news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Council Services

Garden waste collection charges will apply from August 31
The garden waste collection service annual charge that was originally due to be introduced back in April but was suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic will now restart on Monday, August 31.
As we were in lockdown it was decided that we would continue to empty all garden waste bins from April as the Household Recycling Centres had to close due to the restrictions about non-essential travel.
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The charge is the same as before – £25 per green garden waste bin per-year. Anyone who has not signed up by August 31 will no longer have their garden waste bin(s) emptied.
If you’ve already paid for the garden waste service, you don’t need to do anything.
If you already paid for the service earlier in the year you don’t need to do anything…you will receive a full 12 months service until August 31, 2021.
Please continue to display the original sticker you were sent as new ones won’t be sent out (it doesn’t matter that the contract date showing is now incorrect, your bin(s) will still get collected until August 31, 2021).
The decision to introduce this charge wasn’t taken lightly, but after cuts to local government funding we had no choice but to join other councils in charging for this discretionary service.
“£25 per garden waste bin, per year”
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “At the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic we took the decision to delay the introduction of the paid for garden waste service as the restrictions meant that using the Household Recycling Centres was not possible. Now that they have re-opened we’ve taken the decision to start the paid for garden waste service from Monday 31 August.
“The charge is the same as before – £25 per garden waste bin, per year – which is the lowest possible charge we could introduce, and it’s still one of the lowest in England and Wales.
“Anyone who has already paid for the service earlier in the year will automatically receive a full 12-months service from the new start date.”
I haven’t paid for the garden waste service but now want to sign up
We expect to be able to accept new payments shortly, but we haven’t got a confirmed date for this as of yet. We’ll be in touch through our news blog and social media channels with more details when we have them. The simplest way you’ll be able to pay is online at a time that suits you. If this is not possible, you’ll be able to call the contact centre to make a payment by card. New customers will receive an updated sticker which will state the contract year as ended August 31, 2021.
I don’t want to have a garden waste bin anymore
If this is the case we’ll pick it up. You will be able to go online to MyAccount and either login or sign up to ask for it to be taken away. We’ll collect it, but it won’t be straight away so please be patient. If in the future you change your mind and wish to pay to have a green bin emptied you will have to buy a new bin if you’ve already sent yours back.
I don’t want to pay but want to keep my garden waste bin
That’s fine. You can keep hold of it for the future but we won’t empty it. If you do decide to pay for your green bin to be emptied in the future you also won’t have to pay for a new green bin.
We hope you will continue to have your garden waste bin emptied by us as we want to see Wrexham’s recycling rates continue to increase year on year, but times are really hard and we understand if you don’t wish to pay for this service.
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July 14, 2020
Meet Contact Tracer Morgan Thomas who’s now helping to tackle Covid-19
We have a team of staff who are helping with the national effort to tackle Covid-19 by working for the Test, Trace, and Protect team.
One member of our team is Morgan Thomas, he normally works as Events Officer at Tŷ Pawb and he tells of his experience below of being a Contact Tracer below:
“In late May I was asked to work as part of a team of Contact Tracers within the NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect service. Due to the restrictions imposed on the entertainment industry, I was redeployed from my usual role as the Events Officer at Tŷ Pawb into a brand new initiative to trace local cases and potential outbreaks of Covid-19.
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I was keen to support this critical service as the introduction of a contact tracing system is the key to protecting the people of Wrexham from the impact of Covid-19. The service is also vital in encouraging the local community to visit the area’s shops, attractions and hospitality venues safely once lockdown measures have been lifted – something I am passionate about having worked in a market, arts and community venue like Tŷ Pawb.
People testing positive are allocated a Contact Tracer
In communication with Public Health Wales, the Council are made aware on a daily basis of individuals within the Borough who have tested positive for Covid-19. These cases are then allocated to a Contact Tracer like myself, whose job is to contact them via telephone and interview them about their symptoms, to find out the exact period when the person may have been infectious.
We provide advice surrounding the timescale of their self-isolation period based on when their symptoms began and provide general advice on hygiene and preventing further spread of the virus. In the second part of the phone call we ask the person to think about places they may have been and people they may have been exposed to during their infectious period, including any members of their household. We record these contacts and make notes/flag any cases where there appears to be a location trend or cluster forming.
All traced contacts are then allocated to a Contact Advisor who will check that the contacts are well, able to self-isolate and provide any advice to them should they become symptomatic.
Having had limited experience in working in this type of environment there have been a few difficult conversations and times I have felt a little daunted, but the whole team, who were all new to this role and have had to adapt very quickly, have been great to work with.
Each day is different, and you never really know what to expect, but the majority of people are pleased to provide the relevant information and relieved to receive advice from us. I’m glad I have been able to work in this interesting role as over the past few months, I’ve really felt we are making a difference in what we are doing, and that sense of protecting the community has been extremely rewarding.”
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July 13, 2020
“We’re Good to Go” launched for the tourism and hospitality sector
If you run a business in the tourism and hospitality sector in Wrexham County there’s a “We’re Good to Go” official mark you can apply for. The mark will show your visitors that you have worked hard to follow Government and Public Health guidelines and have a process in place to make sure your business is kept clean and is able to help with social distancing.
You can apply now for the “We’re Good to Go” mark and on successful completion of the application you will be sent a secure link to download a certificate, mark and a toolkit with practical steps for telling customers that “We’re Good to Go”
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Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “We have many tourism and hospitality businesses across Wrexham who are working hard to make sure their visitors have the confidence to return and visit them safely. This mark will be a sign that they’ve put everything in place to ensure the safety of their staff and the public and I would encourage as many of them as possible to apply so they are able to display the “We’re Good to Go” mark as reassurance to customers across Wrexham.”
The application is quick is to complete and you can find out more information at the Good to Go Visit Britain website
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July 9, 2020
AE Sewing Machines pleased to donate 100 visors to NHS frontline workers
AE Sewing Machines based on the Vauxhall Industrial Estate in Ruabon recently donated 100 face shield visors to Awyr Las – The North Wales NHS Charity, to help protect key workers through the pandemic.
A member of the Betsi Cadwaladr team collected them recently and they were distributed to the Intensive Care Ward and Critical Care Unit at Ysbyty Wrecsam Maelor.
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AE Sewing Machines are a family business based in Wrexham, and are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of industrial fabric cutting, sewing, and finishing equipment. As well as supplying a wide range of high-quality equipment to cover every aspect of textile manufacturing, they develop bespoke sewing solutions to fit the specific needs of customers and pride themselves on providing top-quality customer care and support.
Proud members of Make it British, they are prominent advocates for British Manufacturing and do everything they can to support it.
AE Sewing Machines doing their bit
Local Ward Councillor David Bithell said: “It’s great to see a local business, AE Sewing Machines, doing their bit to help keep NHS workers protected during these difficult times. They’re also providing a small token of gratitude for the amazing work which they are doing.”
Rhys Gerrard, Commercial Director at AE Sewing Machines commented: “We have been working closely with British businesses producing PPE throughout the lockdown period, providing specialist machines and technical support, and we will continue to do so for as long as needed. Our most heartfelt thanks go out to all the key workers who are working so hard on the front-line, we are glad that we can be a part of producing the equipment required to keep them safe.”
PHOTO: Rhys Gerrard, Commercial Director at AE Sewing Machines hands over 100 visors to Awyr Las.
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July 9, 2020
£4m “Be Active Wales” fund launched for grassroots sports in Wales
Sports clubs in Wrexham are invited to apply for funding from the “Be Active Wales” fund launched by Sport Wales.
The funding is to protect community sports whilst they prepare to restart activities safely once they’ve been given the go ahead following the coronavirus pandemic.
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Clubs can apply for grants of between £300 and £50,000 under the “Be Active Wales” fund.
The funding has been made available by the National Lottery and Welsh Government to help get communities across Wales active now and in the future.
Apply for the “Be Active Wales” Funding
Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti Poverty, Cllr John Pritchard, said: “This is welcome news for community sports clubs who continue to suffer financially from the effects of the coronavirus. Grassroots sports are vital to our community well-being and provide a valuable and excellent service for our young people. I would encourage as many as possible to apply for the “Be Active Wales to make sure they are protected and prepared when they are given the go ahead to re-start their activities.”
Sport Wales Chief Executive Sarah Powell said: “Grassroots sport has been hit incredibly hard. Thankfully, emergency funding has already saved a huge number of clubs, and we’re pleased to be able to launch this new fund which will provide even more support at a time when it is so badly needed.
“Our clubs and groups are crucial in keeping the people of Wales active. If they don’t stay afloat or they can’t reopen safely, we can expect another crisis – that of inactivity and ill-health. We must not let that happen. Clearly, clubs will need to adapt many of their activities so that they fully adhere to health guidelines and social distancing requirements. The Be Active Wales Fund will help make that possible.”
Find out how to apply here
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July 8, 2020
Bowling greens, tennis courts, skate parks and angling reopen from today
We’re pleased to let you know that our bowling greens, tennis courts, skate parks and angling have reopened today (Tuesday, July 7). All of these facilities were closed in March in line with the lockdown rules following the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
All buildings related to these sites will remain closed until further notice.
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In line with Welsh Government lifting restrictions there will be rules that must be adhered to for everyone’s safety; all of these will be sign posted around these facilities.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We’re very pleased to be reopening these facilities today, but we ask everyone to make sure they use them responsibly. Each facility has strict rules that are clearly signposted and we must make sure we all stick to them.
“We all have hobbies that we’ve missed over the past months, so now we’re able to start doing some of these things again, please don’t do anything that will jeopardise the progress we’ve made in Wrexham. Please stay safe.”
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July 7, 2020
Recycle your used ink cartridges at our recycling centres
Did you know you can now recycle printer cartridges at any of our recycling centres?
We’ve recently added three red 240-litre wheelie bins to each of our recycling centres in Wrexham, specifically for ink cartridges. So, the next time you visit one of our sites you’ll be able to recycle your used ones.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The ink cartridge wheelie bins are a welcome addition to our recycling centres as we continue to try and make it easier for our residents to recycle items in Wrexham.
“You can bring a large number of materials to be recycled at our recycling centres – and some of them you may not know about – so it’s worth looking up what all these things are before you visit.”
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Where you can find them
The wheelie bins are handily positioned in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) area of our three recycling centres.
You’ll find them at:
• Bryn Lane, next to the ChemSafe.
• Plas Madoc, next to TV containers.
• Brymbo, near the fluorescent tubes recycling.
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Remember, we only want the cartridges – so no packaging in the bins please!
If you’re still struggling to find the bins, one of our operatives will be able to point you in the right direction.
Remember to respect social distancing
Since we’ve reopened our recycling centres, we’ve had to put a number of things in place to keep you and our operatives safe.
See below for the strict rules we ask you to follow while visiting…
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If you plan to visit Brymbo recycling centre, you will need to book first
To book an appointment at the Brymbo site only please call 01978 801463 between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. When you get to the facility your name and registration will be recorded as a reference for your booking slot. You will still be required to display proof of residency at the site.
Thanks for your understanding and stay safe 😊
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July 7, 2020
Wrexham is Open for Business with high emphasis on your safety
With news of the 5 mile journey restriction being lifted across Wales you’re all encouraged to return to the town centre which is Open for Business in order to support local traders who have been hard hit by the enforced closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
They’re all waiting to welcome you back:
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Special attention has been paid to the town centre to make sure that you and traders remain safe while visiting the town centre.
Shops have taken extra precautions to ensure social distancing and hygiene are in place and the town centre will look different.
There’s signs on lampposts and the floor to help with social distancing and a one way system has been put in place on Bank Street with access from Hope Street to Henblas Street.
There’ll also be wardens around the town to remind you to stay safe at all times.
Tŷ Pawb, General and Butchers markets have all opened with one way systems in place and suitable social distancing reminders located around the buildings.
There’ll be a careful eye kept on numbers in the buildings at any one time and there will be a member of staff located at the entrance to each building to act as a meet/greet and to give guidance. There are hand sanitizing stations at the entrances to each building. Tŷ Pawb’s toilets will be open but will have restrictions on the numbers able to enter at any one time.
The toilets on Henblas Street have now also reopened with safety conditions in place and are open 9am to 4.30pm. You can read more about this here:
Henblas Street Public Toilets re-open – emphasis on safety
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. If you are using the car parks you should also observe social distancing when necessary whilst getting in and out of your car.
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development, said: “It’s excellent news for the town centre traders who have rightly been very concerned for their businesses during the strict lockdown.
“Now is the time to re-open and for us all to give them our support. I have visited the town centre and markets and I am very impressed with the optimism of traders as they have been getting ready to welcome back customers old and new.
“Staff have worked hard in our markets and the town centre to ensure public and trader safety and we’ll be looking at further measures we can take to aid the recovery process as further announcements by Welsh Government are made about the businesses that are allowed to re-open.
“It’s important we all remain vigilant whilst out and about, Covid-19 is still amongst us and we do not want to see a return to lockdown now that we have made so much progress. I would like to thank everyone involved from traders to staff and the general public for their regard and attention to the health and safety of everyone visiting the town centre.”
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partners, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “I’m particularly pleased that traders in Tŷ Pawb are able to re-open alongside the rest of the town centre businesses. They have a very loyal and supportive customer base who will, I am sure, be very happy to return and to see all the safety measures that have been put in place for everyone’s safety.”
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July 6, 2020
“Together we can keep people safe”
A campaign launches today across Wales to encourage people to contact social services if they are worried that a family member, friend or neighbour is at risk of abuse, neglect and harm.
Social Services in Wales has seen a reduction in referrals to its services since lockdown. Abuse, neglect and harm hasn’t stopped but opportunities to spot the signs have reduced as access to childcare settings, schools, and social situations has been limited.
It is now more important than ever that we look out for each other and encourage people to contact their local social services or call 101 if they are worried that someone could be at risk.
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Cllr Joan Lowe Lead Member of Health and Adult Social Care said, “Although we have tried to maintain contact with people already known to us before lockdown, there is a risk that abuse, neglect or harm is happening behind closed doors and is even being exacerbated by the pandemic. During this difficult time it’s down to all of us to look out for each other – together we can keep people safe.”
Cllr Andrew Atkinson Lead Member for Children’s Services said, “Social services are open and ready to help if people are concerned that a family member, friend or neighbour needs support. I would encourage anyone who is worried to make the call to social services. It can be a difficult decision but one which could help to save someone from suffering abuse, neglect or harm. You can also call 101 or, in an emergency call 999.”
Visit the Safe Help website https://gov.wales/safe-help/keeping-people-safe for more information about local social services and how to raise your concerns. If your call is more urgent dial 101, or in emergency call 999.
Together we can keep children, young people and adults safe.
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July 6, 2020
#LightItBlue
We lit up some of our buildings earlier tonight to remember those who’ve lost their lives to Covid-19, and to pay tribute to all key workers and the NHS.
A nationwide clap to thank the NHS and all key workers and carers will also take place tomorrow (Sunday, July 5) at 5pm in what is intended to become an annual tradition.
Please take part in the clap, which also marks the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.
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Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Assets, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to remember all of those who have sadly lost their lives to Covid-19, as well as to show our appreciation to all NHS staff and carers.
“The 72nd anniversary of the NHS is the perfect opportunity to do this, and we were delighted to be able to light up our buildings, once again, in appreciation for everything they continue to do for us all.”
Please take part in the clap at 5pm on Sunday
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety said: “The NHS has always been special to us in the UK and over recent weeks it’s value has been truly appreciated.
“We encourage everyone to take part in whatever way they can to show their appreciation of the NHS and to all those working as carers who have always put the welfare of others first, as has been highlighted during this pandemic.”
Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, added: “It’s an excellent opportunity to show our immense gratitude to the NHS and all care workers whose tireless work is reassuring to us all during these very worrying times.
“Happy Birthday NHS and a huge thanks to all our carers.”
A few weeks ago, we also lit up our buildings in rainbow colours to say thank you to all key workers. Take a look at the images below…

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July 4, 2020