Fresh lockdown forces railway to close for a second time

Llangollen Railway has had to close for a second time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It shut down regular services for the first time during the early days of the nationwide lockdown last spring.

But now the heritage line, which operates as a charity, has announced it is to close for a second time following yesterday's announcement by the Welsh Government of a local lockdown starting tomorrow (Thursday) at 6pm.

In a statement issued late this afternoon general manager Liz McGuinness said: "After a meeting with the interim board it has been agreed that we will close after the last service tomorrow until 14th October. 

"This will be under constant review. We don't have an option and I do hope this will be short lived."

During the first lockdown the railway ran into a major financial  crisis due to a massive shortfall of income from passengers.

But help came in the form of £161,000 of National Lottery support aimed at addressing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The cash, from the Heritage Fund, was intended to support the attraction through the coming difficult winter months and help with the implementation of its recent governance review.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown began the railway has been working hard to raise funds to ensure its survival. 

It has also been implementing many changes to help safeguard its future.

Council cancels remembrance service due to Covid-19 threat

* A scene from last year's Remembrance service in Centenary Square.

Llangollen Town Council has announced that this year's traditional Remembrance Day service in November has been cancelled due to the coronavirus situation.

In a statement released to llanblogger late yesterday evening it said: "It is with deep regret that the Town Council have made the decision that there will be no Civic Service on Remembrance Sunday this year."

The Town Mayor explained: “All Town Councillors acknowledge that the Remembrance weekend is a vitally important time to reflect and honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community.  

"Unfortunately, given the current limitations in place on gatherings outside and recent local developments, it is impossible to see how the services which involves over 40 organisations as well as the Town Council, Llantysilio Community Council, the Royal British Legion, substantial numbers of veterans and members of the public, can be held safely in line with the regulations."

The Town Clerk, Gareth Thomas, confirmed that the Llangollen Branch of the Royal British Legion will launch this year’s Poppy Appeal on the 29th October and funds raised locally will go to support of the costs of the legion's welfare work.

He commented: “The restrictions will not prevent the laying of wreaths or poppy crosses, on both War Memorials and this is encouraged from the date of the local launch until Armistice Day, Wednesday 11th November 2020, as long as social distancing guidelines are met.  

"Indeed the Town Council is looking at a way to capture these moments and are asking any group or individual that lays a wreath, or a poppy cross, to take a pictures on their mobile phone or camera and then send them to townclerk@langollentowncouncil.gov.uk.  

"The Town Council will then create an archive of these photographs with a view to producing a photomontage or slideshow to post on the Llangollen Remembers Facebook page as a record of what happened this year."

Government's new £140m boost for businesses

* Llangollen businesses could benefit from Welsh Government cash support. 

Tourism and hospitality businesses  in Llangollen could benefit from an additional £140 million being made available by the Welsh Government.

The new cash for businesses is aimed at helping them deal with the challenges of coronavirus and the UK’s exit from EU, Economy Minister Ken Skates has announced.

The funding from the third phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF) will see wider support being provided to secure jobs and help businesses develop, as well as additional help for firms affected by local lockdowns.

To date, the ERF has delivered almost £300 million of support to more than 13,000 companies in Wales. This has helped to protect in excess of 100,000 jobs which might otherwise have been lost.

This new phase of the ERF will see £80 million being made available to support businesses with projects that can help them transition to the economy of tomorrow.

It will require co-investment from companies and a clear plan about how they will adjust to the post-covid economy.

Of this, £20 million will be ring fenced to support tourism and hospitality businesses who are facing particular challenges as they enter the winter months.

Meanwhile, an additional £60 million will be allocated to support businesses impacted by local lockdown restrictions.

The rest of the funding will be used flexibly to provide additional support, for example to increase lending to Welsh businesses through Development Bank of Wales initiatives and to help companies deal with the impacts of the UK leaving the European Union.

The ERF has been designed to complement and build on the support offered by the UK Government.

Ken Skates said: “Our Economic Resilience Fund has been absolutely crucial in supporting businesses throughout Wales in dealing with the economic challenges of the coronavirus and helping protect the livelihoods of more than 100,000 people.

“The next phase of the fund, worth £140 million, builds on that success, helping us to secure jobs and enabling businesses to continue to develop and grow in these challenging times. There is also a specific part of the fund earmarked to support businesses affected by local lockdowns.

“This additional help has been designed to complement and build on the support announced by the Chancellor last week, again demonstrating the Welsh Government’s proactive approach to go above and beyond in providing extra financial assistance that we know our businesses and workers need.

“The £80 million worth of business development grants will be open to micro businesses, SMEs and large businesses.”

* Micro businesses (employing between 1 and 9 people) will be able to apply for up to £10,000 on the condition they match this with their own investment of at least 10%.

* SMEs (employing between 10 and 249 people) will be able to apply for up to £150,000 on the condition they match this with their own investment of at least 10% for small business (1 to 49 staff) and 20% for medium sized (50 to 249) business.

* Large businesses (employing 250+ people) will be able to apply for up to £200,000 on the condition they match this with their own investment of at least 50%.

Companies that received grant funding through phases one and two of the ERF, or Non-Domestic Rate linked support, could also be eligible for phase three of the ERF.

The Minister added: “We are going through a time like no other. Coronavirus and the increasing risk of the UK reaching the end of the European Union transition period without a deal have placed incredible challenges on our businesses.

“As a Welsh Government, we continue to do all we can to back our businesses, our workers and our communities.”

Oak Street Gallery hosts work by artist Carys Haf Roberts

* Above and below: Work on display by artists 

Carys Haf Roberts at Oak Street Gallery.

Oak Street Galley is currently exhibiting the work of Carys Haf Roberts. 

A gallery spokesperson said: "Her beautiful colours and deep sense and love of the local landscape comes through in all her work. Her work is full of joy and gratitude and a perfect antidote for our times. 

"So please stop by to see her paintings, prints, greeting cards, bookmarks."

The gallery will be open Thursday through Sunday (11am-5pm) and viewable anytime through the windows. 

The current exhibition is on until October 18.

 

MP praises railway's Covid fightback

* Simon Baynes MP and Liz McGuinness at Llangollen Railway.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes met with the chair of Llangollen Railway, Liz McGuiness, to learn more about their very successful re-opening following the Covid-19 pandemic.

On the visit, Mr Baynes and Liz McGuiness discussed the changes that have been made since re-opening, such as enhanced cleaning regimes, an advanced booking system and hand sanitising stations.

They travelled in the steam train to Carrog, where the tea-room was very busy, then back to Llangollen.

Mr Baynes praised Liz McGuiness and all the staff  and volunteers at Llangollen Railway for their efforts in ensuring that all visitors, staff  and volunteers can enjoy their experience at Llangollen Railway safely. 

He also learnt more about how they have weathered the Coronavirus crisis through fundraising and a grant of £161,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. 

They continue to invest in the railway infrastructure, particularly in Corwen where the Corwen Group is making big strides in restoring the station, and also see a steady income stream from their engineering department.

Liz McGuinness said: “We are really grateful for the support received by Simon during the past months. The volunteers and staff have worked extremely hard and we are looking forward to our Santa season and to a great 2021.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “Following their fundraising events earlier in the year, it is great to see that the Llangollen Railway has re-opened with the appropriate social distancing guidelines. 

"The railway is a terrific tourist attraction and I look forward to seeing it continue to bounce back following the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"I fully agree with the Prime Minister’s comments about the Llangollen Railway in May in Parliament when he said it had a “fabulous future.”

Hundreds turn up for their jabs at the Pavilion drive-through flu clinic

* The long but orderly queue of cars waiting for their flu jabs at the Pavilion this morning.

At least 800 people had turned up by lunchtime for today's drive-through flu vaccination day at the Pavilion.
And with the session, run by staff from Llangollen Health Centre, due to last until 5pm this evening many more are likely to take advantage of the special clinic aimed solely at patients born before April 1 1956.
Volunteers from the Tidy Town Team helped with the arrangements which saw scores of vehicles pulling into the car park to be formed into a long queue winding its way through the eisteddfod field to the front of the Pavilion where medical staff were carrying out the vaccinations through their wound-down windows.
After their "jabs" the vehicles, all travelling in one direction, were directed out again through the other car park exit.  
Only people arriving by car were allowed to take part. 
The health centre's Tessa Orton-Jones said later that a total of 1,547 patients enventually received immunisation during the day.

* Part of the queue waiting on the Pavilion car park for their turn.

Mike calls halt to his Tai Chi classes at Plas Newydd

Mike Gleed, who has been running his popular weekly Tai Chi exercise sessions in the grounds of Plas Newydd for the past few months, has decided to call a halt to them.

In a message to llanblogger he says: "I have decided that the last meeting of our Tai Chi/Chi Kung group will be next Thursday, October 1. 

"It has been a pleasure and such a nice group of people/friends. 

"It has been beneficial health-wise and also socially with us respecting social distancing during exercise and afterwards with the cafe. 

"I'd like to thanks the Plas Newydd management for allowing us to use such a fabulous venue. 

"I hope that those who attended will continue the exercises at home and stay safe and well. 

"Thank you to those who attended and contributed to the experience." 

The "forgotten" Mazda that's not at all bad

Mazda2 road test by Steve Rogers

A friend admiring the Mazda2 asked the usual question: Did I like it?

I hesitated and then said it was an okay car but I would sooner have a Volkswagen Polo which pleased her because she drives a VW Up. I could also have said Citroen C3, Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 208.

Which is why I found myself feeling a bit sorry for this well-made, well-equipped supermini because it is the one model in Mazda's outstanding range that has been left behind. A bit like a naughty child left doing lines while his classmates are out playing football.

Mazda has put lashings of time and effort into making the 3,6 MX-5 and the CX range superb cars while the 2 trails behind struggling to keep up.

It has had a few tweaks since the current shape hit our showrooms in 2007 and an update this year gave it a new grille, rear bumper, cabin trim improvements and extra sound deadening but most of this will go unnoticed.

For all that the little Mazda has many good points even if they are often followed by a negative. 

The cabin materials have more of a premium feel than many of its rivals with quality trim along the door cards and dashboard but it is still starting to look dated. The three-dial binnacle needs updating if only to give the central speedometer clear 30 and 70mpg markings. An easy solution is a digital speedo already in the binnacle on the range-topping GT Sport Nav.

Something worth shouting about is the infotainment centre operated by touching the 7in central screen or, better still, by twirling the rotary controller between the front seats. Other manufacturers could learn from its simplicity and ease of use, particularly on the move, and the response time is excellent as well.

Heating controls are separate, thankfully, operated via three nice big dials. Perfect.

Cabin space is nowhere near class leading but good for front seat people and adequate for two and a half adults in the back. The back seats split and drop to increase carrying space - here's another but - boot space is not its best feature.

The hatchback opening at the base is on the narrow side and there is a 25cm (10in for us old 'uns) drop into the boot well which makes lifting heavy shopping bags a strenuous exercise.

Sharp handling is a given with all Mazdas and the 2 is no exception but the downside is a ride that is on the hard side of firm, and in spite of the extra sound deadening there is a fair bit of road noise while the suspension needs to do better at smothering jarring from potholes and poor surfaces.

Mazda has bucked the trend to go for small turbo charged petrol engines so the choice is the normally aspirated 1.5 litre SkyActiv G with 74 or 89bhp. My test car was the latter and is nippy enough although be prepared for plenty of gear changing to extract the best performance. Pick-up low down the rev range is pedestrian without flicking down the box and the ratios are long with second is good for a lofty 60mph.

Economy is excellent and I beat the official figure by a country mile averaging 58mpg over 350 miles. One 30-mile stroll returned 60mpg according to the on board computer.

Exhaust emissions are commendably low, due in part to the mild hybrid system which also sharpens the response time of the stop/start so pulling away from junctions and traffic lights is seamless as the engine fires up.

Mazda2 isn't the cheapest supermini out there but part of that is down to a generous list of kit from the base model up. The Sport Nav model has climate control, cruise control city brake and lane keep assist, keyless entry LED lights and rear parking sensors among the highlights.

So a real mixed bag for the Mazda2 which needs a little more TLC from its makers. If I was a cartoon artist drawing the Mazda2 I would give it a sad face with a big tear dropping from its headlight eyes!

Need to know

Mazda2 Sport Nav

£17,540 (starts £15,840)

1.5 litre; 89bhp

0-62mph 9.7secs' 114mph

53.3mpg combined

120g/km. 1st road tax £175

Insurance group 15

Boot: 280 litres

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest advice column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice.

Q: I’ve worked at the same company for many years but I’ve been told I’m being made redundant. What redundancy pay am I entitled to? 

A: If you’re being made redundant, there are two types of redundancy pay you could get. ‘Statutory’ redundancy pay is the minimum that the law says you’re entitled to, or ‘contractual’ redundancy pay, which is extra money your contract says you can get on top of the statutory amount.

You’re usually only entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you’ve been an employee for at least two years. It’s worth asking your employer or checking your contract to see if you’re entitled to more than the statutory redundancy rules allow.

Statutory redundancy pay is based on age, weekly pay and number of years in the job, up to a max of £538 a week. The Citizens Advice and Gov.uk websites have calculators to help work out how much you’ll get. For example if you’re aged 41 and over, you’ll get 1.5 week’s statutory redundancy pay for each full year you’ve worked, up to a maximum of 20 years’ service.

If your employer offers a suitable alternative job, but you refuse to take it without good reasons, they can refuse to pay your redundancy.

You won’t get statutory redundancy pay if you’ve been employed for less than two years, are self-employed or are in certain jobs like the armed forces or police (though you may be entitled to contractual pay).

If you’ve been furloughed, the law now says that your redundancy pay should be worked out using your usual wages, even if you were paid 80% while you were furloughed. However, statutory redundancy pay still limits a weeks’ pay to £538.  

If your employer has told you that your redundancy pay will be based on your furlough rate of pay, you could explain to the employer that isn’t what the Gov.uk website says about redundancy pay, or contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

Plas Newydd needs your help with restoration project

* Restoration work is to be carried out in the Dell 

to the bog garden and ram pump building.

The home of the Ladies of Llangollen is inviting people to help with research into an exciting restoration project it is undertaking in the coming months.

Plas Newydd, which can trace its roots back to the 18th century, is continuing to enhance its visitor experience. 

The scheme will include carrying out a programme of restoration work in the Dell to reinstate the bog garden and ram pump building.

Site manager Paul Evans explained how Plas Newydd is working with the Our Picturesque Landscape team who have been funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver on a five-year restoration and interpretation project across the Dee valley. 

And he says the involvement of the public can play a key part in the success of an important part of the project.

“So many people in Llangollen, and further afield, have stories to tell about our beautiful house and its grounds from different periods in history. We would love to hear from them,” said Paul.

“It would be wonderful to know what details are out there in the community about Plas. The contribution provided by the public could make a major input to the research needed for the project.”

Plas Newydd is a popular destination for tourists from across Britain and attracts visitors from all across the world.

But Paul stressed the house and its grounds also take great pride in providing an oasis of calm and beauty for residents in Llangollen who have enjoyed its tranquil setting for generations.

 “Unfortunately due to Covid-19 we haven’t been able to open up the house to the public this year,” said Paul.

 “But even throughout lockdown our gardens remained available for visitors and in July we re-opened our tea rooms utilising our courtyard and outdoor space. We have had many comments from people over the last few months saying how much they enjoy coming here to exercise or meet friends, and how much Plas means to them.”

* If anyone has information about Plas Newydd’s history and specifically the ram building that they would like to share with the museum, they can get in contact by telephoning 01978 862834 or email plasnewydd@denbighshire.gov.uk 

Llangollen Town Council back to full strength

* New councillor Peter Carol.

* New councillor John Palmer.

With the co-option of Peter Carol at the last night’s meeting and John Palmer at the meeting in August, all casual vacancies on the Town Council have now been filled.

Cllr Palmer replaces the seat vacated by former Cllr Beech and Cllr Carol that of former Deputy Mayor, Cllr Richards.

Commenting on the appointments Town Clerk Gareth Thomas said: "The process of co-option is governed and controlled by a number of regulations and the pandemic did not change the requirements for clerks to follow  defined procedures. 

"The initial notices of vacancy were displayed for a period of 14 days in which time 10 constituents could have requested a by-election.

"With both applications the necessary requisite numbers were not met and therefore the appointments were made by co-option, a process again governed by a further set of regulations.”

He added: "Following advice from the county council's Returning Officer there were concerns that any appointments to a contest seat, which was the case with the resignation of Cllr Richards, should not be made until the Town Council could meet face to face again without restrictions. 

"However, more recent guidance allowed the Town Council to proceed with the second appointment this month.

"This recent advice also means that the annual meeting of the Town Council, which is normally held in May, will now take place in November and at that meeting councillors will consider the appointment of the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor."

130-plus affordable homes built across county in the past year

More than 130 new affordable homes have been created in Denbighshire during the last year.

A total of 139 affordable homes were created between April 2019 and March 2020 and included 104 new builds as well as an additional 28 leased homes for people affected by homelessness and supported units for tenants affected with learning difficulties.

Affordable housing is provided for local people to meet the needs of those who cannot afford open market housing to buy or rent

The homes have been built by private developers and registered social landlords (RSLs) including Cartrefi Conwy, Grŵp Cynefin, Clwyd Alyn and Wales & West and are spread across the county with properties in Rhyl, Llanbedr DC, Denbigh, Rhuddlan, Prestatyn, Cynwyd, Henllan, Corwen, Prestatyn, Dyserth and Ruthin.

The Council works with RSLs and private developers to ensure sites chosen will meet the open market and affordable housing needs of residents as well as managing the Social Housing Grant provided by Welsh Government to enable affordable house building by RSLs.

Councillor Tony Thomas, the council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Ensuring there is enough housing to meet the needs of Denbighshire residents is a priority for the Council.

“The council set a target of ensuring 260 affordable homes were built in the county between 2017 and 2022 and so far 210 have been created.

“The council is pleased to be working in partnership with private developers and RSLs to ensure the number of affordable properties in the county is increasing.”

* Information on affordable housing options and availability can be found on the Tai Teg website www.taiteg.org.uk or contact 03456 015 605.

County council's new website goes live

* The county council's new look website.

Denbighshire County Council has completely revamped its website to make it more accessible to the public – and it’s now gone live.

Each public service organisation needs to ensure that its website meets the requirements of the Equalities Act and have accessible websites by September 2020.   

Making a website accessible means that it can be used by people with impaired vision, motor difficulties, learning disabilities, deafness or impaired hearing.

Councillor Richard Mainon, Cabinet Lead Member for Corporate Services and Strategic Direction, said: “We hope people like out new look website and find the new look site a lot easier to navigate and find the information they need.

“We are always looking at ways of improving our online services and this latest change in law has given us a great opportunity to revamp our website, making sure it fully complies with accessibility guidelines.

“We have been testing the site with the Disability Access Centre and have passed their accessibility tests. We have also introduced some minor changes in response to feedback from the public and we would like to thank people for taking the time to get in touch.

“It has a very different look and feel from the existing website.  It has a clear and simple design; it should be easier to read in terms of font, colours and contrast and the language should be easy to understand.  It has also been designed so that it can be used on as many digital devices as possible.

“Our website is one of the key platforms for the council to provide advice and information to the public and is available twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year. 

“The council is focussing on providing more services online and allowing customers to access a wide range of information about council services, as well as registering requests, making payments and getting involved in consultations.  

* The new-look website is available by visiting: www.denbighshire.gov.uk. 

Tourism Ambassador scheme proves popular in Denbighshire

A scheme providing people with training and knowledge about tourism in Denbighshire is proving popular with 200 signing up since its launch last year.

The Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador Scheme offers a variety of online training modules on a variety of themes in order to improve the overall visitor experience. It’s totally free and open to everyone. This is the first online scheme of its kind in Wales. 

Module themes include - Denbighshire towns & city, walking, cycling, history, arts, coast, Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB, welsh language & culture, food tourism and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.

There are 3 levels of awards – bronze, silver and gold, depending on the amount of modules completed. Each person receives a certificate, pin badge and window stickers on completion of the awards.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “We know that continuous learning can have a positive impact on people’s lives. Whether people are looking to brush up on their skills, to try something new, to seek information or to improve their job prospects; Adult Learners’ Week is a great time to start. The Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador Scheme offers the flexibility and convenience for you to gain new knowledge and become part of a shared interest community.”

The online scheme launched in 2019 and continues to grow with a range of Ambassadors including local people, accommodation and attraction providers, shops, pubs, students, library staff, tour guides and volunteers.

Jenny Whitham, who runs Faraway Follies boutique guest lodges in Llandegla said: “Becoming a Tourism Ambassador is a great way of getting to know more information about the area that I could impart to my guests. The online modules are well-paced, a nice mix of video and words, they’re easy to follow and the quizzes at the end are fairly simple. Adding that extra little bit of service for guests is invaluable. If the locals are friendly and knowledgeable then people will be encouraged to visit and return to the area.”

Paul Hughes. walking group leader for the Vale of Clwyd Mind commented: “I chose to become a Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador because it gives you more information, it’s always handy to have more knowledge when you’re leading people on walks and taking people around the different areas. The course is free as well which always helps. And you can do it at home over a couple of evenings a week, so it’s brilliant. You can’t have enough knowledge as they say, it’s always nice to learn something new.”

The scheme is now being recognised across North Wales and other local authorities and National Parks are looking at running a similar online scheme. The long-term aim is to establish North Wales Ambassadors to ensure tourism messages are consistent to maximise the visitor experience and encourage sustainable tourism.

The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

* For more information on the scheme and to complete the modules please visit – www.denbighshireambassador.wales

County businesses receive £33m in government covid support

Businesses in Denbighshire have already received emergency coronavirus support totalling more than £33m from the Welsh Labour Government.

The most up-to-date information shows 2,761 businesses of all sizes across the county have been awarded crucial support since the pandemic struck – with more grants being awarded every day.

Clwyd South Member of the Senedd Ken Skates said: “I am proud that the Welsh Government has been able to help so many local businesses, from small and medium-sized enterprises to key local employers and hotels and pubs. The Welsh Government’s support package for businesses is the most generous anywhere in the UK and more money reaching small businesses every day.”

Welsh Government data shows 2,274 Denbighshire businesses already in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief got grants of £10,000 and another 297 in the tourism and hospitality industry were awarded £25,000 each. In addition, more than 2,500 start-up grants of £2,500 are currently being processed.

The Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF), which was designed to fill the gaps left by the UK Government’s support schemes, has so far awarded £3.17m to another 190 Denbighshire companies. Among the recipients was Llangollen Railway, which received a £70,000 grant.

Peter Carroll, managing director of ProAdventure in Llangollen said: "The help has made it possible for the directors to carry on with mail order all through lockdown, and given us the certainty that we can keep stock levels up to cope with increased mail order volumes and bring staff back from furlough earlier than might have been possible without support."

South Denbighshire Community Partnership, based in Corwen, has also received Welsh Government support throughout the crisis to help it meet the growing demand associated with the Covid-19 outbreak, enabling the not-for-profit group to help hundreds of vulnerable local people.

Neatcrown, which employs up to 70 people at its Corwen factory during busy periods, received £77,500 through the ERF. 

Managing Director Colin Roberts said: “The money from the Welsh Government allowed us to safeguard jobs at the site during a period of real uncertainty. Our orders had been decimated and we had workers shielding. It really was a lifeline at that point. 

“We are a close-knit company and we’re part of the community. We have multiple generations of the same family working here and have some members of staff who have worked here for more than 30 years. It would have been a huge blow to Corwen if we’d had to close. We wanted to keep going and the support from the Welsh Government helped us do that.”

Mr Skates added: “Around 11% of all awards through the Economic Resilience Fund have been to businesses in North East Wales, and almost £28m has been awarded in total across North Wales. Sadly, it is impossible to help every single business, but the vast majority of applications have been successful, and I’m pleased there are many which we have helped stay afloat.

“I’m proud to be part of a Welsh Labour Government which is standing up for our region.”

In addition to the support for local businesses, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod – which had to cancel this year’s event – received a Welsh Government grant of £338,000 to help with business continuity through 2020, including planning and preparation for 2021.

Chairman Rhys Davies said: “We are very grateful for the support of Welsh Government so that we can continue to promote Welsh culture on the international stage and spread the peace message around the world. There are going to be challenges for all festivals, so collaboration is the key.”

Schools investment on the cards

Schools in Llangollen could benefit from a £52million investment programme.

Plans to improve facilities at Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh; Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Gwernant, Llangollen; Denbigh High School and Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn are included in the second phase of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme.

Under the first phase a £90million investment saw a new school built for Rhyl High School and Ysgol Tir Morfa, a new faith school in Rhyl, Christ the Word Catholic School, a new joint site for Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin as well as a new schools at Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd and Ysgol Carreg Emlyn in Clocaenog.

A seven-classroom extension and refurbishment at Bodnant Community School, Prestatyn, a three-classroom extension and refurbishment at Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy, Cynwyd and an extension and refurbishment of Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph were also included in this phase.

A proposal business case for the second phase of the programme, funded by the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council, will be discussed at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on September 22nd.  If approved the green light will be given to these projects which will see options for development at these schools progressed and business cases developed to seek the funding for individual projects. 

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “Supporting young people is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and during the first phase of the programme more than £90 million has been invested in Denbighshire’s schools benefiting more than 3,500 pupils.

“As well as the benefit to young people, the investment of £90m also impacted on the local economy with a strong emphasis placed on local procurement which saw five of the eight projects led by North Wales firms and work secured for many local contractors.

“The second phase of the programme is set to see further investment in Denbigh and Llangollen which will benefit even more pupils in the county. This investment will be targeted to ensure we address the condition of our school buildings and improve the pupils’ learning environment.

“The Council has also been lobbying the Welsh Government for additional funding to enable investment at Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen, St Brigid’s Denbigh and the primary sector in Rhyl as part of the second phase of the programme.”

New Audi flagship still has that old Vorsprungdurchtechnik

* The new Audi Q8.

Audi Q8 road test by Steve Rogers

Audi had one thing in mind for the Q8: Make it the best premium SUV money can buy.

And the flagship of the Q family makes quite a statement with design lines a little more adventurous than we are used to. 

Compared to not so pretty Q7 the Q8, with its restyled in your face grille, frameless doors and sloping coupe roofline, is really quite attractive.

Flagship or not the Q8 is 66mm shorter than Q7 although there is no shortage of space inside. With the split rear seat backs folded two could happily bed down for the night while there is oodles of room for long legged passengers in very comfortable seats. 

That dipping roofline rules out a third row but the job of hauling seven people is the province of Q7.

Make no mistake a lot of thought has gone into this car and that becomes evident once inside. 

It is a bit like taking your seats in a top class theatre and waiting for the curtain to rise on a star studded show. In this case the main event is the virtual cockpit, a full width screen in the driver's binnacle and two central screens, 10.2in up top for the car's main functions, navigation, telephone, Bluetooth and stuff you are never likely to use, with the lower 8.6in screen for the everyday functions of heating, radio and the like.

It looks like touchscreen but requires a gentle press on the function which gives a satisfying tick to let you know the job has been done. Trust me, this is clever stuff.

Not only is it the most technologically advanced set up I have come across it looks fantastic and although intimidating takes little time to work out. The star turn has to be the ability to use a finger to write the navigation address on to the face of the lower screen. That is so cool.

I did not try inputting Llanfair PG full out but most of the time the town, street, postcode is predicted and can be selected from a list to complete the operation. Voice control was not so effective but can work if you have the patience.

For the first time I have had an Audi not loaded with 10 grands worth of extras and that's because the top Vorsprung model gives you just about everything in one package so sit back and enjoy the luxury of fine leather, exquisite trim and finish and such niceties as air conditioned front seats, powered steering wheel adjustment and gobsmackingly clever Matrix LED lights that dance around like a ballet company. 

There is much more along with a list of safety features as long as your arm.

Air suspension is a given on cars at this level and the Audi is again bang on the money. There are several settings but just go for comfort and feel how the Q8 can stifle the jarring affect of potholes, poor surfaces and even speed humps.

I used Q8 to tow my caravan - I can think of cheaper and equally capable tow cars - but my goodness did it do the job. The combination of the air suspension and torque from the 3-litre turbo diesel make this a mighty towcar - it could pull two of my vans, and the slick eight speed auto box is a stress free match. It was also surprisingly fuel efficient returning 27mpg over 160 miles with my wife behind the wheel and 24mpg with me. No sarcy comments please.

Some of this fuel efficiency will be down to the 48 volt mild hybrid technology which allows the engine to coast without any throttle. Driving solo the Q8 hit 40mpg which is seriously good for a car of its size and weight.

I've been banging the petrol drum with the last few cars I have tested but from what I have just experienced my recommendation would be diesel because of the engine's refinement, performance and economy.

So is Q8 now the best premium SUV on the market? In some ways it is. It is a technological tour de force and ahead of everyone, and I have always said no one can trim a car like Audi excepting the super luxury motors of course. It does not handle as sharply as a Porsche Cayenne, but does that matter when the majority of its life will be cruising in the fast lane?

Can it topple Range Rover Velar from the top of the pile? Well for me the Velar still looks the part but that's about all. Such difficult choices!

Need to know

Q8 50 Vorsprung quattro

£84,375

3-litre TDI; 286bhp

0-62mph 6.3secs; 152mph

32.8mpg combined

228g/km. 1st yr tax £2175 then £145

Boot 605 to 1755 litres

Conservation work resumes on Old Lock Up

* Sue Hargreaves, chair of the Armoury Conservation Trust. 

* The renovated interior of the building. 

* The doorway.

* ... and the door knocker.

Conservation work has resumed on Llangollen's historic Old Lock Up building after being halted by lockdown.

In the last update given to llanblogger at the beginning of this year by the Armoury Conservation Trust which is undertaking the work, the team had just discovered a hidden original stone wall.

Now a trust spokesperson says: "Needless to say, progress has been hindered, and indeed came to a complete standstill, due to the pandemic.   

"However, with restrictions easing in recent months, we've welcomed the return of our team of top tradesmen.

"Stu Morris and son Brad have returned to repoint the stone wall with suitable lime mortar, entirely replace the wooden floorboards,  and insert a new partition wall, as well as fixing and replacing several doors.

"Jason Pryde has rerouted gas pipes, Les Davies has resited electrics, and Roger Morison has done an incredible job of oiling the new wooden floor, stripping and repainting historic doors, iron and woodwork, painting the shop in custom colours and fitting ironwork to our doors.

"Whilst there is still work to be done in the coming weeks, the progress is astonishing.

"The Armoury Conservation Trust is delighted to be bringing this important historic building back into use, and we look forward to our upcoming annual meeting to decide how best to share the space with Llangollen's residents."

Council chief quizzed over broken canal railings

* Karen Edwards's picture of the broken railings.

A council chief has been questioned about the safety of broken railings on the canal bridge near to Llangollen wharf.

Contacting Judith Greenhalgh, chief executive of Denbighshire County Council (DCC), late last month former town councillor Karen Edwards wrote: “I would like to draw your attention to the damaged railings on the canal wharf bridge. 

Supplying pictures of the damage, she added: “This damage occurred at least three years ago. It begs the question as to why this hasn’t been fixed and I would like to know what DCC intend to do about it.

“To be honest, we’re all getting pretty fed up with the lackadaisical approach being taken by DCC in this town and it’s high time DCC officers stepped up to the mark and stopped taking this town for granted as a ‘cash cow’ for DCC coffers.”  

Ms Greenhalgh responded: “As this relates to the parapet railing of the bridge I can confirm that the area was inspected by the Senior Engineer in the Structures team and he is of the view that the fence is still fit for purpose and is therefore a low priority in terms of repairs.

“Unfortunately the railing does get caught quite regularly by buses travelling up to the school but to rectify the alignment so that damage won’t occur is unfeasible.

“We do monitor the situation carefully and should any further damage occur then the position will of course be re-assessed.”

Ms Edwards wrote back to the chief executive saying she was “perplexed” by the response.

She told Ms Greenhalgh: “School buses do not use this route. The children attending Dinas Bran school walk to the Pavillion car park where the coaches are parked . I’m somewhat surprised you don’t seem to be aware of that.

“Coaches do however take tourists up Wharf Hill to Llangollen Wharf where visitors enjoy the canal boat trips.

“ Whilst I’m not a structural engineer, the photographs I provided clearly show that the metal railings are no longer securely fixed to the stone parapet base. When was this last inspected?

“Surely you are placing your council at risk of a negligence claim for failure to protect the safety of users of a public highway, both pedestrians, including the plethora of visitors and residents  that regularly walk that way to access the public footpath that leads up to Castell Dinas Bran, not to mention the school children and drivers of vehicles .

“The pedestrian access to the canal is also below that bridge, so what happens if a vehicle goes through those damaged unsecured railings and crashes onto the path below?

“Regardless of the safety aspects, which are paramount, the damaged railings look an absolute mess rather like the ones on the A539 also reported recently and damaged months ago.

“Bearing in mind that Llangollen is an important inland tourist destination set in the picturesque landscape of the World Heritage Site and AONB , this needs urgent attention  to deal with their damaged appearance.”