By Sarah Atherton

MP for Wrexham

Last Saturday, I was delighted to watch Wrexham play Salford City at a sold-out Racecourse. It was a brilliant match, and the atmosphere was as loud and passionate as ever. It was a dramatic game that saw two late goals turn the game around and win it for Wrexham, maintaining their strong start to the season. It is always a pleasure going to The Racecourse and I look forward to attending again soon. One thing is for sure, there’s never a dull moment - Wrexham are the entertainers of League 2!

In October last year, I attended the launch of the Wellbeing Hub and, last week, I was delighted to celebrate the Hub’s first anniversary. As a former nurse and social worker, I know how valuable this Hub has been for our local community where residents, families and individuals have been able to access a wide range of free support, from an informal chat to more in-depth guidance. In case you were not aware, the Wellbeing team can provide individuals with the skills and experience that are needed to kickstart careers. Most importantly, being referred by a GP is not a requirement to access the Hub. Anyone can drop in whenever they feel they’d like to and there’s always a friendly welcome and a cuppa.

We are all aware of the council worker strikes in Wrexham and have felt the impact, particularly on bin collections. Having had many conversations with worried residents, I wrote to the Chief Executive of Wrexham Council, requesting that they prioritise any missed bin collections and ensure that plans are properly communicated to residents. Following this, last week, I met with the Chief Executive of Wrexham Council where I stressed that Wrexham residents are being asked to pay more and more council tax each year, even when they are not receiving the vital services that they are entitled to. As such, I am pleased that Wrexham Council announced that those who pay to have their garden waste emptied will have their subscription extended to February 2025.

It is deeply concerning that Wrexham Council faces budget pressures. However, we must not overlook the fact that despite receiving the largest-ever devolution funding settlement, the Welsh Labour Government continues to inadequately fund Wrexham Council. Instead of investing in Wales’ newest city, the Welsh Labour Government chooses to spend taxpayers’ hard-earned money in irresponsible ways; £32million on slowing Wales down by introducing a blanket 20mph policy and £100million on increasing Senedd members.

I hope that that a deal can be reached as soon as possible between the unions and Wrexham Council, and that the Welsh Labour Government starts providing Wrexham with the funding our city deserves.

Having met Apra Roberts - Founder of Happy Hedgehog Foods and Delta Academy - at Wrexham Feast, I was very pleased to visit the café and studios and see the fantastic work and community outreach that Apra, Dianne and the team are providing to the local area. Delta Academy offers a range of dance and performing arts programmes for children of all ages and skill levels. The café also holds a Friends of Dementia Lunch, where those with dementia, their loved ones and carers can have lunch, socialise and support each other. This is Wrexham supporting Wrexham and I commend everyone involved. If you are in Queensway and fancy a bite to eat, make sure to pop down to the Happy Hedgehog Café and support this brilliant local service.

Lastly, I attended a briefing from the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly MP, where he provided us with an update on the abhorrent attacks on Israel. Prior to this meeting, along with hundreds of cross-party colleagues, we sent an unprecedented letter of support to Israel’s President stating ‘solidarity with Israel and its right to self-defence at this time of great need’. However, our thoughts and prayers go out to all caught up in this tragic situation.

If you are a resident in the current Wrexham constituency, and need my help with any issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email at sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk.