'I have had lots of meetings with constituents, local businesses, and charities, along with holding a string of parliamentary surgeries.'

Mp for Wrexham

I hope that everyone had a lovely Easter seeing friends and family, and most importantly indulging in Easter treats! 

Since it has been Easter recess from Parliament, I have been in the constituency working hard for Wrexham residents. I have had lots of meetings with constituents, local businesses, and charities, along with holding a string of parliamentary surgeries.

I am thrilled that through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), over the next three years, the UK Government will be investing £22,648,205 directly into Wrexham. The Fund is part of the UK Government’s plan to level up the whole of the UK. This funding is a result of leaving the European Union and unlike previously, will be transferred directly to Wrexham Council to determine how to spend the money, rather than Cardiff. I am looking forward to working with Wrexham Council and collaboratively determining how we should spend the funds, ensuring it is spent on the things that matter most to constituents in Wrexham.

In other funding news, I am pleased to share that through my office’s grant finder service, to date, we have facilitated more than £238,000 for local charities, businesses, and community groups. On top of this, the Erlas Victoria Walled Garden (EVWG) has been awarded £50,000 from the Queen’s Jubilee Grant, which they will use to establish a sensory Garden.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the delightful gardens in Wrexham and congratulated them on their outstanding community work.  Erlas gardens aim to promote and protect the health of people with disabilities by providing fulfilling daytime activities, education, and work experience in this tranquil setting.

I strongly encourage Wrexham residents to pop down to EWVG on their open days on 27th and 30th of April, you can even purchase plants and seasonal vegetables – I couldn’t resist! 

Last week, I also visited the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) in King Street, Wrexham. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, they have worked with and supported 65% more referrals than pre-pandemic, with 6 new referrals each day!

DASU provides free, confidential support to those who are or have experienced domestic abuse, enabling them to live fear-free in our communities, optimising their ability to manage their own safety and wellbeing. Whilst at DASU, I met the hardworking staff and volunteers who run a weekly peer support group in addition to the various crisis and child support teams. A huge thanks to DASU.

Also, I met with Stephen Townley, Armed Forces Liaison Officer, with who I am working closely together to support veterans of Wrexham through the Armed Forces Day which takes place on the 18th of June 2022. This year Wrexham is hosting the events for the whole of Wales and as a veteran myself, I am extremely pleased about this. Events taking place will include a parade that starts from Bodhyfryd at 10:30, a veteran’s job fair, veterans versus military rugby match, and much more. Make sure you save the date to enjoy the festivities. See you there!

Lastly, I held two successful street surgeries, Rhosnesni and Erdigg, where Wrexham residents were able to raise their issues and opinions.  My next surgery is at Mecca Bingo on Friday 22nd April from 4 pm – 5 pm, no appointment is necessary, so feel free to drop by and raise any concerns directly with me.  

If you are a resident of Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issue, please contact me by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk.