County council on stand-by to deal with problems caused by icy weather

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for this area between 5pm tonight (Friday) and 10am tomorrow (Saturday) morning, with icy surfaces leading to difficult travel conditions.

Denbighshire County Council says it has resources on standby throughout the warning period to respond to any weather-related incidents should they arise.

 

Further updates will be provided if deemed necessary, it adds.

 

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

1) email to customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk

2) telephone 01824 706000

3) visit in person a One Stop Shop.

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

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

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

Mill Street car park to undergo improvement works

 

Llangollen’s Mill Street carpark is set to undergo a period of infrastructure improvements.

Denbighshire County Council has secured funding to undertake the work, scheduled from March 2, at the car park which will address existing defects at the site.

Work will include the replacements of missing and broken block paving, repair of the existing fencing between the top section of the car park and the A539 and relining of the parking bays.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport and Biodiversity Champion, said: “Improvement works to this car park are important to address infrastructure defects, ensuring the area is fit for purpose, safe and a welcoming facility which will provide a boost for the local economy.”

The improvement works is scheduled to commence during week commencing March 2 subject to weather conditions and contractor availability.

Competition aims to record railway and its spectacular setting on film

* Videographer Andrei Daniel is organising the competition.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has launched a Photography and Videography Competition to mark the start of its 2026 season, inviting photographers and filmmakers to capture the character of the railway and the remarkable scenery of the Dee Valley.

Entrants are being encouraged to focus on the railway and its location - the locomotives, carriages, stations and the distinctive locations along the line that make the journey so memorable. From steam and diesel locomotives to heritage DMUs (vintage diesel passenger trains with large viewing windows), from busy platforms to quiet rural halts, the aim is to celebrate the railway in all its forms.

The line, across the Dee Valley, is well known for its beautiful stations and striking locations, which provide ideal settings for photography. Places such as Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog, Corwen, Llangollen together with landmarks including the Horseshoe Falls, the Chain Bridge, Coed Pen y Pigyn and the surrounding valley, offer countless opportunities for photographers and videographers to capture the atmosphere of a working heritage railway in a unique landscape.

* The fabulous view from Berwyn station.

With the new season now underway, services such as the Berwyn Explorer are expected to provide particularly good opportunities for entrants, both at Berwyn Station, widely regarded as the most attractive station in the UK, and on board the railway’s heritage trains, where wide windows allow uninterrupted views of the valley.

The competition is being organised in partnership with Andrei Daniel and Llangollen takeaway Dee Pizza, and the railway says it is delighted to be working with one of the region’s most recognisable visual storytellers.

Terry Pickhall, Press Officer for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Andrei on this competition. His videos are helping us tell the story of our railway to a wider audience this year. We are also indebted to the legions of enthusiastic photographers who share their photos with us every year. This super competition is about giving a little back to them and helping them showcase their fantastic work.”

Andrei Daniel said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on our beloved railway. I’m really excited for everyone to take part in this competition. There’s no need for professional cameras; phones are absolutely fine. It’s not about megapixels; it’s about storytelling. I can’t wait to see what everyone creates. I am pleased that this will become an annual event, helping to promote not only the railway but Llangollen as well.”

Prizes include:

First Prize: Two Annual Passes for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway, with the winning image also being produced as a fully accredited jigsaw

Second Prize: £100 cash

Third Prize: £50 voucher at Dee Pizza

The closing date for entries is Monday 4 April, and the winner will be announced at the railway’s Branch Line Gala on Saturday 11 April.

Selected entries will be featured on the railway’s social media channels throughout the competition, with further details on how to enter available via the railway’s website and social media platforms.

Acorn Ceramics now open for business in Oak Street

The former Oak Street Gallery in Llangollen has now been taken over by a new business selling ceramics.

It is being run by Charmain Poole and her colleague and friend Jacqui Atkin. 

Charmain said: "We are calling it Acorn Ceramics and will be selling our own ceramic art works. 

"I make mainly domestic ceramics - pots for eating off - while Jacqui makes decorative pots and animal sculptures. 

"We'd like people to know that we are now open for business. Our opening times for February are Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 4pm."

County council approves 2026-27 budget

Denbighshire County Council has today (Thursday, 12 February) approved its budget and set the Council Tax level for 2026–27.

Like councils across the UK, Denbighshire continues to face significant financial pressures. Demand for services is rising, and needs are becoming more complex, particularly in our schools and from those needing social care.  Next year, costs that are outside of the council’s control are forecast to exceed £20 million for the fourth consecutive year.

Most of the council’s day-to-day costs in providing services is funded by Welsh Government with the remaining 25% funding generated from Council Tax.  The recent increase in funding from Welsh Government – although welcome – does not fully cover our financial pressures, making a Council Tax rise unavoidable.

Councillor Delyth Jones, Lead Member for Finance, said: “With 64% of our budget spent on schools, social care and homelessness, and a further 14% committed to things like the Wales wide national scheme for Council Tax benefit and the levy we have to pay to the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority, that only leaves 22% left for all other Council services.

“We know these services matter greatly to residents, but the growing demand for statutory services means budgets are continually squeezed. Protecting our most vulnerable residents must remain our priority.

“In setting this year’s budget, we have worked hard to keep Council Tax increases as low as possible, avoiding cuts to services, while still providing the vital services people rely on.”

The approved Council Tax for 2026–27 is 4.76% for Council services, along with the additional 0.46% which has to be paid to the North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority levy, giving a total of 5.22%.

Essential services such as education, adult care, support for children and homelessness prevention account for 64% of the Council’s total budget. The remainder covers a wide range of everyday services including:

• Inspecting around 720 food businesses each year
• Collecting approximately 73,000 bins and recycling containers weekly from nearly 49,000 households
• Maintaining countryside sites such as Loggerheads, Moel Famau and Bodelwyddan Park
• Protecting heritage attractions including Ruthin Gaol, Nantclwyd y Dre and Plas Newydd
• Providing over 12 million school meals a year
• Transporting around 2,870 learners safely to school
• Maintaining 11,763 streetlights and 1,419 km of county roads

Councillor Jones added: “I’m pleased that this budget does not require reductions to service delivery. Instead, we have focused on efficiencies, income generation and transforming how services operate.”

For those residents worried about paying their Council Tax, those on low incomes may be eligible for support through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme. More information is available on Denbighshire County Council’s website

Senedd Member slams 'slow progress' on Maelor parking problems

* Sam Rowlands MS at the Maelor car park.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, says it is taking far too long to resolve the "growing" parking problems at Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 

Last November he launched a petition calling for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to get their act together and sort out the daily nightmare.

 

He said: “My inbox is continually full of emails from constituents, patients, visitors and even hospital staff who are telling me the same story: parking at the Maelor has become a daily nightmare.

 

“People arriving for appointments are stressed, anxious and often late because they cannot find a safe or available place to park. Staff working those long and difficult shifts face the same challenges. I have actually spent some time in the car park and seen at first hand how dangerous and frustrating it is to park there.

 

“It really isn’t good enough and it is about time the issue was dealt with as a matter of urgency.

 

“I am angry for my constituents as I feel that the health board is dragging its feet and need to work urgently with Wrexham Council to put some measures in place as soon as possible.

 

“Recently in the Senedd I called for an urgent review of the issue and urged the Welsh Government to get involved as I feel we need a commitment to a full review of parking capacity and management at the Maelor, and a timetable for delivering practical solutions, whether that includes a multistorey car park, park-and-ride options, or better use of existing land or other options that may be available to the Government.”

 

Mr Rowlands called for a statement regarding this issue from Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Trefnydd and Chief Whip. And she said it was the responsibility of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, working with their local hospital management teams.

 

Mr Rowlands added: “I was disappointed but not surprised with the response from the Welsh Government as quite clearly the health board need support to fix these long-running parking issues at the hospital and as usual the Welsh Government buries it head in the sand.

 

“I have raised my concerns with the Health Board and I hope to have a meeting to discuss the matter, but it would have been a positive step if the Welsh Government had been willing to get involved.”

 

Railway formally backs Llangollen's bid to become UK Town of Culture

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has formally backed the town's bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, following a successful public meeting last night  organised by the Town Council.

Representatives of the railway were pleased to attend and to publicly support the proposal, which aims to celebrate the town’s rich cultural life, heritage and community spirit. 

The railway sys it believes the bid reflects not only Llangollen’s international reputation, but also the strength of its local organisations, volunteers and cultural traditions.

David Hennigan, the railway's Trust Manager, said: “Culture and heritage run right through this town, and we were proud to attend the meeting and publicly back the bid. 

"The railway is part of the story of Llangollen, and we stand ready to play our full part in helping the town succeed. We congratulate Llangollen Town Council for taking the lead on this and we stand ready to play our part.

"Volunteers are at the heart of everything that is great about Llangollen and its environs, and it is only right that this bid is led by those who give so much to make Llangollen the town it is. Across the Llangollen and the Dee Valley, it is volunteers who keep traditions alive, organise events, restore buildings, welcome visitors and pass on skills to the next generation. The railway is no different, and we see every day what can be achieved when people come together with pride in their community.”

The railway believes the bid reflects the strength of Llangollen’s cultural life, from internationally recognised events such as the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod to the many volunteer-led organisations like the Llangollen Fringe Festival that sustain the town’s heritage and community activities.

Looking ahead, the railway is already planning to bring culture along its tracks in 2026, with activities and events taking place across all stations on the line, including Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen. These plans aim to connect communities, celebrate local history and provide new opportunities for visitors to experience the Dee Valley.

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has confirmed that it stands ready to support the bid and to work alongside partners across the town in developing ideas and activities. 

Story says couple fear hillside may collapse onto their cottage

* The story on the BBC News website.

BBC News is reporting that a couple say they are afraid to go to sleep in case the hillside behind their cottage collapses onto them.

Ross and Jill Darbyshire from Rhewl, near Llangollen, said on 28 January they heard a huge noise at the back of the property and later noticed cracks in the sheer slate bedrock.

* For the full story, go to: Llangollen couple scared to fall asleep in case rockfall crushes their home - BBC News

Local CAB advice outreach sessions

 

A new EV with some challenging tech but still Geely good

Geely EX5 drive by Steve Rogers

Meet the Geely EX5, the latest in the tidal wave of Chinese cars to land on our shores but this one has a valuable friend in the UK.

Not a name you are likely to have heard of so let’s start with some housekeeping.

Who is Geely? The company is big in China and has been producing cars for nearly 30 years and has a strong connection with Europe because it is the money behind Volvo, Polestar, Smart… and Lotus.

It is entering the market at the height of Chinese brand popularity, in fact the speed at which new Chinese models are shaping our market is frightening. The big players are BYD, Jaecoo and Omoda and together they sold more cars in January than Volkswagen, the UK’s biggest brand.

The Geely is classed as a compact SUV but this car is spacious throughout with more legroom than expected for back seat passengers who get a nice flat floor and wide enough for three adults to sit comfortably.

Although built in China it was designed in Milan, its classic shape pleasing on the eye if a tad conservative compared to some Chinese rivals. It does not have the scary face of a Jaecoo 7 or the beautiful styling of the X-Peng G6; more the soft, uncluttered lines of a Porsche Macan which is no bad thing.

So what can we expect from this Geely EX5? It is Chinese and that means tech, tech, and even more tech. Apart from a fast demist button, everything goes through a whopping central touchscreen. I am getting used to this type of car but they are still a challenge.

You can’t just jump in and drive away, well you could obviously, but learning how the car functions first is time well spent. I liken it to swatting for an exam and hoping you remember the answers when you open the paper.

The saving grace is voice control as long as you can remember how to say the commands. Too often the reply is ‘I am still learning this function, please try again later’. It does not turn off immediately and records your conversation prompting another reply from our friendly lady. All a bit annoying.

That said, the touchscreen is reasonably easy to master. There is a lot to take in with menus and sub menus but is clearly laid out, it’s just that there is so much of it and there are probably functions I never found. The most useful were the automatic heated seats and heated steering wheel which come on as soon as you are in the car. It is the same for the ventilated seats.

I mentioned the conservative styling, well that changes in the cabin. It is stunning and I would suggest taking a look at the ivory trim. This top of the range model is all but £37k but could pass for a 50 grand motor, it is that special. Dominating the cabin is a long central bridge with exquisite detailing and adds such class to the car. On a practical side this creates a substantial storage area underneath to compliment 32 other storage areas.

Getting to the business end the Lotus factor has paid huge dividends because the springs, dampers and anti roll bars have been refined by Lotus engineers so the Geely’s ride and handling is rather good and sends a ‘we’re coming for you’ message to Chinese rivals.

The battery pack is 60.22kW giving a range of 267 miles which is down on some European makes. The Renault Scenic’s 87kW battery gives a range around 370 miles and the Seat Tavascan is in the same ballpark. Performance is lively enough and the Geely can take a 160kW DC charge so 30-80 per cent is reached in 20 minutes.

A full charge from a standard 7kW home charger takes just over six hours and using the remote control app can take advantage of cheaper EV tariffs some of which start in the middle of the night so you choose when to start and stop. The car can also be used to charge an e-bike and other plug-in devices, handy if you are into camping and other lifestyle activities.

Geely has hit the ground running with EX5 and is sending out a strong message. It feels quality, has a long list of standard equipment and the usual full suite of safety features. This is the start and we can expect 10 more models over the next three years. Watch this space.

Fast facts

Geely EX5 Max

£36,990 (starts £31,990)

Battery 60.22kW

Range: 267 miles

0-62mph 7.1secs; 109mph

214bhp

Emissions: Zero

Boot: 461-1877 litres

Warranty: 6 years; battery 8 years

Insurance group: 35-36

Free half term activities at Hwb Pengwern Hub

South Denbighshire Community Partnership will be hosting a programme of free family activities at Hwb Pengwern over the first three days of the upcoming half term holiday, providing families in Llangollen with different opportunities. 

Hwb Pengwern will open its doors on Monday February 16, between 1pm and 3pm, for a family art and craft session focused on the theme of memories, providing families with the opportunity to enjoy creative activities in a relaxed setting.

 

On Tuesday February 17 families will once again be welcomed to Hwb Pengwern to take part in one of two family cooking workshops, where participants will learn to prepare a dish and take their creations home with them.

 

The programme will conclude on Wednesday February 18, between 11am and 12pm, at Hwb Pengwern with a family yoga session, suitable for all abilities, promoting wellbeing and family time in a supportive environment. Toys will be available for children who may need to move around during the session.

 

All activities are free of charge, but spaces are limited, booking is required and you can call Hwb Pengwern Hub on 01978 280365, or e-mail at: Office@sdcp.org

 

 

Llangollen to go ahead with bid to become UK's first Town of Culture

* The Town Hall was packed with a supportive audience of over 50 people.

Llangollen has decided to go ahead with a bid to become the UK's first official Town of Culture, which could lead to a cash boost of up to £3 million.

The newly-launched contest, which is a national initiative from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), invites towns of all sizes across the UK to showcase original storytelling and accessible, empowering cultural activity to win the title.  

DCMS will pick winners across three size categories - small, medium and large - with one overall UK Town of Culture selected from these.

The winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a six‑month cultural programme in 2028, while the category finalists will receive £250,000 each to develop elements of their proposals. 

* Town Clerk Gareth Thomas, left, gives details of the bid while the Mayor, Cllr Aled Morris, chairs the meeting.

Winners are due to be announced early next year with successful projects the prize-money pays for having to be delivered in 2028. 

Local individuals and organisations were invited by the Town Council to a public meeting at the Town Hall tonight (Tuesday) to gauge local support for a bid.

Over 50 people, including community groups, cultural and heritage organisations, local businesses and other interested parties, turned up to hear a presentation on the competition by Town Clerk Gareth Thomas who outlined the many benefits of making a successful bid.

He said: "It's a chance to amplify Llangollen's Voice nationally and internationally and enables us to celebrate our language, music, heritage, the arts and creativity.

"It would be a boost for tourism, local businesses, job creation and skill development.

"I see participation in the competition going across the generations and presenting many opportunities for volunteering.

"I think Llangollen is ready for this. We've got proven cultural strengths and we've always been ambitious.

"I think it would be lovely if we could position ourselves as a cultural leader." 

There was unanimous support for the bid from the audience, with no voices of dissent being raised.

Representatives of two of the town's major organisations - the Eisteddfod and the heritage railway - both gave their support for the bid.

David Hennigan, trust manager of the railway, said: "It's a wonderful thing and this can be a real springboard for the town. We are ready to play our part and we fully support this."

Eisteddfod chair John Gambles said: "We're completely behind the plan. I'm sure we can find someone amongst our volunteers who can be part of it."

Mr Gambles was answering a call from the Town Clerk for interested people to become part of groups representing various interests in the town which would help co-ordinate the bid. 

Mr Thomas said he had already prepared the framework for the submission, which would  be further worked on and then taken back to an overall group for more consultation by mid-March. 

"Hopefully, we will then have the bid ready by the end of this year," he added.

"It's exciting but scary as well. But I think we at least have a fairly good chance of succeeding."

County to seek funds for public toilets and play facilities in Llangollen

* County Hall in Ruthin.

The facelift of public toilets and the improvement of play facilities in Llangollen are among five projects which Denbighshire County Council will put forward for UK Government funding following a decision by the cabinet today (Tuesday)

In September 2025, the UK Government announced £1.5M of capital funding for every Welsh local authority through the Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF).

This fund aims to deliver visible improvements to high streets and enhance places and community assets, particularly in areas not benefiting from the separate £20M Pride in Place (PiP) Fund.

Following cabinets decision to endorse the selection process, the projects will now be submitted for PiPIF funding to the UK Government and delivered by March 2027. 

The projects are:

Scheme of refurbishment for priority Public Toilets in Key Towns – The project will look to refurbish the public conveniences across the county as identified within the public convenience’s strategy. This will include the installation of contactless payment and refurbishment to reflect individual condition reviews. These refurbishments will include the public conveniences in Llangollen, Rhyl, Prestatyn, St Asaph, Rhuddlan and Ruthin.

Accessible Play Scheme: Additional accessible play equipment and access to rural communities – This is a project that will seek to enhance the accessible play offer in various rural locations within the County using accessible equipment and entry/exit ways. The accessible play offer will expand to Llangollen, Y Wern, Llandrillo, School Field, Corwen, Nant-y-Pandy, Glyndyfrdwy, Coed Afon and Maes-Y-Dre, Ruthin.

Town Centre Property Development Grant Scheme – This grant scheme will look to address eyesore high street properties and has been successfully delivered previously through the Shared Prosperity Fund which is due to end in March. The project will take effect county wide.

Also included are customer toilets at Bodelwyddan Country Park and turning one of the car parks at Barkby Beach, Prestatyn  into a space for motorhomes

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: “The decision that cabinet has made highlights the commitment that Denbighshire County Council has in securing external funding to deliver projects that will bring a range of benefits across Denbighshire.

“These five projects will bring benefits to the local community and were specifically chosen as they already met the PiPIF criteria, were within budget and can be delivered by the deadline.”

Story of Llangollen man who won George Cross for his brave deed at sea

* Jonathan Rogers was born in Llangollen.

* The ill-fated HMAS Voyager.

A Facebook history page has told the story of a Llangollen-born man whose brave and selfless deed at sea 62 years ago today saw him awarded the George Cross. 

The History of Wales https://www.facebook.com/share/16tTA9XB2x/ tells how Jonathan Rogers, GC, DSM, from Llangollen was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the heroism he displayed on the night of 10th February 1964 during the sinking of HMAS Voyager, off Jervis Bay. on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia,

Rogers was born in Llangollen in 1920 and joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18. During World War II, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal while serving as coxswain of a motor torpedo boat and after the war, he joined the Royal Australian Navy, serving in the Korean War.

On 10th February 1964, he was aboard the destroyer HMAS Voyager, during exercises off Jervis Bay, when it was struck and sliced in half by the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne, leaving Rogers, along with more than 50 other crew, trapped in the sinking part of the ship.

Making no attempt to save himself, he helped as many men as possible escape through a small escape hatch and, as the compartment sank, he was heard leading his trapped comrades in a prayer and hymn as they met their fate, as his citation said, with 'dignity and honour'.