Proposed Glyndwr National Park faces public inquiry

Welsh Government have today confirmed that the proposed Glyndŵr National Park will now face a public inquiry.

This is a result of objections received from statutory consultees after the designation order was submitted by Natural Resources Wales in January confirming that the proposed area met the criteria for a National Park.

Gareth Ludkin, Policy Manager at Campaign for National Parks, welcomed this announcement, stating: “A public inquiry is an important next step which will further clarify the desirability of a National Park in the area and provide more opportunity to demonstrate the benefits that National Parks can bring.

"The consultation process clearly left questions unanswered for Local Authorities and we are pleased to see a public inquiry announced. An inquiry of this type is a pretty typical process for new National Parks to go through, so it is essential that the next Welsh Government conducts this consultation in a thorough and timely manner to allow a final decision to be made on the National Park.

"It has been encouraging to see that at least 66% of people consulted showed at least conditional support for the proposed National Park. We think a future Welsh Government has an opportunity here to be bold and creative with this new opportunity, establishing an exemplar National Park fit for the 21st century and future generations."

"National Park designation is the strongest legal protection we have to protect and enhance wildlife, natural beauty and cultural heritage

"It's so important that local communities are fully engaged in the future direction of the National Park to ensure a deep understanding and appreciation of the National Park’s potential. If established, we want to see local people fully engaged with the future development of a management plan for the area, helping to shape its future.”

 

 

 

Easter week events at Llangollen Methodist Church

 

Mountain rescuers called to help teen stuck on rocks near Llangollen

* Picture from NEWSAR.

Volunteers from North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) were dispatched to Trevor Rocks, near Llangollen, last Saturday.

They had only just finished on another rescue operation when they were alerted to a teenager stuck on a rock face. 

* For the full story in the Shropshire Star, go to: Welsh rescue team shares pictures of operation to help teen stuck on rock face

Bike Bus makes its end-of-term trip into school

* The Bike Bus makes its way past the Co-op on the way to school.

Llangollen's famous Bike Bus - the group of youngsters and their parents who celebrate the joys of safe cycling - made their colourful way to the town's primary schools this morning to mark the end of term.

After forming up at the Pavilion, around 20 of them pedalled along Abbey Road, Castle Street and via St Collen's Church car park onto Regent Street from where they turned right and into the newly-reshaped and resurfaced Brook Street and Pengwern.

 .... and over a sunlit bridge heads into town.

MP gives her blessing to Llangollen's Town of Culture bid

* Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins visits the station during her guided tour of Llangollen's cultural assets.

Just days before Llangollen makes the first official move in its bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028, the area's MP has pledged her "strong support" for the move. 

This follows her specially-arranged visit to the town on Monday when Becky Gittins and her team were given a guided tour of Llangollen's many cultural highlights by llanblogger's Phil Robinson, who is playing a key role in promoting the bid.

The afternoon-long tour took in the Pavilion, the railway, the museum, Dory Gallery and the town hall as the parts each of these landmarks plays was explained to the MP in detail by the people in charge, including Town Clerk Gareth Thomas at the town hall.

In her letter of support sent to Llangollen Town Council, which is spearheading the bid, the MP for Clwyd East says:

"Dear Councillors, I am writing to offer my strong support for Llangollen’s bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028. 

"I was delighted to visit Llangollen this week to discuss the bid with you in more detail, and it was clear from those conversations just how much passion, ambition and community backing sits behind this application. 

"There is a real sense of shared purpose and pride in what Llangollen can offer. Llangollen has a unique cultural identity, with a rich heritage and an international reputation that far exceeds its size. 

"From the world-famous International Musical Eisteddfod to its vibrant local arts and community activity, culture is woven into the fabric of the town. 

"What stood out most during my visit, however, was the strength of local involvement – with residents, volunteers and organisations all playing their part in shaping and sustaining that cultural life. 

"This bid is not just about celebrating what already exists, but about building on those strong foundations to create new opportunities, widen participation and ensure that culture is accessible to all parts of the community. I was particularly encouraged by the focus on bringing people together and ensuring that the benefits of this opportunity are felt right across the town. 

"I have every confidence that Llangollen has both the vision and the capability to deliver a successful and impactful programme as UK Town of Culture. I will continue to support the town as this bid progresses." 

With best wishes, Becky Gittins MP

At a packed public meeting in the Town Hall last month it was unanimously decided that Llangollen should go ahead with a bid to win the coveted title and land prize money of up to £3 million.

The Town Council, which is spearheading the process, then approved the submission of an official expression of interest in the competition, which is being run by the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) for towns in Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

A number of meetings have been held at which representatives of the town's businesses, attractions and residents have assisted in the preparation of the expression of interest, and the last of these will be held this evening (Thursday).

It will be known whether Llangollen has reached the shortlist for the competition before the end of spring. Finalists and the winning town will be announced in early 2027. The delivery year will be 2028.

Hope House supporters raise £20,000 at Llangollen Canal Walk

Hope House Children’s Hospices is celebrating the success of last Sunday's Llangollen Canal Walk where hundreds of supporters came together to raise a massive £20,000. 

The popular 10-mile route saw walkers head out from Trevor Basin over the  Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and along the scenic canal path to The Poachers pub in Chirk, before returning for a well-earned medal. 

This year’s event was sponsored by DMR Plumbing & Heating, whose team also joined the walk.  

Vicky Bradbeer, fundraiser at Hope House Children’s Hospices, said: “This wonderful event always brings our community together, and seeing hundreds of people out enjoying the fresh air while supporting local children has been amazing.  

“We are so grateful to everyone who walked, donated and helped raise such an incredible amount this year which will help local children with life-threatening conditions to live their best life. There’s still more money coming in from donations and sponsorships too so the total will keep rising every day – which is just amazing.  

“Our heartfelt thanks also go to DMR Plumbing & Heating for their sponsorship, and to our event partners Roche, Trederwen Springs and Caffi Wylfa for their invaluable support.”  

Rosie-Jane Quayle from DMR Plumbing & Heating, said: “Supporting a charity like Hope House Children’s Hospices means a great deal to us. We believe in putting people first, and we’re proud to play a part in helping create moments of comfort and support for families that need it most.” 

It costs £10 million a year for Hope House Children’s Hospices to support children and families that need it the most with 80% of the funding coming from the public though fundraising and events like the Llangollen Canal Walk.  

* See how you can get involved in the charity’s future events at www.hopehouse.org.uk/events 

Plea to move parked vehicles holding up work on Youth Centre

* The Youth Centre car park where unauthorised vehicles have held up some of the improvement work.

Denbighshire Youth Service has made a plea for people to move their vehicles from the car park on Llangollen Youth Centre.

The service is currently carrying out external improvement works at the building in Willow Street.

But this morning (Wednesday) they put out an urgent post on their Facebook page to say this is being hampered by unauthorised people using the car park and asking them to move their vehicles.

Under the heading "Important," the post says: "We are undergoing external improvement works at Llangollen Youth Centre (Willow Street, Llangollen LL20 8HH).

"We are currently unable to proceed with some works due to how some cars have been parked in the area and ask that these vehicles are removed as soon as possible please.

"Again, if you could please not park in the Youth Centre car park or in the immediate vicinity that prohibits the work taking place. Thank you."

The service was put out a similar message on social media earlier this month, which said: "The Youth Club car park is private property and not for public use. While we understand it has been used regularly by residents, we now require the space to be clear.

"Work has begun on site, and we require the car park to be clear of vehicles as soon as possible to allow contractors full access.

"Thank you for your understanding and for helping us improve this community space."