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Last Updated: Wednesday, 4 January 2006, 13:36 GMT
Support for town migrant workers
Monika Czaja moved from Poland to Wrexham
Monika Czaja first left Poland around three years ago
Wrexham residents are set to receive a "myth-buster" leaflet about the rights of migrant workers living in the town.

The fact-sheet aims to dispel rumours surrounding the European workers and help them to integrate locally.

It was one of a number of initiatives discussed by councillors on Wednesday when they met to talk about how to improve "social cohesion".

It is estimated that between 2-4,000 people, mainly eastern European, have moved to the county.

In a 29-page action plan, the council's strategic director, Malcolm Russell said much has already been achieved but there are pressures on education, housing and a need for specialist services such as translation.

COUNCIL ACTION PLAN
A 'myth-buster' fact sheet
Raise health awareness
Introduce homework clubs
Monitor migrant workers' movements
Encourage family friendly policies for workers

Since the expansion of the EU in May 2004, thousands of migrant workers have moved to Wrexham from countries including Poland and the Baltic states.

Monika Czaja from Gdansk in Poland moved to Wrexham a few months ago and opened a shop with her partner Wojciech Bogucki, selling food from their home country.

She said she found Wrexham very welcoming.

"We came to Wrexham when we were working for an agency in London. We came back because we liked Wrexham. The place is magical for us," she said.

The 28-year-old said she found locals "very friendly" but had suffered "one bad experience".

Before Christmas we went to the council and asked about a place for us to meet, a room in a school or something
Monika Czaja

"When we were looking for a house a few agencies asked me how long I'd been here and if I worked part time or full time. Polish people have different experiences in our country," she added.

The council's action plan states that around 50 children have recently joined local schools, mainly from Poland.

The movement has caused specific concerns for schools but the council has introduced a number of measures to ease teachers' pressures.

These include the introduction of extra learning support assistants. In addition homework clubs for children of migrant workers should be introduced by April.

Ms Czaja said the council has tried hard to integrate people moving into the county but she would like to see specific places set up where they can meet up and ask for help.

"Before Christmas we went to the council and asked about a place for us to meet, a room in a school or something. Just so people can meet and ask about how they call for a doctor, things like that," she added.

The council has said it is working closely with the local health board on access to NHS services for migrant workers.




SEE ALSO:
Migrant workers 'need more help'
18 Jan 05 |  North East Wales
Crime down on riot hit estate
24 Mar 04 |  North East Wales
Extra help for migrant workers
22 Jun 05 |  North East Wales


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