news.wrexham.gov.uk

Author: Chris

Covid-19 briefing note – two-week fire break means ‘stay at home’
Today, Welsh Government announced a ‘fire break’ to slow down the spread of the virus.
This means a return to stronger restrictions for two weeks, starting from 6pm this Friday, October 23.
The break will include the half-term holiday and will end on Monday, November 9.
We all know the virus is spreading rapidly in every part of Wales – including Wrexham – and if we don’t act now, there’s a real chance the NHS could be overwhelmed.
This is really hard.
But if we work together, we can help keep Wales and Wrexham safe, save lives and hopefully avoid an even tougher lockdown in the future.
Read the coronavirus fire break FAQs on the Welsh Government website.
What do I need to do?
So from 6pm this Friday, everyone in Wales will need to stay at home.
This means you should:
- Work from home wherever possible. The only exceptions will be critical workers and jobs where it isn’t possible.
- Only leave home to exercise, or for essential purposes like shopping or medicine.
- Avoid any gatherings with people you don’t live with – either indoors or outdoors. Although if you live alone or you’re a single parent, you can link-up with one other household for support.
But the basic message is simple. Stay at home.
And please remember that the current local restrictions are still in place until 6pm on Friday.
What will close?
All across Wales, the following services and facilities will close:
- All non-essential retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses.
- Community centres, libraries and recycling centres.
- Places of worship will be closed, except for funerals, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.
We’ll provide you with more info about what this means for Wrexham later this week.
What will stay open?
The following things will stay open:
- Parks, cemeteries and playgrounds where possible.
- Childcare provision.
- Primary and special schools will re-open as normal after half-term.
- Secondary schools will re-open after half-term for years 7 and 8, and for pupils sitting exams. Although pupils in years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will stay at home and use remote learning.
- Universities and colleges will stay open. Although students on reading weeks or half-term will need to stay in their university accommodation.
Again, we’ll provide you with more info later this week.
We need to come together
It’s been an incredibly tough year in so many ways.
The virus has affected our health, our jobs, and our ability to see and be with the people we love.
But by coming together once again, and making another huge effort in Wrexham and across Wales, we can save lives and protect the NHS…just like we did in the summer.
It won’t be easy, but we have no choice…and we if we stick together, we’ll get through it.
Take care and stay safe.
If you need support, you can call the Mental Health Helpline on 0800 132 737 or text 81066.
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October 19, 2020
Covid-19 briefing note – easy-access testing in Wrexham town centre
Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive
Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council
A testing station will open this week to make it easier for people in Wrexham to get a Covid-19 test.
The easy-access facility will be based at the Memorial Hall at Bodhyfryd (LL12 7AG) starting from tomorrow (Thursday, October 15), and will stay there until further notice.
For the first two days – from Thursday, October 15 to Friday, October 16 – the unit will operate on a ‘walk in’ basis.
If you have any symptoms, you can go there between 9am and 5pm and get a test.
You don’t need an appointment – just turn up.
After the first two days – from Saturday onwards – you’ll need an appointment. The Welsh Government website tells you how to apply for a test.
You can also apply for a test using the NHS Covid-19 app on your phone.
While you’re waiting for a test or your results, please follow the self-isolation guidance on the Welsh Government website.
Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.
Slowing the spread
As well as making it easier and more convenient for local people to get tested, the move will help health professionals and contact tracers identify cases more quickly…helping to stem the spread of the virus in Wrexham.
Cases are rising rapidly across most of North Wales at the moment, and today’s figures from Public Health Wales show Wrexham has 186 cases per 100k population (based on a seven-day rolling basis).
That’s a huge increase on 33 per 100k reported just over two weeks ago.
The work is being co-ordinated by Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care, Wrexham Council and other partners, with support from local voluntary sector organisation AVOW and community groups.
Making it easier to get tested
Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, says:
“We’re working with our partners to provide easy-access testing in Wrexham, and I would encourage anyone with symptoms to take advantage of the facility at the Memorial Hall.
“For the first two days – this Thursday and Friday – you won’t need an appointment and the process is quick and easy.
“But from Saturday onwards, you’ll need an appointment.
“As well as offering convenience for local people, the extra testing will help the council and its partners identify cases more quickly…making it easier to contain the virus.”
If you have symptoms, get a test
As well as offering convenience for local people, providing easy-access testing will help us further understand the situation in Wrexham.
Testing is a really important part of the strategy for managing Covid-19 in Wales, and can be the difference between containing the virus, or helping it spread.
So it’s important people step forward if they think they have symptoms, and either walk in this Thursday or Friday…or apply for a test from Saturday onwards.
If you do test positive, you’ll be given advice by contact tracers at Wrexham Council.
They’ll advise you on how long to isolate for and what support you can get to help you through the isolation period.
They’ll also ask for your help in tracing people you’ve been in close contact with recently.
Let’s keep Wrexham safe and well
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, adds:
“I’ve had conversations with the First Minister and Health Minister at Welsh Government, as well as at WLGA meetings, about bringing a testing centre to Wrexham, and so I’m pleased this has come to fruition.
“Public Health Wales, the NHS, DHSC, the council and our partners are here to support you. Let’s help keep Wrexham, our families and communities safe and well.
“We still have a long way to go in this fight against the virus, but by doing the right thing, you’re making a huge difference. Thank you.”
Residents are also being reminded to:
- Stick to social distancing.
- Wear facemasks in shops and other indoor public spaces, and on public transport.
- Wash hands regularly.
- Only travel out of county for essential purposes like work or education.
- Only meet people from other households outdoors.
Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]
October 14, 2020
Covid-19 briefing note – Why we have local restrictions and how to get a test
We’ll be aiming to provide these updates twice-a-week while local restrictions are in place…
Why we have extra restrictions in Wrexham
Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive
Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council
Since Tuesday last week, the number of positive Covid-19 cases in Wrexham has risen from 33.1 to 126.5 per 100k population (on a rolling seven-day basis).
The positivity rate is now 8.8%.
We should all be worried.
And it’s the reason that local measures were introduced last Thursday to help fight the virus in Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy.
There’s absolutely no doubt that Covid-19 is spreading in our community, and that we need these extra restrictions to help bring it under control.
A lot of people questioned why the measures were being introduced last week.
Some people were frustrated and didn’t want more rules and disruption in their lives, and that’s totally understandable. We’re all suffering with ‘pandemic fatigue.’
But the data proves it was the right thing to do. Coronavirus is on the increase in Wrexham and most of North Wales, and we need these extra measures if we’re going to fight back.
However, they’ll only work if we all stick to them. So please stick to them…
- Don’t travel out of county unless it’s for work or education.
- Don’t meet indoors with people outside your household.
It’s not just ‘the youth’…it’s all of us
There’s been a lot of concern about young people catching and spreading the virus, but the highest rate of increase at the moment is among 40 to 59 year olds.
So it’s not just ‘the youth’…we all need to stick to social distancing – whether we’re at work, on public transport, visiting the town centre or anywhere else outside of our household.
The few people who choose not to social distance are being pretty selfish – they’re putting themselves and others at risk, and will make it more difficult for Wrexham to get on top of the virus and away from extra restrictions.
Please also remember to clean your hands regularly, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wear a face-mask in shops and on public transport.
If we work together, we can help keep Wrexham and the people we love safe this autumn.
Thank you for everything you’re doing. Together, we can beat this virus.
Full details of restrictions in Wrexham can be found on the Welsh Government website.
How to get a test
Councillor Hugh Jones – Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety
A crucial part of the fight against coronavirus is to make sure you isolate and get a test as soon as you have any symptoms.
Testing is a key part of the Test, Trace and Protect approach in Wales, and we all need to do our bit and act quickly if we think we’re displaying any signs of the virus.
Symptoms include:
- A new continuous cough.
- A high temperature.
- Loss of or change to sense of smell or taste.
If you develop any of these symptoms, the first thing you need to do is follow the self-isolation guidance on the Welsh Government website.
The second thing you need to do is apply for a test. Again, you can find out how to do this on the Welsh Government website.
You can also apply for a test using the NHS Covid-19 app on your phone.
If you’re a key worker, you may be offered a test at the Maelor Hospital facility.
Tests in Wales involve either a single dry swab taken from the back of the throat, or a combined throat and nose swab.
Taking swift action can be the difference between containing the virus, or helping it spread. So please act quickly and help keep Wrexham safe.
In case you missed it…
Important Wrexham stories and announcements from the past few days…
Local lockdown – guidance on going to school
Improvement notice served on the Red Lion in Marchwiel
Grant funding available for town centre businesses
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October 7, 2020
Nineteen arrested in operation against Wrexham drugs gang
A series of warrants executed this week as part of an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in Wrexham has so far resulted in 19 arrests.
Operation Lancelot, which has been over five months in the planning, has been investigating the activities of a local organised crime group supplying heroin and crack cocaine in the area.
More than 50 officers took part in a series of arrest warrants in Caia Park and other locations across Wrexham on Monday September 28. Further warrants were also executed in and around the town on October 1 and today (October 2).
Fourteen men and five women have so far been arrested, charged and remanded in custody on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Carefully planned operation
Chief Inspector Steve Roberts said: “I am delighted with the way this carefully planned operation has developed this week. We have been determined to dismantle this gang and a large group of men and women have been arrested and charged with serious offences. It is now a matter for the courts.”
“I would like to thank the local community for the support and information they have given us to help carry out such a large scale targeted operation. I hope residents and businesses will see that North Wales Police is committed to tackling this criminal activity which brings so much misery to individuals and blights communities.”
Supporting our communities
Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “Even during these challenging times, the fight against drugs and organised crime continues, and I’d like to thank North Wales Police for carrying out this important operation.
“It’s also important to recognise the work of partner agencies supporting the local community, and the community itself for their understanding.
“Illegal drugs bring so much misery to people’s lives, and targeted initiatives like this play an important part in supporting our communities – helping to ensure residents feel safe and able to go about their daily lives in peace.”
Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]
October 2, 2020
Why we need extra restrictions in Wrexham: Covid figures up significantly in just 48 hours
Today’s figures from Public Health Wales show that Wrexham has gone up from 33.1 cases per 100k population on Tuesday, to 59.6 cases per 100k today.
The figures are based on a seven-day rolling period, and show a significant increase in just 48 hours.
And we’re not just talking about numbers on a chart. These figures represent real people in our community, and sadly there’s a chance that some of them might become very ill.
This underlines why introducing extra local restrictions in Wrexham from 6pm tonight is the right thing to do.
Extra restrictions will help fight ‘second wave’ in North Wales
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, says:
“The upward trend is stark, and the figures – which are based on a rolling seven-day period – once again show that Wrexham has done the right thing by acting quickly and introducing extra restrictions…along with Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy.
“Many people are frustrated about the extra measures that come into force tonight, and I completely understand that. The world is in a pretty difficult place at the moment…we’re all tired and we all want life to go back to normal.
“But the data and the science show that extra restrictions are needed if we want to bring the virus under control again in Wrexham. We don’t have a choice.
“So once again, I’m urging each and every one of us to know the rules and to stick to them.
“More than that, I’m asking everyone to do the right thing, and do everything they can to prevent the spread of the virus.
“It’s about doing our best to protect other people…including the people we love.”
Full details of restrictions in Wrexham can be found on the Welsh Government website.
The key changes that will apply from 6pm tonight are:
- People won’t be allowed to enter or leave the county without a reasonable excuse, such as travel for work or education.
- If you live in Wrexham County Borough, you’ll only be able to meet people you don’t live with outdoors. You won’t be able to be part of an extended household (sometimes called a ‘bubble’).
Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]
October 1, 2020
Extra restrictions will help fight ‘second wave’ in North Wales
Four North Wales councils, the Welsh Government and other key partners have agreed to support extra restrictions to help fight coronavirus in the region.
As of Thursday at 6pm, extra restrictions will be introduced in the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. The restrictions will mean that residents will not be able to travel out of the county in which they live without a valid reason.
By taking early action, partners hope they can slow the upward trend in cases over the past week or so – helping to protect local people from the virus, as well as businesses from more radical lockdown measures further down the line.
The two other North Wales councils – Anglesey and Gwynedd – have lower rates of coronavirus at the moment, but will continue to monitor the situation.
Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.
Councillor Sam Rowlands, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council says:
“We all know the figures are going up, so taking early action to control the spread of the virus and to protect people’s health is crucial. By supporting extra measures now, we have a better chance of reversing the trend, keeping people safe.”
Councillor Hugh Evans, OBE Leader of Denbighshire County Council adds:
“It makes sense for Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham to act together given the rise in cases. However, it is important to stress that the restrictions will mean that residents will not be able to travel freely between the counties unless they have a valid reason.”
What do the restrictions mean?
The restrictions, which come into effect from 6pm on Thursday, will mean that:
- People will not be allowed to enter or leave the county in which they live (Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham) without a reasonable excuse such as travel for work or education.
- People will only be able to meet people they don’t live with outdoors for the time being. They will not be able to form, or be in, extended households (sometimes called a “bubble”).
Residents are also asked to remember to stick to existing guidance, which includes:
- Staying at home if you have Coronavirus symptoms and request a test immediately.
- Working from home wherever you can.
- Avoiding car-sharing.
- Those over 11 must wear a face-mask in indoor public spaces and on public transport.
- Covering your mouth whenever you sneeze or cough.
- Keeping your hands clean.
- Hospitality businesses in Wales have to close by 10pm, with table service only, and off-licences and supermarkets having to stop selling alcohol from 10pm.
Getting the balance right
Councillor Ian Roberts, Leader of Flintshire County Council says:
“We know many businesses will be worried about further restrictions, but by taking these measures now, we hope we can protect them from the need for tighter restrictions in the future. We will continue to work in partnership and lobby Welsh Government for additional support for businesses affected as a result of these stricter regulations.”
Councillor Mark Pritchard Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council concludes: “It’s a balance between people’s health and the economy, and we have to do everything we can to get it right.
“These measures will be kept under constant review as we look to control the spread of the virus in the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.”
Full details about the restrictions, including frequently asked questions, will be available on https://gov.wales/local-lockdown as soon as possible.
Acting early to protect residents and the economy
Councillor Pritchard adds:
“In Wrexham we acted early to put in place community testing to protect residents when we had outbreaks at Rowan Foods on Wrexham Industrial Estate, and at the Maelor Hospital. Given that all the scientific analysis and figures now show that the virus is spreading in communities across North Wales, we’re all disappointed, but it is right to act early to protect residents and the local economy.
“We’re all aware that this virus takes lives, so can I ask once again that we all work together to keep Wrexham safe.
“These restrictions are not a full scale lockdown of businesses and the hospitality sector – they do enable businesses to continue to operate. By acting early we are protecting people’s lives and supporting the local economy. If we didn’t act now we would see more cases and potentially more severe restrictions and greater lockdowns of local businesses.
“Once again, thank you to everyone in Wrexham for their continued support in these extremely challenging times. The way that all communities in Wrexham are working together is something we should all be proud of.”
Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]
September 30, 2020
New NHS Covid-19 app – download it for Wrexham, and the people you love
People in Wrexham are being urged to download the new Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep the people they love safe this autumn.
Launched today, the app is the latest weapon in the fight against the virus, and helps you record the locations you visit by scanning QR codes at shops, pubs, restaurants and other venues.
If you visit a location where there’s a chance you came into contact with the virus, you’ll get an early warning alert from the NHS.
If you test positive for Covid-19, you’ll be able to use the app to tell contact tracers where you’ve been – information that could be crucial in helping to stop the spread of the disease.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]
Download it for Wrexham
Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, says:
“Along with social distancing, this app could prove really important this autumn…helping contact tracers quickly identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.
“So please download it, and use it to ‘check-in’ whenever you see a QR code at the locations you visit.
“The more people use the app, the more effective it will be.”
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, adds:
“If you have a smart phone, please download the app.
“Do it for yourselves and your friends and family. Do it for the NHS. Do it for your community.
“We’ve stuck together throughout this emergency, and I’m incredibly proud of the way Wrexham has played its part in the fight against Covid-19.
“Lets keep going. Please stick to social distancing, and please use this app as much as you can.”
How to use QR codes to check into a venue
Businesses asked to display QR codes
The UK and Welsh governments are encouraging businesses to display QR codes at their premises…so visitors can scan the codes with the app.
The more businesses display the codes, the more app users will be able to record where they visit.
Businesses in Wrexham who want to display a QR code poster and support the NHS, can create and download one from the UK Government website.
Other features
The app provides a range of other features, including:
- Alerts if you’ve been near other app users who’ve tested positive.
- Info about the level of coronavirus risk in your postcode area.
- Help with checking for symptoms and working out if you need a test.
- Help with booking a test.
- A countdown tool to help you keep track if you need to self-isolate.
Download it now
You’ll find the app on both Google Play (Android) and the App Store (iPhone).
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]
September 24, 2020
Don’t make this the autumn of regret – stick to social distancing
As schools, colleges and universities reopen, and more people go back to the workplace this month, life is starting to feel a bit more ‘normal.’
That’s a good thing…and a very dangerous thing too.
After six months of lockdown, it feels good to have some of our old routines back in our lives…even if things aren’t quite the same as before.
To be able to go back to the classroom or office. To see more shops, pubs and restaurants open. To be able to go more places and do more things again. It’s a relief for many of us.
But although life might look more normal on the outside, Covid-19 is still here…and hurting people every day.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, says:
“If we don’t all do our bit, we could go backwards very quickly…and find ourselves dealing with a second wave.
“If it got bad enough, we could lose some of our freedoms again…and the local lockdown in Caerphilly illustrates this.
“But more importantly, more people could lose their lives.
“So don’t make this the autumn of regret. Stick to social distancing, and help keep Wrexham safe.
“The decisions you make will count.”
You might feel invincible…but what about the people you love?
There’s a concern that some people don’t feel too worried about Covid-19 anymore, and they’ve forgotten how serious the pandemic is.
Wrexham Council’s Chief Executive, Ian Bancroft, says:
“It’s possible that some people are getting bored or frustrated with all the rules, and they feel like they’re healthy enough to cope if they catch it.
“But nobody is invincible, and they could pass on the disease to other people…including friends, parents and grandparents.
“So please don’t take unnecessary risks. Help keep the people you love safe. Help keep everyone safe.”
What’s the point if I can’t social distance all the time?
In some situations – even with safety measures in place – it’s difficult to social distance. In certain jobs for example.
But don’t add to that risk.
Cllr Pritchard says:
“Keep your chances of catching or transmitting the virus as low as possible. Keep apart whenever you can.
“That friendly arm around the shoulder or pat on the back with friends or colleagues? Don’t do it. It might seem harmless, but it could help spread the disease…and someone, somewhere, could pay the price.”
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus
You can make a difference
Cllr Pritchard says:
“The vast majority of people continue to take social distancing seriously, and I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who is doing their bit.
“Autumn is going to be a critical period for Wrexham, Wales and the UK, and by continuing to follow the rules – and sticking to social distancing – you can make a difference.
“Every one of us can have a say in how this story ends.”
One last thing…
Earlier this week, Welsh Government Health Minister Vaughan Gething shared this example of how easily the virus can spread. It’s a reminder of how vigilant we all need to be…
“I want to share this example with you from the last few weeks.
“A group of friends returned from a short holiday in Ibiza last month – three of them came home with coronavirus.
“When they came home, one of the group passed the virus on to their partner and his father.
“Another person in the group had a party the day after coming home and four people caught coronavirus.
“One of these then passed the virus on to their brother who then passed it to a friend by sharing a car.
“Another party guest passed it on to their sister, who in turn infected a friend on a night out.
“Within just a few days of the friends’ return home, 13 people had coronavirus.”
How to get a coronavirus test…
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September 10, 2020
Optimistic, despite tough times
MDA chair and president meet to discuss the North East Wales, West Cheshire and Wirral economy…
Two senior figures spearheading the drive to support the economy in North East Wales, West Cheshire and Wirral say they’re optimistic about the future, despite tough times.
Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA) chair Councillor Mark Pritchard, and president Lord Barry Jones, recently met in Wrexham to talk about the challenges and opportunities facing the region.
Earlier this year, Councillor Pritchard took over as chair of the cross-border partnership, while Lord Barry has been president since 2015.
The MDA supports business, jobs and infrastructure across North East Wales, West Cheshire and Wirral.
Only recently, the partnership welcomed the cross-border response to support the Airbus workforce, following news of job losses at the aircraft manufacturer’s Broughton plant in Flintshire.
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus.
Challenges and opportunities
Councillor Pritchard said: “I’ve said previously that Wrexham, West Cheshire, Wirral and Flintshire are wonderful places in their own right. But we also have an incredibly strong economic bond, and our voice is so much more powerful when we work together.
“Covid-19 is having a huge impact on the world economy. Given the challenges our region is facing – including job losses in the aerospace industry – it’s more important than ever that we stick together.
“It’s also important to remain sighted on the opportunities we have, and the partnership will need to push ahead with its aim of attracting investment for the region.
“One of our goals is to further develop the economic potential of key employment sites, and that won’t change.
“With the right investment, these sites could create thousands of new jobs over the next 15 to 20 years, and there’s real reason to be optimistic about the future.”
A strong voice
Lord Jones has played a key role in helping to promote the aims of the partnership over the past four years, and says the MDA has a vital job to do.
He said: “As a partnership, it’s important we continue to strengthen links and infrastructure across Cheshire, Wirral and North East Wales.
“Our cross-border economy has tremendous potential, and by attracting the right investment, we can continue to support local industries and jobs.
“By making sure the region’s voice is heard, the MDA can play a key role in helping the region get through these difficult times – and then kick-on to even greater success.”
Did you know…
- The MDA area includes Flintshire, Wrexham, Cheshire West and Wirral.
- It has a population of almost one million people.
- It generates around £21.8bn GVA per annum, and is important to both the Welsh and English economies.
- It has a high concentration of advanced manufacturing, and important clusters of energy, aerospace, automotive, engineering, chemical and food processing industries, as well as professional and financial services.
- With the right investment, it’s thought these sites could create up to 50,000 new jobs over the next 15 to 20 years.
- Major employers include Airbus, Tata, Toyota, Vauxhall, JCB, Unilever, Cammell Laird, Bank of America, Essar, Encirc and Iceland Foods.
- 16% of the workforce (65,100 people) are employed in manufacturing / engineering, compared to the UK average of 9%.
- The partnership aims to further develop the economic potential of key employment sites across the region including Wirral Waters (part of Mersey Waters Enterprise Zone), Deeside Enterprise Zone, Wrexham Industrial Estate and Technology Park, Chester and Ellesmere Port (part of the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone).
- Knowledge centres include the University of Chester and Wrexham Glyndwr University, Coleg Cambria, Cheshire College and Wirral Metropolitan College. Research and development also features largely at places like Thornton Science Park, Optic Glyndwr, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru and the Maritime Knowledge Hub.
- The MDA holds six business breakfasts every year. They’re considered among the best networking events in the area and regularly attract over 150 delegates.
www.merseydeealliance.org.uk
How to get a coronavirus test…
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-test”]APPLY NOW[/button]
September 8, 2020
Do you have a refillable bottle of gas for your barbecue?
Do you have a refillable bottle of gas to use with a barbecue, camping stove or similar?
Lots of people have these at home for various reasons, but care must be exercised when storing, handling or using bottled gas.
Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards officers are currently investigating an incident involving a gas bottle in the back garden of a home in Wrexham.
A 10kg bottle of gas connected to a barbecue ruptured, causing immediate escape of the gas from the bottle.
Although the gas did not ignite (the barbecue was not in use at the time), the force of the escaping gas was enough to send the bottle and the attached barbecue across the garden and through a fence. No one was present at the time and no one was injured.
Urgent investigations continue into the cause of the failure and to identify if there is any cause for concern that there are any further suspect bottles in circulation.
In the meantime, Trading Standards are warning residents to ensure they are storing and using bottled gas safely.
- Store gas bottles outdoors (not in the garage). If that’s not possible keep them somewhere that is well ventilated.
- Keep them away from building entry/exit points.
- Store bottles well away from any source of heat or ignition.
- Store them upright and secured against falling over.
- Do not store in basements or cellars.
- In hot weather, store them in the shade out of direct sunlight.
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August 21, 2020