Planners approve scheme to reinstate Berwyn Works on A5

* Berwyn Works on the A5. 

A scheme to reinstate what has become an eyesore building at the gateway to Llangollen has been approved by county planners. 

Since it was built in the 19^th century Berwyn Works has since been used as a brewery and later as light industrial and office accommodation. 

It is currently empty, derelict and potentially dangerous with debris sometimes falling onto the busy A5 which runs in front of the building. 

At the end of February an application by Grouber Ltd to repair and replace existing roof, doors and windows, including the alteration and insertion of new window openings and the rendering of the building’s exterior and associated works was granted by Denbighshire planners. 

The design and access statement which accompanied the application says: “The Berwyn Works has been used over the years since it was built in the late 19th century as a brewery and in more recent years, as light industrial and office accommodation. The building as a whole is under-utilised in its current form.

“The building’s facade is unattractive and contributes a negative visual presence on the main entrance to the town and as a backdrop viewed from the riverside park.

“This can be greatly improved, adding a positive contribution to the townscape as described in this application.

"The application site in its present form is a negative function in this townscape ... research shows that the tower was originally built in red brick and then faced in the yellow brick at a later date and marks the transition point in the character of the former brewery.

“Despite having being much altered in its current form it nevertheless makes a significant contribution to the townscape.

“An option to purchase the buildings was granted in 2017 to 2023, the planning proposals were frustrated by the problems of reaching a financially feasible solution to access to the site.”

The statement adds that the objectives of the application are to restore the building for commercial use in line with the current planning conditions.

This will mean, it adds: “Reinstating the structural integrity of the buildings in line with existing planning permission for commercial use, re-roofing all the existing roofs and re-glazing all the existing window openings.”

The statement goes on: “In this proposal we are planning to repair and renew all the roof coverings on the building. Currently the roof is slate and has been partially removed as they were deemed unsafe due to water damage affecting the structural integrity of the timbers.

“In this application we are proposing to reinstate the roofs on the buildings with insulated metal profile sheets, the proposed colour is anthracite grey. This material will match the neighbouring commercial buildings. This material has been chosen for his long-term sustainability.

“The proximity buildings to the A5 trunk Rd is also a concern as slates have slipped from the roof in the past and landed on the road, by using this material that scenario will no longer be problematic.”

The statement includes a note which says: “We will be submitting a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) to the Local Planning Authority that shall be to the satisfaction of the Welsh Government prior to the commencement of any works effecting on the elevation adjacent to the A5 trunk road to maintain the safety and free flow of trunk road traffic.”

The application was approved by Denbighshire planners subject to conditions on February 2.

* Significant work has been done over the past few months on replacing the retaining wall alongside Berwyn Works.

Heron spotted on the canal this morning

 

* A heron, which are regular visitors to the canal, spotted near Bridge 48W around 7.30 this morning looking for business. 

April what's on for Pengwern Community Hub

April what's on for Pengwern Community Hub is:

Forthcoming Citizens Advice dates:

Plas Newydd re-opens for the 2025 season

* Plas Newydd historic house and gardens from the air.

Llangollen’s historic Plas Newydd is open for the new season with an array of events and activities on offer.

This fascinating historic house, home to the famous Ladies of Llangollen in the late 18th century, opened its doors again from the beginning of April.

Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby captured the imagination of Regency society. They received a stream of visitors to the unpretentious little cottage which, over the years, they transformed into a Gothic fantasy of projecting stained glass and elaborately carved oak. 

You can discover their extraordinary story and purchase tickets to visit the house between 11am and 4pm seven days a week. 

You can take tea, as Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott and the Duke of Wellington have all done before you and enjoy delicious food in the Old Stable tearooms from 10am - 4pm daily.

The gardens at Plas Newydd are renowned for their romantic setting and rich history. The Ladies adored nature and gardening, and transformed the grounds into a romantic landscape filled with exotic plants, winding paths, waterfalls and decorative features that still enchant visitors today. You can explore the gardens free of charge daily, all year round, between 8am and dusk. 

Keep an eye out for forthcoming events, promoted locally and on the Plas Newydd Llangollen Facebook page: www.facebook.com/plasnewyddllangollen 

An exciting array is on offer for the 2025 season, including craft workshops, garden walks and talks, historical events, plays, performances and family activities, including the popular seasonal children’s garden trails with fantastic new prizes. 

This year Plas Newydd will also be hosting the first Ladies of Llangollen Legacy week in June with a packed week of activities relating to the Ladies, their unique story and their legacy. 

“The team at Plas Newydd have an exciting programme of events and new features to share with our visitors in the 2025 season and we are looking forward to welcoming people from near and far,” said Sallyanne Hall, National Landscape Community Engagement Officer.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, added: “Plas Newydd is a historic gem that we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep here in Denbighshire. The historic property offers a unique exploration of a wealth of history and is a brilliant place to visit during 2025.”

School meal prices set to rise by 5p from April 28

Due to rising costs, it has been agreed to increase the cost of school meals in Denbighshire by 5p, which will be implemented on April 28.

The Denbighshire School Catering Service says it has faced an increase of prices for all major commercially procured food products, the domestic food market and across all food market supply chains.

 

The service was recently been recognised as the best performing catering service at The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards earlier this year.

 

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “The decision to increase the cost of school meals was not taken lightly. However, even after this increase, these new prices will still be relatively low compared to other local authorities.

 

“As evidenced in their recent success at the APSE awards, the Council’s School Catering service are committed to providing value for money in terms of the quality of food given to pupils across our schools”.

 

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

 

Nantclwyd y Dre to welcome back visitors this week

 

* Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens is re-opening tomorrow (Thursday). 

Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens close to Llangollen is set to welcome visitors once again as it opens for the season tomorrow (Thursday).

 

The higgledy-piggledy timber-framed townhouse in Ruthin, which offers visitors over 500 years of history under one roof and beautiful hidden gardens, is bursting with new and updated exhibitions, activities, and trails, designed to tell this historic attraction’s fascinating history, in new and interactive ways.

 

A major highlight for 2025 is the introduction of historical scents. From smoky tallow candles in the medieval room, to fresh bread in the kitchen and delicate roses in the Georgian bedroom, evocative fragrances add to the immersive experience, complementing the period costumes, soundscapes, and hands-on activities that help bring Nantclwyd y Dre’s history to life.

* The historic house offers hand-on experiences.

 

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: “I look forward to the opening once again of Nantclwyd y Dre. It’s a vital piece of Ruthin and indeed Denbighshire’s history. The townhouse, the tranquillity of the gardens are just some of the reasons to pay it a visit and I would encourage you all to do so.”

 

Kate Thomson, Site Manager at Nantclwyd y Dre, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back for another season. Our enthusiastic staff and volunteers are putting the final touches to the new ways we have for visitors to explore the house and gardens - we can’t wait to see to see visitors enjoying them!”

 

* Enjoying the garden at Nantclwyd y Dre.

Designed to make history ‘hands-on’, Nantclwyd y Dre’s unique visitor experience offers plenty of ways for visitors of all ages to learn about the house and experience what daily life was like for the characters who lived and worked here. Holding Hidden Gem status, Kids in Museums accreditation and rated 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, Nantclwyd y Dre offers a highly enjoyable outing for history enthusiasts and families alike.

 

* Nantclwyd y Dre will be open from 10.30am to 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm), Thursday – Saturday until September 30. For full details on opening times and ticket prices, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/heritage

A5 speed limit changing from 20 to 10mph from today April 1

 

April 1 exclusive

The controversial 20mph speed limit on the A5 (Queen Street, Regent Street and Berwyn Street) in Llangollen is reverting to ... 10mph.

When the 30mph restriction was slashed to 20 on many urban roads in Wales in September 2023 it sparked a storm of protest by motorists across the country.

This led to a record-breaking petition with a total of 469,571 signatures being handed into the Senedd headed by the demand: “We want the Welsh Government to rescind and remove the disastrous 20mph law.”

As a result the government agreed to a review which resulted in councils across Wales asking the public which roads they would like to see going back to 30mph.

It is due to this consultation that the length of the A5 running from just before Birch Hill to just after the Wild Pheasant will see the limit change - not from 20 down to 30mph as in many other parts of the country but down yet again to a creeping 10mph from noon today, Tuesday April 1.

The local resident behind the reduction is Rob Philipson who said: “When the council asked for our views on what the speed limit on Regent Street should be I immediately responded saying that rather than taking it back up to 30mph they should in fact cut it even further to just 10mph. I think many other people must have expressed the same view because that’s now being implemented.

“After all it’s an extremely busy and potentially dangerous road and since the 20 limit was imposed in 2023 the traffic has slowed down considerably making it much safer pedestrians and cats to get across.

“I for one am delighted to see it going right down to 10mph and I’m now campaigning for the council to take things even further and safer by having a man with a red flag walking in front of the vehicles travelling along the street.

“To enforce this we could have a convoy system where the flagman waits for say 10 or 12 vehicles to arrive before he leads them all along the street together. I think this makes good sense really and I’d like to hear what other local people think of it.”      

Story suggests future is secure for town's public toilets

* Llangollen's public toilets in Market Street.

Nation.cymru are carrying a story today which indicates that Llangollen's public toilets will not be closed.

Although the headline talks of "closure plans" the story suggests the future may have been secured for the Market Street toilets.   

* For the full story, see: Council push ahead with toilet closure plans

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

28 MILL ST MILL STREET 10/04/2025 10/04/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY

A542 Verge ABBEY ROAD 31/01/2025 13/06/2025 Gwaith Ar Wal Gynnal/ Retaining Wall Works DCC HIGHWAYS

OUTSIDE PROPERTY CALLED 'MAYTREE' FRON BACHE FRON BACHE 07/04/2025 09/04/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Llandyn Hall Farm Culvert TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539 28/04/2025 23/05/2025 Gwaith ar Gylfat/ Culvert Works Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Hall Street, Llangollen. HALL STREET 12/04/2025 17/04/2025 Gwaith Draenio / Drainage Works NMWTRA (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

O/S NUMBER 20 CASTLE STREET 07/04/2025 09/04/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC) Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Sustainable Denbighshire walks guide launched

A new series of Denbighshire walks are encouraging walkers to try out more sustainable routes.

Produced by Denbighshire County Council Tourism Department, the newly published ‘8 Sustainable Walks: Discover Denbighshire by Bus’, has been developed to help keen walkers leave their cars at home to discover more of the county’s sights and sounds.

The walks were created by Julie Brominicks with the county’s bus services in mind. Julie was an educator at the Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth. 

Her book The Edge of Cymru, published by Seren Books, is the story of her walk around Wales in the course of a year. Her work is also regularly published in the BBC Countryfile magazine.

Arranged in order with the shortest first, each with its own map, they’re accompanied by Julie’s descriptions.

The walks take in some of the most picturesque areas including the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal World Heritage Site. 

They also start and finish near a bus stop, so walkers can leave the car at home.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: “Denbighshire is a fantastic walking destination for both residents and visitors alike. We have stunning varied scenery to walk through to relax and soak in the views.

“It’s great that this new series of walks helps you relax even more by taking away the stress of driving and parking and it fits in so well with how we are working to improve the county’s environment.”

* You can download ‘8 Sustainable Walks: Discover Denbighshire by Bus here: https://www.northeastwales.wales/booklets/

Print versions will be available shortly from Tourist Information Points and Centres.

 

Actor takes u3a members on Wilfred Owen's wartime journey

* Wilfred Owen during the First World War.

Looking back over 100 years isn’t something the Berwyn and District u3a usually does, but at the last open meeting members were gripped by Strange Meetings, a moving performance by actor and author Shaun Higgins. 

Higgins has studied the life and works of Wilfred Owen, and in a tour de force using many of the poet’s own words, he sketched the pity of war in a monologue which held his audience transfixed. 

This one man show went from Owen’s stay at Craiglockhart in Scotland, where he was treated for shell shock in 1918, to his death just days before the end of the First World War.  

The u3a has meetings open to everyone every third Monday of the month at Canalfon Ni, Corwen.

The next meeting, on April 23, will be a talk by Iwan Edwards of North Wales Wildlife Trust on gardening for wildlife. 

Management buyout for county's leisure services company

 

Denbighshire councillors have approved a management buyout for Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).

The move will see DLL - which runs leisure centres across the county including Llangollen but from April 1 no longer Llangollen Pavilion - being funded to the tune of £1.5m by a private investor to purchase the company.

DLL says the aim is to grow and sustain and protect leisure services in the county over the next 10 years.

 

Meanwhile, it will lead to savings for the council with an initial payment for the company and an on-going annual saving in the cost of the service provided. 

This decision is dependent upon the council being satisfied as to a number of practical and regulatory matters to be determined over the next few months.

 

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL, said: "There comes a point where we need to change the structure of the company. The council considered a proposal whereby we could bring some investment into the company. It's unique, the first of its kind, and an option I'm sure many councils won't have.

 

"This is about protecting our services for our residents, protecting jobs for our staff, protecting all the things we've become happy with as residents and visitors, and giving the company the best possible chance to grow into the future. We are essentially investing and growing instead of cutting and shutting. The council has taken the bold step in supporting us. It's transformational."

 

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities for Denbighshire and a Chair of DLL’s Board of Directors,  said: “There was a full and open debate in the council chamber on Wednesday where all members were given an opportunity to air their views.  

"Some members had legitimate concerns about the changes which were being discussed but by the end of the meeting most members agreed that the way forward was to approve the proposal. It was explained that not accepting the proposed changes could put at risk the excellent service delivered by DLL for the people of Denbighshire.

 

“As members, we needed to be sure that the proposal offered the best solution for Denbighshire residents and we’d like to reassure residents that the arrangements are being made to secure the future of leisure services over the next ten years in the county. We’d also like to reassure other parties, such as schools who share facilities with DLL, that we will ensure there are robust arrangements in place to safeguard these arrangements.”

 

The council says it will now work with DLL over the coming months to move the project forward.

* It was announced last month that Llangollen Eisteddfod will take over the day to day running of the Pavilion from DLL all year round, rather than just having access for a one-month period during the summer.

MS calls for remedy to Wrexham hospital's parking headache

* Sam Rowlands MS at the Wrexham Maelor car park.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is calling for improvements to alleviate parking issues at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 

Mr Rowlands was commenting after hearing that the health board was considering re-introducing a park and ride system at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan.

 

He said: “I was a great supporter of the park and ride service which operated to Glan Clwyd Hospital and disappointed when it was discontinued. I certainly feel that the health board needs to be looking at a options and even a similar system for Wrexham Maelor.

 

“I believe it is something that the health board needs to be looking at as a matter of urgency and a solution needs to be found.

 

“Parking, as we all know, has been a major and challenging issue at all our hospitals in North Wales for many years as the demand quite clearly outweighs the number of spaces available at all three sites.

 

“I still receive emails from angry constituents who have been faced with this problem, and I feel so very sorry on their behalf as it is something which really should have been resolved by now.

 

“I will be demanding answers from BCUHB and will be raising the matter in Welsh Parliament as a matter of urgency.”

 

Temporary traffic management scheme for Abbey Road resurfacing

A temporary traffic management scheme will be in operation on Abbey Road, between Abbey Dingle Nursing Home and Gwenallt, from Monday March 31 until Friday April 4, to allow resurfacing works to go ahead there.

Police investigate reports of vehicle crimes close to Llangollen

Police are investigating reports of interferences with and theft from vehicles in two areas close to Llangollen.

A post on the North Wales Police Wrexham Rural social media says: "The incidents took place in the Cefn Mawr and Froncysyllte areas between Sunday 16 March and Monday 17 March.

"The first was reported in the early hours of 16 March at around 2.20am on Cae Gwilym Lane, Cefn Mawr after a work van was broken into and tools moved, before being thrown over the road. 

"Sometime during the same morning, another van was broken into on Heol Bennion, Cefn Mawr, where a number of tools were stolen – with some also being thrown in the road.

"During the early hours 17 March, another report was made to police after a vehicle on Alma Road in Froncysyllte was interfered with." 

Inspector Stefan Lederle said: “I am asking anyone with CCTV in these areas, who haven’t already spoken to us, and who may be able to assist with our enquiries to contact us.

“I am also reminding residents to ensure their vehicles are always locked and secure at night and that all valuable items are removed or hidden to help prevent these opportunistic crimes taking place. 

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us by calling 101, or via our website.”

Timeless music from the movies concert to open 2025 Eisteddfod

 

* Anthony Gabriele has led orchestras all over the world, performing in a wide range of genres and has unrivalled expertise as a conductor of film music. © Christopher Mason

A glittering concert featuring some of the most unforgettable movie scores of all time by German master composer Hans Zimmer will provide the perfect prelude to this summer’s Llangollen International Eisteddfod.

A world-class orchestra under the baton of internationally acclaimed conductor Anthony Gabriele will present “Beyond Time: The Music of Hans Zimmer in Concert” on the evening of Tuesday July 8, the first night of the 2025 festival which runs from July 8-13.

The Pavilion audience will be presented with programme of music made famous by a man with over 150 movie scores to his credit, including the powerful and moving backdrops to blockbusters such as Gladiator, The Da Vinci Code, No Time to Die, Dune, The Lion King, Black Hawk Down and The Thin Red Line which have brought Zimmer no less than two Academy Awards from a dozen nominations, two BAFTAs from 10 nominations, five Grammy Awards and a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The evening’s conductor, Anthony Gabriele, has led orchestras all over the world, performing in a wide range of genres and his unrivalled expertise as a conductor of film music includes over 30 titles including the world premiere performances of John Williams’ score for Superman, his Oscar-winning adaption of Jerry Bock’s score for Fiddler on the Roof and Thomas Newman’s score for the James Bond film Spectre.

At the Pavilion Gabriele will conduct the 70-piece Cinematic Sinfonia comprising top-class professional musicians drawn from across the UK specially for the occasion.

The Eisteddfod’s Artistic Director Dave Danford said: “Hans Zimmer is without doubt one of the greatest film composers of all time and his incredible record of honours testifies to his genius.

“We are privileged to be able to start off our 2025 series of evening concerts - featuring such incredible performers as KT Tunstall, Il Divo, Bryn Terfel and Fishermen’s Friends and Sir Karl Jenkins - with a fantastic presentation of powerful music which has captivated filmgoers over many decades. It will truly be an evening to remember and one not to be missed.”

The Hans Zimmer evening has been made possible by the cancellation of the previously billed concert by Roger Daltrey, which was to have been on the same night, due to logistical reasons.

Eisteddfod week evening concerts are:

* Tuesday July 8: Beyond Time: The Music of Hans Zimmer in Concert

* Wednesday July 9: Uniting Nations: One World featuring Sir Karl Jenkins

* Thursday July 10: KT Tunstall with the Absolute Orchestra

* Friday July 11: Il Divo with special guest Laura Wright

* Saturday July 12: Choir of the World with special guest Lucie Jones

* Sunday July 13: Bryn Terfel: Sea Songs with special guests Fisherman’s Friends and Eve Goodman

Hundreds stride out on Hope House Hospices' Llangollen Canal Walk

Hundreds of walkers pulled on their boots and trekked a 10-mile route along the Llangollen Canal to raise money for Hope House Children’s Hospices last Sunday.

 

Supporters took on the ever-popular annual walk, which started at the Trevor Basin in Llangollen, before heading over the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and following the canal all the way to The Poachers pub at Chirk.

They they had refreshments before heading back where they received their special medals at the finish line.

 

Walkers raised an incredible £28,000 so far with money still being counted.

 

Fundraiser Vicky Bradbeer said: “It was wonderful to see this well-supported event sell out again and raise such an incredible amount of money.

 

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended and raised the vital fund we need to make sure our hospices are here to help every local child with a life-threatening condition to live their best life.

 

“We simply couldn’t do it without the incredible support we get from our community.”

 

The event was sponsored this year by Chirk-based Kronospan, who also had a team walking on the day, as well as supporting partners Roche, Caffi Wylfa and Trederwen Springs.

 

* There is a full calendar of events for Hope House you can join throughout this year. Please visit www.hopehouse.org.uk/events to see how you can get involved.