Whiteman signs for Wrexham – “I think any Championship player at this moment in time wants to join this Football Club”

Wrexham AFC say they are "delighted" to announce the signing of midfielder Ben Whiteman from Preston North End for an undisclosed fee. Whiteman, who becomes the men’s first team’s second signing of the summer, has signed a three-year contract with an option for a further year, keeping him in North Wales until at least 2029. The 30-year-old has been a mainstay at Preston North End during his five-and-a-half year stay at Deepdale, making more than 220 appearances for the club in all competitions, since joining from Doncaster Rovers in January 2021.

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Ruabon man jailed after shoplifting spree

A 30-year-old Wrexham man has been jailed following a shoplifting spree. Callum Goult of Maelor Place, Ruabon was charged with eight counts of theft from a shop on Monday August 3. He admitted all eight offences where he had attempted to steal multiple bottles of wine from four separate shops in the Ruabon area between 31 July and 3 August. Goult was remanded into custody to appear before Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday, (4 August, where he was jailed for eight weeks. Sergeant Gwen Jones said: “Shoplifting and retail theft is regarded as a victimless crime but is detrimental to local businesses.

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‘Major breakthrough’ after five highly endangered chicks hatch at Chester Zoo

Five secretarybird chicks have hatched at Chester Zoo in a landmark breeding breakthrough that experts hope will help secure the future of the endangered species. The chicks hatched to parents John and Jolene, who arrived at the zoo as part of coordinated international efforts to safeguard the future of one of Africa’s rarest birds of prey. It is the first time the birds have bred at the zoo in its 95-year history, marking what has been described as a 'major breakthrough' for the species. Chester Zoo is one of only a handful of UK zoos caring for secretarybirds.

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402-space multi-storey car park proposed for Ipsen site

A pharmaceutical giant has unveiled plans to build a seven storey multi-storey car park at its site on the Wrexham Industrial Estate. Ipsen Biopharm Ltd has applied to Wrexham Council for permission to build the facility, which would provide 402 parking spaces, at its site on Ash Road. Planning documents submitted by Lovelock Mitchell Architects, on behalf of Ipsen, say the development would provide a "robust, efficient and future-proofed parking solution" to meet the company's future operational needs. If approved, the planning agents said the development will provide a consolidated parking facility for staff, replacing the existing parking on the site.

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Wrexham mayor aims to train 1,000 people in first aid

The mayor of Wrexham has pledged to help train 1,000 people in first aid during his year in office. Councillor Jeremy Kent, who was appointed to the role in May, plans to deliver the training sessions alongside his mayoral duties and fundraising for his chosen charities, Andy's Man Club and WeMindtheGap. As well as serving as mayor and representing Gresford on Wrexham Council, Cllr Kent is a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer in the Air Cadets, where he has spent years training young people a range of practical skills, including first aid.

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Wrexham Bean Co wins prestigious Great Taste Award

An independent Wrexham coffee roastery has won a prestigious Great Taste award for one of its signature blends. Wrexham Bean Co's Decaf Columbia was named a winner in this year's judging. Founded in 2022 by family members Richard Priamo and James Roche, the company is the city’s first speciality coffee roastery, supplying a growing number of hotels, cafés, restaurants, pubs and independent shops, across North Wales and beyond. Rich Priamo, Co-Founder of Wrexham Bean, said: “When we first started out, James and I spent months learning everything we could about coffee and teaching ourselves to roast.

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Young people put Senedd Members in the hot seat at Senedd yr Ifainc Wrecsam

Young people from across Wrexham had the chance to quiz three Fflint Wrecsam Members of the Senedd on issues ranging from mental health and education to community safety during a meeting of Senedd yr Ifainc Wrecsam. Cristiana Emsley MS (Reform UK) and Marc Jones MS and Carrie Harper MS (Plaid Cymru) attended the youth parliament's latest session at the Guildhall, where members presented their work before questioning the panel on issues that matter to young people across Wrexham. Senedd yr Ifainc Wrecsam is made up of volunteers aged between 11 and 25 who have a connection to the county borough.

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People in Wales urged to register as organ donors amid falling family consent

People in Wales are being urged to register their decision to become organ donors as NHS Blood and Transplant launches a campaign to boost the number of people on the NHS Organ Donor Register. The organisation is calling on people to be "One in a Million" by registering their decision, with the aim of increasing the number of people on the register from 29 million to 30 million by the end of the year. New figures published today (August 5) show that family consent or authorisation for organ donation across the UK has dropped from 69% in 2020/21 to just 57% in 2025/26 - a drop of almost a fifth in five year.

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Missing person appeal launched by Wrexham police

"Have you seen Nicola?" is what Wrexham Town policing team are asking this evening. Local police issued the above picture, saying "We are appealing for help to locate her following growing concerns for her welfare after she was reported missing from home yesterday. Nicola, also known as Nicky, is believed to be around Wrexham city area. It is not known what clothing she is currently wearing. Police said, "Anyone who has seen Nicola is asked to contact officers at the earliest opportunity on 101, or via the website quoting reference number O126745."

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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: My next Voice of Wrexham event on the topic of the High Street will take place on Saturday 8th August 11am-12.15pm. This is a topic which I know people have strong opinions about, that I have discussed on the doorstep and received through casework.

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Wales records driest and joint hottest July on record

Wales has recorded its driest and joint hottest July on record, according to provisional Met Office figures. A combination of prolonged heat and exceptionally low rainfall saw both Wales and England experience record-breaking weather throughout the month. Wales experienced its joint warmest July on record with a mean temperature of 17.8C, joining 2006 and 1983. The UK also experienced its second warmest July on record after England and Northern Ireland also recorded their second warmest July. July was the sixth consecutive month in 2026 to record above-average mean temperatures, with only January 2026 so far experiencing mean temperatures below average.

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Growing concerns for the whereabouts of missing woman

Police are appealing for information amid growing concerns for the whereabouts of a missing woman. NWP Wrexham Town said Nicola, also known as Nicky, was reported missing from her home on Monday, 3 August. She is believed to be around the Wrexham city area. NWP Wrexham Town said is not known what clothing Nicky is currently wearing. Anyone who has seen Nicola is asked to contact officers at the earliest opportunity on 101, or via the website quoting reference number O126745.

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Wrexham steps up fly-tipping crackdown with nine surveillance cameras

Nine surveillance cameras will be deployed across Wrexham in a bid to tackle fly-tipping, as the council steps up enforcement against illegal waste dumping. Wrexham Council has secured three mains-powered cameras and six battery-operated units, four of which were provided through the Fly-tipping Action Wales initiative. The devices will be used to expand monitoring at locations where fly-tipping has been identified as a problem, helping officers gather evidence, identify offender and support enforcement action. The local authority has previously come under fire after it was revealed in 2023 that just one camera had been deployed…

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Wrexham Playday returns with free family fun in city centre

Hundreds of families are expected to head into Wrexham city centre this week as National Playday returns with a packed programme of free activities. To mark National Playday on Wednesday, 5 August, Llwyn Isaf and Queen's Square will be transformed into a giant play area, with organisations from across Wrexham offering everything from a giant sandpit and junk play to a range of family-friendly activities. Taking place between midday and 4pm, the event is free to attend and is open to people of all ages from babies to grandparents. Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education said: “Wrexham Playday aims to highlight the importance of children’s right to play, encouraging people to recognise the value of playing for children, their families and their local community.

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Nine water deaths prompt North Wales emergency safety summit

North Wales Police has brought emergency services and rescue organisations together after nine recent water-related deaths in the region. A meeting at the force's headquarters in Colwyn Bay on Thursday saw police, local authority emergency planners, HM Coastguard, the RNLI and Mountain Rescue discuss ways to strengthen water safety and prevent further tragedies. Chief Superintendent Owain Llewellyn, chair of the Outdoor Safety Partnership, said the deaths had been deeply concerning and that the thoughts of those involved were with the families, friends and communities affected. He said: "While many organisations are already working hard to promote water safety, by bringing partners together we can strengthen our collective approach.

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Wrexham rock band Rogue Angels set to release new EP

A Wrexham rock band is preparing to release a new EP as it continues to build a following in the local and UK-wide independent music scene. Rogue Angels will release its five-track EP, Right Side of Midnight, on 14 August 2026, with the record available across all major streaming platforms as well as a limited CD run. The EP features five original tracks and marks the latest release from the band, which evolved from former Wrexham outfit Gung Ho. The five-piece consists of vocalist Mikey "Dream" Clorley-Jones, guitarists Ian Edwards and Joe Evans, bassist Dominic Gallagher and drummer Darren Collins.

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Farmers urged to stay alert as Bluetongue cases continue to rise

Farmers and livestock keepers across Wales are being urged to remain vigilant as cases of Bluetongue continue to rise on both sides of the border. The Welsh Government has renewed its call for farmers to check for signs of the disease and consider vaccinating their animals as more cases of the BTV-3 strain are confirmed in Wales and England. Since the all-Wales Restricted Zone was introduced in November 2025, livestock have been able to move freely between England and Wales. However with the number of cases of Bluetongue growing on both sides of the border, keepers are being urged to protect their herds and flocks by checking the Bluetongue status of any replacement animals before buying them to help reduce the risk of bringing the disease on their farm.

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Five convicted following child sexual exploitation investigation

Five people have today been convicted at Caernarfon Crown Court following a major child sexual exploitation investigation led by North Wales Police. The convictions relate to the exploitation and abuse of three teenage girls in Rhyl and the surrounding area between April 2022 and March 2024. The victims’ ages ranged between 14 and 16 at the time of the offences, which occurred in cars, residential addresses, and at business premises in the Denbighshire area. During a three-month trial, the court heard evidence of rape, sexual assault, child sexual exploitation, modern day slavery offences, drug supply, and attempts to obstruct justice.

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Wrexham man charged with multiple offences including burglary and theft

A 26-year-old Wrexham man has been charged with multiple offences. NWP Wrexham Rural said Patrick Hadley, of Bodlyn, Plas Madoc is charged with burglary and theft, two counts of burglary with intent to steal and attempt burglary with intent to steal. The incidents took place at addresses in Gwersyllt on 31 July. He is also charged with three counts of vehicle interference, taking a vehicle without consent, criminal damage and other motoring offences. Hadley was remanded into custody to appear before Wrexham Magistrates Court today, 3 August. He was further remanded into custody to appear before Mold Crown Court on 4 September.

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Plas Madoc man charged with burglary

A 31-year-old Wrexham man has been charged with burglary. Police say that Harry Williams of Gwynant, Plas Madoc, is charged in connection with a burglary at an address in Rhos on 27 July. He is also charged in connection with a vehicle that was taken without consent in Rhos on 30 July, one count of shoplifting, criminal damage and assault by beating following an incident on 31 July. Williams was remanded into custody to appear before Mold Magistrates Court on 1 August. He was further remanded into custody to appear before Mold Crown Court on 4 September.

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The Rofft school praised by Estyn after glowing inspection

Staff and pupils at a Wrexham primary school are celebrating after receiving a glowing inspection report from Estyn. The Rofft C.P. School, in Marford, was described as providing a welcoming and supportive environment, where pupils feel happy and safe by His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, following its visit in May. Inspectors said the 217-pupil school, provides a "broad and engaging curriculum, that motivates pupils successfully" with "interesting lessons that provide a stimulating level of challenge." A report released post-inspection continues onto say: "Leaders and staff have designed a broad and balanced curriculum that provides an engaging range of learning experiences that motivate pupils successfully.

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Councillor accuses Wrexham Council of holding up Kop use green light over matchday parking solutions

A Wrexham councillor has called on the council to take "proactive action" over matchday parking near the Racecourse Ground, after he said officers had told him a residents parking scheme for the area would be "extremely difficult" to introduce. Cllr Phil Wynn, who represents Brynffynnon, spoke to Wrexham.com as construction continues on Wrexham AFC's new Kop Stand. The Kop has planning approved, however to use the extra capacity beyond the 5,500 seats will require a live application to be boxed off and fully approved. According to Cllr Wynn, the comments from council officers state that formalising a parking scheme near the ground would involve costs for road markings and "possibly further TRO's" (Traffic Regulation Orders), and describe such an order as "extremely difficult" to draft, sign and enforce.

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Union calls on Wrexham Council to reveal cost of four-day office week

With workers already balloting for strike action, UNISON says Wrexham Council is refusing to reveal how much it has spent on refurbishing offices to accommodate more staff. v.1

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Chester Zoo breeding programme returns near extinct snails to Desertas islands

Chester Zoo has returned 300 snails to a cliff face in the Atlantic, all of them descended from 21 survivors found clinging to life beneath a single rock. The snails, Geomitra coronula, were put back on Bugio in the Desertas islands off Madeira, alongside 270 of a second species bred at ZooParc de Beauval in France. At just 8mm, Tamas Papp, assistant team manager for invertebrates at Chester Zoo, described it as the trickiest reintroduction the zoo has done. "We had a short window due to rough weather, and there’s no jetty on the island," said Tamas, who carried the 300 snails to the island himself.

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Deaf & Sensory Network celebrates 50 years of supporting communities

A charity supporting Deaf people and those living with sensory loss across Cheshire and North East Wales has celebrated its 50th anniversary. Deaf & Sensory Network (DSN) marked the milestone with a celebration at Abbeywood Estate in Northwich, bringing together service users, volunteers, staff, partners and civic leaders to reflect on five decades of supporting Deaf, deafblind and people living with hearing loss and sensory impairment. Guests were able to explore information stands, learn more about the charity's services and community projects, and hear about its work over the past 50 years and its plans for the future.

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New litter-picking hub unveiled in Wrexham to encourage community clean-up efforts

A new litter-picking hub has been unveiled at Wrexham's STōK Cae Ras to encourage more people to help keep their communities clean. The hub, which was launched ahead of the recent UEFA European Under-19 Championship final, will remain at the stadium after the tournament, giving local clubs, volunteers and community groups free access to litter-picking equipment. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, joined Keep Wales Tidy volunteers at a community litter pick to mark the launch. The Wrexham hub is one of four new facilities in North Wales, joining more than 200 Welsh Government-funded litter-picking hubs already operating across Wales.

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Wrexham police step up action to tackle violence against women and girls in Wrexham

North Wales Police say improving the safety of women and girls in Wrexham city centre will remain a key priority throughout the summer. Officers are continuing to expand Operation Virtue, a partnership with Wrexham Council and other organisations aimed at preventing violence against women and girls through education, crime prevention and public awareness. The initiative encourages people to challenge misogynistic behaviour, take a zero-tolerance approach to harassment and help create an environment where women feel safe when visiting, working and socialising in the city centre. It also aims to empower women to report all incidents, increase public awareness and challenging harmful attitudes.

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Man and his dog complete 870-mile walk in memory of wife

A retiree from North Wales and his loyal four-legged friend have completed an epic 870-mile fundraising challenge in aid of the hospice that care for his late wife, Debbie. Paul Jones and his cocker spaniel, Bobby, set off from Chepstow in May to begin their journey walking the length and breadth of the Wales Coast Path. The challenge, which he completed on Saturday, July 18, was undertaken as a tribute to Debbie, Paul’s wife, who received care and support from Nightingale House Hospice before her death ten years ago. "After a very busy working life and then my retirement last Christmas, people would ask me, 'Well, what are you going to do with yourself?" explained Paul.

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Chester Zoo launches 5,000 mile challenge to raise £10,000 for tiger conservation

Chester Zoo has launched a month long fundraising challenge for tiger conservation, asking supporters to cover 5,000 miles between them and raise £10,000. Earn Your Stripes was announced on Wednesday to mark International Tiger Day, and runs from 29 September to 29 October. The zoo says it is the first appeal of its kind the charity has run. Participants set their own distance goal rather than a fixed one, with every individual total counting towards the 5,000 miles. Distances can be covered on foot, by bicycle, in a wheelchair or on a rowing machine, or through another activity such as dancing or swimming adapted to represent the distance.

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MS urges public to respond to Penley Hospital consultation

A Fflint Wrecsam MS is urging residents to have their say on the future of Penley Hospital as a public consultation gets under way. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is consulting on three options for the hospital after inpatient beds were temporarily closed in December 2024 because of staffing challenges and concerns over the long-term sustainability of the service. An NHS Health and Wellbeing Hub is one option being considered for the site, along with converting it into a Community Health and Wellbeing Hub or using it for community services.

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