NEWS

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Did you know you can view planning application details on line?
View plans and application documents without having to visit the Council offices
To access planning applications link to: www.wrexham.gov.uk/plans

COMMUNITY COUNCIL SUPPORT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

For 2012, Members have agreed to financially support the following organisations from its grants budget:

(Please refer to the Donations page for details of grants allocated to date)

COMMUNITY ADVICE SERVICE – 21 YEARS ON

The Community Advice service, funded by the Community Council, has provided free advice on benefit and debt related matters to residents of Caia Park for over 21 years. There are trained advisors operating 17 drop in sessions per week currently at three venues (Cartrefle, Cefn Road, Caia Park Centre, Prince Charles Road and St Peter’s Hall, Smithfield Road). The sessions are spread over 5 days (Mon – Fri and times vary)

During financial year 2010/11 benefits obtained and debts written off on behalf of clients amounted to £479,530

Due to financial constraints it has become necessary to restrict this service to residents of Caia Park. Some sessions may be cancelled from time to time because of staff absence.

Important changes will take place in April 2013 which may affect your Housing Benefit if you are aged 60 or under and are under occupying your home. Please visit an Advisor to see if you are affected or alternatively, if you are a Council tenant, call at the Estate Office on Churchill Drive for further information.

COMMUNITY VENUES

In additional to running St Peter’s Hall, Smithfield Road, the Community Council also makes an annual contribution to Wrexham County Borough Council towards the running costs at Kingsley Circle and Pentre Gwyn Community Centres.

BUDGET & RATE SETTING FOR 2012/13

In January 2013, the Council set its budget for 2013/14 and have agreed that the Community Council precept will be set at the same level as in 2010/11, 2011/2012 and 2012/2013

CAIA PARK GARDENING COMPETITION

Judging took place over the weekend of 16th / 17th July and the winners will be announced at an Awards evening to be held at Kingsley Circle Community Centre on 29th September 2011. The competition has recently won an award from Wrexham County Borough Council in terms of its success within the community.

FREE FIRE HOME SAFETY CHECKS

Did you know that you can receive a free home fire safety check from the Fire & Rescue Service. You will receive a visit and expert advice to minimise the risk of fire in your home. In some cases, small items of equipment are also given free of charge. To receive a visit just telephone the freephone number on 0800 169 1234. The Fire & Rescue Service do not “cold call” and will make an appointment to visit you.

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO COMMUNITIES FIRST PROGRAMME

January 2013 saw the merger of Caia Park and Hightown Communities First areas into a new “Cluster” area with an entirely new programme for the next three years. Much hard work has been undertaken by the shadow Cluster Board to ensure a smooth transition. The old Caia Park Communitieis First offices at 17/18 Gwenfro have closed however a number of Communities First Staff are now located at Caia Park Partnership and Luke O’Conner house in Hightown.

Look out for a series of roadshows to be held in April 13 which will explain the new programme and arrangements:

23rd April         TheVenture                                       2pm – 4pm
                        Hightown Community Centre            5pm – 7pm
24th April         Pentre Gwyn Community Centre       2pm – 4pm
                        Caia Park Partnership                       5pm – 7pm

On 30th April an AGM is to be held at Kingsley Circle Community Centre to elect resident representatives to the new Cluster Board ( 2 reps for each of the five Caia Wards) Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm prompt start.

Nomination forms are available from the Cluster Manager – Mrs Pauline Vickers tel: 01978 357583 or the Community Council offices at Cefn Road. (Nominations close 5pm Monday 29th April)