Griffiths MS

Member of the Senedd for Wrexham

The Hightown Barracks has a proud association with Wrexham dating back to the 19th century. Local residents will be aware of an impressive new landmark that honours the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the unit’s long-standing bond with our city. A bronze statue of a Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Goat and Goat Major, as well as a memorial garden, was officially unveiled outside the Barracks in March.

The life-size statue was sculpted by Llandudno-based sculptor, Nick Elphick, and I was pleased to attend the public ceremony and grand unveiling.

Work on this project commenced in 2017, so all involved deserve great credit and can be proud the dream has finally come to fruition. Particular praise must go to Cllr Graham Rogers and Offa Community Council who played an integral part in the project and fundraising efforts.

The sculpture and memorial garden is a lasting and fitting tribute to our city’s proud military history.

Well done to Gresford Community Council and all those involved in the campaign that successfully applied for funding to help restore Gresford Lake. The partnership secured over £48,000 from the Welsh Government’s Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, which will help restore the biodiversity of the lake.

Gresford Lake is an important part of the community and this project will help regenerate an open space, and certainly make a positive difference to the local area. I know a lot of work went into the bid and I am pleased this significant Welsh Government funding has been secured. I was pleased to write a letter of support for the application and I hope to visit Gresford Lake in the near future to find out how the project is progressing.

It was good to take part in Caniad’s Big Chat. The Yellow & Blue Hub, which recently moved from Henblas Street to a unit on Eagles Meadow, hosted the latest roundtable discussion, which takes place on the last Friday of every month. The get together is open to anyone involved in substance misuse or mental health services, whether they’re a service user, a carer or staff member. Bringing the relevant people and organisations together regularly is encouraging collaborative working and ensuring the voices of those with lived experiences are heard.

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.