Police scam warning goes out to firearms holders

Police are reminding firearms holders in North Wales to be on their guard against thieves posing as firearms licensing officers.

The warning comes after a firearms holder in another force area received a suspicious phone call. 

The female claimed to be from the force’s Firearms Licensing Unit and said that someone would have to visit the property to inspect his security.

The firearms certificate holder wasn’t convinced that the call was genuine and enquiries with the force’s Firearms Licensing Unit revealed that no-one from the team had recently made contact with this individual.

Firearms Licensing Manager at North Wales Police, Andy Broadhead, said: “We are continuing to process grant and renewal applications and will contact applicants by telephone individually to discuss the most appropriate way of processing their application.

“We only visit by appointment and I would like remind applicants that if they are any doubt as to the identity of the members our team please ask for a name and photo ID for confirmation. If you are in any doubt, telephone 101.”

* For further information go to https://www.north-wales.police.uk/about-us/departments/firearms-licensing

Man's body found at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, says report

According to a story in North Wales Live, police have confirmed that the body of a man has been found at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Officers from North Wales Police were called to the landmark near Llangollen at around 10am today and discovered the man's body.

For the sfull story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/body-found-pontcysyllte-aqueduct-amid-18508525?fbclid=IwAR2TelvBaKq54Mpqg-oFJYLn8w2rHN0bYa3bHR785lPjW3AHNkJiVeXoi-g

Large police presence at the aqueduct, says newspaper

A LARGE police presence is currently visible around the area of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct amid "concern for safety" of a person, according to the Oswestry Advetizer. 

Over a dozen police cars and a police helicopter have been seen in the area, as well as an ambulance.

* For the full story, see: https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/18548505.police-presence-pontcysyllte-aqueduct/?fbclid=IwAR3gNI30xl1hjoFs1FYaZE0fNshIN6pRI0QpICYUg9z2TXWvOWEs_7ckvT8

Operatic in the honours at amateur stage Oscars

* Helen Belton and Bill Hughes in Fiddler on the Roof.

* Celyn Orton-Jones (centre) in Fiddler on the Roof.

* Aled Morris (wearing red shirt) in Grease.

* The full Young 'Uns cast of Grease. 

* Pictures by Barrie Potter and Michael Jones

Llangollen Operatic Society was in the honours at the latest amateur stage “Oscars”.

In the 2019 NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association – Awards, this year held completely online due to the Covid-19 situation, the society was nominated for Best Show (Wales and Ireland District 1a) for its production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Although it didn’t win that particular category, actor Bill Hughes, who played the lead role of Tevye in the show, landed Best Performer in the same district while Helen Belton, as his wife Golde, was nominated for Best Supporting Performer and Celyn Orton-Jones, as his daughter Chava, was nominated as Best Youth Performer.  

The show, which was performed at Llangollen last spring, was directed by Alison Ravenscroft and Chrissie Ashworth with Leigh Mason as musical director and Helen Belton as a performer as well as the producer.

Helen said: “It was a beautiful show to rehearse and perform. Many cast members have said that it has been their favourite show yet.

“It is a show of such warmth and displaying such community that one cannot fail to feel that warmth amongst cast members.

“Though we didn’t win best show, we know we produced a very special piece of work which audiences loved.”

Director Alison Ravenscroft said: “Bill Hughes richly deserved his award for his wonderful performance and I congratulate Helen and Celyn for their nominations which are a massive achievement.

“Although I'm obviously very disappointed not to win the Best Show award it doesn't take away from the fantastic effort of the cast, crew and production team. It was a great show and I was very proud to bring the village of Anatevka to Llangollen.”

In the same NODA awards Llangollen Operatic’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, was also in the honours.

For the Wales and Ireland District 1a, gong for Best Youth Production 2019 went to its production of Grease at the town hall.

Best Supporting Actor (under 21) for the same district went to Aled Morris for his portrayal of Roger, one of the T-birds.

Producer Pam Williams said: “I’m extremely proud to be part of an amazing production team which has again produced an outstanding show for the Llangollen community and surrounding areas.

“The group is now in its 40th year, which is testament to all the support we get from the volunteers who build our sets, create our costumes and keep our society alive.”

Llan businesses plan their post-Covid comebacks

* One Giant Leap at Tan Y Graig Farm.

A number of Llangollen businesses this week took to Facebook to let the public know how they have made - or are planning - a comeback from coronavirus lockdown. 

Martin Sands of One Giant Leap (OGL) downhill mountain bike club based at Tan Y Graig Farm posted: "I'm having loads of people asking when we are opening again. My answer is under guidance from British Cycling and the Welsh Government. Both sets of advice are subject to a continued decline in Covid 19 infection rates. This means that things may change at any time.

"The planned reopening date is 6th July for push/ride up or family groups only in one vehicle. No news on uplifts yet. Social distancing is essential and numbers will be restricted to facilitate this.

"Under the BC guidance I will need a record of every rider visiting us and contact numbers. Groups of more than six are not permitted although multiple groups are possible. All riders must be 2020 OGL club members with the 2020 yellow membership band and will need to book in before arrival.

"Please note that this is a farm with six bike tracks, not a bike park. I am privately funded and I do all the digging myself. I will not tolerate anyone who is not prepared to pay £20 per year membership fee. I have tackled so many people in recent weeks who claim they can ride my tracks whenever they want and don't need permission. They were suitably educated.

"Parking will be at the building I have restored in the photos. There is drinking water there and toilets. Hand sanitiser will be provided.There is also a free e-bike charging point."

* The Bridge End is planning its re-opening.

The message from the Bridge End pub restaurant was: "We can’t quite believe it has been 3 months since we last saw you come through our doors. From our weekends filled with pulling pints to busy hours in the kitchen making our Sunday Roasts, we have missed you all and can’t wait to be serving you once more!

"We are sorry we have been quiet but as soon as we receive the latest updates from the Welsh Government you will all be the first to hear our plans to reopen as soon as possible! 

"Our main priority is to be able to provide a safe environment for us to enjoy your company once more. We promise we will provide details of how you can book a table with us or stay in one of our rooms the second we know more.

"Thank you all so much for your phone calls and emails of support and eagerness to return to us – we are so excited to hopefully be able to open our doors to you again!

"From visitors far and wide to our much-loved regulars – we miss you and can’t wait to see you all soon!"

* Dayboats from Llangollen Wharf will be making a return soon.

Llangollen Wharf posted: "We are pleased to say that our Dayboats are available to hire from the 6th July in accordance with current guidance.

"Also the 45 minute Horsedrawn Boat Trips will also be running from the 6th July. There will be reduced capacity due to social distancing requirements so we recommend ringing the Wharf on 01978 860702 to book your seats. There maybe limited a availability on the day.

"We are looking forward to welcoming you back as we begin the long journey back to normality."

Rusty Gold Emporium was able to say that it had already made its post-Covid comeback when it posted: "Whoop. We are back. ..The Chapel Emporium is opening tomorrow at 10am. 

"Lots of new stock to see with a number of new stall holders in place. Lots of room to move inside the Chapel and we’ve put all the bits in place to make you feel safe. It would be great to see our customers again. We’ve missed you... grab a bargain. Have a mooch. Have fun. Cheers Paul and the team."

And Llangollen Pharmacy, which has been open throughout lockdown, posted details of a new service when it said: "As of today Llangollen Pharmacy is trialling a new SMS text message service which enables us to inform you by text message when your prescription is ready for collection. If you would like to enrol onto this service please pop in or call us on 01978 860657."

£1m fund available to give easier access to local government

A one million pound fund will be available this financial year to make it easier for people to access local government services online.

Aimed at helping local authorities to improve public services through digital technology, the Local Government Digital Transformation Fund was established in 2018 but has been repurposed during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure bids that respond to the current situation are given priority.

The fund provides grants to help local authorities collaborate to solve problems collectively, to support work that benefits all local authorities and to start developing common standards and services across Wales.

Announcing the fund was open to applications, Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James said: “Digital innovation isn’t new, it’s been happening for years in Wales but Coronavirus has meant that progress has sped up considerably over the last few months. We have all started doing a lot more online - from the weekly food shop to keeping in touch with friends and family.

“It has also changed the way people expect to interact with businesses and public services. It is therefore essential local government is able to respond to this demand and work together to ensure we provide the best possible service to the public.”

Llew Jones steps up its 64 bus service

Coach company Llew Jones has announced that as from next Monday 29th June it will be slightly increasing its 64 service provision, which operates between Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog and Llangollen.

This increased provision will incorporate the school journeys to Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Facemasks are advisory on public transport in Wales, says the company.

Below is the updated timetable:

Local poet's work to be featured on radio tonight

Many people in Llangollen will remember Peter Meilleur (nom de plume Child Roland) a French Canadian poet who lived in Llangollen for many years prior to his death in January 2019. 

A selection of his works and an interview with his widow Sue will be played on BBC Radio Wales tonight Friday 26th June at 6.30 and repeated Monday 29th June at 5.30. 

MS slams Welsh Government over "delays" in re-opening economy

North Wales Senedd Member Mark Isherwood (pictured) has claimed that the "fragile" economy has been damaged by the Welsh Government's delays in re-opening it after the coronovirus lockdown. 

He made the comments when closing yesterday’s Welsh Conservative COVID-19 Economy debate in the Welsh Parliament.

The opposition party said the pandemic had been both a public health and an economic emergency and called on the Welsh Government to establish a recovery fund to provide targeted economic support for communities most adversely affected by the pandemic.

Speaking via Zoom from his home Mr Isherwood said: “The Welsh Government’s delay in re-opening the economy has been damaging to the fragile Welsh economy.

“Take passenger transport. Through the Confederation of Passenger Transport,  the industry presented a proposal to the Welsh Government on 15th May which would enable operators to ramp up bus services, with full costings. They have still not received a considered official response.

“Wales is now the only country in the United Kingdom that has not agreed funding for transport operators to begin to ramp up services to cover costs for additional services.

“Take our vital bed and breakfast sector. In England and Scotland, grants are available to B&B operators who did not qualify for any other COVID-19 grant support schemes. In Wales, legitimate businesses have been denied access to equivalent grants.

“Take our crucial Housing Market.  The Welsh Government has failed to open the housing market in Wales alongside the rest of the UK. Within Wales, viewings can only take place in vacant properties and house moves are only allowed where a sale has been agreed but not yet completed.

“Within England, people are allowed to sensibly view properties that are occupied, provided that initial viewings are done online, and that physical viewings only take place with serious buyers and are done by appointment only."

Mr Isherwood added: “Take Holiday let businesses. The Welsh Government has announced that self-catering businesses could reopen on 13 July as long as they adhere to the government guidelines and the Economy Minister, Ken Skates, told North Wales media that comprehensive guidance has been put in place for the tourism and hospitality sector to ensure that the sector can be restarted in a safe way.

“However, self-catering businesses are telling me they have just spoken to their council and that it doesn't have the guidance.

“Take our Town Centres. The Centre for Towns found that Wales is the worst performing area of the UK with regards to its economic well-being, and that specific communities, including ex-industrial towns in parts of Wales, will need an effective support mechanism at a local level to support businesses plan their recovery strategies.”

Reminder for businesses to apply for rate relief scheme

Businesses are being reminded to apply for business rate relief before the scheme closes at the end of June.

Denbighshire County Council is urging businesses to apply for the Welsh Government’s Business Rates Relief fund before June 30 when applications close.

So far the council has paid out £27,550,000 in grants to 2,338 businesses but a further 500 Denbighshire organisations, including small charities within the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors, may be eligible for the £10,000 grant.

The council is currently contacting all eligible businesses to inform them of the support which will help traders through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “These grants are providing essential support for Denbighshire businesses and with the Welsh Government closing applications on June 30, it is essential businesses act now.

“Some businesses have been telling us they did not think they were entitled to a grant. However, businesses who have received a business rates bill with nothing to pay and are entitled to small business rate relief are, in most cases, still eligible for a grant. The majority of businesses yet to apply are in this category and our advice is for them to visit our website and see if they fit the criteria.”

* Details of the scheme and application forms can be found at http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/business-rates

County's public toilets to open next week

Denbighshire County Council has confirmed that public toilets will open next week (Monday 29 June), as part of on-going efforts to support town centres across the county.

This week,  non-essential shops in Wales have been given the green light to start operating.  Last week the Council announced that a Task Group had been set up specifically to assist town centres as they respond to the easing of the lockdown restrictions.  Staff will be working in the main towns to provide help and advice to residents and businesses; they will identify where posters and signage are needed and will look at what support is needed for businesses to comply with the current social distancing and hygiene regulations. 

Public toilets are seen as important facilities within town centres and conveniences and our facilities will open on Monday, June 29.  The toilets are located at:  Market Street, Llangollen; Events Arena, Rhyl and Rhyl Town Hall; Factory Ward, Denbigh; Market Street, Ruthin; Green Lane, Corwen and unstaffed facilities in Prestatyn (near the Nova, Nant Hall Road, Barkby Beach and the bus and railway stations); Rhuddlan; Dyserth; St Asaph; Cae Ddol, Ruthin and Coronation Gardens in Rhyl.  Normal charges will apply.  

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Assets, said: “Great efforts are being made by council services, town councils, business associations and other partners (including North Wales Police) to assist town centres to get back up on their feet following the easing of restrictions.

“There are a number of issues that the Council can address directly to assist in this work – and opening public toilets is an important part of the plans. They are important public facilities for residents and visitors to our town centre. We will be doing this in a phased approach over the coming few weeks, to ensure that plans for operating the facilities are put in place and that safety of the public and staff is made a priority.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We fully recognise that businesses in our town centres have suffered during the covid-19 outbreak and the Council wants to support businesses in any way it can, to help them get back on their feet during these very difficult times. 

“We will be talking and listening to businesses and residents and see what other kind of help is needed in terms of advice and support, as well as more practical measures such as posters and signage”. 

Posted on Thursday 25th June 2020

 

How town got government cash to help in lockdown aftermath

* Castle Street before the lockdown.

One of the area’s county councillors has given an insight into how Llangollen was included in the list of Denbighshire towns to benefit from a £1 million funding boost from the Welsh Government.

But Graham Timms could give no specific details of the amount of money involved or how it will be spent locally.

Llanblogger revealed last week that Llangollen was to get a share of the cash earmarked by the government for Denbighshire communities in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

The county is to get £981,000 through the Local Sustainable Transport Covid Response Fund to provide improved access to town centres and schools for pedestrians and cyclists and to facilitate social distancing in public spaces and on public transport.

This is seen as especially important as people return to town centres as non-essential shops re-open.

The lockdown period has seen increases in the numbers of people walking and cycling and many of the measures proposed will further encourage people to choose these modes of transport by providing measures such as wider pavements.

Funding has been secured for projects in Llangollen, Rhyl, Ruthin and Denbigh, as well as outside schools throughout the county.

Projects include the reallocation of road space for pedestrians and cyclists by introducing one-way systems and making spaces outside schools safer for social distancing and reducing the number of car journeys outside schools.

Cllr Timms, speaking as chair of the Llangollen 2020 group, said: “We are delighted that Llangollen is one of the towns in Denbighshire that will receive funding to help residents and visitors maintain social distancing in the town.

“As soon as the Llangollen 2020 group heard the announcement by the Welsh Government of possible funding we contacted the Denbighshire road safety team to discuss what could be done to improve matters in Llangollen’s narrow streets.

“We discussed a range of suggestions with officers. The Denbighshire team then put together a final grant submission for the whole of the county. 

“It's great that Llangollen is specifically mentioned in the Welsh Government announcement, alongside Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin. This means that we will definitely get much needed safety improvements in the town. 

“We also asked the Denbighshire team to look at making improvements to help pupils to walk or cycle to our schools more safely after discussing the issue with Llangollen Friends of the Earth.

“Although the final details have not yet been settled, we are hoping that something can also be done to make walking and cycling to school safer for our children and young people as they begin to return to their lessons. 

“There will be detailed discussions with local councillors and other organisations in the town to ensure that the particularly difficult set of challenges that Llangollen's narrow streets pose can be met.” 

Talks being held on closure of Mail Solutions factory this autumn

llanblogger exclusive

* The Mail Solutions factory at Cilmedw.

Company bosses are consulting about their plans to close the Mail Solutions envelope factory in Llangollen.

The factory at Cilmedw was purpose built for Dobson & Crowther but when they went into administration in 2015 it was taken over by Telford-based Mail Solutions UK Ltd.

Mail Solutions group managing director Alan Griffiths told llanblogger that “challenging” conditions in the envelope market made worse by the coronavirus situation had led the company to propose the factory’s closure by the end of September.  

Mr Griffiths said: “We’ve been in consultations about this for a little while now and it’s become common knowledge.

“The envelope market has been in decline for many, many years and it’s a very challenging market.

“Royal Mail volumes are down by 35 per cent and the situation has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are looking at downsizing and consolidating production in one unit at Telford.”

Explaining that they were aiming for the factory to close at the end of September, Mr Griffiths added: “We are going through the consultation process. 

"This is a work in progress and it depends on the consultation how many redundancies there are. We have a total of 35 employees bu there will be an opportunity for a proportion of these to transfer to Telford.

“This is unfortunate but no-one can say that we haven’t given it a go and we have invested in the site.”   

Senedd Member for Clwyd South Ken Skates said: "Closure of the business at this site would be bitterly disappointing, so I would urge the company to work with Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government in exploring all alternatives."

And Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes commented: “I am very sorry to hear about the trading problems being experienced by the Llangollen's Mail Solutions factory and I hope that that every effort will be made by the company to help and look after the 35 members of staff who work there during the consultations which are currently being conducted into the possible closure of the factory.”

Dobson & Crowther went into administration in early June of 2015 with 55 of its 79-strong workforce being made redundant.

The following month Mail Solutions stepped in to purchase its assets and re-started envelope production in the September.

Although Mail Solutions was formed in 2000, some of its business roots can traced back to the 20th century and a stationery company called Kenrick & Jefferson Ltd.

From just a small operation the company has continued to grow and become one of the most successful manufacturers of envelopes and print in the UK. 

In November 2017 Mail Solutions completed the transition to an employee-owned company. Purchased by the employee-ownership trust (EOT), all current employees are the beneficial owners of the business.

St Collen's re-opens but for private prayer only

St Collen's Church will be open for private prayer only from today and each day from 10am-4pm.

Like churches across the UK, it has been totally closed since the lockdown began in March. 

A message on social media from the Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches says: "The South Aisle only will be open for private prayer. All other areas of the church will be cordoned off."

The post stresses: "Please do not enter the church if you have been advised to stay at home, or you are feeling unwell, or have and symptoms associated with Covid 19.

"Pay attention to signs and follow the directions of the stewards.

"Please sanitise your hands when you enter the church and when you leave.

"You may only sit in the pews that have not been taped off.

"Please always maintain 2m distance from other people.

"If you want to have a chat please go outside.

"The vestries and toilets are closed.

"There will be occasions when the church will be closed while private worship is being offered by the priest. For example, Sunday mornings."

Llan to benefit from £1m county funding boost

Llangollen will benefit from £1 million of Welsh Government funding secured by Denbighshire County Council in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

The council is to get £981,000 through the Local Sustainable Transport Covid Response Fund to provide improved access to town centres and schools for pedestrians and cyclists and facilitate social distancing in public spaces and on public transport.

This is seen as especially important as people return to town centres as non-essential shops re-open.

The lockdown period has seen increases in the numbers of people walking and cycling and many of the measures proposed will further encourage people to choose these modes of transport by providing measures such as wider pavements.

Funding has been secured for projects in Llangollen, Rhyl, Ruthin and Denbigh, as well as outside schools throughout the county.

Projects include the reallocation of road space for pedestrians and cyclists by introducing one-way systems and making spaces outside schools safer for social distancing and reducing the number of car journeys outside schools.

Cllr Brian Jones, Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has led to unprecedented changes that are affecting all aspects of our lives, including transport.

“We welcome this funding from the Welsh Government which will help provide a number of schemes throughout Denbighshire.

“The council has been looking at how we can safely reopen our town centres for visitors and this includes making sure there is space for people to adhere to social distancing and to offer alternative forms of transport by making walking and cycling easier.

“We have a number of plans for the county and we will be seeking feedback from members of the public following their introduction. We will also be carrying out extensive monitoring of the projects we implement in order to fully assess their effectiveness.

“By making our town centres more accessible for active travel we can help support the county’s businesses, improve air quality in our towns, help protect the environment and improve the health of our residents.”

These projects form part of the overall work that the council is undertaking in town centres to ensure social distancing guidelines are met. 

This will include signage to remind people to maintain social distance, working with retailers to facilitate the management of queues for their shops, minor works to remove or relocate non-essential street furniture, pedestrian one way systems where considered necessary, enhanced cleaning regimes and amendments to parking areas.

Chain Bridge Hotel plans to come out of lockdown on July 31

* The Chain Bridge Hotel plans to open on July 31, it says.

One of Llangollen's most famous hotels is to re-open after lockdown on Friday July 31, it has announced.

In a statement it put out yesterday on social media, the Chain Bridge said it couldn't wait to see people coming back through its doors after the enforced closure brought on by the coronaviris crisis.

This said: "We re confident that at the next government briefing on July 9 they will tell the hospitality and tourism sector that we will have three weeks to plan our re-opening."

The statement adds: "We will be re-opening a seven-day-a-week operation but if demand is limited we will have to reduce to being open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only due to the seasonality of our business."

The hotels says it expects to be introducing special anti-Covid measures such as hand-sanitization stations, social distancing, one-way systems, increased table service and contactless payments.

Work has been going on during the lockdown, it says, to transform the restaurant into a casual all-day dining space and more use will be made of the back garden usually reserved for weddings and similar functions.   

* The statement from the hotel published yesterday.

MP raises Ysgol Dinas Bran's PPE work in Parliament

* PPE visors made by the team at Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has paid tribute to Ysgol Dinas Brân in the Chamber of the House of Commons.

He asked Education Minister Nick Gibb whether he agreed that schools have not only provided imaginative remote learning during the COVID-19 crisis, but also played a vital role in supporting frontline workers through projects such as the production of PPE equipment by Ysgol Dinas Brân in Llangollen.

In response, the Minister said: “We’re very grateful to the hard work and dedication of our teachers during this time. And we have highlighted the innovative work of schools in a series of case studies which we’ve published recently. 

"And I congratulate those at Ysgol Dinas Brân on producing over 800 visors – which is a prime example of that innovation.”

* Simon Baynes in Parliament.

Speaking later, Mr Baynes said: “Ysgol Dinas Brân and the whole Design and Technology department deserve this recognition in the House of Commons for their amazing work designing and manufacturing face masks and visors for NHS workers on the frontline taking care of patients with Coronavirus. 

"The PPE they’ve made has been distributed and used by health centres across North Wales – helping keep doctors and nurses safe from breathing in the virus.

“I know Llangollen residents and the wider Clwyd South community will join me in passing on their sincere thanks to the everyone at the school at the school who made this happen. Llongyfarchiadau a da iawn i bob un ohonoch chi.”

Latest on Covid-19 from the Welsh Government

Yesterday's updates from the Welsh Government on coronavirus are:

• A major report reveals the complex and long-standing factors contributing to the disproportionate impact coronavirus is having on Wales’ black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities.
• 
  
• The report by the BAME Covid-19 expert advisory group, which was set up by First Minister Mark Drakeford, makes more than 30 recommendations to the Welsh Government to address the socio-economic and environmental risks it highlights.
• The advisory group was set up to look at the reasons why people from BAME communities were more likely to be adversely affected by coronavirus. It is co-chaired by Judge Ray Singh and Dr Heather Payne and has two sub-groups – one of which has been tasked with examining the socio-economic factors.
• https://gov.wales/complex-and-long-standing-disadvantages-exposed-coronavirus-pandemic-report-finds
• The expert advisory sub-group’s report is available at: https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-06/first-ministers-bame-covid-19-advisory-group-report-of-the-socioeconomic-subgroup.pdf
• Celebrating National Windrush Day 2020: https://gov.wales/written-statement-celebrating-windrush-day-2020
• First Minister Mark Drakeford’s press conference: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1275027944197378048
• Technical Advisory Cell – advice paper from June 12 https://gov.wales/technical-advisory-cell-summary-advice-12-june-2020
• Free school meals https://gov.wales/free-school-meals-coronavirus-guidance-schools
• Updated frequently asked questions about the changes to the coronavirus regulations: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance
• Updated advice about exams and assessments https://gov.wales/examinations-and-assessments-coronavirus

• Public Health Wales confirmed 71 new cases of coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number to 15,197, although the actual number will be higher.

o   Sadly, there was one further death of someone with confirmed coronavirus reported by Public Health Wales today, bringing the total reported by Public Health Wales to 1,478. 

Where to find the latest information

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-novel-coronavirus-outbreak/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Queries about support for businesses, including about eligibility for the Economic Resilience Fund? Visit the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe
• Want to know when and where to wear a face mask? https://gov.wales/face-coverings-frequently-asked-questions
• Want to make your own face covering? https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-06/how-to-make-a-3-layer-face-covering.pdf
• 
  
• The Welsh Government holds a daily media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and routinely supported by a BSL translator. They will be held at 12.30pm every week day. They are live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel and are broadcast live on BBC One Wales and S4C.
• First Minister Mark Drakeford held today’s press conference – you can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1275027944197378048