Latest news with #WrexhamCouncil
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Terry Fox Run returns to raise funds for cancer
The popular non-competitive event will take place on October 6 between 12-3pm at Bellevue Park - and it's completely free to enter. This iconic run takes place all around the world, raising hundreds of millions of pounds for cancer research, in memory of the 22-year-old Canadian athlete who sadly passed away in 1981. Last year, 300 people ran in Wrexham and raised over £13,000. This year, the team want to make it bigger and better than ever. You can register here. Terry lost his right leg to a rare bone cancer, osteogenic sarcoma, and ran using a prosthetic limb. He made headlines across the world in 1980 when he ran 3,339 miles across Canada over 143 days – an average of a marathon a day – to raise money and awareness for cancer research. Terry had to stop his run when the cancer spread to his lungs, and less than a year later, he died. After he had to stop, his words were, 'Even if I don't make it, we need others to continue.' He's now widely considered a Canadian hero and every year since 1981, the Terry Fox Run is held in more than 60 cities around the world and raised more than £500 million for cancer research. Cllr Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, said: 'I'm thrilled that the Terry Fox Foundation has brought this event back to Wrexham. "We are the only place in Wales hosting the event and not only will it make for an enjoyable day in one of Wrexham's scenic parks, it will raise money for cancer research in the UK.' MOST READ Professor Chris Bakal is an ambassador for The UK Terry Fox Association. Born in Canada, he is now working as professor of cancer morpho-dynamics at The Institute of Cancer Research in London. He said: 'Following Terry's journey as I grew up in a small town in Canada, he inspired me to become a cancer researcher, and his perseverance and dedication drives our work in the lab. 'Terry also showed me that all of us can do something in the fight against cancer. Every step we make at a Terry Fox Run gets us one little bit closer to beating this disease by supporting cutting-edge cancer research.'
Leader Live
24-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Residents react as busy Wrexham road to close for two months
The Leader recently reported that Dean Road was set to close for a period of 61 days from June 16. That is because Wales & West Utilities is working to replace the gas mains underneath the carriageway. The road is now closed from the Greyhound Roundabout in a northerly direction towards Jeffreys Road. The alternative route for vehicles affected by the closure is via Borras Road, Rhosnesni Lane, A5152 Chester Road/Powell Road/Bodhyfryd and A534 Holt Road. And, although pedestrian access is being maintained throughout the period of closure, residents have still been left frustrated by the move. Many of them have been getting in touch with us to share their views. Dean Road, Wrexham (Image: Google Streetview) Sue Breese described it as a 'nightmare' for residents living in Borras, while Sam Roberts added; "It's a nightmare when using the scout hut and I'm sure it will affect the shop too!" Lynn Alison told us; "I've never known a road to have as many road closures as this one." Charlotte Powell added: "And part of the Holt Road is one way. Absolute chaos." Barry Turnbull said: "Why can't they wait for the schools to end first?" Michelle Bee added: "It was a nightmare the last time they shut that road. I'm glad my son has finished school and I won't be having to drive that route! Good luck, and my deepest sympathy for the residents and other road users." Wales & West Utilities began the £260,000 project on Holt Road back in April and, barring any engineering difficulties, it will finish by the end of September. The gas emergency and pipeline service has liaised with Wrexham Council to plan the project, and it has been agreed that traffic management will be in place throughout. TOP STORIES Wales & West Utilities Adam Smith is managing this work and said: "We know that working in areas like this is not ideal, but it is essential to make sure we keep the gas flowing to homes and businesses in the area, and to make sure the gas network is fit for the future. "We'll have a team of gas engineers on site throughout the project to make sure our work is completed as safely and as quickly as possible while keeping disruption to a minimum. "While most of the gas network is underground and out of sight, it plays a central role in the daily lives of people across the wider Wrexham area. Whether it's heating your home, making the family dinner or having a hot bath, we understand how important it is for your gas supply to be safe and reliable and there when you need it." Their customer service team is ready to take your call if you have any questions about the work via 0800 912 2999.
Leader Live
24-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Military tribute paid for Armed Forces Week
This year, Armed Forces Week takes place between Monday, June 23 to Sunday, June 29. (Image: Wrexham Council) The council raised flags above the Guildhall to show the city's support for the men and women who make up Wrexham's armed forces community. Flying the flag is a symbol of support, recognising the dedication of the military across the UK. Read more Wrexham Mayor, Councillor Tina Mannering, said: 'We are flying the Armed Forces Flag to recognise and thank our Armed Forces and their families for the sacrifices, commitment, dedication and patriotism they make whilst serving our country. 'Wrexham has many strong links with the armed forces, and this is evidenced when there are celebratory and commemorative events in our city where people line the streets and gather in significant numbers to acknowledge the work and sacrifices of the armed forces and their families. 'We sleep because they stay awake'
Leader Live
12-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham's new museum will celebrate Welsh football
One of the city's landmark buildings, the County Buildings, formerly the home of Wrexham Museum, is being transformed into a new 'Museum of Two Halves'. Set to open in 2026, the 'two halves' of the new museum will include an enhanced and expanded museum for Wrexham, alongside a new football museum for Wales. New galleries are being created to display the Wrexham Museum collections, which means an enhanced experience for visitors and a first-class, modern venue for discovering the fascinating and eventful story of our region of North East Wales. Artist impression of the atrium at the new museum. Image courtesy of Haley Sharpe Wrexham is often referred to as 'the spiritual home of Welsh football'. As well as being home to the now world-famous Wrexham AFC, it's also the birthplace of the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The museum is custodian to the Welsh Football Collection - the largest collection of Welsh football memorabilia held in public ownership in Wales. The new football museum will celebrate Welsh football, past and present, in all its diversity, from grassroots clubs to the national teams, as well as highlighting Wrexham's historic achievements in the sport. Read more: The museum is being developed by Wrexham Council's museum team in association with museum designers, Haley Sharpe Design, architects Purcell and contractors SWG Construction, The Hub Consulting Limited, Goppion and Heritage Interactive. Funding support for the museum is provided by Wrexham Council, Welsh Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government and the Wolfson Foundation. To create a state-of-the-art museum of requires a significant redevelopment of the existing building - inside and out. As well as developing a fantastic new museum, this is also very much a conservation project that will see the 167-year-old, Grade II listed building restored to its former glory. A wall under repair at the building during when it served as a police station, Regent Street, July 1965. Great care is being taken to unveil the most significant features of the building, while ensuring public access and enhancing accessibility, wellbeing and learning opportunities: • All the stonework on the outside of the building (including the iconic turrets and chimneys) is being thoroughly cleaned, and repaired where necessary. Repairs have also taken place to the roof where required. • The inner courtyard is being transformed into a new, two-storey atrium with a brand new roof and new walkways. The steelwork is now in place, concrete has been poured and access has been developed from the atrium to the new galleries. • New internal walls and ceilings are now being installed - a new look and an expanded layout for the new museum. • The cafe and shop space on the front courtyard are also being totally revamped - new steelwork for these areas has now been put in place and a new zinc roof replacing the glass roof which will enhance the café area. • A new electrical infrastructure has been installed including more efficient heating systems and the installation of PV panels to improve energy efficiency. • Where possible original features have been retained and original bricks reused to retain and enhance the historical features of the building. • A new lift shaft is in place, ready for the installation of the new lift car. • New lifts and fully accessible toilets have been included and the spaces have been created ready for fitting out, improving accessibility around the building. • New windows have been installed, where original windows couldn't be retained in keeping with the building, where possible original windows and doors have been retained. Contractors are working closely with the project team to design, develop and construct the interior spaces of the museum, including the new galleries, the shop, and the impressive atrium space in the centre of the building which has been opened up to its full size for the first time since the 1970's. Work underway at Wrexham's 'Museum of Two Halves'. Image by Craig Colville for WCBC Development of the audio and visual parts of the galleries is now taking place, including the production of new film footage. Wrexham's new museum is being specifically designed to be a welcoming, accessible, community-focused space where everyone will be welcome. Developing the museum will be an opportunity to create new ways to celebrate and explore the history of Wrexham, Wales and Welsh football. The aim will be to appeal to brand new audiences who may not have visited the museum previously, alongside loyal existing visitors. Read more: This work to reach these new audiences has already started. While the building work continues to progress on site, the team have been busy organising learning and engagement activities in Wrexham and across the country to help spread the word about the new museum. The Football Museum Wales Roadshow has been touring regions of Wales over the last few weeks and have had a terrific response, including Porthmadog, Mold, Chirk, Oswestry (well, it's nearly Wales), Bangor, Caernarfon - and Wrexham of course. The team has also been engaging with local schools - Bronington VAP School and Rhosddu Primary School were among the first to visit the new Wrexham Museum Collections Store. Here they planned their own museums, made Roman mosaics, played football, listened to a professional storyteller, did yoga, got up close and personal with Paul Mullin and Gareth Bale's football shirts, and even helped to choose a brand new mascot for the museum. Read more: Cllr Paul Roberts, Wrexham Council's Lead Member for Partnerships, said: "In what is shaping up to be a fantastic year for culture in Wrexham, it's a tremendously exciting time for the city to see such great progress being made to transform one of our most iconic buildings into a state of the art visitor attraction. "The new museum will be a hub for our entire community, a place where residents and thousands of new visitors can come together to learn and explore - a fantastic new resource for everyone who lives here and another boost to the city's flourishing national and international profile. "As well as the great building progress on site, the museum team have also been busy organising engagement events across the country as part of the vital work to reach new audiences and ensure that everyone will be encouraged to visit when the museum opens next year. This work will include a significant presence on the Maes of the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham this August." To find out more: • Visit the Museum Pop-Up space on Queen's Square (just behind the benches opposite Caffè Nero) to view the design plans for the museum and speak to the museum team. We also have a range of unique gifts, books, cards and more for sale, all inspired by our exhibitions and Wrexham's local history. • The Museum Courtyard Cafe has relocated to a temporary location at Tŷ Pawb's Food Court, while the museum building is closed for redevelopment. The menu still includes the usual range of delicious home-made light meals, coffees, sandwiches, soups, cakes and irresistible desserts! Wrexham Archives has now relocated to a new, permanent home at Wrexham Library.
Leader Live
11-06-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham council agrees transfer of Historic Nant Mill to Trust
The Trust applied for a Community Asset Transfer to take responsibility for the repair, maintenance and operation of the early 19th century mill building and associated buildings. Its goal is to re-open the Victorian corn mill as a heritage attraction celebrating the industrial past of the site and applied for the transfer in order to unlock a £1.5 million National Lottery Heritage grant. The transfer came to public prominence in March this year when Coedpoeth Cllrs Anthony Wedlake and Krista Childs expressed frustration at ongoing delays around the decision to transfer Nant Mill - which were closed in 2019 - to the Trust. Read more: Wrexham Council hold-up puts £1.5m Nant Mill heritage grant at risk But Wrexham Council has now voted in favour of awarding a lease of a minimum of 25 years to the Trust to operate the main buildings. Officers stated this was to ensure the Trust could maximise its eligibility for grants and other funding to restore and reopen the mill as an historic visitor attraction. The car park and woodland will continue to be managed by Wrexham Council as part of the country park with rangers working in partnership with the Trust. The site is also part of the Clywedog Valley Partnership which crosses into Denbighshire, however the terms of the transfer state specifically that revenue generated by Nant Mill must be reinvested into the Wrexham County Borough. "I'm very pleased that this is before us eventually," said Cllr Childs at Executive Board on Tuesday. "I thank Groundworks, the Clywedog Valley Partnership, Richard Aram in particular and Nant Mill Community Trust for really shouldering behind this proposal."
