news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Featured

Featured posts

Cost of living support sessions taking place at libraries across winter
We want to remind residents that libraries in Wrexham are continuing to host cost of living drop-in support sessions where various organisations will be on hand to offer advice around energy saving and reducing your bills.
Libraries in Wrexham have been hosting these sessions since early-October, but there are still plenty of dates coming up. These are:
- Friday, December 16, 2022 – Rhos Library, 11am-3pm
- Friday, January 6, 2023 – Gwersyllt Library, 2pm-5pm
- Friday, January 20, 2023 – Ruabon Library, 2pm-5pm
- Friday, February 3, 2023 – Llay Library, 2pm-5pm
- Friday, February 17, 2023 – Wrexham Library, 10am-2pm
Cllr David A Bithell, Chair of the Cross Party Cost of Living Group, said: “Appointments aren’t needed, just drop by during the time slots on these dates and you’ll get to speak face-to-face to the different organisations, who will be able to give you advice. Making sure you claim everything you’re entitled to can make a huge difference, so this is a good opportunity to gather some information that could help to reduce your bills this winter.”
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Warm Places
With the current cost of living crisis leaving many residents worried about heating their homes throughout the colder months, we’ve began establishing community Warm Places in Wrexham – already existing heated spaces where people are welcome to come to get warm.
We’re starting with our own libraries, where anyone who wants to can come inside to be warm and comfortable.
We’re looking to provide a network of ‘warm places’ to support anyone struggling with the cost of living. We’re keen to work with any community group or organisation that would be able to provide warm spaces within their community.
If you are a group or organisation who can provide a warm place please email warmplaces@wrexham.gov.uk
In your email, please include the following details:
- Organisation name
- Address
- Email
- Telephone number/Mobile
- Contact person
(Please note it is an expectation that the basic offer of a warm place is FREE of charge to all attendees).
For more information, please visit the Warm Places webpage.
You can find other warm spaces in your community on the warm welcome website.
Or if your organisation has a warm space, we recommend that you register on the warm welcome website to make it easier for people to find you.
Cost of Living Update on Warm Places and other initiatives
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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December 13, 2022
Remember to check your bin calendar leading up to Christmas
It’s always a good idea to check your bin calendar in the run up to Christmas.
Some households will see changes to their regular collection dates over the festive period and this is a great way to keep on top of when you will need to put your bins out.
You can take a look at your calendar here.
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It’s especially advisable that you do so over the Christmas period, when you are likely to see some changes to your usual collection pattern.
Another way you can stay up to date is by signing up to receive our bin reminder emails. If you do this, you’ll get an email to remind you to put your bins out the day before your collection is due. It’s a good way for us to let you know about any changes that affect you as well.
Some things to note
- For the week commencing December 19, everyone household in Wrexham will have a general waste collection (black/blue bin).
- For the week commencing December 26, no households in Wrexham will have a general waste collection (black/blue bin) or garden waste collection (green bin) – we will only be collecting recycling and food waste from properties on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
- No collections will take place on Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27. Affected residents will be able to leave extra recycling out the following week as described below.
- For the week commencing January 2, everyone household in Wrexham will have a general waste collection (black/blue bin).
- Collections will take place on Monday, January 2, and are not affected by the bank holiday.
Extra recycling
If your recycling boxes get full, you can leave any extra recyclables in solid containers next to your other recycling on your collection day and we’ll recycle the materials (leaving the containers behind for you to reuse again).
But if you do have extra recycling, please separate the materials as you usually would…for example, if you have extra plastic bottles and glass, please put the plastic in one container and the glass in a separate container.
Also, we will collect clean, flattened cardboard left by recycling containers as long as it is no larger in height or width than a standard issue blue sack.
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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December 13, 2022
How do you build the perfect school council?
Fundraising for new bike sheds, fitting smoke alarms in the toilets, updating disabled access or researching the successes of ex-pupils – pupils on school councils in Wrexham have had a busy year, and Wrexham Council’s school council event was a great place to share their projects with each other.
School councils are made up of pupils from each school year, and it’s their job to represent other pupils to the headteacher and staff, and make the voice of the school population heard.
This school councils event, organised by Wrexham’s Participation Team, was a great way to show young people all of the opportunities they have in Wrexham to learn more about democracy as a whole, how they can get involved and also how to improve their skills in representing their classmates.
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It was also the perfect opportunity for council’s from different schools to compare notes on what they had been doing.
Introducing the event, Donna Dickenson, Head of Prevention and Support, Education & Early Intervention Services, said: “In the education department we really want to know what children and young people think, so we are always looking to young people like yourselves and listening to your voice. I hope that today gives you chance to share ideas and learn about opportunities that will give you the skills to hear the needs of your peers and be able to make your case.
“You are also the next generation of voters and its important you know how that works. A lot of the decisions we make as a council affect you, so we want to know what you think.”
Pupils from Clywedog, Ysgol Bryn Alyn, St Christopher’s School, Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, St Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican High School and Ysgol y Grango came to the event and learned about Senedd yr Ifanc, Healthy Schools team and Associate Pupil Governors and discussed what made the perfect school councillor.
This last activity created a lot of conversation, and was a great way for the young people to think about what skills a school councillor needs to best represent their pupils. – and putting in effort, caring for the ideas of others, patience, punctuality and being co-operative all made the list.
Caroline Bennett, participation coordinator at Wrexham Council, said: “This was such an important and fun-filled day. The young people who came play an important role within the structure of their schools, and have valued roles as linking their fellow pupils with the schools’ management teams. We hope they left the event with a better understanding of their role and the skills that make them better able to represent their classmates.”
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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December 12, 2022
UPDATED: More pictures and video from The King and The Queen Consort’s visit to Wrexham
Updated 13.12.22
Friday, December 9 (2022) will go down as a truly historic day for Wrexham, and one that will live long in our memories!
It was the day that Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort visited Wales’ newest city, generating a huge amount of excitement across the county borough.
It started with a visit to The Racecourse ground to visit Wrexham AFC, where Their Majesties met owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, as well as players and staff.
This was followed by a service at St Giles Church to mark Wrexham becoming a city, and the day was rounded off with a tree planting for The Queen’s Green Canopy at the breath-taking National Trust estate at Erddig.
Take a look at these amazing pictures…
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The Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Brian Cameron, said: “What a wonderful day for Wales’ newest city!
“These are exciting times and it was a tremendous honour to welcome Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort to the county borough.”
Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “There’s a huge amount of positive energy around the city of Wrexham at the moment.
“We have a World Heritage Site, an amazing football club and people all over the world are starting to hear about us and are visiting Wrexham.
“I’m incredibly proud of Wrexham’s story, and to receive a visit from Their Majesties is wonderful and a very proud moment for myself.”
Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive at Wrexham Council, said: “This was a truly historic day for the county borough.
“Wrexham is raising the bar and showing the world what amazing potential it has, and to be able to welcome Their Majesties to celebrate city status is a fitting to way to round off an exceptional year for Wrexham.”
December 9, 2022
We’ve struck gold with the Employer Recognition Scheme
We’ve received the prestigious Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for the outstanding support we give to the armed forces community.
It’s awarded by the Ministry of Defence and formally recognises organisations that employ and actively support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
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To win the Gold award, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for Reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, Reserves, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.
Organisations must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage in the Employer Recognition Scheme.
Cllr Beverley Parry Jones, Armed Forces Champion, said, “It was a very proud moment to receive the award on behalf of the council. It’s a credit to all the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes since we signed the Armed Forces Covenant with our partners back in 2013.
“We will continue to work with our armed forces community in recognition of the service they have given to our country.
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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December 9, 2022
Local Business Going from Strength to Strength
Theo Davies and Sons, based in Glyn Ceiriog, has shown huge resilience since 1955 when it first opened its doors for business.
It has changed from producing wheels, to restoring farm buildings and now concentrate on producing top quality furniture.
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In addition they have developed a revolutionary frame that helps patients suffering from spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and strokes.
Known as the Oswestry Standing Frame it’s now widely used by NHS and private clinicians across the country for the rehabilitation of patients.
The team has adapted and make bespoke hospital grade beds mainly for domestic properties, including children’s beds for those with additional needs. The business aims to promote their new products to hospital trusts, Occupational Therapists, Charities and carers.
More recently they’re concentrating on launch and production of made to order specialist beds for children with disabilities.
Current owner, Einion Davies, said, “We’ve continually adapted since our family first opened for business and we pride ourselves on producing high quality furniture built by highly skilled staff.
“The Business Team at Wrexham Council has helped with our business planning and helped secure grant funding to develop our marketing and website. It was great to see the Lead Member here taking an interest in our company and staff.”
Cllr Nigel Williams, said, “It was a pleasure to meet Einion and his staff. The company employs local staff from the surrounding rural areas of the Ceiriog Valley and is a great example of how innovative our Wrexham businesses are particularly in rural areas.
“I look forward to visiting more businesses both in Wrexham Industrial Estates and the more rural areas to hear of their successes and how they’re adapting to fit changing markets and demands.”
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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December 9, 2022
Leaving waste outside recycling centres is fly-tipping
Recently we’ve had a couple of instances where people have left waste outside the gates at the recycling centres in Wrexham whilst the sites have been closed.
We want to remind residents that they should never do this – this is fly-tipping, which is illegal. Anyone who fly-tips risks being issued with a fixed penalty notice or could even be prosecuted.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Environment, said: “If you visit a recycling centre and it’s closed when you arrive, please take your waste home with you and come back during the opening hours of the site. You can find the opening hours of the recycling centres in Wrexham on our website.”
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Be careful when paying someone to remove your waste
As householders we all have a “duty of care” to make sure that anyone we use to remove our rubbish has an official Waste Carrier Licence that allows them to do so.
Most legitimate companies will happily show you their Licence and assure you that they will dispose of it responsibly at a properly designated waste site. Even if they do this, you should still check it’s a valid licence. You can check anyone out on the Natural Resources Wales website.
If they don’t have one then it’s very likely that your rubbish is going to be fly-tipped and if it’s traced back to you, you risk being issued with a £300 fixed penalty notice or you can be prosecuted with a fine of up to £50,000.
Check out the Caru Cymru page on our website to find out more about disposing of your waste responsibly.
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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December 8, 2022
Make sure you know the symptoms of Strep A and Scarlet Fever
High fever | Sore throat | Rash | Severe muscle aches | Redness at the site of a wound
You’ve probably seen the reports in the national media this week about invasive Group A Streptococcal Infection (iGAS) – also known as ‘Strep A.’
There have been several serious cases in the UK involving young children, and parents and schools are being urged to look out for symptoms.
Public Health Wales has issued the following advice:
- Schools should be alert to the possibility of infection in children who become ill with a fever, sore throat or rash.
- Parents of unwell children should seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment.
- Anyone with scarlet fever should stay away from school for 24 hours after the start of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
- Good hand hygiene and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze (‘catch it, bin it, kill it’) can help prevent the spread.
Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever
Strep A can sometimes cause scarlet fever.
This is highly infectious and can be caught through direct contact with an infected person or through the air via droplets from coughs or sneezes.
The main symptom of scarlet fever is a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch.
Other symptoms include a high temperature, flushed face and a red, swollen tongue.
Treatment is straightforward and usually involves a course of penicillin antibiotics.
Complications of scarlet fever and streptococcal infection
Most cases of scarlet fever cause no complications, especially if the condition is properly treated.
However, complications in the early stages can include ear infection, throat abscess, sinusitis, pneumonia and meningitis.
Very rare complications include rheumatic fever, kidney damage, liver damage, bone infection, blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome which can be life-threatening.
Early signs of invasive disease include:
- High fever.
- Severe muscle aches.
- Local muscle tenderness.
- Redness at the site of a wound.
If you have concerns about invasive disease, then you must seek urgent medical advice.
The advice to parents is:
- Contact your GP, visit 111.wales.nhs.uk, or call NHS 111 Wales.
- Make sure your child takes the full course of any antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
- Keep your child at home, away from nursery, school or work and follow any guidance provided by your GP on how long they should remain absent from these settings.
- Find up-to-date information and advice on streptococcal A infections at 111.wales.nhs.uk
December 7, 2022
Give someone ‘the best gift’ this Christmas by Supporting the Welsh Blood Service
Guest Article – Welsh Blood Service
A new mother who received a lifesaving blood transfusion during childbirth is encouraging communities across Wales to give ‘the best gift’ this Christmas by supporting the Welsh Blood Service.
Stacey Fordham Gray, a former blood donor herself, experienced complications during the birth of her daughter Millie and received a lifesaving blood transfusion.
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Stacey explains, “Like most first-time mums, I had expected my birth story to be filled with breathing techniques and soft lighting and not one that would include me needing a team of doctors and nurses.
“Having received a blood transfusion, I am no longer able to donate myself, but I will continue to support the Welsh Blood Service by sharing my story. Hopefully, this will help more people understand what a difference it makes and why they should donate themselves.
“Without donors’ generosity, I would not have been here to celebrate Millie’s first birthday. I will forever be grateful to that complete stranger who selflessly donated their blood and saved my life.”
Stacey’s commitment to the Welsh Blood Service was further strengthened after her father was diagnosed with cancer just four weeks after walking her down the wedding aisle. Stacey attended every appointment at Velindre Cancer Centre with her dad, but his condition declined and five months later he sadly passed away.
Stacey said, “After losing my dad to cancer, I continued to donate blood until I needed it myself. Whilst I can’t donate blood anymore I am still on the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry and hopeful I can be that stranger too by donating my bone marrow for someone fighting blood cancer.”
There are over 2,000 people annually in the UK and 50,000 worldwide with blood cancers who require a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. Currently, only seven in ten patients across the UK find a suitable bone marrow match.
Alan Prosser, Welsh Blood Service Director, said, “For patients who find themselves in need, as Stacey did, a donation will be ‘the best gift’ they receive.
The Welsh Blood Service is now preparing to face winter pressures and hopes its Christmas campaign, ‘the best gift’, will help to raise awareness about the difference donating blood, platelets and bone marrow makes. The Service provides lifesaving blood and blood products to 20 hospitals across Wales and four Wales Air Ambulance aircraft for use in emergencies. It also recruits and support bone marrow volunteers matched with cancer patients in making a potentially lifesaving bone marrow donation.
Alan continued, “Blood and blood products have a relatively short shelf life, so they are in constant need by hospitals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including bank holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Day, to help support patients and save lives across Wales.
“It’s critical the Service is prepared, so we’re reaching out to our communities across Wales to ask them to make a lifesaving donation this Christmas and over the Winter period or sign up to our bone marrow registry.”
Do something amazing this Christmas and New Year. Give someone the best gift, give blood and, if you are aged 17-30 join the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry either when you donate blood or by requesting a swab kit online.
If you are aged 17 or over, book to give blood at: www.wbs.wales/Xmas22 or call 0800 252 266 today.
If you’re aged 17 to 30, find out how you can join the Welsh Bone Marrow Donor Registry at www.wbs.wales/bmrxmas22.
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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December 7, 2022
WELSH LANGUAGE RIGHTS DAY: CELEBRATING THE ‘TRANSFORMATION’ IN THE EXPERIENCES OF WELSH SPEAKERS
On Wednesday 7 December, public organisations in Wales will be holding a one day campaign to raise awareness of the public’s rights to use the Welsh language.
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The Welsh Language Commissioner is responsible for coordinating the day. Dozens of public organisations across Wales will also join in the celebrations by promoting their Welsh language services on the day.
Welsh language standards have created the rights, and 124 public organisations in Wales are operating these standards: from county councils, to health boards, the emergency services, colleges and universities, and national organisations in Wales.
Lead member for Environment and Welsh Language Champion Cllr Hugh Jones, said: “Having a Welsh language rights day provides a great platform for us as a council to inform and remind our residents that we welcome and encourage the use of Welsh when communicating with us.”
You can support the campaign on social media by following #MaeGenIHawl
When it comes to the cost of living, making sure you claim all the help and support you’re entitled to could make a huge difference.
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December 7, 2022