Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • Who? What? When? Your guide to city centre pedestrian zones

    Who? What? When? Your guide to city centre pedestrian zones

    What does it mean to be in a pedestrian zone?

    To make sure you don’t end up with a fine in the city centre, read on to find out where you can drive, and when.

    We have pedestrian zones to make it safer, more accessible and more appealing for shoppers in the city centre. Pedestrianised areas also have lower air pollution, are quieter, and look nicer. There are also economic benefits as more people buy from shops in pedestrian zones.

    Where are they in Wrexham city centre?

    In Wrexham, we have three types of pedestrian zone – depending on where they are and the needs of residents and businesses based on the streets.

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    Pedestrian Zone A:
    No access to motor vehicles except for buses/disabled blue badge holders/loading and unloading: before 11:30am and after 5pm Monday-Friday, before 9:30am and after 5pm Saturday and before 1pm and after 5pm on Sunday
    Where: Lambpit Street, Queen Street, Henblas Street, Hope Street, Chester Street

    Pedestrian Zone B:
    No access to all motor vehicles except for loading and unloading, hackney carriages and taxis.
    Where: Rhosddu Road (by Army careers office) and Argyle Street

    Pedestrian Zone C:
    No access all motor vehicles except for disabled blue badge holders, loading and unloading.
    Where: Charles Street

    What happens if you break the rules?

    If you park a vehicle in a pedestrian zone when you shouldn’t, you can be issued with a penalty notice of £70 by the council’s traffic enforcement officers.

    Driving through a pedestrian zone when you shouldn’t could mean a fine from the police.
    Its your responsibility as the vehicle driver to check the signs in place and know the rules of the road.

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  • Donations needed for the Fancy Dress Swap

    Donations needed for the Fancy Dress Swap

    Do you have any children’s fancy dress costumes that your children have out grown or won’t use again? Here is a great way to make sure they don’t go to waste – and you can get your child’s next costume for free!

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    Staff at Wrexham Library are looking for fancy dress costume donations for their upcoming Fancy Dress Swaps. If you bring your unwanted costumes in before 23rd February you’ll receive a token that means you can chose another costume to take home at the Swap Days on 24th and 25th February for free!

    Costumes need to be clean, in good condition and suitable for primary school children and don’t worry if you don’t want to get another costume, you can pass your token on to someone who might need it.

    At the end of the Fancy Dress Swap Days any leftover costumes will be donated to charity.

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  • Beat Romance Fraud this Valentine’s Day

    Beat Romance Fraud this Valentine’s Day

    As Valentines Day approaches scammers will be online aiming to con those genuinely looking for romance out of their hard earned money or personal details.

    More and more people are meeting people online, on social networks, through online gaming, dating platforms, anywhere people chat online – and therefore more and more people are building relationships with people they’ve never met in person.

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    Online dating, for example, is now one of the most common ways to meet a romantic partner. While most users are genuine, unfortunately some are looking to take advantage of individuals looking for love.

    Fraudsters have seen how they can take advantage of this and now use fake profiles, fabricate stories, manipulate, and coerce – all with the intention of befriending innocent people on the internet, and with the eventual aim of convincing the innocent person to send them money. This is romance fraud.

    The average person loses £10,000 over the period of the scam. In 2021, over £99 million was lost collectively to romance fraud.

    Romance fraud can happen to anybody. All genders, ages, sexual orientations. People of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds are victims, with gay men disproportionately targeted, accounting for 12.4% of victims overall in 2021.

    Roger Mapleson, Trading Standards and Licensing Lead, said, “Romance fraud is a problem all year and has cost some people an awful lot of money. With Valentines Day on the horizon it’s timely to issue another warning to ensure that no-one falls victim.

    “Stay alert to suspicious activity and look for the signs below if you’re unsure. Never part with money or personal details no matter how persuasive they may be.”

    Signs to spot a Romance Fraud:

    • Before you’ve really got to know them, they declare their love quickly.
    • They make excuses why they can’t video chat or meet in person.
    • They try quickly to move your conversations off the platform you met on.
    • When they ask for financial help, it’ll be for a time-critical emergency, and the reason will pull at the heartstrings.
    • They may get defensive if you decline to help.
    • They might tell you to keep your relationship private and not to discuss anything with your friends and family.

    Read more about this on the CrimeStoppers website.

    If you are a victim of Romance Fraud You can contact Crimestoppers  on the phone or online – just call free on 0800 555 111 or use their online form here on our website 24/7, 365 days a year.

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  • Gresford Governors Club and Playgroup receives National Award

    Gresford Governors Club and Playgroup receives National Award

    Gresford Governors Club and Playgroup has received the prestigious Healthy and Sustainable Pre-School Scheme National Award from Welsh Government.

    The Healthy and Sustainable Pre School Scheme operates across Wales and it is managed by Public Health Wales and supported locally by our Healthy Schools Team.

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    By achieving the award the group has successfully demonstrated that they have implemented actions that have covered a wide range of health issues including, Nutrition and Oral Health, Physical Activity/Active Play, Mental and Emotional Health, Wellbeing and Relationships, Environment, Safety, Hygiene and Workplace Health and Wellbeing.

    As well as focusing on these health areas they have also achieved the ‘Tiny Tums Award’ in recognition of the food that is served at the setting. They have a fantastic outdoor space for children to play and learn as well as high standards for safety and hygiene.

    Louise Roberts, Healthy Pre Schools Officer for Wrexham Council said: “Gresford Governors Club and Playgroup has shown that the general health and well-being of children and staff is at the forefront of the setting. The environment of the setting is lovely both indoors and outdoors.

    “They embrace all initiatives that can help to influence practice in the setting and make the experience for staff and children extra special. I am sure they will continue to promote a healthy and happy environment for the children that pass through their care in the future.”

    Mr Richard Hatwood, Responsible Individual of the setting and Headteacher commented, “We are delighted to have received this award, it is a testament to the hard work of the staff within the setting, the positive relationship we enjoy with parents and carers and the energy and enthusiasm of our wonderful children!

    “This award is very special and something the staff have worked hard over a long period of time to gain. I am very grateful to the Local Authority for their support in taking the setting through the programme”.

    Gresford

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  • North Wales Adoption Service is launching monthly virtual question and answer sessions

    North Wales Adoption Service is launching monthly virtual question and answer sessions

    Guest article – North Wales Adoption Service (NWAS)

    North Wales Adoption Service (NWAS) is launching monthly virtual question and answer sessions on the third week of each month.

    You can ask us anything you might wish to know about adoption. We’ll be here to answer your questions and put your mind at rest. It’s easier than you might think. During the sessions your cameras will be off for your own privacy.

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    If you would like to join us on one of the dates below please let us know which date you prefer and whether you would like to speak in Welsh or English and we can book you in.

    • Wednesday, February 15 (6pm-7pm)
    • Tuesday, March 21 (6pm-7pm)
    • Wednesday, April 19 (6pm-7pm)
    • Thursday, May 18 (6pm-7pm)
    • Tuesday, June 20 (6pm-7pm)

    Email adoption@wrexham.gov.uk or call (Freephone) 0800 085 0774 or
    visit our website.

    Instagram

    NWAS has launched its own Instagram page. Please help us to raise our profile by following us and sharing our page. We’ll be posting messages and information onto our three social media platforms.

    Facebook
    Twitter
    Instagram

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  • Work in social care, in a city that puts people first

    Work in social care, in a city that puts people first

    If you work in social care, or you’re thinking about it, you’ll find lots of opportunities to develop your career at Wrexham Council.

    From social workers to contact advisors, and roles that involve working with children and people with disabilities – there are loads of hugely rewarding jobs available at the moment.

    The council is committed to developing its own staff and providing significant opportunities for development and career progression…so coming to work for us can open lots of other doors.

    Councillor John Pritchard, Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “Working in social care means making a real difference to people’s lives, and we’re looking to recruit kind, talented and smart people to work in a variety of roles.

    “If you work in social care, you’ll know it can be challenging – you see and deal with things that aren’t always easy. But you’ll also know you can make a real difference, and it’s an incredibly rewarding field to work in.”

    Can you view all job vacancies on the council’s jobs portal…

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    Current vacancies in social care include:

    • Social workers
    • Assistant team managers working in fostering, family support, and assessment and intervention
    • Homecare reablement support workers
    • First contact advisors
    • Night support workers
    • Residential childcare officers

    New year - new career

    Councillor Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Wrexham is a place that puts people first, and as Wales’ newest city, this is an exciting time to join our social care department.

    “Many children and families rely on our services, and by working in one of our teams you can provide the lifeline they need.

    “You’ll also get the chance to develop your career, and we’re a good employer that will look after you and help you grow.

    “So if you’re looking for a new challenge in social care, please take a look at our latest job vacancies.”

    Many of our roles at Wrexham Council offer…

    • Flexible working arrangements to suit your lifestyle ✔
    • Job stability ✔
    • Easy commute ✔
    • Pension, good annual leave allowance and other benefits ✔
    • Career development ✔
  • Combat ‘ych-a-fi’ to unleash the power of your food waste recycling

    Combat ‘ych-a-fi’ to unleash the power of your food waste recycling

    Wales may be a small country, but when it comes to recycling, we punch way above our weight. With 95% of us regularly recycling our waste, we’re already the third best recycling nation in the world, and now we’ve teamed up with Wales Recycles to support their Mighty Mission to Wales get to number one.

    That’s why, we’re calling on our residents to ramp up their efforts when it comes to food waste recycling.

    Whilst almost all Welsh citizens recycle everyday items such as cardboard, bathroom toiletries, and plastic bottles, many are still not recycling all their food waste. In fact, around a quarter of what’s in the general rubbish bin is still food, all of which could be recycled.

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    WRAP Cymru’s research revealed the ‘yuck factor’ (or ‘ych-a-fi factor’ in Wales) is the biggest barrier, with people being put off by potential smells, leaks and spills. However, what many people don’t realise is that recycling our food waste creates fewer smells and is more hygienic than putting it in the bin. The content of our food waste caddies is collected every week, whilst our non-recyclable waste is collected less frequently.

    We all produce some amount of unavoidable food waste – such as eggshells, bones, teabags and peelings – which should be recycled.

    Follow Wales Recycles’ 5 handy tips:

    1. Use a caddy liner – Lining your kitchen caddy will keep your food waste contained, helping to reduce smells and spills, and preventing it from getting mucky. Apply liners to a clean, dry caddy, and ensure you don’t overfill them to avoid splitting.

    2. Avoid liquid items – Keep liquids such as milk, juice, or cooking oil out of your caddy to prevent ‘bin juice’ from collecting at the bottom.

    3. Empty your food waste caddy regularly – Empty the contents of your kitchen caddy into your outdoor food waste bin regularly, before it gets too full, to prevent smells and odours. Remember to tie caddy liners tightly before moving them from your caddy to your bin. Should your caddy start to smell, then it’s time to empty its contents into your outdoor food waste bin and start afresh with a new liner.

    4. Keep a lid on it – It may seem obvious but closing the lid of your kitchen caddy will stop flies getting in, and odours getting out. Don’t forget to also close the lockable lid on your outdoor bin securely, to prevent pests and safeguard against windy weather.

    5. Keep your caddy clean – Clean your kitchen caddy every few weeks. Give it a rinse in the sink. For a more thorough clean, disinfect your caddy with leftover hot water from your kettle and some washing up liquid.

    If you’ve got a leftover lemon that will otherwise be uneaten, you could run its flesh against the inside of your bin. It’s a natural odour remover and will help to kill any germs that might be lurking.

    #BeMightyRecycle

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  • FREE training to become a swimming teacher- then up to £16 an hour!

    FREE training to become a swimming teacher- then up to £16 an hour!

    Freedom leisure are seeking Welsh speakers to join their successful team of swimming teachers based at Waterworld, Wrexham.

    Welsh language is essential for these posts, however full training will be provided.

    The successful applicants will have the flexibility of part time work with earnings up to £16 an hour!

    If you are 18 and over, an outgoing and approachable individuals that love to interact with people, get in touch and see how you can join their successful team of swimming teachers.

    For more details on this exciting opportunity please click on the link

  • Be a part of International Women’s Day in Tŷ Pawb on 8 March

    Be a part of International Women’s Day in Tŷ Pawb on 8 March

    We’re working with partners across Wrexham to honour and highlight International Women’s Day and we’re looking for more groups, businesses or organisations to get involved.

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    The event is to celebrate all the Safer Street work that has been undertaken over the last few years as well as showcase all the good work that is being done by local companies, organisations and charities to support and empower women in Wrexham.

    It takes place on Wednesday 8 March at Tŷ Pawb between 10am and 3pm.

    On the day there’ll be lots of activities and offers along with stalls and entertainment but we’re looking for even more stall holders to come together to mark the occasion.

    If you would like to be involved to celebrate and showcase your organisation or area of work please email communitysafety@wrexham.gov.uk for further details

    Cllr Beverley Parry Jones, Lead Member for Corporate Services, said, “International Women’s Day is a worldwide event that promotes the achievements of women, greater gender equality and empowerment.

    “We’re keen to have as many Wrexham organisations as possible represented so to make sure you’re there please get in touch using the details above.”

    Already confirmed for the event are:

    Parallel Security  – Recruitment for women to enter the Night Time Economy market.

    Safe Places Scheme – Awareness raising of Registered Safe Places in Wrexham

    NWP Local Police Team – Community Safety and what’s been done to improve women’s safety in Wrexham, particularly during the hours of darkness.

    Moneypenny – Recruitment opportunities for women.

    Wrexham Military Preparation College – Opportunities available to train for entering the military services.

    Stepping Stones – Professional counselling service to adult survivors of child sexual abuse

    RASAC – Advice and help available by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre North Wales who will be also have Sexual Health/Family planning stall.

    DASU – Domestic Abuse Safety Unit

    Cohesion Team – Photo profiles of a diverse group of women passionate about celebrating their cultural heritage in North East Wales, highlighting the wonderful work they do in their local communities.

    Flying Start – Ante-natal/Motherhood advice and support available both nationally and locally.

    Active Young People – Speed bounce challenge with prizes.

    Freedom Leisure – Zumba session and the offer of a free 7 day pass for all Leisure Centres & Free sign up membership fee for women.

    Safer Streets – Find out about the Best Bar None scheme that recognises good practice in the licensing industry and Hafan Y Dref, the Welfare Centre that opens on busy evenings and offers a safe place to keep you out of harm’s way.

    Healthy Schools – There’ll be free sanitary products available for women and information about the Healthy Schools initiative.

    Coleg Cambria – Find out about all the learning opportunities available at Wrexham’s award winning College

    Entertainment – Music and Poetry from Natasha Borton

    Alf Jones

    BAWSO

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  • Please apply for £200 Winter Fuel Support before end of February

    Please apply for £200 Winter Fuel Support before end of February

    Eligible households can claim a one-off £200 payment to provide support towards paying their on-grid winter fuel bills.

    The payment will be available to all eligible households regardless of whether they pay for their fuel on a pre-payment meter, by direct debit or by paying a bill quarterly.

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    Eligibility

    One member of the household must be receiving one of the following working age means-tested welfare benefits:

    • Council Tax Reduction Scheme
    • Armed Forces Independence Payment
    • Attendance Allowance
    • Carers Allowance
    • Child Tax Credits
    • Constant Attendance Allowance
    • Contributory Based/New Style Employment and Support Allowance
    • Contributory Based/New Style Job Seekers Allowance
    • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
    • Income Support
    • Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
    • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Pension Credit
    • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
    • Universal Credit
    • War Pension Mobility Supplement
    • Working Tax Credits

    You must have been claiming these benefits at any time between 1 September 2022 and 31 January 2023.

    If a householder (or their partner) who is liable for the fuel costs does not receive any of the qualifying benefits, the householder should be determined/considered as eligible for a payment if they have a qualifying person living with them.

    A person meets the definition of a qualifying person if they:

    • Occupy the householder’s home as their primary residence and
    • Are a dependent child or another adult living with the householder (or their partner) and
    • They receive one of the following benefits:
      • Armed Forces Independence Payment
      • Attendance Allowance
      • Constant Attendance Allowance
      • Disability Living Allowance
      • Personal Independence Payment
      • Constant Attendance Allowance
      • War Pension Mobility Supplement

    This is in reflection of the higher energy costs typically faced by a household where a disabled person resides, and a common-sense approach that recognises that Disability Living Allowance is primarily awarded to a disabled child aged under 16 (who cannot be a householder).

    How to apply

    All applications must be received before the 28 February 2023. Payments for successful applications will be made from October 2022 through to end of March 2023.

    We will be writing to households who we believe are eligible and in receipt of Council Tax Reduction Scheme. We’ll ask for basic information to support the claim, along with details to allow the payment.

    Alternatively, if you think you qualify for this support you can submit a claim through our online form.

    If you are experiencing severe financial hardship you may wish to make a claim to the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF).

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