision could require the temporary closure of roads in the town centre and would need agreement from a number of different authorities, but it is exiting nonetheless to speak with businesses that have a vision for Wrexham, and I am more than happy to help facilitate this vision by starting the all-important conversations with those that make the decisions.

As we recover from the pandemic and continue the economic rebound that we are currently seeing, a focus on making Wrexham’s high street safer, cleaner, and more inviting will be very important. Therefore, I am pleased to be contributing to this through my continued engagement with constituents, businesses and the many stakeholders that contribute to the management of our town.

As always if you are resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issue, please make contact with me by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk.