Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • Want to know your carbon footprint? Find out here!

    Want to know your carbon footprint? Find out here!

    As we continue to live in a global climate emergency, it’s important for all of us to look at ways we can do better and reduce our impact on the environment.

    Knowing your own individual impact on the environment is a good starting point to making these changes, so wouldn’t it be useful if you could find out your own carbon footprint in just a few clicks?

    The WWF’s carbon footprint calculator shows you how you compare against the UK’s average footprint for 2022. You just need to complete a quick questionnaire which asks some questions on the food you eat, how you travel, your home and your purchases.

    You will be able to see your scores on each category and get some helpful tips on how you can improve these scores moving forward to reduce your carbon footprint.

    FIND OUT YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

    Have you completed our climate change survey? There’s some great prizes to be won!

    Our climate change and decarbonisation survey is now open and we’re asking as many residents as possible to take part, so we can better support people in making energy saving choices across the coming years.

    There are also some great energy saving and carbon reducing prizes to be won. People who complete the survey and leave their email address will be entered into a draw, giving them the chance to win a bike voucher, slow cookers, air fryers, mobile phone solar chargers, and an annual pass to Xplore!

    The survey will be live until November 30 and only takes around 5-10 minutes to complete.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Climate Champion, said: “We declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019, and as part of our Decarbonisation Plan we want to work with people who live and work in Wrexham to increase the awareness and understanding of the changes we will all need to make to tackle the climate emergency.

    “We’re hoping our survey can raise awareness of these issues, but it also allows us to learn a bit more about people in Wrexham, which will then help us to support them in making changes that can have a big impact. The survey will be live until November 30, and it doesn’t take long to complete, so please take part if you can. Everyone who takes part and leaves an email address will be entered into a draw, with some great prizes on offer.”

    Take part in our climate change survey

    Quick ways to save energy

    Some steps you can take to reduce the energy you use include:

    • Replacing traditional lightbulbs with LED ones. LED bulbs use about half the energy of the bigger fluorescent spiral energy-saving bulbs. So, when it’s time to replace your bulbs, consider LED replacements.
    • Draught proofing your home. It can be relatively cheap and simple to draught proof your home using materials from a DIY store. You can get rolls of draught-excluding foam tubing for windows. To stop cold air getting in through your front door, consider a draught brush for the letterbox and maybe a cover for the keyhole.
    • Filling your washing machine. Making sure you fill up the machine each time you run it will mean you have fewer loads, saving energy.
    • Only boiling the amount of water you need. The more water you boil, the more energy you use. Only boil the water you need each time.
    • Making sure any devices aren’t left on standby. The Energy Saving Trust says you can save up to £40-a-year saving by switching devices off standby.
    • Adjusting your radiator thermostats. If you have them use them, you may not need to heat every room.
    • Insulating your hot water cylinder. If you have a hot water cylinder that’s uninsulated, it will be losing heat. This means the water inside cools down faster. Fitting a hot water jacket could save around £40 a year.
    • Checking your boiler pressure. This tells you the pressure of the water circulating in the heating system. If this is too slow, it will make your system inefficient and using more energy to heat your home.

    Take part in our climate change survey

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://www.yourvoicewrexham.com/survey/1663″] Take part in our survey
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  • Christmas Lights Switch on announced for 24 November!

    Christmas Lights Switch on announced for 24 November!

    The magic of Christmas will begin on 24 November with a special lights switch on.

    The event begins on Queens Square at 4:15 and families are invited to gather around the beautiful Christmas tree for a traditional light switch on. There will be carols led by a brass band and a community choir. Everyone is welcome to join in with a selection of festive favourites that will be sure to create a magical atmosphere.

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    At 4:50 a marching band and street entertainers will lead families through the city centre where children can help to turn on the Christmas lights, street by street, as they make their way to Eagles Meadow.

    Children are welcome to bring along their own magic wand to the event, or they can make one at a workshop taking place in Tŷ Pawb on Saturday 19 November between 12 and 3 when children can make a ‘magic wand’ which they can use to help turn on the Christmas Lights.

    Once at Eagles Meadow there will be a full staged finale event, featuring ABZ Love formerly from 5ive, supported by Passmore, Khalysys, Redd and Belle. There will be two hours of live entertainment, followed by the big switch on at 7pm.

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said, “This promises to be a really special event to mark the beginning of the Christmas season. The lights and tree all add a really festive feel to Wrexham making it a special place to visit for some Christmas shopping.

    Josh Price Centre Manager of Eagles Meadow, said, “We are delighted to be the hosts of this year’s Official Wrexham Christmas Light Switch On and are looking forward to welcoming families and friends to the Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre.”

    Don’t forget that all council run car parks in the town centre except Tŷ Pawb are free to use after 11am.

    The date for the Victorian Christmas market has already been confirmed as Wednesday 7 December and you can read more about that here.

    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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  • Have your say on plans to improve walking and cycling routes in Wrexham

    Have your say on plans to improve walking and cycling routes in Wrexham

    People in Wrexham are being asked for their views on plans to improve walking and cycling routes along four key roads.

    Wrexham Council and Transport for Wales are working together to make it easier, safer and more convenient to walk and cycle in the city, and want your feedback on plans to improve:

    • The A525 along Kingsmills Road, Salop Road and St Giles Way.
    • The A534 along Holt Road and Borras Road.
    • The A5152 along Chester Road.
    • The A541 along Mold Road and Regent Street.

    To have your say, take part in our online consultation where you can view drawings and images of the proposed improvements.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://wrexhamtransformingtowns.commonplace.is/”]HAVE YOUR SAY[/button]

    Or pop along to our drop-in session at Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham LL13 8BY on Wednesday, November 9 between 4pm and 7pm.

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    Climate emergency

    Deputy Leader Councillor David Bithell, who leads on strategic transport and active travel, says: “By providing better footpaths, cycle tracks and crossings, and developing a network of routes across Wrexham, we can make walking and cycling safer and more convenient.

    “We want to encourage more people to leave the car at home for short local journeys, and with the world facing a climate and ecological emergency, this is more important than ever.

    “So please fill in our online questionnaire or come along to our drop-in session at Tŷ Pawb on November 9.”

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    Connecting communities

    Councillor Hugh Jones, lead member with responsibility for highways, says: “The routes we’re looking at provide important connections between communities, schools, shops, workplaces and the city centre.

    “We’ve looked at how each route could be potentially redesigned to create direct, safe, comfortable and attractive routes for pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as cyclists.

    “This is an exciting project for Wrexham, so please spare some time to take a look at the proposals and feedback your views.”

    The consultation is open until November 21.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://wrexhamtransformingtowns.commonplace.is/”]HAVE YOUR SAY[/button]

  • Some useful tips for a safe bonfire night

    Some useful tips for a safe bonfire night

    It’s almost bonfire night and we’ve put together some simple yet sensible advice to help keep you and your little ones safe and we hope you’ll take a moment to read through them.

    You’ve probably heard most of them before but it never hurts to remind ourselves of what we should be doing – just in case…..

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    NEVER pour petrol, paraffin or meths onto a fire. Use firelighters.

    Don’t buy fireworks from dodgy dealers – either on the internet or from social media. Always use a reputable supplier.

    Remember that fireworks are explosive devices that have to be sold under licensed conditions to ensure they are safe. Treat them with respect.

    We’d always advise that instead of buying your own fireworks and the risks associated with it why not go to an organised display? The fireworks are usually much more spectacular and you don’t have the worry of making sure they go off safely.

    If you are using your own fireworks always make sure you use a torch to read the instructions and see what you are doing.

    Don’t pick up used fireworks or sparklers – they’re likely to be very hot and can cause nasty burns. Sparklers burn at temperatures as high as a welding torch so always use gloves and take particular care with children.

    Keep a bucket of water handy in case of accident and if you have a garden hose make sure it can be quickly turned on if needed. You can use it to put the fire out when you’re finished.

    Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair.

    Let your neighbours know what you’re doing and at what time so they can be prepared. Never set them off after midnight on November 5.

    Keep all your pets inside and if you’re concerned about any of them speak to your vet before Bonfire Night and follow his advice.

    If you’re in rural areas please let any horse/livestock owners know what time you will be setting your fireworks off so they can prepare their animals.

    Please remember that if your display causes harm or damage you could have serious legal liability.

    As long as everyone follows the right safety procedures and remembers that fireworks are dangerous if misused a good and safe time can be enjoyed by everyone.

    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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  • Parking restrictions apply on evenings and weekends too – please park responsibly at all times

    Parking restrictions apply on evenings and weekends too – please park responsibly at all times

    As Wrexham gets busier in the run up to Christmas we’re reminding motorists that parking in restricted areas or overstaying the time you’ve paid for in car parks can land you with a fine – including at evenings and weekends.

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    This includes any street where yellow lines are marked and particularly in busy areas such as Egerton street, King street and Duke street, loading bays, car parks  and the  pedestrian areas in the city centre in addition to the restrictions at popular areas such as Pontycysyllte Aqueduct.

    Parking irresponsibly could initially cost you £70 and if you don’t pay this increases as time goes on. The Council does pursue every parking fine it issues.

    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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  • New temporary home for Wrexham Markets announced

    New temporary home for Wrexham Markets announced

    Today we are sharing the news that a suitable city centre location has been secured for our tenants at the Butchers and General Market as we look to refurbish these locations.

    The Butcher’s Market was opened in 1848 and the General Market in 1879; they are both now in need of essential maintenance, repairs and modernisation.

    Our historic markets are part of the fabric of Wrexham and contribute to the character and heritage of Wrexham’s City Centre. The refurbishment is part of the Wrexham Townscape Heritage Scheme plans that looks to improve and develop the Wrexham City Centre Conservation Area.

    The modernisation of these listed buildings will not be to the detriment of their listed status, but will provide tangible benefits to our traders and visitors. Renovating and future proofing our historic markets will draw in a new audiences and generate footfall as a City Centre destinations in their own right.

    It was not practical to have the traders remain onsite as we undertook the extensive work needed to bring these buildings up to a standard to fulfil their potential – therefore a temporary home for our traders was sought.

    After exploring several options a preferred site on Queens Square has been secured as the temporary home for our market traders. The City Centre location, just a short walk from the bus station and current market locations is set to be fitted out over the coming months ahead of welcoming the traders next spring.

    Lead Member for Economy & Regeneration, Councillor Nigel Williams said: “Many of our loyal traders have been with us for a long time, so it was very important for us to source the most suitable City Centre site available. Before, during and after the move we will look at promoting the location of the site to ensure that customers past and present are aware of the location.

    *The Wrexham Townscape Heritage Scheme is funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government – Transforming Towns Fund, and Wrexham County Borough Council capital programme

  • Your chance to be part of Wrexham’s growing tourism sector!

    Your chance to be part of Wrexham’s growing tourism sector!

    We have two vacancies for Welsh speaking Visitor Information Assistants available now.

    Based in the Visitor Centre on Chester Street the successful candidates will support the new retail manager on a day to day basis offering a range of tourism services ranging from hospitality business support, staging events, and working with Visit Wales to promote the County as a place to visit.

    Hours are 28 per week including some Saturdays.

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    The centre, which is now open (but planning a full reopening in November) continues to provide the most up-to-date information, maps, event news and local information leaflets.  In addition to this, a new centre manager has been recruited, bringing a strong retail and local food / drink background which will be evident on a daily basis within the centre.

    The centre will act as a one stop shop for both visitors and businesses within the hospitality sector to both find out information and also access business support.

    These new Welsh speaking posts, will be suitable for knowledgeable, outgoing and passionate advocates for the county.  Based in the vibrant new Visitor Centre on Chester Street, the roles will offer the chance to greet visitors to the city centre, support food and drink pop-up events and really champion Wrexham as a great place to visit.

    Back in 2009, UNESCO awarded global World Heritage Site stats to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, transforming the site – along with Wrexham’s tourism sector – overnight into a £100m plus economy. Fast forward a decade or so later and alongside this, the growth and investment within Wrexham’s tourism sector has been impressive culminating in the City of Culture bid for 2025 and attracting further international attention via the American takeover of Wrexham AFC.

    Joe Bickerton, Destination Manager at Wrexham County Borough Council supports tourism across the County Borough and North East Wales and views the new centre as a vital component for further growing Wrexham’s tourism sector going forward.  He said, “Wrexham has really been on an upward curve in terms of tourism growth for over a decade now, so the opportunity to join this team and work from the new visitor centre is a really exciting one and will offer chances to share your passion for our area and support local businesses.

    “Overcoming the challenges faced back in 2020 and those of the recovery since has meant that our continued support for the tourism trade has been vital.  Both this new centre and hopefully our continued support & promotion along with the events programme will further boost visitors in 2023 – plus the terrific international exposure that Wrexham is currently receiving will further benefit our community.”

    To apply for the job as a Wrexham Visitor Information Centre assistant click here.

    https://saas.zellis.com/wrexham/wrl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01005697&language=cy

    Closing date is 4 November

    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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  • We are looking for a Panel Chair for our Fostering Panel, could it be you?

    We are looking for a Panel Chair for our Fostering Panel, could it be you?

    The Fostering Panel is looking for a new Chair.

    Wrexham Council’s Social Care Service is seeking to engage a new Fostering Panel Chair and Vice Chair to support the council in delivering its effective foster care service.

    The Council runs a number of panels each month, which can be variable subject to the number of assessments to be undertaken. This fee paid work can be undertaken from home as the panels are carried out on a virtual basis.

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    The type of things our Chair or Vice Chair will carry out include:

    • Preparation for panel meetings, identifying key issues and alerting the panel adviser whether the case is adequate for submission to panel.
    • Chairing of panel meetings and ensuring it operates in line with the relevant Regulations and Guidance and the policies and procedures of the agency.
    • Facilitating the active participation of all panel members as to ensure full consideration takes place and providing clear and well evidenced recommendations, with clear and accurate minutes provided that also record any serious reservations
    • Working with the panel and the panel adviser to ensure that key decisions are reached, such as whether a case is adequate for submission to panel, deciding on the attendance of observers or the participation of a panel member who declares an interest of a case and whether an extra panel may be necessary.
    • Ensuring that senior managers are aware of issues of concern, in relation both to individual cases and to more general matters and safeguarding confidentiality of all panel discussions
    • To support the recruitment of new panel members, review with the panel adviser the performance of panel members and in any consideration about terminating the appointment of a panel member.
    • The preparation of an annual report on the panel’s work.

    The Chair or Vice Chair will need to have an enhanced DBS check and have previous experience either personally or professionally of the placement of children with foster carers and the experience and skills to chair complex meetings to ensure full participation of panel members and collective decision making, in line with relevant legislation/ regulations governing children social care and fostering. This will require strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as appreciation of the impact on children and a commitment to keeping children within their own family or community where this is possible where this appears to be in the child’s best interest.

    For further enquiries about these opportunities please contact: fostering@wrexham.gov.uk

    The Council welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, sexuality, religious belief or age.

    The Council is committed to developing its bilingual workforce and delivery of services in Welsh and welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate their capability to work in both English and Welsh.

    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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  • Are you a parent or carer and want to share your knowledge to help others?

    Are you a parent or carer and want to share your knowledge to help others?

    We are looking for volunteer Parent Champions to promote the vast array of services available for families in their local area.

    The idea is to empower parents to share their positive experiences of local family services in order to encourage early uptake of services, including childcare, and to break down barriers.

    We’re looking for parents who have accessed and benefited from services within Wrexham and who recognise how these services help and support other parents in their local area. We are aware that parents relate best to the voice of other parents, who have faced the same challenges and know what they are going through.

    Help with the cost of living – claim what’s yours, reduce your bills, look after your health.

    Cllr Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s Services said: “Parent champions have been successful in other parts of the UK and it’s great to see that we are starting the programme here in Wrexham. The role of a parent champion is very adaptable and could help parents to develop confidence before returning to the world of work or taking on a more in depth voluntary role with a different charity/organisation. More importantly the knowledge that parents and carers have of our services makes them the ideal people to spread the word and help other parents looking for information and services.”

    The role of a parent champion is to meet and speak to parents about local services in their communities. They can share experiences and signpost to services. Their positive experiences can help others take the step to access a service that they may have been unsure of previously. Full training will be given. The parent champion will be working closely with Wrexham Family Information Service, who provide parents, carers and professionals with information, advice and guidance.

    So, are you a parent or carer who has used local children’s and young people’s services? This could include; education, parenting support or support for children with additional needs, to name just a few services. If so, this could be the ideal volunteering role for you. The role should be able to easily slot into your daily life and would be a way in which to give back to your local community as well as to share your knowledge of local services with other parents.

    Training sessions will be taking place on the 14/15 November 9.30am-12.30pm. Booking is essential.

    If you’re interested and would like some more information about our next training sessions, please contact parentchampion@wrexham.gov.uk

    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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  • Support the Poppy Appeal at this Saturday’s game

    Support the Poppy Appeal at this Saturday’s game

    Fans at the Wrexham game this weekend will be urged to dig deep and support this year’s Poppy Appeal.

    This Saturday’s fixture sees Wrexham AFC take on Altrincham, and volunteers will be pitch-side and in the stands collecting for the cause.

    The Poppy Appeal is organised by the Royal British Legion, and was established in 1921 not long after the First World War.

    Wearing a poppy is a show of support for our armed forces, and the funds raised are used to help service men and women, veterans and their families.

    Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, will be joining the volunteers at the game, and is looking forward to seeing people get behind both the football team and the appeal.

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    Councillor Parry-Jones says:

    “Wrexham is extremely proud of its links with the armed forces, and many men and women from across the county borough have served and made tremendous sacrifices over the years.

    “The Poppy Appeal is a wonderful initiative that provides vital help for armed services personnel and their families – often in their greatest moment of need.

    “So if you’re at the game this Saturday and see us collecting, please make a donation and wear your poppy with pride.

    “You’ll be doing a wonderful thing, and helping Wrexham as a community say ‘thank you’ to the brave men and women who have given so much for our country.”

    The national campaign will officially launch this Sunday (October 30), so please consider buying a poppy and showing your support.

    The launch will be marked by the Royal British Legion Riders and a short service on Llwyn Isaf in Wrexham at 9.15am.

    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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