Category: Featured

We all had to step up our game in 2005 and make sure our buildings, shops, schools and business premises were easy to access by disabled people. It was as a result of the Disability Discrimination Act which came into force and should have made life a little easier for disabled people.

Did it work? Well, Wrexham was recently visited by Disability Rights Campaigner, Damian Plant, from Llandudno who then got in touch with the Mayor, Cllr John Pritchard, with his findings and it seems we’re doing OK.

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“Geared up for wheelchair access”

One of the places Damian tried to gain access to was Wetherspoon’s on the High Street. At first glimpse it looked as if the steps leading into the bar would be a problem for wheelchair access. A further visit with the Mayor showed that bar was very much geared up for wheelchair access with a portable ramp and a bell to ask for assistance. Staff even pointed out that they had an online app and a table service could be made available to prevent queuing at the bar.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We want our pubs to be open and accessible to everyone. We are proud of the fact that our pubs offer excellent facilities for people with disabilities and that they are easy to enter for wheelchair users.”

“Staff awareness raised”

Lifts can also sometimes pose problems for disabled users and in Eagle’s Meadow some boxes were blocking access. A quick call to Eagle’s Meadow manager, Kevin Critchley, also paid rewards and staff were more than happy to make sure the boxes were moved and staff awareness raised.

The Mayor, Cllr John Pritchard, said: “It’s good to know that in Wrexham we’re certainly on the right tracks to making life easier for our town centre disabled visitors. It’s not perfect and the recent visit with Damian showed just how easily things can be resolved and access made easier. We’ll never be 100% compliant due to the nature of listed building legislation but we can try to overcome obstacles whenever they are pointed out to us.”

“Things are improving”

Damian, commented after his visit: “It was good to see how things are improving for disabled people and Wrexham has done very well. There are however still many places that for some disabled people, access is impossible or difficult and I will continue my work throughout the region to raise awareness of the problems we face on a daily basis. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Mayor for the time he took to meet with me and also for his genuine concern about the difficulties faced by disabled people every day. Thanks also to all the staff who helped make this visit possible.”

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You may have read recently that we’re looking to introduce electric charging points in car parks across the county borough: https://news.wrexham.gov.uk/get-set-to-be-all-charged-up/

Well, we’re pleased to report Executive Board has just approved the proposals and chargers will soon be installed in car parks at Waterworld, Tŷ Pawb, Tŷ Mawr Country Park, Alyn Waters Country Park and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The move underline’s our council’s commitment to reduce carbon and promote energy efficiency.

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“Make an Earth Hour Promise”

We’ve also been asked by the World Wildlife Fund, organisers of Earth Hour, to make an “Earth Hour Promise” – a promise that will help protect the planet and show our commitment to reducing carbon emissions and we’re able to now make this promise to the WWF by installing these chargers.

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment, said:

“As a council we are committed to reducing emissions and reducing our carbon footprint across the county borough. The move compliments many of our other green initiatives which include Wales’ first Solar Farm in Legacy, and installing solar panels in council properties. The Welsh Government is also looking for a carbon neutral public sector by 2030 and the UK expects to stop the sale of diesel and petrol cars by 2040 and this initiative will go a long way to supporting both of these goals.”

“Switch off for one hour”

Earth Hour is now a global, annual event and this year it is taking place on 24 March. Everyone is being asked to turn off their lights for one hour at 8.30pm and join forces with landmarks across the globe such as the Senedd in Cardiff and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

You can find out mroe here: https://www.wwf.org.uk/wales/earthhour

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We will once again be supporting Earth Hour – the annual, global celebration of the planet organised by the World Wildlife Fund.

Earth Hour takes place on 24 March and everyone is being asked to turn off their lights for one hour at 8.30pm and join forces with landmarks across the globe such as the Senedd in Cardiff and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“Increasingly popular event”

As our buildings won’t be open at that time the lights should already be turned off but we will be encouraging all our staff to take part on the night. We’re also inviting you to take part and become part of this increasingly popular global event.

Businesses can also get involved and if they can’t take part as an organisation they could encourage their employees to do their bit on the night.

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“We have a big role to play”

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “We are very proud to support WWF’s Earth Hour as we recognise that we have a big role to play in tackling climate change. We’re encouraging as many staff and residents as possible to turn off their lights on 24 March. This year we have been asked to “Make a Promise” and I hope to announce very shortly what our promise will be.”

Everyone from individuals and community groups, to schools and businesses can sign up to Earth Hour by visiting www.wwf.org.uk/earthhourwales and then switching off their lights at 8.30 pm on Saturday 24 March.

“Over 178 countries now taking part”

Earth Hour is the world’s largest demonstration of support for action on climate change. Each year, millions of people around the world come together to call for action to protect our planet. The celebration has grown each year spreading round the world with over 178 countries now taking part and we’d love you to also be a part of this global celebration.

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