news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Council Services

  • Shopping in Wrexham during Coronavirus Pandemic

    Shopping in Wrexham during Coronavirus Pandemic

    The news to carefully re-open non-essential shops has been welcomed by Lead Member for Economic Development, Cllr Terry Evans. “This is excellent news for our traders who have been understandably worried about their businesses since they were shutdown in March. It means they can once again open for business and we have been planning for this event over the past few weeks.

    HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS

    The Coronavirus pandemic is not over yet

    “However, we have to bear in mind the guidelines that are still in place as no-one in Wrexham, or in Wales, can travel over 5 miles for non-essential travel which means numbers visiting are not expected to be extremely high in the first couple of weeks. This will give traders time to adjust to their new safe way of trading and be ready for when the 5 mile restriction is lifted which is expected to be in July. We also all have to bear in mind that the Coronavirus pandemic is not over yet and may not be for some considerable time so plans will be reviewed regularly amended where required to ensure public health is not compromised whilst visiting the town centre.

    “The plans put in place take into account the safety of both staff and customers which remains a priority and we’ve been working with stores to make sure this can happen. The town centre will also look different and a one way system will be put into place on Bank Street as social distancing cannot take place in such a narrow street.

    “I would like to thank our traders and our own staff who have worked extremely hard to make sure the town centre opens safely for visitors and staff alike.”

    Coronavirus guidelines must be adhered to

    Other changes the public are likely to see is signage reminding everyone that Welsh Government Coronavirus guidelines must be adhered to. There’ll also be social distancing signs and floor markings.

    Social Distancing Wardens will patrol the town at various intervals reminding visitors of the government guidelines.

    All town centre cleaning will be updated in line with our risk assessments and national emerging guidance and working practices may change in the future.

    There’ll also be click and collect parking on High Street and town centre car parking in council owned car parks remains free until the end of September.

    Today (Friday) we received an indication from the Welsh Government that regulations will be introduced to keep Wales Safe at work in retail givings further guidance on indoor retail spaces which means we will be able to open the General and Butchers Markets and Ty Pawb very soon.

    The Council are also looking at re-opening public toilets which will adhere to the guidelines and again, we hope this will happen very soon.

    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]

  • Borras Park CP school – Pre-application consultation

    Borras Park CP school – Pre-application consultation

    Residents in Borras Park and Rhosnesni, those whose children will attend or are attending Borras Park CP School and anyone who would like to attend the new Welsh medium School in this area are invited to take part in a pre-application consultation that is currently taking place.

    The proposals for the school consist of the refurbishment and extension of the Borras Park CP’s school’s junior building to accommodate the English medium and the refurbishment of the infants to create a new Welsh medium primary school.

    HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS

    SUT I GAEL PRAWF OS OES GENNYCH SYMPTOMAU CORONAFIRWS

    The purpose of the consultation is to raise awareness of the development within the community, to engage local stakeholders and provide them with the opportunity to review the plans and associated documents so they can provide their views on the proposals prior to the formal planning application being submitted to Wrexham Council.

    The pre-application consultation will run for 28 days and once completed responses will be considered and may form part of the formal plans for the site. This will then be the subject of further consultation through a full planning application.

    You can take part here:

    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 19.6.20

    Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 19.6.20

    This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog last week (12.6.20).

    Key messages for today

    Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive
    Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council

    Schools will now reopen for three weeks…not four

    Earlier this month, Welsh Government announced that schools will reopen for four weeks on Monday, June 29.

    However, national discussions have been taking place about whether schools should be open for the fourth and final week (the week starting July 20), or whether they should close at the end of the third week, when the original summer holidays were due to start.

    It’s our understanding that Welsh Government and trade unions are struggling to reach agreement, and the Government has stated in the media that “schools and councils will have the final say.”

    We can’t leave this until the last minute

    This puts schools and the council in a very tough position.

    There’s no contractual obligation for staff to work the extra week – putting the onus on individual head teachers and staff, which is unfair.

    It could also lead to inconsistency and confusion, with some schools able to open for the fourth week, and some not.

    We know that many parents will be feeling anxious and uncertain about sending their children back to school, and need to know exactly what’s happening so they can make arrangements and feel confident.

    So this isn’t something that can be left until the last minute, and it’s only fair – to staff, parents and pupils – that we make a decision for the whole of Wrexham now.

    Not tomorrow, or next week, but today.

    As a result, we can confirm that schools across the county borough will not open for the fourth and final week, and will close for the summer holidays on Friday, July 17.

    So to be clear…

    Schools will reopen on Monday, June 29 for three weeks – not four weeks, as originally planned.

    Your school might need to contact you again

    We know this is really hard for everyone. It’ll mean more work for schools in planning for three weeks instead of four, and it could mean your school needs to contact you about reducing the number of days your child can attend.

    Schools will continue to work extremely hard over the next few days to make any required amendments to the arrangements, and it would be appreciated if parents don’t contact schools this time…as schools will be contacting parents / carers if there are to be any changes.

    We want to make it clear that this is in no way the fault of our schools. It’s a national issue, and a decision we haven’t taken lightly.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding. We’re still living in such strange times and facing challenges every day as a result of Covid-19.

    Your support means so much to your school, and to the council.

    How can you tell if a call from a contact tracer is genuine? Follow this advice…

    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).

    So if you’ve had a test, or been in contact with someone whose been confirmed as having Covid-19, you might get a call.

    Here’s some really important advice…

    • If you’re contacted as part of the Test, Trace, Protect programme, you’ll never be asked to give any financial information, bank details or passwords. Testing is free.
    • If you receive a call from a contact tracer in Wrexham, and you’re worried it might not be genuine, you can check by hanging up and calling us on 01978 292000.

    Read the blog article we posted earlier today for more info…

    “How can I tell if a call from a contact tracer is genuine?” Follow this advice…

    Shopping in Wrexham town centre

    Welsh Government today confirmed that non-essential shops can reopen in Wales from Monday (June 22).

    We know how important this is. These last few months have been incredibly difficult for so many businesses, and we need people to support our town and ‘shop local’…while staying safe.

    So we’ll be putting in place various measures, including:

    • Signage reminding shoppers to stick to Welsh Government guidelines – e.g. social distancing signs on lampposts, and floor markings.
    • One-way pedestrian systems in areas too narrow to allow two-metre distancing (such as Bank Street).
    • Social distancing wardens to provide reassurance, and politely remind people to stick to the guidelines.
    • Click and collect parking on High Street.

    We’ll also be looking at re-opening public toilets in adherence with guidelines. We hope this will happen very soon.

    These are just some of the measures we’ll be introducing, and our town centre management team will be working with any businesses that need advice.

    In Wales, guidelines are still in force that state no-one should travel over five miles for non-essential purposes.

    So we’re not expecting extremely high numbers of shoppers in the first few weeks, and this will hopefully give traders time to adjust to their new, safe way of trading.

    It’s worth remembering that town centre car parking in council-owned car parks remains free until the end of September.

    So please support local shops wherever you can…but follow Welsh Government’s guidelines at all times, and help keep yourself and others safe.

    We’re gradually restarting work on some of our housing

    We’ll be gradually resuming outside planned works and improvements to some of our council housing stock from Monday. This will be phased and will increase over the coming weeks.

    We won’t be doing any indoor work just yet – only outside works like re roofing works, external works to gardens and external wall insulation. We will also be starting to work on some of the empty void properties.

    It’s important we get this work underway so we can make these homes available again – helping to make sure Wrexham has enough good quality housing for local people.

    Keeping site-workers and surrounding communities safe is our priority, and work will be undertaken in line with contractors’ and risk assessments that have been prepared for our staff.

    Could this money help your business? Apply by June 30

    We’ve helped 1,945 businesses and sole traders in the county borough by providing £23m in business grants since lockdown began.

    This includes small charities and community sports clubs following recently revised eligibility rules.

    However, Welsh Government recently announced that the grants scheme will close for applications on June 30.

    So this is a call for any businesses out there who haven’t already received a business loan or funding from the Economic Resilience Fund, to go to our website to check if they’re eligible and – if they are – make a claim.

    You’ll find all the relevant information on our site, including revised criteria for small charities and community amateur sports clubs.

    We’re particularly asking owners of shops, offices, hairdressing salons, garages and petrol stations, and non-council community centres or buildings to consider claiming.

    Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19

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

    Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 12.6.20

  • Land Acquisition for Wrexham Gateway moves forward

    Land Acquisition for Wrexham Gateway moves forward

    The Wrexham Gateway Partnership between Wrexham County Borough Council, Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Wrexham AFC and Welsh Government is continuing to develop its plans for the regeneration of the Mold Road area of the town.

    Two key strands of the proposals are the integration of the public transport network, with improved links between bus and rail services and the creation of a regionally significant sporting and events stadium at the Racecourse Ground.

    Minister for North Wales Ken Skates said: “I am delighted we have taken crucial preparatory steps for the Mold Gateway development by acquiring two plots of land which are essential to deliver the ambitions of the partnership.

    “It shows our commitment to drive the redevelopment of this part of Mold Road forward. We are demonstrating our determination to maintain momentum, even through the Coronavirus crisis, by securing these two essential sites.

    “We are also making a solid statement of intent – that the Welsh Government is firmly behind the Partnership’s ambitions and is intent on delivering real and aspirational change on this site.”

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    Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “Although it’s early days, the acquisition of this land is a hugely important step.

    “It shows the partnership is serious about the project, and about transforming the fortunes of Wrexham town centre into something really special – benefitting the whole community, making the railway station more accessible and ensuring that the Racecourse Stadium is the focal point for events which the whole of North Wales can enjoy.

    “I want to thank our partners – including Ken Skates and the Welsh Government, Professor Maria Hinfelaar and Glyndwr University, and Spencer Harris and the board at Wrexham Football Club – for working tirelessly alongside us to achieve this important step forward.”

    Wrexham and the rest of Wales is facing huge challenges at the moment because of Covid-19, so it’s more important than ever to keep moving forward with aspirational projects like this.

    Welcoming the Minister’s statement, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham Glyndŵr University said: “It is wonderful to see the ambitious vision for the new Gateway into Wrexham gradually becoming a reality, with practical steps being taken and government investment being committed. At the university, staff and students will embrace this opportunity and we look forward to working with partners to deliver the plans.

    On behalf of the Board of Wrexham AFC, Spencer Harris commented: “This is a critical step on the journey to a redeveloped KOP Stand. The purchase of the land immediately behind the KOP demonstrates the ongoing commitment and ambition of Welsh Government which matches that of the other Gateway partners. Whilst these things take time, this announcement will signal to the people of North Wales that a premier sporting facility for the region will again be on their doorsteps as part of the wider regeneration of the area.”

    The plots acquired are the former garage showroom on the junction of Crispin Lane and Mold Road – including the land immediately behind the Kop Stand at the Racecourse. This land is expected to accommodate in part, a newly developed stand at the football ground. The second plot is the former Countrywide Stores building, opposite the entrance to Wrexham General Station. It is intended to be developed primarily to improve the interface between bus and rail transport, and other developments.

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

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  • New discovery sheds light on Roman Wrexham

    New discovery sheds light on Roman Wrexham

    One of the most significant Roman objects found in Wales in recent years has been discovered near Wrexham!

    Metal detectorist Rob Jones discovered a metal object in a field near Rossett and careful digging revealed the corner of a lead object with ‘writing’ on it.

    Mr Jones from Coedpoeth, Wrexham alerted the local Finds Officer (NE Wales) for the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) based at Wrexham Museum. Archaeologists from both the Museum and the Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust assessed what had been discovered.

    The object found was a large lead ingot or ‘pig’ (about half a metre long, weighing 63 kilograms). The ‘writing’ reported by Mr Jones was a cast Latin inscription confirming that it was Roman and about 2,000 years old.

    The exploitation of Britain’s natural resources was one of the reasons cited by Roman authors for the invasion of Britain by the Emperor Claudius in AD 43. Lead ore or galena contains silver as well as lead, and both were valuable commodities for the Romans. Less than a hundred lead ingots of this type are known from the mines of Roman Britain.  This rare find is particularly significant for archaeologists and historians because of its potentially early date, the location of the find spot, and because of its unique inscription.

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    Lead was mined and processed in several areas of the new province including in north-east Wales where lead processing sites have been excavated near Flint, presumably smelting ores extracted from the nearby Halkyn Mountain. A number of lead ingots of slightly later date are known from these works, often marked with the name of the local pre-Roman tribe called the Deceangli.

    Susie White, the local Finds Officer (NE Wales) commented “It has been suggested in the past that similar exploitation took place in the Wrexham area around Minera and particularly Ffrith, where there is a known Roman site, although clear evidence is absent, probably as the result of more recent mining activity.

    We don’t yet know where this ingot has come from and we will probably never know where it was going to. However given the find spots of other ingots from Britain of similar date, it may have been destined for continental Europe, perhaps even Rome itself.  The object could tell us a great deal about this important period of our past, a period which is still poorly understood in this area of the country.”

    roman discovery

    The inscription appears to mention one Marcus Trebellius Maximus, who was the governor of the province of Britannia under the Emperor Nero from AD 63-69. If true, the Rossett find represents the only example of an inscription bearing his name ever found in the UK and one of very few from the empire as a whole.  Trebellius was partly responsible for bringing stability to Britannia after Boudica’s revolt in AD 60/1, although he was ultimately forced out of the province by mutinous Roman soldiers who were dissatisfied with the lack of military activity under his governorship.

    It is among the earliest dated inscriptions recording Roman seizure of Britain’s mineral wealth and testifies to its rapid exploitation following the spread of Roman power across the island. The production of the ingot presupposes prospection for metals, expropriation of mining sites and the mobilisation of labour, forced or voluntary, to mine and process metal-rich ores. The inscription also illustrates the bureaucratic control exercised over the production of valuable metals.

    PAS Cymru and Wrexham Museum would like to commend both the finder and the landowner for bringing the discovery to their attention immediately, this allowed archaeologists to properly record the find spot so that the maximum information could be obtained concerning the object.

    Councillor Hugh Jones, Lead Member for People at Wrexham Council commented “I’m delighted to be able to announce that the museum has aquired the ingot and I’d like to thank the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Headley Trust and the Friends of Wrexham Museums for their support with the acquisition which otherwise would not have been possible. Its acquisition will allow the ingot to be displayed in the town nearest to the place where it was lost and rediscovered.”

    The museum together with the University of Chester are hoping to undertake archaeological work on the site of the discovery, as soon as the pandemic allows, to see if any further information can be gleaned as to the circumstances of its loss.

    The Portable Antiquities Scheme in Wales (PAS Cymru) is funded by Amgueddfa Cymru, MAALD and Cadw, and encourages the reporting of archaeological items found by metal detectorists and other members of the public. Thousands of objects are discovered by members of the public in Wales each year, including 20-30 items declared  ‘Treasure’ by coroners through the Treasure Act 1996.  PAS Cymru makes finds records accessible to the public via the PAS searchable online database containing information on over a million and a half objects.

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

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  • “How can I tell if a call from a contact tracer is genuine?” Follow this advice…

    “How can I tell if a call from a contact tracer is genuine?” Follow this advice…

    Key messages

    • If you’re contacted as part of the Test, Trace, Protect programme, you’ll never be asked to give any financial information, bank details or passwords. Testing is free.
    • If you receive a call from a contact tracer in Wrexham, and you’re worried it might not be genuine, you can check by hanging up and calling us on 01978 292000.

    By now, you’ve hopefully heard about ‘contact tracing’…and how it’s being used to help combat Covid-19 in Wales.

    It’s a tried-and-tested method of controlling the spread of infectious diseases, and 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).

    So if you’ve had a test, or been in contact with someone whose been confirmed as having Covid-19, you might get a call.

    You can find out more on the Welsh Government website.

    The contact tracing teams here in Wrexham are based within the council, and will be contacting people by phone over the coming months.

    The Test, Trace, Protect programme is hugely important, and – if we all co-operate and do our bit – it will help us get through this pandemic.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    “Make sure any call is genuine”

    Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for People, says: “The Test, Trace, Protect programme was introduced by Welsh Government on June 1, and as a council we’re heavily involved in the ‘tracing’ part in Wrexham.

    “The tracing teams are made up of clinical and business leads, tracers and advisors, and if you come into contact with a known Covid-19 case, you might get a call.

    “Unfortunately, there’s always the chance that scammers will try to take advantage, by pretending to be contact tracers.

    “So – as with any phone call out of the blue – it’s important to be cautious, and be confident that the call is genuine.”

    How will you know it’s us?

    Criminals pretending to be contact tracers will ultimately be after one thing…access to your personal information, so they can scam you.

    You can protect yourself by not giving away any of the following details (and if you’re asked for them, you’ll know it’s a scam).

    Our contact tracers will NEVER:

    • Ask you to dial a premium rate number.
    • Ask you to make any type of payment.
    • Ask you for any bank account details.
    • Ask you for any passwords or pins, or to set up any passwords/pins whilst on the phone.
    • Ask you to purchase a product.
    • Ask you to download any software to your device.
    • Ask you to hand over control of your PC, smartphone or tablet.
    • Ask you to access any website that doesn’t belong to the NHS or Government.

    Genuine contact tracers will NEVER ask you for these things.

    Still not sure?

    If you’re still not sure the call is genuine, you can hang up and call Wrexham Council’s main switchboard number – 01978 292000.

    When you call us, we’ll ask you a few brief questions, including the name of the person who called you.

    Your information will then be passed to the business manager in our Contact Tracing Service, who will call you back on the same day to verify the name of your contact tracer.

    What’s the likelihood of being contacted?

    It’s hard to say, but with contact tracing likely to remain in place for the next 18 months-or-so, there’s a real possibility that you, or people you know, will be contacted by us.

    No charge in Wales for testing

    We want to remind you that there is NO CHARGE in Wales for someone to be tested for Covid-19.

    So if the person you’re speaking to asks you to pay a fee (we’ve heard reports of up to £500), be extra vigilant and don’t give out any bank details.

    This is a FREE SERVICE, so if you’re asked to pay for a testing kit, you’ll know it’s a scam.

    Some general advice on avoiding scams

    Wrexham Trading Standards say you should never give personal information – such as bank details – to a cold caller, and never withdraw money if you’re asked to.

    If someone tells you to do anything unusual, always stop to consider what you’re being asked to do.

    Always talk to friends or family before taking a decision you may later regret.

    For advice on scams, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

    If you think you’ve been the victim of an attempted scam or fraud, you can report it online to Action Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

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    Be Scam aware and Wash your hands of Coronavirus Scams

  • “Man in a Van?” – Beware at our Household Recycling Centres

    “Man in a Van?” – Beware at our Household Recycling Centres

    Since we re-opened our Household Recycling Centres (HRC) we’ve had reports of a lot of ‘man with a van’ services offering to get rid of waste for people at the moment.

    Our HRCs are for the use of Wrexham residents’ household waste only. No commercial waste can be disposed of at these sites, including the disposal of rubbish from ‘man and a van’ clearance services. All HRC’s are monitored and anyone who is visiting regularly will be turned away and may resort to fly-tipping your rubbish.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    If you do have large amounts of rubbish to dispose of please ensure that you use a reputable company to do it on your behalf. The company acting on your behalf can’t dispose of the items at our household recycling centres but must dispose of it at a private licensed facility.

    There are instances, many in fact, where you may have paid someone to take rubbish away without realising they’ve taken your money and then just dumped the rubbish wherever they can. Leaving you liable if it can be traced back to you.

    So, if you’re paying someone to take your rubbish please make sure they’re legit. They should have a Waste Carrier’s Licence, if not – don’t use them as they’re very likely to fly tip it and you’ll be responsible and liable to prosecution if they’re caught or if it can be traced back to you.

    Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for environment and transport, said: “There are shocking instances of fly-tipping on social media and it costs us to remove it. We always check if there is anything in the rubbish to identify the owner and if so we will not hesitate to prosecute. Please, either use a reputable firm or even pay a visit to one of the three household recycling centres. Please don’t leave it to chance and risk prosecution because of someone else’s dubious behaviour.”

    Our Household Recycling Centres

    • Bryn Lane 8am-8pm daily.
    • Plas Madoc 9am-8pm daily
    • Brymbo 9am-8pm daily (appointment only)

    • Please follow these 10 rules:

      1. Don’t go to the sites if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of Covid-19, or is ‘shielding’ because of an underlying health condition.
      2. Only bring household waste. Don’t bring commercial or business waste.
      3. Bring proof that you live in the county borough (e.g. a utility bill with your address on it). The sites are for Wrexham residents only. If you don’t have proof, you won’t be allowed to tip your rubbish. Please call 01978 801463 to book an appointment if you want to use the Brymbo site.
      4. Be patient if you have to queue. A maximum of five vehicles will be allowed on site at any one time.
      5. Make sure only one person steps outside your vehicle to unload it, and that they stick to social distancing.
      6. Don’t bring items that are too big or heavy to handle yourself. Our site attendants won’t be able to help you unload your car or dispose of your waste.
      7. Sort your waste before you arrive (so you’re quicker).
      8. Be polite. Aggressive behaviour towards staff won’t be tolerated. Site attendants will be equipped with body cameras.
      9. Don’t touch your face on-site, and bring your own sanitiser if you can (clean your hands with sanitizer before you drive away).
      10. If you have items for the reuse shop (e.g. bicycles and other goods in useable condition) please keep them at home for now.

       

    If you choose to visit your local HWRC and leave waste outside the gates whilst it’s closed, this is classed as fly-tipping. You would be breaking the law, and likely to receive a fine or have to attend court.

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

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  • Access to Ruabon station still high on the agenda

    Access to Ruabon station still high on the agenda

    Rail users will be pleased to know that the restricted disabled access at Ruabon station is still high on our agenda and is receiving cross party political support from local and national politicians.

    Ruabon station is recognised as the rail Gateway to the Pontycysllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site and the tourist town of Llangollen and beyond to the Dee Valley and Corwen and running in boards were installed on both platforms to promote this important interchange.

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    Not only does it serve Ruabon but also the wider communities of:

    • Rhosymedre
    • Acrefair
    • Cefn Mawr
    • Johnstown
    • Penycae

    And earlier this year the numbers using it rose by 7.3% to 102,628 from 95,670

    The numbers indicate the station is an important public transport route for users but access to the north bound Chester platform at this station is only possible by a footbridge with long flights of stairs on both platforms with all passengers having to negotiate over 50 steps on this footbridge. The station and footbridge are listed structures so there has to be very careful consideration of how any improvements can be made so as not to affect its listing.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I would like to put on record my thanks to our local and national politicians, Cllr Dana Davies, Cllr Joan Lowe, Simon Baynes MP, Ken Skates MS and friends of Ruabon Station group. Their commitment and support to ensuring the work needed at this station is being brought to the attention of the Department for Transport in Westminster. Their cross-party support will hopefully result in a successful outcome in the near future to making this crucial station accessible to all.”

    “Ruabon Station is the only station on the Chester Shrewsbury Line without step free access. The stairs cause major problems for the disabled with passengers wishing to alight here being advised to go to Wrexham and return on the next train south. Access for those with prams and push chairs is also very difficult if not impossible and a struggle for those with luggage or those less mobile.”

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

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  • Playday is happening!

    Playday is happening!

    We may not be able to get together in the town centre to celebrate Playday this year, but we are still celebrating!

    So, on August 5, we will be doing a virtual Playday with the theme ‘Everyday Adventures’.

    Activities that children look forward to each year will move online; so children will be able to relax to story times, and also use the videos and streams on the day to have loads of fun at home. They will even be able to join in with a variety of activities, watch out for a kit list the week before so you can gather everything they need.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    There will be challenges from other organisation who always support Playday too, and you will be able to find out what they are nearer the time.

    Playday is always full of amazing and creative ideas to get children outside and having fun and although it will be run differently this year, that will not change. We will also be linking in with Play Wales who are asking for everyone who supports children’s right to play to make a noise for play.

    We will keep you up to date on what is going on and where you can find all the information as we get closer to August 5.

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]

  • Carers Week 2020

    Carers Week 2020

    This year’s theme for Carers Week is #makingcarersvisible.

    Some carers don’t often identify themselves as carers and as a result these carers are much less likely to seek information, advice or assistance.

    Carers week has been taking place this week and the Commissioning and Contracts team at Wrexham Council are supporting NEWCIS (WCBC’s commissioned carer service) in their awareness raising campaign of wearing “purple and green for carers to be seen”.

    GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

    97% of all care provided in the UK is provided by family and friends. The support that NEWCIS delivers to the carers in our community is much needed, however there are still carers who are invisible or not accessing support where it is available.

    Hopefully, by raising awareness, more carers will identify and engage in services available to support them in their caring role.

    Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care said, “Going off the 2011 Census, more than 15,000 people – about 11 per cent of the total population of Wrexham – identify themselves as providing unpaid care. That’s about one in ten of all the people of Wrexham.

    “Being a carer can often make people feel isolated and alone, especially with the current lock-down measures, so NEWCIS and all the advice and guidance available from them is invaluable in helping people feel part of a group and end their isolation. Thank you to all our carers for the valuable help they have given during this crisis.”

    For more information about the support available for carers in Wrexham please contact:

    NEWCIS are 01978 423114 or email  enquiries@newcis.org.uk

    Read the most up-to-date information about Covid-19.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/”] LATEST INFO ON COVID-19 [/button]