STATUTORY AND OTHER POWERS EXERCISED BY GRESFORD COMMUNITY COUNCIL SINCE ITS INCEPTION ON 1st APRIL 1985 (in alphabetical order)
CEMETERY
In 2004 the Community Council took over responsibility for the management and future provision of services at Gresford Cemetery in an effort to contain running costs and maintain the high standards required for a cemetery in the 21st century. For more information please go to Cemetery
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING
Since 2008 the Community Council has provided a decorated Christmas tree near the Post Office. A Carol Service around the tree is also arranged.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL TAX
The 'Precept' is the term used for the portion of Council Tax which is payable to the Community Council by the County Council. This amount is determined by the Community Council annually through its planning and budget - setting process. It ensures that all expenses will be met and that there are reserves available.
CONSULTATIONS
The National Assembly of Wales, Central Government and their Agencies, Wrexham County Borough Council, the Environment Agency Cymru and Welsh Water seek the comments and observations on any changes or improvements they envisage.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The Community Council makes representations to Wrexham County Borough Council on any matters that detrimentally affect the local environment.
The Community Council encouraged by Wrexham County Borough Council set up an environment group in 2001 which later became known as IMAGE. It is now self-managed with the aim of improving the Community of Gresford. Village Improvements are once again being supported by IMAGE and the Community Council in an effort to bring about environmental and economic regeneration in the community, especially to the area around the shops. Additionally, the Council has supported the purchase of planters and bench by the notice board in Gresford. The Council also donated towards the renovation of the Victorian fountain opposite the Plough.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Donations are given annually to local organisations and national charitable institutions to assist with their expenses. In this way the Community Council assists in the running of Gresford Trust, IMAGE, Maes-y-Pant andGresford and District Community Library, For further information please go to Grant Applications
FOOTPATHS
The Community Council assists the Unitary Authority in identifying obstructions and keeping open the footpaths in the Community to further the national policy of `Right to Roam`
LAKE (otherwise identified as the Duck Pond)
This popular attraction is owned by the Community Council and maintained with the grateful assistance of the Lakeside Residents Association.
LIGHTING
The Council funds the provision of lighting to foot way standards throughout the Community and on public areas, for example by the Scout Hut. Gresford Trust Memorial Hall funds its own lighting. The Unitary Authority carries out the repairs and maintenance under an agreement with the Community Council and energy is provided by Scottishpower.
LITTER
Litter bins are provided in public areas at the Community Council`s expense and they are emptied by the Unitary Authority. Also support is given to the initiatives of the Keep Wales Tidy Group.
MISCELLANEOUS
Acting as a pressure group with other authorities, the Community Council makes representations to the Police and Health Authority and County Borough Council in an attempt to ensure that local services are not diminished and bring deficiencies to the attention of those service providers. The Police Community Service Officers make reports to the Clerk and attend Council Meetings on a monthly basis. They participate with the Council in other public meetings to raise awareness of crime and antisocial behaviour in the community
NOTICE BOARDS/WEBSITE
In an attempt to provide information to the public both locally and nationally the Council has provided one notice board near the old Post Office, one notice board at the top of Pant Lane, Marford and the Gresford Community Council Website.
PLANNING
Copies of all applications for development within the Community are received from the Planning Authority (Wrexham County Borough Council). These are discussed at Community Council meetings and representations are made to the Planning Authority, when necessary.
PLAY AREAS
Two children's play areas and recreation areas are provided and maintained by the Community Council. The fixed play equipment at both areas is designed to cater for the healthy development of children and consists of swings, roundabouts and climbing apparatus chosen to complement one area with the other. These are inspected regularly throughout the year and an annual report is received highlighting any required action.
PUBLIC BENCHES
Benches are provided and maintained at certain locations throughout the Community.
CEMETERY
In 2004 the Community Council took over responsibility for the management and future provision of services at Gresford Cemetery in an effort to contain running costs and maintain the high standards required for a cemetery in the 21st century. For more information please go to Cemetery
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING
Since 2008 the Community Council has provided a decorated Christmas tree near the Post Office. A Carol Service around the tree is also arranged.
COMMUNITY COUNCIL TAX
The 'Precept' is the term used for the portion of Council Tax which is payable to the Community Council by the County Council. This amount is determined by the Community Council annually through its planning and budget - setting process. It ensures that all expenses will be met and that there are reserves available.
CONSULTATIONS
The National Assembly of Wales, Central Government and their Agencies, Wrexham County Borough Council, the Environment Agency Cymru and Welsh Water seek the comments and observations on any changes or improvements they envisage.
ENVIRONMENTAL
The Community Council makes representations to Wrexham County Borough Council on any matters that detrimentally affect the local environment.
The Community Council encouraged by Wrexham County Borough Council set up an environment group in 2001 which later became known as IMAGE. It is now self-managed with the aim of improving the Community of Gresford. Village Improvements are once again being supported by IMAGE and the Community Council in an effort to bring about environmental and economic regeneration in the community, especially to the area around the shops. Additionally, the Council has supported the purchase of planters and bench by the notice board in Gresford. The Council also donated towards the renovation of the Victorian fountain opposite the Plough.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Donations are given annually to local organisations and national charitable institutions to assist with their expenses. In this way the Community Council assists in the running of Gresford Trust, IMAGE, Maes-y-Pant andGresford and District Community Library, For further information please go to Grant Applications
FOOTPATHS
The Community Council assists the Unitary Authority in identifying obstructions and keeping open the footpaths in the Community to further the national policy of `Right to Roam`
LAKE (otherwise identified as the Duck Pond)
This popular attraction is owned by the Community Council and maintained with the grateful assistance of the Lakeside Residents Association.
LIGHTING
The Council funds the provision of lighting to foot way standards throughout the Community and on public areas, for example by the Scout Hut. Gresford Trust Memorial Hall funds its own lighting. The Unitary Authority carries out the repairs and maintenance under an agreement with the Community Council and energy is provided by Scottishpower.
LITTER
Litter bins are provided in public areas at the Community Council`s expense and they are emptied by the Unitary Authority. Also support is given to the initiatives of the Keep Wales Tidy Group.
MISCELLANEOUS
Acting as a pressure group with other authorities, the Community Council makes representations to the Police and Health Authority and County Borough Council in an attempt to ensure that local services are not diminished and bring deficiencies to the attention of those service providers. The Police Community Service Officers make reports to the Clerk and attend Council Meetings on a monthly basis. They participate with the Council in other public meetings to raise awareness of crime and antisocial behaviour in the community
NOTICE BOARDS/WEBSITE
In an attempt to provide information to the public both locally and nationally the Council has provided one notice board near the old Post Office, one notice board at the top of Pant Lane, Marford and the Gresford Community Council Website.
PLANNING
Copies of all applications for development within the Community are received from the Planning Authority (Wrexham County Borough Council). These are discussed at Community Council meetings and representations are made to the Planning Authority, when necessary.
PLAY AREAS
Two children's play areas and recreation areas are provided and maintained by the Community Council. The fixed play equipment at both areas is designed to cater for the healthy development of children and consists of swings, roundabouts and climbing apparatus chosen to complement one area with the other. These are inspected regularly throughout the year and an annual report is received highlighting any required action.
PUBLIC BENCHES
Benches are provided and maintained at certain locations throughout the Community.