Category: Council Services

  • Climate Change 2020 – check out how we’re doing?

    Climate Change 2020 – check out how we’re doing?

    As part of Climate Change week 2020 we’re bringing you an update about what we’ve been doing to reduce our carbon emissions and we’re really pleased with the progress made to date.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 but were very active before that in ensuring that we pay close attention to our carbon emissions and our role in encouraging our residents and businesses to do the same. It’s sometimes difficult with limited resources but what we have already achieved is very encouraging.

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    “We also recently trialled an electric refuse vehicle on our rounds with very encouraging results. Our refuse vehicles emit a lot of carbon emissions and it’s vital we look to replace our vehicles with electric chargers at the earliest opportunity.

    “Our work in the environment, particularly with tree planting and wildflower meadows is now creating an environment that has ecology and biodiversity at its centre and work is continuing in this area.

    “Part of our role is to ensure that the infrastructure is ready to support a greener, carbon free Wrexham which is why we’ve installed Electric Vehicle charging points across the county borough.”

    Read on for information about where they are and about how we’re generating electricity from solar panels to stop harmful carbon dioxide emissions through fossil fuels.

    Electric chargers are now in car parks at:

    Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Ty Mawr, Ty Pawb, Waterworld, Alyn Waters, Abbey Road, Ruthin Road, Lambpit Street, Redwither Tower, Guildhall, Llay Resource Centre, Plas Pentwyn, Bersham Enterprise Centre, Glyn Ceiriog Community Centre.

    And will soon be installed in Chirk car park which will be an ultra rapid charging station – thought to be the first in N.Wales and the first owned by a local authority,and Ruabon train station.

    We’ve also been very keen to use Photovoltaic Panels (PV) and we installed 2675 units on our domestic housing. These have created enough electricity to make 1,540,412,450 cups of tea or 308,082,490 of watching TV. This has meant that power stations have used less fossil fules and 16,705,756 kg of carbon dioxide emisions were avoided.

    We’ve installed them in 15 of our schools, at Ruthin Road, Redwither Tower and Acton and Llay resource centres.

    These have generated 94,868,300 cups of tea or 18,973,660 hours of TV which has resulted in 1,027,40 kg of carbon dioxide reduction.

    Recently we also installed new 249kw solar at our building on Ruthin Road which so far has made a 60% saving on the electricity bill for Ruthin Road. This is the more recent project and has been a great success. It’s already made 9,049,650 cups of tea and 1,809,930 hours of TV and saved 97,917kg of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere.

    For the first time, the Welsh Government will be holding a series of free, digital and interactive events across this week, where anyone passionate about climate change can join conversations with national and global policy makers, campaigners and innovators about how climate change can be tackled.

    Throughout the week, the sessions will cover issues involving agriculture, young people, hospitals and schools, as well as fashion, businesses, mobility and much more. Most importantly, it will provide practical examples of what individuals and organisations can do themselves to help fight against Wales’ climate emergency. You can find out more about these here https://waterfront.eventscase.com/EN/walesclimateweek

    We’ll be bringing you further news later in the week about our plans for the future and about a consultation we’ll be undertaking on our Decarbonisation Action Plan.

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

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  • Temporary Accommodation Urgently Required!

    Temporary Accommodation Urgently Required!

    Do you own a property which you are not able to rent out, or maybe you own a hotel with rooms going spare? Would you like to help people in our communities to find accommodation to help keep them safe? If yes, then we need your help!

    Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

    We are looking for accommodation in and around the Wrexham area for some of our clients on a temporary basis. If you have something that you think might be suitable, and would like more information, please contact us;

    Telephone: 01978 292000

    Email: Shirley.jones@wrexham.gov.uk or Deborah.williams@wrexham.gov.uk

    Your support is greatly appreciated during these unprecedented times.

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

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  • Covid-19 briefing note – key things you need to know in Wrexham

    Covid-19 briefing note – key things you need to know in Wrexham

    Key messages

    As we come to the end of the first week of the firebreak lockdown in Wales, here’s a quick reminder about some of the key things you need to know in Wrexham.

    What we all need to do until November 9

    The lockdown will end on Monday, November 9. Until then, the basic message is simple. Stay at home.

    This means you should:

    • Work from home wherever possible. The only exceptions will be jobs where this just isn’t possible.
    • Only leave home to exercise, or for essential purposes like shopping or medicine.
    • Avoid gatherings with people you don’t live with – either indoors or outdoors. Although if you live alone or you’re a single parent, you can link-up with one other household for support.

    Read the Welsh Government FAQs for more info about lockdown restrictions.

    Read last week’s briefing note for info about local services and facilities closed during the lockdown.

    Free school meals payments to cover half-term

    If your children qualify for free school meals and you’ve received a direct payment from us before, you should have received a payment in the past few days.

    This was to cover the first week of the half-term holiday.

    If your children are at home for a second week (years 9, 10 and 11 of secondary school), we’ll make a second payment to your bank account on November 2.

    And remember…if your children have to isolate for 10 days at any point, please don’t worry. We’ll make payments to your bank account to cover the isolation period.

    This will help you provide meals for your children while they’re at home.

    If you have any questions or need any help, please get in touch.

    Wrexham to support UK trial for Covid-19 vaccine

    Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Public Health Wales are looking for volunteers to participate in a clinical trial studying an investigational vaccine against Covid-19.

    The vaccine has recently completed preliminary testing in humans, showing promising initial results on antibody levels in healthy volunteers and no serious safety concerns identified to date.

    The vaccine now requires testing on a large scale and a study involving 9,000 people in around 18 regions across the UK is starting. The aim is to recruit volunteers aged 18-84 who live within a 30 mile radius of Wrexham.

    READ MORE…

    Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

    Halloween at home – respect, protect and enjoy

    We’re supporting North Wales Police as they ask people to celebrate Halloween at home this year.

    Carving pumpkins, craft activities and creating spooky trails around your house or garden are all ways to celebrate Halloween at home with younger children.

    North Wales Police has also come up with lots of downloadable fun activities.

    READ MORE…

    Former police station demolition

    Many of you have been wondering when and how the former police station on Powell Road will be demolished to make way for a new supermarket.

    The building will be brought down by a controlled explosion this weekend, but due to coronavirus restrictions, we’re asking people to stay away and watch the event online.

    READ MORE…

    Have you had your flu-jab yet?

    We’re joining with Public Health Wales to urge anyone eligible to have their free flu vaccine.

    Those who qualify include people with long term health conditions, people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, children aged two to 10 years, carers and care-home staff with regular client contact, and care home residents.

    READ MORE…

    Keep Wrexham safe this Bonfire Night

    North Wales Fire Service is asking everyone to think how they can keep Wales safe this Bonfire Night and not spread coronavirus.

    There should be no organised public bonfires or firework displays this year. And although you can buy fireworks for use in your garden, remember that fireworks are dangerous, and the added risk of coronavirus means you should think very carefully.

    READ MORE…

    Remembrance Sunday – please remember from home

    People in Wrexham are being encouraged to mark Remembrance Sunday from home this year.

    We’re encouraging you to take part in a two-minute silence from your doorstep at 11am on Sunday, November 8, and to watch the commemorations online or on the television.

    READ MORE…

    Covid-19 stats for where you live

    Remember that you can now find more localised Covid-19 statistics for where you live.

    The Public Health Wales dashboard breaks down the overall figures for Wrexham into smaller areas…for example Acton and Maesydre, Gresford, Marford and Rossett, Ruabon and Marchwiel.

    Visit the dashboard, click on the tab that says ‘Cases by MSOA’ and use the ‘Local Authority’ drop-down box on the right to select Wrexham.

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]

  • Registering to vote – it’s quick and easy

    Registering to vote – it’s quick and easy

    If you haven’t yet responded to the annual canvass communication then you could miss out on having your say on who represents you in Welsh Government and who becomes the Police and Crime Commissioner when elections take place next May.

    There’s now even more people eligible to vote as 16, 17 year olds and qualified foreign citizens aged 16 or over can vote in the Senedd elections.

    Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

    Please make sure you add anyone over 14 in your household to make sure they don’t miss out on their opportunity to vote.

    You will need to respond if you have moved house since you last registered – something people often forget.

    What do I need to do?

    • If all those eligible to vote are already registered at your address you don’t need to do anything.
    • If any information is wrong or there’s people eligible to vote that aren’t included then you will need to respond. Please visit www.householdresponse.com/wrexham and make the necessary changes.
    • Once this is done new people should register individually on www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

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  • Salop Road one way on 27 October

    Salop Road one way on 27 October

    Salop Road will be one way on 27 October (tomorrow) to allow works to investigate some subsidence on the carriageway.

    Traffic travelling from Eagle’s Meadow will be diverted onto St Giles Way whilst the works take place between 9.30 and 15.30.

  • Getting ready for winter 2020 – 2021

    Getting ready for winter 2020 – 2021

    As always, we’re all hoping for the best but planning for the worst case scenarios of snow, ice, gales, or whatever may come our way.

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    We want to make sure we have all the arrangements in place to help us all deal with poor conditions and be able to get about with minimum disruption.

    We have a very well maintained fleet of gritters and lots of hardworking volunteers from Streetscene who step in to drive the gritters.

    We have 10 gritting routes along with 7,500 tonnes of grit which is topped up each time we grit the roads.

    We also have plans in place to cover extended periods of severe weather which includes plans to grit housing estates (where it’s safe to do so) before bin collections and to keep areas such as sheltered accommodation and school routes as clear and as safe as possible.

    “To grit or not to grit in winter?”

    This is the question faced several times a day by our experienced supervisors. To grit too soon may mean it gets washed away by rain. Too late – and you could be in for a slippy ride.

    If you want to know if the gritters are going out you can keep an eye on our Twitter account – or watch out for #wxmgrit.

    twitter.com/wrexhamcbc

    We also send out reminders via the MyUpdates system which emails updates directly to subscribers.

    When very poor weather is expected or we are experiencing a particularly long bout of cold, freezing weather we’ll keep you updated about where to find information including bin collections and school closures via this blog, our website at www.wrexham.gov.uk and our social media accounts so please keep an eye on them.

    🚗 Remember to check your vehicle before you go out during or before poor weather. The Met Office has some excellent advice but always remember to allow extra time for your journey and stay safe.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We’re as ready as we can be and drivers have already been checking their gritting routes to make sure they’re aware of any potential problems. We value this service and we want to ensure that we keep everybody moving and safe during adverse weather which is essential to the local economy. Please take extra care during the winter and look out for alerts and weather advice and take all necessary action.”

    “Help where you can”

    Please also look out for your elderly relatives or vulnerable neighbours. Poor weather can mean they face greater difficulties when carrying out every day basic tasks such as shopping for essentials. Please offer help where you can – it could make all the difference to someone who can’t get out on their own.

    Cllr Joan Lowe, lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Cllr Joan Lowe, lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We all struggle during bad weather with transport and day to day tasks so imagine what it must be like for someone who has poor mobility and cannot get out at all.

    “We’re also in difficult social distancing times and being unable to enter someone else’s property so please consider how you can help with tasks such as essential shopping or picking up prescriptions. Please don’t underestimate just how much of a difference you could make by helping with delivering shopping or just by making a phone call to have a quick chat.”

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

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  • Stay safe Stay local

    Stay safe Stay local

    Exercising outdoors is a great way to improve and maintain physical fitness, as well as improving mental health and wellbeing.

    During the firebreak, we may need to adapt and make a few changes to how, and where we exercise.

    Parks, as well as country parks in Wrexham will remain open for exercise during this period.

    But you should only visit those you can walk to in order to avoid making any unnecessary journeys.

    Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

    For the next two weeks you may see that some parts of our parks such as sports courts, skate parks and bowling greens will be closed.

    The visitor centres and toilets will also remain closed.

    Children’s playgrounds will remain open, we ask that you follow government Covid guidelines whilst visiting.

    Whilst there are no limits on the distance you can cover during your exercise, the nearer you stay to your home, the better.

    Guidelines for people with specific health or mobility issues, who may need to travel from their home in order to be able to exercise are available here.

    Car parks will remain open for this purpose.

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

    As well as visiting your local park you may want to don a pair of walking boots, and set out along the many miles of public footpaths that criss-cross the county.

    If you do choose to take to the footpaths, please follow the Countryside Code and stick to social distancing if you meet another person or family on the path.

    We have lots of information on public rights of way on our website

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Heading outdoors for exercise is always beneficial, and our parks look stunning at the moment and full of autumn colours, now is  a great time of year to get outside. We are encouraging people to keep active but to stay safe and stay local.

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  • Tŷ Pawb launch FREE online half term activity programme

    Tŷ Pawb launch FREE online half term activity programme

    Tŷ Pawb may be closed this half term but that’s not going to stop us from giving you heaps of exciting free activities for you to try at home!

    From vegetable printing to bunting and bugs in bottles, there’s a different activity to try every day during half term 🙂

    Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

    Plus you can download our family activity pack to help you enjoy our brand new virtual gallery tour!

    Head to our half term activity page to download the activities.

    Follow Tŷ Pawb on:
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Instagram

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]

  • Arriva Bus Services during the fire break

    Arriva Bus Services during the fire break

    The main bus concourse at Wrexham bus station will close tomorrow at 6pm until Monday 9th November.

    Bus services will be operating at a similar level of service to that operated so far through October which represents around 68% of normal service.

    Michael Morton, Arriva’s managing director for buses in Wales and North West England says: “We will continue to provide the people of Wrexham with a safe, reliable service that will serve them when the need to go out to work and for other essential journeys.

    Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

    “Face coverings are mandatory in order to help protect our staff and customers and we will continue to clean essential areas of the bus between trips and  of course, when they return to depot. We are most grateful for the help and support given to us by Councillor Bithell and his team.”

    Please check their website for service details. https://www.arrivabus.co.uk/wales

    Cllr David A Bithell Lead Member Environment and Transport said, “We had a very positive meeting with Arriva Buses Managing Director Michael Morton. They have confirmed that during the fire break public transport will be available for essential travel such as travelling to work or to access shops for food and supplies, health appointments or similar. I would like to thank them for their continued commitment to providing safe public transport for people across Wrexham.”

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]

  • Covid-19 briefing note – what the fire-break will mean in Wrexham

    Covid-19 briefing note – what the fire-break will mean in Wrexham

    Key messages

    The fire-break

    On Monday, Welsh Government announced a two-week ‘fire-break’ lockdown to combat the spread of coronavirus.

    The restrictions will take effect across Wales from 6pm this Friday and will end in the early hours of Monday, November 9.

    So what do you need to do, and what will change in Wrexham exactly?

    What do you need to do?

    The basic message is simple. Stay at home.

    This means you should:

    • Work from home wherever possible. The only exceptions will be critical workers and jobs where it isn’t possible.
    • Only leave home to exercise, or for essential purposes like shopping or medicine.
    • Avoid gatherings with people you don’t live with – either indoors or outdoors. Although if you live alone or you’re a single parent, you can link-up with one other household for support.

    Fire break lockdown in Wales

    What will close in Wrexham?

    The following facilities will close for the lockdown:

    • All non-essential retail, hospitality and tourism businesses.
    • All leisure centres, including Wrexham Waterworld and other Freedom Leisure venues. Tennis and golf venues will also be closed.
    • All libraries (including ‘order and collect’ services).
    • All community centres (although some businesses and food take-away services will remain open at some of our community resource centres).
    • All three recycling centres at Bryn Lane, Brymbo and Plas Madoc.
    • Tŷ Pawb car park and building.
    • The Monday Market on Queens Square.
    • The General Market.
    • Places of worship – except for funerals, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies.

    Council services will focus on critical services (e.g. highways maintenance). Other services (e.g. dealing with planning applications) will be paused during the two weeks.

    Protect the people you love. Download the Covid-19 NHS app.

    What will stay open in Wrexham?

    The following things will stay open:

    • Parks, country parks, cemeteries and playgrounds.
    • Childcare provision.
    • Your bins and recycling will be collected as normal.
    • The register office at the Guildhall will stay open for wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, as well as births and deaths registrations.
    • We’ll still carry out emergency repairs for council housing tenants.
    • Wrexham primary schools will re-open as normal after half-term.
    • Wrexham secondary schools will re-open after half-term for years 7 and 8, and for pupils sitting exams. Years 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will stay at home and use remote learning.
    • The Butchers Market will stay open for food retailers.

    We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for playing their part during this lockdown.

    By coming together once again, and making another huge effort in Wrexham and across Wales, we can save lives and protect the NHS…just like we did in the summer.

    Other important info

    Remembrance Sunday – please remember from home this year

    We’re encouraging you to take part in a two-minute silence from your doorstep at 11am on Sunday, November 8, and to watch the commemorations online or on the television.

    Remembrance Sunday – please remember from home this year

    Free school meal payments over half term

    If your children qualify for free school meals and you’ve received a direct payment from us before, we’ll be making direct payments into your bank account to cover the half term.

    The first payment will be made on Monday (October 26), and will cover the first week of the holiday.

    If your children are at home for a second week (years 9, 10 and 11 of secondary school) we’ll make a second payment the following week.

    Also, if your children have to isolate for 10 days at any point, please don’t worry…we’ll make payments to your bank account to cover the isolation period.

    This will help you provide meals for your children while they’re at home.

    If you have any questions or need any help, please get in touch.

    Testing centre confirmed for six months

    The new testing centre at the Memorial Hall will be here for at least six months…providing convenient local testing right into spring next year.

    It’s the result of a real team effort by the council, Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, NHS Wales, the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care, the voluntary sector and other partners.

    You’ll need an appointment before you attend the centre, and the Welsh Government website tells you how to apply.

    You can also apply using the NHS Covid-19 app on your phone.

    While you’re waiting for a test or your results, please follow the self-isolation guidance on the Welsh Government website.

    Remember…only get tested if you think you have symptoms.

    The testing centre at the Memorial Hall is a ‘drive to’…not a ‘drive through.’ So you’ll need to pay to park as normal when you go for your test if it’s before 11am (parking is free in council-managed town centre car parks after 11am).

    You can pay using the JustPark mobile phone app…

    Google Play

    App Store

    Covid-19 stats for where you live

    You can now find more localised Covid-19 statistics for where you live.

    The Public Health Wales dashboard breaks down the overall figures for Wrexham into smaller areas…for example Acton and Maesydre, Gresford, Marford and Rossett, Ruabon and Marchwiel.

    The data shows that coronavirus isn’t confined to a few pockets in Wrexham…it’s across the county borough.

    So we all need to work together to get the virus under control in our communities.

    Take a look at the stats on the PHW website. Click on the tab that says ‘Cases by MSOA’ and use the ‘Local Authority’ drop-down box on the right to select Wrexham.

    Support for vulnerable persons

    The Welsh Government advice is that there’s no need for ‘shielded’ people to take any additional precautions.

    However, in the event that you’re having difficulty and need assistance with obtaining food, prescriptions and care/social support please contact us:

    Wrexham County Borough Council, The Guildhall, Wrexham, LL11 1AY
    Tel 01978 292066
    www.wrexham.gov.uk

    We’ll arrange to put you in touch with our voluntary sector partners AVOW, or with our Social Care team, depending on the support you need.

    One of the positive things to come out of the Covid-19 emergency is the way people have looked 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 during the two-week lockdown, 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.

    Download the Covid-19 NHS app…and help keep Wrexham safe this autumn.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/”]DOWNLOAD THE NHS APP[/button]