news.wrexham.gov.uk

Author: Chris

  • New project will help kick-start young lives

    New project will help kick-start young lives

    A new initiative to help young people develop confidence and learn important life-skills has just been launched in Wrexham.

    The Kickstart Project aims to support young people aged 16+ who have complex needs or circumstances – helping them learn social and practical skills, further their education, find employment and live more independent lives.

    The project will benefit many young people leaving care or at risk of homelessness, and is being delivered by Wrexham Council, Castell Ventures and Wales & West Housing Association.

    The scheme will provide different levels of support, ranging from 24/7 supervised accommodation for those who need lots of help to begin with, to less intensive support for those already well on their way to living independently.

    Are you the victim of a loan shark? Call 0300 123 311.

    Councillor Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “There is an assumption that once you become an adult, you must stand on your own two feet and make appropriate decisions on issues such money and finding work.

    “However, for many people, particularly young adults with complex needs or facing challenging circumstances – for example, not having a family to support them – then it can be an incredibly unsettling time.

    “But by providing the right support, we can build their confidence and set them on their way to becoming strong, independent adults.

    “The Kickstart project will make a big difference to a lot of young lives, and it’s just one example of how Wrexham County Borough Council and its partners work behind the scenes to support our young people locally.”

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Council staff support Ukrainian refugees this Christmas

    Council staff support Ukrainian refugees this Christmas

    Wrexham Council employees recently held a pre-Christmas event for Ukrainian refugees staying in the county borough.

    Staff in the Housing Department invited Ukrainian guests along for tea, cake and biscuits at the council offices in Ruthin Road, as part of ongoing efforts to help refugees feel safe and welcome.

    Housing staff helped lay on refreshments and there was plenty of laughter and friendship in the room.

    Councillor David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Housing, helped organise the event. He said:

    “It was a lovely morning and our staff really went the extra mile to make our guests feel welcome.

    “The war in Ukraine has forced many people to flee their homes, and it’s important that we continue to make refugees staying in the county borough feel safe and supported.

    “I was really proud of our staff – they did a tremendous job and you could feel the warmth and friendship between everyone.”

    Are you the victim of a loan shark? Call 0300 123 311.

    The event was also attended by other council employees who are instrumental in supporting Ukrainian families, as well as the Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Pritchard, and Wrexham AFC’s community development team.

    Councillor Pritchard said:

    “This will be a difficult Christmas for many people whose lives have been turned upside down by the war, and we need to do everything we can to make them feel safe and welcome.

    “Wrexham has always been known for its compassion, and is a caring and warm-hearted community, and it was wonderful to see our guests enjoying some tea, cake and friendly conversation with staff. It was a lovely event.

    “I would like to say a big thank you to all officers and members of staff who’ve been involved from day one. They’ve done a fantastic job.”

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • UPDATED: More pictures and video from The King and The Queen Consort’s visit to Wrexham

    UPDATED: More pictures and video from The King and The Queen Consort’s visit to Wrexham

    Updated 13.12.22

    Friday, December 9 (2022) will go down as a truly historic day for Wrexham, and one that will live long in our memories!

    It was the day that Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort visited Wales’ newest city, generating a huge amount of excitement across the county borough.

    It started with a visit to The Racecourse ground to visit Wrexham AFC, where Their Majesties met owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, as well as players and staff.

    This was followed by a service at St Giles Church to mark Wrexham becoming a city, and the day was rounded off with a tree planting for The Queen’s Green Canopy at the breath-taking National Trust estate at Erddig.

    Take a look at these amazing pictures…

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    The Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Brian Cameron, said: “What a wonderful day for Wales’ newest city!

    “These are exciting times and it was a tremendous honour to welcome Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort to the county borough.”

    King Charles III in Wrexham

    Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “There’s a huge amount of positive energy around the city of Wrexham at the moment.

    “We have a World Heritage Site, an amazing football club and people all over the world are starting to hear about us and are visiting Wrexham.

    “I’m incredibly proud of Wrexham’s story, and to receive a visit from Their Majesties is wonderful and a very proud moment for myself.”

    Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive at Wrexham Council, said: “This was a truly historic day for the county borough.

    “Wrexham is raising the bar and showing the world what amazing potential it has, and to be able to welcome Their Majesties to celebrate city status is a fitting to way to round off an exceptional year for Wrexham.”

  • Make sure you know the symptoms of Strep A and Scarlet Fever

    Make sure you know the symptoms of Strep A and Scarlet Fever

    High fever | Sore throat | Rash | Severe muscle aches | Redness at the site of a wound

    You’ve probably seen the reports in the national media this week about invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection (iGAS) – also known as ‘Strep A.’

    There have been several serious cases in the UK involving young children, and parents and schools are being urged to look out for symptoms.

    Public Health Wales has issued the following advice:

    • Schools should be alert to the possibility of infection in children who become ill with a fever, sore throat or rash.
    • Parents of unwell children should seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.
    • Anyone with scarlet fever should stay away from school for 24 hours after the start of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
    • Good hand hygiene and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’) can help prevent the spread.

    Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever

    Strep A can sometimes cause scarlet fever.

    This is highly infectious and can be caught through direct contact with an infected person or through the air via droplets from coughs or sneezes.

    The main symptom of scarlet fever is a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch.

    Other symptoms include a high temperature, flushed face and a red, swollen tongue.

    Treatment is straightforward and usually involves a course of penicillin antibiotics.

    Complications of scarlet fever and streptococcal infection

    Most cases of scarlet fever cause no complications, especially if the condition is properly treated.

    However, complications in the early stages can include ear infection, throat abscess, sinusitis, pneumonia and meningitis.

    Very rare complications include rheumatic fever, kidney damage, liver damage, bone infection, blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome which can be life-threatening.

    Early signs of invasive disease include:

    • High fever.
    • Severe muscle aches.
    • Local muscle tenderness.
    • Redness at the site of a wound.

    If you have concerns about invasive disease, then you must seek urgent medical advice.

    The advice to parents is:

    • Contact your GP, visit 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call NHS 111 Wales.
    • Make sure your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
    • Keep your child at home, away from nursery, school or work and follow any guidance provided by your GP on how long they should remain absent from these settings.
    • Find up-to-date information and advice on streptococcal A infections at 111.wales.nhs.uk
  • Renting your home? A good EPC could help keep your fuel bills down

    Renting your home? A good EPC could help keep your fuel bills down

    If you rent your home – or you’re considering renting – ask the landlord to show you the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for the property.

    An EPC will tell you how energy efficient the building is, and could give you an idea of what the heating costs will be.

    By law, most properties in Wales need an EPC before they can be rented out.

    The only exceptions are bedsits or room-lets with a shared kitchen, toilet or bathroom, and rooms in halls of residence or hostels.

    EPC ratings range from ‘A’ to ‘G’ – with ‘A’ being the best rating, and ‘G’ being the worst.

    Are you the victim of a loan shark? Call 0300 123 311.

    Could you apply for a grant?

    Councillor David A Bithell is Wrexham Council’s lead member for housing, and chair of a cross-party working group set up to support people through the cost of living crisis.

    He says: “If you’re renting or considering renting, it’s worth asking the landlord for a copy of the EPC.

    “Rising fuel costs are making it more expensive to heat a home, but living in a property that’s energy efficient could help keep your fuel bills down.

    “Unless the property is exempt, a rented property should have a minimum rating of ‘E.’ Any less and your landlord could be breaking the law.

    “As a tenant, you might be able to improve the building by applying for an energy efficiency grant, or by encouraging your landlord to apply.

    “Have a chat and see if you can work together.”

    You can find out more about EPCs and energy efficiency grants on Wrexham Council’s website.

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Warm up while you wait at Shopmobility Wrexham!

    Warm up while you wait at Shopmobility Wrexham!

    Guest article from AVOW

    From November 28, members of the public can call into Shopmobility Wrexham to get warm, have a hot drink, and to speak with friendly staff from the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW) if they’d like conversation or company – while waiting for their transport or taking shelter from the winter weather.

    Free tea and coffee will be available for self-service, and biscuits will be provided on a first come first served basis. This service will be available during regular Shopmobility opening times, on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm.

    AVOW’s Chief Officer, Dawn Roberts-McCabe, said: “Anyone needing a warm, safe space this winter is welcome at Shopmobility Wrexham to enjoy a hot drink, have some friendly company if they’d like it, and to take refuge from the winter cold while they wait for their transport home – please do call in!”

    If members of the public wish to share why they need a warm space, AVOW staff will listen and signpost where possible.

    Should members of the public need additional help or support with the cost of living, AVOW staff will put them in touch with organisations that might be able to help provide support.

  • Help with the cost of living – find out what you’re entitled to

    Help with the cost of living – find out what you’re entitled to

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

    There are various grants and benefits that could help you with things like heating your home, sending your children to school and paying your rent.

    You can also get advice on how to reduce your household bills, and look after your health if you’re worried about money.

    Wrexham Council recently set-up a special cross-party working group to maximise support for local communities, and is urging people to take advantage of help available.

    Claim what you’re entitled to

    You can find some useful information on the council’s website at www.wrexham.gov.uk

    This includes info about benefits and grants, tips for reducing household bills, coping with money-worries and other related issues.

    You can also call Citizens’ Advice Bureau for general advice and food bank vouchers on 0300 330 1178 (Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-2pm).

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    Information drop-in sessions

    Drop-in advice sessions, where you can speak to someone in person, are also taking place at libraries across the county borough:

    • Friday, November 18, 2022 – Chirk Library, 10am-2pm
    • Friday, December 2, 2022 – Coedpoeth Library, 2pm-5pm
    • Friday, December 16, 2022 – Rhos Library, 11am-3pm
    • Friday, January 6, 2023 – Gwersyllt Library, 2pm-5pm
    • Friday, January 20, 2023 – Ruabon Library, 2pm-5pm
    • Friday, February 3, 2023 – Llay Library, 2pm-5pm
    • Friday, February 17, 2023 – Wrexham Library, 10am-2pm

    Just pop along to find out more about help available.

    And if you’re a council housing tenant, you can go along to one of the following events to get advice on saving energy, reducing bills, debt advice and financial support:

    • Friday, November 18 – Gwersyllt Resource Centre, 10am-1pm
    • Monday, November 21 – Johnstown Community Centre, 1pm-4pm
    • Thursday, November 24 – Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, 1pm-3pm

    Keep warm

    With fuel bills rising, many people are worried about heating their homes this winter.

    Did you know that all public libraries in Wrexham County Borough have opened their doors to provide ‘warm places’?

    These are places where you can go to keep warm and comfortable during the day.

    Libraries taking part include Brynteg, Cefn Mawr, Chirk, Coedpoeth, Gwersyllt, Llay, Overton, Rhos, Ruabon and Wrexham.

    Practical help for communities

    Councillor David A Bithell, who chairs the group, says: “The cost of living crisis is a huge challenge and it’s going to be a difficult winter for many people.

    “That’s why all the political parties on the council are working together to try and provide as much practical help as possible to our communities.

    “It’s also the reason we’re providing extra support to Wrexham Foodbank, Citizen’s Advice Bureau and other local agencies.

    “If you haven’t done so yet, please make sure you know what support you’re entitled to. Visit the council website for information, or pop along to one of our drop-in events to get help and advice.”

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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    Warm Places grants – expression of interest – news.wrexham.gov.uk

  • Have your say on plans to improve walking and cycling routes in Wrexham

    Have your say on plans to improve walking and cycling routes in Wrexham

    People in Wrexham are being asked for their views on plans to improve walking and cycling routes along four key roads.

    Wrexham Council and Transport for Wales are working together to make it easier, safer and more convenient to walk and cycle in the city, and want your feedback on plans to improve:

    • The A525 along Kingsmills Road, Salop Road and St Giles Way.
    • The A534 along Holt Road and Borras Road.
    • The A5152 along Chester Road.
    • The A541 along Mold Road and Regent Street.

    To have your say, take part in our online consultation where you can view drawings and images of the proposed improvements.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://wrexhamtransformingtowns.commonplace.is/”]HAVE YOUR SAY[/button]

    Or pop along to our drop-in session at Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham LL13 8BY on Wednesday, November 9 between 4pm and 7pm.

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    Climate emergency

    Deputy Leader Councillor David Bithell, who leads on strategic transport and active travel, says: “By providing better footpaths, cycle tracks and crossings, and developing a network of routes across Wrexham, we can make walking and cycling safer and more convenient.

    “We want to encourage more people to leave the car at home for short local journeys, and with the world facing a climate and ecological emergency, this is more important than ever.

    “So please fill in our online questionnaire or come along to our drop-in session at Tŷ Pawb on November 9.”

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    Connecting communities

    Councillor Hugh Jones, lead member with responsibility for highways, says: “The routes we’re looking at provide important connections between communities, schools, shops, workplaces and the city centre.

    “We’ve looked at how each route could be potentially redesigned to create direct, safe, comfortable and attractive routes for pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as cyclists.

    “This is an exciting project for Wrexham, so please spare some time to take a look at the proposals and feedback your views.”

    The consultation is open until November 21.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://wrexhamtransformingtowns.commonplace.is/”]HAVE YOUR SAY[/button]

  • Support the Poppy Appeal at this Saturday’s game

    Support the Poppy Appeal at this Saturday’s game

    Fans at the Wrexham game this weekend will be urged to dig deep and support this year’s Poppy Appeal.

    This Saturday’s fixture sees Wrexham AFC take on Altrincham, and volunteers will be pitch-side and in the stands collecting for the cause.

    The Poppy Appeal is organised by the Royal British Legion, and was established in 1921 not long after the First World War.

    Wearing a poppy is a show of support for our armed forces, and the funds raised are used to help service men and women, veterans and their families.

    Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, will be joining the volunteers at the game, and is looking forward to seeing people get behind both the football team and the appeal.

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    Councillor Parry-Jones says:

    “Wrexham is extremely proud of its links with the armed forces, and many men and women from across the county borough have served and made tremendous sacrifices over the years.

    “The Poppy Appeal is a wonderful initiative that provides vital help for armed services personnel and their families – often in their greatest moment of need.

    “So if you’re at the game this Saturday and see us collecting, please make a donation and wear your poppy with pride.

    “You’ll be doing a wonderful thing, and helping Wrexham as a community say ‘thank you’ to the brave men and women who have given so much for our country.”

    The national campaign will officially launch this Sunday (October 30), so please consider buying a poppy and showing your support.

    The launch will be marked by the Royal British Legion Riders and a short service on Llwyn Isaf in Wrexham at 9.15am.

    When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.

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  • Cost of living group begins work on helping Wrexham residents

    Cost of living group begins work on helping Wrexham residents

    A special task-force set up to help maximise support for Wrexham residents during the cost of living crisis has met for the first time.

    Wrexham Council recently announced it would be setting up an all-party working group to look at the challenges facing local communities, and to find practical ways to help local people.

    The group met for the first time on Thursday, October 13 and identified a number of key actions, including:

    • Working closely with Wrexham Foodbank to explore new ways to help ensure nobody goes hungry.
    • Contacting vulnerable council housing tenants to make sure they’re ok.
    • Looking at ways to expand the ‘warm places’ scheme – so there are more places where people can go to stay warm if they’re struggling to heat their home.
    • Signposting people to information, so they can claim what they’re entitled to and make the most of the support available. Actions include:
      – Providing information on the council website about benefits and grants, tips for reducing household bills, coping with money-worries etc.
      – Making sure council staff (especially frontline employees) know where to signpost people to for help.
      – Holding information events across the county borough.
      – Using the council’s Housing Hotline magazine to make sure council tenants know where to get support.

    The group – which will meet once a fortnight to begin with – includes councillors from all political groups on Wrexham Council, as well as council officers.

    Councillor David A Bithell, who chairs the group, says:

    “It’s really positive to see all the political groups coming together to work on this issue, and we identified some solid actions during our first meeting.

    “The cost of living crisis is a national problem, and although we can’t fix it, there are things we can do as a local council to help our communities.

    “Everyone on the group is one hundred percent committed to working together to do what we can, because we all recognise that people need practical help right now.

    “By making sure people know what support is available, and helping them put meals on the table and stay warm, we can hopefully make a difference.”