A COMMUNITY council in Wrexham is celebrating after winning a national award for the services provided to its residents.

Rossett Community Council were recognised at the One Voice Wales Award, where they were named 'Local Council Service of the Year', at the ceremony which took place in Builth Wells.

One Voice Wales is the umbrella body for Town and Community Councils in Wales and the awards highlight the work they do for local residents across Wales and include several categories including tourism, heritage, environmental projects.

Rossett Community Council were shortlisted following a review of their services and the engagement of a Park Warden and Street Warden who assist with the up keep of the Village. The Community Council also took advantage of funding to employ a Community Agent who offers support to the elderly and socially isolated residents of the Community.

Wendy Pace, Council Clerk said: "This has been particularly successful due to the skill set of the individual recruited into the role and her emphasis on community engagement/involvement to assist with social isolation.

"As a small community which is spread over a large geographic area there were no established facilities other than some small niche groups which had dwindling numbers. As a number of the organised events involve pupils from the primary and high schools along with the playgroup, the impact far surpasses improving the lives of the elderly, the pupils/children involved have also gained a great deal of enjoyment and altered opinions/increased awareness about certain demographics within the community.

"Feedback for this service has been very favourable and has really impacted on people’s health and well being."

In addition, as a result of a local survey, it had been identified that there was an overwhelming desire for Post Office services in the village after the old facility closed in 2016. Despite efforts by the County Councillor, an established service had not been achieved therefore, the Community Council approached the Post Office and progressed an Outreach service.

Now established and being well used it has also allowed for the establishment of a Community café during the opening hours of the Post Office, thus providing an additional service that was missing within the community.

The Community Council gave a presentation to other Town/Community Councils summarising their progress and were very pleased to be named winners of the category. The Chief Executive of One Voice Wales stated that the judging panel were particularly impressed by the achievements from such a small Community Council.

Cllr Jo Pretsell who is the chair of the Recreational Committee and the lead Councillor for Rossett's Community Agent said: “For a relatively small Community Council we are incredibly proud of our achievements over the last year and the impact it has had on our community and would like to thank One Voice Wales for recognising our efforts”.

Rossett Community Council were also awarded a Commended certificate for their efforts in the category of Community Engagement.