Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • Want to trade in Tŷ Pawb?

    Want to trade in Tŷ Pawb?

    Everyone’s preparing for the opening of Tŷ Pawb , Wrexham’s new markets, community and arts centre, which will open during Dydd Llun Pawb celebrations on April 2.

    We’ve already announced news of the first exhibition to be held at the facility’s gallery, Is this Planet Earth?

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    But as well as bringing in arts aficionados, we’re also keen to see if any businesses – in Wrexham or further afield – would be interested in running a stall at Tŷ Pawb once it opens.

    If you’re an entrepreneur or local business looking for a retail space to develop your offer, join us to be part of the Tŷ Pawb family by contacting Jade Parry at our Housing and Economy team on 01978 315404.

    “Tŷ Pawb will be strong part of town centre.”

    Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships and Public Protection, said: “Tŷ Pawb presents an excellent opportunity for a small business – it will form a strong part of the town centre environment, and an impressive, modern markets space.

    “Anyone interested in holding a stall should get in touch with the Housing and Economy team.”

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  • Science to bring town centre store back to life!

    Science to bring town centre store back to life!

    There’s excellent news in store for Wrexham Town Centre, as a major science and tech attraction is set to take over a former department store.

    Techniquest Glyndŵr, the hands-on attraction which helps young minds get to grips with some of the marvels of science and technology, will take on the former TJ Hughes building between Henblas Street and Chester Street.

    Techniquest Glyndŵr already has a well-established site at Glyndŵr University. Thanks to support from Wrexham Council, Welsh Government and Glyndŵr University, Techniquest Glyndŵr has now secured a 12 month lease on the former TJ Hughes store, meaning the new discovery centre will come right to the heart of Wrexham.

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    The new centre will give Techniquest Glyndŵr the chance to reach new audiences and develop stronger links with the town. In the short term the Glyndŵr site will also be retained.

    The plans for the new site will be released soon and although the centre will not be open all day every day, a full programme of activities will also take place to complement town centre events, holidays and projects at the Glyndŵr centre.

    Mandy Jones, Exhibition and Events Coordinator of Techniquest Glyndŵr, said: “Recent news shows that Wrexham has a growing tourism economy which is now worth nearly £116million.

    “We are hoping to be able to contribute further to that growth by attracting new visitors and if this project proves successful, we may consider developing a permanent town centre site.”

    “Fantastic news for Wrexham”

    Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Performance and Regeneration, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news.

    “Techniquest Glyndŵr is an amazing educational, fun, family-friendly and engaging attraction, which already has a strong link with Wrexham and strong local audience from its centre at Glyndŵr University – bringing that audience in the town centre will be a brilliant boost for Wrexham.

    “The former TJ Hughes store has also figured strongly in discussions over the regeneration of the town centre, so I’m especially pleased to hear that the new Techniquest Glyndŵr will make use of it.

    “And furthermore, the town centre Techniquest Glyndŵr will be right across the road from Tŷ Pawb – meaning we’ll have excellent attractions for both the arts and the sciences right in the heart of the town.

    “This is brilliant news, and I want to thank Techniquest Glyndŵr for their decision to trial a town centre location – as well as those officers who helped them secure a 12-month lease on the site.”

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  • It’s Safer Internet Day! Here’s our top tips to stay safe online….

    It’s Safer Internet Day! Here’s our top tips to stay safe online….

    This blog post is written as part of a series of articles to promote Young Wrexham

    The internet is a brilliant place to connect with others, to be creative and to discover new things.  Safer Internet Day, celebrated globally, promotes the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people.

    Here are some tips to help you to stay safe online:

      • Never give out your personal information online
      • Do not make online connections on social networking sites such as Facebook and Snapchat if you are unsure who the person is
      • Online friends are best kept online, meeting strangers can be very dangerous
      • People may not be who they say they are
      • Be wary of opening files from people you don’t know, they could contain a virus or unsuitable content
      • Be careful about what you write for everyone to see – a quick question to ask yourself before posting online is “would I print this on a t-shirt and walk down the street wearing it?”
      • Most social networking websites have privacy settings that you can change to make sure only your friends can see your profile

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    Safer Internet Day offers the opportunity to highlight positive uses of technology and to explore the role we all play in helping to create a better and safer online community.

    For more information on internet safety and other useful advice for 11-25 year olds, visit the Young Wrexham website

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  • Buy goods over social media? Keep yourself safe

    Buy goods over social media? Keep yourself safe

    Do you buy goods online? Maybe you deal with businesses over social media?

    Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards team is warning all residents who buy goods online to take care they don’t become the victim of fraud, after an online seller was forced to pay hundreds of pounds in costs and fines after failing to trade honestly with her customers.

    Tiffany Stanley, of Caia Park, Wrexham, was ordered to pay more than £1,000 in costs and compensation after trading fraudulently over social media.

    Stanley had traded goods online – but repeatedly failed to send paid-for goods to customers, and then failed to reimburse them when goods were not delivered.

    She was often abusive to those who requested what had happened to their goods or the possibility of refunds.

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    After being contacted by complainants, the Trading Standards team made contact with Stanley and attempted to find a way forward.

    But she did not follow the advice provided, and continued to trade dishonestly.

    On January 9, Stanley pleaded guilty to a number of offences, including fraud, at Wrexham Magistrates Court.

    At a sentencing hearing at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 1, Stanley was given a 12 month community order, and ordered to take part in a 10-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

    She was also ordered to pay £337.88 compensation to the six consumers who had provided statements to Trading Standards, along with £740.88 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

    Magistrates said Stanley had shown a “wanton disregard” for the law, and that her offences could have warranted a prison sentence.

    “Sentence sends a clear message”

    A spokesman for Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards team said: “Today’s sentence sends a clear message to anybody trading online and in particular through social media that despite the anonymity of the internet, where it is used to defraud consumers Trading Standards will take all the necessary steps to track down the individuals involved and ensure that illegal activity like this is not tolerated.

    “Officers from Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards team repeatedly contacted Miss Stanley following customer complaints, met with her and offered advice, encouraging her to trade legitimately and respectfully.

    “However, these offers of support were not taken up and Miss Stanley continued to trade in a fraudulent manner, despite giving assurances that she would cease trading.

    “This has been a complex and lengthy case and we are satisfied that today’s case has reached a successful conclusion.

    “Stanley subjected consumers to abusive and aggressive messages which they did not deserve. Many consumers were vulnerable after purchasing items for family members who had passed away and this only added to their grief. Illegal activity like this will quite simply not be tolerated in Wrexham.

    Take precautions when buying online

    We advise people who buy goods on line to take precautions. Legitimate online retailer businesses are obliged to provide information regarding customers’ rights, including any cooling-off period. Think carefully about how you pay for goods online.

    Most online retailers provide secure checkout facilities and services like PayPal can intervene if things go wrong. Paying by credit card for goods or services over £100 can provide additional protection.

    Be very careful about making direct transfers into sellers’ bank accounts and always be very sure you know who your seller is and where they are.

    If you have any issues with goods paid for and not received you should report it to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 in the first instance.

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  • Good news for bus services

    Good news for bus services

    Following the demise of D Jones and Son, we’ve been working extremely hard to put in place replacement services for those communities affected.

    Whilst many services have been secured, there remain a number of areas where which remain affected.

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    But we’re pleased to announce that in the forthcoming weeks, a number of alternative replacement services are to be provided.

    New Town Centre link services

    For those residents affected by the loss of Service 42 and 44, a variation to the existing Town Link 1 and Town Link 2 service, operated by Valentines Coaches, will cover those areas previously served by D Jones and Son.

    Subject to the necessary authorisation from the Traffic Commissioner for Wales, this service will begin operation on February 19.

    X-5 to serve Ruabon

    In addition, we’re also pleased to announce that through negotiation with Denbighshire County Council, those residents affected by the cessation of the number 6 Wrexham – Ruabon service will, from March 12, benefit from an alteration to the X5 Corwen-Llangollen-Wrexham service operated by Coastline Taxis.

    The X5 will be diverted to areas in Ruabon, including Pont Adam and the estates situated of New Hall Road.

    No 5. service will cover Rhostyllen

    Finally, we’ve been made aware that as from March 11, the 5 service between Wrexham and Llangollen, operated commercially by Arriva Buses Wales, will make a number of changes – including reverting back to the original route serving Rhostyllen, along with an increase in the number of evening services.

    Residents are advised to check the timetables for each of the renewed services, as they will not be like-for-like timetables.

    “Extremely pleased with work to secure replacement services”

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “As a Council, we fully acknowledge the important role the bus network plays in affording our residents access to employment, education and essential services.

    “For many people, particularly the more vulnerable, the bus is the only form of transport available and acts as an important lifeline.

    “The demise of D Jones & Son Ltd has been a very difficult and challenging time for many people and I am extremely pleased with the work that has been done to secure replacement and alternative services to those communities impacted.

    “Revised timetables for the service changes above will be published shortly and made available via the Council’s website.

    “These will not be like for like timetables previously operated, but will provide a service to these areas.”

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  • Opportunity for new facility to get people the right care at the right time

    Opportunity for new facility to get people the right care at the right time

    No one wants to spend longer than necessary in hospital. We know that people achieve the best outcomes when they can leave hospital as soon as they are well enough.

    It can take time to get everything in place after a hospital admission especially getting the extra support that’s often needed and planning for longer term care.

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    We at Wrexham Council have already done some great work to tackle this, in partnership with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

    But we’re looking to test the waters for a new facility which would help make the journey fromhospital to home for people with long-term care needs even smoother.

    Providers sought for new facility

    Our Adult Social Care department, in partnership with BCUHB, are looking for providers in the care sector who can help us increase the support available to people who have nursing needs and are looking to come out of hospital.

    Although ideas are in the early stages, both we and the Health Board are keen to work on a single facility, which would provide a therapeautic and friendly place for people getting out of hospital and back into a home to undergo assessments.

    The plans follow some really good work by the Community Resourcet Team (CRT) and the step up; down beds initiative, both of which help people with care needs get back home after hospital.

    We’re looking to hear from nursing and care providers, as well as developers and landlords, who might be able to help put that kind of facility together.

    More details are available on the Sell2Wales contracting website; for more information, click here.

    Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “This is very much in the early stages at the moment, but the potential of such a facility – especially given the good work undertaken by the Community resource team and step up; down beds – is very promising.

    “I’d encourage any providers who might be able to help us with the project to visit the relevant page on the Sell2Wales site.”

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  • 5 reasons you should work for Wrexham Council

    5 reasons you should work for Wrexham Council

    Local government doesn’t have the most glamorous reputation as a workplace, but looks can be deceiving and working for Wrexham County Borough Council can offer more benefits than you may think.

    1. Cut your commute

    Sick of sitting in rush hour traffic? Exhausted your podcast library? Working locally means you don’t have to waste valuable time traveling to and from work.

    Work closer to home and you can leave for work later, be home in time to put the children to bed, or get back in your pyjamas quicker. You could even pop to the dentist in your lunch hour!

    1. More than just a salary

    Local government offers a good pension and leave packages and WCBC is no different in offering competitive salaries alongside a local government pension scheme.

    You could also benefit from discounted leisure membership, the cycle to work scheme and discounts at various organisations.
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    1. Say goodbye to 9 to 5

    At Wrexham Council you can work flexible working hours, so say goodbye to 9 to 5 and hello to enjoying that perfect work/life balance.

    1. Grow your career and foster new skills

    Wrexham Council take continuous training and development very seriously. The Council is large enough to offer career growth and small enough to develop individual skills.

    All employees are supported in developing their skills, which can include pursuing qualifications and further training.

    1. Make a difference

    Work in a role where you can make a real difference improving your home turf. Working as a public servant means that you are contributing directly to the betterment of your local community.

    It can mean that you feel more connected with your surroundings and invest your working hours in to making some tangible changes.

    Sounds good? We are currently looking for an experienced technical analyst to join the ICT team at Wrexham County Borough Council. Do you fit the bill?

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  • Love is in the air in Wrexham Museum !

    Love is in the air in Wrexham Museum !

    As part of our Love Theme visitors can view the beautiful “Sweeheart” Pin Cushion which is part of the Royal Welsh Fusilier collection.

    Sweet heart cushions like this one dating from World War One were made by soldiers for their loved ones back home. Coming in kit form they were often made by soldiers recovering from injuries in hospital. Decorated with beads  , they include the name of the soldier’s regiment and phrases such as “think of me” and “forget me not”.

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    “Looking for a special gift for your Valentine?”

    Just arrived in Wrexham Museum Gift shop are beautiful handmade edible flower lollipops. These Lick – ably luscious lollipops are made from home grown flowers and each petal is preserved by hand to keep their natural perfection.

    The flowers are grown and produced locally in the Dee Valley and the lollipops exported all over the world.

    A special gift for a special person the lollipops are produced in various colours and are £2.99 each.

    Or get one FREE when you book our Sparkling Valentines Afternoon Tea.

    “Valentine’s afternoon tea”

    Enjoy our beautiful afternoon tea which includes a selection of freshly made sandwiches, local delicacies, sumptuous cakes and a very special gift for your love. A FREE edible flower lollipop.

    Sparkling afternoon tea is available from 14th February from 1.30 pm – 4pm at £24.95 for two.

    Booking is essential in Courtyard Café on 01978 297469 or email museum@wrexham.gov.uk

    Tel : 01978 297460 email museum@wrexham .gov.uk FB wrexhammuseums

    It all makes for a lovely romantic day out at Wrexham Museum.

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  • Keep snapping we’re doing it again!

    Keep snapping we’re doing it again!

    Last year we held a competition to get photos to put together a Calendar that showcased some beautiful places in and around the county borough.

    The competition was very successful and we received some stunning photographs taken throughout the year of architecture and beauty spots around the county borough taken by amateur photographers. We eventually produced our Wonders of Wrexham Calendar 2018 and it went on sale in November, just in time for Christmas.

    “So many willing to take the time”

    We’ve now had time to reflect on the success of the competition and that so many of you were willing to take the time to submit your entries for what wasn’t exactly a life changing prize of a personal copy of the Calendar.

    You’ve also asked us if we will be running the competition again and we’re pleased to say that yes we will but in a slightly different way.

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    This year there will be a single competition run during August and September with the theme concentrating again on all that’s beautiful and great in Wrexham.  We have after all several recognised areas of outstanding natural beauty, three of the Wonders of Wales are here, two national trust properties and of course the magnificient Aqueduct at Pontcysyllte. And that’s just the start of it. We also have our country parks, brilliant architecture in our churches and old buildings, bridges, canals and of course the many waterways that flow through the county borough. Then there’s all those fantastic outdoor events – St David’s Day Parade, Play Day, Under the Arches which give great opportunities for good photographs.

    Any profits from the sale of the Calendar will once again be given to the Mayor’s charity fund.

    “Taken at any time of the year”

    The images can be taken at any time of the year but they must be of somewhere in the county borough. 13 images will be included in the 2019 Calendar – one for the front cover and one for each month of the year. Please bear in mind the size of the images printed will be 295mm x 295 mmm and images should be cropped to this size or large enough to be cropped to this size.

    All images submitted should have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi and the file formats that will be accepted are Tiff, Psd, Eps, Jpeg, High res pdf.

    The Mayor of Wrexham, Cllr John Pritchard, welcomed the news that the competition will be run again: “It was an excellent idea to show everyone just what we have in Wrexham to be proud of. Beautiful architecture, some great views and what really came across was all that water! I’d like to thank all those who took part in the last competition and who bought a calendar and also encourage everyone to keep snapping and look out for when the competition opens for entries in August.

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  • Take Part in the Great British Spring Clean

    Take Part in the Great British Spring Clean

    Fancy organising a community spring clean in support of Keep Wales Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean?

    It takes place over the weekend of 2 – 4 March and we will be supporting it by picking up bags of rubbish collected by organised spring cleans across the county borough and disposing of them.

    If you will be holding an event or want to organise one in your community there’s help available from Keep Tidy Wales. They will be able to let you have litter pickers and high vis jackets and they’ll be able to offer lots of useful advice and guidance on how to go about organising support for your event.

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    Want to find out more? Then please contact Shane Hughes of Keep Wales Tidy on 07766 007635 or email him at shane.hughes@keepwalestidy.cymru

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “Very pleased to be supporting this event as I know there are many volunteers and community groups who already do this. I would encourage everyone to take part either in organising or volunteering in their community.”

    Remember, we can only pick up rubbish collected from organised pick ups so please let Shane know what you will be doing. Shane will be happy to co-ordinate the pick ups with us.

    http://www.keepbritaintidy.org/great-british-spring-clean-2018-coming

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