Wrexham County Borough is becoming a vibrant city with an increasing population. Wrexham Council have noted that there are more cars than ever on the road, leading to streets and parking becoming congested.
This can become a hazard around emergency services, bus routes and recycling vehicles.
Also, our contract holders are often struggling to park outside their homes, increasing this congestion.
In the Housing department sits an Environmental Works team. This team works with elected members and Estate Offices, to assess and improve areas around the borough.
The team also work closely with the contract holders and surrounding residents when work is being carried out to ensure we are communicating fully and agreeing on the most beneficial works for the area.
Once an area has been assessed and given a score, the team will liaise with residents and elected members on how the area can be improved.
In 2023, The Environmental team have made improvements to 247 areas across the borough, for example;
- 216 on plot parking bays
- Knee rail fencing in Caia Park
- Communal parking bays in Plas Madoc
- Alley fencing in Rhosllanerchrugog and Caia Park
Some before and after pictures added below.
The works on Whalleys Way transformed a site which previously consisted of uneven ground with minimal parking spaces.
Contract Holders and residents were having to park on verges around the street, causing congestion issues.
These new bays allows residents to park closer to their homes, whilst taking vehicles off the street.
Another way that the team aim to reduce parking issues for contract holders and residents is by installing driveways on to suitable homes.
Driveways provide security and easy access to contract holder’s homes, whilst removing cars off roads.
Councillor Paul Blackwell, Acrefair North ward said “The contract holders on Whalleys Way like many others in Plas Madoc, who have had a combination of driveways and car parking installed are delighted by the improvements made.
“The environment budget is a valuable way for councillors to respond to residents’ concerns about congestion on our housing estates.”
Again, these are often identified by elected members/estate offices and the Environmental Team. They then carry out feasibility studies, liaise with relevant parties, create a technical drawing and then oversee improvements to the properties and surrounding areas.
This has been well received by contract holders and residents across the works completed.
Councillors and Contract Holders often contact us to praise the works and we welcome feedback.
Councillor John Phillips, Penycae ward said “I have received some feedback off a contract holder following the placement of the hard standings…
“…When I was on site it was clear to myself that the contractors were extremely well organised…..in addition the area was left in a tidy condition following the completion of the works.”
Contract Holder – “The contractors communicated with us over the work being carried out, and amended plans to accommodate our needs. Very polite and considerate, all work carried out professionally.”
Other works that the Environmental Team include the likes of Knee Rail Fencing.
Knee rail fencing has recently been fitted at St Giles Crescent in Caia Park.
This area had been identified by Caia Park Estate Office and the local councillor due to the area being used by motor bikes and cars, causing noise pollution and tearing up the grassed areas.
The Environmental team surveyed, designed and then oversaw all construction phases of this project.
Other works by the team include fencing.
This alley fencing was completed at Ffordd Dyfed, due to the previous fencing being in disrepair. This was allowing people to walk through gardens, as the fencing was offering little security.
In 2024/25 the Environmental team will continue to work with elected members and estates offices on identifying and improving areas throughout the Wrexham Borough.
They will also carry out feasibility surveys on properties identified, with a view to improve congestion on streets and offering families the opportunity to park their car close to their homes with the security that adds.
Councillor David A Bithell lead Member for Housing said, “Environmental schemes provide much needed improvements which are supported by local elected members. These schemes are put forward each year to support and address localised issues.
“One of the most popular is off road parking and these schemes assist communities where we have narrow road access.
“We have received very positive feedback from our contract holders all across Wrexham where improvements have been made.”
