COUNCIL leader urges people to ‘continue to keep your distance from one another’ and help to ‘keep Wrexham as safe as it can be’.

Wrexham Council leader, Cllr Mark Pritchard, said: “The UK has changed dramatically over the past few days and – as you know – we’re only providing critical council services now.

“These are things we’ve identified as absolutely crucial to our communities and the running of the council. Social services, sheltered accommodation, emptying bins and other things that people really depend on.

“Our staff are working hard to keep these services going, but it’s a challenge. A challenge like we’ve never faced before.”

He adds that there are things residents can do to help the council keep these services going, and provide help where it’s most needed.

He said: “Call volumes to council phone numbers are extremely high, so please…only contact us by phone when it’s absolutely essential and about a critical service.

“This means our staff can provide a quick response to people who really need it.

“Please continue to keep your distance from one another and follow the Government’s instructions. By staying apart, we’re saving lives, and helping to keep Wrexham as safe as it can be.”

In the latest council update on how coronavirus is impacting on the local services provided in Wrexham, it was said that parents of children that are entitled to free school meals, will be able to collect ‘grab and go’ packed lunches from one of ten sites from March 27.

A full list of sites include:

• Caia Park Estates office

• Plas Madoc Estates office

• Broughton Estates office

• Gwersyllt Estates office

• Rhos Estates office (Stiwt)

• Memo Hall Wrexham

• Plas Pentwyn Coedpoeth

• Llay Resource Centre

• Overton Library (Cocoa Rooms)

• Ysgol Y Waen Chirk

The council statement says that packed lunches must be collected between 11.30am and 1pm by a parent or carer by giving the name of your child/children and the school they attend to a staff member.

It adds that you will only be able to collect a packed lunch for your own child/children and that social distancing measures must be maintained when collecting lunches.

The council are also suspending the introduction of the new garden waste collection service, and will continue to collect all garden waste for free for as long as they can.

The statement from the council adds: “If you have already paid, you will not lose out. You will still get a full 12 months service from when the scheme begins.”

With regards to waste, the council are urging people not to put tissue paper in your blue recycling sacks or top wheelie boxes.

Also, residents can now make a claim for Child Benefit or Universal Credit before you register your child’s birth.

A reminder was also given that from Monday, March 30, home to school transport will be suspended until further notice across the county borough.

The statement reads: “This is to reduce non-essential travel and to ensure social distancing of children.

“The take-up of home to school transport has been extremely low this week, which has also contributed to the decision.”

It was confirmed that SEN (Special Education Needs) home to school transport will continue for children travelling to their usual facilities.