news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Council Services

Alleged cases of Dog thefts in Wrexham – what’s the facts?
We’ve been made aware of concerns surrounding alleged dog thefts in the area. The concerns are being shared via social media and is causing distress to dog owners and other innocent parties.
We’ve taken a look at the matter and spoken with North Wales Police to see whether or not there’s any need for any concerns in Wrexham and they advise that, whilst there’s been a small number of thefts nationally, such crimes are extremely rare here with none reported in a very long time.
The reports that are being seen are shared from various sites around the UK which then get picked up locally and becoming more and more alarmist. Many of the posts are actually from the south of England where a few confirmed offences have occurred.
At the moment those shared locally are often members of the public who have been photographed going about their daily lives but seem to others to be acting suspiciously.
The sharing of images is not to be encouraged as it has the potential to put innocent parties at risk.
Sadly due to the amount of momentum that this issue has gained we are now seeing practical jokes taking place with people deliberately marking walls with chalk, or placing zip ties to cause upset.
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus
We’re all asking for a “sensible conversation” to take place to prevent causing upset and alarm for pet owners.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “Whilst we all care for our pets and don’t want to see anything happen to them we should also be aware that by sharing photographs locally we’re causing distress to innocent people who are going about their legitimate business. Please think carefully before you share any photos such as these and be reassured that these crimes, whilst not unheard of, are rare in Wrexham.”
Acting Inspector Luke Hughes, North Wales Police, said:
“Social media is a great tool to for getting information into the community, however please be aware that whilst many posts are well intentioned some of what you will read is simply misinformation or “fake news” as the popular saying goes.
North Wales Police take all reported crimes seriously, and offences such as these are clearly emotive. I can however reassure you that Wrexham remains unaffected by this phenomenon and both West Mercia and Cheshire Police are reporting far fewer offences than social media may make you believe.”
How to get a test
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September 2, 2020
Covid-19 Public Briefing Note – 28.08.20
This note provides an update on the information posted on this blog on 17.8.20
Key messages for this week
- Pupils begin to return to school next week. We want this to be as safe as possible for everyone.
- School transport. Pupils will be asked to wear face coverings on school transport.
- School meals will be a little different.
- It’s the last bank holiday before Christmas and if you’re heading to town with friends or family please stay safe and plan your visit beforehand
In case you missed it…
Today’s briefing note is a summary of announcements and changes over the past few days…
Covid-19 – What you need to know before your child goes back to school
If you’re a parent or carer, you’ll know that schools across Wrexham will be opening for the new term from Tuesday, September 1.
For most schools it’ll be a phased return over two weeks, with different year groups returning on different days, and your school will have been in touch to confirm arrangements.
We want the return to be as safe as possible for everyone and we’ve published information on what parents and pupils can expect next week and what’s also expected of pupils and their parents/carers.
Read more…
HOW TO GET A TEST IF YOU’VE GOT CORONAVIRUS SYMPTOMS.
School transport. Pupils will be required wear face coverings on school transport
School transport will be operating when pupils return and parents/carers can be assured that there’s an emphasis on safety for pupils travelling via school buses or taxis.
Those pupils 11 years and over are required to wear face coverings when they return to school using home to school transport. There’ll also be regular cleaning of transport.
We’ve prepared some frequently asked questions and a protocol so please make sure you’re aware of everything that’s expected.
Read more…
School meals will be available
School meals will be provided when children return to school next week – but they may be served differently
Read more…
If you’re heading to town this weekend please stay safe
As we approach the bank holiday weekend many of you will be visiting the town centre for a drink with friends with family. Please plan your visit to make sure you avoid disappointment and follow all the advice given in order to Keep Wrexham Safe.
Read more…
Bank holiday bin collections
There’s no change to bin collections next week so don’t forget to put your bin out on the usual collection day.
Online payments now available for green waste bin
You can now pay online for your green waste bin to be emptied.
Pay now…
Reminder – reliable sources of information about Covid-19
Latest information on the virus and what people should do about it is provided by:
- Welsh Government
- Public Health Wales
How to get a test if you’ve got Coronavirus Symptoms.
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https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-public-briefing-note-17-8-20/
August 28, 2020
Update: You can now pay online for your green garden waste bin
From today (August 28) you can pay online to have your green garden waste bin emptied.
If you wish to continue having your garden waste bin(s) collected you can pay online at www.wrexham.gov.uk/gardenwaste
Payment can also be made by calling 01978 298989.
SIGN UP TO PAY FOR GREEN BIN COLLECTION
As we were in lockdown it was decided that we would continue to empty all garden waste bins from April as the Household Recycling Centres had to close due to the restrictions about non-essential travel, but the paid for collections now start on Monday, August 31.
The charge is the same as before – £25 per green garden waste bin per-year. Anyone who has not signed up by August 31 will no longer have their garden waste bin(s) emptied.
If you’ve already paid, you don’t need to do anything
If you already paid for the garden waste service earlier in the year you don’t need to do anything…you will receive a full 12 months service until August 31, 2021.
Darren Williams, Chief Officer Environment and Technical, said: “We’ve managed to keep the charge as low as possible, £25 per garden waste bin per year, which is less than many other authorities in England and Wales. If you paid for the service earlier in the year you will automatically receive a full 12-months service from the new start date.”
Sign up to pay for your green bin to be emptied.
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August 28, 2020
Heading to Wrexham town this weekend? Please plan your visit
As the last of the spring and summer bank holidays approaches many of you may be considering calling into town for a drink with family or friends – after all there won’t be another one until Christmas.
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus
Drinking establishments are really looking forward to seeing you but they’re having to do things very differently at the moment so please plan ahead and be prepared to:
- Book in advance – lots of establishments are now asking people to book their visit in advance so they can manage numbers properly and safely. Please check if you should book to avoid disappointment or any queues.
- Stay 2 metres apart if you have to queue to get into an establishment. Consider going to another establishment that doesn’t have a queue or just be patient.
- Carry a face covering if you intend to get a taxi home – you now have to wear one for all taxi journeys.
- Provide accurate contact details. If any premises is later identified as having a positive Coronavirus case it will make sure that you can be contacted quickly by the Test, Trace and Protect teams.
Remember that you can’t stand up and have a drink – at the moment this is not allowed and you will be asked to leave if you do so or be refused entrance if there are no available tables.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “It’s vitally important that we all remain vigilant about Covid-19, it’s still with us and we all need to follow the guidelines in order to keep Wrexham safe.
“The freedoms that we are now enjoying have been hard won, many people have died and it is important that we do not sacrifice these benefits. It is in no ones interest for us to have to return to lockdown.
“Please remember that social distancing and hand hygiene are key defences against the spread of this virus and they should become part of our normal behaviour as we approach the autumn.”
So far Wrexham rural and town centre Police and our licensing staff are reporting that overall licencees are doing a great job managing customers and staff to keep them safe but that doesn’t mean that the virus has gone away. It hasn’t and to avoid coming into contact with it or spreading it to someone else please take every precaution to avoid further transmission.
You can do this by carefully planning your evening out in order to enjoy yourself
Please remember all the measures are in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and we really need your help to Keep Wrexham Safe.
How to get a test
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August 28, 2020
Covid-19 – what you need to know before your child goes back to school
If you’re a parent or carer, you’ll know that schools across Wrexham will be opening for the new term from Tuesday, September 1.
For most schools it’ll be a phased return over two weeks, with different year groups returning on different days, and your school will have been in touch to confirm arrangements.
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus
We all know this has been a difficult year because of Coronavirus, and it’s natural than many parents, carers and children will be feel a little anxious about the new term.
As a council, we want to reassure you that the health of our communities comes first, and that plans are in place to ensure the return to school is as smooth and safe as possible.
We can all play a part
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, says “There’s been a huge amount of planning behind the scenes, with the council, schools and transport providers working together to make sure all government guidance is followed.
“Arrangements will vary slightly from school to school, depending on circumstances. But if we all play our part – and follow all the guidance issued by schools and the council – the return to school should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all children.
“As part of this, we’re asking parents to remind their children about some of the simple do’s and don’ts around hygiene and safety – including the need to wash hands regularly, and catch any coughs or sneezes.
“All Wrexham secondary schools will be requiring mainstream pupils to wear face coverings when in communal areas such as corridors. This decision is fully supported. Headteachers have worked hard to put in place measures to protect everyone in their care and this is the latest example of quickly taking on board recommendations by Welsh Government. We ask parents to also fully support their children’s schools by ensuring that their children are aware of the need to wear face coverings in order to protect not only themselves but those around them, their families and the wider communities in which they live in order to keep Wrexham safe.”
Things parents and carers can do to help
1. Follow any advice issued by your school
2. Be patient – we’ve never been in a situation like this before, and we might need to adapt a little as we go along
3. Remind your child to cover their mouth when they sneeze – both in school or and when travelling to school (for example on the bus). Catch it, bin it, kill it
4. Remind your child to clean their hands regularly – including before and after they use school or public transport, and wherever they’re asked to by school staff.
5. If you drop off and collect your children, please don’t congregate at the school gates. Keep at least two metres away from other parents (outside your extended household), follow instructions from your school, and don’t hang around longer than needed
6. Don’t send your child to school if they – or anyone in their extended household has symptoms
7. Don’t send your child to school if they – or anyone in their extended household – has been advised to take a Covid-19 test (for example, by contact tracers)
8. Please ensure your child has a face covering for use in communal areas when in school
9. Check out school transport arrangements here
10. Check out the latest update on school meals here
Keeping our schools safe
Cllr Wynn added, “As a council, we’re unlocking services and facilities slowly and carefully and in line with the latest guidance and scientific evidence provided by the Welsh Government.
“This includes our schools, and the safety of our children, staff and communities is our priority.
“But we’re asking you as parents and carers to help us… by making sure your children understand some of these basic guidelines, and by following any advice provided by your school.
“We hope the return to school is a good experience for everyone, and that children in particular enjoy reconnecting with their friends and teachers whilst learning in a supportive classroom setting.
“Let’s work together to make the new term a success, and keep Wrexham – and our schools – safe.”
How to get a test
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August 27, 2020
Back to school – what you need to know about school transport
Schools across Wrexham will begin opening for the new term from Tuesday, September 1 as part of a phased return for pupils, and your child’s school will have been in touch with you by now to confirm arrangements.
As we are getting very close to the reopening of our schools in Wrexham, many of you will have questions about home to school transport and how it will work due to Covid-19. We have been working hard with our ‘Education Recovery Group’ to get things in place for September.
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus
Welsh Government recommends that learners should be encouraged to adopt active travel opportunities such as walking or cycling where reasonable, practical and safe to do so, but we are aware that this just isn’t possible for everyone.
If your child will be using home to school transport with us, we want to reassure you that a lot of planning has gone into making these journeys as safe as possible. We are following Welsh Government guidelines so that contracted vehicles will be clean and safe to use, but we are asking for your and your children’s help to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19.
Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “It’s understandable if some of you are feeling a little uneasy at the prospect our allowing your child to use home to school transport as they return, but we want to reassure you that it’s really important to us for children using school transport to be safe.
“All our school transport vehicles will be thoroughly cleaned in line with Welsh Government guidelines. This will include making sure that areas such as handles that get touched often will be regularly and thoroughly cleaned. Vehicles will also receive a deep clean once a day, and they are cleaned before picking pupils up in the morning and at the end of the school run in the afternoon.
“We’ve calculated how many pupils we can offer a seat to, based on vehicle size and social distancing guidelines, and children will be sat in year group clusters with empty seats being used to allow spacing between the year groups.
“We’ve put these measures in place so that your child’s journey to and from their school will be safe, but you will need to play your part as well. Pupils over 11 years old are asked to wear face coverings when using home to school transport, so please make sure they are prepared for this.
“Most importantly, do not, under any circumstances, let your child travel if they, or anyone in your household, have a high temperature or are showing any other symptoms of the coronavirus.”
We have prepared some handy Questions and Answers for parents:
Frequently asked questions
Home to school transport protocol September 2020
How to get a test
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August 27, 2020
Calling all school transport escorts
PPE for school escorts can also be collected by appointment with School Transport Officers from Abbey Road Depot.
We have procedures in place for collection with regard to social distancing etc. to protect all. If you want to make an appointment contact the team on: school.transport@wrexham.gov.uk
How to get a test
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August 27, 2020
Bin stickers should arrive within 10 working days after you pay for the garden waste service
With garden waste collection charges applying from Monday, August 31, a number of you who’ve recently signed up to the service have been asking us why you haven’t received your bin sticker yet.
We want to remind residents that it can take up to ten working days after you pay for the service before you will receive your sticker through the post.
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “When your sticker arrives, please attach it to the lid of your garden waste bin(s). It’s important you do this so that our crews will know that you’ve paid for the service. If it’s been over ten working days since you paid for the service and you still haven’t received your sticker from us, please let us know by calling the contact centre on 01978 298989.”
If you signed up for the service earlier in the year, please continue to display the original sticker you were sent as new ones won’t be sent out…it doesn’t matter if the contract date showing is now incorrect, your bin(s) will still get collected until August 31, 2021.
Reminder: unless you’ve paid, your garden waste won’t be collected from August 31
How to get a test
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August 27, 2020
New grant of up to £5,000 for Childcare Providers announced
There’s good news for childcare providers across Wrexham as Welsh Government has announced the launch of a new grant – The Childcare Providers Grant – to support childcare providers to continue to operate or to re-open sustainably.
Wrexham has been awarded over £242,000 to support these settings. This grant will help childcare settings to remain sustainable, including school based settings.
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus
Cllr Andrew Atkinson, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said:
Many childcare settings badly affected financially by the pandemic
“We have all been very aware over the course of the past few months just how important it is to have good quality and sufficient local childcare for family wellbeing, for the local economy and for the children themselves.
“This is really good news for Wrexham because many childcare settings, which run on a shoestring to keep prices affordable for parents, have been very badly affected financially by the impact of the pandemic and would have struggled otherwise to reopen and remain sustainable.”
The purpose of the grant is to support registered childcare businesses with immediate cash flow support to help off set the economic consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown.
The Childcare Providers Grant will help those childcare businesses which have not been able to access other schemes and complements other Covid-19 response measures to support businesses, social enterprises and charitable organisations in Wales. Childcare providers can apply for up to £5,000, as a one off payment.
You can apply for the grant now online.
Applications close on October 31, 2020
How to get a test
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August 27, 2020
School meals when children return to school
School meals will be provided when children return to school next week – but they may be served differently
In order to minimise contact between staff and pupils our school meals service has reviewed its current menus and changed them slightly into a two week cycle so they can all be served in disposable containers and they’ll be using compostable cutlery.
No matter how mild your symptoms are, you should get a test for Coronavirus
Each school will have its own arrangements for serving school meals but it’s very likely that there will be staggered meal times, some meals will be taken directly to the classroom with a smaller number of pupils using the dining areas.
It’s also likely that pupils will be asked to pre-order their food to help the service be as efficient as possible.
Parents are asked to pay on-line for their school meals and for those pupils who are attending high school for the first time this year will have a new 10 digit pin number. If the school has not already given you this number you can contact a member of the catering team in Ruthin Road by email to schoolmeals@wrexham.gov.uk
If you want to check out the menus take a look at the schools meals service facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/wxmschoolmeals
How to get a test
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August 26, 2020