Category: People & Place

  • Social Service Director’s Report – Our review of social care

    Social Service Director’s Report – Our review of social care

    It’s very important that we know how we’re doing when it comes to social care.

    When people think about the council and what we do, they often think about the really visible stuff – things like emptying bins, fixing potholes, schools and lots of other services that touch our day-to-day lives, and are tangible across communities.

    But our Social Services work is a great example of the less obvious stuff. They’re services that are less visible to people who don’t need them – but make a massive difference to the
    people who do.

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    Our social care teams do a lot of very important work – a lot of the things they help people with are complicated and difficult. They help people with major life challenges, while also having to deal with constantly shifting demographics and resources.

    But they continue to make a difference to lives throughout the Wrexham County Borough, and take on board the views and experiences of those they help.

    With the above in mind, each year our Director of Social Care has to create a report reviewing the services.

    The report is an annual review of everything we’re doing across the board in terms of Social Services – both for children and adults.

    Part of the report looks into the views of those in care and their carers, taking a look at a number of surveys which we’ve put to key groups during the last year.

    The report is also there to measure the performance of our services, when set against six different outcomes outlined in the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act (2014).

    These are:

    1. Working with people to define and co-produce personal well-being outcomes
      that people wish to achieve.
    2. Working with people and partners to protect and promote people’s physical and
      mental health and emotional well-being.
    3. Protecting and safeguarding people from abuse, neglect or harm.
    4. Encouraging and supporting people to learn, develop and participate in society.
    5. Supporting people to develop safely and to maintain healthy domestic, family
      and personal Relationships.
    6. Working with and supporting people to achieve greater economic well-being,
      have a social life and live in suitable accommodation that meets their needs.

    As well as putting the report together, it’s also open to discussion by councillors to make sure they’re aware of how our services are operating, and can comment or suggest any changes they feel need making.

    The report went to scrutiny committee last week, and will now go before our Executive Board.

    Members on our Executive Board will look at the Director’s Report at their next meeting on Tuesday, July 9 – you’ll be able to follow the live webcast here.

    To take part in the Council Plan consultation, just click here

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  • Fancy renting a council garage?

    Fancy renting a council garage?

    We have over 2,000 garages in Wrexham County Borough, available for both our tenants and non-council tenants to rent (although council tenants are given priority when applying).

    Currently we have garages available for rent in the following locations:

    Cartrefle, Queensway, Smithfield, Whitegate and Wynnstay, Pontfadog, Rhosymedre, Acton, Bryn Offa, Stansty, Rhosnesni, Rhosddu, Little Acton, Hightown, Maesdre, Overton, Penley, Maelor, Gwersyllt, Johnstown, Penycae, Ponciau and Southsea.

    What can I use the garage for?

    You can use the garage to store a private motor vehicle, motor bikes, bicycles, trailer tents, and for other storage (as long as there are no flammable items).

    How much does renting a council garage cost?

    The weekly charge for council tenants for the year April 2019 – March 2020 is £8.08, with four rent free weeks. The charge should be paid weekly with the property rent.

    Non-council tenants are charged £118.72 inc. VAT quarterly.

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    Can I rent more than one garage?

    You may be allowed to rent more than one garage if you’ve kept up your rent payments. You’re allowed up to two garages if there’s a long waiting list, and up to three garages in a low demand area.

    How can I apply for a council garage?

    You can either apply online or ask for a paper application form at your local housing office.

    What happens after I’ve applied?

    In some areas garages are in low demand and you could be offered a garage straight away, otherwise you‘ll be placed on the waiting list.

    Garages are offered to the applicant who’s been on the waiting list the longest first. Council tenants are given priority when applying, however if there are no council tenants that need the garage, non-council applicants are then considered in application date order.

    When you’re chosen for a garage, we’ll send you a letter to confirm this. We’ll also send the garage conditions of tenancy which you’ll need to sign, once you’ve signed you can pick up the keys.

    What if the garage needs repairs?

    If you’re renting a council garage, repairs are carried out by our housing services. You’ll be recharged for any damage to the garage caused accidentally, deliberately or because of neglect by you or other members of your household, visitors, pets or contractors hired by you.

    Want more information about garages near you? Just get in touch with your local estate office.

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  • Partners announce vision for major regeneration plan for Wrexham’s Mold Road gateway

    Partners announce vision for major regeneration plan for Wrexham’s Mold Road gateway

    The vision for a major regeneration masterplan, which aims to revitalise the Mold Road gateway into Wrexham, was announced by four key backers today.

    Wrexham County Borough Council, the Welsh Government, Wrexham AFC and Wrexham Glyndŵr University today announced their vision behind the Wrexham Gateway Project – a large-scale civic and economic plan which aims to redevelop a large area near the Mold Road corridor, one of the major routes into the town.

    The vision for the project is to provide vibrant regeneration to the area, creating a hub to support investment in business; support academic, housing and sporting infrastructure; and creating a valuable public space linking to Wrexham town centre.

    Key elements of the project include the development of a large public transport interchange at Wrexham General Railway Station; the redevelopment of the Kop end of the Racecourse Stadium and the wider development of the Racecourse; the creation of a major, regionally important conference venue, and much more.

    One of the key aims outlined within the vision is to regenerate the Kop end of the Racecourse Stadium, with the goal of providing a new stand to take capacity to more than 15,000 seats, and help realise the stadium’s potential as first-class destination at both regional and national level, and as a year-round, multi-functional stadium that is capable of hosting international standard sport.

    The project also aims to improve active travel connections to Wrexham General, supporting the creating of an integrated travel hub and boosting employment opportunities – including improved bus and drop-off access, and improved pedestrian access.

    The partnership’s masterplan will be discussed by members of Wrexham Council’s Executive Board on Tuesday, July 9, with a view to engaging with stakeholders if the vision is approved.

    Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: “We’re incredibly positive about the goals outlined within this new Mold Road corridor masterplan. This is an incredibly ambitious piece of work which will play a key part in the regeneration of Wrexham, and I’m very pleased to note that we have a number of strong key partners working alongside us to accomplish these aims.

    “There are some fantastic potential projects set out within the masterplan, and we won’t be able to achieve them on our own – which is why, if approved at Executive Board, we will then engage with key stakeholders on the vision, and how they think we might reach these goals.”

    Ian Bancroft, Chief Executive of Wrexham Council, said: “I’m very pleased to announce the vision of the Wrexham Gateway Partnership, which has the potential to bring millions of pounds worth of regeneration work into Wrexham.

    “While ambitious, the goals set out within our vision can be realised through the partnership, with the plans combining a number of exciting key elements across business, academic, housing and sporting infrastructure.”

    Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham Glyndŵr University, said: “The Mold Road regeneration will create a much improved gateway into Wrexham for residents, students and visitors. This feeds into our Campus 2025 strategy which is about the university and Wrexham as a whole for the future prosperity of the town.”

    Ken Skates, Welsh Government Economy and Transport Minister, said: “The plans under development by the Wrexham Gateway Partnership aim to deliver transformational change on a local and regional level.

    “There is much work ahead and together we have the opportunity to achieve improved connectivity within Wrexham and across the wider area as well as creating business premises which could drive strong economic growth.

    “The plans also include proposals to develop the Racecourse Ground which would see the facility become a more active hub within the Wrexham community and provide it with the ability to attract more international events and the football club with a home which is fit for the future. The Wrexham Gateway Project is an ambitious and exciting development and one which I am keen to drive forward working collaboratively with our partners.”

    Spencer Harris, Director of Wrexham AFC, said: “As well as being the home of Wrexham AFC, the Racecourse Ground is an asset of strategic importance for Wales. Along with our partners in this vision, we are extremely excited about this regeneration project including the potential to make the stadium a viable option for international events.

    “As we are owned by a community benefit society, it is fitting that the aims of this project would return significant benefits to Wrexham and the region.”

  • How the new TIC could look

    How the new TIC could look

    As we recently reported the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) that’s on Queens Square is to move to new and bigger premises on Chester Street early next year.

    We’ve now got our hands on some artists impressions that have been produced and we’re very pleased to share them with you! We think they’re pretty cool and will make sure that visitors aren’t disappointed by what they find when they visit Wrexham:

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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    A bright airy feel will welcome thousands of visitors each year and there’s the added bonus of a flexible space – shown with the tables and chairs in the impressions – that can be opened up in the evenings and weekends for events such as local food demos and local gin tastings 🙂

    The larger premises will also allow the TIC to showcase more and more of the delicious local produce that’s currently available aswell as what it sells now which includes Wrexham Lager, Aber Falls Gin, Rosie’s Cider, Aballu Chocolate, Halen Mon salt, Penderyn Whiskey, Dylan’s Sauces, Mrs Picklepot’s Jams and Tweedmill rugs.

    The new location is only a couple of minutes walk from where it is now and old and new visitors will benefit from a double fronted modern facility that caters for all visitors whether they’re looking for maps, tickets, what’s on in the area, a souvenir or travel advice and hotel accommodation. They’ll also be able to showcase more local produce than they currently have room for now!

    “Flexible and modern TIC”

    Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “We have been looking for suitable, larger premises for the TIC for some time and moving to the now empty former Oriel shops makes perfect economic sense. Visitor numbers to Wrexham are definitely on the up and they expect to find a flexible and modern TIC that is able to accommodate all their specific requests.”

    “In addition to the many events  that the town centre hosts we have on our doorstep a World Heritage Site, two National Trust properties and of course the outstanding natural beauty of Chirk and the Ceiriog Valley which attract visitors from across the globe. There are also sites of historical and industrial interest across the town centre and the county borough and we must be ready to receive increased visitor numbers in the coming years.”

    To take part in the consultation, just click here

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  • Tenants sign up to Wrexham Council new builds

    Tenants sign up to Wrexham Council new builds

    Tenants sign up to Wrexham Council new builds

    Tristan and Rebekah, and Sarah and Jake are the first tenants to sign up to our new build properties in Gwersyllt. This is a first for Wrexham Council so we wanted to find out a bit more from our new tenants to see what they thought of their new home…

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    Sarah and Jake had been living apart with their parents previously, and this will be their first family home together. Sarah said “It’s absolutely gorgeous, it’s so spacious. We would have been happy with anywhere but this is amazing!” Ella, Sarah and Jake’s daughter was excited too, when she found out she would be getting her very own bedroom.

    Tristan and Rebekah were living in a 1 bedroom flat above a shop in Bradley prior to being offered one of the new builds. Rebekah said “It was stressful moving, but definitely worth it. It’s lovely and we are settling in nicely, even after just a couple of days.”

    A lot of hard work from teams within our Housing and Economy department has gone into securing the new build properties with great support from Lead Member Cllr David Griffiths.

    Cllr David Griffiths joined us on the day to welcome Tristan, Rebekah, Sarah and Jake into their new homes and said ‘We hope to develop many more new houses in the future for our Wrexham Council tenants, and it’s so rewarding seeing how happy new tenants are with their beautiful new homes.’

    To take part in the consultation, just click here

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  • Lite Art-ed fun

    Lite Art-ed fun

    Have you ever thought that you would like to create something, but don’t feel you are ‘artistic’ enough?

    If so, then Brynteg library has a group that may well be just for you.

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    The library’s art group meets on the first Thursday of the month and you will be taught new techniques to create whatever you like. No previous experience or talent is necessary.

    The sessions cost just £2 and take place between 2-3pm. The next session will take place on Thursday, July 4.

    For more details call the library on 01978 789523.

    To take part in the consultation, just click here

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  • Inspiring and engaging with young people – could one of these jobs be for you?

    Inspiring and engaging with young people – could one of these jobs be for you?

    Would you love to work with young people?

    Are you passionate about helping and inspiring people to achieve their best?

    Well, we have 10 job opportunities in one of our youth teams and one of them could be for you!

    Since 2016, over 1300 high school pupils have been supported by the TRAC 11-24 project which is led by Wrexham County Borough Council (in partnership with Flintshire County Council) across the counties of Wrexham and Flintshire.

    The work of the TRAC team focuses  on engaging with and raising aspirations of young people who are at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) in the future.

    Due to the continued success of the TRAC project, additional funding has been secured to increase the team by 10 staff and to work with a wider audience of young people in their final year of primary school, in preparation for their start at high school.

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    TRAC team x 10 posts (all temporary until 31st July 2022)

    Youth Work Co-ordinator
    JNC 18-21 £28,223 – £30,568 (pro rata)
    42 weeks per annum, 37 hours/ week

    Well-being Officer x 5 NJC
    G05 £19,171 – £19,945 (pro rata)
    42 weeks per annum, 37 hours/ week

    Counsellor x 2
    JNC 16-19 £26,718 – £28,972 (pro rata)
    42 weeks per annum, 18.5 hours/ week

    Business Support Assistant
    NJC GO4 £18,426 – £18,795 (pro rata)
    42 weeks per annum, 18.5 hours/ week

    Finance Officer NJC
    GO6 £21,166 – £22,462 (pro rata)
    42 weeks per annum, 22.2 hours/ week

    If you enjoy a dynamic working environment and are passionate about supporting young people to overcome their barriers and achieve their potential, then we’d love to hear from you. The successful post holders will have experience of working with young people, have a good understanding of the local education system, own their own vehicle and be able to travel across the counties of Wrexham and Flintshire as part of their day-to-day work.

    To apply:

    Download and complete the PDF application form available on the webpage or for an application pack contact the Contact Centre, Lord Street, Wrexham LL11 1LG or Tel: 01978 292012 or email schoolshrservicecentre@wrexham.gov.uk

    Please return completed application forms to the HR Service Centre,
    Guildhall, Wrexham LL11 1AY.

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

    The above posts are funded through the European Social Fund, as part of the wider TRAC 11-24 project operating across north Wales.

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  • Updated 28.06.19 – Gresford Roundabout works – Changes to Arriva No 1 Service

    Updated 28.06.19 – Gresford Roundabout works – Changes to Arriva No 1 Service

    Update 28.06.19

    Friday evening

    Buses from Wrexham to Chester – These will operate via Mold Road football ground, A483, Marford Claypit Lane, Rossett and then normal route to Chester.

    Buses from Chester to Wrexham -These will operate normal route to Marford Claypit Lane then divert via A483 and Mold Road football ground.

    Saturday

    Buses from Wrexham to Chester – These will operate via Mold Road football ground, A483, Marford Claypit Lane, Rossett and then normal route to Chester.

    Buses from Chester to Wrexham -These will operate normal route to Marford Claypit Lane then divert via A483 and Mold Road football ground.

    Sunday

    Buses from Wrexham to Chester – These will operate via Mold Road football ground, A483, Marford Claypit Lane, Rossett and then normal route to Chester.

    Buses from Chester to Wrexham -These will operate normal route to Marford Claypit Lane then divert via A483 and Mold Road football ground.

    The shuttle bus will only run on Saturday

    ——-

    Updated 27.06.19

    On Saturdays only Arriva will be operating a shuttle service between Wrexham Bus Station and the Sycamores serving Garden Village Shops and Acton allowing passengers to connect to Arriva Service 1 to Chester.

    Starting from the Sycamores at 05:25, 06:00 and 06:45 then every 30 minutes until 16:15, 16:55, 17:25 and 18:05 then every 30 minutes until 00:05.

    Departing Wrexham Bus Station at 05:40 and 06:30, then  every half hour until 16:30, 17:10 and 17:50, then every 30 minutes until 00:20.

    ——-

    As we reported previously Gresford Roundabout is to be resurfaced starting the end of this month which will cause some disruption to the Arriva Wales Buses No 1 service Wrexham to Chester and return journey.

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    Arriva Buses Wales has now let us know what arrangements it has put in place during these works:

    As from 20.00 hours on Friday, June 28 until 06.00 hours on Monday, July 1 and from 20.00 hours on Friday, July 5 until 06.00 hours on Monday July 8, Gresford Roundabout will be closed.

    Buses from Wrexham Bus Station to Chester will travel via Mold Road, A483, Rossett and then continue the normal route to Chester.

    Buses from Chester to Wrexham will travel the normal route to Rossett then divert via A483 to Mold Road and onto Wrexham Bus Station.

    You can read more about the works below:

    Gresford Roundabout to be Resurfaced

    Need school transport in September? Apply online now

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  • The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

    The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

    This blog is one of a number of stories we will be posting about Youth Work Week 2019

    For the past seven decades the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has inspired and transformed the lives of millions of young people from all walks of life. From volunteering to physical activities, life skills to expeditions, achieving a DofE Award is a passport to a brighter future, valued by employers and universities.

    It is the world’s leading youth achievement award.

    We know that doing The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) can positively impact a young person’s life, enabling them to prepare for their futures, build confidence and boost their self-esteem.

    It is open to any young person between 13 and 24 years and you can take part here in Wrexham.

    For more information about taking part in the award scheme have a look at the DofE website DofE.org or contact the DofE Wrexham team DofE@wrexham.gov.uk

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  • Underneath the Arches – Photo Competition

    Underneath the Arches – Photo Competition

    With the sunny weather having finally arrived and Underneath the Arches 2019 just around the corner the summer is starting to shape up nicely. And we’d like to celebrate…

    In order to celebrate we’d like to offer both you and your family an opportunity to win tickets to Underneath the Arches 2019.

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    To be in with a chance of winning a family ticket, send us your best photos from previous Underneath the Arches events. Maybe you were there last year, or the year before? Or at the very beginning in 2012?

    It doesn’t matter when you were there, just dig out your old photos from previous Underneath the Arches concerts, and share them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #UTA19

    The closing date for the competition is Monday, July 01 so make sure you share your photos before then. Submitting a photo to the competition means that it may be used for promotional purposes.

    Or, if you don’t want to leave it to chance, click on the button below to buy your tickets now.

    Don’t miss out – book your tickets now.

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