Category: Council Services

We’re joining North Wales Police in reminding residents that some hotels, guest houses and possibly other types of holiday accommodation in Wrexham may be accommodating key workers or vulnerable people during the current Coronavirus outbreak.

Anyone who thinks a holiday accommodation provider is offering accommodation to anyone other than a key worker should contact the Council by email to contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk

GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

Any accommodation provider in Wrexham wanting to offer accommodation to key workers must seek authorisation from the Council by emailing contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk. Any business already providing accommodation to key workers should notify the Council as soon as possible using the same e-mail address.

The Regulations are clear that all holiday accommodation, including campsites and caravan parks should have been closed since 26 March. They must remain closed until further notice, unless specifically exempt or requested and approved by the Welsh Government or the Council.

Under no circumstances should any holiday accommodation be provided for visitors during the current emergency period. Any person or business found not to be complying will be committing an offence and may be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice, Prohibition Notice or prosecution, for which the fine is unlimited.

Businesses can however advertise for future holiday accommodation bookings that can be taken up once current restrictions have been eased, but must remain closed until advised by the Government that they can re-open.

Anyone with concerns about how holiday accommodation is currently being used can contact the Council using the above contact details.

Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive, said: “It’s vitally important that we continue to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and by utilising holiday accommodation for key workers we’re ensuring that they and their families stay safe whilst they continue with their important work.

Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone during these difficult times for supporting key workers by staying home and saving lives and urge everyone to continue doing so. It’s the only way we will begin to see an improvement and a slow and cautious relaxing of the current restriction.

If you are concerned that accommodation is being used for anything other than for key workers or vulnerable people please get in touch using the email above.”

Sgt Beth Jones, from the Community Safety Department in North Wales Police, said: “We understand that people are concerned in the current situation, as a result we are working with our partners to ensure the public have an easy to follow reporting method. By reporting these concerns directly to the Council they will be dealt with by the right authority quickly and will reduce the demand on the Police control room for non-policing matters. We would like to thank the public for their support and understanding during these unprecedented times.”

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

[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://icc.gig.cymru/pynciau/gwybodaeth-ddiweddaraf-am-coronavirus-newydd-covid-19/”] Y WYBODAETH DDIWEDDARAF AM COVID-19 [/button]

This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on Tuesday (28.4.20).

Key messages for today

• Next week the Government is expected to outline how the UK will eventually emerge from lockdown, providing a feel for how things might change in the future…and what this might mean for council services.
• We’re asking households across Wrexham to think about their neighbours – particularly anyone elderly or living alone. If you’re concerned about them, try to check they’re ok.
• Earlier this week, we lit up some of our council buildings to say thank you to everyone working on the frontline, and to all our communities during the Covid-19 emergency.
• We’ll be introducing a new direct payment system for free school meals on Monday (May 4). If you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time.

Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive

Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council

How will we ‘unlock lockdown’?

Lockdown has had a huge effect on all our lives.

Naturally, people are thinking about when it might ease, and how things might change over the coming weeks and months.

We’ve also seen questions about when some council facilities and services might re-open or start up again.

For the moment, the message is clear – stay at home, save lives, protect the NHS.

However, next week the Government is expected to outline how the UK will eventually emerge from lockdown, and how decisions will be taken on lifting restrictions.

This will give us a better feel for how things might change in the future…and what this might mean for council services.

Like every other council, we’re already thinking about how we’re going to start making various services available again when the time is right.

But it’s important we don’t jump ahead.

By continuing to stick to social distancing guidelines and following the Government’s instructions, we’re all helping to keep each other safe…and playing our part in bringing the nation through this pandemic.

Stay safe.

Are your neighbours ok?

One of the positive things to come out of the Covid-19 emergency is the way people are looking out for each other.

However, there are some people who don’t have relatives or friends nearby, and don’t have anyone obvious to check they’re ok.

So we’re asking households across Wrexham to think about their neighbours – particularly anyone elderly or living alone.

Think about whether you’ve seen or heard them lately, and – if you’re concerned – try to check on them.

Give them a knock, or pop a note through the letterbox…but make sure you stick to social distancing rules and keep at least two metres away.

If you can’t get a response and you become really worried, get in touch with us on 01978 292000 or contact-us@wrexham.gov.uk and we’ll try and make contact with the person you’re concerned about.

Thank you

Earlier this week, we lit up some of our council buildings to say thank you to everyone working on the frontline, and to all our communities during the Covid-19 emergency.

Thank you from Wrexham Council to everyone working on the frontline, and to all our communities during the Covid-19 emergency. You are amazing. #Wrexham #ThankYouKeyWorkers

(Our buildings were lit up last night to allow us to take these pictures. #StayatHomeSaveLives ) pic.twitter.com/cku7eZuRYB

— Wrexham Council (@wrexhamcbc) April 30, 2020

Messages saying ‘Thank you NHS’ – along with a heart-shaped rainbow flag – have also been painted onto the surfaces of Watery Road and Croesnewydd Road, close to the Maelor Hospital.

And a message saying ‘Thank you’ – aimed at every key worker on the frontline – has been painted on the surface of Mold Road, which is one of the key roads in and out of the town centre.

Roads painted with ‘thank you’ messages to key workers 👉 https://t.co/6oIZPfHdT3 #Wrexham #ThankYouKeyWorkers pic.twitter.com/Su39hyvvc4

— Wrexham Council (@wrexhamcbc) April 29, 2020

People have been finding all kinds of ways to pay tribute to frontline workers during the past few weeks.

And although saying ‘thank you’ seems like a small thing, it’s something we can do to let these people know how much we appreciate them.

Reminder – please don’t drive to our parks

As we approach the weekend, please remember not to drive to our parks.

There’s no way anyone should be doing that, because the Government has made it clear that we should all ‘stay local’ when we exercise.

But if you’re lucky enough to live near one of our parks (close enough to walk), there are some really important guidelines you need to follow.

Read the article we posted recently.

Stay safe this weekend.

Reminder – free school meals direct payment scheme

Do your children receive free school meals?

We’ll be introducing a new system on Monday (May 4) as part of our ongoing response to Covid-19.

The system will see money paid directly into your bank account, which you can then use to buy your children food.

You’ll receive a monthly payment at the start of each month that equates to £19.50 per week for each eligible child in your family.

We’ve been asking people to register by today so they don’t miss out, and we’ve had an excellent response.

However, if you haven’t registered yet, there’s still time.

Please register by Friday, May 8.

[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Free_School_Meals_____Direct_Payment_Application”]REGISTER NOW[/button]

After today, you’ll no longer be able to pick up ‘grab-and-go’ packed lunches from our distribution points across the county borough.

The grab-and-go system was only introduced as an interim measure to allow time for a new system to be developed.

So please…make sure you register for direct payments if you haven’t already.

Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19

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

• Daily TV statements by the Government (including by Government ministers).
• Daily official briefings from the Department of Health and Social Care at 2pm, and Public Health Wales at 3pm.

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]

Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 28.4.20

We’ve been alerted by the Office for Product Safety and Standards about the potential risk associated with the sale of handheld UV sterilising wands being sold online and by independent sellers.

The wands being sold claim the use of UV light will disinfect and kill germs, viruses and bacteria.

Please be aware that the claims made by the sellers of these wands are not scientifically tested and there’s very limited research in the UK about them.

GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

They certainly shouldn’t be used during the current COVID-19 situation as a disinfectant as some sellers are suggesting in their advertising and relying on them to kill the virus on household surfaces etc., could be dangerous.

Work is being undertaken to asses the risks posed by the devices but for now please do not be tempted to buy them.

Lawrence Isted, Chief Officer for Planning and Regulatory, said: “Please don’t be misled by potentially false advertising. These devices are expensive and their effectiveness is simply not known. Normal household disinfectant should be used in your home and hand-washing for 20 seconds with soap and water remains the best advice for hygiene purposes.”

If you have any information relating to the sale of these wands please let The Office for Product Safety and Standards know  via OPPS.enquiries@beis.gov.uk quoting ref IU0098.

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]

Wrexham Trading Standards is warning residents to beware if anyone approaches them offering to disinfect their driveway to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect you in your home.

This is an out right scam and fraud.  No such product sprayed on your driveway can prevent or protect you or your loved ones from the Coronavirus.

It is believed that criminals are using a household cleaner to clean driveways and are deliberately targeting homes of elderly and vulnerable.  These criminals are charging extortionate prices to carry out this meaningless work.

GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

Reports have come in from other parts of the country following this scam and this includes Wrexham where only last week a Wrexham care provider highlighted to Trading Standards an attempt to carry out driveway work at the home of an extremely vulnerable lady under their care.

Fortunately, the care provider who had been on Op REPEAT training was able to intervene and prevent this work taking place. Without this swift intervention this lady may have been hundreds of pounds out of pocket.

Lawrence Isted, Chief Officer Planning and Regulatory, said: “During these difficult times it is important to remember that business should not be making approaches to your home to carry out work on your property or garden.

“It is a good reminder to watch out for your families and neighbours during this time and report anything suspicious using the details below.”

If you want to report something you think is suspicious, please contact either Citizens Advice Consumer Services on 03454 040506 or North Wales Police on 101.

You can read more about Op Repeat here:

Op REPEAT launches! New training to help care workers spot crimes against vulnerable people

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]

This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on Friday (24.4.20).

Key messages for today

• We’d like to express a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone working on the frontline during this emergency.
• New guidelines mean you can now visit the remembrance garden at Pentrebychan to pay respects to a loved one.
• If your children receive free school meals and you haven’t registered yet, please register for our new direct payments scheme by Friday, May 1.

Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive

Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council

Thank you to front-line workers

People have been finding all kinds of ways to say ‘thank you’ to frontline workers during the past few weeks.

From fund-raising, to chalking ‘thank you’ messages on the pavements outside their homes.

There’s the weekly ‘clap’ for carers, which can be heard across neighbourhoods all over Wrexham every Thursday, and the heartfelt messages of support on social media.

We do it, because we know there are people in all kinds of roles that are going the extra mile – day-in, day-out – to help keep us safe, and provide us with the things we need.

NHS and care workers, supermarket workers, police and fire service officers, ambulance crews and many other people in critical roles.

There’s also our own refuse teams, who’ve been touched by the ‘thank you’ signs that many residents have placed on their bins and front gates, our school staff, social workers and lots of other council employees who are on the frontline and doing an amazing job.

The courage, resilience and incredible kindness we’ve seen from people working in these roles has made us feel humble, thankful…and maybe even slightly helpless, as we realise what a huge contribution they’re making to our world right now, and what a massive difference they’re making to our lives.

Maybe the best we can all do at the moment – maybe the only thing we can do – is to keep saying ‘thank you.’ Again and again.

So on behalf of Wrexham Council – and Wrexham as a whole – thank you to everyone working on the frontline.

You are amazing.

One minute silence

There will be a minute’s silence at 11am today to remember key workers who’ve lost their lives to Covid-19.

Please take part if you can.

Crematorium – garden of remembrance reopens

New guidelines issued by Welsh Government have allowed us to relax restrictions at our crematorium.

People can now visit the remembrance garden at Pentrebychan, which was previously closed.

Changes in legislation now allow for people to visit burial grounds or gardens of remembrance to pay respects to a loved one.

We know that many people have found the closure difficult in recent weeks, and will welcome this news.

Our gates will be open at the normal times.

Our cemeteries at Wrexham and Pandy continue to remain open.

Please adhere to social distancing when you visit the crematorium or cemeteries.

GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

Free school meals

Reminder – have you registered for our new direct payment scheme?

Do your children receive free school meals?

We’ll be introducing a new system on Monday, May 4 as part of our ongoing response to Covid-19.

The system will see money paid directly into your bank account, which you can then use to buy your children food.

This will make things easier for parents, and reduce the need to travel to collection points to pick up the ‘grab-and-go’ packed lunches we’re currently providing.

We don’t want anyone to miss out, so if you haven’t already applied, please make sure you register via the council’s website by Friday, May 1 (you’ll need to provide your bank details).

You’ll receive a monthly payment that equates to £19.50 per week for each eligible child in your family.

Note that if your children are still attending school (because you’re a critical worker or they’re vulnerable), you’ll need to use the money to pay for their school meals, or to buy food so you can send them in with a packed lunch.

[button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Free_School_Meals_____Direct_Payment_Application “]REGISTER NOW [/button]

You can still collect grab-and-go packed lunches from our distribution centres until Friday, May 1.

But from Monday, May 4 you’ll need to have registered for the new direct payments system so you don’t miss out.

If you have any queries, email us at freeschoolmeals@wrexham.gov.uk

Reminder – bin wagons

No-one wants to be the cause of their entire street not having their bins emptied, so please…if you park your car on the road, make sure there’s enough room for our bin wagons to get past.

Read the article we posted recently.

Reminder – are you eligible for business support?

We’ve already paid out more than £17.5 million to 1,473 businesses in Wrexham as part of the business rates relief support announced by Welsh Government.

Although claims are still being received each day, anyone who hasn’t applied yet is encouraged to check if their business is eligible and – if so – submit an online application.

If you do apply, please check the details you provide very carefully – especially bank account numbers and sort codes – as incorrect details can lead to delays in payment.

Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19

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

• Daily TV statements by the Government (including by Government ministers).
• Daily official briefings from the Department of Health and Social Care at 2pm, and Public Health Wales at 3pm.

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]

Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 24.4.20