Body recovered in search for missing 17-year-old A body has today been recovered in the search for a missing 17-year-old near Chirk Castle. Specialist search and rescue teams carried out extensive searches in a lake near to the castle after it was reported the teenager entered the water yesterday afternoon. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and the coroner has been informed. Detective Chief Superintendent Sian Beck said: “My deepest thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones, who are being supported by specialist officers following this tragic incident.

Sad update this evening - police have confirmed a body has been found in the search for a missing teenager.

‘Specialist search and rescue teams’ part of emergency service response at Chirk Castle Emergency services are currently responding to an incident at Chirk Castle. Local police have issued a statement this lunchtime, "A 17-year-old male is believed to have entered water within the castle’s grounds yesterday afternoon and has not been seen since. "Specialist search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate the missing teenager". Detective Chief Superintendent Sian Beck said: “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, who are being supported by specially trained officers at this incredibly difficult time.

Detective Chief Superintendent Sian Beck said “We respectfully ask members of the public to avoid the Chirk Castle area while emergency services carry out their work"

Wales Green Party pledges to replace Council Tax and freeze rents in party manifesto The Wales Green Party have pledged to offer universal childcare for children aged nine months to four years and to scrap Council Tax if elected on May 7. Party leader Anthony Slaughter made the commitments during the launch of the party's manifesto in Port Talbot on Tuesday. Recent polling indicates that the party is on track to secure a presence in the Senedd for the first time when voters head to the polls next month. Further cost-of-living measures announced by the party yesterday, include: Introducing universal childcare for children aged nine months to four years…

Wales Green Party pledges to replace Council Tax and freeze rents in party manifesto

Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council defends repurposing Acton Community Centre for adult care services Cllr David Bithell says turning Acton Community Resource Centre into adult daycare facility is part of price of protecting libraries from budget cuts. v.1

Deputy Leader of Wrexham Council defends repurposing Acton Community Centre for adult care services

Cllr David Bithell says turning Acton Community Resource Centre into adult daycare facility is part of price of protecting libraries from budget cuts. v.1

“Policies within the LDP are now excluded from consideration in the determination of planning applications” in Wrexham Wrexham Council planning officers have warned that decision-making on planning applications will be "considerably more challenging for Officers and Members alike for the foreseeable future" following the withdrawal of the Local Development Plan. A report to the Planning Committee meeting next week sets out for the first time what policy framework now applies following the Welsh Government's direction to withdraw the LDP on 16 March 2026.

Wrexham planning officers have warned the committee that decision-making will be "considerably more challenging" following the LDP withdrawal. A new report sets out what planning rules now apply and why even the scrapped plan's evidence base can only be used selectively.

Forensic science course sees rising demand at Coleg Cambria A forensic science course launched in response to the “CSI effect” is continuing to gather momentum at Coleg Cambria, with increased demand, new facilities and students progressing to university. Introduced just three years ago, the Forensic and Criminal Investigation programme was developed to meet growing interest in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis and the criminal justice system. Interest has remained consistently high since launch, leading to additional classes, and strong retention and achievement rates.

A forensic science course launched in response to the “CSI effect” is seeing huge demand at Coleg Cambria

Chester Zoo leads mission to return rare antelope to Kenya in conservation first Experts from Chester Zoo are leading an international effort to return one of Africa’s rarest antelopes to Kenya, with four zoo-bred males set to be translocated in the coming weeks. Fewer than 50 mountain bongo are thought to remain in the wild. The animals, bred in European conservation zoos, will be moved to Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy to support breeding and long-term rewilding plans. The transfer marks the first time mountain bongos have been moved from European zoos back to Kenya as part of a coordinated conservation programme. The species, native to Kenya’s highland forests, has declined sharply due to habitat loss and poaching.

Chester Zoo leads mission to return rare antelope to Kenya in conservation first

Healthcare firm relocates to Wrexham HQ as it marks 20 years of growth A north-east Wales healthcare company has relocated to a new headquarters in Wrexham as it marks 20 years in business. Broughton-based Healthcare Matters has moved to Llay Industrial Estate, marking what it describes as a “new chapter” following significant growth. The family-run firm, which supplies equipment and services to the NHS, care providers and people at home, has doubled its turnover to £4.6 million and grown its workforce to 53 staff. Managing director Adam Spiby said the move reflects both the company’s expansion and its ambitions for the future. “Our growth has always been organic,” he said.

A north-east Wales healthcare company has relocated to a new headquarters in Wrexham as it marks 20 years in business.

Man charged following domestic assault in Wrexham A 44-year-old man has been charged following a domestic assault. Philip Purcell, of no fixed abode, is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and robbery following an incident in Wrexham on 3 April. He was remanded into custody to appear before Mold Magistrates Court on Monday 6 April. Purcell was further remanded into custody and will appear before Mold Crown Court on 8 May.

Man charged following domestic assault in Wrexham

Police appeal after fatal collision near Bangor-on-Dee A man has died following a collision between a motorcycle and a tractor near Bangor-on-Dee. Emergency services and the Wales Air Ambulance were called to the fatal collision on the 2.30pm on the B4526 on Monday, 6 April. Sadly the motorcyclist sadly died at the scene. The road was closed while investigations were carried out at the scene. Lead investigating officer, Sergeant Duncan Logan from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “I offer my deepest condolences to the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

Sadly the motorcyclist sadly died at the scene

Police dog helps find high-risk missing person in Wrexham A police dog has helped officers locate a high-risk missing person in Wrexham. PD Geordie assisted colleagues from Wrexham Town policing team during the search, successfully tracking and finding the individual last night. Police dogs are specially trained to follow human scent trails and are vital in locating missing or vulnerable people. North Wales Police said the person is now receiving the support they need.

Police dog helps find high-risk missing person in Wrexham

175,000 attend Wrexham Eisteddfod in “huge success” for the county The Wrexham Eisteddfod has been hailed a "huge success" after new figures revealed that 175,000 people visited the week-long event. Held in Isycoed in August 2025, it was Wrexham's first time hosting the major celebration of the Welsh language, heritage and culture since 2011. New figures released this month by Wrexham Council also show that the festival welcomed more Welsh speakers than ever before.

More than 175,000 people attended the Wrexham Eisteddfod last summer, new figures have revealed

North Wales police dog Bryn retires after seven years of service A North Wales Police detection dog has retired after seven years working alongside officers to find drugs, cash and firearms. PD Bryn served as a specialist Drugs, Cash and Firearms Detection Dog throughout his career with the force. North Wales Police announced his retirement and said he would be supported in his new life by Paws Off Duty, a charity that assists retired police dogs.

North Wales police dog Bryn retires after seven years of service

A North Wales Police detection dog has retired after seven years working alongside officers to find drugs, cash and firearms. PD Bryn served as a specialist Drugs, Cash and Firearms Detection Dog throughout his career with the force.…

Six seats, one vote: how Fflint Wrecsam works on 7 May A Cardiff University study published this week found that just 7% of Welsh adults could correctly name the voting system being used in next month's Senedd election - so what is going on? Anecdotally it appears there are many people confused over what has changed about the constituency we are now in, as in a few weeks they will cast a vote in an area that has never appeared on a ballot paper before , under rules that are new to everyone.

Where has Fflint Wrecsam come from? Do you know what you are voting for ?

Chris Barrie joins Llangollen and Corwen Railway for Wales Comic Con collaboration Red Dwarf star Chris Barrie swapped travelling through space for the Dee Valley over the weekend to mark the start of Wales Comic Con. The actor who brought Arnold J. Rimmer to life in the hit sci-fi series joined dozens of fans on Saturday morning for a special heritage journey along the Llangollen and Corwen Railway. During his visit, Chris spent time with the railway’s volunteer crews and even stepped onto the footplate, getting hands-on experience of life aboard a working steam locomotive. The visit marked the start to a new partnership between Llangollen and Corwen Railway and Wales Comic Con, bringing together heritage, popular culture and tourism in a unique and exciting way.

Chris Barrie joins Llangollen and Corwen Railway for Wales Comic Con collaboration

Plaid Cymru outlines bold plans to improve cancer treatment if elected in May Plaid Cymru’s health spokesperson has outlined his party’s ‘bold and ambitious’ plans to improve cancer treatment standards in the NHS in Wales, should the party form the next Welsh Government after the Welsh elections on 7 May. Mabon ap Gwynfor said the party will focus on prevention and enhance cancer screening and treatment ahead of the party's manifesto launch in Wrexham on 9 April. The latest data on cancer treatment on the NHS showed that 57% of people received their first definitive treatment within 62 days of first being suspected of having cancer, despite the target being 75%.

Plaid Cymru outlines bold plans to improve cancer treatment if elected in May

A view from Wrexham’s Member of Parliament Wrexham.com has invited local Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home – you can find them all here. In this month’s column, Andrew Ranger MP said: Since my election I have been working to ensure that young people have access to the opportunities they need, especially in terms of connectivity, skills and employment. Therefore, I am so pleased that Wrexham has been announced as one of the areas to benefit from a new UK Government funded Youth Hub to support employment opportunities for 16-24 year olds.

A view from Wrexham’s Member of Parliament

Two jailed for car thefts across North Wales and Cheshire Two men have been jailed after stealing cars from driveways across North Wales and Cheshire in a two-day spree that ended with high-speed police pursuits and crashes in the Midlands. Kyle Draper, 21, and Benjamin Evans, 20, both of no fixed address, were sentenced at Chester Crown Court on 2 April. Draper received 42 months in prison while Evans was sentenced to 45 months. Both had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to four burglaries, two thefts and dangerous driving. Cheshire Police launched an investigation after a series of burglaries on 2 and 3 February.

Two jailed for car thefts across North Wales and Cheshire

Welsh Wild Beauty goes global with major US spa appointment An esteemed spa specialist has swapped the US for North Wales to help drive the continued global growth of award-winning organic skincare collection Rhug Wild Beauty. Cami Krier has relocated from North America to join the Corwen-based company as Head of Sales and Brand Management, as it builds on rising demand across the UK, Europe, the United States and the Middle East.

Welsh Wild Beauty goes global with major US spa appointment

Local treasures and unique finds at Artisan Vintage Flea Market An Artisan Vintage Flea Market came to Tŷ Pawb on 14 March, a free-entry event running throughout the day. The market hosted a range of stalls, including vintage and pre-loved clothing, vinyls, local artists, and local products. The timing was perfect not only in catching Wrexham on a (mostly) sunny day, but also as it was the day before Mother’s Day, which provided a great opportunity to grab a unique gift.

Local treasures and unique finds at Artisan Vintage Flea Market

A view from Clwyd South’s Member of the Senedd Wrexham.com has invited local Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home – you can find them all here. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌‌‌​‍‌​​​‌​‌‌‍‌​​​‌‌​‌‍‌​​‌‌‌‌​‍‌​​‌‌‌​​‍‌​​‌​‌​​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​​‌‌‌​​‍‌‌​​‌‌​‌‍‌‌​​‌‌​​ In this month’s column Clwyd South’s Member of the Senedd, Ken Skates writes: Wrexham.com readers will no doubt have read and heard about the Hillsborough Law – officially the Public Office (Accountability) Bill – in recent months. A Labour pledge before the last UK General Election, the Hillsborough Law – named in honour of the 97 – places a new legal duty on public servants to stop cover-ups and ensure justice is delivered.

A view from Clwyd South’s Member of the Senedd

RSV vaccine cuts hospitalisation risk by 75% – and it is now available to the over-80s in Wales The RSV vaccine cuts the risk of hospitalisation from the virus by 75 per cent among older adults who receive it, according to a new study from Public Health Wales. The research, published in the Lancet Regional Health Europe Journal on 31 March, examined vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 75 to 79 during winter 2024-25. A separate finding from the same study period showed RSV-related hospital admissions fell by more than 13 per cent across the entire 75 to 79 age group between October 2024 and April 2025.

The research, published in the Lancet Regional Health Europe Journal on 31 March, examined vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 75 to 79 during winter 2024-25.

A separate finding from the same study period showed RSV-related hospital admissions fell by more than 13 per cent across the entire 75 to…

Council steps up efforts to improve Wrexham housing estates Wrexham Council is planning to recruit extra staff and step up clean-up efforts across its housing estates as part of a push to improve neighbourhoods. The authority says it will create four new estate maintenance roles to help keep communal areas tidy, carry out inspections and improve the overall look and feel of estates. The move forms part of wider plans to deliver “cleaner, greener and safer” communities, with council teams already working alongside environmental services to maintain grass cutting and general upkeep. Regular “environmental action days” are also held across the borough, giving tenants the chance to dispose of unwanted items and helping to clear communal spaces.

Council steps up efforts to improve Wrexham housing estates

State Pension and Pension Credit both rise 4.8% from today Pensioners in Wrexham will receive up to £575 more in State Pension payments this year after a 4.8% rise takes effect today. The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed the increase applies from 6 April 2026 under the Triple Lock guarantee, which raises the State Pension in line with the highest of inflation, earnings growth or 2.5%. The full rate of the new State Pension increases from £230.25 to £241.30 a week.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “I know global shocks, and the effects they have on our living costs, will be increasing anxiety for many households.

“This government will always protect our pensioners, and that’s why we are raising the full rate of new State Pension by up to £575…

“They set up fake websites, listings, emails, ads, social media posts and texts and even make phone calls, all designed to trick you into paying for a holiday, flight or other trip that simply doesn’t exist.

Most people in Wales cannot name their Senedd voting system Cardiff Uni study finds With only a few weeks until the Senedd election, most people in Wales do not know how their votes will be counted, a Cardiff University report has found. The study, funded by the Welsh Government via Creative Wales and led by Professor Stephen Cushion at Cardiff's School of Journalism, Media and Culture, combined an analysis of more than 3,000 social media posts and news items with a YouGov survey of 1,544 Welsh adults carried out in February 2026.

The survey also tested how well Welsh adults recognised their political leaders ahead of polling day.

First Minister Eluned Morgan was known by 62% of respondents. Rhun ap Iorwerth, leader of Plaid Cymru, was recognised by 47%. Darren Millar, the Welsh Conservative leader whose Clwyd West seat…

North Wales man encourages routine bowel screening after his own cancer diagnosis Residents across North Wales are being urged to take part in routine bowel screening after a man's cancer was detected early thanks to a home test. 58-year-old Richard Hobson, from Higher Kinnerton, was diagnosed with bowel cancer a week before Christmas 2025 after completing a routine screening test at home. After returning his test kit, Mr Hobson was invited for a colonoscopy, where doctors identified the cancer.

“I nearly put it off, but I’m so glad I didn’t. If sharing my story encourages even one person to do the test, it’s worth it,” he said.

Wrexham’s historic Butchers Market to undergo phased floor repairs months after multi-million pound refurb was completed Wrexham County Borough Council have started a "phased" programme of floor repairs at the Butchers Market on High Street, with works to be carried out during the market's non-trading hours over the coming weeks. The flooring issue was brought into the wider public back in October when concerns were raised in a public meeting about the safety of parts of the floor, several months later it appears work is taking place to hopefully sort the problems.

This appears a temp fix "Further work will be undertaken to lift and re-bed the historic floor slabs in this section and all works will be completed to a high standard."

Wrexham youngster impresses in national cycling competition A 10-year-old cyclist from Wrexham is being tipped for future success after impressing in national competition. Ethan, from Summerhill, recently finished ninth in the under-12 category at an event at Newport Velodrome, competing against riders up to two years older. The young rider, who trains with Wrexham Cycling Club, has been cycling since the age of two and now competes across multiple disciplines, including road racing, cyclocross, mountain biking and track. This is Ethan's second year competing internationally and in the summer he will head to the Netherlands to take part in the European Junior of Assen.

Wrexham youngster impresses in national cycling competition

Wrexham shop Creu hosts ‘Kindness Club’ collaging workshop A Wrexham creative shop has been running a monthly workshop series asking participants to make art intended for people they have never met, a cosy event of craft called the ‘Kindness Club’. Creu Shop is a female-led creative space selling handmade goods & hosting workshops. This recent workshop was the third of the monthly Kindness Club sessions. The first Kindness Club in January focused on creating postcards for strangers.

A Wrexham creative shop is running a monthly workshop asking participants to make art intended for people they have never met