By Sarah Atherton

MP for Wrexham

'Many constituents have contacted me regarding the roadworks on the A483 which has caused significant congestion since the works started last week. Commuters said their journeys took twice as long, and whilst these roadworks are necessary, this gridlock is frankly unacceptable. Measures should have been put in place prior to ensure minimal disruption. This cannot go on every day for 9 weeks. As such, I have written to the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS, Wrexham Council and North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agency to voice these concerns. Once I have received a response, I will update residents on my social media and website. To see the latest information on the A483 roadworks, follow this link to my website: https://www.sarahatherton.org.uk/campaigns/campaigning-better-transport-infrastructure.

In UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) news, Wrexham Council’s application process for the first round of £250,000 grants is now open until the 24th February. Wrexham Council confirmed that some of the £22.4 million from the UKSPF will be spent on these smaller £250,000 key fund grants, which many individuals, businesses, and charities can apply for now! I am extremely pleased to share that I will sitting on the board for the UK Government Shared Prosperity group where I will be working with the Council to ensure that the remainder of the funding is spent on tangible improvements in Wrexham. Up to date information outlining application guidance and the next steps on UKSPF funding can be found on my website via this link: https://www.sarahatherton.org.uk/uk-gov-shared-prosperity-fund.

Last Friday, as part of Sexual Violence Awareness week, I was delighted to visit Stepping Stones in Wrexham and give a short speech on the Defence Committee’s inquiry into the female military experience, which I chaired, and sadly exposed many cases of sexual violence and rape. Stepping Stones, 38 years on from its establishment, continues to offer free individual counselling, support, psychoeducational courses and resources as well as group work to adult survivors of child sexual abuse and I am honoured to support the vital work that they undertake.

In health news, a report looking into the Heddfan Psychiatric Unit at the Maelor Hospital found that key improvements were required, such as staff restraint training, medication management and conducting regular audits. Given the recent disappointing A&E inspection at the Maelor, this is extremely concerning. Whilst it is reassuring that the report noted the commitment of all staff to provide a high level of care, with patients being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, it is alarming that staff training and general management of the unit is still severely lacking. This is exactly why the health campaign continues. Even with the largest funding settlement from the UK Government since devolution began, under the management of the Welsh Labour Government, health services in Wales continue to let Wrexham residents down. To ensure these issues within the Heddfan Psychiatric Unit are addressed immediately, I have asked for an urgent meeting with the BCUHB interim CEO.

If you have not done so already, I would encourage you to sign my health campaign to ensure that the Welsh Government hears our message loud and clear, Wrexham deserves better. To do so, follow this link: https://www.sarahatherton.org.uk/healthcare-wrexham.

As the latest part of the health campaign, we have launched a health survey where you can give your views and outline your latest experiences. Currently, we have a batch of surveys on their way to residents around the Gwersyllt area. If you have received a survey, please fill it in and return in the envelope provided on the back. Alternatively, you can follow this link to sign the survey online: https://letstalk.conservatives.com/E66982FC-5297-ED11-A39C-00505693297D?fbclid=IwAR3TNO0RyumkO20lLGDs7lAjHibZ1eYtVUM-s5QR3CMAZNiG6cHWoFHoRFI#!/. Together, we can pressure the Welsh Labour Government to improve healthcare in Wrexham.

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.'