Police send out cold caller warning

North Wales Police have put out a warning about cold callers on the Neighbourhood Alert system. 

PCSO Lucy Green says: “Following a recent suspicious incident in the Moel Famau area, please keep yourselves safe by never allowing cold callers into your home.

“Air ump sales, TV faults, faulty broadband, water/gas/electricity board and ‘reformed criminal on probation’ are all popular methods criminals use to target householders by deceiving them in order to get into their home.

“Then once inside distracting them by whatever means -  ‘can I have a cuppa/glass of water’, ‘can you turn the water on while I check your pipes,’ or ‘"can you stay by your TV whilst I check the cables’.

“These individuals will very often they work in pairs so one person will engage you whilst the other wanders around your home helping themselves - known as distraction burglaries.

“Please don't be a victim keep yourself and your neighbours safe - don't allow people in, if answering the front door - lock your back door.

“Please, check all ‘official’ visitors are legitimate by calling the companies involved, don't take their word for it, often they have fake ID as well.

“If you are suspicious of a caller report it on 101 or web chat, try to write down as much information about the person as you can. 

“If a crime is ongoing or someone is in danger call 999.

“Further information can be found on the NWP website: Crime prevention advice | North Wales Police

“Help us to protect more people in your community by sharing this message and encouraging people to sign up to Home - North Wales Community Alert”

Still time to apply for school uniform and equipment grants

Denbighshire County Council is informing parents and guardians that there’s still time to apply for school uniform and equipment grants.

The scheme, known as the Pupil Development Grant, is currently open for applications, and people may qualify if they receive at least one benefit, such as:

1. income based job seekers allowance
2. income related employment and support allowance 
3. child tax credit (but not working tax credit) with an annual income below £16,190 (April 2011) 
4. pension credit (guaranteed credit)
5. Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
6. Universal Credit and your yearly net earnings must be no more than £7,400.

The grant can cover school uniform, school sports kit; sports outside of school; uniform for wider activities such as scouts and guides; equipment for activities to support the curriculum, such as design and technology; equipment for out of school hours trips, including outdoor learning; Duke of Edinburgh activities and computers, laptops and tablets.

Parents/ guardians who receive a qualifying benefit can receive a grant of £225 if their children are in Reception or Years 1 to 11. If the child is in Year 7 and parents/guardians may be entitled to a grant of £300 if they receive one of the benefits,.

People cannot receive a school uniform and equipment grant if they are in receipt of Working Tax Credit.

If your child goes to a school in Denbighshire, you can apply online for a  grant by visiting: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/costofliving

People that are eligible for free school meals,  as well as the school uniform and equipment grant may use the same online application form to apply for both. 

Japanese culture abounds in Mazda's hybrid SUV

Steve Rogers drives Mazda’s new flagship SUV

Meet the CX-60 a car steeped in Japanese culture and, at last, powered by a plug-in hybrid engine.

Mazda has hardly been in a rush to join the hybrid fold, in fact it has been at the back of the pack while the medal hopes race off into the distance. May be they have been cautious making sure they get it right, well we will soon find out because apart from CX-60 the floodgates will be opening with five plug-in, five hybrid and three EVs in the pipeline for 2025.

Before that CX-60 will get mild hybrid six-cylinder three-litre petrol and 3.3 litre diesel engines which shows Mazda’s continued commitment to the internal combustion engine, or ICE as we have come to know it.

And Mazda is still staying clear of the now conventional smaller engine boosted by turbo power. UK managing director Jeremy Thomson told me they are not giving up on ICE because bigger engines are more efficient and produce less vibration. But we will see the return of the famed rotary engine in the next tranche of hybrid engines.

So where does CX-60 fit in? Although it shares the same Kodo design DNA as CX-5 it is a bit bigger and easily caters for three adults in the back thanks to a wider body. It is four wheel drive only so you do not gain that much extra in boot space over its sibling.

If the banner headline is hybrid then the sub head will be top notch quality. Mazda has been knocking on the premium sector door for a while, quite a few models have already made the grade in my book, but CX-60 takes it a step further.

Step inside the car and see what is meant by Japanese culture. Traditional crafts have been used to bring surfaces to life. We are not just talking soft to touch materials, on the top Takumi model you will see exquisite traditional fabrics and needlework known as Musubu which creates hanging stitches across the dash panel, along with another Japanese craft where maple wood trim is hand-made and replicated for mass production.

As far as the cabin goes, quality is as good as you will find in any BMW, Jaguar, Lexus, Audi or Mercedes.

Pity that to get the best you have to pay top dollar, not that CX-60 is overpriced compared to its illustrious rivals, anything but, although it has to be said that the darker trim in the entry Exclusive Line is quite underwhelming by comparison.

Dashboard layout is crisp and clear, a new digital driver’s binnacle with coloured head-up display, clear buttons for heating controls and a 12.3in screen for all the sundries with Mazda’s tried and trusted centre console mounted rotary controller. As always, the system is beautifully clear and a doddle to use.

With 320bhp on tap and a credible 500Nm or torque this is the most powerful Mazda money can buy but does it have the same dynamic prowess as, say, an Audi Q5? Big SUVs are not always the  most exhilarating to drive although the German marques have raised the bar.

To be fair Mazda has always been strong on producing cars to satisfy enthusiastic drivers and although CX-60 is a heavyweight SUV it is an engaging drive and comfortable as well. Our route through Snowdonia presented a challenge, narrow roads, laced with twists, humpbacks and dubious surfaces yet, in sport mode, the big fella was the master of all.

Power delivery from the 2.5 litre petrol is rapid enough, occasionally marred by a clunky change from the 8-speed automatic. Steering wheel paddle shifters keep performance levels on song when pushing along.

As a plug-in CX-60 can, in favourable driving conditions, provide 39 miles of electric motoring which translates into 188mpg. Take that with a pinch of salt because once the battery is empty it is back to good old petrol power although that should be good for 50mpg plus.

There is a mountain of safety features and high quality tech including facial recognition that stores driver profiles for seating position etc, and gives a friendly ticking off if your eyes wander from the road ahead.

The range starts with Exclusive Line at £43,950, Homura, the expected best seller, at £46,700 and £48,050 for Takumi. Given its extensive spec right across the range this is a good price against the rest of the premium division.

The big question: Is CX-60 worth the step up from CX-5, a much underrated SUV in my book? On the basis that there is a little more space, much better economy and lower engine emissions, along with a very classy interior, the answer is yes. Hang on a bit longer and there will be an even bigger seven seat CX-80.

I am giving it nine out of 10, it would have been a full house but for the clunky transmission.

Fast facts

CX-60 AWD 8sp auto

Range £43,950-£48,050

2.5 litre plug-in hybrid; 320bhp

0-62mph 5.8secs; 124mph

33g/km. 1st tax £55

Insurance group 44

Boot: 570-1726 litres (to ceiling)

Towing capacity 2,500kg

Scheme aims to provide care and support for young people

A countywide initiative is turning to providing care and support for young people.

Denbighshire County Council is working in partnership with social enterprise Community Catalysts to help those wishing to turn their own dreams into reality to offer care and support to older and disabled people in their local communities.

Community Catalysts offer free professional advice to help people work for themselves and provide care and support across the county.

Thanks to this initiative there are now 16 micro-providers working for themselves in Denbighshire bringing their own ideas to life to help others.

And now the scheme is offering support for budding entrepreneurs to make a difference to the lives of young people.

Nick Hughes Community Catalyst for Denbighshire, said: “We have supported a number of micro-providers in realising their own dreams to provide care and support to older and disabled people and now we want to help those with great ideas to help younger members of the local community.

“Community Catalysts can help you to set up as self-employed offering support to young people with additional needs or a disability in a community group or one-to-one.

“It has been fantastic to see individuals wanting to put their own personal ideas to use to help others and I hope we can see this carry on to support our younger generation.

Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care, said: “It is fantastic to see how this partnership has already helped a number of individuals breathe life into their own ideas to help people in the local community and I look forward to hearing and seeing the support coming through for our younger community members

For further information about Community Catalysts and how they can help you become a micro-provider visit - https://bit.ly/3bTwcka

If you want to see some of the micro-providers who are operating in Denbighshire, check out the Small Good Stuff Directory – www.smallgoodstuff.co.uk

British cycling championships heading for Llangollen

* The Old Horseshoe Pass via Pentredwr.

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting that for the first time in more than four decades, the British National Hill Climb Championship will be taking place in the Llangollen area in October.

* For the full story, see: British cycling championships heading to Denbighshire | Denbighshire Free Press

Universal free school meals rollout update

Preparations are well under way for reception pupils in Denbighshire schools to start receiving universal free school meals from September.

Following receipt of £859,000 from Welsh Government to support the roll out of Universal Primary free school meals across Denbighshire, works have begun to increase the capacity of the Authority’s Primary school kitchens. Work commenced before the start of the Summer holidays, and will continue until the end of August 2022 at 13 sites across the County.

In December 2021 Welsh Government (WG) announced plans to offer free meals to all Primary school pupils. WG later announced a phased delivery approach to be implemented from 1st September 2022 to September 2024.

Delivering Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) will increase Denbighshire County Council’s (DCC) Catering service daily meals from 3500 to 7687. After an initial review it was established that a number of the current school kitchens were not fit for purpose to deliver the increase in meal numbers and a significant investment would be required in order to meet the roll out deadline.

Councillor Gill German, Lead member for Education Children and Families said, “Delivery of Universal Free School Meals to all Primary pupils is a top priority for the Authority. This project has been a significant challenge with tight timescales, and I am delighted to see that through excellent cross service working by DCC officers and outstanding support from local suppliers, contractors and WG we are on target to roll out the UPFSM offer to all Reception pupils attending Denbighshire schools from September 2022”.

The next phase of the works will focus on ensuring that all Primary schools are able to deliver to Years 1 and 2 by Easter 2023.

Four local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from one.network are:   Berwyn Street, Denbighshire 30 August - 02 September   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: MJ QUINN ARE TO CABLE AND SPLICE THE PON IN VERGE/CARRIAGEWAY....   Works location: JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN ROAD, BERWYN STREET...   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: BC005MQ1W00BDUK3WC9L005V       Regent Street, Denbighshire 30 August - 02 September   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: MJ QUINN ARE TO CABLE AND SPLICE THE PON IN VERGE/CARRIAGEWAY....   Works location: JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET TO OPPOSITE JUNCTION OF BUTLERS HILL, REGENT STREET...   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: BC005MQ1W00BDUK4WC9L005V     Hall Street, Denbighshire 30 August - 02 September   Roadworks, Delays possible   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: MJ QUINN ARE TO CABLE AND SPLICE THE PON IN VERGE/CARRIAGEWAY....   Works location: JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, HALL STREET...   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: BC005MQ1W00BDUK5WC9L005V       Market Street, Denbighshire 30 August - 02 September   Roadworks, Delays possible   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: MJ QUINN ARE TO UNDERTAKE CABLE AND SPLICE, AND JOINT WORKS IN VERGE/CARRIAGEWAY....   Works location: JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREE TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, MARKET STREET...   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: BC005MQ1W00BDUK6WC9L005V

Roadworks updates from the county council

Latest local roadworks updates from Denbighshire County Council are: 

A539 BRIDGE END HOTEL (SE) MILL STREET 10/09/2022 14/09/2022 Gwaith ar Arhosfa Bws / Bus Stop Works

A539 JUNCTION OF CASTLE STREE TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 30/08/2022 02/09/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN

JUNCTION OF CHAPEL STREET TO JUNCTION OF BERWYN STREET, HALL STREET HALL STREET 30/08/2022 02/09/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN

OPPOSITE CLOGWYN GERAINT LLANGOLLEN GERAINT 05/09/2022 19/10/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works PLATINUM (DCC)

Near Bryn Howel Hotel A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 08/09/2022 10/09/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A539 O/S 8 BERWYN STREET CASTLE STREET 06/09/2022 07/09/2022 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST

A539 AT JUNCTION WITH A5 QUEEN STREET BIRCH HILL 26/09/2022 30/09/2022 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYRFDWY Road Closure

Original Calendar Girl wishes Operatic good luck with show

* Tricia's message of 'good luck' to the Operatic.

The woman who was the inspiration for the world-famous Calendar Girls story has wished members of Llangollen Operatic luck as they make final preparations to stage the hit show next week.

From Wednesday August 31 until Saturday September 3 at the town hall the society will present the musical version of how the ladies of Rylstone and District WI posed nude for a calendar back in 1999 to raise more than £6 million for charity.

Tricia Stewart originally came up with the idea of fundraising for a new sofa for the relatives’ room in the hospital where her friend went to wait for hubby as he received treatment for blood cancer.

And she went on to appear as Ms October in the calendar which followed.

The Llangollen show’s producer Tracey Jones recently wrote to tell her about the production and how a member of the production team had shared some words about her own cancer diagnosis and the effect the original story has had on her.

Then, earlier this week, Tricia sent a hand-written reply inside the front cover of the book, entitled Calendar Girl, which she wrote about the story.

Tracey said: “I approached Tricia via an online form to tell her about our show and also mentioned how one of our production team, Sarah Marshall, had shared some words about her own diagnosis.

“Sarah then received this book and a personal message.”

The message says: “Thank you for your wise words. Very true! Keep on keeping on and good luck with the show.”

Tracey added: “I’d love people to know that we will be collecting for the Shooting Star charity during the run of the show.”

In the Llangollen show Ms October will be played by Russ Latham, who as previously appeared with Whitchurch society.

Calender Girls will be the Operatic’s first venture back on stage since the pre-pandemic days of 2019.

They grabbed the rights for it back in 2020 thinking it would be a great smaller-cast summer show.

But, according to Tracey, who is co-producing with husband Mike, it has turned into something much bigger.

She said: "Because of Covid it's been three years since our last adult production.

"Calendar Girls is an emotional roller coaster show based on the true Calendar Girl story that has also been depicted on film starring Julie Walters, Helen Mirren and many more top British actors. 

"The musical version was adapted and written by Tim Firth with music by Gary Barlow.

"Our show is directed by Nia Pickering, with artistic assistance from Sarah Marshall and musical direction by Elen Mair Roberts."

* For ticket details, go to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety

Plans for reshaping St John's woodland unveiled

* A sketch-map of how the woodland area will be developed.

Plans have been revealed to transform an area of under-used woodland near St John’s Church in Llangollen into a tranquil outdoor area to benefit graveyard visitors and neighbouring residents.

The Green Space project is a joint initiative between the Church in Wales, which owns the land, and members of the Tidy Town Team whose hard work over a number of years has gradually been transforming the wooded site of around 1.5 acres to the point where it can be sympathetically redeveloped.

* John Gambles of the Valle Crucis Mission Area briefs residents on the project in front of what will become the access point to the woodland. On the left, is the priest-in-charge of St Collen's, Father Lee Taylor.

* Residents voice their concerns about the plan to John Gambles.

The plan is being overseen by the Valle Crucis Mission Area, the body which co-ordinates the work of 15 parish churches in the Dee Valley area, with cash from the Green Communities Project match- funded by St Collen’s Church.

If all goes according to plan the new area should be in use by next February.

People from the area were invited to a special on-site presentation by the Mission Area’s John Gambles this morning (Friday).

Residents, mainly from nearby Green Lane, were able to voice their concerns about the affect the scheme would have on their homes, a number of which have already been aired on social media.  

The blueprint basically means turning a triangular-shaped piece of land between the river, the railway and the cemetery into what Mr Gambles described as a “tranquil area where people can find peace with themselves ... where they can sit, relax and contemplate.”

* The existing parking area will be extended for visitors to the graveyard. 

Also included in the scheme is extending the existed limited car parking area for graveyard visitors by the removal of a privet hedge and the planting of a line of ornamental trees to screen it from the consecrated land set aside for the extension of the burial area, the creation of a small wildflower meadow plus the fixing of posts and chestnut palings along the rider side of the site.

Mr Gambles said that a range of specialist advice had been taken on which trees within the main woodland area should be removed or saved.

There had also been expert consultation of the form the revamped woodland area would take which has meant provision for a small access point from the existing parking area leading onto a walkway – wide enough to take wheelchairs - winding of about 110 metres through the trees to a quiet area with simple oak benches.

The plan had been mooted for some time and over the past seven years the Tidy Town Team had done a large of amount of clearing and tidying of the site.

Residents who attended the presentation raised a number of points of concern, including possible anti-social behaviour caused by the opening up of the area – with some pointing out that this was already a problem with alcohol bottles and other rubbish being left strewn about.

There were also fears expressed about extra traffic using nearby Green Lane during the construction period by contractors and how the area would be managed in the long term.

Mr Gambles said that although the budget for the scheme didn’t include provision for its future management, the use of CCTV could be discussed, adding: “We will try to encourage responsible behaviour and we are already working with the police and the schools. A lot of it is up to us a community.”

Addressing residents’ traffic concerns, he stressed that an agreement had been reached with the adjacent railway to use the pathway between its yard and St John’s Church for contractors’ vehicles.

There were questions for Mr Gambles about the level of consultation there had been on the project.

He said that people most affected by it in the area had been consulted as had the Town Council which had agreed with the proposals.

However, he did not rule out further consultation measures including, possibly, the setting up of a Friends of St John’s group to liaise with and update residents as the project progressed.

He stressed that the newly-created area was not intended to be part of the town’s general tourist offering but by people visiting relatives’ graves in the cemetery and by residents themselves.