Get in touch ...

Know of something happening in
Llangollen?
Tweet
us on
@llanblogger

E-mail your contributions to: llanblogger@gmail.com

We are on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/llanbloggercouk/139122552895186



Sunday, July 19, 2026

Police appeal after death of man, 24, in road traffic collision

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision following which a 24-year-old man yesterday (Saturday) morning.

In a post on its Facebook page today (Sunday) North Wales Police says: "A 24-year-old man has sadly died following a collision near Llysfasi on 18 July.

"Emergency services were called to reports of a collision involving a black Suzuki motorcycle on the A525, Nant Y Garth pass at around 3am.

"Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the rider of the motorcycle sadly died at the scene.
"The man’s family and coroner have been informed.
"Detective Sergeant Liam Morris said: 'I would like to thank members of the public who assisted at the scene of this tragic incident and offer my deepest condolences to the man’s family.

“'I am also appealing to anybody who may have witnessed the collision or seen the motorcycle in the area at the relevant time to come forward.
“'Additionally, anybody with dashcam footage that may have captured the motorcycle involved prior to the collision should contact police.
“'Further information that could assist our investigations can be shared by contacting the Serious Collision Investigation Unit via our website or by calling 101, quoting reference 26000581789.'”

Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council

The latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:

TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE PROPERTY GLANABER 2 BACHE MILL ROAD, 29/07/2026 - 31/07/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OPPOSITE 14 PENGWERN, 21/07/2026 - 23/07/2026, Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY 

Full extent ROAD FROM PENGWERN TO TYN CELYN, 24/07/2026 - 26/07/2026, Rheolaeth traffig i hwyluso mynediad i safle Camp VC/ Traffic management to facilitate access to Camp VC site, VC LONDON LTD, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 11/08/2026 - 21/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works QUANTUM TM (DCC), Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 10/08/2026 - 11/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works KM CONSTRUCTION ( QUANTUM) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Heol y Farchnad / Market Street, 10/10/2026 - 11/10/2026, Gwyl Fwyd Llangollen / Llangollen Food Festival CHAPTER 8 SOLUTIONS LTD, Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A542 JUNCTION OF TRACK TO LLANDYN HALL FROM A539 TO APPROX 85M FURTHER EAST, A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

FELIN BACHE PONT, BACHE MILL ROAD, 22/08/2026 - 23/08/2026, Gwaith Ar Bont / Bridge Works KM CONSTRUCTION ( QUANTUM) Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

82m south of entrance to slurry pit JUNCTION OF A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, 03/08/2026 - 05/08/2026, Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN, Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

Creative writing workshops aim to help a person's wellbeing


* People involved in one of the workshops led by Daisy.

Creative writing can help with a person's wellbeing through self-expression and connection.

That's the message from Daisy Green who has been successfully running regular workshops for reflective writing, poetry and discussion in Llangollen for the past two years.

And she says the sessions have provided a supportive and welcoming space where the core group of people taking part have been able to explore their thoughts, experiences and creativity while building confidence in their own voice.    

During the summer months they meet in the Community Garden in Llangollen, and during the winter it has been the Heritage Lock Up. They have also met in St John's hall and The Bridge End Hotel, all of which Daisy says have been fully supportive.  

Alongside the workshops, her other group, Llangollen Spoken Word, has continued to grow. 

She said: "We have recently expanded our Spoken Word events to include online participation, making them more accessible to people who may not be able to attend in person due to ill-health, disability, caring responsibilities or distance. Creating inclusive spaces where everyone has the opportunity to be heard is central to the ethos of the project.


* Daisy Green leads a session at Gales Wine Bar.

"Our in-person spoken word events are hosted at Gales Wine Bar, whose ongoing support has played an important role in helping us create a welcoming and inclusive creative community in Llangollen. Their encouragement and commitment to local arts and culture have helped the events flourish over the past two years.

"As a poet, facilitator and survivor of domestic abuse, I have experienced first-hand how writing can help people process experiences, reconnect with themselves and discover the confidence to tell their own stories. That belief sits at the heart of all the work I do."

Daisy says she is now expanding this work through a new programme called The Unspoken Word, which is a six-week spoken word and reflective writing journey for women.

"Through guided writing, creative exploration and optional sharing, participants will explore voice, silence, memory, truth and expression within a supportive small-group setting," she explained. 

"The programme is designed to help women reconnect with their own stories, build confidence in their voice and discover the power of creative expression."

She added: "I believe everyone has a story worth telling. Sometimes all people need is a safe space, a blank page and permission to begin. Through writing, we can make sense of our experiences, find connection with others and discover strengths we didn't know we had."

Daisy says she is also building a programme of poetry, literature, storytelling, wellbeing and lots more events as part of this year's Llangollen Fringe Festival from September 4-12. 

* For more details of her various workshops and courses, contact details are:  

Email: 

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Railway's enhanced fire safety measures for steam trains

 

Llangollen and Corwen Railway will continue to operate its planned steam services this weekend while introducing enhanced fire safety measures to help protect the railway and surrounding countryside during the current spell of hot weather.

Recent media reports have referred to a national "steam ban" following restrictions introduced by Network Rail on steam-hauled charter trains operating on the national rail network because of the heightened risk of wildfires.
Llangollen and Corwen Railway is an independent heritage railway operating on its own dedicated infrastructure and is not part of the Network Rail network, meaning those restrictions do not apply to its operations.
However, the railway says it is taking the current weather conditions extremely seriously and has introduced a range of additional measures to reduce the risk of lineside fires while continuing to operate safely.
To celebrate the start of the summer holidays, visitors will be able to enjoy journeys behind two Great Western Railway steam locomotives: GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754 and GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802.
A dedicated fire train will patrol those sections of the railway considered to be at the highest risk during the hot weather. Equipped with pumps and firefighting equipment, it will be ready to respond immediately should a lineside fire occur.
In addition, all operating steam locomotives and trains are fitted with hoses and fire beaters, while crews will continually monitor conditions throughout the day. These enhanced measures are designed to ensure the railway can continue to operate safely while protecting the surrounding countryside.
Matthew Carty, Head of Llangollen Railway's Footplate Team, said: "The recent restrictions announced this week relate to steam trains operating on the Network Rail network and do not apply to independent heritage railways such as Llangollen Railway.
"However, we fully recognise the current hot and dry conditions and are taking them extremely seriously. We've planned extensively for this weekend, with a dedicated fire train patrolling those sections of the line that present the greatest risk, while our locomotives are equipped with hoses and fire beaters and our crews remain vigilant throughout the day.
"Steam locomotives are at the heart of what we do, but operating them safely is always our first priority. Our volunteers and staff have a great deal of experience operating during periods of warm weather, and we've put in place additional safeguards to help protect the railway, our neighbours and the beautiful Dee Valley.
"We're looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy two superb Great Western steam locomotives this weekend, while continuing to operate responsibly and safely."
Visitors travelling on Saturday can enjoy two classic Great Western steam locomotives in service throughout the day.
Saturday July 18 steam timetable
Llangollen → Corwen
  • 10.00 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
  • 11.05 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
  • 12.20 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
  • 13.45 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
  • 15.15 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
Corwen → Llangollen
  • 11.05 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
  • 12.20 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
  • 13.45 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
  • 15.15 – GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802
  • 16.20 – GWR Pannier Tank No. 7754
The popular Ales from Wales train will also be hauled by GWR Heavy Freight No. 3802, offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy a selection of Welsh real ales while travelling through the Dee Valley behind one of the Great Western Railway's most impressive freight locomotives.
Passengers are encouraged to book in advance.

Friday, July 17, 2026

Collision on Horseshoe Pass

 Posted around 5.40pm Friday



Town Mayor welcomes ATM reinstatement as campaign continues

         
           * Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam visiting the newly reinstated ATM

Llangollen Town Mayor, Councillor Damon Richards-Gwilliam, has welcomed the reinstatement of the NatWest ATM on Castle Street following several months of engagement with the bank over the future of the machine.

After the ATM was taken out of service following a break-in last November, it remained boarded up for an extended period while NatWest reviewed its future, raising concerns among residents and businesses that it may not return. 

Cllr Richards-Gwilliam raised these concerns directly with NatWest, highlighting the importance of maintaining free and convenient access to cash in the town with no bank branches. Following sustained engagement, NatWest confirmed that it intended to reinstate the ATM as soon as logistically possible.

The ATM has now returned to full working service. 

Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam said: “I’m very pleased to see the NatWest ATM back in operation. This is a very welcome outcome for Llangollen as access to free, convenient, and reliable cash facilities is paramount to our residents, local businesses and the many people who visit our town. 

"I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to get in touch with me and share their concerns, and to NatWest for recognising the importance of maintaining this service for our community.

"Whilst I am pleased to see this important facility restored, this is not the end of the conversation around access to cash in Llangollen. Following this campaign, I am grateful that one of our local Senedd Members, Darren Millar, has approached me to offer his full support as we take the next steps to strengthen cash provision across the town.”

Darren Millar MS said: "I'm delighted to see the NatWest ATM reinstated in Llangollen, as I am sure residents, businesses and visitors are too, and I applaud Damon for all his efforts to secure this outcome. 

"Access to cash remains vital for many people, so this is a positive step forward and demonstrates what can be achieved when the community comes together to make its voice heard. However, it does not resolve the wider issue of access to banking services in the town. 

"Following LINK's initial assessment, which concluded that no additional services were required, I have been working with Damon to challenge that decision and I am extremely pleased our appeal has been accepted and LINK will now carry out a fresh assessment of Llangollen's banking needs. 

"I will continue working alongside Damon and other local campaigners, businesses and stakeholders to press the case for a banking hub in Llangollen to ensure local people and visitors to the town have access to the banking services they need." 

Details of speed enforcement on Regent Street revealed

The GoSafe - Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership - has been active on Regent Street.

Llanblogger recently contacted GoSafe to express local concerns that the 20mph limit on this particular section of the A5 trunk route, which now has a 20mph limit, was constantly being broken.

This brought a response from the partnership which revealed that its Op Atal Team attended the location on the following dates.

 

  • 09/04/2026 between 13:05 to 14:15 and carried out 16 roadside courses and issued 1 fixed penalty.
  • 14/05/2026 between 11:30 to 13:00 and carried out 16 roadside courses and issued 1 fixed penalty.

 

A GoSafe roadside course is a driver educational workshop offered as an alternative to a fine and penalty points on a driver's license.


Op Atal is focusing on speed on roads with 20mph, 30mph and 40mph speed limits, seat belts, and ensuring that child seats are fitted correctly.


GoSafe said it would continue to visit Regent Street where resources allow.



Thursday, July 16, 2026

County-wide play sessions scheduled over summer holidays

Denbighshire County Council’s Play Ranger service has released this summer’s Let’s Play Out schedule, which feature play sessions at locations throughout the county. including Pengwern and Carrog Park.

The sessions are child led, meaning children can choose what they do or what equipment they want to use freely.

Providing fully accessible open access play for children in their local communities, these sessions will have both morning and afternoon sessions throughout the summer holidays.

Starting on July 20 and ending on August 28, morning sessions will run from 10:30am-12:00pm, with the afternoon sessions running from 2-3.30pm.

Schedule of sessions

The sessions are open access, meaning children are free to come and go, however children under the ages of six must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Dawn Anderson, Denbighshire Childcare and Play Development Manager said: “We’ve had a brilliant turn out at the ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions we have hosted so far this year. We have increased the number of locations this year from 10 to 20, offering more play opportunities in more locations across the county.

"I can’t wait to welcome everyone back to our sessions once again this summer.”

Councillor Diane King, Lead Member for Education, Children and Families said: “These sessions provide families with free and fun sessions throughout the county during the summer holidays.

"Held at 20 locations around the county, ‘Let’s Play Out’ sessions are hosted during both the morning and afternoon, providing more opportunity for families to be able to attend.

"The sessions are child-led, meaning they can choose the type of play they prefer throughout the whole session.”

Llangollen hosts weekend of cross-country mountain biking


* The 2026 Welsh MTB Championships. Photo by Peter Astles.

Over last weekend One Giant Leap in Llangollen played host to the 2026 Welsh MTB XC Championships and the final round of the Welsh MTB XC Series.

Organisers say this meant an unforgettable weekend of cross-country mountain bike racing bringing together riders of all ages and abilities to celebrate the conclusion of another outstanding season.

Organised by Fibrax Fenwick’s Wrexham CC, who hosted the final round of the series, the weekend showcased everything that makes cross-country mountain biking special, including challenging racing, a welcoming community, and an incredible atmosphere.

The One Giant Leap course lived up to its reputation, demanding endurance, technical ability and determination from every rider. 

Steep climbs, loose technical descents and flowing singletrack combined to create a course that rewarded skill as much as fitness. Hot, dry conditions throughout the weekend only added to the challenge, turning the trails dusty, fast and increasingly slippery as racing unfolded.

Saturday’s Welsh MTB XC Short Track Championships provided the perfect start to an incredible weekend of racing.

With fast, technical racing taking place under blazing sunshine, the XCC format delivered exciting battles across every age category. The hot, dry conditions made for quick but increasingly dusty and slippery racing, creating an exciting spectacle for riders and spectators alike.

Sunday’s Cross Country Olympic racing proved even tougher. The relentless climbs, technical descents and hot temperatures tested every competitor from start to finish, but the racing remained fiercely competitive throughout every category.

The Llangollen event also brought the 2026 Welsh MTB XC Series to a close after five rounds held across Wales between March and July. Throughout the season, riders have enjoyed organised, safe and welcoming events run almost entirely by volunteers, offering opportunities for complete beginners through to experienced racers to compete.

With the final round complete, the overall Welsh MTB XC Series standings will be confirmed and announced soon.

Organisers says: "A huge thank you to everyone who made this year’s series possible. Delivering events of this scale requires an incredible amount of time, dedication and commitment from volunteers. From organisers and marshals to medics, commissaires and everyone working behind the scenes, your efforts are truly appreciated by riders, supporters and the wider cycling community."

Volunteer fair planned for Llangollen Youth Centre

 


New owner's latest update on work to revive Star Inn


* Work in progress: an interior shot of the Star Inn's transformation. All images are taken from owner's latest social media update. 

The businessman turning a derelict Llangollen pub back into a "proper local" has given an update on the progress of his ambitious scheme for the old Star Inn.

The Star on Queen Street has been closed for the past few years since the last landlord called time.

By late last year the large building, which stands alongside the town's fire station, had become an eyesore with broken windows and unlocked doors which had to be secured against vandals.

But earlier this year it was taken over by David Anderson, who is originally from Cefn Mawr and attended Ysgol Dinas Bran where her left in 2000 to train as an engineer before setting up a successful group of businesses based in Yorkshire, took over the building.

Part of the group is a property arm and from that stemmed a new company named Star Inn (Llangollen) Ltd, which has taken over the pub.   

David plans to turn it back into a community pub - or hub - with emphasis on making it a place where people feel safe and comfortable.

Work on the transformation has been going rapidly ahead over the months since the job began, with teams of workmen giving their attention to every area of the building.

The latest social media update on the progress being made says: "A new chapter is being written at the Star in Llangollen.

"There's plenty happening behind the scenes as we continue bringing the Star Inn back to life.

"From the bar and guest rooms to the finishing touches, we're working hard to create a proper local that Llangollen can be proud of."


* Owner David Anderson outside the building he's turning back into a "proper local". 

And the post promises: "Great drinks, live sport, comfortable stays, a warm welcome, community events and entertainment."

The banner out front promises the Star will be open again this summer and the post says: "While we don't have a confirmed opening date just yet, we'll keep everyone informed as progress continues."

Speaking to llanblogger as the work began earlier this year, David said: "I actually used to drink at the Star in my younger days after playing in rugby matches, so I remember it well. When it came up for sale we decided to buy it and bring it back to life as a community pub or hub.

"Our aim is to give it a real feel-good factor and we're keen to do everything right and to a high standard. The front of house will have a rustic feel about it but with a slightly modern twist. 

"However, we want to remind people of how the Star used to be and we're looking at depicting around the rooms any historical mentions it has had and old pictures it appears in."

David's company also plans to include five ensuite B&B bedrooms plus a kitchen to produce the breakfasts.

"Given the complexity of the building it's going to be a challenge technically to do this but we'll be taking everything back to brick to address any problems we encounter," he said.

David explained that the new logo of the pub he has had produced is emblazoned "Established 1976" because that's the earliest any records showing the building as a pub he has been able to find. The banner now outside the pub also includes a star motif which he says represents the pub in the community and that's very much how he wants it to be, he says. 








Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Ken Skates MS appointed permanent Welsh Labour leader


* Ken Skates is confirmed as Labour's new leader in Wales.

Ken Skates MS, who used to represent Llangollen, has been confirmed as Leader of Welsh Labour, after receiving unanimous backing from the the party's Senedd group.

Skates became interim leader in May after the resignation of Eluned Morgan. 
Welsh Labour opened nominations for a permanent replacement last Thursday, starting with nominations from the Senedd Labour Group. All nine members of the group nominated Skates, confirming his appointment as Leader.
Ken Skates MS said: “I am deeply honoured to have the unanimous backing of my colleagues in the Senedd in seeking the leadership of Welsh Labour.
“I joined the party as a 14-year-old, and my belief still stands that no child’s future should be determined by their background. That no young person should be judged on anything other than the efforts they make and the decency they show to others.

“The Labour movement for me is a movement for fairness, justice, security and liberty. It is a movement that seeks to empower people and communities, to fight against injustice, intolerance, nepotism and cruelty.”

Skates, who was first elected for Clwyd South in 2011, held several Welsh Government roles including Transport Secretary and Economy and Infrastructure Secretary. He was re-elected to the Senedd for the new constituency of Fflint Wrecsam in May.
Deputy leader of Welsh Labour, Carolyn Harris MP, said: “I offer my warm congratulations to Ken. He has my full backing as he undertakes the big task ahead of him - listening, learning, rebuilding and doing that crucial job of holding Plaid Cymru, and Reform UK, to account in the Senedd. I have no doubt he has the energy, thoughtfulness and optimism to take us forward and I look forward to working alongside him.”

Denbighshire Citizens Advice column for July

Denbighshire Citizens Advice column for July is how to stop your home overheating in hot weather:

Q: I love the summer, but when the weather heats up there are times when the temperature in our home can become unbearable. What can I do to try and keep it cool?

A: An overheating home can make life very uncomfortable and could even have a negative impact on your health. Here are some simple steps you can take to help make your surroundings more bearable when the temperature rises:

Let cool air in

Open windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage air flow by letting warm air out and cooler air in. It’s best to do this overnight or early in the morning when the temperature outside tends to be cooler than it is inside. If you have a loft - opening the hatch can be a good way of letting heat escape.

If you live in a property where you can only open one window (such as a converted building or a single room) - open internal doors to help the air circulate.

Keep the sunshine out

One of the most effective (and low cost) ways of keeping your home cool is to close your curtains or blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Keep windows on all sides closed when it's warmer outside than it is inside - typically late morning to early evening. Use fans instead.

Use a fan

Fans help circulate the air and create a breeze making your surroundings feel more pleasant. They are cheap to use - generally costing less than 2p an hour to run. Putting a fan by an open window can help draw fresh air into your home - as long as the temperature outside is cooler.

Placing a bowl of ice cubes or ice packs in front of - but a safe distance from - a fan can help lower the temperature of the air circulating around the room.

Escape the heat altogether

If things get really unbearable, you might want to consider heading to the nearest air conditioned building if possible - such as a leisure centre or local library to escape the heat.

Insulation can help

Energy efficient homes are easier to keep comfortable year-round. A well-insulated property can help prevent unwanted heat from entering during the summer, while retaining warmth during the winter. So, if your home tends to overheat - consider:

  • Improving your property’s wall and roof insulation

  • Replacing windows - especially with 'low-emissivity' glass which has a coating that reflects UV and ultraviolet, helping prevent too much heat from the sun entering the home and helping keep heat inside the home in winter

  • Ensuring the property is well ventilated via extractor fans and trickle vents

  • Installing window shutters to provide external shading

  • Adding solar panels which can be helpful if you tend to use more electricity for cooling fans and/or air conditioning

* You may be entitled to help with paying for improvements to make your property more energy efficient. Check Citizen’s Advice website for information about the schemes and grants that are available.