news.wrexham.gov.uk

Author: Chris

Customers of Wrexham pub advised to be vigilant for Coronavirus symptoms
Public Health Wales and Wrexham Council are advising anyone who visited the North and South Wales Bank pub in Wrexham between 9 and 20 August to be vigilant for the symptoms of Coronavirus.
If customers develop symptoms, however mild, they should immediately self-isolate and apply for a Coronavirus test by visiting www.gov.wales/coronavirus, or by calling the national 119 phone service.
The advice follows the identification of three confirmed cases in staff at the pub. There is no evidence at this stage of transmission to customers, and no outbreak has been declared.
Anyone who meets the definition of a direct contact of the affected staff will be contacted as a routine part of the Test, Trace and Protect process, and customers are being advised to be vigilant as a precautionary measure.
Dr Graham Brown, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control for Public Health Wales, said:
“Public Health Wales is working with Wrexham Council to investigate three cases of Coronavirus in staff at the North and South Wales Bank pub in Wrexham.
“There is no evidence of transmission to customers at this stage, but we are advising anyone who visited the pub between 9 and 20 August to be vigilant for the symptoms of Coronavirus and to book a test straight away if symptoms occur.
HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS.
“The identification of these cases is evidence that the Test, Trace, Protect strategy is working, and no outbreak has been declared.
“As we move through the recovery phase of the Coronavirus pandemic, we expect to see clusters in different settings.
“We manage any clusters of Coronavirus appropriately, including by providing advice around infection prevention and control, and by supporting contact tracing where required.
“We remind the public and business owners that Coronavirus is still circulating in the community.
“We all have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus by sticking to social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others, and washing hands regularly.”
How to get a test if you’ve got Coronavirus Symptoms.
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August 21, 2020
Council and Welsh Government outline next steps in tackling homelessness in Wrexham
Wrexham Council and Welsh Government are working together on the next steps in tackling homelessness and rough sleeping in Wrexham.
Earlier this year – to help prevent the spread of coronavirus – Welsh Government asked local authorities to remove rough sleepers from the streets and to rehouse them in temporary accommodation.
The council worked with Glyndwr University to temporarily lease disused student accommodation at Plas Coch earmarked for future redevelopment.
Councillor David Griffiths, Lead Member for Housing, explains:
“The former student accommodation has been used to house and support people who are homeless or sleeping rough over the past few months, and the arrangement has been very successful.
“As well as helping to prevent the spread of coronavirus and keeping our communities safe during the current emergency, it’s given the council and its partners the chance to provide extra support to many people…helping them find alternative pathways to improved health, employment and housing.
“However, the building was only a temporary arrangement, and – like the rest of Wales – we’re working closely with Welsh Government on finding a more permanent solution.
“We’re working very hard to comply with the direction given to councils by Welsh Government.”
HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS.
A staged approach
A balanced package of measures is being considered, which includes:
- Finding an alternative building to replace the facilities at Plas Coch at the end of September. This will provide a medium-term solution while Tŷ Nos is redeveloped.
- Redeveloping the existing Tŷ Nos rough sleeper facility in the town centre to provide a permanent support hub with increased capacity.
- Identifying and buying five additional properties for use as ‘general need accommodation’ that can be used in different situations to support people who are homeless.
- Updating the council’s Housing Allocations Policy to make it easier to find more permanent accommodation for people who are homeless – in line with Welsh Government’s direction.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, says:
“I want to say a big thank you to Glyndwr University for its help and support over the summer. Allowing us to lease the disused student accommodation has been a huge help, and we’re incredibly grateful.
“I also want to thank all the staff who’ve worked on this project for getting us to where we are.
“As a council, we’re working closely with the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James, to achieve Welsh Government’s vision.
“The measures we’re looking at for the autumn will help reduce the number of rough sleepers in the town, reduce the pressure in our communities, and lead us towards a long-term solution that will benefit everyone.
“Welsh Government policy requires councils to find a long-term solution to rough sleeping, and I think this is really important for Wrexham.”
Working together
Councillor Pritchard adds:
“The proposals have been designed though close working between national and local government, with support from Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, and based on funding from both the council and Welsh Government.
“Taking people off the streets, and providing them with the support they need to improve their health, employment and housing prospects will help everyone in the long-run.”
The Minister for Housing and Local Government says:
“The coronavirus has reminded us all of the fundamental importance of good-quality affordable housing, a safe and secure home and strong and cohesive communities where people want to live and work.
“I have been clear that I do not wish to see anyone forced to return to the streets. We have a unique opportunity to change services and change lives for the better – and make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated.
“Joint working across partners is key to success; partnership working has helped meet immediate needs and develop the longer term measures outlined by Wrexham Council.
“The package announced will build on Wrexham’s work so far and help transform services in the longer term. It is important that we continue to work closely together to provide high quality homes and support that prevent homelessness and where it cannot be prevented ensure people are rapidly rehoused.”
How to get a test if you’ve got Coronavirus Symptoms.
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August 17, 2020
Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 17.8.20
This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on 7.8.20
Key messages for this week
- Businesses and customers are urged to stick to the rules to help keep Wrexham safe.
- Parts of High Street in Wrexham are now closed to traffic after 6pm to support the evening economy.
- Freedom Leisure and Wrexham Council reopened four of their leisure centres today.
- Please remember that only one person should get out of the vehicle when you visit our recycling centres.
In case you missed it…
Today’s briefing note is a summary of announcements and changes over the past few days…
We’re on your side…but please stick to the rules
Action taken against town centre bar, as businesses and customers urged to stick to the rules to help keep Wrexham safe…
As a council, we’re doing everything we can to support local businesses during the Covid-19 emergency.
It’s great to be able to report that the vast majority are managing the risks well, and keeping staff and customers as safe as possible.
However, we also have a duty to intervene when businesses are putting their staff, customers and Wrexham as a whole at risk by failing to introduce Covid-19 safety measures.
Read more…
HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS.
New-look High Street to support the evening economy
From Mondays through to Saturdays – between 6pm and 6am – we’re closing parts of High Street in Wrexham to support the evening economy.
The street will be closed from the Wynnstay to the Old No 7 Bar and Grill.
Read more…
Four of our leisure centres reopen today
As announced last week, Freedom Leisure and Wrexham Council reopened four of its leisure centres today (Monday, August 17).
This will be followed by a second phase in September, when the rest of our leisure facilities will reopen to the public.
Read more…
Please observe the one-person rule at our recycling centres
If you visit one of our recycling centres, please remember that only one person is allowed to leave the vehicle while on-site.
Since our recycling centres have reopened, we’ve had to implement some very strict rules to keep everyone safe.
Read more…
Shielding in Wales paused
From today, people in Wales no longer need to shield for the time-being.
This means people in the ‘shielding group’ can now go to work or school or go shopping, but they should continue to take steps to protect themselves.
Read more on the Welsh Government website…
As cases of coronavirus remain low, it’s safer for those of you who've been shielding to go out and do your own shopping again.
We know this is a big step for many of you, so here’s some practical advice from @CMOWales 👇 (featuring some very cute young people!) 😍#AskDrFrank pic.twitter.com/8gDjFqcEYG
— Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) August 14, 2020

Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19
Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:
- Welsh Government
- Public Health Wales
How to get a test if you’ve got Coronavirus Symptoms.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-test”]APPLY NOW[/button]
Public Briefing Note – 07.08.20
August 17, 2020
We’re on your side…but please stick to the rules
Action taken against town centre bar, as businesses and customers urged to stick to the rules to help keep Wrexham safe…
As a council, we’re doing everything we can to support local businesses during the Covid-19 emergency.
It’s great to be able to report that the vast majority are managing the risks well, and keeping staff and customers as safe as possible.
Every business is different and each one has to work out what changes they need to make to keep everyone safe.
However, we also have a duty to intervene when businesses are putting their staff, customers and Wrexham as a whole at risk by failing to introduce Covid-19 safety measures.
So this week, we’ve issued an “improvement notice” to Chequers bar in Church Street, Wrexham.
We’ve done this using new powers given to local councils under coronavirus legislation.
Breach of regulations
Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, says:
“The premises were in breach of the regulations due to poor control of customer social distancing, no queue-management, and allowing people to drink standing up.
“We don’t want to serve these notices on businesses, but every establishment must follow the rules to help keep Wrexham safe.
“We’ll work with Chequers to provide further guidance and hopefully help them achieve compliance with regulations in the very near future.”
HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS.
It’s not just businesses…it’s every one of us
It’s not just businesses that have a role to play in keeping the town centre safe and welcoming.
It’s customers too. So when you visit a pub, café, restaurant or shop, help staff out by following instructions and sticking to social distancing.
Eating and drinking establishments have to take contact details from customers, so please ‘sign in’ if you’re asked to.
If any staff or customers test positive for Covid-19 at any point, this will help contact tracers get in touch with people they may have come into contact with at the premises.
Striking the right balance
Councillor Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development, says:
“We’re doing everything we can to support local businesses, and there’s a fine balance to strike between keeping people safe and supporting the local economy.
“It’s absolutely vital that businesses follow the regulations. I can’t stress that enough.
“It’s also really important that customers follow the rules when they visit local pubs, bars, restaurants and shops.
“Please be kind to staff and listen to instructions. They’re working in difficult circumstances, and need customers to work with them.
“It’s up to all of us – as businesses and customers – to help keep Wrexham safe, and the vast majority are doing an amazing job.”
Useful info
If you run a business in Wrexham and you’re uncertain about current Covid-19 regulations and how they affect you, take a look at the Welsh Government website.
If you need further advice, contact Wrexham Council on 01978 298990.
If you’re a member of the public and you’re concerned about safety arrangements at a premises while shopping, or eating or drinking out, you can find information the Welsh Government website.
How to get a test if you’ve got Coronavirus Symptoms.
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August 14, 2020
Thank you for everything…let’s keep working hard to keep Wrexham safe
Key messages
- Thank you to everyone whose visited the easy-access testing units.
- Easy-access testing is currently available in Caia Park and Hightown until the end of tomorrow.
- It’s as important as ever that we all stick to the guidelines so we can keep Wrexham safe.
Thank you…
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone whose visited the easy-access testing units in Caia Park and Hightown this week.
The units were introduced earlier this week to make it easier for people living near the edge of Wrexham town centre to get a Covid-19 test if they think they might have symptoms…no matter how mild.
The work has been co-ordinated by Public Health Wales, Wrexham Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, with support from the army, AVOW and the local voluntary sector.
The response from local people has been amazing, with over 800 people going for a test in the first two days – all doing their bit to help keep Wrexham safe.
Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, says:
“The support from the local community has been incredible. Staff working at the sites have been blown away by the community spirit they’ve seen – everyone has been so kind, co-operative and considerate of others.
“Every person who has come forward for a test – to get their symptoms checked – has done a really important thing for their community. By taking this small step, they’ve played their part in helping to keep their family, their community and the whole of Wrexham safe.
“I’m incredibly proud of the communities of Caia Park and Hightown, and of the people of Wrexham as a whole.
“Now everyone in Wrexham needs to keep going…we all still have a huge part to play by following advice and guidance.”
Easy-access testing available until end of tomorrow
The mobile testing centres are currently scheduled to be at Caia Park Health Centre on Prince Charles Road, and at Hightown Community Resource Centre on Fusilier Way (off Bryn Y Cabanau Road) until the end of tomorrow (Saturday, August 1).
So if you live in and around Caia Park or Hightown, and think you have symptoms (no matter how mild), just turn-up between 9am and 6pm.
It’s safe, simple and easy, and you’ll get your test results back within 48 to 72 hours.
Today’s update from Public Health Wales says health officials have been delighted with the response from the community in Wrexham.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://phw.nhs.wales/news/transmission-in-wrexham-community-lower-than-thought-as-two-new-cases-identified-so-far/”]LATEST UPDATE FROM PHW[/button]
Let’s keep doing the right thing
It’s as important as ever that we all stick to the guidelines if we want to keep Wrexham safe.
So what does that mean?
It means sticking to the guidance from Welsh Government, which includes…
- Staying two metres apart.
- Washing your hands regularly.
- Avoiding car-sharing with people from other households.
- Isolating and getting a test if you think you have symptoms.
- Not meeting with other households indoors (in Wales, you can still only meet other households – outside of your extended household – outdoors).
It also means following advice from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board…
- Visiting at the Maelor Hospital is still suspended. If you have to visit the hospital (e.g. for an appointment), only have someone accompany you if it’s absolutely necessary.
- Please wear face coverings in public areas in local hospitals.
And it means following guidance when using public transport…
- Wear a facemask on buses.
- Wear a facemask on trains.
We can do this together
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, says:
“The response from the people of Wrexham has been amazing over the past four or five months.
“Let’s keep going. By sticking to the rules, we can keep Wrexham safe.
“With pubs and restaurants allowed to serve indoors again from Monday (August 3), and other services and facilities continuing to unlock in line with Government guidance, it’s important we all keep following the rules as we enjoy these new freedoms.
“Let’s stick together, let’s stick to the rules, and let’s keep Wrexham safe. I know we can do this.”
Other ways to get a test
If you think you have symptoms, you can also apply for a test online or by phone.
Take a look at the Welsh Government website for more info.
Remember…if you feel really unwell, use the online symptom checker or dial 111 (or call 999 if you think there’s something seriously wrong).
July 31, 2020
Easy-access testing for people in communities on the edge of Wrexham town centre
Updated 29.7.20
Mobile testing units are being introduced this week to make it easier for people living in communities on the edge of Wrexham town centre to get a Covid-19 test.
The easy-access testing facilities will be based in Hightown and Caia Park for several days starting from Wednesday (July 29).
As well as making it easier to get a test, the move will help public health experts get a better understanding of the situation in Wrexham.
Residents living in these areas are being encouraged to get a test if they think they have symptoms…no matter how mild.
The work is being co-ordinated by Public Health Wales, Wrexham Council and other partners, with support from local voluntary sector organisation AVOW and community groups.
Just like in other parts of the country, the testing stations will be managed by the army.
Making it easier for people 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 edge-of-town communities in Wrexham.
“As well as making it easier for people to get a test, it will also help Public Health Wales gain further insight into the local situation.
“The mobile testing units will be based in Hightown and Caia Park over the next few days, and you can go to either testing station if you live in and around these areas. The process is quick and easy.”
However, if you feel really unwell, you should use the online symptom checker or dial 111 (or call 999 if you think there’s something seriously wrong).
For example, don’t try to walk to a testing centre if you’re struggling to catch your breath.
Even if you have mild symptoms, you should get a test
Dr Chris Williams of Public Health Wales says:
“Providing easy-access testing will help us further understand the situation in Wrexham.
“We’re encouraging anyone who thinks they may have symptoms – even very mild ones – to take advantage of the mobile testing units while they’re in the area, and go and get a test.
“Testing is a really important part of the strategy for managing Covid-19 in Wales, so it’s important people step forward if they think they have symptoms.
“Covid-19 can spread in community settings, not just in workplaces.
“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.”
If you’re worried about work
A lot of people might be worried about getting a test in case it means they have to isolate and can’t go to work.
Councillor Hugh Jones says:
“People need to pay bills and put food on the table, and it’s understandable that many will worry about testing positive and having to miss work.
“However, a lot of people may be able to get financial support and the council and its partners will help people access this information.”
Let’s keep Wrexham safe and well
Councillor Jones adds:
“If you think you have symptoms – no matter how mild – please take advantage of the easy access testing in Hightown and Caia Park later this week.
“Public Health Wales, the council and our partners are here to support you. Let’s help keep Wrexham, our families and communities safe and well.
“It’s also important to remember that coronavirus hasn’t gone away, and we all still have a vital role to play in preventing its spread by sticking to social distancing guidelines and staying two metres away from others, as well as washing our hands regularly.”
Where and when you can get a test
The mobile testing centres will be at Caia Park Health Centre on Prince Charles Road, and at Hightown Community Resource Centre, Fusilier Way, off Bryn Y Cabanau Road, from Wednesday, July 29.
We’ll confirm the location in Hightown as soon as possible.
You can just turn-up between 9am and 6pm from Wednesday (July 29) onward. It’s safe, simple and easy.
Other ways to get a test
You can also apply for a test online or by phone.
Take a look at the Welsh Government website for more info.
Remember…if you feel really unwell, use the online symptom checker or dial 111 (or call 999 if you think there’s something seriously wrong).
July 27, 2020
Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 17.7.20
This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on 4.7.20.
Key messages for this week
- The North Wales Contact Tracing Service is recruiting people to join teams across the region, including Wrexham.
- You can keep track of the latest Covid-19 figures for Wales via the online dashboard provided by Public Health Wales (PHW).
- We’re undertaking individual risk-assessments before reopening council-owned play areas and sports pitches.
- People in Wales who are shielding will no longer need to after August 16.
- The annual charge for the garden waste collection service in Wrexham will be introduced on August 31.
- Many tourism businesses have signed-up to the ‘Good to Go’ scheme, which recognises safety measures put in place to reassure visitors.
- News that a cross-border response is underway to support the Airbus workforce has been welcomed.
- Businesses serving food to be eaten on-premises can now sign-up to the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ initiative.
In case you missed it…
Today’s briefing note is a summary of announcements, info and changes from earlier this week…
This could be the most important job you ever do…
The new North Wales Contact Tracing Service is recruiting people to join teams across the region in a range of roles.
By now, you’ve hopefully heard about ‘contact tracing’ and how it’s being used to help combat Covid-19 in Wales.
It involves tracing people who’ve come into contact with an infected person, and advising them on what to do (e.g. get tested, self-isolate).
Have you got the right skills for one of these jobs?
Read more…
Meet contact tracer Morgan Thomas, who’s helping Wrexham in the fight against Covid-19
“I’ve really felt we’re making a difference in what we’re doing, and that sense of protecting the community has been extremely rewarding.”
Find out more about Morgan’s experiences as a contact tracer.
Read more…
HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS
Latest figures on PHW dashboard
You can keep track of the latest Covid-19 figures for Wales via the online dashboard provided by Public Health Wales (PHW).
It provides a useful summary of data, including the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in each area.
Today’s dashboard shows 1,196 cases recorded in Wrexham since testing began…12 more than yesterday. However, PHW has made it clear that these are not new cases.
They’re old (‘historical’) positive cases that were previously recorded as ‘area unknown’, because it wasn’t clear which part of Wales they belonged to.
So these are not 12 new cases, but 12 old cases that could go back as far as April.
You can read the latest update from PHW on its website…
Sports, play and leisure facilities
You might be wondering when council-owned play areas and sports pitches will reopen.
We’re undertaking risk-assessments for each facility and looking at what signage needs to be in place…so we can reopen safely.
Read more…
Shielding in Wales to pause from August 16
The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, has confirmed people in Wales who are shielding will no longer need to after August 16.
The change in advice means that from August 16, people in the shielding group will be able to go to work or school or go shopping, but they should continue to take steps to protect themselves.
Read more on the Welsh Government website…
Garden waste collection charges will apply from August 31
The annual charge for the garden waste collection service was originally due to be introduced back in April.
It was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, but will now be introduced on Monday, August 31.
Read more…
Wrexham businesses are good to go…
Many tourism businesses across the county borough have signed-up to the national ‘Good to Go’ scheme.
The scheme recognises the safety measures put in place behind the scenes to reassure visitors, while still providing a great experience.
Read more…
Cross-border response to support Airbus workforce underway
Wrexham Council and the Mersey Dee Alliance have welcomed news that a cross-border response is underway to support the Airbus workforce and wider supply chain.
Read more on the Welsh Government website…
HMRC invites businesses to register for ‘Eat Out to Help Out’
Businesses serving food for on-premises consumption can now sign-up to a new government initiative called ‘Eat Out to Help Out.’
It’s aimed at protecting jobs and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.
Read more…
Free town centre parking – please stick to time limits
Car parking in council run car parks in the town centre remains free until the end of September although we do ask visitors to observe the time limits in force to ensure popular car parks do not remain full all day. @wrexham #wrexham pic.twitter.com/pSmjo0Q3aX
— Wrexham Council (@wrexhamcbc) July 16, 2020
Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19
Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:
- Welsh Government
- Public Health Wales
How to get a test if you’ve got Coronavirus Symptoms.
[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-test”] APPLY NOW [/button]
Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 4.7.20
July 17, 2020
Wrexham tourism businesses are Good to Go this summer!
With the announcements in recent weeks preparing the Welsh tourism industry to slowly start re-opening, businesses across Wrexham County Borough have faced their own challenges to transition between lockdown and re-opening to safely welcome back visitors to the area.
Since March, tourism operators in the local area have united to work with Wrexham County Borough Council and the This Is Wrexham Tourism Partnership to feed into the strategy of Welsh Government (Visit Wales). After weeks of speculation and uncertainty about the future of the tourism sector in Wales, the announcement on Friday from Welsh Government gave notice to the indoor part of the tourism sector to prepare for reopening on 3rd August, with many self-catering and outdoor attractions reopening from this week.
Despite the news, it has been an anxious time for many tourism businesses across Wales, with the sector still potentially facing the equivalent of a “three winter” year if consumer confidence doesn’t return later this summer, with a lack of revenue to sustain jobs over the winter period. To help with this, many tourism businesses across Wrexham County Borough have signed up to the national “good to go” COVID-safe scheme, recognising the first-class safety measures that have been put in place behind the scenes to reassure visitors whilst still providing a great experience.
One of the County’s most popular holiday parks, the award-winning Plassey in Eyton has been working hard behind the scenes in readiness to welcome back visitors from this weekend.
Cllr Terry Evans (Lead Member for Economy) and Cllr David Bithell (Deputy Leader, WCBC) meet with John Brookshaw at the Plassey Holiday Park.
Despite the uncertainty of recent months, owner John Brookshaw is delighted to be re-opening;
“We are absolutely delighted to reopen and cannot wait to see all our lovely guests once again. The past few months have been really tough and at times incredibly worrying for our family business and for all our team of over 40 staff whose livelihoods depend on the Plassey Holiday Park. To prepare for re-opening, we have also been putting all the necessary training & procedures in to ensure we are Covid-19 Secure and fully compliant, and our guests can return to Plassey in a safe & welcoming environment.”
In the Ceiriog Valley, the highly renowned Hand at Llanarmon has this week received full accreditation from the national “Good to Go” scheme and the AA covid-safe scheme. During the pandemic, the team have also received high praise for the efforts to support the local community by diversifying into takeaway offerings at cost, providing essential supplies and keeping spirits up via their lighthearted social media posts.
Cllr Terry Evans (Lead Member for Economy) and Cllr Trevor Bates meet with Jonathan Greatorex from the Hand Hotel in Llanarmon DC.
Like others with outdoor facilities, the Hand has done a lot of preparation to re-open safely this week, with owner Jonathan Greatorex adding;
“It’s been a pleasure to be there for our rural, isolated community throughout this difficult time. We have served several thousand meals over the past 14 weeks and I’m genuinely proud of everything that we have done. Grant, our Head Chef has worked tirelessly with a daily changing menu to provide takeaway foods and we’re looking up to now opening up again, safely and securely.”
Chair of the This Is Wrexham Tourism Partnership, Sam Regan has faced his own challenges in re-opening the Lemon Tree Restaurant with Rooms in Wrexham with the enforced regulations.
Cllr Terry Evans (Lead Member for Economy) meets with This Is Wrexham Tourism Partnership Chair and owner of the Lemon Tree, Sam Regan.
Sam added;
“At the Lemon Tree, we were just nearing completion on a new-build for 8 extra bedrooms, with occupancy due to have started in April. The increase in local tourism gave us the confidence to make this investment, so it’s going to be vital that ourselves and other local tourism businesses really demonstrate the first class COVID-safe measures that we have been working hard on behind the scenes to make the return of guests as safe as possible from August. As a Tourism Partnership, we’ve also engaged on a daily basis with Visit Wales and tourism businesses across the local area to provide knowledge, advice and insights alongside the Local Authority to enable the sector to build back better and save as many jobs as possible.”
Cllr Terry Evans (Lead Member for Economy) meets with members of the Fat Boar staff following the refurbishment of their outdoor dining area in Wrexham Town Centre.
Lead Member for the Economy at Wrexham County Borough Council, Terry Evans met with several tourism businesses across the local area last Friday and said;
“It really has struck me just how much behind the scenes work has been carried out by all of the businesses which I’ve visited or engaged with over recent months in order to keep guests safe. We’ve worked hard to seek clarity from Welsh Government to save this sector which pulls in over £130m per year for Wrexham’s economy and supports over 1,600 full-time jobs. It’s vital that we do all that we can to encourage visitors back to the area in a safe and responsible way this summer to enjoy many of our town centre and rural attractions and the exceptional hospitality on offer here in Wrexham County Borough”.
With the 5-mile rule now allowing visitor traffic back into Wales and the outdoor and self-catering sector re-opening this week, Wrexham County Borough Council is anticipating a steady return of day visitors and staycations this summer. This will also be complemented with the opening of a new larger Visitor Information Centre on Chester Street later in the Autumn, showcasing the very best of the region’s visitor offer alongside a wide range of local food & drink produce.
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July 16, 2020
Schools to reopen to all pupils from September
Wrexham Council has today welcomed plans by the Education Minister Kirsty Williams to allow schools to reopen in September.
Schools that can do so will safely reopen from the first week of September…with all schools reopening from September 14.
Plans and preparations are underway between the council and local schools to review risk assessments, processes and systems to ensure pupils can be welcomed back safely, and inline with guidance from Welsh Government.
Schools which can, will reopen from the first week of term. Some specific groups of learners might need to be prioritised during this week, such as Year 7, 12, 13 and Special Units for Secondary, Special Units for Early Years and Year 6.
Parents will receive more information from their school and the council as it becomes available.
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School attendance compulsory from Sep 14
From September 14, school attendance will be compulsory. Parents are asked to contact their school if a pupil is unable to attend to discuss further.
Each school will have local challenges to address, including staffing levels. Work is also underway to confirm school transport arrangements, which will be a big challenge. The council will work closely with all schools to overcome issues.
Welsh Government has also announced £29m to boost support for learners to minimise the impacts of the disruption due to the ongoing crisis.
It says the equivalent of 600 extra teachers and 300 teaching assistants will be recruited across Wales throughout the next school year, targeting extra support at Years 11, 12 and 13, as well as disadvantaged and vulnerable learners of all ages.
We’ll be working with schools to clarify the details.
Welcome news
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, says: “Over the last few months, many children will have felt anxious about not being able to learn at school, and not being able to see their friends.
“I welcome the Minister’s plan to allow schools to safely welcome pupils back in September in line with all necessary safety measures and Welsh Government guidance.
“We know hard working staff in schools, learners and their families may well be under additional emotional, financial and psychological pressure during this incredibly challenging period. We will continue to work closely with schools to consider how best to support the ongoing well-being needs of all learners during these challenging times.
“Pupils’ learning has been severely disrupted by the crisis. We welcome the £29m pledge by Welsh Government to recruit extra staff to support the recovery phase, minimise the impacts on pupils, and continue the ongoing work to raise school standards.”
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July 9, 2020
Airbus job losses will be felt here in Wrexham – we’ll work with partners to do everything we can
Wrexham Council has issued a message of support to local families and businesses following news that Airbus is shedding 1,700 UK jobs.
The aerospace giant made the announcement last week, with many of the jobs being lost at the company’s Broughton site in neighbouring Flintshire.
A lot of people in Wrexham work at the site, and local businesses are also involved in supplying materials, goods and services to the plant.
“Massive employer”
Councillor Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economy, says: “We know that a lot of people in Wrexham will be affected by this, and will be really worried about the future.
“Airbus is such a massive employer in the region and hugely respected – providing high-quality jobs for people across North East Wales, Cheshire and Wirral.
“A lot of businesses will also be affected…including firms right here in the county borough.
“It’s important we work with our partners – including neighbouring local authorities and Welsh Government – to do everything we can to attract investment and support for the region…so we can help businesses get through these tough times, protect jobs and create new ones.”
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Protecting jobs and industries
The aerospace industry is feeling the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, with less demand for air travel and aircraft at the moment.
Only recently, Magellan Aerospace – which supplies components to Airbus – confirmed it had entered into consultation with staff on the proposed loss of 240 jobs at its factory in Llay.
The Mersey Dee Alliance (MDA) – an economic partnership between North East Wales, Cheshire and Wirral – has pledged to do everything it can to support the cross-border economy.
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council and chair of the MDA, says: “Our thoughts are with the anxious families of the employees of Airbus and its supply chain companies.
“We know how devastating this news will be to so many people, and will try and do everything we can to work with our partners to protect jobs and support local industries through this very difficult time.
“So many people and businesses in Wrexham will be affected by the job losses, and we have to do everything we can with our partners to secure investment and support for the region.”
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July 7, 2020