By Lesley Griffiths

MS for Wrexham

Gwersyllt residents will be aware improvements are being carried out by Network Rail at Gwersyllt Station. A new access point to Platform 2 recently opened off Station Court and improvements have been made to the highway and footpath linking Station Court, High Street and Hope Street.

I recently arranged to meet with Network Rail representatives at the station, along with Welsh Labour Community Councillor Sheelagh Mackenzie Jones, who has been campaigning on the issue on behalf of Gwersyllt residents.

Passengers could previously cross between platforms but due to the planned increase in trains that will be running along the Wrexham to Bidston line, Network Rail has closed the barrow crossing and locked the platform end gates. This is to ensure the safety of all passengers and while there will be some disappointment locally, I understand it is highly unlikely that this decision will be reversed.

People with mobility scooters, wheelchairs and prams will be particularly affected and it is clear further improvements need to be made. Although passengers can still reach Hope Street Bridge via steps leading from the platforms, there is no pavement at the access to the steps and the visibility is poor. The pavement on the other side of the road is narrow and the road is busy so I can fully understand pedestrians’ concerns.

Network Rail is working alongside Wrexham Council and is looking to provide alternative and safer access to both platforms. The work is ongoing and I will continue to monitor developments.

I am pleased Wrexham has received a share of Welsh Labour Government funding to help tackle the empty properties in the city centre.

Wrexham Council secured £500,000 via the Transforming Towns Loan Fund. Since the Fund’s inception in 2014, more than £73m has been provided to local authorities across Wales helping revitalise town and city centres and bringing over 600 vacant units back to life.

Under the scheme, people can obtain an interest free loan which may be used to acquire, refurbish, convert or redevelop a Wrexham city centre property.

I am sure this news will be welcomed. Reducing the number of empty properties in the city centre will clearly make a positive difference.

As always, if you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please contact me via email: lesley.griffiths@senedd.wales or call 01978 355743. You can also keep up to date by following me on ‘X’ (Twitter) and Facebook, just search @lesley4wrexham.