'It’s important people come forward for both doses of the vaccine'

MS for Wrexham

One of Welsh Labour’s manifesto commitments ahead of the Senedd Election in May was to increase the number of Police Community Support Officers in Wales.

Last month, the Welsh Government announced additional funding to provide a further 100 PCSOs to help tackle crime and support communities.

The extra £3.7m will recruit and train the new officers, ensuring they’re on the beat as soon as possible. Policing issues largely remain the responsibility of the UK Government but this latest announcement now means the Welsh Government funds a total of 600 PCSOs throughout Wales, at a cost of £22m.

PCSOs provide a vital link between their neighbourhoods and the police service and the Welsh Government’s continued investment demonstrates its commitment to keeping our communities safe.

I am pleased Wrexham-based voluntary organisation, AVOW has secured over £90,000 of Welsh Government funding to help support some of the most vulnerable in our town.

The Food Poverty scheme offers grant funding to local authorities and third sector organisations, encouraging them to work together to tackle food poverty and food insecurity.

Unfortunately, there are a number of people in Wrexham reliant on food parcels from Wrexham Food Bank and other similar organisations.

Many people who have food shortages will often need support in other aspects of their lives and this latest funding will be used to help create a more holistic approach to tackling the inequalities. AVOW and its partners have provided invaluable support to vulnerable Wrexham residents, particularly throughout the pandemic.

Securing this latest funding will help enable the team to continue their fantastic work in the local community.

Readers will be aware there were no significant changes to the Covid regulations at the latest three-week review. While Wales remains at Alert Level 0, case numbers of coronavirus are rising again so it is important people remain vigilant.

I urge Wrexham residents to continue to follow the simple steps we have grown accustomed to over the months wherever possible – try to meet outdoors, remain socially distant, wear a face covering in most indoor settings and wash your hands regularly.

Following this guidance will help reduce the spread of the virus.

One of the best defences we have is to get vaccinated.

Since the programme began in December 2020, a Covid jab has been administered in North Wales every 24 seconds.

It’s important people come forward for both doses of the vaccine as this will help reduce your chances of being hospitalised with Covid-19 by more than 90 per cent.