Three Eagles renovation shortlisted for award

* The Three Eagles following the renovation.

The Property Developments division of Wrexham-based Knights Construction Group has been shortlisted for this year’s Insider Wales Property Awards. 

Their entry project for award category Workplace Design of the Year is the full renovation of Llangollen’s grade-listed Three Eagles Restaurant & Bar which was completed at the end of last year.

An early 18^th century coaching inn, the building was in a derelict state and had stood unused for over a year when it was taken over by new owners. 

Knights Construction were soon enlisted to undertake a full renovation of the building, enabling it to be used as the new luxury restaurant. The renovation included a re-design of some of the building’s main layout and the construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen.

Following the renovation and the subsequent opening of the restaurant, the end product has garnered many plaudits from guests for the quality and attention to detail in the overall renovation.

The awards event, hosted at Cardiff City Hall, celebrates Wales’ best commercial and residential property developments as well as associated funders/developers from throughout the past year.

Knights Property Developments manager Joel Smith said that to make the shortlist for this particular award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire project team.

“The Three Eagles renovation was a really special project for us to take on and to be shortlisted for the Insider Wales Property Awards is an exciting moment for the entire team”, he said.

“There are many unique challenges that come with working on listed buildings such as satisfying the relevant heritage governing body with a thorough and well-planned design concept and of course the sensitive approach needed to repair ancient existing structures. 

"Many traditional trades were utilised in the Three Eagles renovation to ensure that the original building was restored in a way that is respectful to its heritage. With the addition of the new extension to the rear of the building, the old now seamlessly meets the new and the result is absolutely stunning."

According to the firm, one particular challenge that arose during the construction works was the surprising discovery of an ancient seven-metre-deep well under the building. 

The well was situated under a section of the original building that was demolished to make way for the new kitchen and this threw up the opportunity for an unexpected alteration to the design. In the end, the well was built-up with matching stone, sealed with a glass panel and illuminated and now stands as an extremely popular feature in the entrance of the new venue.

Mr Smith said: “We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved with the Three Eagles building because the project has taken a venue that was very old, disused and neglected and turned it into a thriving, luxury social hub for the town of Llangollen. The building now stands proud again as it most likely once did many years ago”.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 13.

* To find out more about the renovation go to: https://www.knightsconstructiongroup.co.uk/grade-listed-restaurant-renovation/

Shape My Llangollen to meet the public again

* SML team members Phil Robinson and Issy Richards outside the Co-op last week.

The latest in a series of public consultation exercises by the team of volunteers putting together Llangollen’s contribution to the county council’s next Local Development Plan will be held tomorrow (Thursday).

Shape My Llangollen (SML) was formed last year at the behest of the Town Council to produce a 'place plan' for Llangollen.

The idea is that this plan, when approved and endorsed by the Town Council, will feed into the new emerging Local Development Plan being produced by Denbighshire County Council.

The plan will cover topics such as the natural environment, built environment, economy, and community and is a genuine opportunity for some grassroots democracy.

SML is therefore engaged upon a far-ranging consultation exercise contacting groups and individuals to seek their views on any issues which affect or concern them so that they can have an input into the plan.

Over the summer the team is hosting a series of consultation events to introduce themselves to the public and to get their views.

The first of these was held on May 7 at Llangollen Health Centre when throughout the day team members spoke to scores of people to gain their feedback.

The second successful session was held outside the Co-op store in Regent Street on May 13 when, again, SML gained lots of useful feedback from shoppers.

The third question-and-answer session will be held outside the Home Bargains store, next to Aldi, tomorrow, May 23, from 10am-1pm and 2-5pm.

And for those people who haven’t been able to attend the week-day sessions SML will be holding a major meet-the-public event in Centenary Square on Saturday June 1, starting at 10am and continuing until at least lunchtime or possibly longer.

SML chair Phil Robinson said: “The two sessions we’ve held so far have each been a big success and we spoke to as many people as possible about a wide range of issues which interest them, which was anything from the state of local roads and pavements to the provision of social care and youth facilities.

“Perhaps not unexpectedly there were lots of concerns voiced about traffic congestion and the availability of parking. But lots of other issues were raised such as the spending priorities of the county council, public transport and the lack of local affordable housing.

“The information we gathered will be invaluable in compiling out final report which we are aiming to publish before the end of this year.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has so far been able to spare a few minutes to answer our five quick questions.

“I’d urge as many people as possible to come along and speak to our team members during our next two sessions, outside Home Bargains and in Centenary Square, because this is your big chance to have your say about Llangollen’s future.”

The questions SML is asking are:

1. What makes you happy about Llangollen?

2. What makes you sad about Llangollen?

3. What makes you mad about Llangollen?

4. How would you make Llangollen better?

5. How would you spend £10,000 for Llangollen’s future?

People unable to make it to SML’s meet-the-public sessions can fill in one of the question sheets which are available in the Town Hall office.

They can also jot down the answers in a reply to the posting about the health centre session on the Shape My Llangollen Facebook page.

Horseshoe Pass closed after collision

Police have said the Horseshoe Pass is closed, according to Wrexham.com

A collision has taken place on the Llangollen side, and the road is closed both ways.

North Wales Police have said the road ‘will be closed until further notice’.

Land based ambulances and the air ambulance have attended the incident.

Update: 8pm the air ambulance left the scene and has returned to base.

http://www.wrexham.com/news/horseshoe-pass-closed-after-collision-168349.html

Community meeting for Pengwern tonight

Friends of Pengwern are to host a community meeting and green mapping session at the area's community centre tonight (Tuesday) from 5.30-7.30pm.

The group says: "This is your opportunity to come and talk to us about what you would like to see happening in the community and to get involved with volunteering.

"We will also be hosting a green mapping event with DCC and Countryside Services to discuss what the community would like to see happen with the green spaces around the estate. This is a drop in event so you can call in anytime between 5.30 and 7pm."

Mercedes' new pick-up with the X factor

* The new Mercedes with X Class.

Mercedes X-Class V6 road test by Steve Rogers

Meet the Mercedes X-Class, the poshest pick-up on the planet.

The planet? Okay, that's pushing it a bit but posh, pick-up and planet trip nicely off the tongue.

There are lots of custom pick-ups layered in gleaming chrome with outrageous paint jobs strutting their stuff at the classic car shows but as far as a working pick-up goes this is the best you will find in Europe.

Mercedes launched the X-Class early last year but with just a four-cylinder diesel which is a tad agricultural. Bring on the mighty 3-litre V6, an engine to help this pick-up stand out from the rest.

On the back of the surge in SUV popularity double cab pick-ups are almost the new fashion statement, and there are plenty to choose from. As well as the updated versions from diehards like Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Ford, Izuzu and SsangYong we have seen unlikely entries from Fiat and Mercedes-Benz.

But when it comes to a juicy V6 the choice is limited to Volkswagen Amorak or X-Class, and here the Merc streaks away with the dash to sixty taking just over seven seconds, a top speed approaching 130mph and a whopping lump of torque.

Does anyone really want to spend 40 grand on a pick-up? According to| Mercedes this is what their customers have been waiting for. No point in having the three-pointed star on the front grille if it can't beat the rest.

Is it really practical? Of course it is. This is a workhorse like any other pick up, able to haul three and a half tons, while getting muddy off road is just another day at the office. Like its four-cylinder sibling X-Class sits on a Nissan Navara chassis and shares the multi-link rear suspension.

This is key to the way X-Class behaves, particularly on public roads, and sets it apart from rivals that do not use this car like technology.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves and say this drives with the same comfort as a sports utility let alone a car but how X-Class manages poorer road surfaces is a couple of levels ahead of most rivals. Of course there are times when you are bobbling in the seat but the suspension makes a good fist of cushioning occupants against pot holes and such like.

This feeling of riding in something up market extends into the cabin where the layout and materials are pure Mercedes and move up a level from the four-cylinder X-Class.

The familiar high definition seven inch screen operated via a rotary controller and touch pad between the seats takes care of the majority of functions, apart from the heating which is good old fashioned switches. There are most of the creature comforts to be found in a top end SUV, the all round camera is brilliant, but one area X-Class is lacking is space for oddments. The cabin has been designed to look pretty but in reality it is pretty poor when looking for somewhere to store a mobile phone and such like. I put mine in the glasses holder in the roof lining.

Like a Mercedes car, the ride can be adjusted electronically and that extends to the full on four wheel drive and hill descent systems.

Enough. Let's get to the meaty end of our posh pick-up. The V6 has been round long enough to be honed and refined and delivers what is expected... performance. Best part is the mid range torque which is huge and gives a nice feeling of security when overtaking. Floor the accelerator and you are away.

Steering wheel paddle shifters for the eight speed auto can be handy for downshifts into bends if cracking along in the sport setting but it is as well to be aware of the slight delay in throttle response, particularly at roundabouts, when using the economy setting.

Expect anything between 25-30mpg but exploit that performance too often and you will be into the teens.

Whatever your take on a plush pick up there are points that need to be clear. It is not the answer to a big SUV but there are certainly tax benefits if chosen as a company car. The level of comfort is way above expectation as is the premium feel to the cabin but this is still a working pick up so don't expect miracles.

For this sort of money you could buy a seven seater SUV with all the bells and whistles and better economy but using this for family transport is not out of the question.

Key facts

X-Class 350d V6

3-litre; 258bhp

550Nm torque

Max payload 1067kg

0-62mph 7.6secs

31.4mpg combined

£39,510

Eisteddfod to host fundraiser on the square

* Eisteddfod dancers on Centenary Square last summer.

Llangollen Eisteddfod is inviting people to help celebrate the launch of its #YourLlangollen fundraising campaign.

As part of National Fundraising Week (May 20-24) the festival will host a free event in the town’s Centenary Square this Saturday, from 11am-4pm.

#YourLlangollen aims to raise awareness of the International Eisteddfod’s charity status and how crucial donations are to maintain this unique festival for future generations.

Visitors can join in the free fun at Centenary Square, featuring entertainment from a variety of performers such as high-energy Chester-based Karamba Samba drumming troop and eclectic local soloist Leonie Ann Kirby. 

They can also purchase raffle tickets to win exclusive prizes kindly donated from local business such as glamping, spa and dining experiences will support the event’s aim to raise funds for the Eisteddfod.

Set up in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod attracts some of the world’s leading artists and musicians to the Welsh scenic town for a week-long celebration. 

Firmly rooted in the local community, Llangollen Eisteddfod is a charity with a unique message to encourage global harmony and goodwill through creative arts.

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said “We welcome the world to Wales every year and we know the entire Llangollen community is proud of our International Eisteddfod. 

"As with all charities, we rely heavily on charitable donations and are launching the #YourLlangollen fundraising campaign to raise important funds whilst also highlighting our amazing 2019 festival line-up.

“At the event in Centenary Square on Saturday visitors can enjoy free performances, buy festival tickets, and easily donate.”

The current Third Sector’s Fundraising Week aims to highlight the importance of fundraising for charities and not-for-profit organisations. 

In recent years, Llangollen Eisteddfod has increasingly required the support of volunteers, sponsorship and donations to deliver this world-class event.

People unable to attend the #YourLlangollen event on Saturday can still show their support by donating:

Text YourLlangollen5 to 70085 to donate £5

Text YourLlangollen10 to 70085 to donate £10 

Texts will cost the chosen donation amount plus one standard network rate message. This charge will be taken from your Pay as you Go credit or added to your monthly mobile bill.

* Tickets for this year’s festival can be purchased online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office on 01978 862001.

Business Improvement District plan makes progress

* The BID proposal centres of Llangollen town centre. 

Following representations from a group of Llangollen businesses, Denbighshire County Council successfully applied to Welsh Government for match funding to explore the possibility of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Llangollen.

A BID is an arrangement where businesses get together, decide what additional improvements they want to make, how they’re going to manage and deliver those improvements and understand what it will cost them.

This all is put in a comprehensive business plan which is then voted on by businesses.

If the majority vote yes then a BID is legally formed, providing sustainable and equitable funding to deliver that plan. 

It is a concept that has been successfully used to better manage and market over 300 places in the UK. The BID can last for a maximum of five years and must be able to demonstrate how it has benefited businesses that have funded it.

The Mosaic Partnership were appointed in October 2018 to explore the feasibility of a BID in the town and following engagement with more than 80 businesses, a financial analysis and presentations to business and public agency groups the assessment has concluded a BID is viable for Llangollen and to move forward with a ballot in early 2020.

The next phase will involve forming a BID Task Group with membership largely drawn from the local business community and The Mosaic Partnership  will work with the group to undertake extensive consultation and market research, develop the operating agreement, financial planning and the BID Business Plan.

Mo Aswat, Director of The Mosaic Partnership said: “It has been great to work in Llangollen which in many ways is a successful and attractive town. Businesses have realised that to keep it that way and develop it in the face of increasing competition needs a more professional and sustainable approach. BIDs are one such way as we have seen across the country,  and we look forward to moving on to the next stages here.”

Denbighshire County Council says it is supportive of this business-led process which will culminate in a democratic ballot in early 2020 to determine whether or not a BID is established in Llangollen.