news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Council Services

  • Free parking for weekend’s Food Festival – don’t miss out!

    Free parking for weekend’s Food Festival – don’t miss out!

    Performers from across Wrexham and North Wales are set to entertain the crowds at this weekend’s food and drink festival.

    And free parking will be available at all Wrexham Council-run town centre car parks (except for Tŷ Pawb) from 10am  – so don’t miss out!

    What’s on?

    A full line-up of musicians and dance troops will take to the stage over the two day event, which will take place on Llwyn Isaf / Library Field in the town centre on Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8.

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    As well as more than 80 local and regional producers selling everything from cheeses, pies gin, coffee and cakes (to name but a few), visitors can also enjoy live entertainment on the Wrexham Lager Stage / the bandstand on Llwyn Isaf.

    Saturday will see performances from The Flow, Brook, The Hot Tub Ferret, Luke Gallagher, Jamie Hamlington, an Umpa band and Stayin Alive. Rhythm Train will close Saturday’s event, which will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display just before 9pm.

    On Sunday, Isabella Crowther, Danny Gruff and Coverlovers will take to the stage.
    Local dance troop, Delta Academy, will also be performing across the weekend.

    Local chefs will offer cooking demonstrations, and fairground rides will also be on site.

    “Incredible music and entertainment”

    Andy Gallanders, event organiser, said: “Wrexham Food and Drink festival not only has delicious food and drink but also incredible music and entertainment.

    “Visitors this weekend can expect to see some wonderful performances from some upcoming and well-known names in the local music scene.

    “The weather forecast is looking great, so we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday and Sunday!”

    Organiser Sam Regan added, “We are honoured to be showcasing the town of Wrexham this weekend, and believe this is a great example of what can be done when everyone pulls together for the greater good, and are delighted for the support and partnership working that is and has been taking place.”

    For more information, visit the Food Festival website.

    “Events like these play a vital role”

    Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said “Events such as the Food Festival play a vital role in the economy of the town centre – not only by bringing visitors in to Wrexham and providing an excellent opportunity for local businesses and producers to show their wares, but also in enhancing our profile as a place where large events can take place. I hope residents come along and support it.”

    “I’m delighted that the Food Festival has returned, and am very pleased that we have been able to support it once again with free parking.”

    Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Performance and Regeneration, said: “I’m very pleased to see the Food Festival return to Llwyn Isaf, and I’m sure members of the public and traders alike will welcome the opportunity to see some of the produce that Wrexham, and the wider area, has to offer.”

    Free parking – keep an eye on restrictions

    Free parking will be available at all council-run town centre car parks – apart from Tŷ Pawb from 10am.

    But restrictions on parking times will still be in place.

    For example, if parking in a short-stay car park, you’d only be able to park there for the maximum time allowed, as stated at that car park.

    And we’d advise members of the public that other restrictions, including for those parking elsewhere in the town, will remain in place as normal, and enforcement officers will be carrying out their normal duties.

    For example, roadside parking spots, usually limited to 30 minutes of parking, will still be enforced as normal.

    And the same applies for double or single yellow lines, and those using Blue Badge bays.

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  • Want a stall at the Christmas Markets? Read on…..

    Want a stall at the Christmas Markets? Read on…..

    If you’ve got produce to sell then you may want to consider renting a stall at one of our Christmas markets. Previous events have attracted producers both local and regional who sell a wide range of goods including atisan crafts, sweets, sauces, pies, puddings and pressies!

    We will be holding two this year:

    Victorian Market – St Giles and surrounding area – 5 December
    Christmas Village – Llwyn Isaf – 13 – 15 December

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    Both have been very popular in the past with almost 33,000 paying a visit to the Victorian Market, held in St Giles Church and surrounding area. And over 27,000 visited the Christmas Market on Llwyn Isaf.

    Stalls are very reasonably priced for both markets and you can get further details by emailing events@wrexham.gov.uk.

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  • Gifts, treats, or something a little unusual, you will find it all at Siop//Shop!!

    Gifts, treats, or something a little unusual, you will find it all at Siop//Shop!!

    Siop//Shop @ Tŷ Pawb stocks unique gifts for people of all ages; stunning jewellery, textiles and designer homewares alongside a contemporary selection of greetings cards magazines and an eclectic mix of books.

    Everything at Siop//Shop is chosen to complement all things that Tŷ Pawb has to offer. It stocks the perfect range of contemporary, independent makers and artists and present unique gifts for people of all ages; stunning jewellery, textiles and designer homewares alongside an eclectic offer of greetings cards magazines and books.

    Sean Edwards – Wales in Venice

    This season, Siop/Shop will be stocking exclusive double handled tote bags designed by artist Sean Edwards to accompany his solo exhibition ‘Undo Things Done’ at the Venice Biennale.

    Mentor the Maker

    Siop//Shop encourages emerging artists and promotes established practitioners from Wales and beyond which include Dyfladonc, Ark, Jennie Jackson, Tatty Devine, Jenny Murray and Melin Tregwynt amongst others.

    They have original framed prints available including Jonny Hannah, Alice Patullo, Jeanette Orrell and Pam Newall.

    Siop//Shop also stocks and support social enterprise makers like Jolt, Granby Workshop, and Arthouse Unlimited.

     

    The Hippodrome Inspired Lampshade

    The Designer Maker Project is a collaboration between Siop/Shop and makers from the Cyfle Cymru project based at Champions House in Wrexham.

    Together they have produced a contemporary, heritage inspired steam bent lamp that is sold through Siop//Shop.

    The lamp designed by Tim Denton is based on the Hippodrome light which was rescued and restored by the Wrexham History group and can now be seen in the South Arcade at Tŷ Pawb.

     

    For more information about Siop//Shop email: siop.shop@wrexham.gov.uk

     

  • Know Your Numbers in Wrexham Library

    Know Your Numbers in Wrexham Library

    Visitors to Wrexham library next week will have the opportunity to do more than just pick up a book during their visit with free blood pressure checks on offer.

    As part of the Living in Well in Wales campaign, Welsh Libraries are working with Blood Pressure UK, the country’s leading charity providing information and support to people with high blood pressure, to encourage people to know their blood pressure numbers and take the necessary action to reach and maintain a healthy blood pressure.

    Know your Numbers! Week (September 9 – 15) is the UK’s biggest blood pressure testing event and awareness week and is one of four health and wellbeing events that form part of the Living Well in Wales campaign, which seeks to bring together public libraries and partner organisations to promote the nation’s wellbeing.

    Libraries supported Dementia Action Week during May and will also be backing the British Dyslexia Association’s National Dyslexia Week in October and Do Something Different Day in January.

    During Know your Numbers! Week, libraries across Wales will host ‘pressure stations’ offering free blood pressure to checks to library users and members of the public. The stations are run by trained staff who will take a blood pressure reading, record it on a post card for each individual and provide a referral letter for a person’s GP if necessary.

    In Wrexham, a pressure station will be located in Wrexham Library where visitors will be welcome to have their blood pressure measurement taken.

    Shan Cooper, Libraries Lead, said: “Our libraries offer a wealth of resources on health and wellbeing and we’re delighted to be working with Blood Pressure UK during Know Your Numbers! Week to highlight the importance of having healthy blood pressure.

    “We hope that our customers and any members of the public who want to pop into the library will take this opportunity to have their blood pressure checked for free and to find out more about maintaining healthy readings.”

    Hemini Bharadia, Campaign Manager for Know Your Numbers! Week, said: “High blood pressure does not discriminate on age or gender – people are dying unnecessarily because they fail to take such simple steps to reduce their blood pressure.

    “Know Your Numbers Week! is the perfect opportunity to have your blood pressure taken for free and put you in control of your health, so we are pleased to have Welsh Libraries on board as Pressure Stations where you can go to have your blood pressure checked. They will play a huge role in helping advise customers about blood pressure and getting tested. We therefore hope the public will support them and Know Your Numbers! Week 2019 by getting their blood pressure checked at a library near them.”

    For more information about Know Your Numbers! Week visit www.bloodpressureuk.org/kyn

  • Do you have a child with ADHD or ASD?

    Do you have a child with ADHD or ASD?

    Do you have lots of questions but don’t know where to turn?

    Would you like to speak with other parents and carers experiencing similar challenges?

    Then why not pop along to the Tŷ Ni Family Centre in Wrexham to have a chat and get some support from people in a similar situation?

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    Every Friday (term time):

    • 9.30am – 11.30am focusing on ADHD / Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • 11.30am – 12.30pm focusing on PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)

    At Tŷ Ni Family Centre, 82 Rhosddu Road, Wrexham, LL11 2NP.

    If you fancy attending, please get in touch with the team:

    Wrexham Parent Support

    01978 295670/295677

    parenting@wrexham.gov.uk

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • Check out food hygiene ratings before you book your Christmas do

    Check out food hygiene ratings before you book your Christmas do

    As the nights draw in and we begin to think of the long winter ahead our thoughts turn to Christmas, and all the questions it poses…

    Who’s coming to us? Where are we going? Turkey or beef? What can I get for granddad? Where shall we have the Christmas do?

    We can’t help with the first few but we can help with the last – the Christmas do.

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    Love them or hate them, we all get invited to at least one!

    And before you decide whether you put your name down and hand over your deposit, you should check out the food hygiene ratings of the venue.

    And if you’re asked to organise a Christmas do, please take the time to also check the hygiene rating at the venue – many have very glossy and attractive advertising leaflets, but if it doesn’t display the food hygiene rating then can check it online. It’s also wise to check out if any guests have any food allergies and if so don’t forget to let the venue know when you book.

    It’s quick and easy to do – and could save you and your colleagues or relatives a miserable Christmas.

    All food businesses in Wales must, by law, display a rating at the premises and must inform customers of what their rating is when asked. You can check it out quickly and conveniently here.

    In order to get a rating food outlets, such as restaurants, takeaways and pubs, are inspected by officers in our Food and Farming Team to check that their hygiene standards meet legal requirements.

    The hygiene standards found at these inspections are rated on a scale ranging from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good) following an unannounced food hygiene inspection.

    During inspections, the officer checks how well the business is meeting the law by looking at:

    • How hygienically the food is handled – how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored
    • The condition of the structure of the buildings – the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities
    • How the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe, and food safety training.

    The officer will explain to the person who owns or manages the business what improvements are needed and how they can achieve the top rating of ‘5’. All business should be able to reach this top rating.

    So no matter what you’re eating for Christmas please make sure it’s been prepared hygienically and isn’t likely to give you an upset stomach or much worse.

    Get the latest info on scams, product recalls and other public protection issues.

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  • What do you think of education? Take part in this survey

    What do you think of education? Take part in this survey

    Estyn has launched a survey to ask residents in Wrexham for their views on how well education services provided by Wrexham Council support schools and youth services.

    The survey asks parents, carers, learners and anyone working or involved in education to help inspectors judge how effective the education services are at ensuring young people receive the education they are entitled to.

    Click here to take part in the survey.

    The survey is open until September 27.

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    The survey is part of the new inspection framework for local government education services in Wales. Results from the survey will be used to inform the inspection of Wrexham which begins in October.

    Meilyr Rowlands, Chief Inspector for Estyn, said: “Local views from those involved with schools and youth services are vital to help give a picture on how well the council is performing. Inspectors will be considering how well the education services help pupils to achieve, support those who are vulnerable or have particular needs and provide youth support services for those aged 11-25.”

    Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education at Wrexham Council, said: “Given the importance of inspections carried out by Estyn, and the upcoming all-authority inspection, we would encourage everyone with an interest in education in Wrexham to take part in Estyn’s survey.”

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • My Autism My Way Festival

    My Autism My Way Festival

    This event will take place at Tŷ Mawr on September 7 between 10am and 3pm and will focus on raising awareness about what it is like to live with Autism bringing together a range of groups and organisations that can offer information and advice about autism.

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    There will also be family fun and games, a silent disco, holistic therapies and the Virtual Autism Bus will be on site for everyone to take a look around. The Virtual Autism bus gives a short and sharp virtual experience of the impact autism has on those who live with the condition every day and provides a valuable insight.

    Booking is essential to access the bus, please call 01978 292066

    There will be guest speakers who will be talking first hand about their experiences of working, living and supporting someone with autism.

    Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for health and adult social care, said: “Living with autism is something that most of us can only imagine and events like this help us all to understand the condition and the day to day challenges faced by those affected. I hope as many people as possible can attend and wish the organisers well for a successful event.”

    The event is free and car parking is £1.

    Get the latest info on scams, product recalls and other public protection issues.

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  • Green Bin Charges – Where are we now?

    Green Bin Charges – Where are we now?

    Many of you already know that we will be charging £25 per year to empty your green bin from April 1, 2020. It’s a decision that wasn’t taken lightly, but in light of continued and well-reported cuts to local government funding we have had no choice but to join other councils in charging for this discretionary service.

    To make sure that your green bin continues to be emptied from April 2020 you will need to pay online or by card over the telephone. We will let you know when you can do this later in the year as we’re currently setting up the systems to make this happen smoothly.

    KIDS IN SCHOOL? FIND OUT IF YOU CAN APPLY FOR HELP TOWARDS SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS AND MORE…

    If you are already paying for any additional green bins to be emptied they will also cost £25.

    “I don’t want to have a green bin anymore?”

    If this is the case we’ll pick it up. Just 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 green 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.

    Login or register to MyAccount here:

    “What else can I do?”

    There are alternatives to using a green bin. You can home compost or use one of our three Household Recycling Centres. You can find details of these here.

    We hope you will continue to have your green 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.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “This was a really difficult decision the council made in order to deliver this service and to protect other key front line services. Residents have been hugely supportive of our recycling drives since 2003 and we know this may seem like a backward step. Charges for green bins were not something we wished to introduce and this council’s commitment was to introduce the lowest possible charge we could at £25 per green bin, which is one of the lowest in England and Wales.

    Introducing a charge for green waste is in line with the Welsh Govenment’s Blue Print on Waste and the last few years our environmental grant which supports recycling initiatives has continued to be reduced year on year, although our 70% target remains. The council are committed to recycling and reducing waste and residents can continue to use one of our three HRC sites free of charge where we also supply free compost and this will continue into the future.

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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  • Roundabout to be resurfaced

    Roundabout to be resurfaced

    We’re pleased to let you know that the Border Retail roundabout – also known as the Tesco roundabout is to be resurfaced.

    We’ve been working with the businesses in the area to minimise disruption to them and you and it’s been agreed that works will take place overnight for 6 nights starting on Sunday, 13 October.

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    The roundabout will be closed to traffic between 8pm and 6am on these nights but you can still access the Border Retail Park via Crescent Road and our thanks go to Tesco for making this possible. If you do not need to access the Retail park during these times please try and avoid the area. All businesses will remain open as normal opening times for the duration of the works.

    Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “This area has been of concern for some time and we are aware from calls and from social media that drivers wanted the surface improved sooner rather than later. It’s a busy roundabout serving a retail park which includes a 24 hour supermarket and petrol station and it’s inevitable that it’s going to cause some disruption. We ask for your patience during the works and look forward to a totally resurfaced roundabout.”

    Need help with school uniform costs? Find out if you’re eligible.

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