Deeside.com is reporting that police are calling for people to act responsibly after issues with anti-social behaviour at a beauty spot near Llangollen.
Officers said evidence of wild camping and littering had been discovered in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
* For the full story, see: https://www.deeside.com/police-call-for-people-to-act-responsibly-after-anti-social-behaviour-issues-in-clwydian-range/
* Llangollen Ramblers walking down into Aberystwyth last week.
Llangollen Ramblers have been walking the Wales Coast Path for some six years and have now covered all the coast between Chester and Aberystwyth - including a circuit of Anglesey.
They now have only another 450 miles to go to Chepstow.
* Owner of the diesel unit George Fletcher and driver John Joyce are seen cleaning some left over blemishes off the carriage window whilst the train was stopped at Carrog. Pictures by George Jones.
Llangollen Railway believes that the recent spray-painting of its historic diesel railcar was part of a well-planned attack by a group of vandals who came prepared for their handiwork.
And it says police are currently examining CCTV footage in a bid to track down the culprits.
As llanblogger revealed last week, the 1960s-style British Railways diesel carriages had their smart green livery over-sprayed by multi-coloured aerosol paints between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
But thanks to the hard work of a team of volunteers to clean off the paint was able to get back on track carrying passengers this weekend.
A press release from the railway says: "Llangollen Railway is pleased to announce the heritage diesel railcar which was paint-sprayed by vandals last week was back in use in time for the Bank Holiday weekend train services.
"The two-car diesel unit was again working resplendent in its 1960s style British Railways green livery after hard work by volunteers removed the multi-coloured spray paint applied by vandals in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
"It is evident the incident was not a spontaneous action by an individual, but rather a well-co-ordinated attack by a group which had specifically identified a target for their handy work and came to the railway well prepared for their night-time activity.
"The police are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering forensic evidence to identify the perpetrators of this damage.
"If their intention was the railcar would have to run displaying their so-called artistic endeavours then it has been frustrated by some hard work by the volunteers using a lot of elbow grease to remove it."
Reviewing the paintwork whilst the unit was at Carrog station on Saturday, head of the railcars department John Joyce said: "Following the discovery of the mindless vandalism on Wednesday morning, volunteers set about removing the graffiti the same day.
"Experimentation with different methods
revealed that it could be removed with relatively little damage to the
paintwork underneath, although some repairs will be needed once the running
season is finished.
“We have been heartened by all the support shown to both the railcar department, and the railway as a whole, including some very generous offers of assistance and donations.
"Visitors to the railway who rode on the railcar were pleased to learn that the paint had been removed and the affected bodywork was none the worse for the damage.”
Owner of the railcar, George Fletcher, came over from Derby to inspect his vehicles and was relieved to see the unit back in action.
He said, “As a 60-year-old train set it is of
some historic importance and has been in preservation since the early 1990s.
“I like to see it is well looked after by the Llangollen railcars group. It looks the part when seen in operation on the Llangollen line and I am pleased visitors like riding in it as a memory of earlier rail travel.
“After all that the railway has been through over the last 18 months, a few cans of cheap spray paint couldn't be allowed to hold us back."
The railcars affected are once more available for passengers to enjoy the panoramic views of the Dee Valley scenery as summer turns into autumn over the coming weeks.
* A post of the railcars group's Facebook page says: "Many people have asked us how they can help defer the cost of the recent damage to our units caused by vandals.
"Contributions can now be made using one of the railway Trust's donation systems for which the details are:
Reference (important) - Railcar Fund."
* Lord Newborough, owner of the Rhug Estate.
A virtual celebration of the best food and drink produced in North East Wales is going online.
Organised by Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink as well as Clwydian Range Food and Drink, it comprises a series of 29 videos encapsulating the work that goes on behind the scenes to produce the award-winning fare.
The Meet the Producers videos also have support from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire.
Kirsty Wild from Llangollen and Dee Food and Drink said: “The series of videos we have created are an opportunity for consumers outside the area to meet our amazing food and drink producers and have an insight in to how they create their amazing products.
"Local businesses like Rhug Estate have shown how crucial they are to their communities during the past 18 months stepping up to meet online demand and providing the people of North East Wales with incredible customer service and locally-sourced food and drink. We want to pay tribute and provide a platform for them to showcase their products.”
Many of the local products featured in the videos are available to buy from Rhug Estate’s farmshop which is located near Corwen. The shop is one of the biggest in Wales and is a showcase for the very best local, artisan food, drink and gifts.
Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate said: “As a member of Llangollen and Dee Food and Drink for many years we welcome this opportunity to be able to showcase Rhug Estate’s organic meat and skincare range to a wider online audience.
"The last 18 months or so have not been easy for us, or any business in this region which relies on tourists and the hospitality sector. The immediate shift to online shopping last year certainly tested our website and our staff.
"We had to act fast to meet the increased online shopper demands. We are delighted to be able to welcome our customers back to visit Rhug Estate but appreciate that the increased demand for shopping with Rhug ‘virtually’ is here to stay and initiatives like this one that directs new customers our way are always appreciated.”
The Meet the Producers videos will be available to view on Llangollen and Dee Food and Drink website and will be shared on their social media over the coming weeks. Click here to view the video that features Rhug Estate: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=365199641809228
Llangollen Fringe has paid tribute to a reggae music legend who appeared twice at the festival and has died at the age of 85.
Lee "Scratch" Perry, the legendary producer, provocateur and dub pioneer, first headlined at the Fringe in 2017 and came back again the following year.
Yesterday it was announced he had died at home in Jamaica.
Grammy award-winning Perry was highly influential in the development of reggae and dub music world wide.
Working under many names - as well as in many capacities including disc jockey, producer, record businessman, songwriter, singer - he was a guiding force in the development of reggae.Known for his bizarre behaviour and stream-of-consciousness interviews, he often donned costumes and headdresses made of found objects such as feathers, toys, playing cards, and coins.
A spokesperson for the Fringe team said: "What a character he was, still touring and starring in the Fringe well into his 70s.
"His lovely son looked after him throughout making sure his special microphone was alight as he went on stage.
"We at the Fringe feined ignorance as both were so sweet and beautifully eccentric.
"We feel proud that the Fringe could bring such a
renowned international performer to Llangollen."
Views are being sought on potential changes to local taxes which could be used by local authorities to tackle the effects that large numbers of second homes and commercial holiday lets can have in some parts of Wales.
The Welsh Government consultation on council tax and non-domestic rates is part of a summer of action launched by Climate Change Minister Julie James last month to address the impact of second home ownership seen in some of Wales’ communities.
The government says: "While second home owners and people who stay in holiday lets can make an important contribution to our local economies, we want to ensure all homeowners and businesses make a fair contribution to the communities in which they own or let property."
The consultation will seek views on the maximum level at which local authorities can set council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties and the criteria for a property to be defined as non‑domestic, self-catering accommodation.
Wales is still the only UK nation to give local authorities the power to introduce a 100 per cent council tax premium on both second homes and long-term empty homes (empty for more than a year).
This additional income can be used to address issues affecting the supply of affordable housing or for the provision of public services and other facilities such as public transport.
The consultation also seeks views on the circumstances in which properties are classed as self-catering businesses and are listed for non-domestic rates.
Currently all occupied small business properties below a specified rateable value, including self-catering units, are eligible for Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR), subject to a limit of two properties per business per local authority.
This consultation considers the criteria for defining properties as non-domestic self‑catering accommodation and whether different thresholds are needed.
Finance and Local Government Minister Rebecca Evans said: “We want to hear from people living in communities affected by these issues as well as owners of second homes and holiday lets, trade representatives of the self-catering and tourism industry, and local authorities.
“We anticipate receiving a wide range of responses which will all inform our future policies on potential changes to local taxes so that we have a fairer system for everyone.”
Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “We cherish our reputation in Wales as a welcoming, bilingual society in which tourism and current second home owners have a contribution to make.
“However we also recognise the impact that higher numbers of second homes and self-catered holiday lets can have on local housing and rental markets and on the sustainability of local communities. In some areas they may compromise the sustainability of Welsh as a community language."
Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and the Welsh Language said: “Ensuring that local people can live in the communities in which they grew up and maintaining the health and vitality of Welsh as a thriving community language, are top priorities for the Welsh Government.”
Pupils and school staff in Denbighshire are being reminded to take Covid-19 tests before returning to school in September.
With the start
of the new term imminent, all secondary age pupils and staff not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms are being encouraged to take Lateral
Flow Device (LFD) tests before returning to school.
Anyone
experiencing any of the main symptoms of Covid-19, a new continuous cough; a
high temperature; loss of or change to sense of smell or taste, should
self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.
Cllr Huw
Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead member for Education,
Children and Young People, said: “The regular testing of pupils and staff was a
key tool in mitigating against the spread of the virus in schools during the
last school term by identifying infectious individuals.
“We are urging
pupils and staff to take two LFD tests before returning to school, ideally one
over the weekend and a second on the evening before returning to school. This
will help reduce the spread of the virus.
“LFD test kits
can be collected from Denbighshire libraries and One Stop Shops as well as from
pharmacies.
“I want to
thank pupils, staff and parents for their efforts last term and wish all our
students the best for the new school year.”
LFD tests are
available for collection at the following Denbighshire libraries for all
residents not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms:
Denbigh (LL16
3NU); Corwen (LL210DG); Llangollen (LL20 8NU); Prestatyn (LL19 9AA); Rhuddlan
(LL18 2UE); Rhyl (LL18 3AA) ; Ruthin (LL15 1DS); St Asaph (LL17 0LU), please
check opening times.
Those with
symptoms can book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test
* Control Room manager Paul Shea, right, and Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Andy Dunbobbin.
An aspiring police officer rang 999 to check on the
progress of his application to join North Wales Police, it’s been revealed.
The region’s police and crime commissioner, Andy
Dunbobbin, heard it was one of a string of “ridiculous” emergency calls dealt with
by the force’s control room.
It was said, Mr Dunbobbin, a “serious and flagrant”
waste of police time that diverted resources away from real emergencies,
potentially putting lives at risk.
On another occasion a women dialled 999 to ask for
police assistance to move her sofa which had become jammed in her hallway after
she tried to shift it from her lounge to another room.
Another example came when a woman stood outside the
police station in Rhyl called the emergency line asking for a lift home after
she had failed to book a taxi.
According to Mr Dunbobbin, staff at the control
room in St Asaph are incredibly busy and don’t have time to deal with ludicrous
calls.
The centre already handles an average of 80,000
emergency 999 calls a year and on average they’re answered in just 3.1 seconds.
On top of that they deal with 250,000 non-emergency
calls, 18,000 webchats and nearly 60,000 emails which all translates into an
average of more than 1,100 contacts every day.
The force is now urging people to report non-urgent
matters to them via the website www.northwales.police.uk so that the 999 line can be
kept free for emergencies.
Control room manager Paul Shea said:
“Unfortunately, we still get too many silly calls like the one from the lady
who got the couch stuck in the hall.
“Another call that sticks in the memory was the one
from the lady with the spider on the bed. She was scared and wanted a police
officer to come to move the spider.
“They’re just not policing matters and it takes
valuable resources from people who are in real trouble.
“The flip side of that is that there are other
people who should have phoned 999 who called the non-emergency line 101 instead
because they didn’t want to bother us.
“I would like to stress that people should always
ring 999 if they are suffering a proper emergency.”
Mr Dunbobbin has just signed a £5.8 million cheque
to buy a new system for the control room that’s an upgrade of the force’s
current command and control technology.
It will be introduced in phases and has been
designed to dovetail with the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) that’s due
to rolled out in the UK.
Mr Dunbobbin said: “Even with the new system, we
will have not have the time to deal with the really silly, time-wasting calls
which divert precious police resources and potentially put lives at risk.
“Making prank calls or phoning 999 inappropriately
is inexcusable and is not fair. It’s as simple as that.
“Clearly though, if somebody is in the middle of a
proper emergency they should always ring 999.”
It was a message echoed by Chief Inspector Mark Williams, the Senior Force
Incident Manager.
He said: “The control room is the front door to
policing for most people. Members of the public who need to contact the police
invariably come through this room in one form or another.
“Nuisance calls are annoying but there are
occasions when people make genuine mistakes.
“What might be an emergency for some people might
not be for somebody else and I would say use us if you need to, but we do get
some really ridiculous calls.
“There was absolutely no excuse for a prospective
police officer to call the emergency number to check on his job application. He
clearly was not cut out for the job.
“But time is of the essence when there is a real
emergency. We aim to answer 999 calls within 10 second so doing it in under
four seconds is pretty impressive.
“Clearly these are life threatening emergencies most of the time so it’s absolutely essential that we get the right person on the end of the phone very quickly so we can start getting officers going to the locations if they’re needed.”
A one-purchase ticket valid on buses across North Wales has been officially launched.
The launch of the 1Bws ticket was held at the Events Arena in Rhyl, and was attended by bus operators from across North Wales as well as invited guests from Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and Wrexham councils, Senedd members and officers from Transport for Wales.
An adult
ticket costs £5.70, a child will pay £3.70 and holders of English and Scottish
concessionary bus passes will also pay £3.70.
A family
ticket is available for just £12.
One ticket is
valid all day on busses in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of
Anglesey and Wrexham and on buses from North Wales to Chester, Whitchurch and
Machynlleth.
There are
buses covering most of the region and it is possible to explore the North Wales
Coast, Snowdonia and the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley.
Cllr Brian
Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the
Environment, said: “I am very pleased we are supporting this initiative, which
will encourage local people and visitors alike to use our extensive bus
network.
“The
initiative is a great way to get people back on buses and open up North Wales
in a way that protects the environment.
“This ticket
is a great example of the strong partnership that exists between bus operators
and local authorities. It has been possible to introduce this ticket because
public and private sector, bus operators large and small, have all worked
together.”
Richard Hoare,
Arriva’s Regional Commercial Director, said: “The introduction of the 1Bws
ticket is a result of the close working partnership in North Wales between
operators and local authorities. “This is an important development for existing
customers and potential new users, as the new product will make travel by bus
more convenient and easier to use.
“Buses are an
important contributor to the North Wales economy and will be key in encouraging
a green and sustainable recovery from the pandemic.”
Timetable
information for all buses in North Wales is available online at http://bustimes.org
or www.traveline.cymru; or by phone on 0800 464 00 00.
1Bws is valid
on all local bus services operating in North Wales with the exception of
service 28 between Mold and Flint.
It is also not
valid on tourist services operated by open top buses, on National Express coach
services and park and ride services.
Denbighshire says it is hoping to improve its approach to engagement and consultation
to ensure that residents understand how and when they can get involved in the council’s decision-making.
Residents have
previously told the council they would like to be more involved in the decisions that
affect them.
It is now asking residents about how often they’d like to be approached to have their say
and the best way for them to get involved.
This year, the council is also focussing on whether the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has brought
about any changes to the way it communicates that residents would like
to be made permanent.
To get
involved, it is inviting residents to sign up to one of two online
workshops on September 7 and 8 and/or to complete a short survey.
* To find out
more visit: https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/524
To request a
paper copy of the survey, telephone 01824 708027 or write to: Public Engagement
Officer, Communities and Customers, County Hall, Ruthin LL15 1YN.
* A picture from Facebook of the vandalised trains.
Just as it is making a
good recovery from the pandemic and its own financial crisis Llangollen Railway
has been targeted by vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of
damage to its rolling stock.
On its Facebook page
earlier today the railway revealed that the wreckers had struck at two trains
parked in the sidings, spraying them both heavily with coloured paint.
And railway officials are now
urging anyone with information about the attack to ring them in confidence.
The railway’s post says: “Devasted
to report that last night Llangollen Railway was targeted by vandals.
“Two DMUs (diesel multiple
units) were spray painted and will cost thousands of pounds to repair.
“If you really care and
have any information that may help to identify the criminals, please telephone
01978 860979 for a confidential chat.”
Being subjected to this
kind of wanton attack is the last thing the railway needs as it tries its best
to get back on track following the deep financial crisis of last spring which
plunged it into receivership and months of closure due to Covid restrictions.
Despite its troubles the
heritage attraction has fought its way back into the financial black and has once
again started to run the train services, including steam, which are its life’s
blood.
John Joyce, head of railcars department, said: "We were shocked and saddened to discover this senseless vandalism when our crew turned up on Wednesday morning to operate the day's railcar service to Carrog.
"Fortunately, we were able to operate the day's services as scheduled with another railcar, but the damage will need considerable time and expense to put right. Both the time and money could have been put to far more productive uses than removing this mindless damage."
He added: "After all that the Llangollen Railway has overcome during the last 18 months, enabling it to reopen in stages since July, this is one more setback that was totally unnecessary.
"Many thousands of visitors have enjoyed their visits to the line since that reopening, helping to bring back much-needed tourism to the area and its local businesses."
News of the vandalism prompted
a torrent of anger against the culprits on Facebook.
Comments on the story
include:
No
words!!! all the time and effort gone into reopening
All
that time and effort they spent ...bloody awful
A
number of heritage railways have been subject to similar vandalism in the past
year. Volunteer night watchmen might help but I don't think Llangollen Police
station is open all night so police would send either a mobile traffic team or
officers from Wrexham
Disgusting
behaviour
This
is dreadful. Is there anywhere one can donate towards the cost of the repaint?
Why
absolute idiots
Absolutely
unbelievable. After so many people have worked so hard to get the railway going
again.
Devastating
Absolutely
disgusting
Everyone over the age of 11 living, working or studying in Denbighshire not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms can now collect free Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests from the county’s libraries.
And that includes Llangollen Library in Castle Street.
About one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still infect others.
Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We are encouraging residents to take advantage of having tests available for collection and to take regular LFD tests.
“Getting tested regularly is the only way to know if you have the virus and if people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.
“Welsh Government is also encouraging school staff and secondary school age learners to undertake LFD tests just before they return to school.”
Free LFD tests are also available to collect at pharmacies.
The council adds: "Please do not use an LFD test if you are experiencing any of the main symptoms of Covid-19, a new continuous cough; a high temperature; loss of or change to sense of smell or taste, self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-
* Back in 2019 members of the Llangollen Christmas Festival Committee handed over a cheque for £250 to Pastor Brian Smith and Pat Smith in the Matt's Foodbank storeroom.
A Llangollen-based charity organisation which helped to feed hundreds of people in crisis has closed after almost 10 years in operation.
Matt’s Foodbank, based at the City Church in Brook Street, shut down earlier this month.
It had been run by Pastor Brian Smith and his wife Patricia who has told llanblogger: “Sadly, we have had to close Matt’s Foodbank after nearly 10 years.
“My husband Brian and I are having a few minor health problems so decided this was a good time to close knowing that the Foodshare in town also provides food to people in crisis.
“We will be giving them our stock of food which will be used, not for the Foodshare but for those in need.
“I do hope they will be supported by the folk of Llangollen who have so generously supported us over the years. The Co-op has also been amazing in allowing us to have a collection box in their store all these years.”
Just a couple of years ago the couple told llanblogger the bank was distributing basic supplies to around 400 people a year.
Vouchers for the bank were available from a variety of places in the town, such as the One Stop Shop in Llangollen Library, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, the health centre and all three schools.
Donations of food were taken at drop-off points including the Co-op in Regent Street and a typical shopping list included everything from breakfast cereal and biscuits to tinned meat and fish to sugar and dried pasta and rice.
In a recent post on its Facebook page, the foodbank said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everybody who has been kind enough to purchase food items and make donations over the years.
“Every single contribution has helped to support individuals and families who have needed a helping hand.
“Thank you once again to everyone for your support.”
Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:
Q; I’m a single parent and lost my job
during the pandemic. My local Citizens Advice helped me apply for Universal
Credit which has been really helpful to cover some of the income I’ve lost. But
I’m very worried about the upcoming £20-a-week cut to Universal Credit - I
don't know how I'll be able to pay for the school uniforms and shoes,
especially as they grow so fast! Is there any other support out there to help
plug the gap?
A: If you're on a low income or employed,
you might be able to get help with some of the costs of sending your child to
school, including school meals, transport and uniform. It’s always worth
talking to your local education authority to see what support is available as
some of their resources and offerings can differ. The following information is
for England.
Free school meals
Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 automatically get free school meals. If you have older children you can apply for free school meals if you get certain benefits. In your case as you’re on Universal Credit and you applied after 1 April 2018 you would be eligible if you earn less than £7,400 a year without benefits. You can see the full list of eligibility requirements on the Citizens Advice website.
To apply for free school meals you need to contact your local authority, you can check the details at Gov.uk by typing your postcode in.
Transport
If your children are aged between five to 16, your local education authority might offer free or lower cost transport if you don't live near school or your child's unable to walk there. You need to apply to your local education authority for help.
Uniforms and other costs
Your local education authority might also be able to help with some other costs, like uniforms, music lessons or trips and activities. There may also be local charitable schemes to help with these costs, it’s worth checking with the school to see if it knows of any. Schools can also sometimes also advise on finding second hand uniforms.
What’s next
If your child is staying in education after year 11, you must tell HMRC’s Child Benefit Office if you want to continue receiving child benefit and any extra support for children within means-tested benefits. When your child turns 16, HMRC will send you a letter asking whether your child will stay in education or training. You must reply to this letter to keep getting Child Benefit.
The Welsh Government have announced additional funding to provide a 100 Police Community Support Officers to tackle crime and support communities.
The First Minister Mark Drakeford and the Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt have announced an extra £3.7m for additional PCSOs across the country, bringing the total budget to over £22m.
The additional 100 PCSOs brings the total funded by the Welsh Government to 600.
Highlighting the important role PCSOs play, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “PCSOs have provided a vital link between neighbourhoods and police services and are recognised for their willingness to become part of their communities.
“They have played a critical role in responding to the pandemic and I want to pay tribute to their unwavering commitment.
“The PCSOs have continued to step up, providing support and developing innovative ways to keep their communities safe.”
Police Community Support Officers work with police officers and share some, but not all of their powers. They provide an important link between their communities and the police service to ensure people have the support they need
Some of the things PCSOs support frontline policing with are stopping speeding outside our schools, reporting vandalism or reducing anti-social behaviour.
Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt said: “Communities right across Wales have appreciated the vitally important difference that PCSOs make to their neighbourhoods. It’s clear to see that they’ve fast become part of their communities and have ensured that when there is a problem, individuals know their local PCSOs have their best interests at heart.
"Their work to identify and understand local issues has enabled a focus on early intervention, ensuring that local support services can link up and deliver for our communities.
"I’m delighted that we’re hitting the ground running on delivering our pledge to recruit 100 more PCSO’s in Wales today, demonstrating our commitment to keeping our communities and neighbourhoods in Wales safe.”
A Llangollen town councillor has sent an open letter to Wales' transport minister Julie James claiming that Llangollen is at risk of being hit by "the perfect storm" of road closures.
Stuart Davies says the long-term diversion around the collapsed B5605 between Newbridge and Cefn Mawr coupled with other blockages could have a "catastrophic" affect on the town.
And he suggests the delay in repairing the Newbridge road is a symptom of Wales's "north-south divide."
He writes: "By putting in place a blanket closure order on the A483 near McDonalds in Chirk without thinking through the consequences the Welsh Government risks causing the perfect storm.
"After Storm Christoph in January this year the B5605 between Newbridge and Cefn Mawr collapsed closing a viable alternate Dee crossing.
"The only de facto alternative Dee crossing if there are more road closures on the A483 is now the Llangollen Bridge.
"We have already seen the carnage caused when the A483 is closed for night-time work. With 44-ton HGVs traversing the narrowed Castle Street leading to the Llangollen bridge, mounting the pavements and threatening pedestrians, it is not a safe alternative.
"Basically, trunk road traffic is traversing a narrowed town centre road.
"With the Llangollen 2020 scheme supposed to be taking place this autumn, subject to a statutory TRO consultation with Llangollen residents, if single line traffic through Llangollen was implemented to allow works on the scheme, then a road closure of the A483 would be catastrophic, with all the trunk road traffic being diverted through Llangollen.
"Has anyone thought this scenario through? Have Denbighshire County Council (DCC) officers and Wales Transport Authority officers and Welsh Government and DCC members met to consider the ramifications of what is going on, with the perfect storm of the Newbridge road collapse, the A483 18-month blanket road closure order and the plan to implement the 2020 scheme conspiring to cause gridlock and endanger the public?
"I am seeking assurances from the minister and our elected representative Ken Skates along with DCC that all the factors I refer to have been noted and addressed and that early resolution of the funding of the Newbridge repairs be addressed by the minister.
"I am also calling on DCC local members to get rid of the planters to make room for when the A483 is shut. It's not a case of if, it’s a case of when. The perfect storm is about to happen again.
"Note also that the first email I sent to the minister was replied to after two days with the news that she won't reply until up to September 16.
"Note also that money to repair the Newbridge Road collapse has been refused by the Welsh Government. I bet if it was in South Wales they would have had the money already.
"In my opinion another case of the north-south divide."
The deputy leader of Wrexham Council has now confirmed the long term closure of the key route is not on the cards.
* Cllr David A Bithell said the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), which manages the road, had recently issued a statutory notice in relation to the A483.
However, he said the temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) would only result in it being shut temporarily in the event of a crash or roadworks.
He said: “The TTRO is for 18 months duration to allow work activities to proceed during that period.
“This provides NMWTRA with the flexibility to implement the work that needs to be undertaken on the routes with the temporary speed limits etc being put in place, only when needed, and most often overnight.
“This does not mean the road will be closed for 18 months.
“This is a TTRO which is required to undertake the planned routine cyclic maintenance programme on the A483 but can also be used reactively in the event of an incident e.g. following safety barrier collision or potholes, to allow a repair.
“TTROs are issued as part of a statutory process that the Welsh Government follow as a highway authority to implement temporary changes to speed limits etc. for driver and workforce safety reasons.”
Llangollen Fringe will go ahead with its 2021 festival despite receiving no financial support from Arts Council Wales.
This means that most of the arts events normally associated with the Fringe cannot be held.
But the line-up of entertainment - mostly to be staged live in the Town Hall - will still run from September 10-18, with all performances having to be e-ticketed in advance.
The festival kicks off on Friday September 10 with a Massive Heedz parade.
This is an ongoing art project which has combined the talents of Ysgol Dinas Bran students with those of Glyndwr University Fine Arts students.
It has drawn inspiration from the band Arcade Fire and in particular the video for their song Reflektor. The project links this to legendary or contemporary figures who have made an impact on the lives of individuals or the community in some way.
In its latest briefing the Fringe organising team says: "The virus has dominated our lives for nearly 18 months, tragically for many.
"Fringe-wise it wasn’t until August 7 that most of the Covid shackles were discarded, and there was some clarity around what was possible in terms of shows and events.
"Arts Council Wales (ACW) will not be providing any grant support for the Fringe this year. While lesser mortals might have thrown in the towel at that point, Fringe volunteers are made of sterner stuff and the show will go on.
"The ACW decision has meant that most of the arts events - normally a key part of what the Fringe is about - will be sadly absent this year."
The Fringe line-up is:
MASSIVE HEEDZ* Parade
followed by
COMEDY CLUB – acts to be announced soon.
Live music – bands to be announced in due course.
Llan Unlocked – local band night, with
Grasshoppers, Captain Z, Before the Storm and Victorian Glamour
Tickets are £3.
THE LOVELY EGGS
"Some of our songs are 10 seconds long. Some are 4 minutes long. We don't care because it doesn't matter. We have a lot of different sounding songs. Welcome to our world".
More from them and their latest single here.
BAND FOR A DAY**
Bands get to practice with other talented players and then perform live
in front of an audience in the Town Hall, where you will be support for Rhythm
Train.
To apply or for further details email bfadllanfringe@gmail.com
This is followed by
RHYTHM TRAIN
Long-standing stalwarts of The Fringe are finally gigging at the festival. A taste their lockdown action last year can be found here.
The Fringe team adds: "We are also looking into the possibility of putting on an exciting event in association with Climate Cymru – again watch this space."
Unless otherwise stated, all events will be in the Town Hall, doors open at 7.00pm and tickets priced at £12.50. A licensed bar will be provided.
All events will be e-ticketed only and must be pre-booked online at www.llangollenfringe.co.uk
Fringe supporters still holding Festival Tickets can use them this year and get a 50% discount on their Fringe 2022 Tickets.
The team says that if you are unable to attend any event this year, they will roll over your ticket to next year automatically.
They add that planning has already started for 2022 which will be the festival's 25th anniversary.