Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • B5605 Newbridge Road – Moves to appoint contractor

    B5605 Newbridge Road – Moves to appoint contractor

    Work to repair the B5605 Newbridge Road has taken a step forward with the news that we are now inviting contractors to bid to undertake the work on eTender Wales.

    We are looking for a company that has a proven track record in this field of work, the decision has been made to advertise via the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) Contractor Framework. This route to market should ensure compliance and an agreed outcome within our Financial Regulation Documentation.

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    Contractors will have 6 weeks to submit their bids with an opportunity after 3 weeks to answer any points of detail they raise.

    After six weeks the tenders will be evaluated in line with our Procurement processes and any issues resolved before the preferred bidder is chosen.

    The complexity of this scheme requires bespoke design and build detail and associated planning and procurement and we’re pleased that this support is being provided by Consulting Engineers (Atkins) with contractual risk very much in their focus. Progress has now been made to a stage where the invitation to tender, via the aforementioned Framework, for the next major stage can proceed with confidence, with diligence to date paying dividends and maximising the potential for a smooth transition to the construction phase that follows.

    The added advantage of the forthcoming Spring and Summer seasons to deal with the most complex phases of the repair will also hopefully deliver its own benefits with the high quality outcome much deserved by the residents of Wrexham.

    Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for the Environment, said, “I am pleased that work on this important project has reached this point.

    “The closure of the road has had a significant impact on local communities and emergency services who are having to drive miles out of their way, often on a daily basis.

    Timeline of events so far:

    January 2021 – The huge Storm Christoph hit and caused the critical failure of the embankment which forced the closure of the road.

    March 2021 – Following the results of the initial ground investigations, a further report to arrange for an assessment of ground condition at the site was commissioned.

    April 2021 – More detailed surveys were undertaken which were duly processed and formed part of the initial repair options report. Further, more targeted ground Investigation followed, data has been and continues to be collected on an ongoing basis to assess ground water conditions and monitor any deep ground movement.

    May 2021 – £175k was awarded by Welsh Government to reimburse our costs to date, and to fund further preparatory studies. This funding was also used to develop an options report and estimated costings for the stabilisation and repair of the slope.

    February 2022 – We were invited by Welsh Government to submit a bid for grant funding which was submitted in March, supported by the information collated by that time, and we were pleased to be awarded the funding applied for in full in April 2022.

    Work progressed in producing the specification documents and approach towards appointing Consulting Engineers. This was advertised, via an identified Framework, in October 2022 and the successful Consulting Engineers appointed in November 2022.

    November/December 2022 – In the lead up to Christmas and the New Year the Consultant’s team had been developed and has been preparing the necessary documents for submitting invitations for the Design and Build Contractor to bid for the scheme that will involve the repair to the landslip area and reinstatement of the carriageway, and the Council is pleased to confirm that these documents have been posted on eTender Wales.

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  • More than £5.4m for new Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham

    More than £5.4m for new Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham

    More fantastic news for Wrexham city centre! A further £5.4m is being provided by Welsh Government for the development of the new Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham, the spiritual home of Welsh football.

    The funding is part of an agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

    Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden made the announcement on a visit to the city and comes at a time when interest in Welsh football is at an all-time high.

    The development of the new Football Museum is part of a major, wider project that will see the current Wrexham Museum building on Regent Street fully refurbished and transformed into a ‘museum of two halves’ – a major new national attraction for the city centre.

    The Football Museum half of the building will celebrate Welsh football, past and present, in all its diversity, from grassroots clubs to the national teams, as well as highlighting Wrexham’s historic achievements in the sport and celebrating the rich heritage of the County Borough.

    Meanwhile, in the same building, new galleries will be created to display the Wrexham Museum collections, which means an enhanced experience for visitors and a first-class, modern venue for discovering the fascinating and eventful story of our region of North East Wales.

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    Celebrating Wrexham’s ‘unique cultural heritage’

    Lead Member for Partnerships and Community Safety at Wrexham County Borough Council, Councillor Paul Roberts, said, “I’d like to thank the Welsh Government for their continued support for Wrexham, the spiritual home of football, to continue to develop the Football Museum for Wales.

    “This is a really exciting project as football plays such a large part in our culture and identity and the people of Wrexham and across Wales can now be assured that the Welsh Football Collection will be preserved for present and future generations in Wales.

    “This will be developed alongside a new museum for Wrexham which is currently home to a large and interesting collection of historical objects which shows the unique cultural heritage of Wrexham.”

    ‘We are now at a very exciting stage’

    Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said: “Wrexham is the birthplace of Welsh football so it’s the ideal location to celebrate the sport’s heritage.

    “We have seen many successes, especially in recent years, in men’s and women’s football, and ensuring the dramatic and emotive events on the international stage, the history and development of club football in Wales and the spirit and diversity of the Welsh football community is told in one place will be vital for present and future generations.

    “The new museum will become a key venue in the city as well as for North Wales’ tourist and visitor offer. It also comes at an exciting time for Wrexham AFC as they aim to get back into the Football League.

    “I am grateful to all our partners who we continue to work closely with on this project including Wrexham County Borough Council and the FAW.

    “We are now at a very exciting stage and the funding announced today, subject to conditions and approval of a Full Business Case in due course, will see community and pan-Wales engagement on the project continue as well as developing the content, collections and exhibitions through to construction and opening of the new Football Museum for Wales.”

    ‘Working together to make it happen’

    Many themes will be showcased at the Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham including Welsh language communities, fan culture, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and LGBTQ+ experiences.

    Since 2020, more than £800,000 in Welsh Government funding has already ensured the appointment of a dedicated Football Curator and Engagement Officers, the progression of designs, and a pan-Wales public engagement and community consultation to develop proposed plans and content.

    Designated Member Siân Gwenllian said: “We have all seen the pride and joy the national team has brought us in recent years and how important football is to Wales.

    “This redeveloped museum will celebrate our nation’s contribution to the game and the heritage and legacy it provides for us all. Wrexham, a city steeped in football history, is a fitting home for this exciting project and I am delighted we are working together to make it happen.”

    Find out more

    There plenty of further information about the Museum of Two Halves project (including the latest illustrated design plans) on the Wrexham Museum website.

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  • Become a member of Tŷ Pawb’s Advisory Board

    Become a member of Tŷ Pawb’s Advisory Board

    We are delighted to be in a position to recruit for the Tŷ Pawb Advisory Board. We are therefore encouraging applications for individuals to apply for these positions.

    Since opening in 2018, Tŷ Pawb has been on an exciting journey. Highs include representing Wales at the Venice Biennale in 2019, receiving multiple architectural awards, being shortlisted for Art Fund’s Museum of the Year 2022, forming part of Wrexham’s UK City of Culture campaign, and becoming a partner in Race Council Cymru’s North Wales Multicultural Hub, funded by Welsh Government. Partnerships have developed with National Trust, Crafts Council, National Museum of Wales, and colleagues from the Association of Arte Util, amongst others.

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    Like the rest of the sector and indeed the world, Tŷ Pawb has also weathered the storm of Covid over the past 3 years. This has led to some changes in the way we operate and how our programmes are delivered, including: the transformation of 1) Gallery 2 into The Useful Art Space; 2) our shop into a Maker Space; 3) part of our multi-storey car park into a community rooftop garden in addition to a staff restructure to focussing our growth.

    The organisation is poised for further change. An options appraisal is currently underway to explore possible future delivery models for Tŷ Pawb either in or outside the local authority; we will also be applying to the Arts Council of Wales Investment Review and if successful gain multi-year support and potentially increased funding which would significantly expand what we are able to offer.

    There are a number of unknowns but in the short term, with change on the horizon, we are seeking focused support from an advisory board with particular regard to the development of the arts programming at Tŷ Pawb. This includes the exhibition programme, the Useful Art Space, the Multicultural Hub, Maker Space, Roof Garden, education programmes and intersections with the market hall and car park.

    The advisory board meets every 2 months, for no more than 2 hours. We would be delighted if you would consider your interest for this as we need a strong Board to help shape our plans going forward for the development of Tŷ Pawb.

    Attached are the Terms of Reference which outline the criteria needed to be successful in the related post.

    Prospective Board Members are invited to submit written expressions of interest in support of the criteria set out in the terms of reference.

    We are also seeking expressions of interest for Chair and Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board. The existing Board will then shortlist before confirming final next stages/selections.

    Please submit an expression of interest along with a current CV or equivalent to typawb@wrexham.gov.uk with e-mail subject line ‘ADVISORY BOARD’ and your name before the deadline of 12pm, Tuesday 7 March.

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  • More Hosts needed for Ukrainian Refugees

    More Hosts needed for Ukrainian Refugees

    As we approach the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces we’re appealing for more hosts to support those refugees who have been forced to flee their country and offer them host accommodation.

    Residents are encouraged to come forward if they can provide rent-free lodging for a minimum of six months, whether that be a spare room or any other type of accommodation.

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    Each host receives a thank you payment of £350 per month from the UK Government with the potential to rise to £500 per month dependent of the guests length of time in the UK.

    Cllr Paul Roberts, Lead Member for Partnerships and Community Safety, said, “I am really thankful to everyone who has already thrown open their doors to people in need during this exceptionally difficult time for Ukraine.

    “Wrexham has a proud history of welcoming refugees, and it has been wonderful to see the warm reception for Ukrainian refugees.

    “I would urge anyone who is thinking about offering up a spare room in their home, please get in touch with us and join others in providing a safe haven for people forced to leave their country – you could make a real difference to someone’s life.

    “Our resettlement team will be happy to give you some more information about how it all works.”

    To find out more please email homesforukraine@wrexham.gov.uk. ”

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  • Working out the future – the Council Plan 2023-28

    Working out the future – the Council Plan 2023-28

    If you haven’t read the news already, we are asking you to get involved in shaping our Council Plan – the document that puts together ideas of what Wrexham should look like in the future, and how to get there.

    Our vision for the future is a Wrexham where people are supported to fulfil their potential, prosper and achieve a high standard of well-being, and the council will be a strong and inclusive community leader to help make this happen.

    To do this, we have identified six areas to focus on that we believe will be of most benefit to our communities and we are asking you to let us know if you think we have got this right in our consultation in the link at the end of this article.

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    We are keen to involve you in the shaping of our Council Plan and would like to know what you think. We want to identify specific outcomes on which we can focus and against which we can measure progress.  These are the outcomes which we believe will be of most benefit to our communities.

    Once finalised, the plan is used to inform decisions about how we allocate money and other resources. Our other important services will still be delivered and details about these will be included within our internal business and service plans.

    We are asking you to take a look at the draft Council Plan to find out what we are aiming towards and if you agree that the main priorities are the right ones to help us achieve our vision, to contribute to Wales’ well-being goals, and to ensure  that everybody is treated fairly.

    If you would like to get involved in shaping our Council Plan, please complete our on-line survey by March 14, 2023 by visiting www.yourvoicewrexham.com.

    If you are unable to access our survey online, printed copies of our survey in Welsh and English, are available from, and can be returned to, the Wellbeing Hub, Chester Street, Wrexham LL13 8BG, the Guildhall, Wrexham LL11 1AY, housing estate offices, local libraries, and other Warm Places in Wrexham County Borough.

    If you wish to obtain a copy of the survey in a different format or language, or have any other query, please contact us by:

    Email: telluswhatyouthink@wrexham.gov.uk

    Post: Tell Us What You Think, 3rd Floor Annex, Guildhall, Wrexham, LL11 1AY

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  • Two More tree planting events in Wrexham

    Two More tree planting events in Wrexham

    Community tree planting days are planned for two more sites in Wrexham.

    • Saturday March 4 at Lincoln Close
    • Saturday March 18 at Stockwell Grove

    Both will run from 10am until 3pm.

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    Tree planting is an activity people of all ages can get involved in so go along for a fun, family session, planting trees for a greener tomorrow. Make sure you wear warm clothes, wellies and gloves.

    The trees are from the ‘My Tree, Our Forest’ Welsh Government funded tree giveaway that aims to distribute a free tree to all households in Wales. This phase aims to give away 295,000 trees. The trees are being distributed from 50 community hubs around Wales.

    If you don’t have space for a tree then you can opt to have it planted on your behalf.

    This tree planting season has already seen children and adults from local schools and communities help plant over 3000 native broadleaved trees and fruit trees in and around Acton Park, Spider Park and Llwyn Onn Estate.

    We also work with schools, businesses and community groups and if you’d like to become involved please get in touch via online woodlandpledge@wrexham.gov.uk

    You can also lend your support for the protection of trees and woodlands within Wrexham through the Wrexham Woodland Pledge on our website

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  • Can you help 90-year-old ex-Lieutenant find his comrades?

    Can you help 90-year-old ex-Lieutenant find his comrades?

    The Royal Welch Fusiliers Enquiry Team are trying to help an ex-military officer to arrange a reunion with two former military comrades he met during national service.

    Michael Charles Williams is a retired 2nd Lieutenant with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers who served in Malaya during National Service in 1956-1958 when he was 22 years old.

    He now lives in Colwyn Bay and is searching for both a close friend who was a fellow 2nd Lieutenant; and his former ‘Batman’ – or military assistant.

    Michael, 90, would like to invite them for lunch at his golf club to remember old times and find out how their lives continued after military discharge.

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    Michael Charles Williams

    What we know so far

    Volunteers at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Enquiry Team, based at Wrexham Museum and Archives, have unearthed some information but need help to fill in the gaps. The information they know so far is:

    Michael met 2nd Lieutenant Hugh Vaughan Williams, who was possibly the son of the Station Master from Bridgend, during their service in Malaya and they became great pals. Hugh was 18 years old and treated Michael as a mentor through some difficult times during the ensuing conflict.

    Hugh continued his education after National Service and attended Cambridge University where he studied law. He was a twin and his brother attended a university in Sussex.

    We think Hugh was quite well known as he wrote a film script for BBC Television entitled “The Terrorist” about his recollections of jungle warfare in Malaya. He also became a Circuit Judge in 1983 and worked in Chester and North Wales, but may have gone back to his roots in South Wales later in life.

    Michael’s Batman, Fusilier P Jones, we believe came from Colwyn Bay. His initial was ‘P’ and his first name may have been Paul. His father was in the removals business in the surrounding area, and may have owned Harold Jones Removals.

    The company is still trading but is no longer owned by the Jones family, the present owners bought it from John Grundy of Prestatyn who was married to Harold Jones’ daughter Hilda.

    Any information would be greatly appreciated – please contact museums@wrexham.gov.uk / 01978 297480

    The Royal Welch Fusiliers Enquiry Team

    The RWF Museum Reserve Collection and RWF Research Library are held at Wrexham Museum and Archives. For more information contact 01978 297480 or email: localstudies@wrexham.gov.uk

    Main image: 2nd Battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Malaya, 1956.

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  • Have you considered Welsh medium education for your child?

    Have you considered Welsh medium education for your child?

    Have you considered Welsh medium education for your child?

    The ‘Welsh Immersion’ is a scheme that enables access to Welsh medium education anytime up to year 7.

    Watch this video to find out more.

    Or contact us for more info.

  • 15,285 families in Wales saved on childcare costs with Tax-Free Childcare

    15,285 families in Wales saved on childcare costs with Tax-Free Childcare

    Guest article: HMRC

    More than 15,000 families in Wales saved on childcare costs in December thanks to Tax-Free Childcare and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging those yet to sign up not to miss out.

    The latest figures revealed by HMRC show an increase of 3,595 families in Wales using the scheme compared to December 2021.

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    Tax-Free Childcare is a financial support for working families with children up to the age of 11, or 16 if their child has a disability. The government top up can be used to pay for any approved childcare including holiday clubs, breakfast and after school clubs, child minders and nurseries.

    A total of £41.5 million in government top-up payments were made to working families across the UK in December 2022 with each family saving up to £2,000 a year per child or £4,000 if their child is disabled.

    Families who have not yet signed up should check their eligibility and apply online today.

    Opening a Tax-Free Childcare account is quick and easy and can be done at any time of the year.

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said, “We want to help families get the most out of their finances and Tax-Free Childcare can help pay towards their childcare costs. Search ‘Tax-Free Childcare’ on GOV.UK to get started.”

    For every £8 paid into the Tax-Free Childcare account, families automatically receive an additional £2. Families can save up to £500 every three months (£2,000 a year) for each child or £1,000 (£4,000 a year) if their child is disabled.

    More than one million families in the UK are entitled to some form of government childcare support and the government is encouraging those eligible not to miss out on their entitlements.  Families can find out more about Tax-Free Childcare via the Childcare Choices website.

    The government is offering help for households. Check GOV.UK to find out what cost of living support, including help with childcare costs.

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  • Yorke Street and High Street Road Closures

    Yorke Street and High Street Road Closures

    Throughout February and March, Yorke Street and High Street will be closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday night, 6pm to 6am.

    The aim of these closures it to improve the safety and experience of those people who are in the city centre to enjoy the night-time economy.

    If you out and about in the city centre during these times, alternative routes will be signposted and pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

    Access will also be maintained for those businesses within the road closure, but we would encourage business owners to work around these times where possible to maximise the benefit of the closures.

    The closures follow a request from Wrexham Police as they are reporting more people in the city centre during the evening and have concerns for public safety.

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