An event to help households get cost of living help and support has been arranged for the 19 October at The Hub at Caia Park Partnership Between 9am and 2pm.
On hand during the day will be staff from a wide range of advice and support agencies, covering income, wellbeing, energy etc.
There’ll be free refreshments and a free raffle for council tenants with prizes including slow cookers as an alternative energy efficient way to prepare family meals.
Help and advice will be on hand from:
Hafren Dyfrdwy (Water, here to help, reduction in rates)
Warm Wales (advice re energy)
Groundwork (advice re energy)
Trussell Trust (Food Bank )
St Marks Church
C4W (employment and training)
WCBC Caia Estate office and Project Impact Team
RSPCA and Animal Food Bank
Caia Advice Service (benefits debt advice)
Cats Protection
Rabbit Rescue
BCUHB Health team (healthy eating)
Caia Park Parents Groups
Health Visitors
Energy saving Trust
Police community safety team
MIND (mental health support)
Lite Green energy advice
Caia Park Partnership
Cllr Beverley Parry Jones, Anti-Poverty Champion, said, “There’s little doubt that households are struggling with rising prices including food and energy costs. The team in Caia Park Estate Management Office have done a great job in bringing agencies and organisations together to offer practical advice and support and I encourage everyone who is able to go along to make sure they are getting all the help they are entitled to.”
As a mark of respect, many people left flowers on Queens Square following the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Sadly, the flowers are gradually starting to wither, and although we’ve left them in place for as long as possible, we’ll have to remove them in the coming days.
However, all messages left with the flowers will be collected and preserved as a fitting tribute and historical record of how Wrexham mourned the loss of Britain’s longest serving monarch.
We’d like to thank everyone who left flowers on Queens Square – it was a kind and thoughtful act that helped demonstrate how much the Queen meant to us here in Wrexham.
If you love Wrexham and are passionate about providing a great customer experience for people who visit our city, then this could be the job for you.
Ahead of the busy lead-up to Christmas, our new commercial manager will be implementing a lot of exciting additions to the centre which has now relocated from its former base on Queens Square.
The recently refurbished modern centre will not only continue to provide a wealth of local knowledge and information about Wrexham, but over the coming weeks it will showcase the very best of the area’s hospitality businesses, local food and drink, gifts, and some pop-up events that will tempt your taste-buds!
Lynn Newell has worked as an assistant at the Visitor Information Centre since 2017 and thoroughly enjoys meeting a diverse range of visitors from across the globe.
Lynn says: “I’ve lived in Wrexham all my life and over the last five years, I’ve been really proud to welcome both locals, and visitors from as far as America, Australia and New Zealand.
“Wrexham’s tourism scene has really flourished in the last decade and the excitement of the recent attention from the City of Culture bid through to the takeover at the football club has really given us an extra boost.
“Working here in the centre offers a great opportunity for anyone looking for a new challenge, and who is as proud and passionate about Wrexham as the rest of the team.”
The posts on offer are permanent, require you to be fluent in speaking Welsh and offer 27-hours per week, including Saturdays.
Earlier this year, Welsh Government announced that in addition to the Winter Fuel Payment that is normally paid to pensioners, eligible households will also be able to claim this one-off payment of £200 to help pay energy bills this winter. This is regardless of how you pay your bill, for example, on a pre-payment meter, direct debit or quarterly, and whether you are using on- or off-grid fuel.
If you are on the Council Tax reduction scheme, we will be writing to you to invite you to apply for the payment and the online application process will open on September 26.
The closing date from applications will be February 28 and payment should be made to eligible applicants by March 31.
To be eligible for the one-per-household payment you must have received one of the qualifying benefits between September 1, 2022 and January 31, 2023, be responsible for paying the fuel bill in your house, and apply before February 28, 2023. You can find more information about eligibility on the Welsh Government’s Wales winter fuel support scheme 2022 to 2023 page.
With the current cost of living crisis leaving many residents worried about heating their homes throughout the colder months, we’ve began establishing community ‘warm places’ in Wrexham – already existing heated spaces where people are welcome to come to get warm.
We’re starting with our own libraries, where anyone who wants to can come inside to be warm and comfortable. Drop in sessions will also take place on select dates to offer support and advice.
“Something to help during a very challenging time”
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Housing and Climate Champion, said: “The cost of living crisis has left many local people worried about staying warm at home and this is only going to worsen as we move towards the winter months. Rising energy prices are putting real pressure on families, so having community warm places in Wrexham is something to help during a very challenging time.
“Initially, the warm places will be our libraries, but we’re hoping to add more community buildings as we progress. Anyone who wants to is very welcome to come inside to be warm and comfortable in a friendly environment. These are very worrying times for many people and we hope the warm places can help to ease some of the pressure our communities are feeling.”
People can access support and advice from organisations on select dates at the different libraries across Wrexham. These drop in sessions will take place at the following locations:
Also, Caia Park Partnership are hosting a cost of living event on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, between 10am – 2pm. The event takes place at The Hub, Prince Charles Road, Caia Park, Wrexham LL13 8TH.
Can you offer a warm place?
We want to add more warm places around Wrexham and we’re looking for community and third sector organisations to get involved in the project.
If your organisation has public space with capacity for people to spend time in a comfortable environment and you’d like to support the project, please email decarbonisation@wrexham.gov.uk
Tips to save energy at home
Some steps you can take to reduce the energy you use at home 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.
Further advice
Council tenants can access support, advice and guidance through the Financial Inclusion Officers based in the local housing estate offices.
The Nest scheme offers free, impartial advice and, if you are eligible, free home efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating, insulation, or solar panels.
Do you have a child or children in school? Has your financial situation changed?
If your answer to both of these questions is ‘yes’ then read on to find out how you could access more financial help for your family.
If you have a child in primary or secondary school and you’re on a low income, make sure you complete the free school meals form on our website. This application is not just for school meals. If your application is successful you may also be able to access help towards the costs of school uniform and equipment (Pupil Development Grant), reduced rate or free music lessons, discounted school trips and other out-of-school activities, and help towards meals during the school holidays (until the end of March 2023).
Cllr Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, said: “If you feel you may be eligible for Free School Meals, I urge you to visit our website and apply. If your application is successful, there may be additional financial help available, which is an important step in stopping money getting in the way of children’s education. We urge anyone who feels they are eligible to get in touch with us to support parents and learners through the school year.”
If you have any questions about financial help available for your child while they are at school you can contact us at freeschoolmeals@wrexham.gov.uk.
Three Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO) companies have been handed a hefty fine after it was convicted of 17 charges of failing to maintain and properly manage 3 of his licensed Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The charges were brought by Wrexham Council’s Environmental Health and Housing standards team (part of the Public Protection service).
Pritchard Property (Paragon) Limited, Pritchard Property (Lloyds) Limited and Pritchard Accommodation Limited were fined £114,000 in total for the offences and costs of £16,599.
The controlling Director of the Companies, Mr Arran Pritchard, who is resident in Thailand, indicated that he had employed a manager to look after the properties who failed to adequately maintain or inspect the three properties.
The judge found that Mr Pritchard, as sole director of the properties, was not able to property manage them on a day to day basis whilst based abroad. He found there was a systemic failure to monitor maintenance and supervise staff ,resulting in properties which did not meet acceptable standards and presented a clear risk of harm. He relied on his lettings manager who was unable to sufficiently supervise his staff and had failed to provide any evidence of any inspections taking place.
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Planning and Public Protection, said, “Many landlords throughout Wrexham are acting in a responsible way and regularly inspect and maintain their properties. This prosecution and fine should act as a deterrent to those landlords who are neglecting their duty to ensure tenants are provided with a safe, warm and properly maintained property.”
You can contact the Environmental Health and Housing Standards team by e-mail at HealthandHousing@wrexham.gov.uk or on 01978 292040 if you have concerns about the HMO you are living in.”
It’s shaping up to be a fantastic weekend in Wrexham city centre!
This Saturday and Sunday, Wrexham Feast will see Waterworld Car Park transformed into a frenzy of fantastic food stalls, demonstrations, live entertainment and family activities.
Sunday will see Llwyn Isaf host some excellent bands, including local favourites The Royston Club, from 2pm-10pm for the FREE to attend Out of Focus Music Hub.
With thousands also expected at the racecourse on Saturday for Wrexham’s home fixture against Torquay, it’s likely to be a busy weekend all round.
To support all the extra visitors, we’re delighted to announce that parking at Tŷ Pawb’s multi-storey car park will be FREE all weekend.
Parking will also be free after 11am in all the following Council-owned, city centre car parks:
Crescent Road
The Library
Market Street
Tŷ Pawb
St George’s Crescent
St George’s Crescent South
St Giles
Waterworld car park will be closed to the public between 23 and 25 September to support Wrexham Feast.
The Guildhall car park will be closed on Saturday 25 September for the music event on Llwyn Isaf.
The multi-award winning Tŷ Pawb is home to over 30 independent local businesses, including a fantastic food court and bar. This weekend is also the last chance to see their beautiful current exhibitions, The Tailor’s Tale and Blanket Coverage so don’t forget to pop in and have a look while you’re in town!
Lead Member for Environment, Cllr Hugh Jones said: “We’re delighted to be able to support this weekend’s celebrations to mark Wrexham’s achievements in 2022. This really has been a remarkable year with so many notable achievements including being a finalist in the City of Culture 2025, Tŷ Pawb becoming a finalist of the Art Fund Museum of the Year, and of course the city status award. There will be something for all ages and interests happening this weekend so please do come along and enjoy the occasion.”
At 11am on Thursday, September 22, the annual memorial ceremony for Wrexham’s greatest tragedy, Gresford Colliery disaster, takes place at Miner’s Wheel Memorial in Pandy.
The disaster affected the whole of Wrexham with almost every village in the county borough losing someone.
Picture the scene…
It’s a Friday evening on September 21, 1934. Miners are descending into the Dennis section of the Gresford Colliery to begin their shift. It’s particularly busy as many of them are ‘doubling up’ so they’ll be free to watch the Wrexham match on Saturday afternoon. Sadly, only six of them shall return.
At 2:08am Saturday morning (September 22), an explosion tore through the colliery, killing countless miners in the process.
Edward Williams, Engine Attendant at the Dennis recalled: “It came nearer like thunder and then the place was all black. You couldn’t see anything.”
Over 200 rescue workers were sent down in an effort to rescue the miners. All they recovered were 11 bodies – three of them belonging to the first rescue team. One of the rescuers described that mine as being ‘just like hell’.
Once news reached town, crowds began to gather around the mine – women and children waiting for loved ones who will never return.
After 40 hours of toiling it became clear to the rescuers there was nobody alive left to save, so they decided to close the shafts at 6pm Sunday afternoon.
The aftermath
The Gresford Colliery disaster was one of Wrexham’s greatest tragedies…but what’s often overlooked is the aftermath of the disaster and the effect it had on the victims’ families and fellow workers. The explosion left 200 widowed, 800 fatherless and 1,600 jobless.
This was in a time where women weren’t provided with the same opportunities as men. Losing a husband left more than a grieving widow…it left a widow with the responsibility of providing for herself and her children without a source of income.
The rest of the men employed at the mine were forced to look for other jobs – often to no avail. The future seemed bleak for Wrexham; survival alone would become a struggle for many. It would be six months until the mine re-opened.
The tragedy became national headline news and even received recognition from the King. Word travelled about the struggling families and a relief fund was established to aid those in need. More than £550,000 was raised in total, however the lives lost could never be replaced.
Remembering, 88 years on…
This year marks 88 years since the 266 men and boys lost their lives.
The annual memorial service to mark the Gresford Colliery disaster takes place on Thursday, September 22 at 11am at the Miner’s Wheel Memorial, Bluebell Lane, Pandy. This is a short informal service, which everyone is welcome to attend.
Wrexham Mayor Cllr Brian Cameron said: “The Gresford disaster affected the whole of Wrexham, with almost every village in the county borough losing someone. “It’s an incredibly sad part of our history in Wrexham, and one that we will never forget.”
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), Wrexham Council and AVOW have joined forces to create a new Wellbeing Hub in Wrexham city centre.
The Wellbeing Hub aims to make it quicker and easier for people to access information, providing a range of services under one roof, helping to prevent illness and encourage people to lead longer, happier lives.
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. Some community groups and individuals have had the opportunity to try the facilities before the official opening.
Robin Ranson, from BCUHB Health Improvement Team, said: “I have been fortunate enough to have a tour around the Wrexham Wellbeing Hub, while attending a recent meeting in one of its community rooms. The building looks fantastic, is very inviting and is located in a handy central Wrexham location with great transport links, as well as easy walking and wheelchair access. The rooms for hire look super and we are very keen to run our Health Improvement Programmes from there, as they meet our needs of a kitchen for our Cooking Programme. There is also space for exercise classes, as well as tables and chairs for our educational sessions. We can see ourselves making great use of this amazing facility that we are so lucky to have in Wrexham, and recommend others come to see what potential it has for their groups/services.”
Dynamic Wrexham said: “Our children and young people have been to the new Wellbeing Hub at Crown buildings and got to test out their amazing new sensory room and outdoor play area and it did not disappoint. What a fantastic space. We feel very honoured to be able to test run the facilities before they officially open.”
Phil, a father of two young boys said: “The Wellbeing Hub is an amazing space for families. The sensory room and outdoor play area was a great hit with my children and we are looking forward to seeing what activities are on offer in the future.”
The Wellbeing Hub will officially open on Wednesday, October 5th from 2pm – 5pm. Members of the public are invited to come along to see what the hub can offer. There will be demonstrations, information stalls, tai chi taster sessions, story time, sensory room, outdoor play area and fun activities.
For more information about the Wellbeing Hub and the services it has to offer please search for Wellbeing Hub Wrexham on Facebook.
