By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

As part of NFU Cymru’s Growing Together initiative, I was pleased to be invited to plant an oak tree on Rackery Farm near Burton in Wrexham.

In April 2019, Wales declared a climate emergency signalling a greater ambition and more holistic approach to tackling climate change.

It is widely believed expanding tree cover has the potential to make a significant difference and as custodians of the Welsh countryside, farms can play a key role in the climate change solution. Rackery Farm owners, Andrew and Jenny Jones recently won the Diversification of the Year category at the British Farming Awards in recognition of the family’s decision to launch a luxury glamping site on their farmland. ‘Rackery Retreat’ has proved to be a successful venture, with social media followers and booking numbers rising in spite of the pandemic. There are plans in the pipeline to further develop and it is wonderful to see a local family business moving from strength to strength.

Members of the local community and businesses have contacted me in recent months expressing their concerns regarding the lack of facilities on and around the Wrexham Industrial Estate for HGV drivers.

The situation isn’t ideal for the drivers or local residents so I have worked with Wrexham Council to explore possible solutions.

Earlier this month, I went on a fact-finding mission to Formula Premier Truck Stop in Ellesmere Port, along with representatives from the Local Authority.

The tour was interesting and informative and I believe the facilities in Ellesmere Port would be ideal for the Industrial Estate.

I will continue to work with the relevant bodies on the matter and hope to help bring about these improvements, which are certainly needed.

Congratulations once again to the #Wrecsam2025 team and everyone who has backed the County’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025. Readers will be aware Wrexham has made the final shortlist – along with Bradford, County Durham and Southampton – and it has been uplifting to see so many people come together to support the bid and the town.

We’re one step closer to the crown and fingers crossed there will be some more positive news next month when the overall winner is revealed.

If you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me via email: Lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call my office on 01978 355743.