Eisteddfod opens group applications for its 2025 festival

* Côr Glanaethwy from Bangor celebrate their Choir of the World victory at the Llangollen Eisteddfod 2024. 

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has opened group applications for its 78th festival, which takes from Tuesday 8 to Sunday July 13 2025. 

Choirs and dance groups from around the globe can now apply to compete in the world-renowned celebration of music and dance.

Dave Danford, Artistic Director of the Llangollen Eisteddfod, said: “We are delighted to be launching our syllabus for 2025, as we prepare to welcome competitors from home and abroad to North East Wales next summer. We are building on our ambitious 2024 festival, and expecting a very high standard across all of our competitions.”

In 2024, over 3,000 competitors came to Llangollen from 30 different countries. The festival is hoping to top this in 2025, as invitations land with the best amateur choirs and dance groups from around the world. 

In 2024, Côr Glanaethwy from Bangor won the coveted Pavarotti Trophy, along with the title of Choir of the World. The Young Choir of the World accolade was won by Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir from the USA, with the Llangollen Dance Off being won by Prolisok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.

The most famous winner of the competitions in Llangollen was Luciano Pavarotti in 1955, when he was a member of the Corale Rossini, a male voice choir from Modena, winning first prize at the International Eisteddfod. 

He later said that this was the most important experience of his life, and that it inspired him to become a professional singer. Since the festival was launched in 1947, tens of thousands of people from around the world have competed in the festival’s unique competitions.

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is located in the idyllic town of Llangollen in North East Wales, the majority of the competitions taking place in its magnificent 4,000-seater Pavilion.

* Group applications are now open with full details of the competitions released on https://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/  Applications for the solo competitions open on December 1 2024.

MS and MP want meeting with town councillors over public toilets

* Ken Skates MS and Becky Gittins MP.

Local Labour politicians will seek a meeting with town councillors in a bid to ‘explore every avenue’ to keep Llangollen’s public toilets open. 

New MP Becky Gittins and Clwyd South MS Ken Skates say they’ve been contacted by a number of local residents who are concerned about the possible closure of the facilities on Market Street.

Mrs Gittins is MP for the new constituency of Clwyd East, which includes Llangollen. She attended the recent public meeting in the town hall and said she’s aware of the strength of feeling locally.

She said: “Ken and I had a productive meeting with the Denbighshire County Council leader and lead member and I’m optimistic a solution can be found – we’ll certainly explore every avenue we can.

“We now need to get round a table with county council officers and Llangollen Town Council. We all want the same result, and we need to work together to deliver it for the town.”

Mr Skates said the meeting with county councillors Jason McLellan and Barry Mellor was ‘positive’.

He added: “I'm keen to see the local authority work with the town council on this, and Becky and I want to bring them together to find a solution.

“The meeting with Denbighshire was positive and sitting down with the town council and making sure we’re all on the same page is the clear next step. No one wants the toilets to close, so I think we’re building from a solid foundation. Becky and I will certainly do all we can.”

Denbighshire County Council said it had to find £10.4m of savings as part of its 2024/25 budget.

The county council is under no legal requirement to provide public toilets but said it wanted to review the needs of the community. 

A proposal to review public convenience provision in the county was one of the potential savings identified, so a public consultation was launched to allow residents, business owners and visitors to have their say.

Aqueduct named world's most captivating landmark

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal have beaten other global landmarks, including the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Carioca landscapes in Brazil and the Ancient City of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka, to be crowned the most captivating UNESCO site in the world.

* For the full story, see: Welsh landmark named ‘most captivating in the world’ above sites in Brazil and Canada (msn.com)

Famous fishing tackle shop is relocating to Llangollen

A famous fishing shop is relocating to Llangollen following nearly 60-years of trading in St Asaph.

* For the full story in the Leader, see: Foxons to relocate from St Asaph to Llangollen next year | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)

Lexus SUV that drives into the future

Lexus RX 450h+ drive by Steve Rogers

Opening the door to this RX is like stepping into the future.

Lexus has packed so much technology into its sophisticated SUV it is a wonder there is any room left for seats!

A simple function like opening the door sets the tech tone. There is no squeezing the handle, just touch and the door opens electronically.

And then there is the Alexa-style voice control. No looking for the steering wheel button, just say ‘hey Lexus’, make your request and hey presto. I couldn’t find the heated rear window switch, well it is tiny, but when asked, on it came. It is the same for changing heating settings, radio stations, navigation destinations etc, etc.

There are loads more as you are about to find out. The RX is a premium SUV and has been around for 20 odd years although it took a while for it to get noticed. Now it is rubbing shoulders with heavyweights like BMW, Volvo, Genesis and Audi.

This fifth generation is the first plug-in hybrid and comes with 40 miles of electric power, not the best in the class but enough to get most people to work and back. A full recharge takes a couple of hours.

Not that there is any fear of range anxiety, on long hauls the petrol engine does the work recharging the battery pack at the same time through regenerative braking although do not expect big numbers, the most I accumulated was three miles according to the dashboard readout.

A useful feature is the ability to store up those 40 miles of electricity until needed, otherwise the system works automatically switching seamlessly between the power modes.

Unlike most of its rivals the RX really does stand out in the crowd. The body design borders on the spectacular with its slashes and creases, snazzy grille and coupe style roofline. This is one smart looking car.

The space age theme carries on into the cabin. If the Genesis GV80 SUV featured a few weeks ago was plush then the RX is plush and ultra modern. Never mind 2024, this would not look out of place in 2034.

Most of what you see is digital, it’s what we have come to expect from Lexus. The driver display is packed with information, just select a menu and toggle using the steering wheel buttons. There are more menus in the 14in central touchscreen where everything is crystal clear and super responsive, but heating controls are separate with chunky knobs along with radio volume control. Why can’t everyone do this?

The cabin is like a comfy front room at home. Perfectly shaped seats and plenty of width, something you notice more in the back where three burly ruby forwards could sit in comfort. Quality trim and fittings are a given in a car with this price tag but unlike the more stately surroundings of the Genesis the RX is truly contemporary and all the better for it.

At first glance the boot space looks generous with a power fold for the back seats but the 461 litres falls well short of the Volvo XC90 and the warehouse 770 litres for the Audi Q7, but the package is plenty big enough for a family’s chattels, besides which the RX is far more stylish than the mundane looking Q7.

Plug in hybrid is the only new element of the 2.5 litre petrol engine now beefed up by the 18.1kWh battery pack powering two electric motors. Steering wheel paddle shifters are a welcome addition to the CVT gearbox which has improved down the years. A sprint to sixty in just over six seconds is perfectly acceptable.

The car is supremely comfortable and at its best on main roads. The slightly soft suspension set up makes for a floaty ride on winding country roads but only if pushed. Selecting sport takes away the edge and it is surprising how much fun you can have with this big all wheel drive car.

The technology fest covers safety in a big way with so many aids it is difficult to see how an RX driver could cause an accident apart from being totally stupid. Collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alert can be found on most cars but a valuable additional aid is safe exit which prevents doors being opened into the path of vehicles or pedestrians. How useful that might be.

Lexus has covered most bases with RX and the plug-in hybrid widens the field particularly for company car drivers who must be licking their lips at the initial tax advantage from such low engine emissions.

There are bigger SUVs out there but for me RX is pretty irresistible.

Fast facts

RX 450h+ F Sport Design

£69,995

2.5 litre; 304bhp

0-62mpg 6.5secs; 124mph

25-26g/km. 1st road tax £10

Insurance group 45

Boot: 461 litres

Llangollen car park tops list for parking fines, says report

A public car park in Llangollen has seen the most parking fines issued in the last two-and-a-half years, a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has found.

*For the full story in Leaderlive, go to: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24542400.denbighshire-public-car-parks-parking-fines-issued/

MS calls on businesses to enter prestigious tourism awards

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling on tourism businesses in Llangollen to enter this year’s prestigious Go North Wales Tourism Awards. 

Mr Rowlands, Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Tourism in Welsh Parliament and a keen supporter of the industry in North Wales, said: “Everybody knows how passionate I am about encouraging and promoting tourism in my region of North Wales and I am delighted to see the prestigious Go North Wales Tourism Awards being held once again this year. 

“Tourism was one of the hardest-hit industries during and post Covid with very little help coming from the Welsh Labour Government which continues to chip away at this sector. 

“I was lucky enough to attend the award ceremony held at Venue Cymru last year when it was really great to see so many businesses receiving the recognition they deserve after what has been an extremely tough few years. 

“Time and time again I have raised tourism issues in Welsh Parliament yet my calls always seem to fall on deaf ears. Tourism is big business in North Wales, in particular, yet the Welsh Labour Government continue to hamper its growth with its crippling 182 day holiday let regulations and the soon to be introduced tourism tax. 

“Against this adversity our tourism industry is still strong and these awards demonstrate how important this sector is to North Wales.” 

The Go North Wales Tourism Awards champions the very best of the regions tourism industry and this year the event will take place once again at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, on Thursday November 21.

After what has been a challenging few years for the industry, this is a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise excellence in the region’s hospitality and tourism sectors.

The awards showcases and celebrates the achievements, hard work and dedication of those working in the industry.

For the first time in many years, award winners from some of the regional categories will also feed into the national Visit Wales Awards, to be held in Spring 2025. 

Deadline for applications will be Monday October 7 2024. For more details on how to apply go to:

https://gonorthwalestourismawards.website/award-categories/

Funding fair planned for Town Hall on October 2

 

Police warn over fake QR codes on parking machines

* A fake QR code placed on a car parking machine in Conwy.

North Wales Police have sent out a warning after receiving more reports of fake QR codes being placed on car parking machines and electric vehicle charging points across Denbighshire and Conwy. 

They warn that the scam could also spread to other parts of North Wales.  

Officers say: "Criminals often place stickers with their fake QR codes on them over the genuine QR codes. This is known as ‘quishing’ and the criminal’s fake QR code will take you to a fake website that will steal your financial and personal information. 

"In addition to taking your money via the fake website, criminals will also capture your bank details and possibly other sensitive information such as passwords, financial data, or personally identifiable information (PII). That information can also be used for other purposes, such as identity theft, financial fraud, or ransomware."

Acting Detective Sergeant Roheryn Evans, from the North Wales Police Cyber Crime Team, said: “Criminals are always looking to exploit any means to trick people into providing their personal data, bank details or passwords. 

"As with all other cybercrime, consider who is asking you to click on a QR code and whether or not the originator is genuine. Never provide personal information unless it is a trusted source.”

Police advice when using QR codes:

·  Always check for tampered QR codes (stickers) before scanning. Some QR codes in open spaces (like stations and car parks) could be risky.

·  If in doubt, do not scan a code and use a search engine to find the official website or app for the organisation you need to make a payment to.

·  When scanning a QR code, use the QR-scanner built into your camera, or one that comes with your phone, as opposed to using a downloaded app from an app store.

·  If you receive an email with a QR code in it, and you're asked to scan it, you should exercise caution as police are seeing an increase in these types of 'quishing' attacks.

·  You should always check your bank accounts regularly and report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately.

Update on yesterday's aqueduct incident

North Wales Police have issued an update on yesterday's incident which saw roads around the aqueduct closed for some hours. 

It says:

"Shortly before 10.40am yesterday, Thursday, August 22nd, we were called to a report of a body in the water in the Froncysyllte area of Wrexham.

Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust. The body of a man was located and, sadly, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Formal identification is yet to take place.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, and the Coroner has been informed."

ITV Wales highlights battle to save town's public toilets

* Dr Rhys Davies is interviewed by Joanne Gallacher from ITV Wales.

The fight to save Llangollen's under-threat public toilets will be highlighted on national television this evening (Friday).

A film crew from ITV Wales were in town over lunchtime to record interviews with two local people prominent in the battle to prevent Denbighshire County Council from getting rid of the Market Street loos.

In a bid to balance its budget the council aims to shed all the public conveniences it runs and offer local town and community councils the chance to take them over.

But Llangollen Town Council has already come out against a take-over on the grounds that it would be beyond its financial means and lead to a big increase in the amount it draws from council tax.

The county council has pointed out that it has no legal duty to provide public toilets.

But respected former GP Dr Rhys Davies, who was first to be filmed by the TV crew, stressed that it certainly had a moral duty to do so. 

He also pointed out the public health problems which would be created if visitors to the town found there were no toilets available.

* Town councillor Scott L Felton is filmed for his interview.

Also appearing on camera was town councillor Scott L Felton who branded the loss of the toilets as a "disaster", adding that the county council was failing to listen to the people of Llangollen who voiced their opposition to the move at a packed public meeting earlier this month.

Despite numerous invitations, no representatives from the county council attended that meeting.

The film crew later went out and about in the town speaking to residents, businesses owners and visitors about the potential loss of the toilets, many of whom agreed that it would do great harm to Llangollen.

* The item is due to be screened on the ITV Wales evening news at 6pm tonight.        

Panto group looks forward to its next big show

Llangollen Panto Group has issued an update on its next show while also looking back at its last smash-hit show.

It says: "Exciting times for Llangollen’s Panto Group, following on from our summer holiday workshops, we have our auditions for Beauty and the Beast on Sunday 1st September at 2pm at St Collen's Community Hall. 

"After the amazing success of this years panto Jack and the Beanstalk, which enabled us to make a donation of £1500 to Nightingale House, something we’re very proud of and couldn’t have a a done with out you, the Llangollen community, your support was, as ever the best, thank you. 

"We’re thrilled to have so many people wanting to join us and have been inundated with requests to be in the show or to get involved behind the scenes too.

"It’s not too late if you would like to get involved, whether auditioning for one of our hilarious characters or behind the scenes please message us and let us know before the 1st September."

Police issue warning about this morning's high winds

Police have put out a warning about the high winds currently affecting the region due to Storm Lilian.

On their Facebook page North Wales Police have posted: "We're receiving numerous reports of fallen trees and branches on roads due to high winds - we advice you to take extra care on your journey today. We've made highways departments aware and they will be dealing as soon as they are able to."

The Met Office has issued a weather warning for this morning, which says: "Started at: 05:00 BST on Fri 23 August.

"Ends: 11:00 BST on Fri 23 August

Storm Lilian will bring strong winds, which may lead to disruption to travel and infrastructure on Friday morning."

Universal primary free school meals available across county

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents to take advantage of the Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) before the start of a new academic year.

In December 2021, the Welsh Government announced plans to offer free meals to all primary school pupils in response to the rising cost-of-living pressures on families, with the aim that by September 2024 all children in primary schools across Wales will receive free school meals.

Earlier this year, the UPFSM offer in Denbighshire had been successfully rolled out from reception to year 6, meaning every primary school pupil in Denbighshire had access to free school meals ahead of the Welsh Government’s target date. 

If parents or carers are in receipt of certain benefits and have a household income which does not exceed the current government threshold, they could be entitled to free school meals for their child. 

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families, said: “It is fantastic that pupils in primary school across Denbighshire have access to a free warm meal, and I’d like to acknowledge the dedicated work of our staff to achieve such a milestone ahead of schedule.

“The provision of school meals are essential in a child’s learning and development, and the catering team continue to work with local suppliers to provide a hot nutritionally balanced meal at lunchtime.

“Denbighshire County Council are committed to healthy eating and are working hard with schools to promote the health and welfare of pupils."

* To view the menu, or for more information visit the Denbighshire school meals website.  

Completion date for Four Great Highways scheme is now late September

* The Wharf steps where limited progress has been made.

The completion date for Llangollen’s Four Great Highways scheme has now been moved back by another month, which means it is now three months behind schedule.

Earlier this week llanblogger reported that there had been little progress made on certain aspects of the project, which was funded by the former Conservative government’s Levelling Up Fund and aims to “enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in the centre of Llangollen”.  

And we pointed out that there was less than a fortnight to go before the completion deadline of the end of August was reached – which itself had been moved back from June.

Today the project team revealed there’s been another change of plan and the scheme will not now be completed until the end of September.   

In an update they say: “As you may be aware the last update we provided advised that the project would be completed by the end of August 2024. 

“Unfortunately, despite the contractor working weekends to try and mitigate the time lost we are still running slightly behind due to a few issues in both areas - ground condition challenges at the Wharf and a slight re-design to the steps structure in Lower Dee Mill Park to accommodate the steel structure ramp. 

“In addition to this there is final landscaping works, which will be carried out in September 2024 as the correct time of year for certain planting. 

“Due to this delay, the planned completion date for the project is now end September 2024, however please be assured the contractor is working very hard to complete some aspects of the scheme sooner if and where possible. The signage and wayfinding aspect of the project will also be installed before the end of September 2024.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and disruption this may cause and appreciate your patience while the contractor works hard to complete this project for us.”

The first delay occurred when the scheme ran into unexpected ground conditions with its two key aspects - a raised walkway at Lower Dee Mill Park and the improvement of the flight of steps up from Abbey Road to the canal wharf.

An update from the team in early August said that because of a delay while steel supports were delivered the scheme would be finished by the end of this month.

But earlier this week while work at Lower Dee Mill Park appeared to be catching up well there seemed to have been little progress on the Wharf steps.

On Monday morning workmen were busy putting what looked to be the finishing touches to the park walkway but while large steels supports had  been installed at the top end and a mechanical digger was on site, there were few signs of any start being made on the wharf steps.

The project is part of a Levelling Up investment secured through a joint application between Denbighshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council for the old Clwyd South Constituency – Llangollen is now part of the new Clwyd East. 

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

Let councillor know if you've had missed waste collections

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards, who has been dealing with the many problems associated with the area's new household waste recycling scheme, wishes to know from residents if they have had any missed collections this week. 

She says that, if you have, you should contact her by email at: karen.edwards@denbighshire.gov.uk including in the email your full name, address with postcode and a telephone number.  

Roads around aqueduct closed due to police incident

Update: The roads around the aqueduct reopened a few hours later

The roads surrounding the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen have been closed due to a police incident this afternoon (August 22), reports the Denbighshire Free Press.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/24535299.roads-closed-pontcysyllte-aqueduct-due-incident/

Ysgol Dinas Brân students celebrate 'fantastic' GCSE results

There was an atmosphere of joy and celebration at Ysgol Dinas Brân this morning (Thursday) as Year 11 students received their GCSE results. 

Many students beamed with happiness as they achieved the grades they had worked so hard for and eagerly anticipated the next step in their education. 

The results were a testament to the relentless dedication and hard work of both staff and students, according to the school.

“I am incredibly proud of all our students in Year 11 and would like to congratulate them on their achievements. They have worked tirelessly and achieved such fantastic grades,” said headteacher Mark Hatch. 

“Despite the challenges of post-pandemic learning continuing, which saw students miss significant portions of their education, their commitment and perseverance, along with the support of staff and parents, have led to these excellent outcomes.

"I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, and I wish all our students every success in their next steps, whether that’s joining our sixth form, pursuing college or apprentice opportunities."

Denbighshire County Council is congratulating pupils receiving their GCSE results today.

Councillor Diane King, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children and Family Services, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to congratulate all pupils that have received their GCSE results, they have worked very hard to get here and overcome a lot of obstacles.

“There has been some fantastic partnership working to ensure students achieved the best results possible and pupils have received support from their families and schools. I would like to thank all those who have supported our hard-working students this last year. 

“We would like to wish all learners the very best in their next steps.”

Sub-postmasters hit by Horizon scandal invited to join focus group

The Post Office Horizon Inquiry is inviting current and former sub-postmasters in Wales impacted by the scandal to join a series of focus groups where they can shape its upcoming Legacy Project.

The Legacy Project will be a homage to those affected by the Horizon scandal.

Created alongside those affected, the Legacy Project aims to mark the Horizon scandal in history and ensure its effects cannot be forgotten.

Sir Wyn Williams, Chair of the Inquiry, said: “From very beginning, the Inquiry has put human stories at the heart of its work. I want these stories of hardship, suffering but above all else resilience to be marked in history, and this is the purpose behind the Legacy Project.

“We don’t know what the Legacy Project will look like yet, as it will rightly be shaped by those who have been directly affected by the scandal. But one thing is certain: it will ensure that the effects of the Horizon scandal cannot be erased.”

The Inquiry is keen to hear from a diverse range of people, who reflect a wide range of regions and experiences.

During these focus groups, people affected by the scandal can share their ideas of what a Legacy Project means to them and what it should entail.

To get involved, those affected should apply by 26 August 2024 (12:00pm).

This will build on the Human Impact Hearings the Inquiry heard in Cardiff, during which Sir Wyn heard evidence from many local sub-postmasters.

UK Parliamentary data shows that there were around 952 post offices in Wales as of March 2023. Some of these are crown post offices, however the vast majority are owned by sub-postmasters.

Joining the focus group is not the only way people can contribute to the Legacy Project.

People affected will also be able to contribute to future engagement sessions or the Inquiry’s listening project, In Your Own Words (IYOW).

Through IYOW, people affected by the scandal can share their stories and experiences, which will also help inform the Legacy Project.

The Inquiry recently announced it will be working with creative experts to develop the Project.

Art Lewry and Morag Wood, who worked with participants in the Infected Blood Inquiry on its memorial, and recent Reflections at the publication event, will work with sub-postmasters, family members, and others impacted by the scandal, to create the Legacy Project.

Visitors should plan ahead for Bank Holiday countryside visits

* Llangollen's Horseshoe Falls.

Visitors looking to travel to Denbighshire’s countryside sites this August Bank Holiday are urged to plan ahead.

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee valley National Landscapes are preparing for an increase in visitors this week to areas including Llangollen's Horseshoe Falls.

Visitors should check ahead to see if facilities are open, the weather is suitable and where possible access quieter sites and walks as this will help avoid busy periods and parking issues.

It is also vital that people respect the countryside and act responsibly by not littering, parking sensibly and only riding bikes on routes where cycling is permitted.

A series of measures have been introduced at Horseshoe Falls to reduce congestion in the area. Drivers are urged to park responsible at these sites or risk a fixed penalty fine.

In relation to Horseshoe Falls, visitors coming in on a Saturday can park in Llangollen and use the Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service: https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/projects/the-picturesque-bus/

The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus service also stops at the Llangollen Pavilion car park.

Those visiting the Dee Valley are reminded that they can use Llangollen Railway to disembark at Berwyn Station to visit the falls from either Llangollen or Corwen.

If the weather is dry over the weekend visitors are urged not to have BBQs, camping stoves or campfires on moorland areas because of the significant risk of fire.

Dog owners are also asked to act responsibly and keep their pets on leads when walking through the countryside around livestock especially as lambing season continues.

* For more information on planning your trip ahead, visit https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/  and follow the Clwydian Range and Dee valley National Landscapes on Facebook and X (Twitter).

Rules for changing roads from 20 to 30mph 'too strict' says MS

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says it is almost impossible for councils to change roads back to 30mph because the criteria are too strict. 

Mr Rowlands, a long-time critic of the introduction of the 20mph default speed limit, claims the guidance for councils will do very little to satisfy angry and frustrated motorists.

He said: “I have said many times since this nonsensical and crazy law was introduced the Welsh Government is not prepared to listen to what the public wants and should be scrapped. 

“Almost half a million people in Wales signed a petition against this implementation, however, this was totally ignored by Welsh Government and they pressed ahead not considering the fall out for the public, services, businesses and the economy. 

“Only last month I warned that the so-called ‘listening campaign’ would lead to hardly any roads being reverted back to 30mph and I remain extremely concerned that the criteria for councils to change roads from 20mph back to 30mph is far too strict and takes no account of what local people think. 

“I recently heard that councillors in Kinmel Bay have written to Conwy County Borough Council to request that Foryd Road and St Asaph Avenue have their speed limits changed, however, because of the strict criteria this is unlikely to happen. 

“I often drive along both these roads and quite clearly they could be reverted back to 30mph. There are also many roads across North Wales in the same situation and it really isn’t good enough. 

“I do have some sympathy for local councils as their hands appear to be tied when it comes to making decisions about the speed limits but I believe the criteria is unworkable and needs urgently reviewing.”

Removal of weir helps bring Dee nearer to its natural state

* Erbistock weir which has been removed to benefit the River Dee.

The River Dee is a step nearer to its natural state following the removal of Erbistock weir, a key part of the LIFE Dee River project.

The removal of the Erbistock weir marks a significant milestone for the EU-funded LIFE Dee River programme, offering a new era of ecological restoration for the River Dee. 

The completed work has already shown promising signs, with improvements being seen in the river's morphology, marking a return to its more natural state.

The removal of the weir has opened up an unimpeded passage for all fish species within the Dee, enhancing biodiversity and supporting the river’s ecosystems. Early observations indicate notable changes in the river's flow and sediment distribution, which are expected to further benefit local wildlife and improve overall river quality.

Heneb, the Trust for Welsh Archaeology, has been involved in the project and provided crucial insights during the planning and execution phases. 

Their investigation into the weir's history revealed that, contrary to earlier beliefs, the structure was built after 1850. This finding, derived from the examination of construction materials and historical artefacts discovered on-site, has refined our understanding of the weir’s impact on the river.

The work to remove the weir was completed by contractor S.E. Metcalfe a’i Gwmni, four weeks ahead of schedule, ensuring the successful and timely completion of this important environmental project.

Gethin Morris, LIFE Dee River Senior River Restoration Officer, said: “We are thrilled to see the Erbistock weir removal project completed. This achievement not only represents a major step forward for river restoration on the Dee but also shows the commitment of everyone involved in our LIFE Dee River project.

“The positive changes we’re already witnessing in the River Dee are a testament to the hard work and collaboration of our partners and contractors. The weir’s removal will help to transform the Dee and its catchment by restoring it and its surroundings back to their natural state.”

Museum gets ready for fitting of its new roof

* Llangollen Museum is to be fitted with a new roof.

Scaffolding has gone up and the site fenced off ready for the fitting of a new roof at Llangollen Museum.

The Parade Street building has been closed for the past few weeks in preparation for the work which is being paid for by the Community Ownership Fund and another funder which they museum cannot yet disclose.

The entire roof will be replaced with a new structure with steel girders and museum says the appearance of the building will change slightly as the new roof will not have a parapet and the rainwater will drain through external pipes, rather than the internal ones that have caused flooding problems when they have become blocked.

Building work by the contractor, Team Roundhouse of Frodsham in Cheshire, began yesterday (Monday). 

The work is estimated to take around six months, meaning the museum will be closed until January 2025.

For updates on the work, and exact dates of re-opening people are invited to keep an eye on the museum's own Facebook page.

However, heritage will not stop in Llangollen, according to the museum.

A spokesperson said: "During the period of the closure some of our display cases will be relocated to other public venues around Llangollen. Look out for displays in the Tourist Information, the Library, the Dory Gallery, the Health Centre and St Collen’s Church.

"Our programme of talks will continue. There will be no talk in July but the next talk will be on Wednesday, August 28, at 7.30pm, in the Council Chamber on the opposite side of Parade Street from the museum. 

"Entitled ‘The reasons the Welsh went to Patagonia in 1865 and how they overcame early hardships,’ it will be a presentation by Graham Edwards. 

"On Wednesday September 25, again in the Council Chamber at 7.30pm, the Portable Antiquities Scheme Officer, Susie White, will give a talk entitled ‘Buried Beneath our Feet’. She will describe what the Portable Antiquities Scheme is – who they are, why they do what they do – and then look at some of the objects recorded on the database from the local area. 

"October 30 will be Gill Smith with Andy the storyteller. The talk will be entitled 'Brenig, Landscape of the Dead,' and on November 27 Sam Thomson will give his second talk looking at the Romans in Britain and North Wales, again in the Council Chamber. Watch out for posters, and on our Facebook page for full details."

The spokesperson added: "Plans for the Llangollen Museum Young Archaeologists’ group are well on the way, and will continue during the period of closure. We are hoping to have a full programme in place by the end of 2024. 

"Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) is the only UK-wide club where young people aged 8–16 year olds can participate in real archaeology and discover why it matters. If you want to become a professional archaeologist in the future or just feel like taking up an amazing new hobby, YAC is the right place for you.

"Anyone wanting to join our mailing list for updates please email cdv.yac@gmail.com"

Roadworks planned for A5 trunk road at Chirk

According to the Wrexham Leader, the A5 trunk road at Chirk Bypass, Wrexham, will be temporarily shut next month. 

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/24517241.planned-chirk-bypass-closure-set-next-month-wrexham/

Just 13 days left to finishing deadline on Four Great Highways scheme

 

* Steel supports are in place on the steps up to the wharf from Abbey Road but there appears to be no work yet on the actual steps.  

There’s now just 13 days left before the forecast completion date for Llangollen’s Four Great Highways scheme.

The project, funded by the former Conservative government’s Levelling Up Fund, aims to “enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in the centre of Llangollen”.  

It was due to be finished in June but, according to the team responsible for the scheme, there were delays due to unexpected ground conditions being encountered with its two key aspects - a raised walkway at Lower Dee Mill Park and the improvement of the flight of steps up from Abbey Road to the canal wharf.

An update given by the Four Great Highways Project Team in early August said that because of a delay while steel supports were delivered the scheme would be finished by the end of this month.

But while work at Lower Dee Mill Park appears to be catching up well there seems to be little progress at the wharf steps.

This morning (Monday) workmen were busy putting what looked to be the finishing touches to the park walkway but while large steels supports have now been installed at the top end and a mechanical digger was on site, there were few signs of any start being made on the wharf steps.

The project is part of a Levelling Up investment secured through a joint application between Denbighshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council for the old Clwyd South Constituency – Llangollen is now part of the new Clwyd East. 

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

* There seems to be good progress on the new walkway at Lower Dee Mill Park. 

Water watchdogs move to prevent pollution of River Dee

Businesses on an industrial estate in Corwen have received important guidance as part of a campaign aimed at protecting the nearby watercourses, including the River Dee, from pollution.

On Wednesday August 14, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers visited various units on the Ty’n y Llidiart Industrial Estate. 

This is the latest industrial estate visit across North East Wales designed to help businesses identify any pollution risks associated with their operations.

During the visits, officers discussed possible pollution prevention measures and provided advice on any necessary consents and environmental permitting requirements. A letter drop was also carried out at a nearby residential area to raise awareness of potential misconnections to the surface water line.

The nearby waterways, such as the Nant Fawr, have faced several pollution incidents over the years. 

NRW says these incidents are often caused by accidental releases of harmful substances from nearby industrial sites or incorrect connections to the surface water drainage system.

And they stress it is crucial that pollution risks to the surrounding streams are minimised given their connections to the River Dee. 

This vital watercourse is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) thanks to its diverse wildlife, including species like lamprey, Atlantic salmon, and European eel.

The Dee is also an important source of drinking water. It was designated as a Water Protection Zone under the Water Resources Act, 1991, meaning consent is required where certain substances are used or stored at specific sites anywhere within the designated area, which includes Ty’n y Llidiart Industrial Estate.

Rhys Ellis, NRW Environment Team Leader for Denbighshire, said: “Pollution incidents can occur frequently due to spills, accidents, or even vandalism. These incidents not only endanger human health but also have a devastating impact on local wildlife and water quality.

“By proactively engaging with businesses at Ty’n y Llidiart Industrial Estate, we aim to ensure they have the necessary measures in place to prevent such pollution. This initiative will help raise awareness about the risks of pollution from industrial estates and safeguard the river Dee and its surrounding habitats.”