news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • Free Halloween Disco at Tŷ Pawb!

    Free Halloween Disco at Tŷ Pawb!

    On 31 October between 4.30 and 6.30 Tŷ Pawb will host a Halloween Disco!

    It’ll be time to dress-up in your spookiest costumes, play classic party games, bopping to some monster tunes and making witchy crafts to take home.

    Sign up to get Tŷ Pawb’s newsletters straight to your mailbox

    There’s also prizes for the best homemade costumes.

    Booking in advance is essential! This activity is most suitable for children aged 4-11 who must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

    This year’s disco is supported by a grant from Fit & Fed, meaning at tickets are free and include healthy snacks for children.

    Sign up now

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWCBC/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKWCBC_112″ “] Sign up now
    [/button]

  • Have you had an A3 form from us? Please respond!

    Have you had an A3 form from us? Please respond!

    Back in August, A3 forms were sent out, checking that we have the correct details for all those aged 14 and over, living in your house. Did you get one?

    If you did, have you responded? This is part of the ‘annual canvass’, when Wrexham Council makes sure that the electoral register is up to date.

    Received a letter/form about the electoral register? Just follow the instructions so we know you’re registered and ready to vote.

    By making sure all of the details are correct, when there is an election, everyone who has the right to vote is able to do so.

    Please respond by following the instructions so we know you’re registered and ready to vote.

    By responding to the form, you will also help us save money by cutting down on the cost of people coming to check your details in person. Over the next few months, canvassers will be visiting properties that have not responded to make sure the details we hold are correct.

    Received a letter/form about the electoral register?

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” http://www.householdresponse.com/wrexham”]BE READY TO VOTE[/button]

  • Wrexham business celebrates £4 million milestone

    Wrexham business celebrates £4 million milestone

    A Wrexham business recently celebrated an important milestone with a visit from the Mayor of Wrexham.

    Reclaim Tax Wales, based in Chirk, has helped Welsh businesses claim more than £4 million in tax benefit – including many local firms in North Wales.

    The Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Brian Cameron – along with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Pritchard – dropped into the company’s HQ last week to congratulate employees.

    Received a letter about the electoral register? Follow the instructions so we know you’re registered and ready to vote.

    Celebrating local success

    The Mayor said: “It was a real pleasure to meet Joshua and the team at Reclaim Tax Wales and to congratulate them on their achievement.

    “It was good to learn about the work they do and how they’re helping other Welsh businesses, and it’s important we recognise and celebrate the success of local companies.”

    Councillor Mark Pritchard said: “It’s always encouraging to hear about firms that are going from strength-to-strength. Local businesses play a crucial role in our economy – they create wealth and employment, and help put Wrexham on the map.

    “Helping Welsh businesses claim £4 million in tax benefit really is a stunning achievement, and I hope Reclaim Tax Wales continues to grow and thrive.”

    Helping to stimulate the economy

    Joshua Davies, Managing Director of Reclaim Tax Wales, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Mayor and Leader of the Council to our Wrexham office to celebrate the business surpassing £4 million in Welsh business tax relief.

    “We’re extremely proud of the work we carry out in uncovering specialist tax reliefs for limited companies which lead to substantial cash injections or tax savings. Many of these companies are on our doorstep in Wrexham, with us now having over 45 local clients.

    “The support shown from local councils, communities and clients has been truly spectacular, and long may it continue.

    “Our long-term goal is to continue to stimulate the Welsh economy and we look forward to welcoming back both the Mayor and Leader of the Council when we surpass £10 million in client benefit!”

    Received a letter/form about the electoral register?

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” http://www.householdresponse.com/wrexham”]BE READY TO VOTE[/button]

  • Self Assessment customers could be a target for fraudsters, HMRC warns

    Self Assessment customers could be a target for fraudsters, HMRC warns

    Guest Article – HMRC: Self Assessment customers who are starting to think about their annual tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year should guard against being targeted by fraudsters, warns HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

    In the 12 months to August 2022, HMRC responded to more than 180,000 referrals of suspicious contact from the public, of which almost 81,000 were scams offering fake tax rebates.

    Received a letter/form about the electoral register? Just follow the instructions so we know you’re registered and ready to vote.

    Criminals claiming to be from HMRC have targeted individuals by email, text and phone with their communications ranging from offering bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion. Contacts like these should sound alarm bells – HMRC would never call threatening arrest.

    Anyone contacted by someone claiming to be from HMRC in a way that arouses suspicion is advised to take their time and check the scams advice on GOV.UK.

    Customers can report any suspicious activity to HMRC. They can forward suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Any tax scam phone calls can be reported to HMRC using the online form on GOV.UK.

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said, “Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard.

    “HMRC will never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that.

    “Tax scams come in many forms. Some threaten immediate arrest for tax evasion, others offer a rebate. Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check ‘HMRC scams advice’ on GOV.UK.”

    Fraudsters target customers when they know they are more likely to be in contact with HMRC, which is why Self Assessment customers should be extra vigilant to this activity. There is a risk they could be taken in by scam texts, emails or calls either offering a ‘refund’ or demanding unpaid tax, thinking that they are genuine HMRC communications referring to their Self Assessment return.

    Some customers who have not done a Self Assessment return previously might be tricked into clicking on links in these emails or texts and revealing personal or financial information to criminals.

    The deadline for filing paper tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year is 31 October 2022, and 31 January 2023 for those filing their tax return online. Customers who file their return online via GOV.UK should not share their HMRC login details. Someone using the details could steal from the customer or make a fraudulent claim in their name.

    HMRC is actively tackling the scams and fraudsters who attempt to mimic genuine HMRC activity and messages. The department’s dedicated Customer Protection Team works continuously to identify and close down scams.

    HMRC also tackles misleading websites designed to make people pay for services that should be free or low cost, charging to connect people to free HMRC phone helplines. To protect the public, HMRC formally disputes and takes ownership of HMRC-branded internet domain or website names. Since 2017, the department has recovered more than 183 websites hosting low-value services such as call-connection sites, saving the public millions of pounds.

    Received a letter/form about the electoral register?

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” http://www.householdresponse.com/wrexham”]BE READY TO VOTE[/button]

  • Wrexham Woodland Pledge launched

    Wrexham Woodland Pledge launched

    We all know that planting more trees is necessary to tackle climate change, lower our carbon footprint and protect habitat for people and wildlife.

    We’re now going one step further to demonstrate our commitment to support a cleaner, greener Wrexham for future generations through the launch of our ‘Woodland Pledge.’

    Get news and info from your local council – sign-up for email bulletins.

    We recognise that trees and woodlands are an essential part of our towns and countryside so have developed the ‘Woodland Pledge’ to demonstrate our commitment to increase tree canopy cover and protect new and existing woodland across the county borough.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Climate Champion, said “Trees and Woodlands are not only important habitats for a whole host of wildlife, playing a vital part in our fight against climate change; they are also important for our health, wellbeing and quality of life. We cannot take their future for granted.”

    The pledge also encourages people to get outdoors to enjoy trees and woodlands in their neighbourhood. A number of events will be available to learn more about our trees and woodlands this Autumn and Winter, including tree planting days, a city tree trail and seasonal craft sessions. All of these events will be advertised through social media and through the Pledge mailing list.

    The Woodland Pledge is important

    Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Environment said, “Trees are such an important part of our environment and we take great pride in protecting those we have aswell as creating new woodlands across the county borough. The Woodland Pledge is important and it’s easy to sign up to learn even more about our woodlands. Together we can protect these vital habitats for generations to come.”

    We’re encouraging everyone to join the pledge, including those who are part of a local business, community group or organisation.

    By signing up to the pledge you will join our mailing list, where you can find out how to get involved in 4 different ways:

    1. Woodland creation

    Tree planting to create new woodland or expand existing woodlands throughout Wrexham. Help us plant more trees by joining one of our tree planting schemes across the county.

    2. Woodland conservation

    Protect and enhance areas of existing woodland for biodiversity, climate change recovery and good quality habitat.

    3. Woodland celebration

    Allow nature connection within woodlands for health, wellbeing, play and education.

    4. Woodland commendation

    Understand how valuable trees and woodlands are to our everyday lives.

    You can read more about the Wrexham Woodland Pledge as well as sign up to the mailing list on our website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

    Get our top stories by email.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=”https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWCBC/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKWCBC_5″]SIGN UP[/button]

  • £290k funding boost to increase tree cover and tackle climate change in Wrexham

    £290k funding boost to increase tree cover and tackle climate change in Wrexham

    Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, has delivered a major funding boost to help tackle climate change and increase tree and woodland cover across the county.

    The £290k funding, delivered from the charity’s Emergency Tree Fund following £2.1 million of support from Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, is part of six grants being delivered to local authorities across the country, planting 450,000 trees and creating green spaces in local communities most impacted by pollution and with least access to nature.

    Received a letter/form about the electoral register? Just follow the instructions so we know you’re registered and ready to vote.

    The Woodland Trust’s Emergency Tree Fund is one of the first projects in the UK receiving support through Amazon’s $100 million Right Now Climate Fund. With €20 million committed to projects across the UK and Europe, the fund has been set up to conserve, restore and improve forests, wetlands and grasslands, protecting wildlife habitats, biodiversity and quality of life for communities.

    It was created to help local authorities to plant new trees and woodlands, develop tree strategies, map canopy cover, establish new tree nurseries, engage landowners and communities and deliver volunteer programmes.

    In Wales, a total of £294,845 has been awarded to Wrexham. The fund will support the Wrexham Forest partnership project which seeks to increase trees and woodland across the county. Through implementing its Tree and Woodland Strategy and engaging partners, businesses, groups and individuals, the project will create a county-wide, collective commitment to enhancing and protecting trees and woodland.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader and Climate Champion, said, “We know that trees and woodlands are an essential part of our towns and countryside. They are important for our health, wellbeing and quality of life – and so we are thrilled to receive this funding which will help us to increase trees and woodlands across the county and contribute to reducing our carbon footprint.”

    Natalie Buttriss, Director at Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales) said, “Between 2006-2013, some 7,000 large trees were lost in Wales, and between 2009-2013, 159 out of our 220 towns showed an overall decline in tree cover. But we know that there is the desire to change this – and our Emergency Tree Fund exists to help local authorities like Wrexham Council to turn such ambitions into reality.”

    “The Woodland Trust has a history of science-based and community-focused work that has a meaningful and lasting impact on biodiversity in the UK, which is why we have chosen to support them as one of our first UK Right Now Climate Fund commitments”, said Zak Watts, Director of Europe Sustainability, Amazon.

    He continued, “Alongside co-founding the Climate Pledge in 2019 and making a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040, we are making significant contributions to nature-based solutions to supplement our own carbon-reduction efforts and help restore and preserve the natural world. We are proud to support the charity’s Emergency Tree Fund and look forward to seeing 450,000 more trees planted by local authorities across the UK.”

    Received a letter/form about the electoral register?

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” http://www.householdresponse.com/wrexham”]BE READY TO VOTE[/button]

  • Adult Learners’ Week 17 – 23 October – Never Stop Learning

    Adult Learners’ Week 17 – 23 October – Never Stop Learning

    We’re supporting Adult Learners’ Week and encouraging everyone to “never stop learning.”

    Organised by the Learning and Work Institute in partnership with Welsh Government the week encourages people to discover their passion and learn new skills.

    Take part in our climate change survey

    There are many interesting areas to choose from, such as digital skills, arts and crafts and health and wellbeing. There are courses in numeracy and literacy, life skills, the environment, languages, social sciences and many more.

    During the week and throughout October there’ll be an opportunity to take part in online and in-person courses, events and taster sessions.

    Here in Wrexham we have a very successful Adult Community Learning partnership with Flintshire.

    They work with a group of lead providers to ensure that adult learning meets the needs of our communities, including:

    • Aura Leisure and Libraries
    • Caia Park Partnership
    • Coleg Cambria
    • Groundwork North Wales
    • Ty Calon – Deeside Community Trust
    • Addysg Oedolion Cymru/Adult Learning wales
    • Xplore Science Discovery Centre

    If you would like to find out more about the Partnership and the range of courses available including timetables for the autumn term, then please get in touch.

    Tel: 07584 335409, email: acl@wrexham.gov.uk or visit their page on Facebook to find out more information about the courses available.

    The Working Wales website also has links to hundreds of free online and in-person events, tasters, courses, and resources on offer throughout October. There’s lots of inspiring true stories of people who have taken up adult learning such as Clare Palmer who said

    “From the age of 14 to 41 I’d done no maths or English. I was apprehensive at first and, honestly, I was terrible at it. But I threw myself into it and I know after just a few weeks that I’d had made the right decision. My experience has been fantastic, I’d really recommend it. I’m closer now than ever before to achieving my dream of becoming a social worker.” – Clare Palmer

    Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said, “There’s so many opportunities available for people to return to education to learn new skills and improve your prospects of getting into work or changing direction altogether. Good luck to everyone who embarks on their journey in October to never stop learning.”

    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
    [/button]

  • Another Hilarious Comedy Night at Tŷ Pawb in Store

    Another Hilarious Comedy Night at Tŷ Pawb in Store

    There’s another hilarious Comedy Night planned at Tŷ Pawb which is promising to bring a smile to our faces.

    The popular event is taking place on Friday 14 October for over 16’s and doors are open at 7.30pm with the first act on stage at 8pm. The bar will also be open.

    Sign up to get Tŷ Pawb’s newsletters straight to your mailbox

    Here’s the line-up of top touring comedians on the night:

    • Paul ‘Silky’ White – Circuit legend, two and a half decades at the top of the business
    • Jules O’Brien – Shortlisted for Funny Women 2021 and semi finalist for Get Up Stand Up 2022
    • Tom Lawrenson – Star of award winning Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Pottervision’ and social media superstar
    • Tal Davies – “Best breakthrough act” – Midlands Comedy Awards 2021 and shortlisted for BBC New Comedy Award

    Tickets cost £10 and you can grab yours now here.

    Sign up now

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWCBC/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKWCBC_112″ “] Sign up now
    [/button]

  • Bowel Cancer Screening age lowered to 55

    Bowel Cancer Screening age lowered to 55

    Public Health Wales is now offering Bowel Cancer Screening to eligible to 55 – 57 year olds across Wales.

    This will see 172,000 more people in Wales receive easy to use kits that test for the early stages of the disease.

    Take part in our climate change survey

    The screening is part of a £16 million investment package by the Welsh Government and the funding has supported the introduction the new, easier to use, FIT home testing kits. The new kits have helped improve screening uptake to 65% and have improved sensitivity to better detect those at risk of bowel cancer.

    More than 2,500 people were diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2019. Screening plays an important role in detecting cancer earlier and helps to improve cancer outcomes in Wales.

    The lowering of the screening age is based on the recommendation by the UK National Screening Committee.

    Dr Sharon Hillier, Director of the Screening Division at Public Health Wales, said, “I’m delighted that we are expanding the bowel cancer screening programme to include those aged 55, 56 and 57 in Wales.

    “Bowel screening aims to find cancer at an early stage when treatment is likely to be more effective. Early detection is so important as at least 9 out of 10 people will survive bowel cancer if it’s found and treated early. Bowel screening also detects and removes pre-cancerous polyps that if left in the bowel could develop into cancer.

    “The invitation and test kit will be arriving via post to those who are eligible over the next 12 months. The test kit is easy to complete and to send to our laboratory for analysis.

    “I would urge everyone who receives an invitation to take up their offer as it could save their life.”

    Dywedodd Dr Sharon Hillier, Cyfarwyddwyr Is-adran Sgrinio Iechyd Cyhoeddus Cymru:

    “Rwyf wrth fy modd ein bod yn ehangu rhaglen sgrinio canser y coluddyn i gynnwys y rhai sy’n 55, 56 a 57 oed yng Nghymru.

    “Nod rhaglen sgrinio canser y coluddyn yw canfod canser yn gynnar, ar adeg pan fydd triniaeth yn fwy tebygol o fod yn effeithiol. Mae canfod canser yn gynnar yn arbennig o bwysig gan y bydd o leiaf 9 o bob 10 o bobl yn goroesi canser y coluddyn os caiff ei ddarganfod a’i drin yn gynnar. Mae rhaglen sgrinio canser y coluddyn hefyd yn canfod polypau cyn-ganseraidd sydd angen eu tynnu gan y gallant ddatblygu i fod yn ganser os cânt eu gadael yn y coluddyn.

    “Bydd y gwahoddiad a’r pecyn profi yn cyrraedd yr unigolion cymwys drwy’r post yn ystod y 12 mis nesaf. Mae’r pecyn profi yn hawdd ei ddefnyddio a’i anfon i’n labordy i’w ddadansoddi.

    “Rwy’n annog pawb sy’n cael gwahoddiad i fanteisio ar y cynnig hwn gan y gall achub eu bywyd.”

    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
    [/button]

  • Wrexham’s Wellbeing Hub Officially Opens

    Wrexham’s Wellbeing Hub Officially Opens

    A NEW state of the art town centre Community Health and Well-being Area, known as the “Wellbeing Hub” has officially opened its doors.

    The Wellbeing Hub, located on Chester Street, is a new multi-agency space that provides integrated community, health, social care and third sector preventative activities and alternative solutions to care and support in a safe environment, with accessible facilities, for all ages and abilities. It compliments existing service provision, covering physical health, mental health and wellbeing.

    The Wellbeing Hub is a partnership between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, AVOW and Wrexham Council and will provide easy access to information and advice to help people live healthier, happier lives.

    Officially opening the Hub The Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr Brian Cameron said: “The Wellbeing Hub is a great example of partnership working. People can find the information and help they need in one, easily accessible place. Not only does the hub provide this great service but it also is the home to some state of the art facilities that can be used by local community groups. I encourage everyone to come and take a look at what the hub can offer you.”

    Take part in our climate change survey

    The Minister for Climate Change, Julie James added: “I am delighted to learn that with support from the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund, the local community in Wrexham will have access to a wellbeing hub, providing them with advice and support when they need it most. A fantastic example of partnership working at its best.”

    Andrea Hughes, Integrated Health Community Director of Nursing (East), said: “This new hub will be a great benefit to the community, offering easy access to information and support for anyone who needs it. We are looking forward to seeing people face-to-face and would like to encourage anyone who might be concerned or have questions about their wellbeing to come in and speak with us to ensure they receive the right support for them. By working in partnership with other organisations under one roof we can offer a real holistic approach to help those that come in or signpost them to the right place.”

    Dawn Roberts-McCabe, Chief Officer of AVOW said: “AVOW is delighted to be working in partnership with WCBC and BCUHB on this ground-breaking Health and Wellbeing Hub which will benefit our Wrexham community.  We will encourage third sector organisations of all sizes to make use of this modern, flexible, welcoming space”.

    Councillor Mark Pritchard, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Finance, said: “The wellbeing hub will provide an important service for the people of Wrexham, and I’m delighted the facility is now open.

    “I would like to thank Welsh Government for working with us on this project, as well as partners and councillors for supporting the initiative.”

    Lead member for Adult Social Care, Cllr John Pritchard said: “The Wellbeing Hub is a welcome addition to Wrexham city centre. It will help to promote good health and wellbeing and aid local people to age well.”

    The official plaque was unveiled by the Standards of Wrexham’s Services (SWS) group. The SWS group is a group of residents who have been referred to, and work with, Wrexham Council’s adult social care department to improve the lives of those living with disabilities in Wrexham.

    The hub aims to make it quicker and easier for people to access the information, support and advice they need. With easy access to information and advice as well as accessible spaces and facilities, the Wellbeing Hub is perfect for a range of community groups to use.

    Wellbeing Hub Advisors will be on hand to provide information on a range of services such as befriending, fuel poverty and digital inclusion. There will be regular drop in sessions from services such as Wrexham Family Information Service, Department of Work and Pensions, Wrexham Community for Work, Family Friends and Warm Wales. There will be a varied programme of activities such as exercise sessions, healthy eating and cookery, parent support, confidence building and children’s activities.

    For more information about the Wellbeing Hub and the services it has to offer please visit our website or search for Wellbeing Hub Wrexham on Facebook.

    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
    [/button]