Lesley Griffiths MS Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

Regular visitors to Wrexham city centre will be aware parking problems have persisted at the privately-operated Island Green Shopping Centre for several years.

Euro Car Parks (ECP), are the operators responsible for the daily running of the car park and my communication with them is ongoing.

While my lengthy correspondence has had some success, with a number of constituents receiving refunds and having their parking tickets cancelled, I, unfortunately, continue to be contacted by shoppers from Wrexham, as well as people who live outside my constituency, who have been unfairly fined.

In recent months, I have made representations to the Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, The British Parking Association (BPA) and of course, ECP themselves. ‘Minor’ and ‘major’ keying errors still appear to be a problem and I have called on ECP to service their machines as a matter of urgency. I have also approached all the businesses on Island Green as I would be interested to hear their feedback.

More recently, Euro Car Parks accepted to meet with Clwyd South MS, Ken Skates and I, but they cancelled at the last minute with no explanation. Regrettably, it appears ECP representatives do not wish to reschedule, so Mr Skates and I have written to Nuveen Real Estate, which ultimately owns Island Green, requesting it ends its relationship with ECP.

Wrexham’s profile is growing but the conduct of Euro Car Parks is driving people away from Island Green and the city centre.

Despite the difficulties, we are not deterred and as long as parking issues remain at Island Green, both Ken Skates and I will continue to fight and stand up for local residents.

I’m a long-time supporter of the Wrexham Walking Festival and was pleased to join the team for a walk around a sunny Erddig Country Park.

During the nine-day event, people of all ages and abilities were invited to enjoy a series of free walks exploring the picturesque surroundings of North East Wales.

I’m so pleased this year’s event was the most successful yet with over 550 people taking part.

Although the 2023 festival has reached its conclusion, organisers, Walkabout Wrexham & District, arrange walks throughout the year so if anyone is interested, please email walkaboutwrexham@outlook.com

As always, if you’re a constituent in Wrexham and there is an issue I could help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me.