By Matt Sims
WREXHAM’S traffic wardens issued 7,349 fines in the last year – exceeding their target by more than 1,500 and costing the council an extra £13,000 in processing costs.
Parking enforcement officers in the county were so keen they even beat bigger targets laid down for the next two years, with the vast majority of penalty charge notices issued in the town centre.
Because the processing of fines has been outsourced by Wrexham Council to Denbighshire, the local authority had to pay a levy on every penalty sent to the neighbouring authority – which cost the council more than double the amount it had expected to pay.
More than 59 per cent of fines – a total of 4,348 – were issued for a variety of ‘on street’ parking offences in Wrexham town centre, while nearly 39 per cent – 2,859 – were handed out in Wrexham Council’s car parks.
The total was not only higher than originally anticipated, but also more than the 6,600 target set each year for 2009/10 and 2010/11.
The figures will be discussed by a meeting of the council’s environment and regeneration scrutiny committee today.
A report to go before councillors by chief transportation officer Martin Wright reads: “Parking services not only exceeded the levels of penalty charge notices estimated for year one but also the estimate for subsequent years.
“This is a positive sign that the service is delivering what is expected.
”For each fine processed by the Wales Penalty Processing Partnership (WPPP), based in Denbighshire, Wrexham Council was charged a levy of £6.55 – more than predicted because other authorities did not issue their expected levels of notices.
In his report Mr Wright says: “The expected payment in 2008/09 due to WPPP was £26,150 whereas the actual payment was £53,000.
“As a consequence... the CPE (civil parking enforcement) budget was overspent by £13,000, which was absorbed by the transportation and asset management department.”
Mr Wright goes on to claim in the report that, since the council took over responsibility for parking enforcement from police, improvements have been seen across Wrexham.
He says: “Anecdotal evidence suggest that the county borough’s traffic flow has improved, parking at the county’s schools is safer, there has been a reduction in misuse of the blue badge scheme and it is easier to park in the town centre.”
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Come and have a say on Flintshire policing
POLICE in Connah’s Quay are inviting members of the public to attend meetings to discuss any problems they have.
The first neighbourhood policing panel meeting, which is for the Golftyn and central wards, takes place at 6.30pm on Thursday, August 6 at Connah’s Quay community centre, Tuscan Way.
On Thursday, August 20 a meeting is being held for people in the Wepre and south areas.
It starts at 6.30pm at the civic hall on Wepre Drive.Police community support officer Sian Atkinson said: ”Members of the public can come along and discuss any local issues they have.
“We will be discussing previous action plans and creating new ones.”For more details, telephone PCSO Atkinson on 07854 352 221.
The first neighbourhood policing panel meeting, which is for the Golftyn and central wards, takes place at 6.30pm on Thursday, August 6 at Connah’s Quay community centre, Tuscan Way.
On Thursday, August 20 a meeting is being held for people in the Wepre and south areas.
It starts at 6.30pm at the civic hall on Wepre Drive.Police community support officer Sian Atkinson said: ”Members of the public can come along and discuss any local issues they have.
“We will be discussing previous action plans and creating new ones.”For more details, telephone PCSO Atkinson on 07854 352 221.
Wrexham firm tackles ministers over way of generating ‘greener’ power
A COMPANY is at the cutting edge of the drive towards a “greener” economy and creating new jobs.
Bosses at Sharp in Llay are currently in talks with the UK Government on the wider use of energy-saving power systems, which would radically reduce Britain’s carbon footprint.
As a pioneer in the manufacture and supply of solar panels for the generation of electricity, the factory has just hosted a high-level visit by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband.
And a top Sharp executive has revealed that the company is now in discussions with Mr Miliband’s departmental colleague, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, in his role as Under Secretary of State for Business and Regulatory Reform.Steve Crewe, Sharp’s human resources and general affairs manager, said: “The tariff system, which means that excess electricity generated by domestic solar panels is sold on to utility providers, is now in general use in a number of countries across Europe.
“Here at the Wrexham factory we build solar module panels and 95 per cent of what we produce is sold to continental Europe.
“However, there is an untapped market for panels in the UK and, hopefully, we could be at the cutting edge of filling that.”He added: “Sharp has had meetings with Mr Lucas to talk about developing this energy policy.”
Mr Lucas, who accompanied Mr Miliband on the visit to Sharp, said that one of the issues discussed was the Government’s publication of its low carbon industrial strategy.
The Under Secretary has pledged to work with Sharp and other companies to ensure that they can make the most of the opportunities the strategy provides.
He explained: “Helping the UK make the transition to a low-carbon economy really will provide real opportunities for businesses.
“The proof is right here in north east Wales, at companies such as Sharp.“I was among those who pushed to secure a PV cells production plant in Llay several years ago.
“In 2004, that plant had 400 workers – this year, the figure has doubled to 800. The factory is now one of the largest private sector employers in Wrexham. On Deeside, Toyota have secured jobs by working to produce new, greener cars.”
Mr Lucas added: “The Government’s low carbon industrial strategy will help cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change. But it will also secure and create jobs in producing and developing new technologies.
“It is hugely important we invest in these new technologies now – so we can work towards a greener future and so we can make sure we make the most of the new employment opportunities these new industries provide.”
Bosses at Sharp in Llay are currently in talks with the UK Government on the wider use of energy-saving power systems, which would radically reduce Britain’s carbon footprint.
As a pioneer in the manufacture and supply of solar panels for the generation of electricity, the factory has just hosted a high-level visit by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband.
And a top Sharp executive has revealed that the company is now in discussions with Mr Miliband’s departmental colleague, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, in his role as Under Secretary of State for Business and Regulatory Reform.Steve Crewe, Sharp’s human resources and general affairs manager, said: “The tariff system, which means that excess electricity generated by domestic solar panels is sold on to utility providers, is now in general use in a number of countries across Europe.
“Here at the Wrexham factory we build solar module panels and 95 per cent of what we produce is sold to continental Europe.
“However, there is an untapped market for panels in the UK and, hopefully, we could be at the cutting edge of filling that.”He added: “Sharp has had meetings with Mr Lucas to talk about developing this energy policy.”
Mr Lucas, who accompanied Mr Miliband on the visit to Sharp, said that one of the issues discussed was the Government’s publication of its low carbon industrial strategy.
The Under Secretary has pledged to work with Sharp and other companies to ensure that they can make the most of the opportunities the strategy provides.
He explained: “Helping the UK make the transition to a low-carbon economy really will provide real opportunities for businesses.
“The proof is right here in north east Wales, at companies such as Sharp.“I was among those who pushed to secure a PV cells production plant in Llay several years ago.
“In 2004, that plant had 400 workers – this year, the figure has doubled to 800. The factory is now one of the largest private sector employers in Wrexham. On Deeside, Toyota have secured jobs by working to produce new, greener cars.”
Mr Lucas added: “The Government’s low carbon industrial strategy will help cut carbon emissions and tackle climate change. But it will also secure and create jobs in producing and developing new technologies.
“It is hugely important we invest in these new technologies now – so we can work towards a greener future and so we can make sure we make the most of the new employment opportunities these new industries provide.”
Young Wrexham swine flu victim recovering well
by Garth ApThomas
A 10-year-old Wrexham schoolgirl is recovering at home after contracting swine flu.Ebony Charles, who attends St Giles Juniors, came down with the illness on Thursday and her family were initially devastated for her.
But she has shown tremendous resolve, her condition has picked up over the weekend and is looking to be well on the road to recovery.
Ebony’s mum, Sue, of Rhosymedre, said that the first signs of illness included a severe headache and feeling sick.“The school got in contact to say that Ebony was poorly. I went over to pick her up and she did look rough, very pale.”
Sue got in touch with her GP and swine flu was diagnosed.
She went to fetch a prescription from the Maelor Hospital and the medication has been working well.“Ebony has picked up a bit over the weekend and looks to be recovering well.
It is such a relief. When I first realised she was ill I was hoping it would just be something like a small viral infection.
I was mortified when swine flu was diagnosed.“We are a big family, with my husband and seven children there are nine of us.
“We were advised to carry on our normal day to day lives.“Ebony has been really good.
"In the beginning she was so bad it felt like her head was going to blow up,” said Sue who has been devotedly nursing her daughter through the illness.
Sue herself came down with a bug on Sunday, but she managed to shake it off within 24 hours.
“I started to get symptoms like headaches and really bad coughing and did think I was starting to get swine flu myself.
But thankfully it has passed off now almost as quickly as it came.
“I would also like to thank the doctors for all their expertise and care, they have been very good.”
A 10-year-old Wrexham schoolgirl is recovering at home after contracting swine flu.Ebony Charles, who attends St Giles Juniors, came down with the illness on Thursday and her family were initially devastated for her.
But she has shown tremendous resolve, her condition has picked up over the weekend and is looking to be well on the road to recovery.
Ebony’s mum, Sue, of Rhosymedre, said that the first signs of illness included a severe headache and feeling sick.“The school got in contact to say that Ebony was poorly. I went over to pick her up and she did look rough, very pale.”
Sue got in touch with her GP and swine flu was diagnosed.
She went to fetch a prescription from the Maelor Hospital and the medication has been working well.“Ebony has picked up a bit over the weekend and looks to be recovering well.
It is such a relief. When I first realised she was ill I was hoping it would just be something like a small viral infection.
I was mortified when swine flu was diagnosed.“We are a big family, with my husband and seven children there are nine of us.
“We were advised to carry on our normal day to day lives.“Ebony has been really good.
"In the beginning she was so bad it felt like her head was going to blow up,” said Sue who has been devotedly nursing her daughter through the illness.
Sue herself came down with a bug on Sunday, but she managed to shake it off within 24 hours.
“I started to get symptoms like headaches and really bad coughing and did think I was starting to get swine flu myself.
But thankfully it has passed off now almost as quickly as it came.
“I would also like to thank the doctors for all their expertise and care, they have been very good.”
Wrexham taxi driver assault man claims his drinks had been spiked
By Claire Gallagher
A FATHER punched a taxi driver seven times on the head following an argument with his wife.
On June 6 Richard Arthur Carroll attended his son’s christening and then he and his wife went out drinking with friends in Wrexham.Carroll, 27, of Concorde Row, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court to admit assaulting taxi driver John Anthony David Barratt by beating and damaging a wooden fence belonging to Brian Clifford Matthews.
Rod Williams, defending, said: “The christening was at All Saints at 12.30pm and there was a reception at the Wynnstay at 2pm.“It finished at 6pm and they went into town with friends.
“He normally drinks pints of lager but later discovered his friends had been spiking his drinks during the course of the night.”
The couple left to get a taxi at about midnight.Emily Downing, prosecuting, said: “The taxi driver picked up the defendant with a female and was taking them to a specific location.
“An argument ensued and the female started saying ‘help me, take me to my mums.’
“The taxi driver told the defendant to get out. Barratt walked to the passenger side of the car and then the defendant punched Barratt.
“Barratt received seven more blows to the head. He grabbed him by the neck to restrain him and they fell through a fence.”
Mr Williams said that his client, a gas engineer, wanted to apologise to the taxi driver and the resident whose fence was damaged.“He accepts full responsibility and he’s thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour,” he said.
“The incident occurred as a direct consequence of too much alcohol. He will lose his job and he is the main breadwinner.”
Magistrates ordered Carroll to pay compensation of £100 to Mr Barratt, to pay a fine of £300 with court costs of £60 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Magistrates chairman Pat Thomas said: “You make sure nobody else sticks anything in your drink.”
A FATHER punched a taxi driver seven times on the head following an argument with his wife.
On June 6 Richard Arthur Carroll attended his son’s christening and then he and his wife went out drinking with friends in Wrexham.Carroll, 27, of Concorde Row, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court to admit assaulting taxi driver John Anthony David Barratt by beating and damaging a wooden fence belonging to Brian Clifford Matthews.
Rod Williams, defending, said: “The christening was at All Saints at 12.30pm and there was a reception at the Wynnstay at 2pm.“It finished at 6pm and they went into town with friends.
“He normally drinks pints of lager but later discovered his friends had been spiking his drinks during the course of the night.”
The couple left to get a taxi at about midnight.Emily Downing, prosecuting, said: “The taxi driver picked up the defendant with a female and was taking them to a specific location.
“An argument ensued and the female started saying ‘help me, take me to my mums.’
“The taxi driver told the defendant to get out. Barratt walked to the passenger side of the car and then the defendant punched Barratt.
“Barratt received seven more blows to the head. He grabbed him by the neck to restrain him and they fell through a fence.”
Mr Williams said that his client, a gas engineer, wanted to apologise to the taxi driver and the resident whose fence was damaged.“He accepts full responsibility and he’s thoroughly ashamed of his behaviour,” he said.
“The incident occurred as a direct consequence of too much alcohol. He will lose his job and he is the main breadwinner.”
Magistrates ordered Carroll to pay compensation of £100 to Mr Barratt, to pay a fine of £300 with court costs of £60 and a victim surcharge of £15.
Magistrates chairman Pat Thomas said: “You make sure nobody else sticks anything in your drink.”
No word from retail giant as Broughton store stalls
MARKS and Spencer is staying tight-lipped over claims that long-held plans for a new store at Broughton Shopping Park have been put on the back burner.
Planning permission for a huge expansion of the retail park, including a flagship Marks and Spencer store, was granted in 2006 but three years on there is no sign of the proposals becoming a reality.
At a recent public meeting in Broughton, councillors claimed that the high-street giant was focusing on getting the final go-ahead for a vast new store proposed at the Cheshire Oaks outlet village in Ellesmere Port.
At 195,000 sq ft, the Cheshire Oaks site would be the second largest Marks and Spencer store in the country and would represent the largest investment by the company in a UK store during the last decade.
The Ellesmere Port scheme was given the go-ahead by councillors but was called in by the Government and has been the subject of a public inquiry.
Asked about the plans for Broughton, a Marks and Spencer spokesman would only say: “We remain committed to expanding in the area and we will review our strategy later in the year.”
Former Broughton county councillor Derek Butler told the Evening Leader: “Marks and Spencer seem distracted by the state of the retail market at the public inquiry at Cheshire Oaks.
“In the meantime, people in Broughton are the last to know as usual.”
He added: “What people in Broughton really want is the interchange on the A55 that would divert traffic around the back of village, because the people here are sick of the gridlock.
“But that is unlikely to happen without the Marks and Spencer scheme because the developers would fund the road improvements.“The money has to come from somewhere.”
Planning permission for a huge expansion of the retail park, including a flagship Marks and Spencer store, was granted in 2006 but three years on there is no sign of the proposals becoming a reality.
At a recent public meeting in Broughton, councillors claimed that the high-street giant was focusing on getting the final go-ahead for a vast new store proposed at the Cheshire Oaks outlet village in Ellesmere Port.
At 195,000 sq ft, the Cheshire Oaks site would be the second largest Marks and Spencer store in the country and would represent the largest investment by the company in a UK store during the last decade.
The Ellesmere Port scheme was given the go-ahead by councillors but was called in by the Government and has been the subject of a public inquiry.
Asked about the plans for Broughton, a Marks and Spencer spokesman would only say: “We remain committed to expanding in the area and we will review our strategy later in the year.”
Former Broughton county councillor Derek Butler told the Evening Leader: “Marks and Spencer seem distracted by the state of the retail market at the public inquiry at Cheshire Oaks.
“In the meantime, people in Broughton are the last to know as usual.”
He added: “What people in Broughton really want is the interchange on the A55 that would divert traffic around the back of village, because the people here are sick of the gridlock.
“But that is unlikely to happen without the Marks and Spencer scheme because the developers would fund the road improvements.“The money has to come from somewhere.”
Flintshire bar staff step up security after samurai raid
By Michael Youds
BAR staff working at pubs in the Flint area have spoken of their fears following a terrifying armed robbery which left two people hospitalised.
Police are hunting a trio of armed raiders who burst into the Coach and Horses in Flint Mountain in the early hours of Monday, carrying baseball bats and a samurai sword.
A customer was tied up and threatened with the samurai sword, and the pub manager was beaten badly.
Stuart Bickerton-Starkey, director of Lovely Day Inns which owns the pub, called it a “severe and shocking crime” and said staff have been left devastated.
The company is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the raiders.
The attack has left landlords in the area fearing they could be next.Linda Leigh, landlady at the George and Dragon on Church Street, Flint, said she would be stepping up security measures.
She said: “What happened is disgusting and it does make you think.
“I guess they’ve gone in there thinking they’ll get a lot of money but most pubs now, including us, bank daily and we never have much money on the premises.
“All pubs are struggling at the minute and something like this is just not on.”
One member of staff from a Flint pub, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s pretty worrying.
“It’s not the sort of trouble you expect around here, and the terrifying part is that there isn’t really anything you can do to prepare for it. I just hope it’s a one-off and not part of a new trend.”
Detectives want to hear from a group of customers who left the Coach and Horses just before the raid.
The three robbers were all wearing dark clothes and had most of their faces covered with clothing.
Anyone with information should call Mold CID on 0845 607 1002, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
BAR staff working at pubs in the Flint area have spoken of their fears following a terrifying armed robbery which left two people hospitalised.
Police are hunting a trio of armed raiders who burst into the Coach and Horses in Flint Mountain in the early hours of Monday, carrying baseball bats and a samurai sword.
A customer was tied up and threatened with the samurai sword, and the pub manager was beaten badly.
Stuart Bickerton-Starkey, director of Lovely Day Inns which owns the pub, called it a “severe and shocking crime” and said staff have been left devastated.
The company is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the raiders.
The attack has left landlords in the area fearing they could be next.Linda Leigh, landlady at the George and Dragon on Church Street, Flint, said she would be stepping up security measures.
She said: “What happened is disgusting and it does make you think.
“I guess they’ve gone in there thinking they’ll get a lot of money but most pubs now, including us, bank daily and we never have much money on the premises.
“All pubs are struggling at the minute and something like this is just not on.”
One member of staff from a Flint pub, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s pretty worrying.
“It’s not the sort of trouble you expect around here, and the terrifying part is that there isn’t really anything you can do to prepare for it. I just hope it’s a one-off and not part of a new trend.”
Detectives want to hear from a group of customers who left the Coach and Horses just before the raid.
The three robbers were all wearing dark clothes and had most of their faces covered with clothing.
Anyone with information should call Mold CID on 0845 607 1002, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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