Warning about thefts of Christmas parcels from doorsteps

* Warning: Sam Rowlands MS.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is warning constituents about the increase in thefts of parcels left on doorsteps. 

Mr Rowlands is backing a call from North Wales Police who have issued advice to reduce the risk of doorstep theft.

 

He said: “Noth Wales Police have received a number of reports about the increase in thefts from doorsteps in recent weeks and have issued a timely reminder to us all.

 

“Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people out there who will be on the lookout for unattended parcels.

 

“In the run up to Christmas it is especially important that if you are expecting a delivery make sure you take the necessary precautions so that a loved one’s present is not taken from your doorstep.”

 

North Wales Police have issued some advice to make sure you don’t become a victim of crime this festive season.

 

To reduce the risk of doorstep theft:

1. Track your parcel to ensure someone is at home for the delivery.
2. If you are not going to be in, provide the delivery company with details of a safe location to leave your parcel.
3. Arrange a delivery time if possible when you know someone will be home to take the parcel.
4. Consider installing a ring doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile phone so you are notified immediately of any delivery and is easier and more affordable than CCTV systems.
5. Install security lighting. 
6. Arrange for you parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, family or friend.
7. Use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries or for expensive items, these parcel boxes are more likely to be in safer locations such as supermarkets, petrol forecourts etc.

Nominate someone 'special' for community awards

The High Sheriff of Clwyd's Community Awards nomination process for 2025 is now underway. 

And Llangollen people are invited to nominate someone special who does great things here in Denbighshire. 

The awards were launched in 2013 to recognise individuals or voluntary/community organisations or groups (with charitable aims) that have made an outstanding contribution to their respective communities.

There will be three awards as follows:

* Two awards for individuals from each of the principal areas, namely Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham that form the preserved County of Clwyd

* One award for a voluntary/community organisation or group (with charitable aims) operating within each of the principal areas, namely Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham that form the preserved County of Clwyd.

All nominations regardless of county of origin should be sent to Community and Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC) at volunteering@cvsc.org.uk

Closing date for nominations is noon on Friday January 17, 2025.

Historic pub close to Llangollen goes on the market

A historic close to Llangollen, formerly named best pub of the year in Wales, has gone on the market with a guide price of £575,000.

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, see: West Arms pub in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog goes up for sale | Denbighshire Free Press

Yellow weather warning for wind on Saturday

Yellow Weather Warning for Wind

Between 07:00 (UTC) on Sat 21 Dec 2024 and 23:59 (UTC) on Sat 21 Dec 2024

 

Following a receipt of a yellow weather warning for wind affecting Denbighshire on Saturday, the county council has issued the following advice for residents:

A period of strong winds on Saturday is likely to lead to some transport disruption

Strong westerly winds are expected to develop through the course of Saturday, with gusts of 50-60 mph developing quite widely across this region, and a small chance of gusts reaching 70 mph around some coasts and high ground areas.

This has the potential to cause delays to public transport and some disruption to the road network, which may have a greater than usual impact given the busier pre-Christmas weekend travel. Dangerous coastal conditions can be expected too, with large waves an additional hazard.

What to expect

• Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely
• It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves
• Probably some bus and train services affected, with some journeys taking longer
• Some short term loss of power and other services is possible
• Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely
• There is a small chance of isolated, short term loss of power
• 
  

DCC has additional resources on standby throughout the warning period to respond to any weather-related incidents should they arise.

 

Further updates will be provided if deemed necessary.

 

Please report any issues to our Customer Service Team between 8:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday, by:

1) email to customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk

2) telephone 01824 706000

3) visit in person a One Stop Shop.

4) use an online web form, available on Denbighshire’s website:

www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/online-forms/online-forms.aspx

In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly via the out of hours contact centre between 5pm – 8:30am including weekends on 0300 123 3068.

 

UK market gets 'Six Million Dollar' new Prius after all

Toyota Prius drive by Steve Rogers

Take a look at this beauty and thank your lucky stars we have the chance to buy it.

Toyota called time on Prius a couple of years ago because hardly anyone here was buying it, and as a punishment the UK was not going to get the sleek new model.

But they changed their minds and two years after its launch Prius Mk5 arrived on our shores.

Yes, this really is a Prius, and what a transformation. They haven’t just tinkered, this is a Six Million Dollar man makeover with a stunning rakish body, and a new engine which is nearly twice as quick off the line as the sluggish old model.

The body silhouette is beautiful with a swept back windscreen and roofline; the A pillar must be angled at about 40 degrees which is not without its problems. It is thick and can obscure the driver’s view while the low roofline means stooping low to get in. This is not a car for people with back trouble.

Taxi drivers will take the hump because the new car has gone up market. This Prius is unlikely to be wearing their livery, apart from which the boot is way too small.

What we have now is one model. A plug-in hybrid with a 13.6kWh battery which has a useful all electric range of up to 53 miles and I came close to the max. That sort of range will suit a lot of daily commutes and can be topped up from zero in just over four hours using a home charger.

Mate the electric motor with the 2-litre petrol engine and Prius has a healthy 220bhp, so there is a fair amount of punch off the line. It’s same old, same old, when accelerating hard through the CVT gearbox - the engine gets noisy.

Economy is eye popping according to the official figure of 430-565mpg although in reality it is a bit of nonsense. Not that there is any reason to be downhearted. Over 600 miles of mixed driving returned just over 60mpg and that is excellent. On a 150 mile drive through the hills and mountains of mid Wales I ran out of electric power after 49 miles and my car was on 19in rims, the 17in wheels give a little more, so another good result.

Prius is also a lovely car to drive, a road hugger, with nicely weighted, direct steering.

Having done such a great job on the body I expected a bolder dashboard layout. While there is not much wow factor It is very functional with a big central touchscreen backed up by a banks of neatly laid out switches for heating, along with controls for the heated and cooling ventilated front seats.

The interesting area is the driver’s digital display. It is positioned above the steering wheel almost at the base of the windscreen. Peugeot pioneered this approach 10 years ago with the 308 but it was difficult to see the speedometer. This is much better with a big digital speedo and suited my driving position. But it is not a one size fits all solution and some drivers might struggle.

At first I was bothered about the rear vision, It is not that good out of the rear window which has no wiper and takes a while to clear using the heated elements. Side vision is non-existent but the rear camera has good definition, when not covered in road grime, and satisfied my needs particularly with the safety net of rear cross traffic braking. An improvement would be a 360 degree surround system.

There are only two models, Design and Excel with a 40 grand price tag. It sounds a lot but not out of step with other plug-in hybrids.

So what are we to make of the new Prius? Think about it, forget it, or buy it? I would definitely buy it.

Fast facts

Prius Excel Plug-in hybrid

£39,955 (Design £37,315)

2-litre petrol + electric motor 220bhp

0-62mph 6.8secs; 110mph

430-565mpg

12g/km. VED: Zero

Insurance group 31

Boot 284 litres

Daytime at the Eisteddfod launched for 2025

* Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod has put tickets on sale for its packed daytime events which take place from July 8 to 13 2025.

This follows last week’s announcement of concerts next summer featuring Roger Daltrey, KT Tunstall, Il Divo and Bryn Terfel. 

In 2025, 4,000 competitors from choirs, dance groups and ensembles will head to Llangollen from around the world, along with 57 groups from across the UK. This represents the highest number of international competitors for many years, as the town once again welcomes the world to Wales.

Groups confirmed for Llangollen 2025 come from as far away as Burundi, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kurdistan, Morocco, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Républic of Congo, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, USA and Zimbabwe. There will also be 22 non-competing groups bringing a variety of choirs, dance and ensembles.

* Amagaba, Burundi.

The festival’s choral, dance and instrumental competitions are hosted in its iconic 3,500-seater pavilion from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 July 2025. In addition to 25 world-class competitions, there will also be plenty to see and do on the Eisteddfod field. 

There will be two outside performance stages, featuring live music from across the world, as well as local bands from North East Wales. There will be showcases from Community Rhythm and Roots Wales (where 6 groups from across the country will perform), a Welsh language afternoon (featuring up and coming Welsh Language performers), and much more. 

The annual peace message will be presented on Wednesday 9 and Saturday 12 July and is the focal point of a number of activities promoting the Eisteddfod’s message of world peace.

* New Zealand Youth Choir.

In addition, there will be pop-up performance areas, a dedicated Kids Zone (featuring fun and educational activities, including circus skills), and a sensory den (providing a safe space for those who need it). There will also be arts and crafts from local makers, along with plenty to eat and drink.

Chair of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, John Gambles said: “Our 2025 Eisteddfod will be much more than a series of amazing concerts - our field will be a hive of colour, music, and dancing. There really is something for everybody. 

"Our daytime in Llangollen will be as vibrant as our evening concerts. This year, we have had an amazing number of applications from across the world. It’s clear that the Llangollen International Eisteddfod still reaches out to the world, and our festival in 2025 will be bigger and better than ever.”

New Zealand Youth Choir, Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth and Amagaba, Burundi, just three of the groups who will be visiting Llangollen next summer.

Daytime, season and Live at Llangollen Pavilion tickets are available at https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/event_picker/in-the-pavilion/

What's on in the Pavilion?

Wednesday 9th July

This first full day of competitions is not to be missed as the junior, senior and children’s open choirs take centre stage. As a way of celebrating the fantastic work that is done with children and young people, our Young Choir of the World Trophy and an additional £500 for the highest scoring choir from the children’s choirs will be awarded at the end of the day. We are also joined by children’s folk dance groups along with vocal and instrumental solo competitors.

There will also be the premier of Community Rhythm and Roots, Wales where 6 culturally and linguistically diverse groups and communities based in Wales will share their stories with Wales and the World, using music, dance and literature.

Later on, we’ll be holding the Parade of Nations, our annual spectacle where participating groups from across the world dance, sing and play their musical instruments as they weave their way through the streets of Llangollen. Wearing their national costume and flying their flags and banners, the groups process through the streets to the delight of the throngs gathered to welcome them to the town. 

Thursday 10th July

Today in the pavilion we kick off with our instrumental ensemble competition. With a wonderful variety of ensembles from all over the world, it’s sure to get you ready for a full day of competitions. With dance, children’s choirs and vocal/instrumental solo finals it’s a day not to be missed!

Friday 11th July

Join us for a spectacular day in the Pavilion with open, and adult folk song choirs, our Young Voice of Musical Theatre competition, the semi-final of our Pendine International Voice of the Future competition, and our international folk soloist competition. In addition, we have our choreographed/stylized dance group competition, as well as our individual dance competitions (solo, duet, trio). A truly varied day!

Saturday 12th July

Our community band competition will start the day on the pavilion stage, and it’s going to be spectacular! Later, the male voice, female voice, youth and mixed choirs will battle it out ready for the Choir of the World final in the evening. Who will be our ultimate champion for 2025? We will also see a variety of different dance ensembles in the Llangollen Dance Off, and anyone who missed our Peace Message on Children’s Day will have the opportunity to hear it today.

Christmas Items recycling information from county council

With Christmas fast approaching, many homes within Denbighshire will be busy wrapping presents and putting up their festive decorations.

When planning on buying the essentials this Christmas, the county council says it is important to consider whether they are recyclable or not. 

Here is a list of key items, and their recycling instructions:

 

Bubble Wrap

• Bubble wrap can't be recycled. Please put it in the general waste bin or reuse to wrap up valuables which are going into storage or being posted.

 

Tape

• Duct tape, electrical tape, cellotape, masking tape and parcel tape cannot be recycled. Please put them in the general waste bin.

 

Christmas Decorations

• Christmas decorations can be reused year after year or donated to local charity shops or schools for craft sessions. Any decorations that are not fit for reuse should be put in the general waste bin.

 

Gift wrap

• Gift wrap containing glitter and plastic cannot be recycled and must go in the general waste bin.

 

Hard Plastic Packaging

• Hard Plastic Packaging can be recycled using the middle box of the Trolibocs or the red recycling bag for plastic.

 

Aluminium Cans

• Recycle empty aluminium cans in the middle box of the Trolibocs or the red recycling bag or at the nearest Recycling and Waste Park.

 

Bottles

• Any unwanted glass bottles and jars can be recycled in the bottom box of the Trolibocs or the turquoise bag for glass. Remember to remove any plastic or metal lids from glass bottles and place them in the middle box or the red bag. Plastic bottles can be recycled using the middle box of the Trolibocs or the red bag for plastic.

 

Food

• All food waste must be placed in the orange food caddy and not in the general waste containers.

 

Batteries

• You can recycle household batteries using the appropriate container for your recycling and waste collections service or at a Recycling and Waste Park. Please don’t put these in general waste containers, as they can cause fires.

 

Textiles

• All One Stop Shops in the county now have a stock of textile bags available for residents to collect.
• As a result of circumstances beyond the council's control, these bags were not available for distribution with the Trolibocs or hessian bags.
• Unwanted clothing and shoes can be recycled using the free collection service. A full list of what is accepted is on the online A-Z guide.
• Collections should be arranged directly with Co-Options (contact details are on the bags), or they can be taken to one of their clothes banks which can be found in the following locations:
• 
  
• Park Road car park, Ruthin, LL15 1NB
• Corwen car park, LL21 0DN

 

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:

“Christmas time can be a very busy time for our waste teams, so choosing the right waste options during this festive period can help them a lot whilst they do their rounds. We’d like thank residents for using the correct methods of recycling and disposal during the upcoming festive period.”

 

* For more information, go to: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/contact-us/christmas-and-new-year-information.aspx

 

If you’re not sure what goes where, you can check the A-Z recycling guide on the website on https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/bins-and-recycling/a-to-z-recycling-guide/a-to-z-recycling-guide.aspx