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Queens Square Benches and Bins to get some TLC
The familiar benches and litter bins in Queens Square are set for a refurbishment thanks to funding from the Welsh Government’s Town Centre Recovery Fund.
The benches have been in place since the late 1990’s and have been well used throughout that time meaning the time has come to give them some careful attention.
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The benches will be removed beginning 14 February and the works should take three to four weeks when they will be re-installed and ready for the next two decades.
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development, said, “The benches have been in place for over two decades now and they’re looking tired and in need of some TLC. We plan to refurbish or replace the benches and replace all the bins which will make this important part of the town centre attractive to visitors.”
Any benches that have to be replaced will be identical to the original ones keeping the character of the town centre consistent.
The Welsh Government Town Centre Recovery Fund was announced in July 2020 during the gradual easing of Covid-19 restrictions. At that time outside dining could only be catered for by businesses and the fund aimed to help them purchase tables and chairs to allow them to adapt to this.
Although this funding initiative was successful in supporting businesses , with a significant take up, a surplus was identified which has now been redistributed to invest in town centre public improvements including street furniture and equipment.
Photo courtesy of Wrexham.com
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February 7, 2022
Winter of Wellbeing
There is a growing body of emerging evidence on the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions on children and young people aged 0-25. The Welsh Government want to support our future generation with their social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing over the winter months.
Wrexham Library and Information Service has received funding to support these young people by providing relevant and age appropriate activities.
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A full programme will be delivered throughout February and March; some activities will be open to the general public and other activities will be tailored for specific groups.
They will take places in all of our libraries. Watch this space and our social media channels for more details. If you would like to know more about this project then please visit the website www.readingagency.org.uk/winterofwellbeing
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February 7, 2022
Wrexham’s historic LEGO® links celebrated in new museum exhibition
See the world built in LEGO® bricks
They are one of the most recognisable and successful toy companies in the world – but did you know LEGO® bricks used to be manufactured here in Wrexham?
Initially the world-famous bricks were produced in a factory on Hugmore Lane on Wrexham Industrial Estate. Later LEGO built a new UK distribution centre on Ruthin Road.
The Ruthin Road site in particular is still fondly remembered by many local people. Who could forget the iconic, giant LEGO bricks that once stood next to the entrance?
To celebrate this historic connection between Wrexham and the Danish toy manufacturer Wrexham Museum will be hosting Brick Built, a touring exhibition by Warren Elsmore featuring his team’s models of famous buildings, monuments and structures made from LEGO bricks.
The exhibition will include Warren’s LEGO museum containing models and products from the early years of the company up to the present day.
Naturally there will be an area in the gallery where you can build your own LEGO models. Look out also for news of the special events days during the exhibition!
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Famous Wrexham landmark to feature
A highlight of the exhibition will be the model celebrating the civil engineering marvel of the canal age, our local World Heritage Site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, created specifically for this exhibition.
Glyndwr University design students are also contributing a film and a model of the School of Creative Arts building for display in the exhibition.
Do you know someone who worked at the factory?
Research has been ongoing into the history of British Lego Ltd. and LEGO®UK. Since our appeal earlier in the year, former employees have helped the museum to include the history of LEGO in Wrexham in the exhibition. If you worked at or were connected to either of the two sites, and have not yet made contact, please email museum@wrexham.gov.uk
A real highlight for all ages
Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “Brick Built is set be one of the highlights of the year so far for museum visitors.
“There are some real gems from the archive to see here for those who remember the factory on Ruthin Road.
“The exhibition is also ideal for family visits – Warren Elsmore’s fantastic models of famous monuments are a must-see for all ages.
“I hope everyone will make the most of this unique opportunity to find out more about how Wrexham was involved in the story of this phenomenally successful global brand.”
Plan your visit
- Brick Built: Landmarks in LEGO® bricks will be on show from 18th February until – 7th May 2022.
- Entry is FREE.
- Visit the Wrexham Museum website for more information on upcoming exhibitions and events.
Images: Courtesy of Warren Elsmore.
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February 3, 2022
Wrexham Gateway – Clear next steps with all key partners committed to progress
On Tuesday February 8, 2022, Executive Board will receive a report on progress about the exciting plans for the Wrexham Gateway.
The multi million pound Wrexham Gateway project will see the regeneration of the Mold Road corridor creating better connected bus and rail transport, a route into the town centre that gives a great first impression to visitors and an improved events football ground and regional and national venue at the Racecourse stadium.
Partners include ourselves, Welsh Government, Glyndwr University, the Football Association for Wales, Transport for Wales and Wrexham AFC.
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Because of the many complexities of the partnership and individual commercial sensitivities and interests that the Council is not involved with the report is confidential. But we’re keen to share with the public an update on the progress of the Project.
The Masterplan identifies a total of investment of around £80-£90 million with estimated public sector subsidies of between £40 and £45 million.
Funding of £25 million has been secured from Welsh Government for the eastern side of the site to redevelop the site around the Wrexham General station, including commercial development and upgrades to the civic and amenity spaces.
It is now hoped that a second bid to the UK Governments Levelling Up Fund later this year will secure funding for the western side – the Racecourse Ground – to ensure it not only meets the requirements of the football club in the future but also to ensure it is of a standard to host international matches. The funding will also include proposals to develop the areas around the ground for an improved event experience.
All partners are committed to the next steps and ensuring the second round bid demonstrates the unique cultural regeneration of the oldest international football ground in the world and the deliverability of the project.
To this end the Council and partners are committing to funding early expenditure on key elements of work that enable the bid to be delivered. More information will shared on these as they are developed and approved.
Cllr Mark Pritchard Leader of the Council and on behalf of Wrexham Gateway Partners stated, “The decisions at Executive Board will allow progress of work on the western side of the Wrexham Gateway which will improved deliverability of the project for funding bids.
“It is great to see the commitment from all partners in particular Wrexham AFC to the next steps and FAW commitment to the future of international competitive football.”
Steve Williams, President of the FAW stated, “FAW is excited to be now formally involved in the project and will work with partners to ensure facilities are improved to a standard that means we can on a regular basis bring men’s, women’s and youth international football to the Racecourse Ground.”
Humphrey Ker, Executive Director on behalf of Wrexham AFC stated, “The Club’s mission statement is clear in that we want to improve the Racecourse Ground to a standard where we can regularly host International Matches/Events for the benefit of both Wrexham AFC and the sport loving public of North Wales.
“This partnership has the opportunity to turn this ambition into reality and we are committed to playing a full part in achieving this.”
MP Sarah Atherton said, “I am delighted with the progress that is being made on the Wrexham Gateway project, which is so critical to Wrexham and will be welcomed by many across the town.
“The UK Government is committed to making sure that communities around the country have the opportunity to change and grow and I will be banging the drum in Westminster for our town to make sure this project gets the funding it deserves.”
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February 3, 2022
More than 10.2 million filed their Self Assessment by 31 January deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed.
Guest Article – HMRC
More than 630,000 customers filed on deadline day and the peak hour for filing was 16:00 to 16:59 when 52,475 completed their Self Assessment. There were 20,947 customers who completed their tax return between 23:00 and 23:59.
More than 12.2 million customers were expected to file a Self Assessment tax return this year. The remaining 2.3 million customers expected to file by 31 January now have until 28 February to submit their late 2020/21 tax return and avoid a late filing penalty.
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For any Self Assessment customer who is yet to pay their tax bill or set up a payment plan, interest will be applied to outstanding balances from 1 February. Customers have until 1 April to pay their tax in full, or set up a time to pay arrangement, to avoid a late payment penalty.
Those who are not yet able to file their tax return should pay an estimated amount as soon as possible, which will minimise any interest. Self-employed people can use the calculator on GOV.UK to help estimate their tax bill.
Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said:
“I’d like to thank the millions of customers and agents who sent us their tax return and paid in time for this week’s deadline.
“We’re waiving penalties this year, to give those who missed the deadline an extra month. And customers can set up a monthly payment plan online if they’re worried about paying their tax bill. Search ‘Self Assessment’ on GOV.UK to find out more.”
The existing Time to Pay service allows customers, who are unable to pay their bill in full, to spread their tax payments into manageable monthly instalments. Self Assessment customers with up to £30,000 of tax debt can do this online once they have filed their return.
If customers owe more than £30,000, or need longer to pay, they should call the Self Assessment Payment Helpline on 0300 200 3822.
A full list of the payment methods customers can use to pay their Self Assessment tax bill is available on GOV.UK.
The 2020/21 tax return covers earnings and payments during the pandemic. Taxpayers will need to declare if they received any grants or payments from the COVID-19 support schemes up to 5 April 2021 on their Self Assessment, as these are taxable, including:
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• other COVID-19 grants and support payments such as self-isolation payments, local authority grants and those for the Eat Out to Help Out scheme
The £500 one-off payment for working households receiving tax credits should not be reported in Self Assessment.
It is important that customers check and make any changes to their tax return to make sure any SEISS or other COVID-19 support payments have been reported correctly in their Self Assessment.
HMRC urges everyone to be alert if they are contacted out of the blue by someone asking for money or personal information. Taxpayers should always type in the full online address www.gov.uk/hmrc to get the correct link for filing their Self Assessment return online securely and free of charge.
HMRC sees high numbers of fraudsters emailing, calling or texting people claiming to be from the department. If in doubt, HMRC advises not to reply directly to anything suspicious, but to contact them straight away and to search GOV.UK for ‘HMRC scams’.
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February 2, 2022
Mayor digs deep at new memorial site
A turf cutting ceremony has been held to mark the start of the development for a new memorial site that will take pride of place outside the Hightown Barracks.
An association through the ages
Wrexham has proudly been linked to the Royal Welch Fusiliers for the past 350 years with the Hightown Barracks being an integral feature of the town and its military history. Councillor Graham Rogers, of the Hermitage ward, was keen to mark this link with a fitting tribute.
Councillor Rogers helped to form a sub-committee in 2017 to start raising funds to install a memorial garden on the green space area outside the gates of the barracks. They were told that the project would cost £95,000. To date, through various fundraisers, the community and sub-committee has raised an incredible £65,000.
The memorial will see a life-size bronze statue of a Royal Welch Fusilier soldier with the iconic Regimental goat at his side. This will be surrounded by a memorial garden with eleven arches incorporating slate to resemble regiments and past conflicts. The memorial will be lit up each night once installed.
Making the dream a reality
To make this project possible, some very special guests have been drafted in to bring the vision to life. Alongside architect James Rowbottom, Llandudno based sculptor Nick Elphick has created the bronze statue that will be the centrepiece of the garden. Nick may be a familiar name to some through his television work including “Salvage Hunters”.
Speaking about the project so far, Cllr Rogers said: “I’m very proud to be associated with this project and I must say that Offa Community Council have been fully supportive throughout. I’d like to thank everybody for all their hard work and contributions so far and long may our success continue”.
The first cut
Among the people assembled to see the first sod being cut on the land was the Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Ronnie Prince and Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Nick Lock from the Royal Welch Regiment. They came with spades at the ready to do the honours of cutting the sod.
After marking the event, the Mayor said:“It’s a real honour to be here today at the turf cutting ceremony to mark the start of the development of what will certainly be a very moving and fitting tribute.
“I’m honoured to be here at the start to help get the ball rolling on this project and I look forward to seeing the finished article as it is wonderful to have this statue here to represent the Royal Welch Fusiliers”.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Lock was also very pleased to join the proceedings that day. He said: “I am hugely proud, as a former Royal Welch Fusilier soldier, to be involved in this project. I think it’s a fitting tribute to all who have fought and served in conflict.
“This memorial enhances the environment for the barracks and also marks the beginning of a new era as we have A Company through the Royal Welch soon to be fully established here in Wrexham”.
Armed Forces Champion, Councillor David Griffiths, said: “As the Armed Forces Champion, may I thank the community’s involvement and welcome their involvement in remembering and respecting the Royal Welch Fusiliers history in Wrexham”.
Work now begins in earnest to continue to raise funds and start the installation of what will no doubt become one of Wrexham’s iconic features.
February 1, 2022
Pride flag flies in Wrexham for LGBT+ History Month
In February each year Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans + (LGBT+) History month celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT+ community.
Whilst we stand up for equality and diversity all year round this month long initiative provides a particular opportunity to raise awareness for LGBT+ causes.
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Research shows that people from LGBT+ communities are more likely to experience mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression and are at greater risk of self-harm, due to the prejudice attached to their identity. Many live in fear of ostracism and victimisation.
As a symbol of its support for LGBT+ History month the council will be flying the rainbow flag outside the Guildhall.
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February 1, 2022
Litter Free Zones – an important message to businesses
Supermarkets, shops and businesses across Wrexham are being encouraged to show their customers and communities they care by adopting a Litter Free Zone around their business.
Many businesses support climate change initiatives such as sourcing local goods and using recyclable or less packing – but many don’t look at the environment immediately around their own business which in some cases can be strewn with litter.
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This leads to calls or complaints to the Council about areas of litter when there’s little we can do because it’s not our land.
We’re now encouraging businesses to think out of the box and set the example outside their premises aswell as inside.
Giving staff an opportunity to volunteer has also been proved to improve productivity, morale, and retention.
A recent example in Johnstown shows how an area can easily be tidied up when over 30 bags of rubbish were removed from the Co-op by the local litter picking group.
The supermarket is now planning their own litter picks and also some planting in the area.
Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said, “The comments we received on our social media post following the clean up were really positive and show just how much people care about their environment.
“Hopefully seeing how pleasant the outside of the supermarket looks now will encourage other businesses to commit to being a Litter Free Zone to keep it looking good all year around.”
How can my business get involved?
You’re encouraged to register your interest on the Keep Wales Tidy website and help keep the area local to you litter free through regular Litter Picks.
You can borrow a litter picking kit through the Caru Cymru Project from your local Keep Wales Tidy Litter Picking Hub (link) or buy your own equipment at a discounted rate from Helping Hand Environmental who are supporting the scheme.
Adopting a Litter Free Zone signals to your customers that you are a responsible business that takes the issue of littering seriously. Caru Cymru will provide you with resources to help you publicise your Litter Free Zone status.
Mae mabwysiadu Ardal Ddi-sbwriel yn arwydd i’ch cwsmeriaid eich bod yn fusnes sydd yn cymryd problem sbwriel o ddifrif. Byddwn yn darparu’r adnoddau i’ch helpu i gyhoeddi eich statws Ardal Ddi-sbwriel.
For more information email: Carucymru@wrexham.gov.uk.
Cllr Bithell added, “Whether your business is large or small it doesn’t matter. You’re important in your communities and you can make a difference to that community.
“We all want to see a cleaner, greener Wrexham and we can all play our part in making this happen either through our work, our leisure or just by using a litter bin and encouraging everyone to do the same.”
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.
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January 31, 2022
Covid-19 briefing note – boosters and second doses for young people in Wrexham
👉 Wales completes move to alert level 0 👈
Boosters for 16 and 17 year olds
All children and young people aged 16 to 17 years old are now being offered booster doses of the vaccine following a recommendation from the JCVI.
The booster dose should be offered no sooner than three months after completion of their primary course.
Booster doses can be given at drop-in clinics across North Wales, or you can also book an appointment online for some clinics, or call 03000 840004.
Second doses for 12 to 15 year olds
The local NHS health board is now offering second doses to 12 to 15 year olds.
Again, these can be given at drop-in clinics across North Wales, or you can also book an appointment online for some clinics, or call 03000 840004.
Read more…
Self-isolation period reduced
People who test positive for Covid-19 will be able to leave self-isolation after five full days if they have two negative lateral flow tests.
The two consecutive negative lateral flow tests must be taken on days five and six of the isolation period.
The changes came into effect on January 28, as Wales completed the move to alert level 0.
Read more…
How to get extra lateral flow test kits
If you need more lateral flow kits, you can order them online, or collect them from local pick-up points.
Attendance limit increased at Pentrebychan
Back in December, we introduced a two-metre social-distancing rule for funerals at Pentrebychan crematorium, with a maximum of 45 attendees.
However, as Wales moves back to alert level zero, we can once again revert to up to 100 attendees in the crematorium chapel. This will hopefully make things a little easier for family and friends saying goodbye to loved ones during these difficult times.
Local undertakers have been informed.
January 31, 2022
Cefn Mawr Primary School gets Create-ive
Active Wrexham is a council department that does exactly what is says on the tin – their goal is get Wrexham residents more active.
If you see promotions for free swimming sessions – that is Active Wrexham.
If you see free exercise sessions for the over 60s – that is Active Wrexham.
There are so many ways to be active, and Active Wrexham aims to give residents a chance to try as many as possible.
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The team behind it also goes into schools to work with pupils, and last year the pupils of Cefn Mawr Primary School worked with them to get active in new, fun ways. Read on to find out more and watch the video below to find out what the teachers and pupils think.
Early in the year, Active Wrexham gave teachers at the school access to Create. Create is a system that allows children to exercise independently within their PE lessons, and to progress their fitness as they work through the programme. It is about coordination and movement, focussing on agility, balance and control. Since the school started using it last year, it has been made part of the curriculum.
As well as using Create, Active Wrexham raided their stores and took along the new Frisbee Golf equipment for the school to use, and Cefn Druids have been into the school to deliver physical literacy sessions. Finally, Active Wrexham staff members returned to the school to deliver a course to year 5 pupils, showing them how to teach other pupils fun playground-based games.
Cllr Parry-Jones, lead member for youth services and anti-poverty, said: “Active Wrexham has brought a completely new perspective to PE sessions at Cefn Mawr Primary School. It is great to see the children accessing new sports and learning new skills as well as the positive reaction from staff and parents.”
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January 31, 2022