news.wrexham.gov.uk

Category: Featured

Featured posts

Country parks after Difficult Decisions – still going strong
Despite the difficult decisions taken in February surrounding the county borough’s 11 country parks, the new model going forward from April is seen to be both sustainable and manageable – whilst continuing to provide a quality experience for visitors.
When the proposals were first put forward many thought it signalled the end of our country parks – “they will close”, “the animals will go” or “no more events.” These are all reasonable fears as no-one likes change – especially to one of our most loved services.
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Whilst there is a change to the management and running of the parks, a recent report to all council members has outlined the model for the future – and it doesn’t make bad reading and answers some of the fears that were originally raised.
“Work with local farmers”
The 11 parks will most certainly continue to be open to the public, and with support from Streetscene staff they will be maintained and landscaped, and weeding and planting will still take place, as will grass cutting and mowing.
The animals at Tŷ Mawr will remain, with future investment going into the small animal and pet enclosure. We will also continue to promote and work with local farmers to bring in sheep and cows for grazing to provide visitors with the farming experience.
Friends and Association groups will also continue, as will the Junior Rangers, and we will continue to work with community councils to explore opportunities going forward into the future.
“Exciting events programme”
There’s also an exciting events programme planned, with activities this Easter in Acton Park, Bellevue Park, Tŷ Mawr, Alyn Waters, Ponciau Banks and Nant Mill.
The summer months will see the popular Music in the Park at Bellevue continue, as well as fun days and events for all age groups. Events continue throughout the year and you can find out more about planned activities here
Green flags will continue to fly, although it’s expected the one at Nant Mill will be lost in favour of one at the refurbished Victorian Cemetery on Ruabon Road.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Change is always difficult and as Government cuts continue they will get even more difficult in the future. Our model going forward is, I believe, both sustainable and manageable and will continue to provide a quality visitor experience whilst surrounded by stunning scenery.”
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March 21, 2018
14,000 people use this simple trick to get our news
Email. It might feel a bit ‘old school,’ but it’s still one of the best ways to receive info.
So if you think this blog is OK, and you don’t want to miss anything, here’s a suggestion.
Sign up for Wrexham Council News email bulletins…and every week or so, you’ll get a message with links to our top stories.
We won’t spam you every five minutes, and you can unsubscribe any time if you get fed-up of us.
Nearly 14,000 people are signed-up to our bulletins at the minute, and it’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss out on important stories and info about council services.
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Interesting fact?
via GIPHY
It’s hard to say when email was invented. It kind of evolved in the 60s and 70s from the need to share files between networked computers.
However, a guy called Ray Tomlinson is often credited with inventing email as we know it.
In 1972, he developed the address format we still use today…with the ‘@’ symbol in the middle.
Clever fella 🙂
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March 21, 2018
Get Digital at Plas Pentwyn
Do you struggle to fill in online forms? Find filling in job applications online difficult? Do you want to be more internet savvy?
If the answer is yes then there’s new drop in sessions in Plas Pentwyn every Thursday between 10am and 12 noon.
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The sessions are aimed at those living in and around Coedpoeth who need help and support. They can help you if you are looking for work using Universal Job Match and other jobsites, give support with online forms and applications. They can also help with other general stuff such as setting up and using email, social media apps, buying and selling online or getting to grips with your tablet and smartphone.
Sounds like it would suit you?
All you have to do is Drop In or for further information contact Plas Pentwyn on 01978 722980 or email conf2learn@wrexham.gov.uk.
Cllr David Kelly, lead member for Planning and Corporate Services, said: “We live in a digital age and more and more of us are having to come to grips with doing things online. I hope people in the area take advantage of the drop in and get more internet savvy as a result.”
Wrexham County Borough Council’s Business & Investment team has received funding for this project through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
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March 20, 2018
Green Transport Event at Glyndwr – the first in North Wales
There’s an opportunity to find out about the future of environmentally friendly transport when the first ever “Green Transport” Event in North Wales takes place.
It will be at the Catrin Finch Centre at Glyndwr University on Friday 23 March from 10am until 4pm and it’s free to attend.
You will be able to hear from those who are knowledgeable and experienced in operating green transport and see examples of “green” transport solutions and existing models which operate successfully in Wales. Experts, groups and agencies at the event will provide information on the latest electric cars and other vehicles and give you an opportunity to meet other people from the area who are interested in developing green transport solutions.
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The event will be hosted by Renew Wales and AVOW and our Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, Cllr David A Bithell, will open the event.
“Carbon neutral public sector”
He said: “I am a keen supporter of green transport and will be very pleased to open this event – the first of its type in North Wales. I hope there will be many more in readiness for 2030 when the Welsh Government is hoping for a carbon neutral public sector and in the UK it is expected that the sale of diesel and petrol cars will be stopped by 2040. This initiative will go a long way to supporting both of these goals.”
The Renew Wales Programme is a community initiative that tackles climate change through advice, training and mentoring support. Their activities include developing community renewable energy resources, starting local food clubs, making land and buildings more sustainable, energy efficient and sustainable travel projects, establishing community enterprises and engaging schools and business in climate change action.
For more information about this event please contact AVOW on 01978 312556 or email info@avow.org
You can read how we are starting to prepare the infrastructure for green transport in Wrexham here
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March 20, 2018
The end of right to buy – information for council tenants
The Welsh Government has recently announced that the right of council tenants to buy or acquire their homes will end on 26 January 2019.
This follows landmark legislation which was passed by the Welsh Government earlier this year.
Right to Buy was first introduced in the 1980’s and gave council tenants the legal right to buy their property at a discount.
The recent legislation will mean that Right to Buy will be abolished completely in Wales.
Eligible tenants will be able to submit a Right to Buy application to the Council up to, and including, 25 January 2019. Any application made after this date will not be accepted.
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Lead Member for Housing, Cllr David Griffiths, said: “This is a significant piece of legislation for Wrexham and the whole of Wales. It will see an end to a scheme which has been in place for over 30 years.
“Letters are being sent to all of our council tenants to inform them of the changes and we’ve also made information available online and in our Housing Hotline tenants newsletter.”
- For more information visit the our webpage on Right to Buy
- You can also visit The Welsh Government website
- Contact your local estate office if you have any queries
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March 16, 2018
Can you help a bird in danger?
It’s not only elephants and rhinos that need our help in order to protect the species. Right now, right here in Wrexham and across the UK there’s one bird that’s facing a very uncertain future and is becoming very rare.
The Curlew is recognised as one of the country’s most iconic bird species. It has a very distinct song that for many years has signalled the beginning of spring. Sadly today evidence shows that since the 1990’s Wales has lost over 80% of its breeding population. So there may be as few as 400 breeding pairs left in Wales and is “Red Listed” on both the Welsh and UK Birds of Conservation Concern. Without intervention they could be lost within 15 years.
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“Only a few records”
They normally breed in farmland and in Wrexham they were once quite common. There’s now only a few recent records of them being present in lowland pasture around the Rivers Dee and Alyn with most breeding records coming from higher upland areas.
Thankfully action is being taken and the North Wales curlew Action Group has been formed and it now needs your help to help ensure this beautiful bird’s survival.
“So, how can we help?”
Firstly, it’s vital to find where Curlews are present and records are needed to identify where they are during the breeding season, (between April and June). If you see or hear any curlews whilst you are out and about please make a note of where you are and then report it here. You don’t have to be an expert birdwatcher – Curlews are easy to identify and a handy fact-sheet and recording form will be available soon to make it an easy process.
Take a look at this inspiring video about Curlew Country – a project to help increase Curlew populations
If you would like further information about the survey please contact either:
rhun.jones@denbighshire.gov.uk
Emma.Broad@wrexham.gov.uk
sarah.slater@flintshire.gov.uk
There’s also an illustrated talk at Llangollen Library on Monday 26 March between 6.30 and 7.30 organised by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Natural Beauty. If you would like further information about this event please contact Rhun Jones, rhun.jones@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone 01824 712795.
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March 16, 2018
Community Agents Making a Difference
Community Agents are proving to be a great value to their communities and here’s just one example of the difference they are making:
A gentleman who was recovering from substance misuse and alcohol dependency had various health problems and rarely left his home. As a result of his condition he became frustrated and disputes with neighbours started to occur. One of our Community Agents started to visit which gave him someone to talk to.
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The visits helped relieve his boredom and loneliness and led to him engaging with other services who could help, they also visited local cafes, country parks and shops which helped him regain his confidence. As a result he’s now involved with a specialist support group and has been discharged by the Mental Health Outpatients Department. He’s more optimistic too. He hopes to do some voluntary work and wants to book a coach-trip holiday this year – a big step from not leaving the house.
The dispute with neighbours has stopped and he’s secured a permanent housing tenancy. He’s also admitted to hospital less frequently and is taking much better care of himself.
The Community Agent will continue to visit for the next couple of months and will gradually decrease the frequency of their calls.
Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead member for Adult social care, said: “This is such an uplifting story and one that shows the contribution Community Agents can make in our communities. I wish him luck and would like to thank all the community agents throughout the county borough for their hard work and commitment to those more vulnerable among us.”
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March 16, 2018
Restaurateurs will bring foodie fare to Tŷ Pawb
There’s more good news on the way for Tŷ Pawb, as two of Wrexham’s best-known business owners announce they’re bringing a food stall to the new attraction.
Plenty of work is afoot at Tŷ Pawb, which will open on April 2.
Business owners Sam Regan and Alex Jones, both of whom own bars and restaurants in Wrexham town centre, have announced they are to open a new joint venture in the food court of the markets, community and arts facility.
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Both have longstanding links with trade in Wrexham, with Alex runs The Bank on Wrexham’s High Street while Sam runs The Lemon Tree on Rhosddu Road.
Tapas inspired dishes
The new venture at Tŷ Pawb, named Plât Bach – Welsh for Little Plate – will deliver a unique blend of tapas-inspired dishes featuring Welsh produce and twists on classic combinations.
Sam and Alex want to cement Tŷ Pawb’s position in the heart of Wrexham Town Centre by delivering a high quality, varied and relaxed dining experience, which will complement the offer and style that the arts, markets and community hub will offer.
“Great potential in Tŷ Pawb”
Sam Regan said: “I saw great potential in the Tŷ Pawb development from the start, and have kept a close eye on the project. I’m really pleased to be bringing another food offer to Wrexham, and can’t wait to see the community coming together at Tŷ Pawb. Our food offer will include tapas, flatbreads and salads which will be ideal for eating in at the food hall, or taking away.”
Alex Jones said: “It’s been a great project from the start, and definitely a step in the right direction as a key performance and event space for Wrexham. With the knowledge of other similar successful projects in other towns and cities, I’m sure Tŷ Pawb will be a great success.
“Our food stall will deliver a tapas inspired dining experience, which we hope will be well received.”
“Absolutely fantastic news”
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Performance and Regeneration, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Both Sam and Alex are well-known faces within Wrexham’s business community, and between them are already responsible for part of Wrexham’s excellent bar and restaurant scene.
“I’m very pleased to hear that they’re coming to Tŷ Pawb and wish Plât Bach the very best of luck.”
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March 16, 2018
How much grit does it take to keep the roads safe?
It seems the 2017/18 winter has been one of the coldest in many years with over 9.5 thousand tonnes of grit being used to pre-treat and treat the road network to keep it safe to use. And we’re not finished yet as there’s a short cold spell due in the next few days which may see us top the 10,000 tonnes mark – which will only be the second time this has happened since 2005.
Gritting has taken place since the beginning of November which is extremely unusual in itself as there’s usually very few or even no need to call the gritting team into action before the Christmas period.
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“Increased storage capacity”
We often get asked if we have enough grit and the answer is yes – we now hold more than we did following lessons learned in 2010 when the UK as a whole ran very low on grit. We now have three salt barns – one in Chirk, one in Llay and one in Wrexham Industrial Estate. Having three means routes can be accessed quickly and it meant we could increase our storage capacity to 8,000 tonnes.
Salt levels are kept topped up throughout the winter season in case severe weather sets in.
The amount of salt put down to keep the road safe does, however, have an effect on the road surface and many of you will be aware of the amount of potholes that are on the roads. We know these can be very frustrating for drivers which is why we are encouraging you to report them online.
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“Report potholes online”
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “It’s been a long cold winter but hopefully spring is just around the corner once we get this next cold snap out of the way. Our staff have worked hard to make sure services were delivered as efficiently as possible and I would like to thank them this work. I would also encourage everyone who comes across potholes to report them online. We can’t resurface every road but we can fill the potholes in as a temporary measure. We do need to know where they are though and although we’re aware of issues through social media they really should be reported online. it’s easy to do and there’s a button above that will give quick and easy access.”
Take a look at some of the scenes that our gritters faced earlier this month:

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March 15, 2018
Sports groups should grab chance for extra cash
Sports groups and clubs in Wrexham do a lot of good work, as recently shown by our Sports Awards.
While often powered by the hard work of volunteers, those clubs aren’t free to run, and often rely on funds from members and supporters to keep going.
Luckily, funding is out there to help these groups keep going, and ease up some of the pressure they might face when looking for backing.
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Applications for the 2018 Community Chest funding is now open, with the first round of funding closing on April 18.
Community Chest is a Sports Wales Initiative, open to any community group or sports club with a bank or building society.
The fund can help sports clubs with a bit of extra money to help them with buying equipment or covering costs, giving them the chance to focus on training or community engagement.
Groups can apply for up to £1,500 per year.
Cllr Andrew Atkinson, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti-Poverty, with responsibility for Leisure, said: “The recent Sports Awards showed there’s a really strong community sporting element in Wrexham.
“The Community Chest is there to help those clubs get the extra resources they need.”
For more information, contact Louise Brady at Wrexham Council at louise.brady@wrexham.gov.uk; telephone 01978 297359 or apply via our website.
Information on how to apply is available on the Sports Wales Website.
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March 14, 2018