A-Z of Services

Archive Council News

This page is a news release published by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Content Author: pressoffice@wrexham.gov.uk

14 January 2010

Severe Weather Update 17.00 Thursday 14 January 2010

Environment contract staff went to the salt mines last night and picked up 100 tonnes of salt to ensure Wrexham had a supply of salt. As a result Wrexham currently has 3 days supply of salt or 300 tonnes. Tonight, for the 36th night in a row, all trunk roads and A and B roads will be gritted and all Priority 1 roads will receive treatment in the morning. Our Streetscene operators continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the roads are gritted and to keep traffic moving.

The A5104 between Llandegla and Bryneglwys has been closed due to a mixture of ice and snow. No diversions are in place.

Concern has been expressed by members of the public that they are reluctant to clear snow and ice from footways outside their properties because they fear being sued by third parties sustaining injuries as a result of slipping or falling on areas that they may have cleared of snow or ice. The Council's Chief Legal Officer has said that whilst it is possible that there could be liability if in clearing snow a person does the job so badly that the surface is more dangerous, generally snow and ice clearance makes passage less dangerous and a member of the public should face little risk of any action resulting from such public spirited behaviour.

Wrexham Council’s Housing Repairs Service continue returning to normal service and this should continue to the end of the week. Throughout the adverse weather including the Christmas period staff responded to all emergency calls. Staff also maintained normal repair service where materials were readily available.

The Register Office has returned to normal service

Wrexham Council regrets that it cannot respond to individual requests for gritting from members of the public during this period of time.

All council car parks are open and users are advised to use caution.

Plas Pentwyn in Coedpoeth is now open.

There will be no rehearsals for the County Senior Bands (Thursday) and County Intermediate Bands (Friday) at Yale this week as Yale College is now closing at 5pm every day. Hopefully we can resume rehearsals very soon. Keep practicing in the meantime!

A page on Winter Driving Tips has been added to the Road Safety section of the County's Web-site www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/travel/road_safety/winter_driving_tips.htm

Refuse Collections

Latest situation waste collections

Households in Wrexham who have missed bin collections recently are being asked to leave their bins, recyclables and excess waste ready for collection over the coming days. Wrexham Council will be working Saturday and Sunday to try and catch up with missed rounds due to the severe weather experienced recently.

Cllr David Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport said:

“These have been very difficult times for bin collections and staff have made commendable efforts to collect waste throughout the past few days. We are very aware that collections have not been possible in some areas and we have decided to send out crews over the weekend. We still cannot guarantee that bins will be collected as conditions in some areas may prevent the vehicles from entering certain roads but households can be assured that again every effort will be made.”

Collections return to normal next week and Wrexham Council are advising that if missed collections are still not collected over the weekend to leave their bins, recyclables and excess waste for collection on their normal collection day.

Normal collection day	This is the day you should put your waste and recyclables out:	Put out by 7.30 am
Thursday 14 Jan	Friday 15 Jan**	* Coloured bin as indicated on your calendar, all recyclables
Friday 15 Jan	Saturday 16 Jan**	Coloured bin as indicated on your calendar, all recyclables
	Additional Collections Sunday 17th Jan	All missed collections should be put out for collection. Wrexham Council will make every effort to empty bins and recyclables.
Monday 18 Jan	All collections return to normal**

* Bins may not be emptied at the same time

** All possible attempts will be made to empty the bins and recyclables in these areas but as the conditions remain severe Wrexham Council cannot give a guarantee that this will happen and it is likely that operators will not be able to reach some areas.

Youth Football

"Wrexham Primary Schools Football Association Under 11 Representative Squad. Saturday versus Flintshire at the Queensway Sports Stadium is cancelled.
Please telephone Terry Walker - Headteacher, Ysgol Deiniol, Marchwiel 01978 353760

Public Transport

Bus services

Bus services are operating with some minor changes to routes. The latest update re buses is available on the Council’s website on www.wrexham.gov.uk/bus

Rail customers

Rail customers are advised to check with National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50, or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

Alternatively for stations within the County Borough, there are links from the rail section of the WCBC website to the departure board information, visit www.wrexham.gov.uk/rail Customers will also find web links to service disruption information from here.

Schools

64 schools in Wrexham County Borough were open today. The remainder being closed or partially closed.

If parents want to know if school transport is operating they are advised to check with the bus or taxi provider and details can be found on www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/events/severe_weather.htm#q3
Information can also be found by calling the Education Transport Team at Wrexham County Borough Council on 292056.

Glyndwr University

The University has suspended the start of the new term for students by a week. The spring term will now begin on Monday 18 January.

The University's problems have arisen because replacement grit supplies, ordered before the start of the cold snap, have now been diverted to local authorities and the region's hospitals as the whole of the UK runs short of salt and sand. As the University has exhausted its existing supplies, it is no longer in a position to guarantee the safety of either the Wrexham or Northop campuses. It has reluctantly therefore decided to delay the new term by a week.

Arrangements are being made for the rescheduling of exams, originally intended to be held this week.

Students are advised to check the Glyndwr University homepage for more information at www.glyndwr.ac.uk or call the Student Information Desk on 01978 293439

Welfare Issues

Whilst temperatures may appear warmer there are still forecasts for freezing roads over the weekend. Bearing this in mind it is important for family/friends/neighbours to keep a watchful eye on vulnerable people living in their communities.

If anyone has any concerns regarding the welfare of elderly or vulnerable people in their community it is important communication is made with them. If you are worried someone is at risk and may need some help please do not hesitate to contact the Social Services Department, they will follow up any concerns you raise. 01978 292066.
http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/events/severe_weather.htm#q3.

All Council owned football pitches are this weekend. The telephone number for football pitch booking is 01978 364920.