Police agree to meeting over bank holiday anti-social behaviour

* Just some of the rubbish left behind on the bridge on bank holiday Monday.

After being made aware of local concerns about the upsurge of anti-social behaviour which hit Llangollen on bank holiday Monday, North Wales Police have agreed to a top-level meeting to discuss possible future solutions.

Police have come under fire for their lack of presence on the streets when a large group of people, some of them drinking, gathered on the bridge to cheer on youths jumping from the parapet down into the river then leaving behind a large amount of litter and rubbish.

At the other end of town narrow country lanes in the area became blocked by scores of illegally parked vehicles around the Horseshoe Falls, again with no police on hand. 

This week, on behalf of town councillors, town clerk Gareth Thomas wrote to the police suggesting that these problems, plus others he mentioned from the bank holiday, needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency.

He has now received a reply from Denbighshire and Conwy inspector Joseph Dunn who agrees that a meeting of stakeholders should take place.

Insp Dunn says: "I am grateful that you have taken the time to bring these matters to our attention and to provide specific examples of the issues being experienced by residents, businesses and visitors. 

"The incidents you describe, including disorder associated with street drinking, nuisance vehicle-related activity within residential areas, and the concerning behaviour directed towards rafting groups at Riverside Park, are clearly matters that can have a significant impact on public confidence, community wellbeing and perceptions of safety.

"I am aware that Llangollen experiences unique challenges as a busy and popular visitor destination, and it is important that we continue to balance the needs of residents, local businesses and visitors whilst ensuring that unacceptable behaviour is addressed appropriately, and by the correct agency. 

"My officers will continue to assess reports received and work with partners to identify opportunities to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour where it occurs. We have had great success with this across the district previously.

"I welcome your suggestion of bringing relevant organisations together to discuss the concerns that have been raised. 

"Given the range of issues identified, many of which involve a number of agencies and stakeholders, I believe it would be beneficial to initially convene a meeting of key partners to review the concerns in more detail, share information and develop a coordinated response where appropriate.

"This approach will allow us to better understand the nature and extent of the issues being experienced, identify where responsibility for each particular matters sits, and consider what practical measures may be available to individual organisations and us as a collective group before engaging more widely with the community."

And referring to a public meeting, he adds: "Following those discussions, I would be happy to consider further engagement with residents, businesses and community representatives to discuss the issues, outline any proposed actions and gather additional feedback.

"Thank you again for raising these concerns. I look forward to working with the Town Council and our partners to address the issues identified and support the continued safety and wellbeing of the town, residents and visitors." 

Llangollen's new town mayor, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, who strongly supported arranging talks with the police, said: "This is an issue which caused so much concern in the town that it clearly required discussions with the police at a high level. I am therefore delighted to see that the inspector has agreed to an early meeting when solutions can hopefully be found."    

Unique event honours the life of Victorian railway pioneer

* Father lee Taylor leads the graveside service marking the 150th anniversary of the death of Charles Beyer who is buried in the churchyard at Llantysilio.  

The centuries-old link between one of the most picturesque parts of Llangollen and the engineering hothouse of Victorian Manchester was celebrated with a special event today (Tuesday).

On the 150th anniversary of his death groups associated with both worlds gathered to celebrate the rich life of the man who tied together these diverse areas of North Wales and North West England and to mark his momentous achievements.

Llangollen residents, railway enthusiasts and historians honoured pioneering railway engineer Charles Beyer by taking part in a unique programme combining heritage, history and a traditional steam train journey through the Dee Valley.

The event also formed part of wider recognition linked to LGBT+ History Month 2026, highlighting lesser-known aspects of his life alongside his major contribution to the early railways.

* Charles Beyer's portrait by Carl Friedrich Schmid (1870)

The commemoration began with the first part of a church service at St Collen’s Church in Llangollen at 10am which was paused to allow attendees to travel by steam train from Llangollen station to Berwyn whose station is close to where Beyer lived at Llantysilio Hall and is buried at the nearby church.

For the occasion, a special Charles Beyer headboard was commissioned for the steam locomotive, created in partnership with the East Lancashire Railway.

On arrival at Berwyn, a commemorative plaque was unveiled, commissioned by the Institution of Civil Engineers, recognising Charles Beyer’s significant contribution to the profession. 

Participants then processed across the Chain Bridge to Llantysilio Church, where the service resumed. Both services will be led by Father Lee Taylor, Vicar-in-Charge, and concluded with a graveside tribute.

* Guests gather at Llangollen Station with the name-plated engine which took them to Berwyn and back.

The event continued with a reception at Llantysilio Hall, including tours and short speeches, before the return journey to Llangollen.

As part of the wider programme of commemorations, a further event will take place on Sunday June 14 at Brookfield Church in the Gorton district of Manchester where Beyer and his business partner Richard Peacock built their massive engineering factory - Beyer, Peacock and Company - which once supplied the world with steam locomotives.

Born in 1813 in Saxony, Beyer moved to England as a young man and established his career in Manchester, becoming a leading figure in locomotive design during the industrial revolution. He later settled near Llangollen and rebuilt Llantysilio Hall, where he died on June 2 1876. 

Beyer also had a lasting connection to Manchester’s social and sporting history. As a major benefactor, he helped fund the construction of St Mark’s Church, one of three he supported in the area. This church later became the birthplace of Manchester City FC, originally founded there in 1880 as St Mark’s, Gorton.

The event forms part of a wider programme of commemorations taking place across the UK, with further events planned at heritage railways and museums connected to Beyer’s life and work.

* The steam engine bearing the specially-commissioned Charles Beyer nameplate.

* Steve Jones of the Institution of Civil Engineers unveils the Beyer commemorative plaque at Berwyn Station. Below is the plaque itself.

* A spray of flowers placed on the grave after the service.

* Llantysilio Hall where Charles Beyer once lived. 

* Llangollen and Corwen Railway trust manager Dave Hennigan reads the lesson during the first part of the service at St Collen's Church. 

Garden railway festival to have some country's finest layouts

* The Crovan's Gate layout will take pride of place at Llangollen Garden Railway Festival.

With less than a week to go until one of the UK's biggest garden railway festivals returns to Llangollen, organisers have announced that visitors will also be able to enjoy one of Britain's most acclaimed Thomas the Tank Engine-inspired model railway layouts as part of a new partnership with the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

Llangollen Garden Railway Festival returns to Llangollen Pavilion on Saturday, June 6, bringing together some of the finest large-scale model railway layouts in the country, more than 50 leading retailers and traders, and thousands of enthusiasts from across the UK.

 

Since being launched by Llangollen-based enthusiast Keith Potts in 2021, the event has grown rapidly to become one of the premier events in the garden railway calendar, attracting visitors from across Britain and beyond.

 

A major new attraction for 2026 is a partnership with the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, which will see visitors encouraged to enjoy both attractions during the weekend. As part of the collaboration, festival-goers will receive £3 off travel on the heritage railway on June 6 and 7, while a number of joint activities are planned.

 

One of the highlights of the partnership will be the appearance of ‘Crovan's Gate’ at Llangollen Railway Station. Created by railway modeller Terry Newhouse, the acclaimed layout is based on the world created by the Rev. W. Awdry in the Railway Series books that inspired Thomas the Tank Engine.

 

Widely regarded as one of the UK's finest Thomas-inspired model railway layouts, Crovan's Gate recreates the point where the narrow gauge Skarloey Railway meets the standard gauge railway network on the fictional Island of Sodor. 

The highly detailed model includes the narrow gauge engine shed and exchange wharf and has earned praise throughout the railway modelling community for its craftsmanship and authenticity.

 

Keith Potts, organiser of the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival, said: "Our Garden Railway Festival continues to grow in popularity, and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Llangollen next week. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Llangollen and Corwen Railway this year. It means visitors can make a full weekend of it, enjoying both the Garden Railway Festival and a trip on one of the country's most scenic heritage railways.

 

"The addition of Crovan's Gate is particularly exciting. Thomas the Tank Engine has inspired generations of railway enthusiasts and modellers, and this is one of the most admired layouts in the country. It will be a fantastic addition to the festival weekend."

 

David Hennigan, Trust Manager of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: "It makes perfect sense for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway and the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival to work positively together. We share the same enthusiasm for railways and for bringing visitors to the town. 

"The festival has established itself as one of the UK's leading events for garden railway enthusiasts and we're proud to be supporting it. By working together, we can offer visitors an even bigger railway experience, combining outstanding model railway displays with a journey on one of Britain's most scenic heritage railways.

 

"We are running steam and diesel trains all day Saturday and look forward to welcoming garden railway enthusiasts to our railway, while also encouraging our passengers to visit the festival at the Pavilion."

 

The festival takes place at Llangollen Pavilion, LL20 8SW, from 10am until 4.30pm. Visitors will be able to see model railways from different periods and countries, meet fellow enthusiasts, learn more about the hobby and browse products from more than 40 specialist retailers.

 

* Tickets for the Garden Railway Festival cost £14, with accompanied children admitted free of charge. All weekend, anyone with a garden railway ticket will receive £3 off travel at Llangollen and Corwen Railway. Tickets are available here - https://boxoffice.international-eisteddfod.co.uk/ChooseSeats/83621 Doors are open from 10am and the event lasts until 4pm.

 

Celebration of the life of Veronica Rock to be held on June 28

Details have been given for the celebration of the life of well-known Llangollen resident Veronica Rock who died on April 27.

A friend said: "Veronica worked in the Verve and was an active member of the library.

"Sadly, she died suddenly from bilateral pulmonary embolism. She did not want a funeral service and just a simple cremation. Due to delays with an autopsy this will happen on June 4.

"Her friends decided we couldn't let her go like this so a memorial/celebration of Veronica on Sunday June 28, at 3pm at St Collen's Community Hall in Llangollen, is taking place.

"Unfortunately their will be people we've been unable to contact and if you knew her and are able please join us on the 28th.

"There will be some light refreshments so if you are attending if you could message Linda Hornsby, either by email or text that would be appreciated. lindahornsby16@gmail.com 07786 657914."

Sir Terry Waite: Eisteddfod's peace vision 'never been more needed'

* Sir Terry will champion Eisteddfod's message of global harmony and understanding.

Former hostage Sir Terry Waite will warn Wrexham business leaders about rising global tensions and the dangers faced by international travellers.

The former Archbishop of Canterbury’s peace envoy will be speaking at a meeting of Wrexham Business Professionals during the week of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod where he will be championing the festival’s message of global harmony and understanding.

Sir Terry, 87, said the Eisteddfod’s founding vision of bringing people together after the Second World War “has never been needed more” amid continuing strife in the Middle East.

He will tell the meeting at Wrexham’s Maesgwyn Hall on Thursday, July 9, that cultural understanding and personal relationships are vital to avoid conflict while also highlighting the risks faced by people travelling abroad.

Sir Terry travelled to Lebanon in 1987 to negotiate the release of hostages as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy but was himself kidnapped and held captive for nearly five years before being freed in 1991.

He is vocal campaigner for international peace and human rights around the world, and has played a role in the release of hostages in countries including Iran and Libya.

According to Sir Terry, the Eisteddfod, which was launched in 1947 to heal division after the Second World War and to promote reconciliation and international harmony, was a great example of people coming together for peace.

Sir Terry, who served as the president of the Eisteddfod for 15 years from 2006 and will be attending this year, said: “The Eisteddfod is an unique occasion in so far that it was started as very much a local venture by local people following the Second World War who had this desire to bring people together.

“They wanted to find harmony through music and over the years that has worked remarkably well.

“And today there has never been a greater need for that message.

“In negotiations for example, you have got to understand why the other side is behaving in the way they are, and particularly in the Middle East you have got to be able to forge personal relationships. Personal relationships count vastly, and many of those have broken down today.

“There is a lack of understanding and a lack of common sense and the Eisteddfod brings together ordinary people, informs relationships, and builds unions among people that lasts across the generations.

“It brings ordinary people together in celebration and harmony and it needs to be encouraged. And the occasion is very good for Wales, it allows Wales to be seen as a place which promotes unity and promotes harmony and has global interest.

“It shows Wales is an outward looking country which is using natural talents to promote peace through language and music.”

Sir Terry said the Eisteddfod, which this year runs from July 7-12, was hugely important to the region’s economy and was a fantastic cultural celebration.

He said: “I have always very much enjoyed the Eisteddfod. It brings in quite substantial sums for the economy, it brings people into Wales and helps hotels, restaurants and hospitality, so it is a boost to the economy, and therefore needs to be supported.

“We have had the good fortune to be supported by local people as well as people with international connections.”

Sir Terry, a grandfather who now lives in Suffolk, is still involved in several charities, including as the president of Hostage International, which he originally co-founded as Hostage UK in 2004.

He said he would be speaking about the charity, and how in particular it supports people who are taken hostage over business disputes.

“What is interesting are some of the dangers facing business people who are travelling abroad,” he said.

“There is far more corruption around the world than people realise, it’s pretty bad.

“For example, at Hostages International at the moment we have about 100 cases around the world on our books of people being held hostage while travelling abroad.

“Most of these cases do not get publicised in the Press, they are kept quiet for various reasons such as they are extremely difficult to work on, and you don’t want anybody complicating the issue by giving out false information.

“I will be talking about what happens when you run into a situation like that, though hopefully most people will never run into that situation.”

Sir Terry’s charity work also includes supporting Beyond Conflict, an organisation which helps the victims of war.

Ian Edwards, from Wrexham Business Professionals said: “We are genuinely thrilled that Sir Terry Waite, who is held in such high regard throughout the world, will speak at our meeting on July 9.

“As a key supporter of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for many years, Sir Terry knows more than most about the economic benefits the cultural showcase provides to businesses in North Wales.”

Louise Harper, from Wrexham Business Professionals, added: “Sir Terry is a remarkable man with a remarkable story to tell.

“We are sure business leaders from throughout the area will be interested to hear his presentation and his views on local, regional and global matters.”

Joining Sir Terry as one of the speakers at the meeting will be Samantha Rhodes, the recently-appointed director of Ruthin Craft Centre.

* The  meeting Maesgwyn Hall, Mold Road, Wrexham, on Thursday, July 9, starts at 8.30am for refreshments with the proceedings starting around 9am.

People wishing to attend should confirm by email to wbp@allingtonhughes.co.uk and for more information about Llangollen Eisteddfod go to https://llangollen.net

Councillor speaks out on bank holiday anti-social behaviour

* One pile of litter left on Llangollen bridge at the end of bank holiday Monday.

In the wake of the bouts of anti-social behaviour in Llangollen town centre and the Horseshoe Falls over the recent bank holiday weekend, local county councillor Karen Edwards issues this statement looking at the changes in attitudes she believes are necessary to combat such problems ...

Environmental Responsibility, Societal Change, and the Need for Stronger Government Action

As a ward member for Llangollen, I care deeply about our landscape, culture, heritage, and the historic vibrancy and welcoming nature of our town, qualities that are valued across our community.

I regularly see the consequences of a growing culture of disposability and wider shifts in societal behaviour and attitudes towards our shared environment, which I know many residents also experience and feel strongly about. These issues reflect broader changes in how people interact with public spaces, and the increasing tendency for convenience to outweigh collective responsibility.

Residents and businesses quite rightly raise concerns about litter, discarded takeaway packaging, fly-tipping, damage to public spaces, the unauthorised use of off-road motorbikes and vehicles that damage and scar the countryside, and waste being left in some of our most valued natural areas. These are not isolated incidents. They are recurring problems that affect the appearance of our communities, place additional costs on taxpayers and undermine the efforts of those who take pride in where they live.

More broadly, there appears to have been a shift in societal attitudes in recent years, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic, with a greater emphasis on convenience and individual behaviour often taking precedence over collective responsibility. Products designed for convenience and short-term use contribute significantly to this problem. The continued sale of disposable barbecues is a case in point, but more broadly the use of any barbecue in open countryside, parks or other sensitive outdoor locations can present a significant fire risk, particularly during periods of warm and dry weather. Such issues sit uneasily alongside wider ambitions to protect and enhance our environment.

Many people use and enjoy local public spaces responsibly. However, a small minority appears to be increasing, and a rise in anti-social behaviour is also being seen alongside this, particularly during periods of high visitor numbers , with some individuals continuing to act as though someone else will deal with the consequences of their actions. This attitude has a harmful impact on the environment and on the quality of life of those who live, work, and visit our area.

Addressing these challenges requires more than regulation alone. It requires meaningful societal and cultural change that promotes personal responsibility, respect for public spaces and pride in our local environment, supported by stronger education and firm action where standards are repeatedly ignored. Alongside this, there must be visible, consistent enforcement against littering, fly-tipping , illegal parking, and other forms of environmental and anti-social behaviour.

If we are serious about protecting our environment and our heritage, then we must focus not only on long-term ambitions but also on the everyday behaviours that have a direct impact on our lives, and the people of Llangollen and our rural communities deserve clean, safe and well-maintained public spaces, and they deserve to see practical action taken at the higher end of government to achieve that goal.

Llangollen remains a town of which residents can be proud, and one that continues to attract visitors and new residents because of its unique character, heritage, natural beauty, and strong sense of community. It is precisely because so many people care deeply about our town and surrounding countryside and our rural areas  that these issues deserve to be addressed.

Those in positions of greater power and responsibility need to grasp the reality of what we are facing and address it decisively.

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

DEE LANE, 15/06/2026, Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works SAPPHIRE UTILITY SOLUTION, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

ADJACENT SIDE OF THE LAURELS GERAINT, 01/06/2026 - 02/06/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works RPO WILLIAMS CIVIL ENGINEERS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Carriageway, COED AFON, 22/06/2026 - 26/06/2026, Clytio/ Patching (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNCTION OF MILL STREET, 01/06/2026 - 03/06/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN 

A542 - Upper Crust Cafe to Britannia Inn, HORSESHOE PASS, 15/06/2026, , Torri Gwair / Grass Cutting LEVERETT CONTRACTING LTD, Stopio Mynd/Stop Go

A542, APPROX 108M FROM YEW TREE COTTAGE, TYN DWR ROAD, 15/06/2026, Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole GT WILLIAMS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

BEECHLANDS, FRON BACHE, 15/06/2026 - 17/06/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Wharf Hill / Castle Street/ Mill Street, ABBEY ROAD, 24/06/2026 - 12/07/2026, Goleuadau traffig i reoli traffig yr Eisteddfod / Traffic signals to manage Eisteddfod traffic, EVENT SUPPORT TEAM

A542, Full extent TOWER ROAD, 24/06/2026 - 12/07/2026, System Unffordd ar gyfer Eisteddfod Gerddorol Ryngwladol Llangollen / One-way System to support, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, EVENT SUPPORT TEAM, Un Ffordd/ One Way

Carriageway, A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 10/06/2026 - 12/06/2026, Clytio/ Patching DCC HIGHWAYS 

A539, Outside Bryn Goleu, HORSESHOE PASS, until 12/06/2026, Gwaith ar y preifat / Works on Private VISION HIGHWAYS LTD, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights