PRODUCTION of protective gear for health workers has begun in Wrexham, a senior councillor has said.

The Leader reported earlier this week on plans for a scheme to 3D print much-needed personal protective equipment for front-line NHS staff and social care settings across the county.

Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education at Wrexham Council, has confirmed the process is now underway.

The Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW), in association with Dr Graham Sperey-Taylor and Cllr Wynn, is fundraising to keep the production - which is mainly taking place at Ysgol Clywedog - running.

A spokesman for AVOW said: "Since the outbreak of Covid-19 our lives and communities have changed dramatically.

"None more-so than the hard-working and selfless NHS, GP and care staff on the frontline.

"However, those heroes on the front-line need PPE so that they can continue their roles as safely as possible and ultimately save lives.

"To further this cause, [Ysgol Clywedog] has been transformed into a hub to increase the production of face visors for our front-line NHS and care setting staff.

"The programme will utilise existing 3D printer technology with a design approved by Bangor University."

Cllr Wynn said the scheme had already received pledges and donations of more than £2,000.

He said: "We're extremely grateful for the money that has already come in - it really shows how much the public wants to help.

"We got the 3D printers set up on Tuesday and we ran off 90 in the first batch.

"We can print about six at at a time and the hub is going to cost about £1,000 a week to run.

"We do have people producing these at home as well and I would say that is there is anyone else producing them please do link up with us - we are setting up an official supply chain into the NHS for people who are crying out for them. "We have had quite a few enquiries from nursing homes.

"If anyone had experience of running 3D printers and could help to run the hub for a few hours a week, please do contact me or Graham."

Cllr Wynn said other schools had also started producing the equipment with other techniques, including laser cutting.

He is also calling on schools to donate any overhead projector acetate sheets they may have in stock, as these are attached to the 3D printed head band to form the visor.

St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School in Flint is one school which has already kindly made its stock of the material available to the effort.

The AVOW spokesman added: "Donations will be used to purchase raw materials and additional 3D printers to boost capacity, with the 3D printers and materials being distributed to local schools after the pandemic.

"An individual donation of £10 will purchase enough equipment to produce 20 face-visors for local NHS and care staff.

"A 3D printer would cost approximately £200 and would enable the programme to increase production.

"If individuals, community groups or local businesses would like to donate a printer please contact Cllr Phil Wynn by email Phil.Wynn@wrexham.gov.uk

Donations can be made through https://avow.org/donate/.

Any surplus funds will be passed on to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's COVID19 response fund (https://awyrlas.org.uk/how-you-can-help)

The technical point of contact is Dr Graham Sparey-Taylor, who can be reached on 07595 021 627 or email on gst@wlv.ac.uk

The financial and material donations point of contact is Cllr Phil Wynn. He can be contacted on 07792 542 679 or email: phil.wynn@wrexham.gov.uk