news.wrexham.gov.uk

Author: Chris

  • Work begins on project to help homeless people in Wrexham

    Work begins on project to help homeless people in Wrexham

    Work has started on an ambitious project which – if approved – will help homeless people in Wrexham.

    At the start of the pandemic, to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, councils across Wales took immediate action to ensure nobody had to live on the streets.

    Wrexham already had a night shelter at Tŷ Nos on Holt Road, as well as temporary accommodation normally used during the winter.

    But with Welsh Government funding, the council and its partners were able to step-up their approach, and rough sleepers were encouraged to take up surplus accommodation at Glyndwr University – where they were provided with personal support and somewhere safe during the pandemic.

    Welsh Government then invited bids for further funding to help councils ensure people didn’t have to go back to sleeping rough…by providing more suitable accommodation for rough sleepers and people at risk of ending up without a home.

    As a result, Wrexham Council was awarded £2.2 million to replace the former Tŷ Nos night shelter with a new accommodation hub on the same site.

    Get the latest COVID-19 vaccination information

    Ground investigations

    Initial site investigations and surveys are set to begin in the next week or so, which form part of the pre-planning process and the Pre-Planning Application Consultation (PAC) process, before a full application can be made.

    If the project receives planning approval, the hub will be built in partnership with ClwydAlyn Housing Association, and will provide self-contained accommodation and facilities where support can be provided to rough sleepers.

    The aim would be to give each person the individual support they need to help them get back on their feet and find somewhere permanent to live.

    Cllr David Griffiths, Lead Member for Housing at Wrexham Council, said: “Providing rough sleepers with a safe place to stay – along with the support they need to improve their lives, health, employment and long-term housing prospects – is really important.

    “If approved, the proposed development on the Tŷ Nos site would play a key role in providing this support in Wrexham.”

    Clare Budden, CEO at ClwydAlyn, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Wrexham Council and Welsh Government; to provide new homes for people who have been homeless.

    “We are committed to doing everything we can to end homelessness in Wales and it will be great to see the night shelter which we have run for many years, being replaced with high quality homes and with a new model of support services being provided on site by the council.”

    😷 Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info 👈

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/”]GET THE FACTS[/button]

  • Covid-19 briefing note – it’s still grim…but there is hope

    Covid-19 briefing note – it’s still grim…but there is hope

    Act as if you might have the virus

    Wrexham continues to have the highest coronavirus levels in the whole of Wales (868 per 100k population on a rolling seven-day basis).

    The new variant is still spreading rapidly and now accounts for up to 80% of all new cases.

    People of all ages are still getting ill, some are dying, and our local health services remain under huge pressure.

    It’s grim…but there is hope.

    The figures in Wrexham have gone down slightly today, and the lockdown introduced across Wales on December 20 should soon drive numbers down even further.

    The vaccination programme is also underway.

    But make no mistake…the situation is still really serious and the message is simple:

    Act as if you – and everyone you meet – might have Covid-19.

    Act as if you and everyone you meet might have Covid-19

    In other words, be ultra-careful, be ultra-considerate, and don’t mix with people from other households…indoors or outdoors.

    The day-to-day decisions we make can be the difference between life and death for someone.

    Numbers = people

    This video below shows how numbers have gone up and down in Wrexham during the pandemic.

    It’s a stark reminder of how quickly Covid-19 can spread, and it’s important to remember that every number represents people who caught the virus.

    Numbers = people.

    Coronavirus levels where you live

    Most areas of Wrexham have improved a little since the start of this week, although some have got worse and the figures are still very high.

    The areas with more than 700 per 100k population are:

    • Hermitage & Whitegate (1,337 per 100k)
    • Gwersyllt West & Summerhill (1,249)
    • Town North, University & Rhosddu (1,137)
    • Rhos and Johnstown South (1,110)
    • Caia Park (1,087)
    • New Broughton & Bryn Cefn (1,044)
    • Llay South & Gwersyllt East (947)
    • Wrexham West (912)
    • Coedpoeth & Brymbo (855)
    • Penycae & Minera (820)
    • Acton & Maesydre (791)
    • Gresford, Marford & Rossett (749)

    In Wrexham, the virus is mainly finding its way into people’s homes and spreading between family members.

    It’s also making its presence felt in some care homes, workplaces, the hospital and the prison.

    Vaccination rollout in Wrexham

    Staff and residents at care homes in Wrexham continue to be vaccinated.

    As a council, we’ve also been asked to provide the names of front line social care staff who will need the vaccination as soon as possible.

    Welsh Government is aiming to vaccinate:

    • All care home residents and staff, health and social care workers, people over 70 and people with underlying health conditions by mid-February.
    • People over 50 by the spring.
    • All other adults by the autumn.

    In the coming weeks, every household in Wrexham should receive a letter from the health board, and many will have already received it by email.

    It explains more about the vaccine rollout – including how you’ll be contacted about an appointment.

    Most vaccination jabs are currently being given at a number of Mass Vaccination Centres (MVCs) in North Wales.

    However, there are plans in place to mobilise Local Vaccination Centres (LVCs) in Wrexham when needed, and to use GP practices.

    Schools and remote learning

    Like the rest of Wales, schools in Wrexham continue to provide remote learning for pupils.

    Unless there is a significant drop in virus levels, this will continue until the February half-term.

    This is what we all need to do

    Act as if you – and everyone you meet – might have Covid-19.

    Keep sticking to the current restrictions in Wales and:

    • Don’t mix with people from other households (indoors or outdoors).
    • Don’t travel except for essential purposes…such as work, health reasons or caring duties.

    It’s simple to understand, sometimes difficult to do, but we all have to stay strong and stick with it.

    Useful sources of information

  • Covid-19 briefing note – new variant spreading, more people getting ill, NHS under huge pressure

    Covid-19 briefing note – new variant spreading, more people getting ill, NHS under huge pressure

    This is real…and we all have to fight it

    Wrexham now has the highest coronavirus levels in the whole of Wales (905 per 100k population on a rolling seven-day basis).

    The new variant is spreading rapidly and accounts for 70% of new cases.

    People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are getting ill…not just older people.

    Some are seriously ill. Some are dying.

    This is happening now, in Wrexham.

    It’s also happening in neighbouring Flintshire, which now has the third highest levels (behind Wrexham and Bridgend), so these are difficult times in North East Wales.

    The virus is also in Liverpool, Manchester and Cheshire.

    Like the rest of the UK, local NHS services are under massive pressure and if we don’t all act now, the consequences will be heart-breaking.

    This is a matter of life and death.

    The vaccination programme is underway, and making sure we all stick to the rules and comply with restrictions will be crucial in helping us get through the current situation.

    And while we know the new variant spreads faster – and children are just as likely to catch and spread it as adults – there’s no indication that its more dangerous, or that the vaccines won’t work against it.

    So there is hope…if we all do the right thing.

    Covid-19 variant

    If we don’t protect the NHS, it can’t protect us

    Media coverage this week has shown scenes in hospitals across the UK, where doctors and nurses are doing everything they can to help not just Covid-19 patients, but other people with serious conditions and injuries too.

    The commitment and professionalism of NHS staff is immense, but we all have to help them by staying as safe as possible.

    If you didn’t catch it earlier this week, it’s worth listening to the ITV News interview with Dr Steve Stanaway at Wrexham Maelor Hospital…

    Two things we can all do right now…

    There are two things we can all do to help slow the spread of the virus, ease pressure on our health services and save lives:

    • Don’t mix with people from other households (indoors or outdoors).
    • Don’t travel except for essential purposes…such as work, health reasons or caring duties.

    It’s simple to understand, sometimes difficult to do, but we all have to do it if we want to turn this around.

    Take a look at the Welsh Government website for more info about the current Alert Level 4 restrictions in Wales.

    Schools update – remote learning to continue

    It’s been announced today that children across Wales will continue to learn online from home.

    This will continue until the February half-term, unless coronavirus levels drop significantly before January 29.

    Vaccination update – Wrexham and North Wales

    The UK vaccination programme is rolling out, and although it’ll take time, it should soon begin to help us win this fight. There is hope.

    Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening locally:

    • North Wales is receiving 22% of all vaccines made available in Wales, based on its population size.
    • In Wrexham, care home staff are currently receiving vaccinations through the mass vaccination centre in Deeside.
    • As more stocks become available, priority groups in the wider population in Wrexham will be offered the vaccine.
    • Prioritisation is based on age with the over 80s receiving the first doses as they are the most vulnerable.
    • The availability of the ‘Oxford’ vaccine is about to make a huge difference (unlike the Pfizer vaccine, it doesn’t need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures).

    You can read more about the rollout in the ‘update for councillors’ at the bottom of this briefing note.

    You can also find out more on the Public Health Wales website.

    Breaking news…

    Moderna vaccine becomes third COVID-19 vaccine approved by UK regulator

    Think before you share

    A lot of misleading ‘facts’ get thrown around on social media.

    Sometimes it’s unintended, sometimes it’s deliberate, and sometimes it can literally cost lives. Because, during a pandemic, misinformation can be lethal.

    So please, before you share info about coronavirus, make sure it’s from a trusted source.

    Local updates and data

    We send Covid-19 updates to councillors every Monday and Friday, which include Public Health Wales data about coronavirus levels in Wrexham.

    Councillors use these updates to help keep their communities informed, and local media also help share the information.

    If you’d like to read today’s update, open the PDFs below:

    Useful sources of information

    Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/”]GET THE FACTS[/button]

  • Covid-19 briefing note – the virus is spreading quickly…don’t invite it round to yours this New Year

    Covid-19 briefing note – the virus is spreading quickly…don’t invite it round to yours this New Year

    The best news to come out of 2020 was about the two vaccines. It’s given us hope.

    But even though the vaccination programme in the UK is gathering pace, it’ll take a long time to roll out and coronavirus won’t go down without a fight.

    In fact, the virus is fighting hard. Cases are on the increase throughout the county borough, the NHS is feeling the pressure, and we all need to think carefully about how we welcome in the New Year.

    Sadly, this is not the time to party. At least not with people outside our household.

    This year, we should only celebrate with the people we live with…and save the parties and get-togethers for better times.

    If we want the vaccination programme to make an impact sooner rather than later, we all need to be socially responsible in the coming weeks and months.

    We all need to do our bit.No party is worth the risk - don't invite coronavirus around to yours this New Year

    What rules do we need to follow?

    The Alert Level 4 restrictions introduced across Wales on December 19 are still in force.

    This means we should:

    • Only mix with people in our own household (both indoors and outdoors).
    • Only travel for essential purposes, such as work, health reasons or caring duties.

    Take a look at the Welsh Government website for more info.

    Do the rules apply to New Year celebrations?

    Yes. There are no exceptions for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

    It’s hard, but we need to save the parties and get-togethers for when this is over.

    Where is the virus in Wrexham?

    Coronavirus is everywhere in the county borough, but if we all do the right thing and continue to stick to the rules, things should start to improve.

    You can find statistics for Wrexham on the Public Health Wales website – including coronavirus levels in your local area (click on the tab that says ‘Cases by MSOA’ and use the ‘Local Authority’ drop-down box on the right to select ‘Wrexham’).

    Get the latest COVID-19 vaccination information

    Why are levels higher in Wrexham?

    Wrexham has the highest coronavirus levels in North Wales at the moment. So why is that?

    There are several things that make Wrexham different to much of North Wales in terms of Covid-19, including:

    • A large urban population.
    • Large employers and workplaces.
    • A prison.
    • Lots of care homes.
    • Lots of educational establishments (university, colleges, schools).
    • A large hospital.
    • Closer proximity to the North West of England, with its large population.

    The main concern at the moment is transmission within the community – both within households and between households.

    That’s why the message about not mixing with other households this New Year is so important. Like the rest of Wales, we need to slow the spread.

    Care homes are another key factor, and these are subject to enhanced surveillance and mass testing.

    At the moment, testing has identified several care homes with a significant number of cases, and these will contribute to the numbers seen in some parts of the county borough.

    Will schools in Wrexham re-open next week?

    At the moment, most schools in Wrexham are aiming to provide face-to-face learning for the majority of pupils from January 11, and all pupils from January 18.

    This is in line with plans for the whole of Wales, and means some pupils will be learning from home during the first week or two of term.

    Schools will keep parents and carers directly informed, so you should know exactly which days your child will be learning from home, and when they’ll return to the classroom for face-to-face learning.

    Of course it’s always difficult to know what’s around the corner at the moment…but if anything changes, your school will let you know.

    Reminder – recycling centres still open

    Our recycling centres at Bryn Lane, Plas Madoc and Brymbo remain open.

    You can attend Bryn Lane and Plas Madoc without an appointment, and you still need to book in advance for the Brymbo site (call 01978 801463).

    Read this blog article for some useful tips before you visit.

    Wrexham household recycling centres to remain open

    Note that we’re also still collecting at the kerbside and will be back to normal from Monday.

    Useful sources of information

    😷 Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info 👈

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/”]GET THE FACTS[/button]

  • Covid-19 briefing note – Alert Level 4 restrictions came into force last night (Dec 19)…this is what it means in Wrexham

    Covid-19 briefing note – Alert Level 4 restrictions came into force last night (Dec 19)…this is what it means in Wrexham

    Last week, Welsh Government announced a new set of rules would come into force across Wales from December 28.

    However, a new variant of coronavirus that is significantly more infectious and spreads more quickly than the original one is contributing to the current increase in cases across the UK, including North Wales.

    As a result, the Alert Level 4 restrictions due to come in on December 28, came into force at midnight last night (December 19).

    While this is serious, Public Health Wales says that it’s normal for viruses to mutate in this way, and that although the variant is easier to transmit, there’s currently no evidence that it’s more severe.

    At the same time, vaccination will continue to offer protection, so it’s important to remain calm and look to the future with hope and optimism.

    Get the latest COVID-19 vaccination information

    What do you need to do?

    As of midnight last night (December 19) you should stay at home and limit the number of people you have contact with.

    This means you should:

    • Only mix with people in your own household.
    • Not meet up with other households (this applies to both indoors and outdoors).
    • Only travel for essential purposes, such as work, health reasons or caring duties.

    Take a look at the Welsh Government website for more info.

    What will close in Wrexham?

    The following facilities are closed, starting from midnight last night (December 19):

    • Non-essential retail premises/shops.
    • The General Market.
    • The Monday Market on Queens Square.
    • Tŷ Pawb car park and building.
    • Hospitality and entertainment venues.
    • Visitor attractions, including Wrexham Museum.
    • Libraries, except for order and collect.
    • Leisure and fitness centres, including Wrexham Waterworld and other Freedom Leisure venues, sports courts and golf courses.
    • Venues for wedding receptions and wakes.

    The council will focus on providing critical services (e.g. highways maintenance) and therefore some other services will be paused.

    What will stay open?

    The following things will stay open:

    • Council-managed parks, country parks and playgrounds.
    • Childcare provision.
    • Places of worship.
    • Wrexham Crematorium (with restrictions for attending services) and cemeteries.
    • The register office at the Guildhall for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, as well as births registrations.
    • The Butchers Market for food retailers.
    • Cafes at Plas Pentwyn and Llay Resource Centres for take-away services only.
    • Outdoor work on council housing, and indoor repairs for tenants if it’s an emergency.
    • All three recycling centres at Bryn Lane, Brymbo and Plas Madoc are planning to remain open, but we’re awaiting final guidance from Welsh Government, which is expected soon. The Brymbo site is by appointment only.

    Christmas bubbles now limited to Christmas Day

    The rules to allow two households to come together to form a Christmas bubble will now only apply on Christmas Day (instead of the five-day period originally planned).

    And it’s still important to remember that the risk of catching or spreading the virus increases whenever we come together, especially with the new variant, so please think carefully before deciding to ‘bubble up.’

    A smaller Christmas is a safer Christmas.

    Useful sources of information

    😷 Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info 👈

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/”]GET THE FACTS[/button]

  • Covid-19 briefing note – what the new rules from Dec 28 will mean in Wrexham

    Covid-19 briefing note – what the new rules from Dec 28 will mean in Wrexham

    Covid-19 briefing note – Alert Level 4 restrictions came into force last night (Dec 19)…this is what it means in Wrexham

    Earlier this week, Welsh Government announced a new set of rules that will come into force across Wales from December 28.

    Under its new traffic light system, the whole of the country will go into ‘Alert Level 4’ – similar to the firebreak lockdown in the autumn.

    So what exactly do you need to do from December 28, and what will change in Wrexham?

    What do you need to do?

    The basic message is simple: stay at home and limit the number of people you have contact with.

    This means you should:

    • Only mix with people in your own household / support bubble (you won’t be able to have an ‘extended’ household).
    • Don’t meet up with other households. This applies to both indoors and outdoors.
    • Only travel for essential purposes, such as work, health reasons or caring duties.

    Get the latest COVID-19 vaccination information

    What will close in Wrexham?

    The following facilities will be closed from December 28 (although many will close sooner due to the Christmas bank holidays):

    • Non-essential retail premises / shops.
    • The General Market.
    • The Monday Market on Queens Square.
    • Tŷ Pawb car park and building.
    • Hospitality and entertainment venues.
    • Visitor attractions, including Wrexham Museum.
    • Libraries will remain closed except for order and collect.
    • Leisure and fitness centres, including Wrexham Waterworld and other Freedom Leisure venues. Sports courts and golf courses will also close.
    • Venues for wedding receptions and wakes.

    The council will focus on providing critical services (e.g. highways maintenance). Some other services will be paused.

    What will stay open?

    The following things will stay open:

    • Council-managed parks, country parks and playgrounds.
    • Childcare provision.
    • Places of worship.
    • Wrexham Crematorium (with restrictions for attending services) and cemeteries.
    • The register office at the Guildhall for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, as well as births registrations.
    • The Butchers Market will stay open for food retailers.
    • Tŷ Pawb will stay open only for traders providing take-away services.
    • Cafes at Plas Pentwyn and Llay Resource Centres will be open for take-away services.
    • Outdoor work on council housing will continue, and we’ll also carry out indoor repairs for tenants if it’s an emergency.
    • All three recycling centres at Bryn Lane, Brymbo and Plas Madoc are planning to remain open, but we’re awaiting final guidance from Welsh Government.

    Christmas bubbles

    From December 23 to 27 (just before the new rules come in on December 28), two households will be able to form a ‘Christmas bubble.’

    It was going to be three households, but in Wales the number has now been reduced to two.

    There’s always an increased risk of catching or spreading the virus whenever we come together…so please think carefully when making plans.

    A smaller Christmas is a safer Christmas.

    If you do decide to bubble-up with another household, follow these tips from Welsh Government:

    • Avoid close contact as much as possible, use space wisely and spread out seating.
    • Open windows or doors to ventilate rooms when it’s safe to do so.
    • Wipe surfaces regularly and wash hands often – especially before eating.
    • Don’t share things like utensils or towels.

    Vaccines save lives

    Vaccines have saved millions of lives, and helped combat many diseases – including polio, measles, diphtheria and tetanus.

    With the UK’s vaccination programme underway, we can look to 2021 with hope and optimism.

    You can find the latest info about the Covid-19 vaccine on the Public Health Wales website.

    Vaccines save lives

    😷 Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info 👈

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/”]GET THE FACTS[/button]

  • Report notes improvements in social services

    Report notes improvements in social services

    Wrexham Council continues to make improvements to children’s social services.

    In February this year, Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) raised concerns about children’s services in Wrexham, and said we needed to be more consistent in responding to children’s needs.

    As a result, we took two immediate steps:

    • We allocated an extra £1million to help ensure the department has the resources it needs.
    • We built on the work of the ‘Accelerated Improvement Board’ – which includes our chief executive, senior councillors and senior managers – by establishing a support team to give the board the ability to implement the changes needed, and to monitor progress and drive forward change.

    In October, CIW carried out an inspection to look at the progress made.

    The inspection report has now been shared with the council, and notes significant progress, with good prospects for continued improvement next year.

    Get the latest COVID-19 vaccination information

    Councillor Andrew Atkinson, Lead Member for Children’s Services, says: “The inspection report provides positive feedback on the work we’ve done so far.

    “For example, it talks about how the extra funding is helping us recruit key social work posts, and how improved working between employees, councillors and partners is having a positive effect.

    “There’s still a long way to go, and CIW would like to see more consistency in some of our social work, but the report says we’re making progress as quickly as possible and moving in the right direction…which is really encouraging.

    “We’ll continue to work with CIW over the coming months so we can build on these positive steps.”

    Adult social care

    CIW has also fed back on improvements to adult social care since their previous inspection in 2018, including reduced waiting lists for some services.

    Councillor Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, says: “There are still areas where we need to make improvements, including how we work with the health sector to make it easier for people to access services in one place.

    “However, CIW recognises the progress made over the past couple of years, and says that adult safeguarding in Wrexham is effective, and that social work practice is generally good.

    “It’s very encouraging and we’ll keep working hard to provide effective adult social services across the county borough.”

    Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/”]GET THE FACTS[/button]

  • North Wales Growth Deal has been signed

    North Wales Growth Deal has been signed

    Thousands of jobs will be created and the region’s economy given a £1bn boost now the ground-breaking North Wales Growth Deal has been signed…

    Both the Welsh and UK Governments and the North Wales Economic Ambition Board today (Thursday) formally approved the five programmes that make up the Deal, a key driver of the overarching Growth Vision for North Wales.

    Led by North Wales Economic Ambition Board – a collaboration of the region’s six councils, two universities, two colleges and private sector representatives – the programmes are made up of 14 projects covering low carbon energy, innovation in high-value manufacturing, agri-food and tourism, digital connectivity and land and property.

    The governments have worked closely with stakeholders throughout the process and had earlier committed £240m – £120m each – to help bring the Deal to fruition.

    To celebrate the landmark occasion, Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart and Ken Skates MS, Minister for the Economy and North Wales, met virtually with Cllrs Dyfrig Siencyn and Mark Pritchard, chair and vice-chair of the Ambition Board.

    Cllr Siencyn thanked both governments for their support and guidance throughout the journey from the initial North Wales Growth Bid to this point.

    “Since day one we have worked in partnership with a fresh approach to regional economic development and sustainability,” he said.

    “Now we must ensure these programmes build on the foundations already laid and bring about long-lasting positive investment and change, notably in terms of employment and a cleaner, greener environment.

    “I am proud and heartened to see the Deal has been given the go-ahead and now the work really begins – congratulations and thank you to everyone who played a part in getting us to this watershed moment.”

    Councillor Mark Pritchard
    Councillor Mark Pritchard

    Councillor Mark Pritchard, Vice-Chair of the Ambition Board and Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “This is a huge moment for North Wales, and the culmination of lots of hard work and determination from partners across the region.

    “This has been a true partnership effort, which has been driven by a common desire to secure a bright economic future for North Wales.

    “This will help improve infrastructure, attract business investment and create jobs, and it was a real honour to sign the deal on behalf of Wrexham today.”

    Get the latest COVID-19 vaccination information

    Portfolio Director Alwen Williams added: “Together we will now strive to build a sustainable and inclusive economy for this region, as a beacon of best practice for other areas of the UK, having learned from the success of other regions.

    “We welcome the responsibility on our shoulders to deliver this package of transformative programmes and are ready to get to work – for our communities, for our businesses, for North Wales.”

    The programmes will be managed by the Portfolio Office, based at Conwy Business Centre in Llandudno Junction.

    Their main objectives are to create 3,800 new jobs by 2036, support an uplift of £2.2bn for the economy over that same period, and deliver total investment of up to £1bn.

    Among the first projects to get underway in 2021 is the £35m Morlais renewable energy scheme off the coast of Anglesey.

    Meanwhile, there has been significant North Wales-wide investment in digital connectivity, with key sites – including GP surgeries, hospitals, and libraries – benefiting from ultrafast broadband thanks to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) Programme, in partnership with the Ambition Board and Portfolio Office.

    Praising the progress made, Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “It’s fantastic see an exciting and transformative economic deal being delivered across North Wales.

    “We want to build back better from the pandemic and bring jobs and investment to our communities, which is why UK Government has already committed £120m to this project.

    “The North Wales Growth Deal is an incredible opportunity for the region and for the wider Welsh economy. Working hand in hand with local government and business, we will ensure it unleashes the full potential of North Wales.”

    Minister for Economy and North Wales Ken Skates added: “I’m pleased to be able to sign the final Deal agreement giving the green light for the North Wales Growth Deal, which has the potential to transform the region’s economy.

    “We cannot underestimate the challenges facing the economy today as result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Growth Deal will be a key part of the region’s recovery over the next months and years.

    “Backed by £120m from the Welsh Government, all partners across the region now have the opportunity to build on what they have already achieved to bring green and sustainable growth – this is a historic day for North Wales.”

    For more information on the Growth Deal, follow @northwaleseab (English) and @buegogleddcymru (Welsh) on social media.

    😷 Get the facts…read the latest NHS Wales Covid-19 vaccination info 👈

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/”]GET THE FACTS[/button]

  • Wrexham schools will switch to online learning for the last few days of term

    Wrexham schools will switch to online learning for the last few days of term

    Secondary schools across Wrexham will switch to online learning for the whole of next week, while primary schools will do the same for the last two days of term.

    The announcement comes on the back of increasing numbers of staff and pupils testing positive or having to isolate, and will hopefully reduce the risk of families having to isolate over Christmas.

    The decision to close secondary schools from Monday (December 14) has been taken by headteachers with the full backing of Wrexham Council.

    While primary school heads and the council have agreed to close all schools by next Thursday (December 17)…although some might close sooner if they need to (parents and carers will be kept informed).

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    Increasingly challenging

    Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, says:

    “Schools have been working hard to stay open, but it’s becoming increasingly challenging due to the numbers of staff and children having to self-isolate due to coronavirus.

    “We’re also aware that many parents are extremely worried about the risk of having to isolate over Christmas, and after such a difficult year, we have to consider people’s well being.

    “Closing premises a few days early and switching to online learning – with teachers delivering lessons remotely – will give schools some much-needed breathing space, while helping to prevent further spread of the virus and reducing the likelihood of families having to isolate over the holidays.”

    Wrexham Council has been monitoring the situation and it was originally hoped that schools across the county borough would stay open until the last day of term (Friday, December 18).

    However, numbers of staff and pupils self-isolating have risen significantly in the past week and the situation has becoming increasingly difficult for head teachers.

    Vaccines save lives

    Councillor Wynn says:

    “It’s important to note that the term isn’t finishing early, and pupils will still be provided with work that they can do from home during the last week.

    “It’s been a really tough year for schools…affecting children, staff, parents and carers.

    “But we’ll keep working together, and the positive news about the vaccination programme in the UK means we can look to the future with hope and optimism.”

    Free school meals

    Direct payments were already due to be paid over the Christmas holidays to parents and carers of children receiving free school meals.

    However, payments will be increased to cover the days that secondary children will spend learning at home next week.

    And given primary school sites will be closed next Thursday and Friday, parents and carers will receive an extra two days’ payment on top of their payment for the holidays.

    If you have any concerns or worries about free school meals, contact freeschoolmeals@wrexham.gov.uk

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  • Over £33m paid out to help Wrexham families and businesses hit by pandemic

    Over £33m paid out to help Wrexham families and businesses hit by pandemic

    Wrexham Council has given out over £33 million of Welsh Government grants and payments since the pandemic started.

    Councils across Wales have been at the forefront in administering grant schemes and other financial packages provided by Welsh Government – offering vital support to households and businesses affected by the economic impact of the virus.

    Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, says:

    “It’s been a huge undertaking, and I’d like to say thank you to the council’s Finance and ICT, Housing and Economy, Education and Social Care departments for a tremendous team effort and stepping up to meet the challenge.

    “I’m glad we’ve been able to play our part in administering this money, which has helped so many local people and businesses.

    “We all know it’s been an incredibly tough year in so many ways, and these grants and payments have helped keep many households and businesses afloat.”

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    What we’ve paid out so far (as of December 1)

    Welsh Government money we’ve paid out so far includes:

    • £1.5 million in free school meal payments.
    • £2.3 million in £500 bonus payments to 3,458 carers.
    • £25 million in support grants to 2,133 local business in respect of the first lockdown period.
    • £3.7 million in support grants to 1,222 businesses during the ‘firebreak’ lockdown (October).
    • £225k in start-up grants to 90 businesses.
    • £158k in freelancer grants to 63 businesses.
    • £591k in firebreak discretionary grants to 330 businesses.

    As well as grants, we’ve also provided support in many other ways to local business owners.

    Examples include rent holidays earlier this year for council market-stall traders and commercial tenants, as well as maintaining payments to school transport providers.

    Councillor David Bithell, Deputy Leader of the Council says:

    “The payments and other support given out by the council – including the grants from Welsh Government – have hopefully made life a little easier during these uncertain times.

    “And for some people, they’ve provided a real lifeline.

    “We’ll keep doing everything we can to support households and local business who’ve felt the financial impact of this global pandemic.”

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe.

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