news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Council Services

  • New houses will be first council homes to be built in nearly 30 years

    New houses will be first council homes to be built in nearly 30 years

    Work is well under way on a housing development which will see the construction of the first council homes to be built in Wrexham since 1991.

    We’re working alongside developers Liberty to build new council homes at the site of the former Nant Silyn residential care home on Pont Wen, Caia Park.

    There will be 14 new properties including eight apartments, four two bedroom houses, one older person’s one-bed bungalow and one fully adapted two-bed adapted bungalow.

    No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus

    Work started on the site during winter 2019 and is now due to be completed in early 2021.

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    “Absolutely delighted”

    Cllr David Griffiths, Lead Member for Housing at Wrexham Council, said the authority was pleased to be building its first social housing development in nearly 30 years.

    Cllr Griffiths: “We’re absolutely delighted that we’re bringing new social properties in Wrexham, for the first time since 1991, unfortunately they are going to take a little longer to complete than first thought, because of the pandemic, but we are very pleased that we’re able to bring new housing to this site.

    The development will transform the site of the former Nant Silyn care home, which was closed five years ago, into a new community and we’re glad that we’re working alongside Liberty on this new development.

    The Nant Silyn scheme forms the first of a number of social housing developments earmarked for Wrexham, with a further development at Plas Madoc awaiting planning approval.”

    Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “This is an ambitious project for Wrexham Council and will supply lifetime homes for our tenants.

    I’m very pleased that we’re constructing new council homes and that the properties will go a long way to fulfilling the housing need of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

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  • Council and Welsh Government outline next steps in tackling homelessness in Wrexham

    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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  • Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 17.8.20

    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

    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…

    Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19

    Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:

    How to get a test if you’ve got Coronavirus Symptoms.

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    Public Briefing Note – 07.08.20

  • Commemorating VJ Day

    Commemorating VJ Day

    Wrexham’s armed forces champion Cllr David Griffiths has paid tribute to all those who served and sacrificed during World War 2 as Wrexham commemorates and celebrates the 75th anniversary since Victory over Japan Day.

    He said, “Tomorrow marks 75 years since Victory over Japan and although we are still dealing with the implications of the Covid-19 lockdown, it’s still important to take time to remember. It’s time to reflect on the terrible human toll WW2 took on our men, women and children who bravely answered the call to protect and serve their country. We remember them all on this special anniversary and thank them for what they did.

    “Pre-lockdown there was a number of events that were planned across the county to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. These are now unable to take place, but I would still like to encourage everyone to continue to mark the occasion in a safe way.”

    No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus

    Whilst Europe celebrated VE Day on May 8 1945, war continued across Asia and the Pacific. Many British, Commonwealth and Allied Military personnel were engaged in the conflict there for a further 3 months.

    The war in the Pacific began in 1937, when the Japanese began its invasion of mainland China. However, it wasn’t until 1941 after Japanese aircraft bombed Pearl Harbour, that allied forces became embroiled in a conflict that would rage on beyond the end of the Second World War in Europe. It took place over a vast area of the globe, far greater in size than any of the areas of Europe. After VE Day, there were thousands more lives lost on both sides.

    UK wide Commemorations:

    • At 11am on Saturday, August 15 2020, The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will lead a national two-minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the war.
    • During the afternoon, the Red Arrows will conduct a UK-wide flypast tribute over Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London
    • In the evening, ‘VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute’ a special programme will be broadcast on BBC One.
    • More information and guidance on how the occasion can be marked safely can be found at: https://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/.

    How to get a test

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  • Please observe the one-person rule at our recycling centres…it’s for everyone’s safety

    Please observe the one-person rule at our recycling centres…it’s for everyone’s safety

    Visitors to the Household Waste Recycling Centres are reminded that only one person is allowed to leave a vehicle at our sites following a number of instances where multiple people have left a vehicle to recycle waste.

    Since our recycling centres have reopened, we’ve had to implement some very strict rules and this is one of them that must be followed to keep everyone safe.

    No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus

    Upon arrival at our sites, staff are reminding visitors of this, but some still refuse to abide by the rule and on a couple of occasions have been abusive towards our staff.

    Anyone found to be abusive towards our staff will be banned from our recycling centres and may be reported to the police.

    We take a zero tolerance stance to abuse of staff at our recycling centres who wear body cameras which help us report any individuals abusing staff to the police.

    “Please follow the rules, we don’t want to close our sites again”

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The one-person rule was an important part of allowing us to reopen our recycling centres safely, so it’s disappointing that some people have been deliberately flouting this rule and abusing staff.

    “Please respect our staff at all times at the recycling centres. Verbal and physical abuse towards our staff is completely unacceptable and anyone who does this will be banned and could be reported to the police.

    “Our message is clear: ‘Please follow the rules, we don’t want to close our sites again’. The rules are there for everyone’s safety. We all remember what it was like when we had to close the recycling centres previously, so let’s all follow the rules and stay safe and keep our sites open.

    “I must say though that the vast majority are following the rules and staying safe at the sites and we thank them for doing so.”

    How to get a test

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  • Thanks Everyone! Virtual Play Day was a huge success and reached 4 million people 🙂

    Thanks Everyone! Virtual Play Day was a huge success and reached 4 million people 🙂

    Play Day 2020 was a very different day in Wrexham this year – but it worked and thanks to your support the many videos and posts that were put out reached a massive 4 million people 🙂

    We’d like to offer our thanks to everyone who made a film, or even just shared a film on social media.  We know that many of you were unable to be as active as you would have liked due to shielding and furlough, but hope you still manged to watch at home.

    No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus

    On the day:

    • 51 films were uploaded onto YouTube and our social media channels
    • 843 views of the films on YouTube (this doesn’t include the number of views on Facebook and Twitter directly) (06.08.20)
    • 1670 clicks onto the content
    • 4m reach

    Many of you supported our Play Team, us as you do every year, and embraced a new way of doing things, we can’t thank you enough (there are too many of you to thank individually) as we know you share our vision to do something nice for the children of Wrexham as we support their right to play.

    “Fantastic support once again for Play Day”

    Cllr Andrew Atkinson, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “It was a brilliant event once again and staff deserve the credit for all the work they put in to make out our young people didn’t miss out on any of the fun this year. I had hoped to stay dry this year with it being a virtual event – but this wasn’t to be the case as my own children were determined I wouldn’t miss out. Thanks everyone for your fantastic support once again for Play Day ”

    This year we welcomed new people to our Playday team, the Co-op publicised the “make a noise” in its six Wrexham stores and Beth and Craig in the council’s communications department worked tirelessly to get all the clips ready and put the clips out throughout the day.

    Wrexham Family Information Service, who usually run the information point, were able to be playful this year and made their own Rock snake. People who would normally visit to show their support took a more active approach and stories and speeches were made by the Mayor Rob Walsh (who both wrote his own story and played the drums), Cllr John Pritchard (Lead member for People, Youth Services and Anti Poverty) Cllr Andrew Atkinson (Lead Member for Children’s Services), Donna Dickenson (Head of Prevention and Inclusion) and Craig Mathews (Community and Restorative Lead).

    We also shared a number of films with both Cardiff and Conwy Councils and it was the first time our Playdays have been linked. The Youth Work in Education Team, who are usually off in the summer produced their own version of Old Mc Donald, using real animals and proves just how playful they really are. We also would like to thank all the children and family members who either got in front or behind the cameras in order to make the films, it was great so many of you got involved.

    Hopefully next year we will be back to the usual town centre mayhem on Wednesday, August 4, and not worrying about subtitles or transferring film clips. This year was a learning curve everyone and now we’ll always have our film clips to remind us of how well everyone did –  and they will be staying on the council YouTube so we can all still access them.

    Staff can now take a well earned break and they’re very grateful that, for this year at least, there were no soggy cardboard, pallets and sand to put away.

    If you missed any of it you can catch up on Youtube 🙂

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  • News for Businesses in Wrexham (13.08.20)

    News for Businesses in Wrexham (13.08.20)

    Here’s all the latest for businesses in Wrexham.

    Further details of the Job Retention Bonus Announced

    As we briefly mentioned in a previous update; businesses will receive a one-off payment of £1,000 for every previously furloughed employee they still employ at the end of January 2021. Further details have now been published which provide:

    • An overview of the scheme
    • Details of which employers can claim the Job Retention Bonus
    • Details of which employees an eligible employer can claim the Job Retention Bonus for
    • Details of how employers can claim the Job Retention Bonus

    No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus

    For further information please follow the link below, a further announcement providing full guidance will be published in September 2020:

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/job-retention-bonus/job-retention-bonus

    Furloughed employees to receive full redundancy payments as a result of a new law

    Employees with more than 2 years’ continuous service who are made redundant are usually entitled to a statutory redundancy payment that is based on length of service, age and pay, up to a statutory maximum.

    In an effort to protect workers that have been furloughed the UK Government have brought in legislation, which took effect from Friday 31 July 2020 that will:

    • Ensure that furloughed employees receive statutory redundancy pay based on their normal wages, rather than a reduced furlough rate
    • Mean those furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme are not short-changed if they are made redundant
    • Also apply to statutory notice pay and other entitlements, providing some reassurance during this difficult time

    For further information please follow this link.

    Grants available to businesses completing customs declarations

    If your business completes customs declarations, you can apply for grants to get funding for recruitment, training and IT improvements. For further information on who can apply, the value of the grants and what they can be used for, please follow this link:

    Additional businesses can now benefit from the UK Government Loan Scheme

    Recent changes to state aid rules mean that more small businesses (those that have fewer than 50 employees and a turnover of less than £9 million) can now benefit from loans of up to £5 million under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Businesses which have been classed as ‘undertakings in difficulty’ have previously been unable to access loan funding via the CBILS due to EU rules.

    For further information please follow this link.
    Call for case studies from Public Health Wales and Healthy Working Wales

    Public Health Wales and Healthy Working Wales Team are keen to learn from the current pandemic and would like to hear from organisations about their Covid-19 experience.
    At this stage Public Health Wales would like to know if you would be willing to participate in a short exercise.

    They would like to ask organisations to develop a case study that shares information and examples about how the lockdown has affected your day to day operation. As things slowly return to (a new) normal, they are keen to hear about how your organisation has adapted in one of the topic areas listed below in order to share examples of good practice / innovation with other employers. Case studies will be published on the Healthy Working Wales website.

    • Staff communication and engagement
    • Remote working/ IT solutions
    • Social distancing/ cohorting solutions
    • Flexible working/ supporting staff who are carers/ vulnerable
    • Mental health & wellbeing/ tackling isolation
    • Promoting physical wellbeing
    • Promoting active and sustainable travel
    • Giving back/ supporting critical workers

    The format for this would be a telephone call to ask you a few questions around one of the categories and to then develop the content further. If you are willing to take part please contact Jo Spooner on 03000 858294 or jo.spooner@wales.nhs.uk.

    How to get a test

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  • It’s that time of year…make sure you’re registered to vote at the next election

    It’s that time of year…make sure you’re registered to vote at the next election

    We’ve started sending out forms this week asking people to check and update the information for their household on the electoral register. Have you received yours yet?

    We call this the “Annual Canvass” and it’s a really important exercise to make sure that everyone who is eligible to vote, is registered. You may not be on the form because you’ve recently moved to a new house or have only just become eligible to vote.

    Even more people eligible to vote!

    And with the new changes that allow young persons from the age of 16 and qualified foreign citizens aged 16 or over to vote at the next elections it’s likely many of you will have to update the information for your household.

    No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus

    Everyone is legally required to respond to the Annual Canvass. It’s a very easy process that only takes a couple of minutes, with online being the easiest method.

    Simply, if you aren’t on the register you can’t vote. So as soon as you receive the form please check the details. You then have the following options:

    • If all the details remain the same visit www.householdresponse.com/wrexham, call 0800 197 9871, or text NOCHANGE followed your security code to 80212 – standard charges will apply
    • If the details need to be updated or if someone needs to be added or removed you should visit www.householdresponse.com/wrexham and make the necessary changes. Once this is done new people should register individually on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
    • Alternatively, amend/complete the form and post it back to us, but any new people you’ve added will still need to be to register individually on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

    “A very straightforward process”

    Cllr David Kelly, Lead Member for Registration Services, said: “It’s really important to respond as soon as possible so we can make sure we have the right details on the electoral register for you and the people that live with you. It’s a very straightforward process.

    “People need to be aware that 16-17-year olds and foreign nationals living in Wales are now eligible to vote at Welsh Parliament/Senedd elections, so it’s important that these people get added to allow them to have their say at the next election.”

    Remember, it’s a legal requirement to give the information asked for in the Annual Canvass. You could even be fined up to £1,000 for not doing anything so please take action to make sure you don’t lose your opportunity to vote.

    These voting changes could affect the young people in your lives…make them aware

    How to get a test

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  • Heads of Terms signed with Wrexham AFC

    Heads of Terms signed with Wrexham AFC

    The future is looking bright for Wrexham AFC as a The Heads of Terms between the club and the Council has now been signed.

    The Terms relate to a potential future lease to obtain the land to establish a training ground at the grounds of the former Groves school.

    Any future lease will be subject to the necessary planning permission being secured and the removal of restrictive covenants on the land.

    No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus

    Finding a new training facility for the club has been necessary since the loss of the Colliers Park a few years ago. At present the players are training on Nine Acre site but they club require a more sustainable and purpose built facility with high quality pitches in order to maximise their performance on the field and secure their future.

    The facility will allow also Wrexham AFC to built upon its current portfolio of work with the local community and schools to provide key opportunities for future generations of Wrexham footballers.

    Dywedodd Ian Bancroft y Prif Weithredwr

    Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive, said: “I was very pleased to sign the Heads of Terms and look forward to hearing about further progress on this matter.

    Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Spencer Harris and the Board of Directors for working in true partnership with us on these proposals.”

    “Future benefit of both Wrexham AFC and the future generations of players”

    Spencer Harris, Director of Wrexham AFC, said: “Following on from receiving the backing of our membership, it’s great to see these proposals moving forward and to be working with Wrexham Council for the future benefit of both the Football Club and the future generations of players. There is still much work to be done but this is a significant step in the journey to having our own training facilities again.”

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  • Leisure Centres across Wrexham prepare to reopen

    Leisure Centres across Wrexham prepare to reopen

    Following the recent announcement by the Welsh Government, Leisure Centres across Wrexham are preparing to open their doors once again as part of a phased reopening of services.

    Working in partnership, Freedom Leisure and Wrexham County Borough Council are delighted to announce that four of its centres will open on Monday 17th August, followed by a second phase of reopening which will see the remaining facilities across the region open to the public in September.

    No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus

    Freedom Leisure is delighted to be able to welcome you back to your community leisure facilities in Wrexham and the staff teams at the centres are excited to be back. You can expect the same high levels of service that you have always had – they can’t wait to see everyone!

    Freedom Leisure, which operates the centres on behalf of the Council, has introduced a number of safety measures in line with Government guidance to help customers return to activities in a safe and clean environment.

    All activities, including use of the gym, swimming pool and fitness classes, will need to be pre-booked as the number of people permitted in each facility will be limited for safety and NHS Test and Trace purposes.

    The sites opening on Monday 17th August include:

    Wrexham Waterworld –  – https://www.facebook.com/WrexhamWaterworld/

    Chirk Leisure & Activity Centre – https://www.facebook.com/chirkleisurecentre/

    Gwyn Evans Leisure & Activity Centre – https://www.facebook.com/GwynEvansLAC/

    Queensway Stadium – https://en-gb.facebook.com/QueenswayStadium/

    Access will be available to the gym, fitness classes, swimming pools, outdoor pitches and athletics track at these facilities from Monday 17th August.

    In September, the leisure centres located at the secondary schools of Darland, Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, Ysgol Rhiwabon, Ysgol Clywedog and Rhosnesni will also re-open.

    Cllr John Pritchard, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti-Poverty, said:

    “We welcome the news that these facilities will be reopening to the public safely very soon as know that many residents have missed all the activities on offer. Please remember that you will have to pre-book before you go to make sure that staff and visitors stay safe.”

    Ivan Horsfall-Turner, Managing Director Freedom Leisure, added:

    “Freedom Leisure is delighted to be reopening Wrexham Waterworld, Chirk Leisure & Activity Centre, Queensway Stadium and Gwyn Evans Leisure & Activity Centre on Monday 17th August. Our teams are working hard to make sure the centres are ready and waiting to welcome back the local community, and we look forward to seeing everyone very soon.”

    All activities will be pre-bookable by contacting your local Freedom Leisure centre directly. For more information, including guidance on what to expect when visiting a centre and FAQs, visit: https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/what-to-expect-when-your-local-centre-opens/

    https://www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/welsh/what-to-expect-when-your-local-centre-opens/

    How to get a test

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