Council to discuss ending charges for replacing blue recycling bags

An end to the ongoing row over Denbighshire County Council charging residents to replace worn-out blue recycling bags could come next week.

On Tuesday the council's powerful cabinet will discuss a proposal to change its policy on waste and recycling containers, which means:

• Allowing all residents to collect free replacements for blue cardboard bags and orange food caddies from selected locations - initially household waste recycling centres - and
• Allowing households on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme to order one free recycling container per year.  This applies to any recycling container, not just blue cardboard bags and orange food caddies. 

Cllr James Elson, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I have heard residents’ concerns about the blue cardboard recycling bags, and I recognise their frustration when they are charged for a replacement bags.  

"I know that people across Denbighshire want to support our county’s recycling efforts, so I want to help them by looking at practical options that make it easier and cheaper for households to keep doing their bit."

* To view the relevant Cabinet papers for the Waste and Recycling Container charges please visit here 

* Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins has used her social media to support the scrapping of the charges for blue bags.

She posts today: "People across Denbighshire are being charged to replace bags that simply aren't fit for purpose.

"I've heard from hundreds of residents who are fed up with it. Next week, the council has the chance to put this right.

"It's time to scrap these unfair replacement charges and stop penalising people for a problem they didn't create."

And she asks people to let her know if they have been affected by the charges.

Bryntysilio Centre gets go-ahead for £7 million refurbishment plan

* Above and below: Plans for Bryntysilio's £7 development. 

Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre has welcomed Denbighshire County Council's decision to grant planning permission for a £7 million refurbishment of its historic 12-acre site, paving the way for thousands more people to benefit from outdoor learning, wellbeing and community programmes.

The centre is an established provider of outdoor learning that currently welcomes more than 2,000 people each year, including pupils from over 50 schools and adults through a number of grant-funded projects. 

The redevelopment is expected to double the number of people able to benefit from Bryntysilio's programmes, while significantly increasing the charity's capacity, impact and long-term sustainability.

Dr Chris Eastabrook, Chief Officer, said: "We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to Denbighshire County Council Planning Team for their support.

"For nearly 60 years, Bryntysilio has helped all people build confidence, resilience and lifelong memories through outdoor learning. This decision allows us to safeguard our historic buildings for future generations while opening our doors to many more people.

"The redevelopment will enable us to welcome twice as many participants, expand our work with schools, and develop new community and adult development programmes. It represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both Bryntysilio and the wider community."

Initial modelling suggests the project could generate more than £1.1 million in additional annual economic activity once operational, supporting around 10 new jobs and creating further opportunities for local businesses that benefit from increased visitor numbers.

* A party using the Brynty Escarpment.

The charity also estimates that the additional outdoor learning and wellbeing opportunities enabled by the project could generate up to £1.8 million annually in social value, based on the HM Treasury Green Book approach to measuring wellbeing outcomes.

Outdoor education provides experiences that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere. Through challenge, teamwork and time spent in nature, all people develop confidence, resilience, independence and social skills.

Evidence summarised by the Institute for Outdoor Learning has linked outdoor learning with improved wellbeing, engagement, behaviour, attainment and social development.

Alongside its work with schools, Bryntysilio delivers funded programmes for adults that support wellbeing, employability, leadership development and community connection. These programmes help individuals build new skills and confidence while helping organisations develop stronger, more effective teams.

The centre also believes outdoor education plays an important role in fostering environmental stewardship by helping people build a meaningful connection with the natural world and Welsh culture and history

With planning permission now secured, Bryntysilio is launching the next phase of the project and seeking support from grant-makers, charitable trusts, businesses and individual donors to help deliver the £7 million redevelopment.

Dr Eastabrook added: “Planning approval is a major milestone, but it is also the starting point for what comes next. We are now seeking partners who share our belief that access to the outdoors can change lives.

"Whether through major grants, corporate partnerships or individual giving, we would love to hear from those who want to help create opportunities for future generations.”

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: “I have always recognised Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre as an important asset to our area, giving people the chance to experience and benefit from outdoor education and activities.

"I know it has been a lengthy process to reach this stage, and I appreciate the work and commitment involved in securing a sustainable future for the centre, enabling it to continue its important work for future generations.

"I am genuinely pleased to see this progress and look forward to seeing the centre move forward.”

Becky Gittins, MP for Clwyd East, said: “At a time when many young people are facing pressures on their wellbeing and confidence, access to opportunities like those provided by Bryntysilio has never been more important.

"For almost 60 years, the centre has helped people learn, grow and thrive through outdoor education.

"This redevelopment will secure that legacy for future generations while opening the door for thousands more people to benefit.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for our area, and I’m delighted to support it.”

* Taking the Brynty Plunge.

Llyr Gruffydd, MS for Clwyd, said: “As the Member of the Senedd for Clwyd, I welcome the proposed redevelopment of Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre as a significant investment in an invaluable community asset. For almost 60 years, the centre has provided young people with opportunities to build confidence, resilience and essential life skills through outdoor learning. 

"Expanding and enhancing these facilities is not only great news for the local area, but also for future generations across the region. By increasing access to high-quality outdoor education experiences, this redevelopment will help more young people benefit from opportunities that can have a lasting positive impact on their personal development, wellbeing and mental health.”

Darren Millar, MS for Clwyd, for Clwyd, said: "I fully support this development. The investment in the facilities at Bryntysilio is significant and will safeguard the centre's future for decades to come.

"Every young person should have the opportunity to benefit from the opportunities that outdoor education centres provide, so the increased capacity that this investment will bring is also most welcome."

Tom Montgomery, MS for Clwyd, said: "Bryntysilio has helped generations of young people build confidence, develop new skills and experience the benefits of learning outdoors. The proposed £7 million redevelopment is an exciting opportunity to secure the centre's future, increase access to its programmes and deliver significant educational, social and economic benefits. I am pleased to support this vision and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for years to come."

Remembrance service marks Armistice Day in the square

* Legion branch chair Mike Adams, left, with the Mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, in front of the two war memorials.

The Royal British Legion's Llangollen branch organised a short Service of Remembrance to mark Armistice Day, when the guns of the First World War fell silent on November 11, 1918, in Centenary Square this morning.

Taking its cue from the tolling of the eleventh hour on the Town Hall clock, the traditional two minutes' silence was observed, the RBL standard was lowered by its bearer and extracts from the poem For the Fallen and the Kohima Epitaph were read by branch chairman Mike Adams.

The Town Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam and Cllr Charlie Jones, were both present and a small gathered around the square to watch the moving ceremony take place.   

* The Legion branch standard is ceremonially lowered during the service as those on parade stand to attention.

Have your say on reviewing county's Active Travel map

Denbighshire County Council are reviewing its Active Travel Network Map as residents and invited to have their say.

Under the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, all local authorities in Wales must regularly review and improve their walking, wheeling and cycling routes. 

Denbighshire’s current maps were approved by the Welsh Government in August 2022 and are due to be updated to reflect the changes and improvements that have been made over the past three years.

Active Travel is the name given for every day, short distance journeys that people make on foot or by cycle such as to work, school, college or to reach the shops and other facilities.

Denbighshire County Council have reviewed the Active Travel Network Map to include existing routes that meet Welsh Government standards as well as future routes that may need improvements to meet the required standards.

The maps have been prepared for consultation and residents are invited to have their say before the deadline on Friday November 27. The revised maps will then be sent to Welsh Government in December. 

Engagement events have also been organised for residents to view the Active Travel Network Maps, with sessions organised across the county, including one at Llangollen Library this Friday, November 13, from 10am to 12pm.

Councillor James Elson, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “When the Welsh Government originally introduced the Active Travel (Wales) Act in 2013, this legislation made it a legal requirement for councils in Wales to promote and develop a network of Active Travel routes within their area. Since then, the council has built new infrastructure, improved existing Active Travel routes and provided new facilities to benefit pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists.

 “We want to provide Denbighshire with a network that allows for walking, wheeling and cycling to become the most natural and normal way of getting about for local journeys. And, by doing so, promote the health and well-being of everyone and to make our towns and villages more livable places”.

* To have your say on Denbighshire’s Active Travel Network Map update click here.

Special date for Llangollen Parkrun

                       

Llangollen Parkrun is one of seven in Wales hosting Diabetes UK at its event on Saturday November 14.

The aim is to encourage diabetics and people with pre-diabetes to discover the benefits of exercise on managing their health.

Information about diabetes diagnosis and management will be on hand and there will also be the opportunity to talk to a Diabetes UK spokesperson.

You can get a Parkrun barcode by visiting https://www.parkrun.org.uk but you can still attend without registering.

For the local parkrun meet at the staff carpark of Llangollen Health Centre by 8.45am latest to benefit from the first-timers briefing. You can park in town or at Mill Street car park and walk the short distance to the start.

Railway launches £50,000 campaign to help it stay on track

Just weeks after bringing its 50th anniversary celebrations to a close, Llangollen and Corwen Railway has launched an ambitious new fundraising campaign to help protect itself for the next half-century.

The Rescue the Rails campaign has an initial target of £50,000 to help recover and transport miles of railway track, sleepers, buffer stops and other valuable infrastructure generously donated by Tata Chemicals from its former industrial railway site at Winnington, near Northwich.

Although the materials are being donated completely free of charge, the railway must fund the specialist contractors, lifting equipment and transport required to bring them to North Wales. 

The materials will provide a valuable resource for future track maintenance and renewals, potentially saving the railway substantial sums over the coming decades.

Trust Manager David Hennigan said: "At the end of October, we brought our 50th anniversary year to a close, celebrating five decades of incredible achievements by our volunteers.

"Now it's time to look ahead. Rescue the Rails is quite literally about investing in the next 50 years of our heritage railway.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Every pound donated could bring many pounds more in value back to our Railway. Our volunteers rebuilt this wonderful railway, and now we have the chance to protect it for future generations.

"Please help us reach our £50,000 target and secure our Railway's future."

The first sections of donated railway track have already arrived at Llangollen, with further recovery operations now being planned.

* The railway's Tim Pulford and Pete Evans witness the track being lifted in Northwich with Peter Simpson and Pauline Yould from Tata Chemicals, Europe

Heritage Engineering Manager Tim Pulford said: "From an engineering perspective, this is an extraordinary opportunity. Maintaining ten miles of heritage railway is expensive, and these materials could save us a significant amount of money on future track repairs and renewals.

"The infrastructure is being donated free of charge, but we need funds to recover and transport it. Every recovery trip could bring back materials worth many times what it costs to collect them.

"This is about giving our engineering teams the resources they need to maintain the Railway for decades to come."

The railway hopes the campaign will attract support from railway enthusiasts, local businesses, community organisations and everyone who values the preservation of Britain's railway heritage.

David added: "Our first 50 years were about rebuilding our Railway. This campaign is about protecting it for the next 50.

"We are enormously grateful to Tata Chemicals for their generosity. Now we need the public's help to bring this incredible gift home."

Three Ways to Donate

Supporters can contribute towards the initial £50,000 fundraising target in three ways:

1. Donate Online

Donations can be made securely through the Railway's dedicated fundraising page:

https://llangollenrailway.enthuse.com/cf/rescue-the-rails

2. Donate by Telephone

Call 01978 860979 to make a donation. For further payment options or more information, please contact Paul Bailey on 07745 223 946.

3. Donate by Cheque

Please make cheques payable to Llangollen and Corwen Railway and send them to:

Rescue the Rails
5 Abbey Road
Llangollen
LL20 8SN

For More Information:

For further details about the Rescue the Rails campaign, the extraordinary donation from Tata Chemicals and how you can help secure the next 50 years of Llangollen and Corwen Railway, please visit:

https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/news/rescue-the-rails-help-secure-our-railways-future/ or call Paul Bailey on 07745 223 946.

Llangollen's Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever is back!

* The red-clad throng in action at last summer's Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever. 

Llangollen's Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever will be back at Plas Newydd next summer.

And the woman heading the team which organised this year's big Kate Bush bash, raising £2,600 for charity into the bargain, promises it's going to be even bigger and better second time around.

Despite being told by doctors that she is terminally ill, Moira Gleed still took on the massive challenge of putting together the hugely successful dance fest last June.

On the day 230 red-clad Cathy Earnshaws from all parts of Britain - including the area's MP Becky Gittins - went through their stylish paces in Llangollen's first ever mass recreation of the famous Kate Bush 1978 dance sequence inspired by the 1939 classic film Wuthering Heights.

Moira had begun planning the colourful spectacle the previous October when her imagination was fired by a WhatsApp film she saw of a Wuthering day elsewhere in the country and she decided that Llangollen really ought to host its own version.

* Organiser Moira Gleed, right, enjoying the day 

with Llangollen's deputy mayor, Cllr Charlie Jones.

She gathered around her a hard-working bunch of volunteers who helped her make it a memorable success, with all money raised going to Welsh Women's Aid.

Advertising of the event began on social media early in the year and within just 11 days the entire stock of tickets was sold out.

Now, in a post on the Llangollen Wuthering Facebook page, Moira joyfully announces that she and the team are going to repeat the experience in 2027. 

Moira says: "It's been some time since we've been in touch but we wanted you to be the first to know we're going to do it again. So, have you got next year's diary handy and your red frocks?

"If so, mark down Saturday 19th June 2027 with Plas Newydd, Llangollen as the place to be.

"We're going to do it again but this time it'll be even bigger and better! Just wanted you all to know that the committee will start planning in the New Year. Tickets will be available in the spring."

Before joining the dancers herself last June Becky Gittins MP announced that Moira and her daughter Rowena, who helped her with the event organisation, had been jointly awarded her Community Champion of the Month award for that month.

And in her new post Moira adds: "Rowena and I've been invited to the Houses of Parliament by our local MP Becky Gittins on the 7th December to celebrate the work and events done in our neighbourhoods by Community Champions. We're delighted to accept on everyone's behalf because we couldn't have done it without everyone's help."

* Local MP Becky Gittins joins the dancers.