Find out more about what is going on in the town centre and/or suggest ways to improve performance. For a copy of the minutes call 01978 292540.

The losses are a result of the news that the company intends to reduce production at its UK factories for the last two months of the year, by 34 per cent.

Commenting, Lesley Griffiths AM said: “In the last few weeks, I have met with both the company and trade union officials to discuss the ongoing effect that the economic downturn is having on JCB in Wrexham.

“I have today repeated my offer to JCB, to facilitate any approach they want to make to the Welsh Assembly Government for assistance, in light of these developments.”

The winner will be chosen from votes submitted by members of the public. Voting forms will be put into a prize draw with the winner receiving a Christmas hamper to the value of £100. Retailers must complete an entry form by Wednesday, November 19, and windows or stalls decorated by December 1. for an entry form contact town centre project officer Colin Jones on 01978 292540.

The losses are a result of the news that the company intends to reduce production at its UK factories for the last two months of the year, by 34 per cent.

Commenting, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“In the last few weeks, I have met with both the company and trade union officials to discuss the ongoing effect that the economic downturn is having on JCB in Wrexham.

“I have today repeated my offer to JCB, to facilitate any approach they want to make to the Welsh Assembly Government for assistance, in light of these developments.”

He said: “I am pleased that ASDA are showing their further commitment to Wrexham with the opening of this store. The opening of this store, along with the recent opening of the Eagles’ Meadow development, has helped create jobs in Wrexham at a time when there is economic uncertainty across the world.
“I understand that there are concerns over job losses locally, especially in the manufacturing sector.

“However, unemployment in Wrexham remains low – current figures for Wrexham show that just 2.6 per cent of people in the constituency are claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance.

“We must not be complacent about the employment picture in Wrexham – but the way to tackle economic fears is by providing fresh opportunities to work, such as the retail developments which have opened in the town in the last month.”

Dairy Crest has confirmed to First Milk that they will commence transferring cheese-packing volume from Maelor to Nuneaton from January 2009. The Dairy Crest volume accounts for around 40% of the cheese packed at Maelor.

Peter Humphreys, First Milk’s chief executive, commented: “When we purchased Dairy Crest’s retailer brand cheese business in 2006, we agreed that we would continue to pack cheese for them for the next two to three years. We recognised of course that there was a possibility that Dairy Crest would wish to set up their own cheese packing facility at some point.

“This has now become a reality and Dairy Crest has now shared specific timings around transferring this volume and we are working with them on a transition plan.

“Unfortunately the transfer of this volume means that there will be job losses at Maelor, as we will require a smaller number of people to pack the reduced cheese volumes.

“We are speaking with the Unions covering the Maelor site and hope that by announcing this news as early as possible that we are able to achieve the role reduction we need primarily through voluntary redundancy.

“Going forward, we will also be designing new flexible working patterns covering a full 24 hour/7 day a week system.

“Our priority now is to consult with our people at Maelor about the implications of the proposed changes.”

The prestigious awards - which are managed by ARENA Network and sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, Countryside Council for Wales and Welsh Health Estates among others - aim to promote and celebrate the success of organisations in Wales in improving their environmental performance and considering all aspects of sustainability in their operations.

The two awards scooped by Sharp at the ceremony in Cardiff, were:

* Overall Winner; and

* Joint winner of the Resource Efficiency – Waste, Raw Materials & Utilities

Sharp UK Manufacturing’s activities at their Llay factory include the production of solar panels and high-end, fully built-in microwave ovens for the fitted kitchen market.

They also have a separate facility for refurbishing product returned from the market, recycling replacement parts, and re-selling products for re-use. The factory has a service and spare parts department. There are around 600 employees at the Llay site.

The company were presented with their award by the Welsh Assembly Government’s Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson, for the following environmental achievements:

* 24.3% reduction in waste going to landfill

* 22.8% reduction in gas and electricity usage per production unit

* 47.5% reduction in water use

* ISO14001

Commenting on Sharp’s success, Lesley Griffiths AM said: “This is great news and so well deserved for Sharp. Their commitment - not just in producing cutting-edge green technology and products - but also in the sustainable way they produce such equipment, is second to none.

“I know at first-hand from my many visits to their Llay facility, that the company set themselves extremely high standards indeed, when it comes to protecting the environment and being sustainable.

“The judges were glowing in their praise for Sharp and from my experience, I can see why. I would like to congratulate everyone who works for the company in Llay for achieving both awards.”