Latest roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is: 

A542 Carriageway HORSESHOE PASS 24/03/2026 - 02/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 JUNCTION REGENT STREET, HILL STREET, 15/05/2026 - 22/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

APPROXIMATLEY GWEN HEFR A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 06/05/2026 - 06/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Pengwern / Trem Yr Ysgol, Llangollen, 30/03/2026 - 30/04/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED,  Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE PENDYFFRYN, GRANGE ROAD, 05/05/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works PLATINUM (DCC), Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

JUNCTION OF VICARAGE ROAD, BACHE MILL ROAD, 06/05/2026 - 07/05/2026, Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

AT JUNCTION OF BROOK STREET, PENGWERN, until 30/04/2026, Gwaith Teithio Llesol / Active Travel Works PRONIN LIMITED, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

ABBEY ROAD, 13/04/2026 - 30/04/2026, Ailwynebu/ Resurfacing DCC HIGHWAYS, Confoi 10 mya/10 mph Convoy

Pubic toilets to have £1 entry charge from April 1

* The Market Street public toilets.

Public toilets in Market Street and Riverside Park, Llangollen will have an entry fee of £1 from April 1.

The charge is part of a package of measures announced by Denbighshire County Council to keep open its conveniences. 

The proposals were developed after money received by the council had not kept up with financial pressures and the increasing cost of delivering services, especially statutory services like social care and education. 

The county worked with city, town and community councils to collaborate together on a sustainable model to fund and protect as many facilities as possible. This model incudes direct financial contributions from the city, town and community councils.

Following this work, there are changes to charging for the toilets which will see the installation of contactless payment/entry systems commencing in March, the refurbishment of toilets and the closure of three facilities across Denbighshire - not including Llangollen.  

Work to introduce the contactless system at Llangollen is expected to take between two to three days dependant on weather but the toilets will remain open for use during this work.

Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport. said: “I want to once again thank the town and community councils for their positive energy and collaboration that supported everyone in reaching this position where we can now keep most of our public toilets open. 

"I’d also like to thank residents and visitors for their support and patience whilst refurbishment work is carried out on some of the sites.”

County invites people to have their say on taxi fares

Denbighshire County Council is proposing to form a new Taxi Forum to help it set the annual table of fares for hackney carriage taxis.

The forum will meet once a year ahead of the council’s annual review of its table of fares for hackney carriage (taxi) vehicles.

Previously, the process has been to propose and then consult on a table of fares based on statistical data including changes to average insurance prices, the change in inflation rates, and what neighbouring local authorities are charging for the same types of journeys.

Now, the council is proposing to introduce an additional step in the consultation process asking people about their experiences before it carries out the consultation on the fares.

The council is responsible for setting the fares for taxis licensed in Denbighshire under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and hopes that by establishing a forum and allowing taxi operators and taxi users to come together and share their experiences and concerns, that a table of fares can be created each year that works for everybody.

Denbighshire County Council is inviting as many taxi operators and taxi users in the county as possible to complete the consultation surveys.

Anyone who completes the survey will have the opportunity to register their interest to take part in the ‘Taxi Forum’, which will be an in-person meeting in April 2026.

The council hopes to use the findings and recommendations of the forum to propose a new table of fares, which will be consulted on as part of a follow-up consultation.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “We highly encourage as many people as possible to take part in the council’s consultation and register their interest in becoming a member of the ‘Taxi Forum’, to ensure that any decisions we make represent the views of all our stakeholders.

“The council understands that we are currently living in difficult times financially in this country which makes it even more important for us to consult not only the taxi firms, but the general public as well, to help ensure that any changes we introduce are fair for both sides.”

* To find out more and to take part in the ‘Taxi Forum’ consultation, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/consultations.

All responses must be received by Sunday 29 March 2026.

Mayor's choir storms to Golden Buzzer success on Britain's Got Talent

         

* Llangollen Mayor Aled Morris stormed to success in tonight's Britain's Got Talent episode.

The Mayor Of Llangollen, Aled Morris, ploughed to victory as part of a farmers choir in tonight (Saturday's) Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) show on ITV. 

And their dazzling Golden Button success means the Hawkstone Farmers Choir go straight through to the semi-finals of the hit TV talent show's 19th series.

They also skip past the bootcamp stage of the competition, giving them a head start.

Performing a soaring rendition of the Elbow anthem One Day Like This at the Birmingham Hippodrome, Aled and the choir moved a celebrity judging panel led by Amanda Holden, guest judge Stacey Solomon, Alesha Dixon, and KSI.

Aled, 32, swaps the council chamber for the stage to sing with the choir which brings together people from across the UK farming community who share a connection to agriculture and a love of singing.

For Aled the experience is a world away from his daily life of the sheep farmer at Pen-y-Rhagfryn.

When he isn't tending to his 50-acre family farm he is teaching the next generation of farmers as a lecturer in agriculture and land-based engineering at Llysfasi College. 

Aled’s journey into joining the choir began with a mysterious Facebook advertisement looking for farmers who like to sing. 

It wasn't until he arrived at the audition venue - Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog in the Cotswolds - that he realised the project was for Clarkson's Hawkstone brand. 

In addition to serving as Mayor, Aled has sat on the town council for four years, helps organise the annual Llangollen illuminated tractor run, and serves as the steam section steward for the Malpas Yesteryear Rally. 

Despite his busy schedule, he says the choir has offered him a vital sense of belonging, camaraderie and a chance to sing with confidence.

The choir's mission is to use their national platform to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention within the agricultural community - an industry where isolation can often take a heavy toll.

"The BGT experience was amazing," he said. "It felt so surreal to actually experience the set, the judges, and the atmosphere was incredible."

Following their Golden Buzzer success, Aled and the choir are preparing for the live semi-finals and a series of new projects in 2026.

* Aled isn't the first member of Llangollen's mayoral team to appear on TV. Mayoress Sarah Griffiths, Aled's long-term partner, was one of the Big Brother housemates back in 2024. 

* The Hawkstone Farmers Choir sing on Britain's Got Talent. Aled is on the back row, second from left.

* The celebrity judges who gave the choir the Golden Buzzer.

Insight given into the importance of Eisteddfod volunteering

* The Pavilion audience hears about the importance - and joys - of Eisteddfod volunteering.

Scores of people were given in insight about what it's like to volunteer for Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod at a special evening event in the Pavilion last night (Friday).

They were welcomed by its chairman, John Gambles, who told them that although it is run by just a handful of paid staff the festival - now in its 79th year - relies heavily on a small army of hundreds of volunteers to make it possible each July.

The board of trustees which he heads is also made up of volunteers, he said, adding: "And we all do it because we love it."

A short film, made in 2004, was then shown giving potential volunteers in the audience a chance to see what the colourful annual peace-centred festival is all about.

It was introduced by board member Karl Young who said the volunteers who made it all possible were each "making a big difference in a small way."

Artistic director Dave Danford, one of the few paid staff, said: "Everything that every volunteer does here is valuable and much appreciated. I'm so excited about this year's Eisteddfod because this place is so special. There's nowhere else like it."

John Gambles then called on a procession of people who lead the various groups of volunteers working across the Eisteddfod to give describe their roles and how they personally became involved with the festival.

These included Karen Price, who serves as competition liaison officer and volunteer co-ordinator; Phil Robinson, chair of the communications working group; and Barrie Potter, who leads the heritage team, keepers of the Eisteddfod's rich archive going back to its earliest days.

Impressions of how vital volunteers are to the smooth-running of the Eisteddfod also came from stewards' secretary Sharon Matthews and Ros Davies, who for many years has led the dedicated ticketing team. She put out an urgent appeal for new volunteers to help bolster the hard-working group.

A veteran of the Eisteddfodd and a former chairman, Gethin Davies, told the audience this would be his 75th years of volunteering, which began as a schoolboy selling programmes in the early 1950s. 

His three priorities in life had been, he said, his family, his career as a solicitor and his commitment to the Eisteddfod, "although not necessarily in that order."

Further impressions came from the floral team's Diana Ballard, marketing's Sian Eager, staging's Jeremy Davies and John Blaze of the grounds committee whose "fantastic" team is responsible for everything from toilets to liaison with the Eisteddfod's partners in the Live at Llangollen concerts, Cuffe and Taylor.

The evening finished with introductions to Heulwen Wright, the council's deputy town clerk, who will oversee Eisteddfod outreach events in the town centre this year, and Paul Spencer, who chairs Friends of Llangollen the independent body - itself made up of volunteers - which has raised an incredible £650,000 for the festival since it was set up around 50 years ago.  

* For details about volunteering with the Eisteddfod, email volunteer co-ordinator Karen Price at: karen.price@llangollen.net

* Eisteddfod chair John Gambles welcomes potential volunteers.

* A young Pavarotti appears with his Italian choir in the film shown during the evening.

* Artistic director Dave Danford says how excited he is about this year's festival.

* Volunteer co-ordinator Karen price describes her role.

* Ros Davies makes her appeal for more volunteer ticketing stewards.

* Veteran volunteer and former chairman Gethin Davies speaks of his long association with the festival.

* Dr Rhys Davies, another former chairman and long-time volunteer, describes his role leading the group which promotes the use of the Welsh language at the Eisteddfod.

* John Blaze whose busy grounds team takes care of everything from toilets to liaison with Cuffe and Taylor for the Live at Llangollen concerts.

A nippy little number that simply sips the fuel

Toyota Aygo X drive by Steve Rogers

It doesn’t look that different but Toyota has torn up the script and started again with the new Aygo X.

You could be forgiven for not spotting the facelift; a new headlight signature, grille and bonnet, which now carries the badge, are the main clues, but it’s what you don’t see that sets Aygo X apart from its rivals.

The new full hybrid engine is a first for the class with off the scale economy, the best safety package of any small car and loads more refinement are the headliners. Trust me, this is seriously impressive, but is shelling out up to £27k a bit too much for a tiny car?

The four model range starts with the Icon at a more sensible £21,595 but you get more creature comforts with the Design at £23,695 or push the boat out further for Excel at £26,045. But here’s food for thought. The new Chinese Tiggo 7 hybrid at around £25,000 is a much bigger five seat SUV.

A significant move was ditching the 1-litre for a 1.5, the same engine used in the Yaris, and has done wonders for economy. I took a 40-odd-mile drive, mainly dual carriageway, and returned a staggering 78.6mpg, the highest I have achieved in any car other than a plug-in hybrid. Topping 70mpg was a regular thing, in fact the Aygo X never dropped below 62mpg.

It is substantially more powerful and is now a nipply little number while it knocks off motorway miles quite comfortably. With the GR Sport package it is good fun to drive with precise steering and holding its line through twists and turns. Not much body roll here.

That said I am not convinced by the GR as it is just down to steering and suspension tuning without any extra performance. If you are prepared to spend £26k the well equipped Excel is a better proposition.

The new car comes with lots of upgrades. The top two models get keyless entry and start and all models have an electronic parking brake. There are some new graphics in the central touchscreen and a clearer strip of physical switches for the heating.

The biggest change is to the driver’s display which is now all digital with a large speedometer reading. Sensibly Toyota has placed it in the centre rather than to the side which is a trend with some new Chinese models. Why they think that is the best place is beyond me.

There is also a good information panel… if you can get to see it. Like so many others, the driver monitoring system is oversensitive. I wanted to turn off lane hold using a switch on the steering wheel but every time I glanced at the display it was covered by a ‘driver inattentive detected’ message. Ironically this creates more danger than me making the two second adjustment.

The same beep sound and message appears when adjusting the heating. What was more annoying was I could not find how to turn it off. I suspect you can’t.

I am probably being mocked for criticising something meant to keep you safe. What I will say is that when it comes to safety Aygo X gets five big stars. No other car in its class can match the list of features that includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and emergency braking whether driving ahead or turning out of a junction. This no doubt contributes to the high cost of the car.

At 3.776 metres Aygo X is a small car and is up against the likes of Kia Picanto, Hyundai i10 and Renault Twingo. In GR Sport trim the black interior is very dark especially in the back where the door windows are small. With the high front sports seats it can be claustrophobic and tight for space for anyone over average height. Thankfully there is good space under the front seats to stow your feet otherwise this would not be a great place for a long journey.

The back door opening is narrow so fixing a child seat along with a toddler is going to be a struggle.

No city car can offer a big boot so don’t expect much from the Aygo. It is deep and can squeeze in a couple of carry-on cases but the smaller Kia Picanto beats it by 24 litres.

Whatever I think about the price Aygo X is arguably the best city car on the market for its stunning economy, low emissions, performance and first class safety package.

Fast facts

Aygo X GR Sport

£26,895 (starts £21,595)

1.5 litre petrol hybrid; 114bhp

0-62mph 9.2secs; 107mph

72.4mpg-74.3mpg combined

87g/km. 1st tax £280

Boot: 231 litres

Insurance group 19

Llangollen's Mayor to perform on Britain's Got Talent tomorrow

* Aled Morris, right, with Jeremy Clarkson, owner of the brand from which the Hawkstone Choir takes its name. 

The Mayor Of Llangollen is set to make an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) tomorrow (Saturday) evening. 

Aled Morris, 32, swaps the council chamber for the national stage to sing with the Hawkstone Farmers Choir as they audition for the 19th series of the hit ITV talent show.

The choir, which brings together people from across the UK farming community who share a connection to agriculture and a love of singing, will perform the Elbow anthem One Day Like This during the show previously recorded at the Birmingham Hippodrome for screening tomorrow at 6.45pm.

For Aled, a sheep farmer at Pen-y-Rhagfryn, the experience is a world away from his daily life.

When he isn't tending to his 50-acre family farm he is teaching the next generation of farmers as a lecturer in agriculture and land-based engineering at Llysfasi College. 

"The BGT experience was amazing," he said. "It felt so surreal to actually experience the set, the judges, and the atmosphere was incredible."

Aled’s journey into joining the choir began with a mysterious Facebook advertisement looking for farmers who like to sing. 

It wasn't until he arrived at the audition venue - Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog in the Cotswolds - that he realised the project was for Clarkson's Hawkstone brand. 

"I travelled down to the address given and as I pulled in it dawned on me very quickly!" Aled recalled.

Beyond the stage, Aled is a pillar of his local community. In addition to serving as Mayor, he has sat on the town council for four years, helps organize the annual Llangollen illuminated tractor run, and serves as the steam section steward for the Malpas Yesteryear Rally. 

Despite his busy schedule, he says the choir has offered him a vital sense of belonging, camaraderie and a chance to sing with confidence.

The choir's mission is to use their national platform to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention within the agricultural community - an industry where isolation can often take a heavy toll.

* Aled isn't the first member of Llangollen's mayoral team to appear on TV. Mayoress Sarah Griffiths, Aled's long-term partner, was one of the Big Brother housemates back in 2024.  

Two key Llangollen roads to be resurfaced soon

Two key Llangollen roads are to undergo major roadworks over the next month or so.

Work on the Horseshoe Pass and Abbey Road will be carried out as part of a programme by the county council's Strategic Highways Team. 

They say: "It is our intention to close roads so that we can do more substantive work rather than just basic maintenance."

Resurfacing of the A542 Horseshoe Pass, near the cattle grid, will take place from Tuesday March 24 until Thursday April 2, with convoy working in operation.

In Llangollen itself, the A542 Abbey Road, from Oakleigh to the bridge junction,  will be resurfaced from Monday April 13 until Thursday April 30. Again, there will be convoy working in operation.

Town councillor raises concerns over boarded-up NatWest ATM

* Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam at the boarded-up NatWest ATM on Castle Street. Image: Cameron Richards. 

A Llangollen town councillor has raised concerns about the future of the NatWest ATM in Castle Street.

Following a break-in early last December the machine has remained boarded up with no details being given about when it might be back in operation. 

Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam has contacted NatWest to seek clarification on the current situation and to highlight concerns raised by residents and local businesses about the importance of maintaining access to cash in the town.  

He said: "We have already lost our bank branches in Llangollen, we can’t afford to lose access to cash as well. 

"While there are other places to withdraw cash locally, even the loss of a single ATM reduces the resilience of our town’s cash provision, particularly during busy tourist periods when machines can run out of cash. 

"Despite the move towards digital payments, many people still rely on cash, including some of the most vulnerable in our community. Access to free and convenient cash remains vital for residents, visitors and the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our town. 

"I have been in correspondence with NatWest since the ATM break-in to highlight these concerns and I am currently awaiting further clarification regarding the future of the ATM. 

"I will continue to press NatWest on this issue and do everything I can to ensure the voices of our community are heard. I will of course keep residents, businesses and the wider community updated as the situation develops."

He added: "If residents or businesses share my concerns on this issue, or require support with local matters, they are welcome to email me at cllrrichards-gwilliam@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk or write to me at Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, Llangollen Town Council, Town Hall, Parade Street, Llangollen, LL20 8PW."

Genesis Project at St Collen’s welcomes local history research

The Genesis Project team at St Collen’s Church say they were delighted to welcome Morgan Ditchburn from Conwy History (@conwyhistory) on Monday who shared fascinating insights from her ongoing research and how it connects with the history of St Collen’s and the wider area.

As the Genesis Project continues to move towards the final stages before work begins, the project team is bringing together historians, researchers and heritage specialists to help shape new interpretation within the newly reordered church.

This work will ensure that the rich stories of St Collen’s, its people, its heritage, and its place within the community, can be shared with visitors and future generations in engaging and meaningful ways.

A spokesperson for Genesis said: "We were also pleased that documentary filmmaker Mal Malloy, who is working with the project, was able to film an interview with Morgan during her visit. This will form part of the project’s developing digital archive and documentary material, helping to capture the research and stories connected with St Collen’s.

"The Genesis Project aims to create a more flexible and welcoming space within the historic church, while also enhancing opportunities to learn about and experience its remarkable history.

"We are extremely grateful to Morgan for sharing her expertise and contributing to the growing understanding of the church’s heritage.

"Further updates, including the anticipated start date for the works, will be shared soon.

"Watch this space!"

@conwyhistory

Tidy Town Team win High Sheriff of Clwyd Award

Llangollen Tidy Town Team has won one of the High Sheriff of Clwyd's Awards for 2026.

They received the honour during a ceremony held at Airbus in Broughton last Saturday.

They had been nominated for the award by Llangollen Town councillor Lee Todd.

It was presented by the High Sheriff, Julie Gillbanks, in recognition of their community spirit, dedication and long-term voluntary service.

Have your say on living in Denbighshire

 

Residents are encouraged to have their say in the “Let’s Talk: Living in Denbighshire” survey.

Denbighshire County Council has launched the survey which is designed to capture people’s views and voices on life in their local communities and the services they use.

The survey gives residents the opportunity to share what matters most to them around their local area in the county

Councillor Julie Matthews, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Corporate Strategy, Policy, Equalities and Strategic Assets, said: “This survey is a real opportunity for residents to make a difference to their local area. Your voice will help us understand what’s working well and where we need to improve going forward.

“The more people who take part, the better picture we will have of what matters to our county communities and how we can shape services for the future in Denbighshire.”

Residents are encouraged to complete the survey and to share it with family, friends, and neighbours to ensure as many voices as possible are heard.

The survey is open to all Denbighshire residents and can be completed online here

Paper copies of the survey are also available at libraries across the county.

Wrexham makes long list for 2029 City of Culture

Wrexham are one step closer to securing the UK City of Culture 2029 title, as they officially make the longlist of finalists. Competing against 9 places from across the UK, the race to the top has officially begun. 

Wrexham is the only Welsh city bidding for the title, which provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of Welsh culture and put the whole of Wales in the national spotlight by flying the flag for Wales.

Being longlisted helps to highlight the evolving story of Wrexham. As a county already steeped in culture, this recognition adds even more momentum to the incredible things already happening across the county, including the recently opened Creative Industries Hub, the soon-to-open National Football Museum for Wales, the exciting development of Stori Brymbo, the newly developed Public Art Trail and a growing calendar of vibrant cultural events. 

Looking ahead of the longlist, if Wrexham win the 2029 title, they could secure £10 million from the UK Government, helping to attract investment, boost tourism and improve access to arts and culture in the area and across the region. Winning could also help grassroots music and sport, support people working and living in the area, back new infrastructures, and generally make Wrexham an outstanding place to live, work and visit. 

Having narrowly missed out on the win in the 2025 competition, Wrexham are more eager than ever to declare victory this time round. But the title doesn’t just include boasting rights. It’s estimated that the investment could further generate more than £200 million for the whole region in years to come. This is something seen similarly by previous winners of the bid, with Hull and Bradford, for example, seeing positive outcomes from their initial investment. 

A Welsh city has yet to hold the UK City of Culture title. Success for Wrexham extends far beyond the city and its surrounding counties; a victory would provide a significant boost to the cultural profile of Wales as a whole. National support is vital to demonstrating why Wales is a worthy contender on the UK stage, with the whole country encouraged to back Wrexham’s bid.  

Amanda Evans, Culture Bid Director at Wrexham Community & Culture Trust comments:

“We are delighted to make the longlist and are more driven than ever to win the UK City of Culture title for 2029. 

“Winning the bid will help to secure a bright social and economic future for Wrexham, bringing new opportunities for people who live and work in the area, as well as supporting our arts and culture sector in more ways than ever before. This is a really, really exciting time for us and we are committing everything over the next few months to put Wrexham on a global stage and show why we are worthy of winning the title.”

“Thank you to everyone in Wrexham council who have supported our campaign so far. It’s always massively appreciated.”

Councillor Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s lead member with responsibility for City

of Culture, said: 

“This is fantastic news, and means we’re firmly in the race for UK City of Culture 2029.

“We can now move forward with confidence as we begin to build the case for making Wrexham the UK’s cultural focal point in 2029. Wrexham has so much to offer, and the competition will provide a fantastic platform for us to showcase the county borough.

“Congratulations to the bid team and Culture Trust for all their hard work – we are in it to win it.”

Wrexham will now be invited to submit a full application to the UK Government Department for Culture, Media & Sport by Summer 2026. This application will demonstrate Wrexham's ambition and ability to deliver, while creating a strong vision for culture in the county and show a panel of judges how the whole community is backing Wrexham's bid. 

Following the submission, a shortl

ist of up to 4 places will be announced in Autumn 2026. 

 

Another car sent to Ukraine with love from Llangollen

* Driver Kyle, left, hands over the vehicle to Ukrainian volunteer Maxim whose face is obscured for security reasons.

Money raised at charity evening in support of Ukraine early last month has paid for another vehicle to be sent to the the battle front out there.

On February 6 Anna’s Bakery hosted the special event at St Collen's Community Hall. 

And, thanks to the generosity of everyone who went along, members of Penllyn Chapel were able to purchase another car to help the Ukrainian cause. 

Fundraising by the church has already helped send a number of off-road vehicles to the country.

The latest car, with driver Kyle at the wheel along with Danny Fairbourne of the Ukraine Mission, set out across Europe on March 5 and arrived safely in the Ukraine five days later, where it was handed over to volunteer Maxim.

Anna, of Anna's Bakery, said: "This wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support and generosity of everyone who attended. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you."

#CharityForUkraine #AnnaBakery 

New rail and walking tour to showcase Corwen history

* Louise Scotcher will leading walks up Pen Y Pigyn to get the best views of Corwen.

A new visitor experience combining a scenic heritage railway journey with a guided town walk is set to launch in the Dee Valley this spring, as Llangollen and Corwen Railway partners with Dee Valley Tours to introduce “Tren a Thref: The Corwen Heritage Adventure.”

 

The new experience will allow visitors to travel by heritage train from Llangollen to Corwen before joining a guided walking tour exploring the rich history, landscapes, and legends of one of North Wales’ most historic market towns.

 

The first tours will take place at the start of the Easter Holidays on Wednesday April 1 and Wednesday April 8.

 

Passengers will depart Llangollen Railway Station at 10am, enjoying a scenic journey through the Dee Valley before arriving in Corwen at 10.41am. After time to explore the town and join the guided experience, the return train departs Corwen at 1.45pm, arriving back in Llangollen at 2.20pm.

* Louise briefing one of her tour groups.

 

The guided tour will be led by Louise Scotcher from Dee Valley Tours, taking visitors on a journey through Corwen’s fascinating past. The tour explores everything from the Iron Age hill fort at Caer Drewyn and Roman influences on the medieval church, the rise of Owain Glyndŵr, and Corwen’s role as an important coaching town in later centuries.

 

Visitors will also have the option of joining a short walk up to Pen y Pigyn, a stunning viewpoint overlooking Corwen, the Dee Valley and the Clwydian Range. The walk offers dramatic scenery and local legends, including stories of the giant Drewyn and tales associated with Owain Glyndŵr himself.

 

For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there will also be time to explore Corwen’s cafés, and local shops before returning to the station for the heritage train journey back to Llangollen.

 

Louise Scotcher from Dee Valley Tours said: “This tour is a wonderful way to bring Corwen’s history to life. The town has such a rich and fascinating story, from ancient hill forts and medieval legends to its role in Welsh history. Combining a heritage railway journey with a guided town walk allows visitors to experience the Dee Valley in a completely different way.”

 

The railway says the partnership highlights its growing role in promoting the wider heritage and tourism offer of the Dee Valley including the magic of Corwen.

 

Wayne Ronneback, Station Master at Corwen Railway Station, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Louise and Dee Valley Tours to promote and celebrate just some of the brilliant things about Corwen. The railway has brought trains back to the town, and this tour allows visitors to step off the train and immediately discover the rich history and stories that make Corwen such a special place.

 

“This really is a walking tour with a difference. Visitors will travel through the Dee Valley by heritage train, explore the town with a knowledgeable local guide and even have the option to climb to one of the best viewpoints in the area. It’s a fantastic way to experience the town, the landscape and the history all in one trip.”

 

Tickets for the new experience are £30 per person, with children’s tickets available for £6. The price includes a day rover ticket on Vintage Rail Car and the walking tour.

 

* Further details and booking information are available via the railway’s website at https://llan.hops.org.uk/tickets/special-events-in-2026/tren-a-thref

Eddie plans 200-mile canal hike in memory of his late wife Sarah

                              

* Sarah Bather: everyone felt better for spending time with her, says her husband. 

* Eddie and his late wife Sarah.

A man whose wife died from cancer at the age of just 46 is planning to walk over 200 miles from his Leeds to his Llangollen hometown along the canal network in her memory.

Eddie Bather also aims also set himself a target of raising £10,000 for Nightingale House Hospice which offered to provide her with care in her final days.

Eddie said: "My wife Sarah was a wonderful wife and a fantastic mother to our four children. She always had a smile on her face and everyone felt better for spending time with her. 

"She had a love for life that was unparalleled and was always planning or doing something, from her love of afternoon tea, theatre, holidays and jigsaws. A lot of people in the area will remember her as she worked at Llangollen doctors."

* The 203-mile canal route to be walked by Eddie, his brother Mike and Sarah's sisters Becky and Beth. 

He added: "Sarah died aged 46 on May 1 last year and the walk that myself, my brother Mike and Sarah's sisters Becky and Beth are undertaking is 203 miles along the canal footpath from Leeds to Llangollen. 

"We choose this route as Sarah was born in Leeds and passed away in Llangollen. The walk will take nine days and we will be walking nearly a marathon each day. It will take place between April 25 and May 3.

"The idea behind this was that when Sarah was ill she used to say getting up and down the stairs was like running a marathon!

"We are aiming to raise £10,000 for Nightingale house hospice. Although Sarah died at home, the hospice were on standby just in case we needed them and the work they carry out is vital for this community."

* To help Eddie reach his fundraising target, go to: Eddie Bather is fundraising for Nightingale House Hospice

MP calls for more help for people facing soaring heating oil prices

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins (pictured) has written to Chancellor Rachel Reed asking if people using oil to heat their homes as prices rises due to the war in the Middle East can be given more support.

In a social media post on Friday the Labour member says: "Earlier this week I shared concerns about the sharp rise in heating oil prices and the impact this is having on many households across our rural communities.

"Since then, I have written to the Chancellor to see what further support can be given for people who rely on heating oil. The Government is also engaging with the energy industry and has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to urgently look at market practices and pricing in the sector.

"I know how worrying this situation is, particularly as many off-grid homes rely on heating oil to heat both their homes and their water.

"If you are struggling with energy costs, support may be available through schemes such as the Warm Homes Discount or the Welsh Government’s Nest Energy Advice service.

"If you would like to discuss this further or need help accessing support, please get in touch with my office at becky.gittins.mp@parliament.uk

Breaking: Horseshoe Pass closed by road traffic collision

Update on North Wales Live just before 3pm ...

The A542 Horseshoe Pass has been closed in both directions after a crash.

Police said the incident was on the pass near Llangollen.

They asked drivers to "avoid the area".

They later added that the crash involved a single vehicle that had hit a house. The Wales Air Ambulance has attended.

And from Leader Live this afternoon....

North Wales Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 10.50 today (Friday) to reports of a single vehicle road traffic collision on the Horseshoe Pass, near Llangollen.

"A car has left the road and struck a residential property."

North Wales Police posted on its Facebook page just before 11.45am today (Friday) that the A542 Horseshoe Pass in Llangollen is currently closed due to an RTC.

Police says: "Please avoid the area and consider alternative routes."