Skates leads new Senedd mental health group

* Ken Skates MS leads the first meeting of the new group.

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates will lead a new cross-party Welsh Parliament group set up to help improve the nation’s mental health. 

The Clwyd South MS will work with leading charity Mind Cymru and was formally elected as chair of the Cross-Party Group on Mental Health at its inaugural meeting this week. 

Mr Skates said: “Mental health is a subject close to my heart, and I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has dedicated more and more funding to it in recent years. I was particularly proud to see the First Minister appoint a Minister for Mental Health in May. 

“The last year or so has been an incredibly tough period for so many people, with real strain put on our mental health, so there has never been a more important time to ensure we keep this issue high on the agenda and keep coming up with ideas.” 

Cross-Party Groups can be set up by any Members of the Welsh Parliament in respect of any subject area relevant to the Senedd. A group must include representatives from at least three political party groups within the Senedd. 

Mr Skates told the first meeting of the group on Wednesday that it has an important role to play in shaping debate and offering strong representation to the Welsh Government. 

Invitations were sent to all Members of the Senedd and other stakeholders such as Samaritans and Time to Change Wales. More than 30 people and organisations attended. 

Mr Skates added: “I thought it was a really productive first meeting, with some very meaningful discussion and feedback. I look forward to working with Members from across the political spectrum to discuss and drive ideas to improve Wales' mental health.”

Gales staff praised for their kind support during family's tragedy

* The Mayor hands over the letter of thanks to Gales staff. 

A grieving family has sent a glowing letter of support to the staff of Gales of Llangollen for the way they supported them when a lady took seriously ill while dining there one evening last month.

Robert Hyde and his father  George, from Andover in southern England, were holidaying in the town in August when tragedy struck.

Sandra, who was George’s wife and Robert’s mother, was with them at one of the tables in the wine bar when she underwent the medical emergency and Gales management and staff rushed to help.

Despite one member of the team, Kelly Philips, performing CPR and defibrillation on the her before she was taken to hospital Sandra tragically died at the Wrexham Maelor the  following afternoon.

Now Robert has sent a letter of deepest thanks for their “kindness and Christian charity” to wine bar owner Pip Gale, his mother Gillie and their staff which was officially presented to them by Llangollen town mayor Austin Cheminais yesterday evening.

The black-framed message, originally sent to Cllr Cheminais and the town council to be passed on to the restaurant, speaks not only of what was done for Sandra on the fateful evening but also gives fulsome praise for how the two men were looked after by the Gales team in the few days immediately after the trauma.

* The letter of deepest thanks from the Hydes.

Read out in the wine bar last night by the mayor It says: “Your unbelievable kindness and Christian charity during those traumatic days has humbled us.

“Everyone we have told about your support has been filled with both emotion and disbelief at the kindness you showed.

“The simplest acts of kindness can mean the world to some people but the support, kindness and sheer unselfishness shown by you and your team goes beyond any words we can write.

“It is important that the wider community understands exactly how you supported George and I, from the smallest gesture of a much-needed drink to the unbelievable acts of kindness regarding car parking and the accommodation charges.”

The letter adds: “We all know and understand the difficulties the recent Covid pandemic has had on the hospitality industry. This more than ever makes your support and gestures during those traumatic days in August even more humbling and worthy of recognition and praise from the community.

“Your kindness has reinforced our faith in human nature and firmly placed your beautiful town in our hearts.

“Please pass on our deepest heartfelt thanks to all your staff who supported us on that eventful day. Their support and kindness are beyond any words I can write.

“God bless you all and thank you for everything you did for us on the worst day of our lives. Without your help we would have been lost and may never have recovered.”

Pip Gale said after receiving the letter: “I am just very proud of all my staff for what they were able to do for this family.”     

Town councillor gives update on council business

llanblogger has been sent the following statement, in the name of Cllr John Palmer, relating to Llangollen Town Council:

"Llangollen Town Council Update.

"I have been advised that a number of misleading comments are circulating on social media with reference to the Town Council’s recent actions resulting from the absence of the Town Clerk. I am therefore taking this opportunity to clarify the action the Town Council has taken. 

"The Town Clerk is currently on sick leave that began in late August. In his absence the Town Mayor, who is also Chair of the Council, in consultation with the Deputy Mayor sought the advice of the Council Monitoring Officer in Denbighshire who as part of his responsibilities, monitors and advises the county’s Town and Community Councils. Based on his advice the decision was made to postpone the round of September council meetings. 

"During September the Facilities Manager has done a sterling job keeping an eye on council business and keeping things ticking over. As the Clerk’s absence continues this temporary arrangement has been reviewed by Councillors. Council meetings can’t continue to be postponed. 

"There are a number of large projects about to start that potentially require input from the Council – these include the refurbishment of Castle Street and urgent repairs to the Town Hall roof.  There are also a number of important annual events that need to be co-ordinated. 

"After consulting with One Voice Wales, who provide support and advice to Councils in Wales, and Denbighshire’s Monitoring Officer, the Mayor convened an emergency Council Meeting to consider the recommended options. Following discussion Councillors decided to nominate an acting Proper Officer, a short term measure to support Council business, pending the Town Clerk’s return to work. 

"I was nominated to take on the role on a voluntary unpaid basis. With the support of fellow Councillors and the Facilities Manager we will endeavour to ensure that Town Council business will run smoothly until the Town Clerk returns to work. 

"Throughout the Mayor has been in constant communication with the Monitoring Officer to ensure that the Town Council is following the correct procedures and complying with the laws and rules appertaining to Town and Community Councils. 

"I am sure that you will join me in wishing our Town Clerk, Gareth Thomas, a speedy recovery. 

"If you need to contact the Council Office urgently please email me cllrpalmer@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk

"Councillor John Palmer, Acting Proper Officer Llangollen Town Council."

County council pledges continued support for schools

* Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen is among the schools being supported.

Denbighshire County Council says it continues to monitor and support schools as Covid-19 cases rise.

Case rates are monitored closely across the county and in individual school settings and where cases are identified, close contacts are encouraged to seek a PCR test to identify potential transmission.

Secondary school pupils and staff not displaying symptoms are encouraged to take twice weekly LFD tests to help identify and isolate asymptomatic cases.

All those contacted by Test, Trace, Protect (TTP) are asked to work with the teams and follow the guidance given.

Years 10 and 11 at St Brigid’s School, Denbigh, have switched to online learning for two weeks from Monday, September 27, due to a number of cases at the school.

The school took the decision following a Risk Assessment and it was based on a Health and Safety assessment.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “The revised arrangements for isolation following a positive case has successfully reduced the number of pupils missing out on face to face education. 

“However, the current increase in case rates nationwide is impacting staffing levels and the ability for our schools to maintain face to face provision. 

“This means decisions may need to be made to close classes or year groups due to the numbers of teachers in isolation.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and will take action to help keep schools safe when required.

“On behalf of the council, I would like to thank our school staff and parents for supporting pupils and ensuring they remain safe.

“I would also like to thank parents and carers for their understanding at this time.”

The council says parents are encouraged to be vigilant for any symptoms and if you are in any doubt, order a PCR test for your child at https://gov.wales/get-tested-coronavirus-covid-19 or by calling 119.

Rhug wins four food world Oscars

* The award-winning ribeye steaks.

Rhug Estate has won four Great Taste Awards for its organic chicken breasts, organic Welsh lamb mini shoulder joint, organic Aberdeen Angus rib-eye steak and for Rhug meatballs in black bean sauce.

The awards, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, is the acknowledged benchmark for fine food and drink. It has been described as the ‘Oscars’ of the food world. 

The unmistakable black and gold Great Taste logo is the sign you can trust when buying local food and drink It is a stamp of excellence that is recognised by retailers and consumers alike. 

Established in 1994, Great Taste is the world’s largest, longest standing and most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. 14,113 different products were entered in 2021 from 108 countries. 

Each product is fastidiously blind tasted by selected chefs, buyers, fine food retailers, restaurateurs, food critics and writers over 60 judging days. Those accredited receive either one, two or three stars for their products. Rhug achieved one star for all four of its award-winning products. 

The judges described Rhug’s organic Aberdeen Angus rib-eye steak as: “An attractive looking steak with good caramelisation on the outside. Good, well-proportioned marbling. Very tender and juicy. A really good piece of steak.” 

“This is a fine little joint, delicate and sweet,” was how the judges described Rhug’s organic Welsh lamb mini shoulder joint. They also said, “Beautifully rolled and moist on cutting. Tender and juicy.”

When it came to Rhug’s organic chicken breast the judges said: “This is a good size, a plump breast, moist, tender, not at all dry. It has quite a good depth of flavour – not always found in chicken breast – and a melt in the mouth chewability. It is a tribute to the good welfare and farming practices to produce organic chicken of this quality and a breast (often so bland) with some taste.”

The judges described Rhug meatballs in black bean sauce as, “Generously and evenly sized meatballs in a glossy, rich-looking sauce. The meatballs are succulent and flavoursome. Very moreish.”

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “I am pleased we have once again achieved Great Taste Awards. These awards are recognition of all the hard work and dedication of the entire team both on the farm and in our cutting plant. 

"We pride ourselves on producing the best quality organic meat for our customers, whether they be in our Farm Shop, online or wholesale. The team is always striving to do better and that is how it should be.” 

MG plug-in hybrid volts to the head of the pack

* MG HS PHEV plug-in hybrid.

* Toyota Yaris Cross.

* Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback.

MG hits the high life by Steve Rogers

A powerful Porsche, beautiful BMW, luxurious Lexus and many more favourites lined up to be driven but my drive of the day was the fledgling MG.

This was the annual event staged by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders, when motoring journos get a chance to compare like for like from a variety of manufacturers. And the winner is.... the MG HS plug-in hybrid.

It was not the most glamorous and at £30,000 not the most expensive by a long way but showed how far the iconic British marque has come since its resurrection by the state owned Chinese company SAIC. It is currently the fastest growing brand in the UK with more models to choose from.

HS PHEV is the company's flagship model and is up against SUV heavyweights like Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage. A brief drive showed the car has promise and efforts have been made to improve the standard of trim.

Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5 litre petrol beefed up by an electric motor giving a healthy 258bhp driven through a 10-speed automatic and an electric range of 32 miles. Emissions are low enough for £10 road tax while economy could be as much as 155mpg.

The big news from Audi is the launch of the all electric Q4 e-tron Sportback just the car to be in with the fuel pumps running dry.

It also shows how far the German premium brand has advanced down the electric road with a potential range of 323 miles. It also stands out in the crowd, not normally Audi's strongest suit, with a dipping coupe style roof line giving it a real sporting look.

As to be expected the cabin is exquisitely presented with a new twist on the design of the centre console, and check out the square steering wheel, first I have seen since the Austin Allegro of the seventies.

The electric motor has a power output of 200bhp which is good for a sprint to sixty in eight seconds and with ride selection options the driver can choose comfort or sport. No Quattro version, just rear wheel drive. Price: £45,775.

There have been huge changes in pick-up land with big players like Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi L200 and Volkswagen Amorak dropping out creating opportunities for less well known brands Isuzu and SSangYong who have beefed up their models.

Isuzu's new D Max will be featured here in a few weeks and a brief drive showed it has come on leaps and bounds and a credible threat to the Ford Ranger, the new market leader.

SSangYong has given a serious facelift to the Musso which has a strong diesel engine and a three and a half tonne towing capacity.

One to watch is the new Toyota Yaris Cross. The compact SUV has been a long time coming and will have a fight on its hands with several established crossovers out there but Toyota has plenty of experience to call on.

Basically it is a high riding, pumped up Yaris following some of the design lines of the rakish CH-R. The mechanicals are identical to its sibling with the economical 1.5 litre three-cylinder hybrid, CVT automatic gearbox and average fuel consumption in the mid 50s. Emissions are low at 112g/km with the first year VED costing £170. The top of the range Premier Edition is  £28,185.

Speeding through 50mph on polluted roads could bring a fine

From 4 October motorists exceeding the 50mph speed limits on some of the most polluted roads in Wales could receive a letter or fine through their doors, the Welsh Government has warned.

The decision to introduce environmental speed limits to improve air quality levels in five locations across Wales in 2018 was the first of its kind in the UK.

Local roads affected are the A483 Junction 5 to Junction 6 in Wrexham and the A494 Wales/England border to St David’s Interchange in Deeside.

The government says the schemes have already been successful in significantly lowering the levels of nitrogen dioxide in affected areas by up to 47%, helping to protect people from serious illness as well as playing a part in tackling the climate emergency.

Air pollution is considered to be one of the largest environmental health risks of our generation, according to the World Health Organisation, increasing our risks of heart and lung disease and contributing towards the worsening of pre-existing health conditions such as asthma.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, who has a responsibility for Transport said: “We've made significant progress in bringing emissions levels down in recent years, but we now have to go further and faster.

“We know that slower speed limits are not a popular choice, but we need to do things differently and be bold if we are to stand a chance of tackling climate change.

“It’s clear that the speed restrictions we’ve introduced on our most polluted roads are working - the results speak for themselves – but compliance with these limits is essential if we are to achieve the reductions we need to make in the shortest possible time.

“We need to act now to make Wales a safe place to live with clean air for everyone.”

GoSafe Partnership Manager, Teresa Ciano, added: “Driving at the posted speed limit has benefits for safety, but it can also improve our lives in other ways.  

"By supporting the Welsh Government's ambition to improve air quality for Wales, we know our roads will be safer too.  By implementing a first of its kind advisory letter programme, we will be able to inform people of the importance of complying with the speed limit at these locations, whilst still prosecuting the most dangerous drivers.”

Five local roadworks alerts issued

The following five local roadworks alerts concerning Wales & West Utilities Ltd have been issued by one.network:

Aber Adda 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 102M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER APPROX. 14 SERVICE...   Works location: O/S NO. 1 - REAR NO. 12...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625597   Fron Bache 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 219M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER APPROX. 9 SERVICE P...   Works location: JUNC VICARAGE ROAD - JUNC FRON CASTELL...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625598 Hall Street 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 13M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER ANY AFFECTED SERVICE...   Works location: JUNC REGENT STREET - JUNC HILL STREET...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625599 Hill Street 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 205M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER APPROX. 26 SERVICE...   Works location: JUNC HALL STREET - JUNC VICARAGE ROAD...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625640 Vicarage Road 28 September — 31 March   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works description: REPLACE 79M OF OLD METALLIC GAS MAINS WITH NEW PLASTIC MAINS AND RENEW/TRANSFER APPROX. 5 SERVICE PI...   Works location: JUNC HILL STREET - O/S NO. 4...   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Forward planning   Works reference: XY254003001625594

Llangollen Ramblers take in Coalport

Judy Smith has sent in the latest update, complete with picture, on Llangollen Ramblers.

She says: "Llangollen Ramblers are off to the Wales Coast Path again soon, but for recent events - here are a few of us on an easy ramble at Coalport (Ironbridge).  

"As you can see, we fixed the weather as well!  

"With walks near and far, long and short, we try to offer something for everyone.  

"If you would like a copy of our programme for the next 3 months, please email smithdinbren@gmail.com or phone 07905330788.  

"We're always extremely happy to see new faces on our excursions."  

Llangollen Comedy Club is back next week

* The Llangollen Comedy Club line-up for October 1.

The relaxation of Covid rules sees the return of Llangollen Comedy Club next week.

A spokesperson for the club said: "We are back!

"After our Comedy Club Special as part of the Fringe Festival in September, we are now resuming our monthly comedy club on the first Friday of the month.

"This month's instalment sees David Longly, Glenn Wool and Priya Hall join Silk for another night of hilarty."

The club next meets up at Llangollen Town Hall on Friday October 1 at 7pm, with tickets priced at £10.

* Ticket are available at: https://www.llangollenfringe.co.uk/index.php/en/comedyclub20/october-21

Police investigating anti-social behaviour at Pavilion

Police say they are investigating recent anti-social behaviour at Llangollen Pavilion.

Through its neighbourhood alert network North Wales Police has this afternoon put out the following message in the name of Sergeant Richard Evans: 

"We have been made aware of recent reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage around the Llangollen Pavilion involving youngsters.  

"Parents of Llangollen - DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR CHILDREN ARE UP TO?

"We will be continuing to patrol and investigate to identify those that might be involved. Anybody identified will be robustly dealt with as appropriate. 

"The Pavilion is an iconic venue which the people of Llangollen should be proud of - please make sure that you are advising your children when they go out in the evening. 

"Not only is the behaviour anti-social and criminal, there have been reports of youths climbing on the roof which is incredibly dangerous."

A picture of figures on the roof of the Pavilion appeared on Facebook earlier this week and have attracted a large number of comments.

Llan gym boss lifts Britain's Strongest Woman title

 

* Jemma Stubbins won the title in Doncaster.

Jemma Stubbs from Llangollen has become the first Welsh woman to become Britain's Strongest Woman.  

Just eight weeks after winning Wales title (u82kg), the mother of two travelled up to Doncaster Dome to compete against the best in the country in Britain’s Strongest Woman 2021.

Previous pec’ and shoulder tears meant Jemma didn’t have the best start to the competition. 

Things kicked off with a strongman classic, the log clean and press.  

Jemma said: “I knew I would not rank high in this event with the previous champion having an extremely impressive 120kg log record under her belt. But I did hope I could compensate later in the day."

She failed her third attempt at 80kg, leaving her with a 75kg successful lift and ending round one in just fifth place out of 11.

Thankfully Jemma’s competition went from strength to strength, placing second in the 210kg frame carry and going on to place first in round three by completing nine reptations with 190kg deadlift, despite ripping her hand open in round two. 

Yoke carry was much the same story, finishing first and creeping her way up to top podium position.  

Jemma finished the day placing second on her Atlas stone run. 

Events coach Jason Jones from Spartan Atlas stones said: “Jemma has been a pleasure to coach over the last few months. Her grit determination and sheer power should carry her into the World stage with confidence."

When not training five days a week, Jemma can be found in her gym, Stubbs Fitness on George Street, Llangollen, training others. 

She said: “I’m a huge advocate of empowering people to take control of their own health and fitness journey. It should be fun and something you enjoy rather than dread. I am living proof of what you can achieve if you work hard and don’t give up on your dreams.”

A crowdfunding effort will now begin to get Jemma to the World’s Strongest Women competition.

Stubbs Fitness gym offers a mix of 1:1 coaching, group coaching and fitness classes to help clients become the best version of themselves. An ethos they believe is rooted in fun and happiness rather than numbers and measurements.

* Find out more at: https://www.stubbsfitness.co.uk/

Facebook: Stubbs Fitness | Facebook | Instagram: Stubbs Fitness (@stubbs.fitness)

Public realm improvement works for town to begin on October 4

 

* An artist's impression of how Castle Street will look when the work is finished.

Work on a major public realm improvement in Llangollen will start on Monday, October 4.

Following approval by Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet in July 2021, the Llangollen 2020 Castle Street Improvement project is being undertaken by the council in partnership with Welsh Government and Transport for Wales.

The scheme, which involves making a number improvements along Castle Street, has been developed following extensive consultation with the local community, local county councillors and Llangollen Town Council.

Work includes:

1. Widened footways on both sides of Castle Street;
2. New footway construction using natural stone paving materials;
3. A raised junction table at the junction of Parade Street/Bridge Street/Castle Street;
4. A raised junction table at the junction of Market Street/Oak Street/Castle Street;
5. A new uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on Abbey Road near its junction to Castle Street;
6. A raised table at the existing controlled pedestrian crossing on Mill Street near its junction with Castle Street;
7. New traffic signals on the Castle Street/A5 junction;
8. Junction improvements at the Hill Street/A5 junction;
9. The resurfacing of Abbey Road / Mill Street junction & Castle Street;
10. A permanent one-way restriction on Market Street between its junctions with Castle Street and East Street;
11. New street lighting;
12. The permanent introduction of the temporary one-way restriction on Church Street (i.e. east to west vehicular flow). 

Works are expected to take up to six months to complete and a variety of different traffic management options, including temporary traffic signals and a limited number of road closures, will be used to minimise disruption.

Cllr Brian Jones, the council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “For the past three years the council has been working closely with the Llangollen 2020 group to develop these proposals.

“As an authority we have also engaged and listened to local residents, businesses and other stakeholders and where possible accommodated a number of changes which complement the overall scheme.

“I’m delighted we are now able to start the work and bring these improvements to Llangollen.

“This work provides more space for pedestrians and improved pedestrian crossing facilities making it easier for pedestrians to walk around the town centre, while upgraded traffic signals will improve the flow of vehicles.”

A Parry Construction Co Ltd has been appointed as principal contractor for the work.

The council says it will work closely with local businesses and residents throughout the project to ensure any disruption is minimised and any concerns or issues are identified and addressed as soon as possible.

The Llangollen 2020 Castle Street scheme will take place at the same time as Welsh Government’s on-going retaining wall stabilisation works located on the A5, towards Llangollen Golf Club, and the council says its officers are working closely with the Trunk Road Agency and Welsh Government to coordinate traffic management operations so disruption is minimised.

County secondary schools to take extra Covid-19 precautions

Secondary schools in Denbighshire are to take extra precautions to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Due to an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases associated with schools, learners and staff will be undertaking further measures to help control the spread of the virus.

This includes continuing to encourage pupils and staff to take twice weekly LFD tests to help identify and isolate asymptomatic cases and the wearing of face coverings by secondary school pupils, staff and visitors in indoor communal areas outside of the classroom.

Other arrangements include reducing close interactions between staff and learners such as physical distancing and seating plans in place in classrooms.

The council continues to monitor the situation in primary schools and is following the advice of Public Health Wales, but no further measures are being taken at this time.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “With cases of Covid-19 increasing nationwide we are taking further precautions to reduce the spread of the virus in school settings.

“These measures are being taken to reduce disruption to pupils’ education and to reduce impact on staffing levels and protect pupils and staff.

“I would like to reassure parents and carers, learners and staff at our schools that we will continue to monitor the situation and take action to help keep schools safe when required.

“On behalf of the Council, I would to thank school staff and parents for their dedication and hard work in keeping our pupils safe and providing them with the support they need.”

Businesses rally to support firefighters' fundraiser

* Firefighters battle the blaze on the Horseshoe Pass in August of 2019.

A host of local businesses are backing a major fundraising event being run by Llangollen firefighters.

This coming Saturday, September 25, the fire station on the A5 is hosting a carwash in aid of two good causes - Melanoma Focus, which is applying cutting edge treatment for the condition, and their own firefighters' charity.

Alongside the event they are also holding a raffle which is being arranged for them by Cat Meade, who set up and ran the local Covid support group during the pandemic raising cash to keep it going by staging a series of highly successful raffles of her own.

On her Llangollen Raffles Facebook page Cat recently asked for donations of prizes for the firefighters' raffle and says she is delighted with the response.

Businesses that have donated so far include Riverbanc, Llangollen - White Water Rafting, Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods, Gwalia Classics, Dylan Armon Enterprises Bicycle Shop, Wingetts Ltd of Wrexham and Llangollen, Cambrian House Llangollen, @llangollen brownie queen, Llangollen barber shop, Jade's beauty bay, Kelly's Chippy, Plas Newydd and Dee Valley Produce.

When announcing her support for the firefighters' fundraiser Cat reminded people of the good work they do for the community.

She said: "I cast your mind back to August 2019 when Llantysilio Mountain went ablaze up on the Horseshoe Pass.

"I, with many locals, set up a donation bank while our local guys and girls were amongst the heat and smoke for 10-plus hours a day, fighting it day and night for a solid three weeks!

"They assist daily, in Llangollen and further afield, a great team and a great addition to the town."

Cat has been asking businesses for donations/vouchers and she added: "A bottle donation or money donation can be gifted at Wingetts office Wednesday to Friday, 10am-2pm.

"The raffle will run at the end of the month, all monies raised will be split between the two charities. It will be live on Llangollen Raffles page."

Mazda's premium load lugger gets some neat tweaks

Mazda CX-5 drive by Steve Rogers

Mazda's top selling CX-5 is to get a big facelift in the new year which tells us why this year's updates were fairly modest.

One theory was that the company was focussing on its hybrid/electric programme which is in full swing, but there will be 'significant' changes to the big SUV which will benefit from the new Skyactiv platform so we can expect improvements to ride comfort and handling, along with small styling changes, more models and, most significantly, drive mode selection.

Mazda clearly has its eyes set on the premium end of the market and has been knocking on the door for a while with regular upgrades to trim quality and technology but has never offered the option to switch drive modes, a given on Audi, Jaguar/Land Rover, BMW and Mercedes SUVs.

In the meantime the current CX-5 is still the company's global best seller and in the UK second to my favourite, the CX-30. Unlike some of its Japanese rivals Mazda is sticking with a diesel variant which should see it through to E day in 2030 and that is good news for those with trailers and caravans.

CX-5 can haul just over two tonne with ease with the most powerful version pumping out a healthy 181hp and with its taught sporty suspension is an ideal tow car, stable and with strong pulling power. I towed my caravan more than 300 miles and returned 26.3mpg which is nothing special but about average for a four wheel drive with a lot of power.

Driven solo the Mazda is more impressive than some diesel rivals returning 51mpg on a leisurely 100 mile Sunday afternoon drive so a daily average in the low forties should be achievable.

The numbers and standard of SUVs has grown and grown in the last 10 years and CX-5 comfortably makes it into the top 10. As a driver's car it gets high marks for handling with little of the body roll associated with these high siders although the Seat Tarraco featured here a few weeks ago just has the edge on that front.

The ride is generally smooth but there is too much road noise of rougher surfaces, a problem we are told, is being addressed on the new model.

The story is good inside as well with room for five adults and a flat boot floor than swallows plenty of luggage or a couple of adult bicycles without having to remove the front wheels. Levers in the boot side walls drop the seat backs which are split 40-20-40 and if you are high enough up the model range the tailgate is powered.

Dashboard layout is conservative compared to the futuristic designs in some rivals but it is neat, tidy, and user friendly with a new 10.2in central touchscreen which, heavens be praised, still has the rotary controller to scroll through the menus.

Mazda has always been ahead of the game with a driver head-up display and this one is spot on with speed, speed limit, navigation directions and a brilliant blind spot alert beamed on to the windscreen rather than the old fashioned flip up plastic panel which is still being used by some manufacturers.

The  display's blind spot markers change colour when a vehicle is overtaking and work in tandem with the audible warning and orange alert on the door mirrors and deserves an A star.

Equipment level is generous from the base model and there are plenty of bells and whistles at Sport grade with a powerful 10 speaker Bose sound system, powered front seats with memory for the driver, heated front seats and steering wheel and power tailgate on a long spec sheet.

Something that hasn't changed since CX-5 first appeared in 2012 are the compliments for its elegant lines, not easy to achieve in a bulky SUV but Mazda designers pull it off with every model these days and there were plenty of admiring comments for my test car. Wisely styling changes next year are subtle so expect more of the same but better.

Fast facts

CX-5 Sport Auto AWD

£36,385

2.2 litre turbo diesel; 181bhp

0-62mph 9.6secs; 129mph

42.8mpg combined

173g/km. 1st VED £870

Insurance group 23

Boot 494-1608 litres