'I have long campaigned for better parking facilities'

MP for Wrexham

From today until the 23rd of November, Universal Credit claimants in Wrexham will receive the second part of the £650 cost of living payment, amounting to £324. The cost of living crisis has caused significant financial hardship in communities up and down the country and here in Wrexham, it is no different. But the UK Government has been and continues to be committed to supporting hard working individuals and families in Wales through a total of £37 billion worth of support across the UK so far this year. For further guidance, click on this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment.

Last week on Friday I had the pleasure of attending the Wrexham Glyndwr’s graduation ceremony - the first in-person ceremony since 2019. It was fantastic to be part of the celebrations and see students of all age ranges graduating. A huge well done to the Class of 2022!

Last Friday, following the graduation celebrations, I was pleased to meet with the proprietors of Eagles Meadow and hear about the exciting plans regarding the future of the site. During discussions, I raised the issue of parking and proposed a free parking scheme at the multi-story car park, which the proprietors were receptive towards. Since launching my transport survey a few months ago, hundreds of Wrexham residents and even visitors have given detailed accounts of unfair parking fines, costly car parks, and as such, choosing not to come into the city centre. Rather worryingly, they will travel to neighbouring towns to complete their shopping or daily tasks. I have long campaigned for better parking facilities and transport links for Wrexham, something which is vitally important now that we are a city. To give your view on transport services in Wrexham, follow this link: https://www.sarahatherton.org.uk/transport-survey.

Lastly, we had positive discussions on how the Eagles Meadow site could be used for retail, entertainment, housing, and events. I’m looking forward to helping develop Eagles Meadow so that Wrexham can become more accessible for everyone to enjoy the great pubs, restaurants and entertainment we have on offer!

As we soon approach Remembrance Sunday, I was at Asda in Wrexham last weekend helping the Royal British Legion with the poppy appeal. Owain, a young child from Wrexham, gave me a hand-painted poppy rock to leave in remembrance of his grandfather at the Welsh Guards memorial at Bluff Cove in the Falklands when I visit next week. The generosity of the Wrexham people is astounding and of course, you are guaranteed banter from our Royal Welch Fusilier Comrades!

Last but not least, PubAid and the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group are once again holding the Community Pub Hero Awards to recognise licensees and teams who go the extra mile to support their communities. For example, running community events, raising money for charity, or providing support for vulnerable groups. Wrexham has a proud brewing history and as such, our pubs are the beating heart of Wrexham where cherished friendships are made. With a vast choice of excellent pubs in Wrexham to nominate, make sure you cast your vote!

To nominate a pub, just send the pub’s name, a short description of why they should win the award, the postcode and ideally the licensee’s name to sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk. Please submit your nominations by the 14th of November!

As always, if you are a resident in Wrexham and need my assistance with any local or national issues, please contact me by emailing sarah.atherton.mp@parliament.uk.