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  • Tough challenge ahead for 7 young people from Wrexham

    Tough challenge ahead for 7 young people from Wrexham

    7 young people from Wrexham will be trained by rugby legend Gareth “Alfie” Thomas and international running coach James Thie to compete in the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 1st organised by Run4Wales.

    They’ll all be filmed as part of Alfie’s Army 2017, the BBC 1 Wales TV series.

    The 7 brave runners Yasmin Sides, 18, Sam Sides, 20, Jordan Jackson, 17, Jade Griffith, 17, Chloe Roberts, 17, Mia Jeffs, 17 and Tricia Jones, 22, are going through a step by step 16 week training programme and have a weekly training plan.

    In September they will take part in a 10 K training run and met with Alfie before joining him for the big race itself on the 1st.

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    In the past 3 years over 200 novice runners of all ages and abilities have successfully completed the Cardiff Half Marathon by following the same training plan.

    “commended for their hard work”

    Cllr Paul Rogers, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti Poverty, said:

    “It’s great to see young people taking the time out to train and take part in such a high profile event.  They are to be commended for their hard work and I wish them all good luck on 1 October!”

    Some of the Wrexham young people who are part of Alfie’s Army, Jordan Jackson, Sam Sides, Mia Jeffs, Jade Griffiths and Yasmin Sides with Gareth Thomas recently.

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  • Want to learn Welsh? Find out more here

    Want to learn Welsh? Find out more here

    There’s plenty of people out there who are keen to learn Welsh, but don’t know where to start.

    Maybe you’re one of them?

    Maybe you’ve got no experience with the Welsh language at all. Maybe you learnt it at school and want to revisit it. Or maybe you’re a seasoned day-to-day speaker who wants to improve their skills.

    Either way, there are many apps, helpers, classes, organisations and resources out there – both online and offline – which can help.

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    Visit the Learn Welsh page on our website to find out more

    Further information on learning Welsh is also available with the Welsh Government’s Dysgu Cymraeg resource, more details on which are available here.

    “Proud of Wrexham’s heritage and Welsh language”

    Wrexham has a strong, traditional Welsh-speaking community – along with an increasing amount of Welsh language cultural events.

    And a knowledge of the Welsh language can also be a great benefit to businesses, with many finding it helps them to better engage with their Welsh-speaking customers.

    Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Community Safety and Public Protection, said: “As a Welsh speaker and learner, I know from experience that there are plenty of resources available to help people pick up the language.

    “Regardless of what level you may be at – whether you’re learning from scratch or have some knowledge of Welsh but want to improve – there will be help available.

    “And more and more of these will be in the form of apps or online services, meaning it’s easier than ever to learn small amount of Welsh every day.”

    Cllr Jones added: “We at Wrexham Council are very proud of Wrexham’s heritage and the Welsh language, and want to do all we can to encourage and help others to speak it.”

    For more information, head to our website.

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  • Watch Council TV on your phone or other device

    Watch Council TV on your phone or other device

    Did you know that we have been broadcasting our Council, Planning and Executive Board Meetings for some time now?

    Whilst there are some boring bits there’s also some topics that are close to everyone’s hearts like education, housing, social care and the environment that our members make some very important decisions on. Decisions that may affect you or your family in some way.

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    We first started broadcasting in August 2014 and at the last check 130 of you viewed the Planning Committee on 31 July and 135 viewed Executive Board on 11 July. We’d like to see more of you tuning in over the coming months and we’ll be bringing you what we think are some of the most important items up for discussion in the hope you’ll tune in to listen to what happens.

    You don’t have to tune in to the live broadcast but can watch from the archive which goes back up to six months.

    It’s suitable for viewing on your PC, mobile or other device.
    We also broadcast some of our Scrutiny Committees especially those with items you may

    find particularly interesting such as how do we deal with discarded needles.

    You can find the broadcasts here.

    If you’ve already viewed on of our webcasts – either live or from the archive please we’d love to know if you found it useful. This will help us when we come to decide if we are going to continue webcasting in the future.

    Just email your comments to committees@wrexham.gov.uk

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  • King Street Coffee – perfect brew for success

    King Street Coffee – perfect brew for success

    There’s no getting away from it. Coffee shops are becoming more and more popular and with three opening up every day in the UK it’s a common sight to see people going about their day to day business with a take away coffee in their hand.

    To see how this trend was having an impact on local trade we popped along to see Andy Gallanders and his brother Phil who runs King Street Coffee and the recently opened Bank Street Coffee between them.

    “seemed like a good idea”

    The brothers are both Wrexham born and bred and opening a coffee shop in the town centre simply “seemed like a good idea”.  Andy had been looking at properties for a while and encouraged by his barista brother they opened in April 2016 and have been brewing coffee since.

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    Phil tells us that their prime bus stop location makes them ideally placed for customers of all ages and 80% of their trade in King Street is take out.

    King Street Coffee has been so successful that it received the 2017 Wrexham Tourism Award for best cafe/tea.

    We asked if they had had much help from our town centre staff in setting up and they were very complimentary about our Destination Wrexham team in particular who have always offered strong support.

    More recently we helped out with finding chairs for their event at Un Deg Un.  An event which saw over 150 people attend the weekly “Voicebox Collective” which featured American Poet and YouTube sensation, Neil Hilborn, who’s video of him reading just one poem has had over 1 million views!  Phil organised the event and of course King Street coffee were present to make sure everyone had a great tasting cup of coffee.

    Brothers Phil and Andy Gallanders are happy to go the extra mile

    “we don’t like to say no”

    Phil said:

    “We’ve both worked very hard and been prepared to go the extra mile such as working out of hours in order to cover events.  We even provided coffee to the media room during the last two elections – we don’t like to say no!  We also try to support the local economy as much as possible and like to be hyper local when sourcing our cakes in particular.  My advice to other independent traders or those considering setting up in Wrexham is to know your business and listen to your customers.

    “very exciting future”

    “Wrexham has a very exciting future and in the next 12 months I can see more and more independents opening up.  The new arts and markets facility being one such example where there are plenty of opportunities available.”

    We asked Phil how he advertised his business?  His response was an overwhelming vote for social media.

    “We use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and find it has brought us plenty of customers and followers.  It’s free and if we did want to pay for a small ad on Facebook then £50 could get us access to 80,000 people.  Social media also has the added advantage of being able to track how many potential customers are seeing the posts and more importantly whether they like what they see.”

    “positive relationship”

    Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration, Cllr Terry Evans, said:

    “King Street coffee has become a household name in Wrexham and the brothers are to be congratulated on a job well done.  It’s good to hear we have given them lots of support and I hope this very positive relationship continues well into the future.”

    So if you fancy a coffee and a fresh piece of cake look no further than your independent King Street Coffee or Bank Street Coffee.

    If you’re thinking seriously about starting a business in Wrexham, contact our business support team on 01978 667300.

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  • 5 young ladies “inspire” in the Gambia

    5 young ladies “inspire” in the Gambia

    Five young ladies from Wrexham have bagged themselves a national award at this year’s Youth Work in Excellence Awards for promoting Health and Wellbeing.

    Lauren Lewis, 17, Jade Griffiths, 17, Chloe Roberts, 17,  Emma Baker, 16, and Katelyn Owen Jones, 14, set out to support and inspire others to make a difference to the lives of people living in third world countries such as Gambia.

    They worked with our Youth Work in Education Team and developed the Creating Change project which eventually saw them raise over £12,500 through fashion shows, bingo, Christmas fates, duck races 3 peak challenge sponsored canoeing and much much more!

    The five then travelled to the Gunjur Project in Gambia whose focus is to ensure that all who visit The Gambia leave making a positive impact on the local community and The Gambia as a whole. Once there they used their hard earned funds to support three children to study and go to school for three years, funding for one young person their studies to become a midwife to help her family and friends and for one man to work in the local bird sanctuary which will help him support his family for ten for one year.

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    They also managed to provide mosquito nets, first aid supplies, sanitary products and stationary and painting supplies for a local primary school.  As an added bonus the project saw the outside of the school walls painted in white wash and decorated with bright children’s designs.

    The Gunjur Project focus is to ensure that all who visit whether they be holiday makers or volunteers leave making a positive impact on the local community and The Gambia as a whole.

    Their work has now been recognised by the Youth Work in Excellence Awards for promoting Health and Wellbeing at a recent event in our capital city of Cardiff.  They also received a 50 hrs Global Millennium Award which recognised their contribution to overseas volunteering on the same night.

    “an inspiration”

    Cllr Paul Rogers, Lead Member for Youth Services and Anti Poverty, said;

    “These 5 young ladies are an inspiration to all who read their story.  Their compassion and humanity stands out and I congratulate them for their awards which are well deserved.”

    The Award was presented by the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Sally Holland.

    Caroline Bennett and Tina Edwards, who Youth Workers, spoke on behalf of all the group said:

    “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in the project as it would not have been this successful nor would the young people had such an amazing experience if it wasn’t for the support of so many people.”

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  • Johnstown Summer Event

    Johnstown Summer Event

    If you live in or around Johnstown you may be interested in an event taking place on 16th August at the Heol Kenyon Community Centre Green between 10.30 am and 3.00 pm

    As part of the community benefit scheme, Novus Solutions, who are installing new kitchens and bathrooms in Council properties in the area, will be painting Johnstown Football Club building and work will begin on this on 16 August.

    To mark the start of works an activities day for all ages has been arranged which will include face-painting, a free raffle, refreshments and plenty of activities for children.

    There will also be a Skills 4 Life painting training sessions which will give loads of really useful decorating hints and tips.

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    Community Benefit clauses are included in all major contracts with the Council. They require contractors who work with the Housing Service to commit to ‘giving something extra’ back to the local economy through Community Benefit schemes.

    Schemes can include sponsoring local projects such as community gardens and sports teams, or refurbishing schools, village halls, community centres, or any similar project.

    “a really good day for the community”

    Local member and lead member for the Environment and Transport, said:

    “This promises to be a really good day for the community and I know the football team are really looking forward to having their facilities spruced up with a lick of paint.”

    You can also find out about how to get involved in the re-painting of Johnstown Football Team’s facilities

    Lead Member for Housing, Cllr David Griffiths, said:

    “The Community Benefit is part of Novus’ contract with us and ensures that the community in which they are working can be improved  in some way.  In Johnstown it’s the football team who are benefitting and I know they will be very happy when the work is completed.”

    Children should be accompanied at all times during the event.

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  • WOW 2018 – could you be a winner?

    WOW 2018 – could you be a winner?

    We know you’re all a whizz with the cameras including those on your phones and tablets and we want you to enter them into our Wonders of Wrexham – “WOW 2018” competition.

    We’ve been putting our Calendar together since last November and it’s beginning to look pretty cool.  There’s a selection of previous winners, below for you to see the standard of photos that’s being sent it.

    All you need to do is spot is that “little gem” of a place that you know will look good on a calendar.  Take a photo of it and send it to calendar@wrexham.gov.uk

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    There’s no prize but all the winning entrants will receive a copy of the Wonders of Wrexham 2018 calendar.

    Terms and conditions do apply and you can take a look here.  The most important things are that the photos are taken by amateur photographers and they must be taken in the county borough.

    The judges will announce their August winner at the beginning of September.

    All profits from the sale of the WOW 2018 calendar will be presented to the Mayor’s charities.

    Happy clicking!


  • Homeless encampment on Groves site – this is what’s happening

    Homeless encampment on Groves site – this is what’s happening

    You might be aware of a small homeless encampment on the former Groves site.

    If you live nearby and you’re worried about it, we totally understand that. We also understand the needs of the people camping on the site, and the fact we need to safeguard the building.

    For now we are tolerating the situation on the site to prevent other problems arising in other areas.  Whilst the site is occupied we will work with our partners to try and manage the situation to help the individuals involved.

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    This is what we’re going to do…

    Wrexham Council, the police, health services and voluntary sector have a plan that will help address some of the immediate issues.

    This is what will happen:

    • The council will continue with security patrols to help keep the nearby building secure.
    • Police will continue to respond to calls, patrol the perimeter and liaise with local residents.
    • Health and third-sector outreach workers will visit the site seven-days-a week – during the daytime and evenings – to try and engage the people camping there, and encourage them to accept help.

    It’s not a permanent arrangement, but it’ll help ensure the situation is manageable while partners work on a solution over the next few weeks.

    A responsibility to residents, the building and the people on-site

    Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said:

    “We want to provide security for residents living near the Groves, and we have a responsibility to protect the building.

    “The council and its partners also have to consider the welfare of the people living on the site.. 

    “The people camping there have a complex range of issues – like homelessness, substance-misuse and poor mental health. Things that can’t be addressed overnight.

    “Helping them change their circumstances is crucial to managing these issues in Wrexham. Moving them on – without attempting to help – will just create problems elsewhere.

    “However, we know we need to find a way to better support them in a more suitable environment, as it’s not appropriate for people to be camping on the site.

    “We all want to see a successful resolution.”

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  • Why members of this church community group have an extra reason to smile this summer…

    Why members of this church community group have an extra reason to smile this summer…

    A local church’s facilities have been upgraded as a donation by a council contractor.

    GM Jones Ltd installed a new toilet/washroom and carried out improvement work in the vestry area of The Church of St Marcella in Marchwiel.

    The work was carried out, free of charge by GM Jones Ltd, a contractor that has recently been installing new kitchens and bathrooms in council owned homes in the Marchwiel area.

    This is part of Wrexham Council’s modernisation programme to ensure they achieve the Welsh Government’s Welsh Housing Quality Standard by 2020.

    Contractors that carry out housing improvement work for the council are required to contribute to the local economy through Community Benefit schemes.

    This can include taking on modern apprentices, employing local workers and refurbishing community facilities.

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    Heather Row, Church Warden, said: “I’d like to thank GM Jones and Wrexham Council for enabling this work to happen.

    “We are all very pleased with the work that has been carried out. The new toilet area has been refurbished and the vestry has had a facelift.

    “It all looks beautiful and it will be a great benefit to the use of the Church and the many popular community events that take place here, in particular the regular fortnightly coffee mornings we hold on Tuesday mornings, and the fund raising events.

    “I would like to encourage anyone interested in joining us to speak to members or see our notice board for details.”

    GM Jones Ltd has worked in partnership with Wrexham Council since 2013. Since then they have installed well over 600 kitchens and/or bathrooms in council owned homes.

    They also carry out other works such as asbestos removal and reroofing. They have a satellite office in Llay where they employ a number of locally based staff and modern apprentices.

    Local Councillor for Marchwiel, Cllr John Pritchard, said: “I’m delighted that the kitchens and bathrooms programme has now been carried out in Marchwiel and it’s good to see that our local church has also been able to benefit from the investment made in the work.

    “GM Jones has done a top class job refurbishing the tolet and improving the vestry and I’m sure everyone who attends the numerous popular events here will be very pleased.”

    The council is investing a record £56.4m on housing modernisation programme in 2017/18.

    This includes a £7.5m Major Repairs Allowance grant – awarded by the Welsh Government to help us achieve the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

    This investment has led a number of successful community benefit schemes. Over 60 apprentices have been taken on by council contractors, over 70 staff have been given full or part-time employment and more than £63,000 has been donated as cash or in-kind to organisations or projects within Wales.

    Lead Member for Housing, Cllr David Griffiths, said: “This is the third year in a row we’ve broken the record for investment on improving our social housing stock.

    “We’re modernising tenants’ homes across the county borough and it is vital that as much of this investment as possible is pumped back into our local economy and communities.

    “I’m delighted that local facilities and businesses are benefitting from this investment, particularly the voluntary organisations that often rely on donations to keep their services running. It’s also good to see modern apprentices and locally based staff being taken on by contractors.”

    More information on Community Benefits and the Welsh Housing Quality Standard is available on the council website.

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  • Roadworks set to start on 12 August

    Roadworks set to start on 12 August

    Works to resurface parts of the Chester Road are to begin on 12 August and should be completed by Tuesday 22 August.

    The first phase of the work will involve two way traffic management on the roundabout at Powell Road with closure of Chester Road from its junction with Penymaes Avenue to the Powell Road roundabout and the junction with Bodhyfryd through to Powell Road roundabout. The closures will take place between 7.00 pm and 11.00 pm to minimise disruption along this busy entrance into the town centre.

    Phase two of the works will begin on Thursday 17 August and continue until 22nd August. The road from the Library Car Park entrance through to the junction with Chester Road and Powell Road will be closed in both directions. Traffic will be diverted via Chester Street, Holt Street and Powell Road and vice versa.

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    Access to properties including town centre car parks will be available at all times during the works although there may be some slight delays whilst the works take place.

    Other town centre works are also due to take place in the next few months including, Island Green roundabout, Fairy Road roundabout, A525 Kingsmills Road and Chester Road / Prices Lane roundabout.

    “improve access into the town centre”

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead member for the Environment and Transport, said:
    “There is major investment being carried out in the town centre areas in the next few months starting with Chester Road. This will improve access into the town centre and follows on from the works carried out to improve the Mold Road gateway into Wrexham last year.

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