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Friday, February 7, 2025

Councillors under 'dreadful stress' due to recycling scheme, says story

Denbighshire councillors have endured "absolutely dreadful" stress from the "botched" roll-out of the council's recycling scheme, according to a story in North Wales Live.

* For the full story, go to: Stress of botched recycling roll-out 'absolutely dreadful' for Denbighshire councillors - North Wales Live

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Llan firefighters take part in incident where 40 people evacuated


Firefighters from Llangollen took part in an incident in which 40 people were rescued from a blaze at a property in Chirk last night (February 5).

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/24915437.40-people-rescued-firefighters-evacuate-chirk-building/

Latest Citizens Advice column


Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: We’re planning a summer getaway to Greece and I’m worried we’ll forget something important, which could ruin the holiday. What steps can we take to make sure we’re fully protected and prepared if anything goes wrong?

Booking a holiday can be overwhelming, especially if it’s been a while since you last went away. It’s unlikely anything will go wrong, but we’ve prepared a simple checklist to make sure you can relax into your holiday knowing you’re protected from the unexpected.

Check your passport is in date - especially for EU travel

Renewing your passport can take several weeks and isn’t something to leave until the last minute. Check the validity of your passport for your trip on GOV.UK by finding out the entry requirements of the country you’re travelling to.

If you’re heading to Europe, bear in mind EU countries don’t accept passports more than ten years old. This includes passports issued pre-Brexit, which may have longer expiry dates. Just remember, the golden rule for EU travel is: if your passport was issued over ten years ago, you’ll need to get it renewed.

Know your rights if something goes wrong

If your flight’s delayed long enough - usually two to four hours, depending on the journey - your airline must provide access to food and drink vouchers, phone calls and emails, and accommodation if you’re delayed overnight. If it’s cancelled, you’re legally entitled to a full refund or replacement flight to help you get to your destination. You’re also entitled to compensation if your airline delays, loses or damages your checked-in luggage.

Get travel insurance

Although it’s an extra expense, travel insurance can cover many of the things already mentioned, like flight delays and lost luggage, but also things like a holiday cancellation and medical emergencies.

Citizens Advice recommends getting insurance as soon as you book a holiday to make sure you're covered right away - but always check first to see if an existing insurance policy, or your bank account, covers what you need for your holiday. There’s no need to double up if you’re already covered!

The chances are your holiday will be problem-free, but early planning and preparation can make all the difference. If you need advice on a consumer problem, head to the Citizens Advice website.

Cancer survivor Moira starts stoma self-support group

 

* Moira Gleed has started the Back to Front stoma self-support group.

A cancer survivor from Llangollen has started a self-support group to provide help and advice to people using a stoma.

Moira Gleed’s own journey towards being fitted with the medical device, which connects the bowel to the outside of the body with a small disposable bag, began last June when she was diagnosed with Stage III bowel cancer.

After major surgery at the Wrexham Maelor hospital she was fitted with a permanent stoma. This means that when the bowel moves, waste exits through the stoma bag which is stuck to the skin and has to be emptied at regular intervals.

Moira said: “I’d been ignoring the symptoms of the cancer for some time and the doctors told me it could have been coming on for seven to 10 years.

“I had the surgery last July and, so far, it looks to have been successful. Becoming a stoma user myself has made me determined to share my experience with others who find themselves in the same situation.”

She added: “The new group I have formed, which is called Back to Front for obvious reasons, aims to support each other with kindness along the journey each person with a stoma takes and will provide a safe and confidential ‘what gets said in this room stays in this room’ environment while offering an opportunity for fellow ostomates, which is what stoma users are known as, and their companions or carers to have a cuppa and talk about what’s on their minds and look at latest products from suppliers.

“The friendly and informal monthly meet-ups will have guest speakers on a variety of subjects on alternative months.

“The group will be open to all ostomates wishing to offer their support and experience to the group and to people who have recently had or are awaiting surgery and to their loved ones and carers.”

Moira said that group meetings will take place on the first Monday of every month. While there will be no charge for membership donations towards the hire of the hall, speakers and refreshments are welcomed.

The meeting place chosen is St Collen’s Community Hall, off Regent Street (A5) LL20 8HU. Meetings will run between 2 and 4pm and the first one takes place on Monday March 3.

The meeting room is at ground level with ramps and has easy access to the toilets. Parking, which is next to the hall, will be free for the duration of the meeting.

“We hope to see as many people as possible at our meetings, which are not just for Llangollen people but also those from surrounding areas, said Moira.

* For more information contact Moira Gleed, in confidence, on 07484 772772.    

Funding boost to prevent 30,000 major road potholes in Wales

An extra £25m to renew Wales’ major roads and prevent around 30,000 defects and potholes has been announced by the Welsh Government.

The funding boost will see an extra 100km of the strategic road network resurfaced in the new financial year. 

Roads that are most in need of repairs will be renewed, with thousands of potholes fixed.

Since 2021 the Welsh Government has spent more than £81m on resurfacing around 321km of roads on the trunk network across Wales. 

Combined with the forecasted spend for 2025-26 this means that by the end of this Senedd term £118m will have been spent to repair more than 500km of road defects and potholes.

Ken Skates, Senedd Member for Llangollen and Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said: "It is crucial that we fix our roads.

"I’m delighted to be announcing a further £25m of funding to help support a comprehensive refurbishment programme to improve the future resilience of our strategic roads network and prevent potholes.

“We are already working hard to fill potholes and renew, as fast as possible, key sections of our road network, but this additional funding will help to accelerate this work.”


* Ken Skates, Senedd Member for Llangollen and Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales.

Mr Skates has also pledged to announce details of new financial support for councils to fix more local roads. Details of the scale of support are due to be revealed in the coming weeks and will help fix potholes across Wales.

He added: “On rail we’re delivering £800m of new trains and on buses we’re going to legislate to take control of routes and timetables. 

"On roads and pavements, we are demonstrating real commitment to fixing potholes as we seek to renew and enhance connections between communities.”  

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Llangollen landmarks mentioned in New Zealand newspaper

* Centuries-old Llantysilio Parish Church was the "best thing" a New Zealand travel writer saw.

Two well-known Llangollen landmarks get a strong mention in a travel story which has just appeared in a New Zealand national newspaper.   

Historic Llantysilio Parish Church and Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods in Castle Street are now hitting the headlines on the other side of the world.   

The piece in the Sunday Star-Times is written by Alistair Deverick, an Auckland-based recording artist, producer and session drummer who was in the UK on a three-week holiday based around a family wedding in Edinburgh.

* The writer's picture of the Oggie Shop which he reckons sold the "best thing" he ate.

He and his wife also took the opportunity to visit Wales where he has more family connections.

In his travel article he answers a question on the best thing he saw while in the UK and says: “Very powerful for me was visiting the Llantysilio Parish Church, built circa 1254, where my grandmother Eirlys Gwyneth Morris-Jones is buried, along with her parents Dorothy and Hugh (the town doctor for 40 years) and my mum’s namesake Ailsa, her aunt, who died when she was six from tuberculosis.”



* The piece was written by New Zealand musician Alistair Deverick.

And responding to a question on the best thing he ate, he writes: “Shout out to Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods in Llangollen! We ate some of its oggies, which are a type of pasty and my god!”

 

And the best souvenirs he bought while in the UK: “A big ugly Welsh dragon coffee cup that I drink from daily.”

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Be alert for holiday booking scans, warns Senedd Member

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is backing a call to raise awareness of scams when booking holidays online. 

He is supporting a call from North Wales Police who are warning people to be aware of fraudsters when using Booking.com.

 

Mr Rowlands said: “These days more than ever we all have to be on the lookout for scammers and be especially aware of suspicious emails and messages you may receive about your holiday.

 

“It is a great shame that there are unscrupulous people out there who think nothing of targeting people who have booked their well-earned holidays and I would urge everyone to be extra vigilant.

 

“I am happy to add my voice to warn my constituents about this scam.”

 

The warning comes from Dewi Owen, North Wales Police, Cyber Crime Officer, North Wales, who says that Action Fraud is warning those using Booking.com to book their holidays or accommodation that they could be targeted with suspicious emails or messages from hotels who have had their account taken over by fraudsters.

 

Between June 2023 and September 2024, Action Fraud received 532 reports from individuals, with a total of £370,000 lost.

 

The advice is that no legitimate Booking.com transaction will ever require a customer to provide their credit card details by phone, email, or text message, including WhatsApp.

 

If you receive any urgent payment requests that require immediate attention, like a booking cancellation, immediately reach out to the Booking.com Customer Service team via the details on the official Booking.com website and/or app to confirm that the message is legitimate.

 

Any messages purporting to be from Booking.com that contain instructions to follow links and/or open/download files should be treated with caution. Again contact Booking.com directly using verified contact details to verify that the link or file is legitimate.

Monday, February 3, 2025

Putting range anxiety to the test in 'superb' Volvo EX40 EV



Volvo EX40 Ultra drive by Steve Rogers

Range anxiety. Is it a lot of fuss over nothing, or is it full on stress in an electric car?

Let’s put it to the test. I’ve got a 240-mile round trip in the EX40 with a potential range of 342 miles. Sounds good, although a full charge using my 7kW wall charger only produces 250 miles, but I’m okay with that.

It’s 6am and cold so the heating fan is needed to keep the windows demisted. Oops! Thirty miles has been wiped off the range and I haven’t left the drive. It is a common drawback with electric cars, power for the heating comes straight from the battery pack and reduces the range. 

Turn the fan off and the miles are restored. A tip to keep warm without using the heating is to turn on the heated seat and heated steering wheel which, standard on most electric cars, because they are powered from the car’s battery. A bit extreme and only necessary if desperately trying to conserve energy, a bit like driving slowly when running low on fuel.

The journey is going pretty well, the Volvo is comfortable and relaxing to drive and I have engaged adaptive cruise control with lane hold to take the stress out of a busy motorway.

At the end of stage one I have 52 per cent left so in theory I could make it home without charging but that would be barmy so I park to recharge.

Two charging points, only one working but one is enough, but I need to download an app to my phone to pay for the charge. That takes several attempts and is annoying but eventually I go about my business and return half an hour later to an 80 per cent charge and plenty of miles to get home.

This was the first time I charged an electric car away from home and was a step into the unknown. Was it stressful? Maybe a bit but like everything, the more you do it the easier it gets. The Volvo helps by locating and directing to a charging station through the navigation and will calculate how much power will be left at the end of the journey.

What of the EX? Superb pretty much sums it up. Supremely comfortable and beautifully finished which is to be expected given its price tag. The keen eyed will spot that it is a rebadged XC40 Recharge now with a closed off grille and a whole lot of electrical gubbins under the skin.

A decade ago the Swedes stunned the motoring industry with a new minimalist style and vertical touchscreen. The communication system was groundbreaking with the functions of a home computer and Smartphone but could take a week trying to work out the menus and sub files. Nothing has changed, still information overload, and still as challenging.

Relief comes in the form of the excellent voice control which will carry out all the usual needs like adjusting the heating temperature, fan speed, heated seats and steering wheel, along with radio selections and navigation destinations. Without this I would be put off from buying the car.

This is the front wheel drive single motor version, there is also an all wheel drive twin motor with crazy acceleration, but trust me this is plenty quick enough. The performance of a hot hatch but without hot hatch handling. Comfort is the key here.

The Volvo sits in the premium division and is surrounded by worthy predators but can stand its ground on performance and range, and although pricey is decent value for money given the quality and excellent level of kit. Safety is a Volvo mantra and there are plenty of driver aids to keep you on the straight and narrow.

There is room for five, just, and although the boot is not the biggest in the class is perfectly acceptable with a flat loading area, and the storage cubby under the bonnet for the bulky cables is a real bonus.

The test car even came with a towbar because the EX can haul up to 1500kg, good enough for a lightweight four berth caravan although heaven knows what that would do to the range!

Buying an electric car is daunting, especially given the high prices, and some of the money saving benefits, like zero road tax, will disappear in April making it harder for the private buyer. It is a different way of life and long journeys need a bit of planning, but ultimately there is nothing to fear.

Fast facts

EX40 Ultra extended range

£58,355 (starts £45,955)

Maximum range 342 miles

0-62mph 7.4secs; 100mph

252bhp

Battery output: 69kWh

Boot: 452 litres

Insurance group 34

Llangollen Museum re-opening soon after getting its new roof

 

* Llangollen Museum in Parade Street with its watertight new roof.

Here is the latest news from Llangollen Museum:

Hello everyone. 

The builders, Team Roundhouse, have now finished the work on the new roof and so we are watertight again, with a very slightly different looking building on the outside and a much improved Museum on the inside.

We have had grants from a number of different funders to help with the work, allowing us to improve the Museum and keep our local heritage accessible to everyone. 

Funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund, the Community Ownership Fund, the Denbighshire Key Fund, the Clocaenog Wind Farm Fund and the Welsh Government Collection Management Capital Improvement programme have helped us to not only replace the roof, but also to increase our artefact storage, along with a new environmental monitoring system, install a stairlift, improve signage, create new displays and improve our website, as well as purchasing the Museum building off Denbighshire County Council.

We will be spending February cleaning, moving the collection back into the Museum, setting up the displays and cabinets and getting ready to open again on Saturday 8th March. 

On that day, we will be having a Museum re-opening launch day event to which everyone will be welcome. The daytime on the 8th will see our first Finds Day of 2025 in the Museum. Dr Susie White, from the Portable Antiquities Scheme, will again be with us to identify objects that you have found, helping to unlock more of the secrets of the past, so please do bring along all of your finds for identification. Details will be posted on Eventbrite and on our Facebook events page.

In the evening, we will have the official re-opening event. Doors will open at 6.00pm and everyone is invited. The Llangollen Silver Band will be playing in the background as people arrive, look around and help themselves to food and drink. 6.30pm will see the official opening. Dave Crane from the Museum will say a few words about the programme and thank people. Our MP, Becky Gittins, who has been very supportive of the project, will then officially re-open the Museum, followed by a few pieces played by the Silver Band. 

Following the Silver Band, we will show the Animated Dee Valley heritage video, produced by the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site. This short film shows some of the important changes that have happened around Llangollen in the last 2,700 years, but packs it all into 7 minutes. It reminds us why keeping places like Llangollen Museum alive in our community is so important, so that future generations can find out about their past.

Then people can mingle, have some more food and drink, and look at the displays, including our re-opening display of some of the paintings and prints that are usually kept in the archive stores.

Our first talk of the year will be on March 26th, at 7.00pm, in the Museum. Graham Edwards will follow up on his fascinating talk about the Welsh in Patagonia with 'The unique friendly relationship between the Welsh settlers and the native Tehuelches tribe in Patagonia'. Without a doubt, the settlers would not have survived without the friendship of the natives, who traded with them and taught them how to hunt. The amazing thing is not one drop of blood was spilled in their relationship and the Tehuelches referred to the Welsh as "Los Amigos".

April 30th will see Dr Jack Hunter give a presentation on 'The Paranormal Ecology of the Tanat Valley'. Watch our Facebook page for the details of this talk.

Although there have been a few delays, the setting up the Llangollen Museum Young Archaeologists’ group is ongoing. we are hoping to have a full programme for 2025 in place very soon. YAC members take part in all sorts of exciting, hands-on activities, such as excavation, working with artefacts, visiting historical sites and undertaking experimental archaeology. Anyone wanting to join our mailing list for updates please email cdv.yac@gmail.com.

For all of the latest information about what is happening at the Museum, do keep an eye on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Llangollen-Museum-100057657969751/. If you want to be more involved with the history of the area, and become a volunteer at the Museum, please contact our manager Gill Smith at gilliansmith2@hotmail.co.uk or on 07516 023524.


* The new museum roof from the inside.

Have your say on future of region's transport system

A public consultation has been launched giving residents, businesses and visitors the chance to shape the future of travel in the region.

And its organisers want to hear the views of people in Llangollen.

Ambition North Wales, which has responsibility for regional transport planning, strategic land use planning and enhancing economic well-being, is inviting feedback on the draft Regional Transport Plan for North Wales. 

The document sets out strategic policies and interventions for the next five years, covering all modes of transport, including rail, road, bus, walking, and cycling, and aims to provide better travel options, improve digital connectivity, and reduce environmental impacts.

The consultation represents the collective efforts and expertise of the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee, its Transport Sub-Committee and partners, including local authorities, Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government.

Councillor Goronwy Edwards, Chair of the Transport Sub-Committee, said: “This is an opportunity for people to tell us what’s important to them and how we can improve transport links across the region. Effective transport systems connect people to essential services, link businesses to employees and customers, and support a thriving economy. I urge residents to get involved and have their say.”

Councillor Dafydd Rhys Thomas, Committee Vice-chair, added: “Good transport links are vital for our communities. They reduce isolation in rural areas, improve access to services like healthcare and education, and boost local economies by attracting visitors and supporting small businesses. This is why we are keen to get as much input as possible so we can work together to create a transport network that works for everyone across the region.”

The plan aims to shape transport policy and investment up to 2030, replacing local transport plans and aligning with national priorities. It is seen as essential to ensure that North Wales meets future economic challenges, supports sustainable travel, and contributes to climate goals. 

The consultation runs until  April 14 and North Wales residents are urged not to miss the opportunity to influence the future of transport in the region by visiting: northwalesregionaltransportplan.virtual-engage.com

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Council’s digital officer can help with your internet problems

Residents and businesses in Denbighshire can benefit from free advice and assistance from the Council’s Digital Officer who can find the best solution for internet issues they may be experiencing due to a slow connection. 

With an increasing number of residents using technology to work from home, and with many services, such as banking and utilities now online, it is essential that people can access a reliable service to meet their daily needs.

 Philip Burrows, Denbighshire’s Digital Officer. said: “Some residents have slow or unreliable internet connections, and that’s where I come in. I can help by diagnosing the problem and then work with residents to fix it, with the aim of improving the quality of their internet connection.

“We find that people experience a range of issues, for example, some may be fairly straightforward problems that require a tweak to their home network. However, others may have more complex issues which will need to be resolved with a third party. I can be the go-between to hopefully take the stress out of sorting these types of problems. 


"I can also advise on how to source funding to set up fibre community partnerships if there are specific communities who are all experiencing similar problems. I’m happy to advise any resident or business in Denbighshire on any topic related to their internet connection.”

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: “Ensuring better digital networks is essential and supporting communities to achieve this is a key priority in the Council’s Corporate Plan. 


"Denbighshire is committed to helping residents to understand the options and solutions for improved internet connectivity – crucial for the digital age we live in today. I encourage anyone who is experiencing difficulties with their internet to contact Philip who will be able to advise on the best course of action.”

* If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or have trouble connecting to the internet in your home, contact the Council’s Digital Officer on communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk

Friday, January 31, 2025

Ysgol Dinas Bran wins award for its international work

* Becky Gittins with Andy Wallis from Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Ysgol Dinas Bran in Denbighshire has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious International School Award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the award, which celebrates the achievements of schools that do exceptional work in global education. 

Bringing an international dimension into the curriculum is at the heart of the British Council’s work with schools, so that young people gain the cultural understanding and skills they need for life and work in today’s world.

At the recent 2025 award ceremony local MP Becky Gittins met Andy Wallis from Ysgol Dinas Bran to congratulate him on the school’s achievement.

She said: “Huge congratulations to Ysgol Dinas Bran for everything they have done to earn this prestigious award.

“The International School Award encourages and support schools to embed an international ethos and a whole school approach to international work. It also encourages collaboration with several partner schools on curriculum-based work and year round international activity, as well as providing a real focus on involving the local community.

“It was a pleasure to learn more about what the school has been doing to bring a real international dimension to its children’s education.”

Put your best foot forward to explore Dee Valley delights


* Snowdrops at St Tysilio’s Church. 

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape Countryside Rangers are leading a series of guided walks in the Dee Valley.

Crossing parts of south Denbighshire, the Dee Valley is an iconic area of truly outstanding scenic and visual quality, featuring a diverse landscape of heather moorland, limestone crags, ancient woodlands and windswept hilltops, all cut by the sweeping River Dee.


The scenic landscapes, dramatic summits and historic towns and villages have inspired folklore, literature, painting and music over many centuries.


National Landscape rangers with support from Nature for Health and also Denbighshire Housing put on regular Dee Valley guided walks, showing the work they are doing to protect and conserve the area, and guiding people to embrace the landscape and heritage which makes it so special, all while enjoying the added benefits of being outdoors.


The next guided walk be discovering the snowdrops at St Tysilio’s Church on Thursday February 6 from 1pm until 3pm. 


The meeting point will be at Llantysilio Green. Overlooking the Horseshoe Falls, St Tysilio’s is famed for its carpet of Snowdrops, thought to date from the thirteen century.


On Tuesday March 11, from 1pm until 3pm, rangers will lead a guided walk around Wenffrd Nature Reserve and Llangollen Canal. 


The reserve winds through a variety of habitats and offers beautiful views across the River Dee. The meeting place is Wenffrwd Nature Reserve.


Councillor Alan James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Getting outdoors is so beneficial for boosting physical and mental health and I would encourage anyone to join these fantastic, guided walks by the rangers to learn about the management and history of the Dee Valley area."


* For further details and to book on to the walks please email chloe.webster@denbighshire.gov.uk

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Newbridge Road repairs due to be completed in May, says report

North Wales Live is reporting that repairs to a section of Newbridge Road wrecked by a landslide four years ago are on course to be completed in May. 

Its closure and the diversions through Llangollen which it caused have brought misery to local residents and businesses since 2021.

* For the full story, see: End in sight for North Wales landslip road after years-long closure for repairs - North Wales Live

Latest roadworks alerts from the county council

Latest roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

Hall St jct with A5 Berwyn St, Llangollen HALL STREET 27/01/2025 28/03/2025 Gwaith Ar Wal Gynnal/ Retaining Wall Works OBR CONSTRUCTION

OUTSIDE NUMBER 3 GREEN LANE 03/02/2025 07/02/2025 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES (D LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

NR CATTLE GRID A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD LLANGOLLEN LL20 7UH A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 20/02/2025 20/02/2025 2 Way signals is required for safe pole testing works. SUNBELT RENTALS

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

PARKING BAY EAST STREET EAST STREET 28/01/2025 30/01/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (GEORGIA) LLANGOLLEN Atal Parcio yn unig / Parking Suspension Only

GLAN YR AFON HORSESHOE PASS VIEW 10/02/2025 10/02/2025 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (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) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A539 Verge PANORAMA WALK 03/02/2025 07/02/2025 Cynnal y Lon Gerbydau/ Carrigeway Maintenance DCC HIGHWAYS Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

County council kept busy dealing with trees felled by storm Éowyn


During last weekend’s storm Ã‰owyn, which saw strong winds and rainy showers, the council responded to a number of fallen trees, as well as other disruptions on Denbighshire's road network.

Their highways teams were stationed ready on Thursday evening, working out-of-hours ready to respond to callouts.

A total of 29 calls were attended to from fallen tree reports throughout Friday and the weekend, with the teams working with local partners to quickly clear roads around the whole county. 

Along with the calls about fallen trees, a number of more minor reports were attended to along the road network.

Paul Jackson, Head of Highways & Environmental Services, said: “The highways teams were prepared for this recent spell of bad weather, and worked in very windy and unfavourable conditions to ensure that our road network stayed open and safe throughout the weather warning period.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I’d like to thank our highways teams, as well as the multiple partners we work with for their quick response to a number of fallen tree reports throughout the weekend. They help keep our roads safe and secure, making sure our roads are passable.”

 

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Students will continue to benefit from education grants, says Skates


Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, discusses the grants with students.

Thousands of students in Denbighshire and Wrexham will continue to benefit from weekly grants from the Welsh Labour Government, says a local Member of the Senedd.

More post-16 learners in colleges and sixth forms will now receive the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) following a Welsh Government decision to uplift the household income thresholds – resulting in more families being able to apply.

EMA is a weekly grant of £40 designed to support 16 to 18-year-olds with further education costs.

Ken Skates, whose Clwyd South constituency includes parts of Wrexham and Denbighshire, said: “EMA was scrapped in England by the Tories and Lib Dems in 2011, and is retained at a lower rate of £30 in Scotland and Northern Ireland – meaning Wales’ system is the most generous in the UK.

“Currently around 16,000 Welsh learners receive EMA, which can be a lifeline for students, but starting from the new academic year in September an estimated 3,500 more will benefit.”

The threshold for households with one dependent child is currently £20,817, which will increase to £23,400 – meaning students in a household with an income of £23,400 or less will be eligible. The threshold for households with two or more dependents will also rise to £25,974 from £23,077

Last year, more than 1,000 students in Wrexham and Denbighshire received EMA, and around 3,500 across the two counties have benefited from the scheme in the past three years.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said: “Wales already delivers the most generous Education Maintenance Allowance in the UK, helping post-16 learners to continue studying, and this change means we will now be supporting thousands more learners.

“We are very proud of our record in maintaining and increasing the Education Maintenance Allowance. We are clear that our Draft Budget is a budget for a brighter future and the uplift to EMA eligibility is one of the ways we are delivering this. The announcement means thousands more learners will now benefit from further financial support to continue their journey.”

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Llangollen Railway features in two high-profile stories

* The story about the signal box planning application in Nation.Cymru.

A listed Victorian signal box in Llangollen could be turned into a wheelchair accessible wildlife viewing hub.

Llangollen Railway Trust has applied to Denbighshire’s planning department, seeking permission to build a wheelchair accessible platform adjacent to the historic signal box.

* For the full in Nation.Cymru story, see: Historic signal box could become wildlife viewing hub

And picturesque Berwyn Station is featured in an article in the Daily Express.

* To see the full story, go to: Beautiful Tudor train station next to river named as 'one of the best' in country


*Berwyn Station is featured in the Daily Express.

Monday, January 27, 2025

Dee Pizza restaurant hits national BBC headlines


* Dee Pizza is featured in a story on BBC Wales online.

Llangollen's Dee Pizza has hit the headlines on BBC Wales online for the way it has gone viral on TikTok.

The restaurant in Oak Street has surpassed 700,000 followers on the platform and their videos regularly get more than a million views.

* For the full story to go to: TikTok: How 'going viral' has changed the restaurant industry - BBC News


 

Reablement care service to expand within Denbighshire

Denbighshire County Council is expanding its Reablement Service in Adult Social Care, which helps residents do ordinary things such as dressing and cooking, by recruiting eight new staff. 

This forms part of Denbighshire’s transformation to ensure a sustainable social care service for the future, and also helps mitigate some of the financial pressures the council faces.

The new staff will be supporting people who need a hand to regain the skills to do everyday activities like cooking meals, washing, dressing, moving about the home and going out.


There are a number of reasons why people may need this support, like following a period of illness or a hospital stay. This support can last for as little as one or two weeks, but can be offered for up to six weeks if it is needed.


In addition to this support, the Care and Support Team offer longer term domiciliary support when this is required.


Darylanne, a Senior Care and Support Worker at the Council, said: “Our Reablement Service helps people to learn or re-learn the skills necessary to be able to engage in everyday activities, and to be as independent as possible. It is incredibly rewarding to see someone regain their independence and to start living their lives to the fullest.”


Ann Lloyd, Head of Service for Adult Social Care & Homelessness Service, said: “Being able to live as they wish in their own homes is vitally important to our residents, and we want to do everything possible to help them with this.


"With the right support at the right time, we can help residents have a better chance of maintaining their wellbeing, as well as stay independent in their own homes for longer.

We are looking for people who want to help residents gain skills, to help them to remain living independently at home, to come and join our team, and discover the rewarding role of caring for those who need our help."


Councillor Elen Heaton, Lead Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Residents who have just arrived home from hospital or treatment often need some support in adjusting back into domestic life, needing help with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning or maybe help with doing their shopping.


"A successful Reablement Worker has good communication skills, empathy and most of all a real commitment for helping those who need it. I’d urge anyone who feels this way to come and join our passionate and caring team.”


* The full job description and details of how to apply can be found here:

https://workfor.denbighshire.gov.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC107GF.open?VACANCY_ID%3d127371Dvif&WVID=7576912FL1&LANG=USA

For an informal chat about these roles, candidates can visit Hafan Deg, War Memorial Court, Grange Road, Rhyl LL18 4BS between 4:30-5:30pm on Thursday throughout January and February.