Archive Council News

05 March 2008

Double Victory for Wrexham at National Awards

Wrexham County Borough Council is celebrating after scooping two awards at the 2007 Excellence Wales ceremony in Cardiff.

The awards highlight best practice in local authorities and were given for both the Council's bids:

• Our Children and Young People- protecting and fulfilling lives and futures
  Wrexham County Borough Council (Highly Commended)

• Our Economy – Developing Communities
  Wrexham County Borough Council (Commended)

The bids highlighted the good work that is currently being carried out in these areas.

The Council has committed resources to its priorities, with strong member involvement and commitment to improve the outcomes for children, young people and their families. Having refocused its own services, the Council is putting prevention at the heart and aiming to improve services for minority/vulnerable children and young people.

Team around the Child is just one positive outcome of the changes to the service. It's a ground-breaking project that aims to support children and young people with extra needs through multi-agency working that will better meet their requirements. It means less duplication, fewer assessments and better use of resources.

Wrexham's economy has undergone significant change over the past 12 years. Many communities are experiencing positive changes with re-developments and improvements that are providing modern amenities in urban and rural areas with the help of partnership working between the Council, the voluntary, business and community sectors. 

Examples include The Broughton story - where villages in the West of Wrexham were deprived following the closure of the steel and mining industries. Through dedication and hard work and the formation of the Broughton Partnership new life is being put back in to the area. Flagship projects include The Community House, Brymbo Broughton Community Training, working groups covering issues that matter to residents and the setting up of the Broughton Community Awards.

Across the County in Cefn Mawr a major re-development is currently underway. Already completed is the popular Ebenezer Chapel, a flagship building at the heart of the community. It houses the Dee Valley Community Partnership, a café, gallery space, meeting rooms and training and I.T. facilities.

Lead Member for Economic Prosperity, Cllr Bob Dutton said: "This is a fine example of what can be achieved when partnership working is instigated. Many of our communities are now being revitalised across the County Borough. There are more residents keen to take part in community activities and projects and this has led directly to an increased sense of local pride in the area."

Lead Member for Children and Young People, Cllr David Bithell of Johnstown said: "I am delighted that the Children and Young People service received a highly commended award from Excellence Wales. This shows that the changes made over the last three years are starting to pay dividends but most importantly children and young people can get the services they need."

In a joint statement the Chief Executive, Isobel Garner and Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Aled Roberts said: "The last few years have seen significant changes in the way Wrexham County Borough Council works with increased attention on delivery of services. We are pleased that the work of officers and councillors has been recognised in the grant of this national award."