Wrexham Council to ‘only provide critical services’ – also closing parks and play areas

Wrexham Council have issued their now regular updates, noting that from tomorrow they will only be providing critical services.

The Council say, “These are things we’ve identified as absolutely crucial to our communities and the running of the council.”

You can keep an eye out for Wrexham Council info and updates on https://news.wrexham.gov.uk

The headlines from their statement are:
– If you’re not a key worker as defined by the Government, please don’t put pressure on schools to take your children.
– Follow the Government’s advice on social distancing.
– We’re closing our parks and play areas.
– We’re limiting services at the crematorium to 30 attendees.

Ian Bancroft – Chief Executive and Councillor Mark Pritchard – Leader of the Council say that asking people to stay apart and stay at home is a “big ask” noting that the Government recognises that too.

They say, “However, there were parts of North Wales that seemed busier than ever at the weekend, as people headed to popular tourism spots and holiday parks. This kind of behaviour is putting lives at risk. ‘Social distancing’ is crucial if we want to have any chance of managing the spread of this virus, and preventing the NHS from being overwhelmed.

“It basically means reducing the amount of contact we have with others – staying away from busy places, groups of people and even friends and family – so the virus has less chance to spread. By staying apart, we can all work together to try and keep Wrexham as safe as it can be.”

The Council note the latest changes to council services:

Critical services only
From tomorrow, Wrexham Council will only be providing critical services. These are things they have identified as “absolutely crucial to our communities and the running of the council”.

They include social services, advice on housing benefits, sheltered accommodation, schools (currently open to children of key workers and vulnerable children only), emptying bins and other things that people depend on.

More details will be released soon.

School closures
Schools in Wrexham have taken on a new role from today – repurposed to providing places for the children of ‘key workers’ so they can keep doing their jobs.

The Council say, “Schools are operating with reduced staff due to the impact of the virus, and this is a big challenge. However, some people are trying to take advantage of this, and putting head teachers under huge pressure to take their children, when they don’t meet the criteria for key workers.”

“If you’re not a key worker as defined by the Government (e.g. health and care workers, emergency services officers, supermarket delivery drivers, prison officers), you cannot send your child to school at the moment.”

School transport
Transport arrangements for children still accessing school (i.e. children of key workers and vulnerable children) will be available as normal this week.

If the council need to make any changes, parents and carers will by notified by their school.

Parks and play areas
From today, Wrexham Council are shutting enclosed country parks and council-managed play areas. This includes Ty Mawr and Alyn Waters, and notices will be put up to help inform people of the closures. Below is one such sign tweeted by Cllr Williams.

The Council say, “Just like other councils across the UK, we’re doing this to support social distancing.”

People are still ignoring advice, families with children still on playgrounds today. Please be responsible and think of others and our NHS @wrexham pic.twitter.com/9J7eV9tChV

— Nigel Williams (@NigelSouthsea) March 23, 2020

Crematorium services
The Council are also introducing measures at Pentrebychan Crematorium to encourage social distancing. For hereon, services will be limited to 30 attendees.

Beware of Covid-19 scams
Trading Standards teams across the UK are continuing to get reports of scams that take advantage of the current situation.

So if you receive an offer of help, ask yourself if it feels genuine before you accept.

Can you help as a volunteer?
You can register as a potential volunteer to help staff delivering front-line services and to support community befriending.

AVOW (Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham) is encouraging people to sign-up – more information on this link.

The council end by saying: “This is a rapidly changing situation, so we will issue further information as and when appropriate.”