Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Australian pop-rockers join Kaiser Chiefs at Eisteddfod show


* Royel Otis play the Pavilion stage on June 29. Picture: Georges Antoni.

Australian pop-rock duo Royel Otis will join indie heroes Kaiser Chiefs when they head to North Wales this summer. 

The indie pair, known for exceptional pop melodies with a gritty edge and killer choruses, will join Kaiser Chiefs as they make a triumphant return to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Saturday June 29.

With inspiration ranging from Daft Punk to The Strokes, Royel Otis’s debut studio album Pratts & Pain will be released on February 16. 

The Kaiser Chiefs’ headline performance at Llangollen will follow the release of their latest studio album, the aptly-titled Kaiser Chiefs’ Easy Eighth Album, on March 1.

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A new partnership between the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor will see 11 huge headlining shows taking place at iconic peace festival supporting the traditional Core Eisteddfod week. 


* The Kaiser Chiefs. Picture: Cal McIntyre.

Alongside headliners Kaiser Chiefs global rock icons Simple Minds, British pop giants Madness, Manic Street Preachers and Suede, BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith, chart-topper Jess Glynne, disco legends Nile Rodgers & CHICandglobal rock star Bryan Adams will all headline dates either side of the iconic peace festival in 2024. 

The core week of the festival will see a series of events celebrating the Eisteddfod along with headlining shows from Welsh legends Tom Jones and Katherine Jenkins and international jazz sensation Gregory Porter. 

Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod Dave Danford said: “We’re excited to be adding Royel Otis to our line-up for this summer. They’re the perfect group to appear alongside Kaiser Chiefs, and it’s going to be a night to remember!” 

* For more information and to purchase tickets go to llangollen.netand www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Temporary partial closure of Mill Street car park


* The site compound plan for Mill Street car park.

Mill Street car park in Llangollen will be partially closed for a five month period to provide a site compound for OBR Construction Ltd. to undertake construction work for Denbighshire County Council’s Four Great Highways project.

The Levelling Up funded project aims to enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in Llangollen.

The project is part of investment by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund that was secured through a joint application between Denbighshire and Wrexham councils for the Clwyd South Constituency.

The application was supported by Simon Baynes MP with £3.8 million being allocated to Denbighshire to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

A section of the Mill Street car park will be closed to facilitate the contractor’s site compound once the work starts on Monday February 5 and will remain until the end of June 2024.

The public will still be able to access a section of the car park during this period as some parking spaces will still be available for use throughout the works. Disabled parking will also be available at the car park during this time.

OBR Construction says it will try to scale down the compound as the scheme progresses towards completion to relieve more spaces where possible.

Residents and visitors wishing to use the car park during this period are advised that heavy plant vehicles will be entering and exiting the car park throughout the day between the hours of 8am and 5.30pm. 

Pedestrian routes within or accessing the car park will also be kept clear at all times and, in instances where this may not be possible, alternative pedestrian routes will be provided.

While car parking at Mill Street will still be possible during the construction period, in the event that the car park is full, alternative car parking facilities are available nearby at:

  1. East Street, Llangollen, LL20 8PW
  2. Market Street, Llangollen, LL20 8RB
  3. Llangollen Pavilion, Llangollen, LL20 8SW

Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment & Transport, said: “I am delighted that the construction work for Llangollen’s Four Great Highways project will be underway soon and look forward to the completion of this vital project which will enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in Llangollen.

“We understand that residents may be concerned about the potential impacts of the work on their ability to be able to park in the area, but we would like to reassure people that despite the reduced capacity at the Mill Street car park during this period alternative places to park in Llangollen will continue to be available during this time.” 

* To learn more about Denbighshire County Council’s Four Great Highways project on our website: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/four-great-highways

Llangollen features in list of Wales' most 'underrated' towns

 

* Plas Newydd is quoted as one of the highlights of "underrated" Llangollen.

Llangollen appears in an geography website’s list of the Nine Most Underrated Towns in Wales.

World Atlas, based in Quebec, Canada, says it is one of the largest publishing resources in geography and also covers sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics and travel.

According to its own description, in 2019 alone, it served over 165 million readers from around the globe.

In its “underrated towns” feature it says Wales is often overlooked as a place to visit, with many people “not knowing of the treasures it holds in vibrant folklore and endowed with a rich culture”,

Llangollen shares the list of “underrated” towns with Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire, Llangefni on Angelsey, Abderdaron in Gwynedd, Llangorse in the Brecon Beacons, Welshpool and Llanwertyd Wells in Powys, Tregaron in Ceredigion and Hawarden in Flintshire.

Of Llangollen it says: “A riverside delight that is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with an eponymous railway, a breathtaking hike to a 13th-century castle, and a Gothic-tinged mansion, Llangollen is optimal for embracing relaxation.

“Llangollen Railway is a scenic heritage railway from Llangollen to Corwen, with views of storybook villages, castles, and lush rolling hills. A variety of unique excursions are available throughout the year.

“If the aquatic route is more appealing, the Llangollen Canal meanders through town, an ideal spot to picnic by or take a cruise down, especially if one of the unique horse-drawn boats is available for a ride. Horseshoe Falls, a dramatically beautiful piece of Thomas Telford engineering, is not to be missed.

“For history buffs, Castell Dinas Bran and Plas Newydd House will capture imaginations. Castell Dinas Bran, or the Crow's Fortress, is a rare 13th-century Welsh-built stone castle perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

“Plas Newydd (New Hall) is an unbelievable mansion with enchanting gardens, best known for being home to the unconventional "Ladies of Llangollen," a pair who lived together for fifty years, becoming 18th-century celebrities and expanding the house from a small cottage to the modern iteration.” 

* See the full article at: 9 Most Underrated Towns in Wales - WorldAtlas

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Up date on serious road traffic collision on Abbey Road

* The scene at the collision site in Abbey Road at around 8.15am.

North Wales Police alert this morning:

"ROAD CLOSURE, Abbey Road (A542), between Llangollen and Pentrefelin, due to an RTC, emergency services at scene dealing, please avoid the area, expect delays."

At around 8.20am this morning the road was still cordoned off just after the Pavilion car park with a large emergency services presence.

According to a running story on Leader Live, the fire and rescue service received the initial call at around 7.16am this morning.

North Wales Police announced at around 7.40am that Abbey Road (A542) between Llangollen and Pentrefelin was closed.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service later confirmed it was a two-vehicle collision involving a car and an agricultural vehicle.

One person was trapped, a spokesman said.

Two fire crews rushed to the scene, one from Llangollen and one from Wrexham.

Also in attendance was the fire service technical rescue unit from Wrexham and ambulance teams.

Just after 9am came word that the casualty had been extricated by the fire service and was in the care of the Welsh Ambulance Service

A few minutes later the fire service confirmed crews at the scene had received the 'stop' message at 8.56am. However all three fire appliances remained there and were "making the scene safe."

* See the Leader's story at: Collision closes A542 between Llangollen and Pentrefelin | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)

Three Llangollen finalists in Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards

Llangollen has three finalists in the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2024 – and the glittering presentation evening will also be held in the town.

Known as one of the most prestigious rolls of honour in the hair and beauty industry, the awards are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.

The black-tie ceremony will take place on Saturday May 18 at Llangollen Pavilion and will celebrate rising and well-established stars who make a difference in the industry.

Favourite stylists and salons were nominated by members of the public. With more than 80,000 votes being received, the full list of finalists from the North of Wales has been compiled, including three from Llangollen.

Jades Hair and Beauty will contest the Best of North category against salons from Colwyn Bay and Prestatyn, while Llangollen Barbers Shop will face competition from eight others based in Wrexham, Prestatyn and Old Colwyn to take the Barbers of the Year crown.

Sophie of Sophie Elizabeth Beauty, Llangollen  is a finalist in the Beautician of the Year category against competitors from Wrexham, Gwynedd, Denbighshire and Conwy county.

A spokesperson for The Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2024, said:  “We had an outstanding response from the public who went behind our nomination process and put forward tried and tested beauty professionals that deserve recognition.

“The awards remark the strength, skill and innovation of those who have shown excellent commitment to customer satisfaction and have changed the industry’s landscape by introducing innovative treatments and services, building extremely close and trusted relationships with their clients.

 “We would like to congratulate everyone for being shortlisted and we can’t wait to welcome all our guests and deliver an enjoyable event. We wish all finalists the best of luck.”

Latest local roadworks alerts from county council

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

East Street EAST STREET 21/01/2024 04/02/2024 Resurfacing works DCC HIGHWAYS (PETER PARRY LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Outside The Corn Mill Dee Lane Llangollen CLYWD LL20 8PN DEE LANE 01/03/2024 01/03/2024 Gwaith ar Wasanaeth Uwchben/ Overhead Service Works SUNBELT RENTALS (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 HORSESHOE PASS 06/02/2024 06/02/2024 Trwsio Lon Cerbydau/ Carriageway Repairs DCC STREETSCENE LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

JUNC  HILL STREET - O/S NO. 4 VICARAGE ROAD 22/01/2024 02/02/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 JUNC HALL STREET - JUNC VICARAGE ROAD HILL STREET 05/02/2024 15/03/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNC BACHE MILL ROAD - JUNC REGENT STREET BUTLERS HILL 25/03/2024 12/04/2024 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES (A LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Monday, January 29, 2024

Details of local diversion route

Latest local road traffic alert from one.network is:

 

Abersylio to Efenechtyd, Llangollen, Denbighshire


31 January - 02 February

 

Delays likely - Diversion route

 

Name: Diversion

 

Location: Abersylio To Efenechtyd

 

Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks

 

Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Planned

 

 

Tributes paid to a man who loved Llangollen and dies aged 92


* Les Potts who died last Thursday aged 92.

One of Llangollen’s best-loved characters, famous for his dedication to a number of local organisations ranging from the International Musical Eisteddfod to the Tidy Town Team, has died at the age of 92.

Amongst Les Potts’s distinctions were that he had attended and volunteered at every Eisteddfod since it began in 1947 and that he was the first Briton to officially complete every  mountain walk in the Austrian Alps.

Les, who died at Wrexham Maelor Hospital last Thursday,  was born in Knotty Ash, Liverpool and his first job on leaving school was with one of the city’s shipping firms checking on cargoes at the busy docks.

He had an early enthusiasm was cycling and it was while journeying over from Liverpool with his club that he met Joan, the girl from Llangollen who was to become his wife of over 60 years until she passed away six years ago.

The couple had three children – Keith, a leading figure with Llangollen Eisteddfod and a life vice-president, Allan, a well-known local photographer, and their sister Rosemarie. They also had seven grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren.

Moving to Llangollen following his marriage, Les started work at the town’s seed factory, first working as a buyer and eventually working his way up to a senior management position. He stayed with the company until it moved to Torquay and he took early retirement at the age of 55.

His long association with the Eisteddfod began in 1947 and he attended the very first one with his father.

He then went back every summer, working as a volunteer with the festival’s ticket committee, and was there right up until last year, becoming a very well-known and respected figure amongst fellow volunteers and visitors.  

He was also a member of Llangollen Operatic Society, The Twenty Club, Llangollen Round Table, Llangollen Probus Club and even helped Santa on his visits to the railway. 

Railways were another passion of his - mainline, narrow gauge and model. He was a signalman on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway and also volunteered at Llangollen Railway. 

He was a member of Llangollen Town Tidy team and had also helped with the Countryside Commission. 

His son Keith said of him: “He was very well known in the area and will be much missed. 

“His long association with the Eisteddfod was remarkable and he is possibly one of the last surviving people to have attended and volunteered at every one since 1947. 

“He served for two years with the army during his National Service but not even that could keep him away and he obtained special permission to do one volunteering shift at the Eisteddfod. 

“Walking was another of his pastimes and he won bronze, silver and gold awards for being the first Brit to complete all the mountain walks in the Austrian Alps years ago. He had a certificate to prove it which was awarded to him appreciative local villagers. 

“He kept up his interest in walking and could often be seen making his way through town on his regular trips. The last time he was out was only a few weeks ago.” 

His other son Allan said: “Our Dad away peacefully in the Maelor Hospital. He has gone to join Mum but will leave a huge hole in the hearts of all our family. 

“Dad spent the majority of his life living in Llangollen. He loved the town and its people. He was passionate about so many things and always supported local business.” 

Paying tribute to him, the Chairman of  Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Chris Adams, said: "Les was central to our festival and the fact that he attended and volunteered at every single Llangollen Eisteddfod is a remarkable achievement.  

“He welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to Llangollen every year and remained a valuable member of the tickets team right up until July 2023.  

“He was an amazing man who passed his love for our remarkable peace festival on to his children, Keith, Allan and Rosemarie, and their family. 

“Les was a well-known character in Llangollen, not just through his lifetime of dedication to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, but also as a member of the Llangollen Operatic Society, the Twenty Club, the Round Table, and the Llangollen Town Tidy group.” 

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: "Les Potts was a man who gave his whole life to our festival, and did so much behind the scenes as an active volunteer right until his sad passing.  

“His death is a very sad moment for us all, but we are thankful for his enormous contribution, right from our very first festival in 1947." 

* No details of the funeral have yet been given.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Heledd takes final bow in Young 'Uns' Oliver! show


* Final bow: Heledd Edwards as Nancy in Oliver!

A talented young actor who has starred in many hit shows for Llangollen Operatic’s junior section is about to take her final bow. 

Since joining the Young ‘Uns in September 2017 Heledd Edwards has turned in a diverse range of polished performances. 

And her final appearance will come when she takes one of the lead roles in Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, which the group are staging at Llangollen Town Hall from February 22-24. 

As the upper age limit for the Young ‘Uns is 18 – the age which Heledd has now reached – it’s time for her to move on. 

But before she goes the producers of Oliver! are expecting another accomplished performance from her as Nancy, a 23-year-old graduate of Fagin's thieves academy and doxy of evil villain Bill Sikes. 

Heledd’s first appearance for the group came in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in February 2018. 

She played a number of roles in this show - one of the five Ishmaelites (a hairy crew), one of eight Egyptians, one of the members of Mrs Potiphar's court and of Pharoah's court and also one of the dancers – a great example of Young 'Uns’ multi-tasking in their shows. 

In February 2019 the show was Grease. Amongst other things, Heledd's key role was as Miss Lynch, an old maid English teacher, which she is remembered for playing with great conviction and humour. 

The year 2020 saw the Young 'Uns celebrate their 30th anniversary by staging The Wizard of Oz in which Heledd played Miss Almira Gulch, and also one of the Jitterbugs and one of the Ghosts. 

In 2022, Young 'Uns put on Little Shop of Horrors and this time Heledd was part of the chorus trio of Christal, Chiffon, and Ronette who sing like angels throughout the show. 

In February 2023 Young 'Uns performed The Addams Family and Heledd took a starring role as  Morticia in which she displayed her many talents as the rock and strength of the creepy Addams family. 

Producer of Oliver!, Pamela Williams, said: “We are sorry to see Heledd moving on and we will miss how she has brought all her wonderful skills to every role she has played for us. I’m sure it will be no different in this, her last performance with the Young 'Uns.”

The popular group's 33rd production since it was founded in 1990 takes place from Thursday-Saturday, February 22-24, at 7.30pm, with a 2pm matinee of the last day.

Oliver! is a stage musical, with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

It follows the tale of young Oliver from his early days in a grim workhouse, his escape to London where he meets up with the gag of trainee thieves led by the old rogue Fagin and the trials he faces at the hands of the villainous robber Bill Sikes.   

Production team for the Young 'Uns version is Robin Crowley (artistic director), Julian Cattley (musical director) Pamela Williams (producer), Deirdre Smith (assistant producer) and Sarah Marshal (choreographer).

* Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or Llangollen Tourist Information, Jades Hair and Beauty, Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

St Tysilio's Church gets funding boost from UK Government


* St Tysilio's in Llantysilio.

St Tysilio's in Llantysilio is one of four churches in Clwyd South to receive a share of £12,000 in UK Government funding.

While St Tysilio's has been awarded £1,776 by the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, St Mael & St Sulien Church in Corwen has received £4,999, St Dunawd's Church in Bangor on Dee £3,951 and St Deiniol & St Marcella in Marchwiel £2,184. 

The grant scheme, which is operated by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport, has so far provided £42 million per year in funding towards the VAT paid on repairs and maintenance to listed places of worship. 


It aims to support listed and protected architecture for the benefit of present and future generations, handling around 7,000 claims per year. It applies to listed places of worship across the UK.

 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes, speaking about the announcement, said: “The churches of Clwyd South are an important part of our landscape and heritage. 


"They are at the heart of the communities they serve, and it is right that these historic buildings are preserved for worship, community events and tourism. 


"I am very pleased that these four churches have benefited from the UK Government’s Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, and I encourage any other place of worship in Clwyd South that are interested in applying to contact my office for more details.”


Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay, the Minister for Arts and Heritage, said: “Listed places of worship represent some of our nation’s finest heritage, and HM Government recognises that there are particular challenges to looking after such cherished and historic buildings. 


"They are often at the heart of our communities, bringing people of all ages together, and represent some of our finest heritage. Since 2010, the Gov has invested more than £346 million to listed places of worship nationwide.”

East Street roadworks alert


Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

 

East Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire


28 January - 04 February

 

Roadworks, Delays likely

 

Traffic management: Road closure

 

Description: Resurfacing works

 

Works location: East 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 Denbighshire County Council.

 

Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: QR004S000000008143

 

 

Friday, January 26, 2024

Railway teams with university to smooth its 'green' journey


* The Wrexham University team on a visit to Llangollen.

Llangollen Railway has teamed up with Wrexham University to help enhance its "green" journey.

As part of its commitment to develop its future sustainability the heritage attraction is seeking to better understand both its environmental and energy usage strategies.

This include the railway's impact on both Llangollen and Corwen as well as its wider estate in the Dee Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a potential future National Park.

To help achieve this it has a new and developing partnership with the university.


* The university team at work at the railway.

A railway spokesperson said: "Working alongside the university’s environmental and engineering faculties, we will be offering our facilities and services to complete world-leading academic under and postgraduate research in areas such as carbon foot-printing and novel technologies for energy management and conservation.
"We are very excited to see these projects begin and are confident that their outcomes will make a genuine difference to our impact on the environment, as well as fostering wider links with the specialist scientific and engineering expertise available on our doorstep at Wrexham University."


* The university group visits the railway's machine shop.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Car diverted by viaduct closure gets stuck in the mud


* The picture of the couple's illustrating the story in the Denbighshire Free Press.

A couple got stuck in the mud on a track road near Llangollen for hours after a recent storm closed the A483, according to a story in the Denbighshire Free Press.

Bob Medley and his wife were on their way to Warrington, to see Bob’s wife’s elderly father, when their satnav and GPS re-routed them through the muddy path.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/24074772.storm-isha-satnav-leave-couple-stuck-mud/?ref=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR3_kbPKtzcAr1z393S0RBXS8CPT-azuIKE0j8dxQBkFHQI2p1T8O77dFEM


Young 'Uns to stage Oliver! musical next month

* The cast of Oliver! to be staged next month by Llangollen Operatic's Young 'Uns. Picture by Barrie Potter.

Llangollen Operatic's junior section, the Young 'Uns, will explore the dark and threatening world of Victorian London - but with a lively musical "twist" - when they stage Oliver! at the Town Hall next month.

The popular group's 33rd production since it was founded in 1990 takes place from Thursday-Saturday, February 22-24, at 7.30pm, with a 2pm matinee of the last day.

Oliver! is a stage musical, with book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. The musical is based upon the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

It follows the tale of young Oliver from his early days in a grim workhouse, his escape to London where he meets up with the gag of trainee thieves led by the old rogue Fagin and the trials he faces at the hands of the villainous robber Bill Sikes.   

Production team for the Young 'Uns version is Robin Crowley (artistic director), Julian Cattley (musical director) Pamela Williams (producer), Deirdre Smith (assistant producer) and Sarah Marshal (choreographer).

There's a young cast of 27 the oldest of whom is 18-year-old Heledd Edwards, who has had prominent roles in previous Young 'Uns shows, and is due to leave the group after this production. 

* Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or Llangollen Tourist Information, Jades Hair and Beauty, Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods.

Latest local roadworks update

Latest local roadworks update from one.network is:

 

Abbey Dingle Nursery to Abbey Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire


26 January - 26 January

 

Delays likely - Diversion route

 

Name: Diversion - B5103 From Junction Of A5t To Junction With A542 Horseshoe Pass Road, Llangollen

 

Location: Abbey Dingle Nursery To Abbey Road

 

Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks

 

Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council

 

Current status: Planned

 

 


Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Councillor demands action over "dangerous and irresponsible" Llangollen diversions

* The barrier at the Castle Street/Mill Street junction was demolished during a day of heavy traffic congestion yesterday caused by the latest diversion.

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards says the town cannot sustain the level of "dangerous and irresponsible" disruption caused by traffic diversions from the A483 and A5.

And she has called for a re-think of the town's traffic system in the light of recent events. 

Over the past few days Llangollen has twice been used as a diversion route after storm warnings led to the closure of the viaducts over the nearby trunk routes, causing massive traffic congestion on both occasions.

In a statement issued to llanblogger this morning (Wednesday) Cllr Edwards says: "Many residents will have been caught up in the gridlock that occurred in Llangollen last night and last week when gale force winds caused the North Wales Trunk Road Agency to close the viaducts on the A5 / A 483. 

"The closure caused all north and southbound traffic to be diverted through Llangollen and along with the resultant chaos ,damage was caused to the railings on the recently narrowed town bridge.

"There was a failure to properly manage the traffic and without question confirmation that the redesign of Castle St with the narrowing of the road renders the chosen route diversion unsuitable for HGVs.

"Attempting to safely put trunk road traffic through a road which has been redesigned for traffic calming and increased pedestrian usage didn’t work last night or at any other time these diversions are implemented. In simple terms, there is now no resilience in the highway network and the recent investment to our street scene ( like it or loathe it ) has been damaged again."

She adds: "As a resident before I was elected I challenged the design/layout prior to its implementation with the DCC officers and the DCC Head of Service responsible for the implementation and I will call for another design review of this junction and layout by DCC in light of the recent events. 

"Three years have now elapsed since the collapse and closure of the Newbridge Road. Had it been repaired this would have been the option for traffic diversion when the viaducts are closed whether due to inclement weather or any other reason.

"I would like to assure residents that I will be doing my utmost to ensure that lessons are learned at county and government level by those responsible for the glacial speed of the repair on the Newbridge Road and are fully aware that Llangollen cannot sustain this level of disruption - it's unsustainable, dangerous, and irresponsible."

* Clwyd South MS Ken Skates said: “I raised this matter with the council yet again last week. With the recent storms causing road closures, it has reiterated the urgent need for the road to be reopened and residents are getting more and more frustrated at the lack of information.

“It’s now almost two years since the Welsh Government confirmed funding of £2.8m to fix this – in addition to the grants it had already given to the council for investigations and exploratory work. People are asking me why nothing appears to be happening and where the money has gone.

“I’m sure the council is working hard on this behind the scenes, but my constituents need answers."

Wrexham ignores llanblogger request for Newbridge update


* More traffic congestion came to Llangollen town centre yesterday after the second closure of the A483 viaducts within days. Picture by Cath Miller.

UPDATE:

Wrexham Council sent its response at around 4.30pm Wednesday. See foot of story...

Wrexham Council has so far failed to respond to a llanblogger request for an update on urgently-needed repairs to the Newbridge road collapse. 

This is despite two closures within days of the A483 viaducts due to weather conditions which have brought traffic chaos to Llangollen as drivers battled with the extra-long diversion route the shutting off of Newbridge Road has meant. 


llanblogger asked Wrexham - the council responsible rather than Denbighshire - for an update on the progress of repairs on Monday, immediately after the first viaduct closures on Sunday which led to hundreds of diverted vehicles packing the narrow streets of Llangollen. 


Late yesterday llanblogger was still waiting for a response from Wrexham’s press office, through which requests for comments must be made, as a second closure of the viaducts due to Storm Jocelyn brought more traffic congestion to the A5, A539 and Castle Street. 


The stretch of road between Newbridge and Cefn Mawr has been closed since January 2021, when heavy downpours caused part of it to collapse down an embankment during Storm Christoph. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​ ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​ ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​ ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌‌‌​‍‌​​​‌​‌‌‍‌​​​‌‌​‌‍‌​​‌‌‌‌​‍‌​​‌‌‌​​‍‌​​‌​‌​​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​​‌‌‌​​‍‌‌​​‌‌​‌‍‌‌​​‌‌​​


Wrexham Council was awarded £2.8 million to carry out the vital repairs to the B5605 last year by the Welsh Government, following complex geo-technical surveys and a cost analysis. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌ ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​ ‌

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Last June it was announced that the Jones Bros Ltd had successfully tendered for the scheme.

Councillor Terry Evans, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Environment, said: “A contractor has been appointed to carry out the repairs to the Newbridge Road and we hope to have a further public update in the near future.

“We recognise the problems road users face due to the closure of this road but can assure everyone that we are progressing everything as quickly as possible.”