Category: Council Services

This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on Monday (20.4.20).

Key messages for today

• Remember to stay local when you exercise this weekend. Please don’t drive to our parks. If you live close enough to walk to a park, stick to the rules and stay safe.
• Our Welfare Rights Unit can provide telephone advice on all matters relating to Social Security entitlements. Call 01978 298255 between 9.30am and 12pm, Monday to Friday.
• If your children receive free school meals, please register for our new direct payments scheme by Friday, May 1.

Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive

Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council

Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

Another weekend approaches, but our message remains the same…

Please continue to follow the Government’s instructions.

Stay at home, except for essential journeys and to exercise locally once a day, and keep two metres away from anyone you don’t live with.

By doing this, you’re helping to keep Wrexham as safe as it can be.

Parks – stick to the rules and stay safe

The Government says you can leave home once-a-day to exercise…whether that means walking the dog, going for a run or whatever helps keep you active and healthy.

But it doesn’t mean getting in a car and driving to one of 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 earlier this week.

Thank you for your support and for everything you’re doing to help Wrexham and the UK get thorough this emergency.

Stay safe this weekend.

Benefits advice

During these difficult times, many people have seen their income drop…for example, if they’ve been furloughed or are self-isolating.

Our Welfare Rights Unit provides telephone advice to Wrexham residents on all matters relating to Social Security entitlements.

This includes advice on Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, disability benefits and so on.

To find out what you might be entitled to, or discuss any other benefit issues, call 01978 298225 between 9.30am and 12pm, Monday to Friday.

GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

Free school meals

Reminder – register for our new direct payment scheme by Friday, May 1

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 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 bags until Friday, May 1

For the past few weeks, we’ve been providing ‘grab-and-go’ packed lunches for children who receive free school meals who aren’t in school at the moment.

We’ve been doing this through distribution centres across the county borough.

This was introduced as an interim measure to allow time to develop a new system, and you’ll still be able to collect grab-and-go packed lunches up to and including 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 last week.

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 20.4.20

This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on Friday (17.4.20).

Key messages for today

• It’s important we keep looking out for children. If you’re concerned about a child or young person, you can contact Children’s Social Care for advice.
• We’re introducing a new direct payment system for parents with children who receive free school meals. Register now.
• The Welsh Government will pay for childcare for pre-school aged children of critical workers. Find out more and apply on our website.

Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive

Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council

Safeguarding our children

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

Looking out for their families, friends, neighbours…and even strangers. Trying to help where they can, and trying to keep each other safe.

It’s really important we keep looking out for each other, and thinking about the welfare of other people…and that includes children.

And as well as taking care of our own children, we need to look out for other children and young people, and if we see anything that worries us, get in touch with the appropriate people or support services.

Our lives have changed dramatically over the past few weeks, but amid all the daily challenges we’re facing, it’s important we keep looking out for children.

Children and young people who are vulnerable or struggling in some way, rely on us – as adults – to look out for them.

If you’re concerned about a child or young person, you can contact Children’s Social Care for advice.

Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

Please continue to follow the Government’s instructions.

Stay at home, except for essential journeys and to exercise locally once a day, and keep two metres away from anyone you don’t live with.

By doing this, you’re helping to keep Wrexham as safe as it can be.

Free school meals

Register for our new direct payment scheme by Friday, May 1

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 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 bags until Friday, May 1

For the past few weeks, we’ve been providing ‘grab-and-go’ packed lunches for children who receive free school meals who aren’t in school at the moment.

We’ve been doing this through 12 distribution centres across the county borough.

This was introduced as an interim measure to allow time to develop a new system, and you’ll still be able to collect grab-and-go packed lunches up to and including 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

GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

Reminder – free childcare for critical workers

1. Are you still going to work?
2. Are you identified by your employer as a critical worker?
3. Do you have pre-school aged children?

If you can answer ‘yes’ to all three questions, did you know that free childcare is available for your children?

The Welsh Government will pay for childcare for pre-school aged children of critical workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Find out more and apply on our website.

Please pass this message on to your work colleagues.

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 last week.

Reminder – are you eligible for business support?

We’ve already paid out more than £14 million to 1,220 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 17.4.20

For many years we’ve been encouraging you into our parks for enjoyment, picnics and taking part in organised events.

Now, however, things are very different and we no longer encourage you to travel by car to any of our parks. Instead, we’re asking that only people who live locally visit as part of their daily exercise including walking your pet. You should not be driving to any of our parks.

Even for those who are lucky enough to live near a country park we have had to put in place guidelines and you will now see signs now in place which you should take notice of.

GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

The new park guidelines advise:

• Do not visit a park if you have any symptoms – fever, coughs, shortness of breath. See NHS guidelines, if this applies to you
• Observe social distancing, staying at least two metres apart from other people.
• If the park is crowded do not enter if you cannot safely observe social distancing
• Consider if you can visit your park at different times (later/earlier) to allow parents, children and older people to use these spaces
• Use all areas of the park that remain open so you can maintain an appropriate distance from others
• If the park is crowded, consider exercising in quieter less-used streets
• Avoid touching surfaces (such as gates or hand-rails and follow Public Health Wales advice on hand washing including washing your hands as soon as you get home.
• Keep your dog(s) on leads at all times
• People should not be driving to the park to walk their dog, this does not count as essential travel
• Please respect those managing these spaces including following any instructions from officials on site. Temporary measures are being put in place to safeguard you
• Do not use areas of the park that have been closed such as play areas, outdoor gyms or sports facilities – these are closed for your safety
• Picnics/ Barbecues are not allowed along with sunbathing within the park grounds

The guidelines are there to keep you safe so please take notice of them and make the appropriate adjustments to your visit.

We all hope to be inviting you back for all your previous activities soon but for now things have to be different so please stay home, stay safe and protect the NHS. Whilst taking your daily exercise please remember the 2 metre guidance whilst in the park and on your walk there and back.

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 Wednesday (15.4.20).

Key messages for today

• If you, or someone you know, is struggling with things like shopping or access to medication, contact AVOW on 01978 312556 or e-mail COVID19@avow.org
• If you find yourself homeless – or threatened with homelessness – contact our housing options service on 01978 292947.
• Please continue to follow the Government’s advice this weekend. Stay at home.
• If you park your car on the road, please make sure there’s enough room for our bin wagons to get past.
• More than £14 million has now been awarded to businesses in Wrexham under the business rates relief support scheme. If you haven’t applied yet, check if you’re eligible.

Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive

Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council

If you’re struggling, there are people who can help

Our lives have changed rapidly in the past few weeks…and so have the needs of many people in our communities.

There are people who need help with shopping for food, collecting medication, walking the dog and lots of other daily tasks.

Most of the vulnerable adults in our communities are getting the support and advice they need to stay safe and well in these difficult times.

But this may not be the case for everyone.

Help from AVOW

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling…and not receiving the necessary help with things like shopping, access to medication or looking after pets, contact AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham).

Call 01978 312556 or e-mail COVID19@avow.org and one of AVOW’s volunteers will get in touch to make whatever arrangements are needed.

Facing homelessness?

If you find yourself homeless – or threatened with homelessness – our housing options service continues to offer support.

Call us on 01978 292947.

This includes support for anyone experiencing domestic violence.

Stay at home this weekend

As we head into another weekend, please continue to follow the Government’s advice.

Stay at home, except for essential journeys and to exercise locally once a day, and keep two metres away from anyone you don’t live with.

Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

Waste and recycling

Please park carefully – don’t stop our bin lorries getting through

We understand that not everyone has a drive or a garage, and many people have no choice but to park on the street.

But if you know your bins are going to be collected, please have a look at your street to check there’s enough room for our large vehicles to safely perform their duties.

Our bin wagons are heavy and wide, so our drivers need to be certain they can safely travel down your street and manoeuvre, without causing any damage. If this isn’t the case, they can’t empty people’s bins…which leaves households disappointed.

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.

Our refuse teams are working really hard, and they don’t want to leave any bins unemptied either.

Thank you for your support.

Business support

Have you checked if you’re eligible?

We’d like to thank our chief finance officer, finance teams and everyone involved in paying out more than £14 million to 1,220 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.

New app launched to track and trace coronavirus

People across Wales are being asked to download a new app – and log their daily symptoms to help build a clearer picture of how the virus is affecting people.

The app is for everyone…not just those who are experiencing symptoms.

You can read more about it on the Welsh Government website.

Reminder – free school meals

During week-days, we’re continuing to provide free school meals across the county borough.

If your children aren’t in school and they’re entitled to free school meals, you can collect their packed lunches from one of the following sites.

• Caia Park Estates office
• Plas Madoc Estates office
• Broughton Estates office
• Gwersyllt Estates office
• Rhos Estates office (Stiwt)
• The Memorial Hall Wrexham
• Plas Pentwyn Coedpoeth
• Llay Resource Centre
• Overton Library (Cocoa Rooms)
• Chirk Library
• Brymbo Resource Centre

You can go to the nearest site. Packed lunches must be collected between 11.30am and 1pm by a parent or carer.

You’ll need to give staff the name of your child / children and the school they attend, and you’ll only be able to collect a packed lunch for your own child / children.

Please continue to follow social distancing measures…maintaining your distance from other people.

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.

Covid-19 (Novel Coronavirus) – public briefing note 15.4.20

We know it’s really important for all of us in Wrexham to get our bins emptied and have our recyclables collected on time, and for most of us this happens pretty smoothly.

Recently, however, our refuse crews have been reporting problems where they can’t access a street because parked cars are causing an access issue. With so many of us at home at the moment this is likely to continue.

You can help us avoid missing collections by taking extra care when parking your vehicles on your collection day. We understand that not everyone has a drive or a garage, and these people have no choice but to park on the street.

GET THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WALES

But if you know that your bins are going to be collected, please have a look at your street to check there’s enough room for our large vehicles to safely perform their duties.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said, “We collect from 64,000 households each week but there are occasions when our vehicles can’t get to where they need to be, which leads to missed collections and leaves some people disappointed. Your co-operation in these difficult times is really appreciated to ensure services are maintained”

Take a look at the pictures below and you’ll see some of the problems our bin wagons and recycling vehicles have encounter due to parked cars/vans when trying to get to your properties.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Remember, our wagons are heavy and wide, so our drivers need to be certain they can safely travel down a street and manoeuvre without causing any damage. If they can’t they will have to leave without removing waste or recycling…… we’re sure you wouldn’t want to be the cause of your entire street not having their bins collected.

All our vehicles are fitted with in-cab technology – including CCTV – that allows the crews to record any instances where bins have not been presented before 07:30am, or if there are access issues, which prevent our crews from making the collection.

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]