Council say “don’t be too anxious, don’t be blasé (be somewhere in the middle)”
Wrexham Council have released figures indicating that footfall to the town centre is gradually increasing week on week.
In the now regular ‘recovery’ update, they also share that 110 applications have been made for the most recent round of grant support for businesses impacted by pandemic regulations, with 52 applicants coming forward for the ‘freelancer scheme’ of support.
In a wider update they have also issued commentary on the local covid situation, “We know the pandemic isn’t over, and the Delta variant of concern is the latest twist in the plot, so there’s a balance to strike” while asking people “don’t be too anxious, don’t be blasé (be somewhere in the middle)”.
“Let’s enjoy the freedoms we have, but stay sensible and remember the basics – hands, face, space, fresh air.”
The full council update is copied in full below, as usual any bolding or italics is from Wrexham Council:
Covid-19 Recovery: WCBC Weekly Briefing Note, 11th June 2021
This is the Third Members Covid Recovery Briefing Note.
In spite of the national concerns with regards to the Delta variant and in accordance with national Covid Guidance Wrexham continues to slowly recover its services and economic resilience
Economic Recovery/ Grants
The council has received 52 applications for the creative industry “Freelancer Scheme”
This is a grant scheme that the Business and Investment team are delivering on behalf of the Welsh Government to support freelancers who are still being affected by the ongoing restrictions. Successful individuals/Businesses will be awarded a grant of £2500. Bids are currently being verified and their eligibility assessed
We expect this work to be completed today and expect to report how many awards will be made to businesses in Wrexham.
On Tuesday 1st June the ERF grant scheme went live on WCBC website and opened to applicants. Again we are delivering this grant scheme on behalf of Welsh Government. This scheme is targeted to Businesses with a turnover of less than £85,000 who are still being affected by the restrictions in place. This is mainly hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. To date we have received over 110 applications seeking grant support.
Over the next 2 weeks we will be able to report how many Businesses in Wrexham have received this funding. Please note this scheme remains open until end of June.
General Business Update
There are encouraging signs locally with several businesses starting to recruit staff and reporting strong order books going forward. This appears to be 1 or 2 jobs across numerous businesses which put together indicate a gradual recovery in Business confidence.
The construction industry remains buoyant with many households spending money set aside for holidays on home improvements.
Town Centre
Footfall during the week commencing 30 May was 97,197 compared with 121,333 in the same week in 2019. The previous week was 88,582 so we are seeing a week on week gradual increase which is good news.
Community Resilience
A report is being presented to the Customer Performance Resources & Governance Committee on the 17 June to consider the work of Wrexham Public Services Board (PSB) and also the joint recovery work.
PSB leads continue to meet on a regular basis to discuss & agree the next steps.
To support work and oversight quarterly visits are also being arranged to projects to enable councillors and communities to get involved with the themes. These visit are expected to commence in September and will look at project associated with our key recovery areas of :-
- Children and Young People
- Mental Health and Well-being
- Poverty and Inequality
- Environment and Carbon Reduction
KEY MESSAGES
There continue to be positive steps being made in the recovery of our town centre and business in the Wrexham area. We encourage the public to support this recovery and in a safe way to take advantage of what Wrexham’s business’ have to offer.
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