news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Featured

Featured posts

Race Equality Week – it’s everyone’s business
Last week was Race Equality Week, a UK-wide event highlighting the work of thousands of organisations and individuals across the country who work to address race equality barriers.
In Wrexham, we shone the spotlight on the great work of the North East Wales Multi-Cultural Hub project, which was established by Race Council Cymru and brings together Tŷ Pawb and North East Wales Community Cohesion Team at Wrexham Council.
This project focuses on empowering Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities living and working in Wrexham and wider North Wales, and emphasises how important it is that the history and culture of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people is represented to ensure that their contribution to Wales is recognised.
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Looking to the present, this project looks to ensure that culture, heritage and sport-related activities reflect what these groups would like to see in their local area.
To make sure funding for this is available, Wrexham has benefitted from Welsh Government’s ‘Anti-racist Wales culture, heritage and sport fund’.
Cllr Hugh Jones, lead member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, said: “We have been awarded £240,000 over three years from this fund to support the North East Wales Multicultural Hub, based in Tŷ Pawb. This project already supports more than 25 community groups and practitioners who are, or support, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
“This funding means we can do even more to empower wider grassroots community groups to lead and take advantage of cultural, arts, heritage and sport opportunities, all of which support a sense of belonging and equality within Wales.”
Cllr Paul Roberts, lead member for community safety and partnerships, said: “As part of this funding from Welsh Government, we have awarded grant of £2,000 to 16 community groups across North Wales in support of projects that reflect and celebrate equality and diversity in our communities. In Wrexham this has included funding for Larynx Entertainment, a group of mixed race Hip Hop artists in Wrexham; Wrexham African Groups who will use the money to perform African live music and dance as well as a fashion show; and BAWSO who will be hosting a welcome session for people from Kenya who have just arrived in Wrexham area to live.
“I welcome these projects and encourage you to go along to the events.”
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February 14, 2023
City Centre Tourism in Wrexham Receives a Boost with Official Launch of Refurbished Visitor Centre!
Visitors to Wrexham will find an enhanced offering this year, as the new Visitor Information Centre on Chester Street has opened it’s doors!
Formerly known as the ‘Tourist Information Centre’ and located on Queens Square from 1991 to 2020, the new centre has triple the floorspace and an ethos centred around showcasing local food & drink produce and Welsh gifts along with being a place to find out about events, attractions and things to see & do across the whole County.
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Although currently trading six days a week from Monday to Saturday, the “official” opening will take place at 10.00am on Wednesday 1st March – just ahead of the traditional St David’s Day parade in the City Centre.
Visitors to the city centre that day are encouraged to call in and meet some of the local producers on-site that day, ranging from artisan coffee roasters through to fudge makers, a baker and much more!
There will also be a children’s competition running throughout the day for the best Welsh costume – all you need to do is call into the centre, have a picture with Pete (the Wrexham Sheepdog) and the selfie frame to be in with a chance of winning a hamper from the centre.
With a new team in place, headed up by experienced local retailer Mick Pinder – the centre aims to become the first point of call for visitors to Wrexham over the coming years. Mick said: “It’s a really exciting time to be officially opening, given the enhanced profile that Wrexham is currently receiving. “We’ve had a soft launch last Autumn and each week, more new local products are being stocked and business is growing thanks to both the local community and also a growing wave of overseas travellers – many who’ve got an interest in the football!”
Despite other similar centres closing across North Wales in recent years, having a visitor information centre is seen as an important feature as Wrexham’s tourism sector recovers from the pandemic and looks to keep growing.
Tourism manager at Wrexham Council, Joe Bickerton added: “Having a bold, visible centre located between two key attractions (Ty Pawb and Xplore!) is really important and shows our commitment to supporting not only the City Centre but the promotion of hospitality businesses and destination events across the whole County. “With thanks to support from Visit Wales, we were able to design the centre to not only offer retail and information – but to also have flexible space for local food & drink traders to have pop-up trading space, tasting events and more. “If it helps promote local tourism and showcase what a brilliant place Wrexham County is to visit & stay – we’re up for working with businesses to try and make it happen”.
Lead Member for the Economy at Wrexham Council, Nigel Williams added: “It’s fantastic to see this wonderful new centre now fully open at a time when the eyes of the world are on Wrexham.”Not only are we welcoming many overseas visitors for the first time due to the publicity Wrexham is getting internationally, but we’re also welcoming many UK-based visitors who’ve either seen Wrexham being shortlisted for UK City of Culture, or Ty Pawb being shortlisted for Museum of the Year amongst many other things – and thinking ‘we must give it a try!’. “We’re really ambitious in terms of how we believe Wrexham County’s tourism sector will grow over the coming years and hopefully this new centre will support the team in showcasing the many reasons to visit and stay here.”
The Wrexham Visitor Information Centre is based on Chester Street on the corner of the South Arcade leading into Ty Pawb and opposite the Xplore! Science Discovery Centre. Trading between 10.00am – 4.00pm at the moment, but operating from 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Saturday from March onwards.
The team can also be contacted via email at tourism@wrexham.gov.uk and by phone on 01978292015.
The official websites for visitors to the area are:
This is Wrexham – www.thisiswrexham.co.uk (tourism partnership operated)
North East Wales – www.northeastwales.wales
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February 14, 2023
Applications invited for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
The first call for UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) projects in Wrexham is now live and will remain open until midday on 24 February 2023.
In Wrexham we have been allocated £22,684,205 to fund bids that support:
- Community and Place
- Supporting Local Business
- People and Skills
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Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Finance, said: “The first call for SPF applications in North Wales is now live, which is great news for Wrexham.
“We want local groups and organisations to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity, so if you’re working on a project that will help increase local pride and life opportunities in the county borough, please take a look – this could be a great opportunity to secure the funding you need.
“The SPF is looking for initiatives that support communities, businesses and adult skills initiatives, and you can find more information on Wrexham Council’s website.”
How to apply
There’s important information about the application process and how to apply on our website and we encourage you to read everything before applying.
Shared Prosperity Fund: North Wales | Wrexham County Borough Council
If you need more information or to discuss your proposal please contact sharedprosperityfund@wrexham.gov.uk.
If your proposal includes more than one local authority area please contact enquiries@SharedProsperityNorth.Wales.
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February 14, 2023
Want to help shape Wrexham? These Planning jobs could be perfect for you…
Are you a Planning professional who’s looking for a new, exciting opportunity? Would you like to play a part in shaping Wales’ newest city and helping it to reach its undoubted potential?
If so, you’ll want to have a look at these job vacancies that are ready for the right enthusiastic and talented individuals to thrive in. There’s a lot happening in Wrexham, and it’s a great time to work for us…
The perfect time
With a new Place Shaping Strategy being developed, a new Chief Officer, David Fitzsimon, being appointed in 2022 and many interesting regeneration projects in the pipeline, a lot of change and exciting times are ahead.
We have just moved into a newly refurbished office in the centre of Wrexham and we work in a modern, flexible and creative way. So you might say it’s the perfect time to join.
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The roles
We have four exciting opportunities – two of which are Head of Service positions. Are any of these the right job for you?
Head of Development Management
G15 – £58,082 to £61,753 per annum
A key role in the delivery of service improvement; leading all aspects of the Council’s Development Management and Enforcement functions, managing an enthusiastic team of Officers and liaising with Elected Members.
Head of Planning Policy
G14 – £53,988 – £56,860 per annum
A key role in the delivery of service improvement; leading all aspects of the delivery of the final version of the Local Development Plan and the production of Supplementary Planning Guidance, managing the Policy Team and Environmental Specialists and liaising with Elected Members.
Senior Planning Officer – Development Management
G10 – £36,298 – £39,493 per annum
Dealing with a range of the more complex planning enquiries, planning applications and appeals whilst supporting and mentoring junior members of the Team.
Planning Officer – Planning Policy
G09 – £32,909 – £35,411 per annum
Providing professional support to the Head of Planning Policy, Policy Lead and Senior Planning Officer in the delivery and subsequent review the Local Development Plan and associated Supplementary Planning Guidance and providing policy advice to the Development Management Team.
Living in Wrexham
For some a career with us will mean moving from your current town/city, but don’t worry – Wrexham has a lot going for it!
We have some amazing country parks (one of which contains our stunning World Heritage Site – Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal), a rich and proud history, and some of the most honest and hardworking people you could wish to meet.
We’ve got Tŷ Pawb; our cultural community resource, which brings together arts and markets within the same footprint, and we’re home to some of Britain’s most successful businesses.
Plus, not only are we handily positioned to cities like Chester, Liverpool and Manchester, but we’re also only a stones-throw from some of the UK’s most beautiful beaches as well.
Find out more and apply
To arrange an informal discussion about any of these posts, please email David Fitzsimon, Chief Officer Economy and Planning: david.fitzsimon@wrexham.gov.uk
To find out more and apply visit: www.wrexham.gov.uk/jobs
Closing date: 19 February 2023
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February 14, 2023
Generous donation to support dementia art group in Wrexham
“You can live well with dementia” is the message the Alzheimer’s Society shares in its Dementia Friends sessions, and for many, art can be a huge help.
In Wrexham, Dementia Friends offers a weekly art group to those with the disease and their carers.
The sessions offer two hours of art, supported by the artist Margaret Roberts at St Margaret’s Church Hall in Wrexham.
All equipment and sundries are provided free of charge and supported by donations from benefactors who’ve often been touched by the disease.
Following the sad death of Jo Edwards, who’s family were responsible for the original funding made available to start the group, the family agreed to her wish that any donations made for her funeral would go to the art group here in Wrexham.
The family, represented by Anne Edwards Smith and Neale Edwards, recently visited the group to hand over a cheque for £850.
This generous donation will provide materials for the group in the future.
Councillor Frank Hemmings, who is a Dementia Ambassador with the Alzheimer’s Society, says:
“The art group is currently well supported by a large number of students and their carers as we work towards an exhibition at Ty Pawb in April, when we’ll display some of the work they’ve completed during the class.
“In many cases art has proved to be a great therapy for those living with dementia and often they are surprised by the quality of work produced. It’s a lovely, friendly group and a great example of how people can live well with dementia and have a fulfilling life.”
February 14, 2023
Give the gift of Marriage Allowance on Valentine’s Day
Guest Article: HMRC
Married couples are being urged to consider giving the gift of Marriage Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner this Valentine’s Day, and save up to £252 a year.
More than 2.1 million couples currently benefit from Marriage Allowance, but HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) estimates that thousands more couples are missing out because they don’t realise they may be eligible, particularly couples where one partner has retired, has given up work to take on caring responsibilities, or is unable to work due to a long-term health condition.
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Customers earning less than £12,570 a year can transfer up to £1,260 of their Personal Allowance to their higher-earning partner, to reduce the amount of tax they pay. They can backdate their claim to include any tax year up to 6 April 2018 which could be worth up to £1,242 in tax relief.
Couples can use the free Marriage Allowance calculator on GOV.UK to check if they are eligible for the tax relief.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said, “We want every eligible couple to benefit from marriage allowance tax relief. Couples whose circumstances have changed – perhaps one of them has stopped working or taken a lower paid job – may not realise they are entitled to claim.
“It’s easy to find out what you may be due – search ‘Marriage Allowance calculator’ on GOV.UK to get started. By applying on GOV.UK, rather than through a third party, you get to keep 100% of the tax relief due.”
Those who are eligible can apply at GOV.UK for free and keep 100% of their claim. Successful claims will result in a reduction in the amount of tax paid by the higher-earning partner.
Couples could benefit from Marriage Allowance if the following criteria apply:
- they are married or in a civil partnership
- they do not pay income tax, or their income is below the Personal Allowance of £12,570
- one partner pays income tax at the basic rate – which typically means their income is between £12,571 and £50,270
Marriage Allowance can be cancelled on GOV.UK if a couple’s circumstances change.
To find out what other Government support may be available, go to GOV.UK and search ‘Help for Households.
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February 13, 2023
Where CAN’T I drive my car?
Do you know what a Prohibition of Motor Vehicles Order is? More importantly, do you know where they are in Wrexham city centre? Here’s a list to keep you in the loop.
A Prohibition of Motor Vehicle Order on a street means that only certain types of vehicle are able to drive down it. For example, you might not be able to drive your car there, but buses are allowed.
The city centre has three areas where there are prohibition of motor vehicles in place (these are in place 24/7):
Prohibition of all motor vehicles A:
Except for buses, disabled blue badge holders, loading & unloading and access to the St Giles church.
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Where: High street, Church Street and Upper Town Hill
Prohibition of all motor vehicles B:
Except for access, disabled blue badge holders, loading & unloading, buses and hackney carriages.
Where: King Street (from Regent Street junction to Lord Street junction) and Duke Street
Prohibition of all motor vehicles C:
Where: Egerton Street (from Rhosddu Road to junction with Lord Street)
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February 13, 2023
Date of Contact Wrexham’s permanent base within Wrexham Library announced
Prior to Christmas, Contact Wrexham moved from its previous address on Lord Street to the Guildhall whilst works were completed at the Library Location.
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We are now happy to announce that from Tuesday 14^th February, Contact Wrexham will be open and operating from its permanent base inside Wrexham Library.
Many of the services are available online 24 hours a day which remains the quickest and easiest way to access lots of services.
At the new location, staff will be available to help you navigate our self-service screens as well as offering face to face appointments for a number of services, which include:
- Blue Badges
- Council Tax
- Housing Benefits
- Planning
- Transport
Customers will still receive a drop in service for support with
- Adult Social Care
- Digital Service support
- Education
- General Enquiries
The opening times for Contact Wrexham are as follows
Monday 9am – 4.30pm
Tuesday 10am – 4.30pm
Wednesday 9am – 4.30pm
Thursday 9am – 4.30pm
Friday 9am – 4.30pm
Cllr Beverley Parry Jones, Lead Member for corporate services said: From 14^th February we will have a bespoke self-serve area and staff on hand to offer digital support inside Wrexham Library, making several services accessible to the public at the same location.”
Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council and Lead Member for Finance and Performance Cllr Mark Pritchard said: “We have invested in bringing Contact Wrexham to a central location, ensuring that this very important service is easily accessible and in a location where other services are also available. The library location is in close proximity to the Library Car Park making it accessible to people with mobility issues, as well as being free parking to blue badge holders. “We expect that this move will improve our overall face to face services to the community.
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February 10, 2023
Ysgol Llan-y-Pwll adopt a Litter Free Zone – could your school be next?
Ysgol Llan-y-Pwll has become the latest school in Wrexham to receive its free litter-picking kit for adopting a Litter Free Zone, and Caru Cymru wants to know if your school could be next?
Wrexham Council’s Caru Cymru Project Lead Emma Watson visited the school recently along with Keep Wales Tidy Project Officer Shane Hughes. A safety talk and litter pick took place with the pupils and teachers taking part, and two sacks of litter was collected from the immediate area with plans to extend to their local park for regular picks.
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To get involved in the Litter Free Zone project, businesses and schools are invited to ‘adopt’ an area local to them and help keep it clean through regular litter picks.
Schools are given their own free litter picking kit when they sign up. The kits include:
- a pack of 5 or 10 litter pickers
- high visibility vests
- hoops for bags
- green or red sacks for litter picks
You can also request equipment in a smaller size, for younger children.
Emma said: “Wrexham is continuing to show its commitment to improving local spaces and adopting a Litter Free Zone is a fantastic way to get involved. It’s wonderful to see how the pupils in local schools engage with the litter picking and the passion they show. Signing up is easy and you will be helped every step of the way.”
Mrs James, Acting Headteacher at Ysgol Llan-y-Pwll, said: “We’re pleased to be part of the Litter Free Zone. It is important that we all play our part in looking after the environment and help to keep our community tidy.”
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Environment, said: “We are grateful to all the schools and businesses who have embraced the Litter Free Zone project so far. Litter picking can quickly transform a neglected area and helps towards creating a cleaner, safer Wrexham.”
For more info, take a look at our Wrexham Caru Cymru page.
Or if your school is ready to get involved, please register your interest by visiting the Keep Wales Tidy website.
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February 10, 2023
Bring your hidden treasure to Wrexham Museum’s Finds Surgery!
Do you have any old and interesting archeological objects? Ever wondered what they were? Now is your chance to find out!
Book a slot at this Saturday’s Finds Surgery!
Finds Officer, Susie, will be at Wrexham Museum to identify and record them for the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Saturday 11th February.
Email susie.white@museumwales.ac.uk to book a guaranteed 10 minute slot between 11.00am and 12.30pm.
Or just drop in between 1.30pm-3.00pm on a first come first served basis.
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February 9, 2023