Latest news with #WrexhamCouncil
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Holt School to trial plans to make travel safer
Wrexham Council, in partnership with Sustrans Cymru and Letman Associates, will soon be launching a three-week trial at Holt Community Primary School. The trial will see timed traffic restrictions introduced to limit the number of vehicles driving and parking near the school at the start of the day, and at home-time. This will be the first 'School Streets' scheme in Wrexham, and it's being funded by the Welsh Government's Safe Routes in Communities fund. Councillor Terry Evans, Wrexham Council's Lead Member with responsibility for road safety, said: 'Over the past few months, we've been listening to pupils, parents and residents' about how we can improve the journey to school. 'Key concerns include speeding, inadequate pedestrian crossings, narrow pavements, poor visibility at junctions, and inconsiderate parking. 'The school is already working hard to reduce traffic at the gates by encouraging walking, scooting and cycling – so it's the perfect place to pilot a School Streets scheme.' MOST READ: Dad describes how joy turned to terror and panic at Liverpool victory parade Girl of the Year hopefuls strike a pose in photo look back Man who had 'large kitchen knife' in public among those sentenced in court Councillor Phil, Wynn, Lead Member for education added: 'We want to make the school gates a safer and healthier place for children, and if the pilot is a success, it could pave the way for similar trials at other primary schools in Wrexham. 'Over the past couple of years, School Streets have been introduced in other parts of the UK with some success. 'Traffic restrictions only come into effect during key times of the day, so any disruption to motorists is minimised, and the children are safer.' The exact dates of the trial in Holt are yet to be confirmed, but an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order will be published, and local residents, parents and pupils are being kept informed.
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Wrexham roads to revert to 30mph by end of June, say council
That is according to Wrexham Council, who say work on reverting roads will start in May. Welsh Government introduced a default 20 mph speed limit on restricted roads across Wales on September 17, 2023. The decision was met with mass opposition and in April 2024, Welsh Government announced a review of the 20 mph scheme. Following extensive member engagement and public consultation, a list of 52 sections of highway which met the Welsh Government criteria for reversion back to 30mph was presented to the Executive Board in February 2025 - and the Executive Board approved the list in full. Wrexham Council has since successfully applied for funding from Welsh Government and received a sum of £400,000. This is sufficient to cover the signage works to ensure full compliance in accordance with the legal Traffic Regulation Orders, in addition to some minor works on the highways to improve safety - a contractor has been appointed. The council today (May 21) confirmed that work on reverting the signage will start this month and it is anticipated that all 52 sections of highway will revert to 30 mph by the end of June. Cllr David A Bithell, lead member for Strategic Transport said: 'Upon receiving the results of the public consultation it was obvious that the majority were not keen on many new 20mph and the impacts that they had. 'We have listened, considered the evidence and as a result are changing back 52 sections of highway – funded not through local means but from funding from Welsh Government. 'We are the first authority in Wales to start the process of reverting roads back. MOST READ: "Major milestone" as new store set to open at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham Wales Comic Con to return later this year - but at a new north Wales location! Police probe reports of male approaching young girls in Flinshire 'Whilst the changes to signage are being implemented it is advised that drivers stick to the signposted maximum speed limit and drive to the road conditions. 'Pre-existing 20mph zones such as around schools will not be changing and there is no excuse for speeding in these areas.' The list approved by Executive Board for reversion to 30 mph is below. Please note that the legal TRO covers 52 sections of highway. Some sections of highway are contained within the same 'road' which explains why there are not 52 names in the list below:
Leader Live
14-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Grant and loans to re-energise city centre
Wrexham Council will use £200k of Transforming Towns funding to offer grants of up to £50k as well as offering commercial city centre loans between £5,000 and £1,000,000 repayable of a maximum period of five-years. Subject to eligibility, the schemes can be used to enhance building frontages, bring vacant commercial floor space back into use. The loans scheme can also be used to support the purchase of city centre buildings. Transforming Towns is a Welsh Government initiative designed to help regenerate town centres, ensuring they continue to play a key role in local economies and communities. Councillor Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, said: 'This is an incredibly exciting time for Wrexham, and these grants and loans will help revitalise and enhance city centre properties. "I would encourage eligible owners and leaseholders to apply for this funding, and help breathe new life into their premises. 'Wrexham is Wales' newest city, and it's important we have a vibrant and exciting city centre.' Cabinet secretary for housing and local government, Jayne Bryant, praised the success of the Transforming Towns programme in her speech to the All-Wales Regeneration Conference in February, saying: 'By investing in our towns and city centres, we are not only enhancing the physical environment but also fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. 'Bringing empty properties back into active use and breathing new life into our town and city centres are key pillars of our regeneration strategy here in Wales. 'The continuation of the grant programme, with increased funding and grant allowances, makes funding for regeneration projects more accessible, enabling us to build on the successes we have already achieved.' Grants are available to retail and commercial property owners and lease holders with premises in the city centre. All grant works must be complete by February 28, 2026. Loans are available to retail and commercial property owners and lease holders with premises in the city centre or those planning to buy in the city centre. These monies can be used to help fund external and internal building works including Shopfronts, roof and structural works and repurposing internal building layouts. MORE NEWS Loan funds can be used to support the creation of units for residential accommodation subject to planning approval being in place. If you would like more information around eligibility of works and including how to apply for Transforming Towns Property Development Grant email Grants@ If you would like more information around eligibility of works for Transforming Towns city centre loans including how to apply email loans@
Leader Live
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Leader Live
Hundreds of parking fines outstanding, say Wrexham Council
Last month, the Leader submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request to the council. In that, we asked; "What is the total amount of unpaid parking fines owed to Wrexham Council, and how many individuals currently have outstanding parking fines?" Wrexham Council responded by revealing that a total of 888 unpaid parking fines are still outstanding. They added that figure amounts to a total worth of £84,294.55. MORE NEWS The response from Wrexham Council added: "Due to how the system works - we are not able to answer the second part re. individuals as the report does not give names. "And, if going on VRM (Vehicle Registration Mark) that would not be accurate as the same person may not have had the same VRM over 2 PCN's (Penalty Charge Notice). "Also, if the vehicle details have not been updated with the DVLA then we would have incorrect individual details." If you park in the wrong place or don't pay for the correct amount of time, you're liable to receive a parking fine. You are not allowed to park: Wrexham Council's website adds: "Our enforcement officers patrol streets within the county borough and council-owned city centre car parks. "Enforcement officers will issue a PCN if you break any parking regulations in force at the time (for both on and off street contraventions). "If you receive a PCN you have a month to pay the charge stated on the PCN (or to make an informal challenge instead). "If you pay within 14 days the charge will be reduced by 50%."
Leader Live
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Hafod landfill campaigner criticises lack of enforcement over smell
Earlier this month councillors told Hafod landfill operator Enovert to 'get it right or shut it' at a meeting of Wrexham's Homes and Environment Scrutiny Committee - but council officers insisted that the environmental permit issued and regulated by Natural Resources Wales held Enovert to account and further enforcement action would not resolve the problem for residents. Now one campaigner has sent an open letter to the council criticising officers' unwillingness to act over a problem that has blighted the surrounding communities for almost 20 years. Steve Gittins said the council had a 'moral responsibility' to take action to protect residents and end the odour problem at Hafod. "Wrexham Council has both the legal authority and the moral responsibility to act," he wrote. "Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities have the power to issue abatement notices in cases of statutory nuisance. "These powers are not contingent upon NRW's actions, nor are they negated by them. In fact, where one regulator is perceived to be failing, it becomes all the more critical that another steps in." During the committee meeting Ian Jones, Head of Service for Public Protection at Wrexham Council told councillors the NRW environmental permit was designed to regulate Enovert's activity - meaning any statutory notice from the council would effectively be a double-regulation that could lead to a legal challenge. "We theoretically get into a position where one organisation is being dealt with by two legal processes," he said. "That is not right and the courts wouldn't look favourably on that. "So the key thing for us - and the advice we get from Welsh Government and UK Government - is to use the permitting process. It is a better and more defined process for enforcement and addressing the matter than statutory nuisance notices." But in his letter Mr Gittins called the officers' claims into question, citing a specific example where a council in England had recently taken action in similar circumstances. "The response by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to the long-running crisis at Walley's Quarry offers a clear and successful precedent," he wrote. "In 2021, the council independently issued an abatement notice despite the Environment Agency's jurisdiction. "That notice was upheld following mediation and became enforceable in 2023. The Environment Agency then issued a closure notice in 2024. Together, these actions brought tangible relief to the affected community. Wrexham Council should do no less. "The truth is plainly visible to anyone who chooses to look honestly. Yet those in power seem more intent on preserving illusion than confronting the facts." Read more: 'Get it right or shut it' - councillors issue ultimatum to Hafod landfill operators 'End nightmare caused by Hafod refuse tip smell' Frustrated residents turn out in numbers to protest ongoing Hafod landfill issue In response to the letter Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council's Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Public Protection, said: 'We are working closely with NRW, site operators and local community councils to monitor and mitigate off-site odour issues for local residents, and we continue to support Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the measures it has put in place with regards to the Hafod landfill site. 'The council undertook a review of legislative enforcement options towards the end of last year, including the likelihood of the site operator being able to appeal against or defend any legislative action taken by the council – especially given the fact it already faces enforcement action from NRW, and further action by the council might be seen as unnecessary by the courts. 'Legal processes and court actions can be very long, and so we have to consider enforcement action very carefully before going down that route. Our primary focus is to support NRW and Enovert in reducing the odour emission from the site in a timely manner for the benefit of the local community. We are aware there have been cases in other parts of the UK where councils have taken action against landfill site operators – some of the circumstances have been quite different and we recognise the available option should it be required. 'As a result, we'll continue to work closely with NRW, Enovert and other members of the Hafod landfill stakeholder group, with a view to supporting our communities and ensuring continued progress.'
