Category: Featured

Featured posts

  • More illegal tobacco seized by Trading Standards in Wrexham (Feb 2022)

    More illegal tobacco seized by Trading Standards in Wrexham (Feb 2022)

    Tens of thousands of illegal cigarettes were seized on Monday 14 February from businesses in the town following a series of disruption visits.

    This follows on from similar disruption visits in the town in September last year and have conducted as part of Operation Cece with funding from HMRC.

    Work in social care and be the lifeline your community needs.

    Trading Standards Officers from the Council’s Public Protection Service were supported by officers from North Wales Police as well as by specialist tobacco detection dogs. Illegal tobacco was found hidden in a variety of locations including in the boot of a nearby parked car and in a self storage unit.

    The Council’s Trading Standards and Licensing Lead, Roger Mapleson said, “Smoking kills about 5,500 people in Wales every year. It is the biggest single cause of premature death in the country causing untold misery and putting significant strain on the health service.

    “Those dealing in illegal tobacco will be prosecuted”

    “Illegal tobacco typically costs about half the price of legitimate product and is available in our local communities. Low cost and easy availability makes it easier for children to start smoking and get hooked and it makes harder for existing smokers who are trying to quit.

    “Investigations into the seized product continue and those found responsible for dealing in illegal tobacco will be prosecuted.”

    Welsh Government recently launched a major campaign to raise awareness to the dangers of illegal tobacco. Read more about it on the campaign website.

    People can make a real difference to help tackle illegal tobacco by reporting it either through the No Ifs No Butts website or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

    If you’re looking for a new career and want to help people in your community, a job in social care could be the right move.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Care_Jobs_in_Wrexham”]FIND LOCAL CARE JOBS[/button]

  • Storm Franklin – latest info from Wrexham Council

    Storm Franklin – latest info from Wrexham Council

    Strong winds from Storm Franklin – the third significant storm to hit the UK in less than a week – are making their presence felt in Wrexham.

    It’s understood that the storm will be with us all morning, with gusts of 50-55mph in North Wales, before abating.

    The rest of the week is forecast to be blustery with gusts every day, but less severe.

    • Up to now, the council has had reports of 16 trees falling across the county borough. Our Environment teams are in attendance.
    • We’re also aware that the winds have caused some damage to buildings (e.g. to property in Miners Road in Llay, and Abbot Street in Wrexham town centre).
    • There is some localised flooding, including some patches near Bangor-on-Dee with the A525/Straight Mile closed, and in Rosemary Lane in Rossett. The River Dee is being monitored.
    • We understand no heavy rain is forecast today, but some is forecast for tomorrow.
    • We anticipate that waste collections scheduled for today will be carried out, so if your bins and recycling containers are due to be emptied, please put them out as normal.

    Follow the Met Office and Natural Resources Wales on Twitter.

    Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, says:

    “We’re monitoring the situation closely and our response teams are in place and helping to deal with issues in the county borough.

    “We’re advising people to take care, and in particular want to remind people to avoid walking in parks and open spaces where there are large trees close by.”

    Message to drivers

    We’re also asking drivers not to ignore any road closure signs they see.

    It’s important to follow diversions and not drive through road closures, as they’re there to keep people safe.

    Reminder – how to report issues

    While we’re hoping Wrexham avoids the worst of the weather, you can report any issues (e.g. storm damage, fallen trees etc) to the council on the following numbers:

    • Office hours (8.30am-5pm) 01978 298989
    • Out of hours 01978 292055
    • Housing repairs for council tenants (24hrs) 01978 298993

    Any issues with power-outages can be reported by calling 105 (Powercut 105 is a free service that will put you through to your local network operator for help and support).

    Remember that if there’s an immediate threat to life during any adverse weather event, you should always call 999.

  • Business Case Submitted for repair to B5605 Newbridge Road

    We’re pleased to confirm that a business case for repairs to the B5605 Newbridge Road has now been submitted to Welsh Government.

    This follows complex geo-technical surveys and careful analysis of the costs going forward to ensure this critical road link is brought back into use.

    Work in social care and be the lifeline your community needs.

    The road was severely damaged since Storm Christoph last year and has remained closed since that time.

    The road provides vital road links between the communities of Newbridge and Cefn and the wider settlement areas at Chirk to the south and Plas Madoc/Ruabon to the north. Loss of this road link severs these communities causing distress and inconvenience on the many residents and businesses in these areas.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said, “I am very pleased that this work is complete and urge Welsh Government to look favourably on the business case.

    “The communities affected have already had a wait of over twelve months causing lengthy and inconvenient journeys. It’s a vital piece of infrastructure in this area and is also the diversion route for works on the A483 trunk road. When closures are in place on this road traffic has to be diverted via Llangollen – a fifteen mile diversion.

    “The local MS and MP are keen to see the repairs funded and completed as soon as possible and I thank them for their support.”

    If you’re looking for a new career and want to help people in your community, a job in social care could be the right move.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Care_Jobs_in_Wrexham”]FIND LOCAL CARE JOBS[/button]

  • Library News – Learning at Lunchtime

    Library News – Learning at Lunchtime

    Learning at Lunchtime will take place at Wrexham Library on Wednesday 2nd March, 1-2pm and will be entitled – Writing for Me.

    This relaxed session will be led by Sue Payne and Gaynor Roberts who will provide an opportunity to enjoy writing for fun.

    No experience is necessary, just bring along a pen and paper and enjoy the company. Group size will be ten, and booking is essential. Phone 01978 292090.

  • Storm Eunice – bin collections, country parks and other latest info for Wrexham

    Storm Eunice – bin collections, country parks and other latest info for Wrexham

    Bins

    There will be normal bin collections across Wrexham tomorrow (i.e. Friday’s collections will go ahead).

    Please can you ensure that all recycling and refuse / green waste is ready from 7.30am.

    County parks

    Please remember not to go to our country parks or Bellvue Park tomorrow.

    Take extra care to avoid areas with large amounts of trees that could be effected by the storm.

    Travel

    All train services in Wales have been suspended by Network Rail / Transport for Wales and all school transport has been cancelled due to school premises being closed.

    Members of the public are advised not to travel unless absolutely necessary.

    Councillor David A Bithell, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Environment and Transport, says:

    “We’re preparing for the worst and our streetscene services will be operating as normal and contingency arrangements are in place.

    “Please be aware of the weather forecast and take all precautions at home as necessary to be as safe as possible. For example, try to place garden furniture in sheds or garages.”

    Reminder – how to report issues

    While we’re hoping Wrexham avoids the worst of the weather, you can report any issues (e.g. storm damage, fallen trees etc) to the council on the following numbers:

    • Office hours (8.30am-5pm) 01978 298989
    • Out of hours 01978 292055
    • Housing repairs for council tenants (24hrs) 01978 298993

    Any issues with power-outages can be reported by calling 105 (Powercut 105 is a free service that will put you through to your local network operator for help and support).

    Remember that if there’s an immediate threat to life during any adverse weather event, you should always call 999.

    Storm Eunice – Wrexham schools move to online learning this Friday (Feb 18)

  • Storm Eunice – Wrexham schools move to online learning this Friday (Feb 18)

    Storm Eunice – Wrexham schools move to online learning this Friday (Feb 18)

    Schools in Wrexham will move to online learning tomorrow (Friday, February 18) as a precautionary measure against Storm Eunice.

    The storm is set to hit much of the UK – including Wales – tomorrow morning, with powerful winds forecast.

    The decision to move to online learning has been taken following advice from the North Wales Strategic Command Group, which includes councils, emergency services and other organisations from across the region.

    Schools are busy informing parents.

    Councillor Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, says:

    “As always, public safety is our absolute priority during any adverse weather event, and we don’t want children and parents to be put at risk from high winds and flying debris while trying to get to and from school.

    “As a result, and on the advice of the Strategic Command Group, we’re moving to online learning tomorrow so children can continue to learn in the safety of their homes.

    “This is the right thing to do and I fully support the approach being taken. When it comes to severe weather forecasts like Storm Eunice, we have to be cautious and do everything we can to help keep people safe.”

    Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education, says:

    “I would ask parents to bear with us and hope everyone understands our reasons for this approach.

    “Schools are well-versed in providing online learning, so children will be able to continue with their education without having to risk travelling out in the bad weather.

    “There is always the possibility that power outages could impact on home learning, but hopefully this won’t happen.

    “I would like to say a huge thank you to our schools for responding so quickly and professionally to the situation, and although we’re planning for the worst, let’s hope for the best and keep our fingers crossed that Wrexham can escape the worst of the storm.”

    Reminder – how to report issues

    While we’re hoping Wrexham avoids the worst of the weather, you can report any issues (e.g. storm damage, fallen trees etc) to the council on the following numbers:

    • Office hours (8.30am-5pm) 01978 298989
    • Out of hours 01978 292055
    • Housing repairs for council tenants (24hrs) 01978 298993

    Any issues with power-outages can be reported by calling 105 ( Powercut 105 is a free service that will put you through to your local network operator for help and support).

    Remember that if there’s an immediate threat to life during any adverse weather event, you should always call 999.

    READ MORE…

  • Want job satisfaction whilst making a real difference to people’s lives?

    Want job satisfaction whilst making a real difference to people’s lives?

    Looking for an exciting new challenge?

    Want job satisfaction whilst making a real difference to people’s lives?

    Then we want to talk to YOU!

    Wrexham County Borough Council’s Social Care Department are working with Health colleagues in the Community Resource Team to recruit 30 new community based Support Worker posts to work in a more integrated way. This is a unique opportunity to receive training and experience in both settings.

    If you answered ‘yes’ to the question above then we want to hear from you; you needn’t have any health or social care experience as full training will be given and we can provide ongoing support to you throughout the application process.

    WANT TO FIND OUT MORE – CHECK IT OUT ON OUR WEBSITE

    Our new Health and Social Care Support Worker positions will work across Health and Social Care teams and settings to support people all over Wrexham. These positions will have a unique opportunity to receive induction and development within the health service with placements in a variety of health care settings as well as local authority social care.

    We offer:

    • Paid holidays and permanent contracted hours
    • Working across a variety of health and social care settings
    • Career Progression routes and job opportunities in health and social care
    • A wide range of training available
    • A supportive team of colleagues and managers

    To find out more about this opportunity, take a look at the full job description on our website.

    Closing date for applications is March 6.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://saas.zellis.com/wrexham/wrl/pages/vacancy.jsf?latest=01005054&language=gb “] TAKE ME TO THE JOB [/button]

    The Council welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, sexuality, religious belief or age.

    The Council is committed to developing its bilingual workforce and welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate their capability to work in both English and Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

  • Take care – Storms Dudley and Eunice are on their way

    Take care – Storms Dudley and Eunice are on their way

    You’ll have seen the news about Storms Dudley and Eunice which looks to affect Wrexham from Wednesday.

    We’re expecting very heavy rain and an amber weather warning is in place over the next few days.

    The Lower Dee Valley is on flood alert. To keep up-to-date with this and news on both storms, follow the Met Office and Natural Resources Wales on Twitter.

    How to report issues

    While we’re hoping Wrexham avoids the worst of the weather, you can report any issues (e.g. storm damage, fallen trees etc) to the council on the following numbers:

    • Office hours (8.30am-5pm) 01978 298989
    • Out of hours 01978 292055
    • Housing repairs for council tenants (24hrs) 01978 298993

    Any issues with power-outages can be reported by calling 105 (Powercut 105 is a free service that will put you through to your local network operator for help and support).

    Remember that if there’s an immediate threat to life during any adverse weather event, you should always call 999.

    Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, says:

    “The council’s environment teams are out in the county borough checking hotspot areas and stretches of road that tend to flood, and doing everything we can to prepare.

    “We can’t know exactly how much Wrexham will be affected by the storms, but our teams are ready to respond to any local problems it causes.

    “It’s important that everyone stays safe and takes extra care over the coming days during the adverse weather.”

     

  • Please park responsibly on your collection day to avoid any access issues

    Please park responsibly on your collection day to avoid any access issues

    Our refuse and recycling crews have reported a number of instances where they haven’t been able to collect from streets due to access issues caused by parked cars. So please consider how you park your car, especially on your collection day.

    Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “With many residents currently home-working there are more vehicles parked across streets when we’re making our collections, and it only takes one poorly parked to prevent us from collecting from an entire street. Please have a look at your street on your collection day to check there’s enough room for our large vehicles to safely perform their duties. We collect from 64,000 households each week and it’s always really disappointing when some miss out on their collections due to poor parking.”

    Work in social care and be the lifeline your community needs.

    How you can help us

    Our wagons are heavy and wide, so our drivers need to be certain they can safely travel down a street and manoeuvre without causing any damage.

    You can help us avoid missing collections by taking extra care when parking your vehicles on your collection day. We understand that not everyone has a drive or a garage, and these people have no choice but to park on the street.

    Take a look at the pictures below and you’ll see some of the problems our bin wagons and recycling vehicles have encountered due to parked cars/vans when trying to get to your properties.

    Bin not emptied? It could be an access issue

    All our vehicles are fitted with in-cab technology – including CCTV – that allows the crews to record any instances where bins have not been presented before 07:30am, or if there are access issues, which prevent our crews from making the collection.

    If you’re looking for a new career and want to help people in your community, a job in social care could be the right move.

    [button color=”” size=”large” type=”square_outlined” target=”new” link=” https://myaccount.wrexham.gov.uk/en/service/Care_Jobs_in_Wrexham”]FIND LOCAL CARE JOBS[/button]

  • Relief Cleaners needed across various locations

    Relief Cleaners needed across various locations

    We’re looking for enthusiastic and flexible relief cleaners to work across various locations in the Wrexham area including offices, schools, young peoples’ centres and sports centres.

    You’ll be covering staff annual leave and sickness as required.

    As a relief cleaner you will be free to accept or decline work and can state where and what times you are able to work.

    Most work will be between 3.30pm and 7.00pm although some morning work may also be available.

    An enhanced DBS is required for this position.

    Find out more about what’s expected here.

    For further information contact Tiffany Underhill 01978 315643

    The Council welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, disability, sexuality, religious belief or age.

    The Council is committed to developing its bilingual workforce and welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate their capability to work in both English and Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.