Opponents' last-minute plea over store plan

* County Hall, Ruthin, where Wednesday's planning committee will be held.

A campaign group has pledged to fight on against plans for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket in Llangollen despite county planners backing the scheme.

Related applications for a new foodstore on the site of Dobson and Crowther’s envelope factory off Berwyn Street and the re-location of the plant to nearby Cilmedw Farm are due to be considered by Denbighshire’s planning committee on Wednesday morning.

Chief planner Graham Boase has already recommended that both schemes are approved by councillors.

Pressure group Keep Llangollen Special (KLS), which was set up to fight the superstore bid, has been denied permission to speak against the plans at Wednesday’s meeting as it is council policy to allow only two speakers for and two against any application  and all places had already been allocated.

However, the group has sent in a last-minute plea for the plans to be rejected, which the council has assured will be tabled for councillors to see before the meeting.

KLS has also issued this statement to llanblogger re-stating its case, which reads: 

“This Battleground Llangollen:  It seems everything happens at once. Not only are we set to lose our police station and cottage hospital, but the Case Officer for Denbighshire Planning has recommended granting approval to Sainsbury’s and the development of Cilmedw.

“We’re not giving up, not under any circumstances.

“We’re actively lobbying members of the Planning Committee, and we still have a few irons in the fire as a Plan B, just in case.

“The Planning Meeting itself is open to the public, and we would encourage anyone who opposes the supermarket to attend.

“It’s at the County Offices, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, and you need to arrive by 9.15am.

“We need to show the councillors just how strong this issue is with us. Regrettably, only those who have already booked slots to speak will be allowed to, but your presence will be felt.

“It’s not too late to lobby your county councillors – Rhys Hughes and Stuart Davies - so please do.

“They’re there to represent your views, not their own, after all. rhys.hughes@denbighshire.gov.uk and stuart.a.davies@denbighshire.gov.uk. “

Llan Youth Band's triplet coincidence

The likelihood of giving birth to triplets is in the region of 1-10,000,  or 1-8000 if you include assisted conception.

So in a small town like Llangollen with a population of around 5,000, you might reasonably expect not to see triplets at all.

But Lynda Kay of Llangollen Silver Band says she was totally astonished to discover that in the Llangollen Youth Band there are members of not one, but two sets of triplets.

Pictured here are Bethan and William Morris, who both play cornet and have recently been promoted to the Senior Band (brother Alex plays guitar), and Wilf Wort who plays euphonium and saxophone.

Wilf has recently quit band to concentrate on his A levels – good luck Wilf!

Brother George plays piano and brother Finn plays guitar, drums and flute.

* Bethan and William Morris with Wilf Wort.

 

Top bikers in Llan for British race final

* Ace rider Matt Simmonds burns up the track.

Over 300  of the UK’s top bike riders will be heading for Llangollen next weekend (September 22 and 23) for the final round of the British Downhill Series.

They will face a tough challenge on the steep and loose terrain and the all-new “Squirrel track” which is being introduced specially for the event.

The national series is widely regarded as the most prestigious in the world.

British riders are currently dominating the world cup scene in both the male and female categories.

Many of the UK’s fastest riders will be competing at Llangollen and will  provide some thrilling racing for spectators.

One of those in action will be Steve Peat, a downhill mountain bike legend who has more world cup podiums than any other rider in history and has now represented Great Britain in 20 World Championships.

Team Chain Reaction Cycles riders will again be fighting for the win with Matt Simmonds leading the way and hoping to win the elite series title.

Adam Brayton, the winner of Rd 3 and Rd 4 of the Halo BDS, will be looking to overtake Simmonds in the points and also take the title.

The Llangollen track is the steepest in the UK and is a high speed affair negotiating tight sections littered with drops and jumps before the riders descend into the finish field.

Live timing and commentating creates an exciting atmosphere.

It is free to come and spectate, with a race village and team pit area where you can see the riders, ask for signed autographs as well as a retail village for stocking up on bike parts, accessories, body armour, helmets and casual clothing.

The venue opens on Friday and practice takes place all day on Saturday with entertainment in the evening.

On Sunday riders have a short practice session before racing begins with a seeding run at 11 and the finals at 2.30pm.

Heading to Llangollen Pass through the village of Froncysllte and three miles later see the Llangollen Golf Club on the right below the road.

After the bends following the golf club, take a left turn approximately one mile before Llangollen on to Maesmawr Road. Follow the signs for Tyn Dwr Outdoor Activity Centre (UCLAN). Pass the entrance to UCLAN and the event field is half a mile further on.

Event location:

O/S Co-Ordinates are Grid Reference SJ 231 405 nearest postcode: LL20 8AR

About the Halo British Downhill Series

• 6 races per year through-out the UK

• An additional National Championships race

• Current World Champion is British

• 300+ riders at each round

• 1,500 + spectators at each round

• 2000+independent bike shops around the UK

• Family and youth appeal as well as participating sports fans

 

 

Church members' colourful harvest display

Members of the English Methodist Church in Llan worked hard to create this colourful display of produce and flowers for their Harvest Festival service this morning (Sunday).

They will have their annual harvest supper tomorrow (Monday) evening.

Dates for your diary ...

Calling walkers 

Denbighshire Countryside Services are aiming to establish a walking group in Llangollen.

They are looking for people to volunteer as walk leaders.

Those chosen would lead short walks in the area.

A training course is being held at Loggerheads Country Park on Thursday, September 20, from 9.45am-2.30pm.

To book, call Katrina Day on 01745 356197, or e-mail her at katrina.day@denbighshire.gov.uk

 

Perennials talk

Llangollen Gardening Club are hosting a talk entitled Perennials Throughout the Year by Dr Nicola Reynolds at the Hand Hotel on Tuesday, September 18, at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

 

Lifeboats event

The RNLI have a coffee morning at the Memorial Hall in Market Street, Llangollen, from 10am-noon on Tuesday, September 18.

Admission is 50p and the event offers tea and coffee along with the sale of bric-a-brac and RNLI Christmas cards and gifts.

For peace ...

Activities to mark Peace One Day will be held at the bandstand in Llangollen between noon and 2pm on Friday, September 21.

Wrexham plans warm welcome home for Olympic stars

 

Wrexham will welcome its London 2012 Olympians in style on September 28 with a free public celebration event on Llwyn Isa, the green in front of the Guildhall.

 

The WOW – Wrexham’s Olympic Winners event will see circus acts and sporting activities, music and song for all the family to enjoy.

 

The event will take place between 4.00 and 6.00 pm.

Two of Wrexham's Olympians, Tom James and Chris Bartley are able to attend the celebration being held in their honour and are looking forward to being back in Wrexham.

Wrexham's young sporting ambassadors and elite athletes have all been invited and will form a special guard of honour to escort the athletes to the Guildhall where they will receive a civic welcome by the Mayor before making an appearance on the balcony and taking a walk on the green.

A big screen will be set up on the green which will show footage of Wrexham's young athletes and of course highlights from the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics that have raised everyone's spirits these past few weeks.

Music and entertainment will be provided by Wrexham's Community Choir and Nofitstate circus who are making their first appearance in Wrexham for over 10 years.

Sporting clubs and associations from around the county borough will be providing demonstrations and tasters to encourage youngsters to take up a sporting activity.

Cllr Neil Rogers, Leader of Wrexham Council, said: "We want this event to be an occasion that everyone can enjoy and show their appreciation for the significant achievements of our three Olympians.

"The theme of the London 2012 Olympics was to inspire a generation and these athletes have certainly done that for young people in Wrexham.

"There are many clubs and associations in Wrexham that offer olympic sports' training such as swimming and fencing, tennis and gymnastics and we hope the London 2012 Olympics and the successes of Tom, Chris and Vicky will inspire them to want to achieve success in sports. Everyone will be welcome to enjoy the activities on the green and give a very warm Wrexham welcome to our returning Olympians."

All planned activities will be weather dependent. In the event of rain, some activities may be moved to an alternative location.

Travelling Troupe's town hall triumph

* The Travelling Troupe present a number from the musical Chicago. Picture by Barrie Potter.

Llangollen Operatic Society’s Travelling Troupe stopped travelling long enough to wow a home audience last night (Friday).

The group of strolling performers, which sings gigs around the region to raise money for the society, was presenting the first of two showcase evenings entitled Lost in Music.

The second comes tonight at the same venue, starting at 8pm – with tickets still available.

On the programme for both nights is a powerful selection of songs from some of the biggest shows around and a few other well-known belters that aren’t.

The entire 15-strong outfit got straight down to business by blasting out their interpretation of Masquerade from Phantom of the Opera before Simon Orton-Jones fronted the Anthem from Chess.

The full troupe – attired in their usual black with colourful trimmings – was back on stage to rattle out the intricate Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, then it was off to Chicago  where impressive soloist Tessa Orton-Jones told us what happens When You’re Good to Mama.

We stayed in Chicago while the ladies of the troupe Razzle Dazzled us and then gave us All That Jazz.

A switch in time, pace and geography conveyed us to Dickensian London where the throaty and magnificent Bill Hughes assumed the grisly mantle of Fagin to inform us he was Reviewing the Situation – leaving the stage afterwards to inform us that the kids in his thieves’ kitchen were “all for sale”. Nice atmospheric touch!

Quest for Camelot was the musical that was tabled next, with Helen Belton and Simon Orton-Jones giving us a poignant rendition of The Prayer.

The graphics department shone as bright as the singers in the next number – Gary Barlow’s Diamond Jubilee piece, Sing. 

A huge moving depiction of highlights from Elizabeth II’s reign flickered from a screen sunk into the backcloth as the full troupe augmented by kids from the operatic society’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, led us delightfully through the number.

It was then back over to the States for a medley by the full troupe from Guys & Dolls.

Everything was true to the original, right down to the authentic Nu Yoik accents.

From Manhattan in the 1930s it was a quick dart across time and the Atlantic to Paris in the 1840s for the next piece – I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables presented by the creamy-voiced Helen Belton.

We stayed with Lez Miz for the final three numbers – On My Own from super soprano Louisa Jones, Bring Him Home from the big-voiced Bill Hughes and One day More delivered with suitable verve by the entire troupe.

A marvellously entertaining evening thus came to a close - to the delight of a jam-packed town hall audience.

The whole thing was a credit to the on-stage performers and musical director Elen Mair Roberts and to the versatile four-member band that so faultlessly accompanied them.    

Don’t forget tickets are still available for tonight’s show at £8 and £5 concessions.

* The full troupe on stage for another powerful number. Picture by Barrie Potter. 

 

 

 

New plans to help the terminally ill in Wales

New plans to improve end of life care for terminally-ill patients and their families have been published.

Combining compassion with high quality care is at the centre of the plan.

Building on the achievements of the Palliative Care Implementation Board to strengthen existing services, the Welsh Government’s Together for Health – Delivering End of Life Care plan sets out how NHS Wales will improve inequalities in end of life care up to 2016.

Key aims of the plan include providing 24/7 support to all people entering the terminal phase of their illness and ensuring pain and symptoms are controlled. Access to appropriate support and symptom control must be the same wherever a person dies – at home, in hospital, in a care home or a hospice.
The plan also stresses that those who wish to be cared for, and to die at home, should be supported in this choice.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths, Assembly Member for Wrexham, said: "Everybody is affected by the death of a family member or friend who has gone through a final phase of illness. I want, as far as possible, to reduce the amount of distress in the terminal phase of illness for the patient and their family.
“Not only do people need rapid assessment and the best possible treatment, but they also need ongoing support and information about choices when treatment may no longer be effective.
“I want patients to have access to information to help them make decisions about their care and treatment so they have an element of control at the end of their life.
“The NHS must be committed to taking the lead, working with its partners in Wales to deliver this at every single stage of the patient’s journey. All NHS organisations in Wales will be required to publish an annual report on end of life services to enable the public to track progress.”
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff, Professor of Palliative Medicine, Cardiff University and Velindre NHS Trust, said: "I went into palliative care because I wanted to improve conditions for patients at the end of their life. When I was a junior doctor, palliative care was neglected, leaving patients and their families isolated and scared.
"Things have improved hugely since then, most recently thanks to the work of the Wales Palliative Care Implementation Board established in 2008. However, more can still be done to ensure good quality end of life and palliative care is readily available, universally.
"The plan published today shows a deep commitment on the part of the Welsh Government to improve end of life care across Wales for patients and their families."
Together for Health – Delivering End of Life Care sets out the requirements of the NHS in Wales and explains how success will be measured.

Mike Edwards' response to superstore approval story

llanblogger has received the following response from Mike Edwards, chair of Keep Llangollen Special, to our story earlier today about the Sainsbury foodstore/Cilmedw planning applications:

The original application by J Ross claimed there
would be 220 jobs created on the new D&C site, the 109 is what they employ
currently according to what we were told on a site visit.

The report provided to DCC by Roger Tym & Partners is fatally flawed
because:

1. It failed to take into consideration the new supermarket built in Cefn Mawr
by Tesco which is only 5 miles away from Llangollen and readily available to
people who commute to work in Wrexham, Chester or further afield;

2. It also refers to in a report dated June 2012 to Stan's super store having
been granted planning consent when in actual fact it had been trading since
February of this year:

The application for the new supermarket is NOT in accordance with Planning
Policy Wales(PPW) in terms of its affect on the vitality and
vibrancy of the Town Centre and fails the guidance on sustainability because it
will increase vehicle journeys and cause further congestion on the A5 which is
a main arterial tourist route through town.

DCC have been in favour of these applications from the word go and probably
because if they refuse them they are afraid that J Ross/Sainsbury's will use
their financial muscle and appeal the application and employ top planning
barristers to argue their case which a Local Authority are not able to match.
Is that a valid reason to approve the application and ruin Llangollen and turn
it into another Clone Town similar to the hundreds of others around the UK. You
only have to look at what has happened to Wrexham, Oswestry, Ruthin etc with
empty shops everywhere in their main streets.

Mike Edwards

 

Store and factory plans recommended for approval

* Dobson & Crowther factory on the A5 - site of the proposed Sainsbury's foodstore. 

llanblogger exclusive

County council officers are recommending members of Denbighshire’s planning committee to give the go-ahead to a controversial scheme for a new Sainsbury’s supermarket in Llangollen.

At its meeting next Wednesday, the committee is also being advised by its experts to grant a linked application to transfer the Dobson & Crowther envelope factory, on whose land the foodstore would be built, to a new site on farmland just up the road. 

Both plans have caused a deep rift in the community, with rival groups supporting or opposing them. 

Separate reports to the committee from the council’s head of planning and public protection Graham Boase detail the responses to consultation on the applications, which have both been submitted by Scott J Ross Developments. 

 

* The Cilmedw Farm site proposed for the new factory. 

Jobs claim

 

 

 

The supermarket scheme, which is claimed will create up to 109 full-time equivalent jobs, would mean a foodstore of 1,858 square metres being built on Dobson & Crowther’s four-acre site off Berwyn Street, the main A5 through the town. 

Objections to it have gone in to the council from organisations such as Llangollen Civic Society and the pressure group Keep Llangollen Special, which produced a DVD film outlining its views and organised online and on-paper petitions containing hundreds of names. 

Opposition has also been voiced by a total of 21 individuals. 

Main objections revolve around the adverse impact a new foodstore would have on local independent shops, its visual impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the creation of noise and extra traffic. 

The number of jobs to be created at the proposed store is also questioned by the objectors. 

Supporters of the scheme included 21 individuals and Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates. 

They sent in letters of support and a petition containing 347 signatures. 

Those in favour of it claim the store would fulfil Llangollen’s need for a “decent affordable place to shop without having to travel to Wrexham or Oswestry. 

They also point to the boost it would give to local employment. 

A number of interested organisations offered no objection, including the Town Council and Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism. 

Retail consultants acting for the council say that while there is a “qualitative” need for a new foodstore, they are unable to conclude there was a “quantitive” need and that it is “difficult to assess” whether the impact on local trade would warrant a refusal of permission. 

However, the consultants suggest conditions are imposed to prevent the store including a pharmacy, post office, dry cleaners and café. 

In his report, which recommends the application is granted, planning chief Mr Boase says there are limited technical grounds for opposing the development as conditions can be imposed to address issues such as traffic generation and ecology. 

He adds the council’s consultants have advised there are “no strong retail planning policy grounds” for refusal. 

Mr Boase says there are “recognisable gains” for the development of a foodstore to benefit the public and that the scheme has “clear employment benefits”.

One condition of granting the application would that the applicants would make a contribution of £10,000 towards the improvement of nearby Riverside Park. 

Also recommended for granting is the separate scheme to relocate the envelope factory to 3.3 acres of land at Climedw Farm just 500 metres along Berwyn Street. 

Again, this has attracted significant numbers of responses both for and against the plan, with backers claiming it would safeguard 100 jobs at the company, which is the largest employer in Llangollen, and opponents pointing out its encroachment on to greenbelt land. 

In his report to the committee Mr Boase says: “Whilst acknowledging the potential impact on visual, historic landscape and heritage interests, which may only be capable of partial mitigation through the imposition of planning conditions, it is respectfully suggested that the employment arguments should carry significant weight in this instance.” 

Both reports can be seen at:https://moderngov.denbighshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=183&MId=4557&Ver=4&LLL=0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local lensman leads photography course

Llan-based lensman Barrie Potter, who recently supplied a cracking picture of the canal marina to llanblogger, is to be tutor on an “Introduction to Digital Photography” course in Ruabon Library starting on Monday September 24 at 9.30 and running forn for 11 weeks. 

 

The course, organised by Yale College in the Community, is intended help you get to know the controls on your digital camera and then to transfer your photos to simple photo editing software on your computer.

 

So if you want to know what that strange looking button on your camera does, why not go along?

For more information and to enrol, phone the Yale College course hotline 01978 311794.

 

Meanwhile, here's another stunning local image by Barrie.

 

Further consultation on county housing plans

The Denbighshire Local Development Plan Examination process is still underway and the inspectors have requested that a further consultation be held on potential additional housing allocations, which will run for eight weeks from September 11 until November 6, 2012.

The inspectors in their note of findings (EXAM0111Q) have indicated that currently the Denbighshire LDP is likely to under-provide for housing needs across the county by around 1,000 houses. 

The council has agreed that further work can be carried out to identify additional housing sites that will make up this shortfall. 

These additional housing allocations together with a draft phasing policy relating to these sites are the sole subject of this consultation. Site plans, sustainability appraisal information and draft phasing policy are available at all the council’s One Stop Shops, libraries and on the Ccuncil’s website www.denbighshire.gov.uk/ldpexam

This consultation is open to all members of the public but restricted to the additional sites in question. Letters providing information have been sent to all those who have register an interest in the LDP, all town and community councils and your elected members.

Further hearing sessions are likely to be held in January 2013, the details of which will be available on the LDP Examination website (www.denbighshire.gov.uk/ldpexam), and from the Programme Officer, in due course.

The deadline for comments is Tuesday, November 6th. Written responses should be sent to Local Development Plan Consultation, Denbighshire County Council, Caledfryn, Smithfield Road, Denbigh, LL16 3RJ, by fax: 01824 706709 or e-mail: ldp@denbighshire.gov.uk

Railway steams ahead with modified Corwen scheme

 

 * View of Corwen East station with platform on the right.

 

Following a major review of the project the board of Llangollen Railway Trust says it has reluctantly concluded that, due to the present economic climate, it will not be possible to fund the proposed Phase 2 terminal station at Corwen in the foreseeable future without substantial grant aid.

However, it will go ahead with a modified Phase 1 scheme aimed at the early completion of a Corwen East station.  

The original proposal for the extension of the railway to Corwen envisaged a £4.6 million plan incorporating a terminal on the embankment adjacent to the town’s car park, to be part-funded from European Objective One funding for North Wales. 

However, following the acquisition of the Transport & Works Order for the Extension in 2010, it was revealed that the European Funding was no longer available for this project. 

A revised scheme, to be completed in two phases, was therefore agreed to allow some work to proceed.  

The first phase, estimated at £1.2m, to extend the track and provide for a temporary platform is part-funded by a £500,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government which has to be match funded by the Llangollen Railway Trust. 

Now, to allow steam trains to operate to Corwen on a regular basis, a run-round loop will be installed some 170 metres east of the platform on land which is available within the boundaries of the line.  

Llangollen Railway has the necessary turn-out point work to allow for such a loop line to be constructed. 

The four-coach train platform for Corwen East station will be constructed near to the end of the existing embankment.  

This revised location will be possible when Under Bridge 30 is removed and the track bed filled in after Denbighshire County Council has installed a larger culvert as part of improved flood control arrangements.  

This new location for the platform end ramp will provide for a graded access on to the entrance track for Welsh Water’s Corwen Sewerage works.  

It will dispense with the provision of a long three-staged access ramp and save the cost of an expensive item of infrastructure.  

Some form of portable building will be provided in this area as a temporary shelter for passengers and to offer basic facilities for railway staff. 

The Corwen East station will operate on the basis of a steam train arriving to disembark all passengers.

The empty train will propel backwards into the loop to allow the engine to ‘run round’. The train will then be propelled back into the station in readiness for the return journey. 

A similar facility was once provided at Berwyn in the early days of the railway’s restoration. 

It avoids the need to ‘top and tail’ trains with two locomotives, which is uneconomic. 

These arrangements will be a marked improvement on the earlier proposal that a shuttle service of trains would operate west of Carrog. 

Future Prospects 

The operation of regular steam trains at Corwen East station is seen as essential to the success of the project in attracting tourists to the west end of the line from the north and west market segment of North Wales.   

Increased passenger numbers attracted to Llangollen Railway will benefit the regeneration of Corwen as a centre, improve the railway’s viability and make the Dee Valley more environmentally accessible for visitors by use of the trains. 

The envisaged success of the new interim arrangements will support the case for the building of the terminal station and complex at Corwen, which remains the ultimate objective when external funding is available at some future date. 

Llangollen Railway Trust chairman, Jim Ritchie, said: “The revised scheme recognises the practicalities of the situation.  

“It is a realistic solution to the need to provide regular steam train services at Corwen sooner than waiting for the Phase 2 terminal to be delivered. 

“However, the additional work involved in implementing this option will mean some delay in completing Phase 1 work, such that steam trains will not operate until early 2014, subject to continued financial contributions towards completion of the track extension work.” 

The revised station location and operational arrangements have been outlined to representatives of the Corwen Business Association and Corwen Community Council who expressed themselves in favour of the scheme.

 

* View of the site of Corwen East station looking towards Corwen - platform to be located on the left.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspector allows appeal over Plas Derwen agreement

A GOVERNMENT  inspector has ruled that a building firm does not have to pay over a third of a million pounds to the county council in connection with the development of flats on land at Plas Derwen in Lllangollen. 

At an appeal hearing in Llangollen Town Hall on September 4, Belgrave Homes (Llangollen) claimed that because the original development of 20 apartments in Abbey Road is set to make a financial loss, an agreement – or obligation - it signed with Denbighshire County Council in 2006 to make cash contributions towards affordable housing and public open space in the town no longer serves a useful purpose.

But the council argued that the sums covered by the Section 106 Agreement - £226,432 for affordable housing and £47, 526 for open space making a total of  £273,958, indexed to £334,683 up until last April - should still be payable. 

The hearing was presided over on behalf of the Welsh Government by inspector Emyr Jones and took evidence from both sides.

Mr Jones has now published his decision, which rules the obligation no longer serves a useful purpose.

In his official statement he says the development has incurred “substantial losses” in excess of £3 million, with apartments being sold at prices which “fall well short of recovering acquisition and construction costs”.  

This, says the inspector, is predominantly as a result of the site being purchased at the height of the housing boom and the subsequent dramatic fall in property values.  

He adds: “The appellants are a single purpose company who state that their only asset is the ground rent from the development which is valued at around £60-70,000.  

“The council does not challenge the appellants’ financial information, but its hearing statement suggests that there is a reasonable prospect of obtaining the sums due if the obligation is not discharged. 

“Nevertheless, the appellants are not in a position to pay these sums and the bank, which has to bear the bulk of the above loss, is not going to make any additional payments on its own volition. 

“Neither is it likely to enter into possession of the site as a mortgagee given that the value of the asset would be significantly less than any legal charges running with the land.” 

Allowing Belgrave Homes’ appeal, he said: “In the above circumstances, I am of the view that there is no real prospect of the council recovering the commuted sums and its principal solicitor accepted that the chances of so doing were slim.  

“As a result, adopting a pragmatic approach, it can be concluded that the obligation no longer serves a useful purpose.”

 

*       The Planning Inspectorate in encouraging people to complete a survey giving feedback on its administrative process and the inspector’s decision. It can be downloaded from https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PostDecisionQ  Quote Appeal Ref: APP/R6830/Q/12/2175832; Site address: Plas Derwen, Abbey Road, Llangollen

 

Rogue trader warning goes out

Following a number of rogue trader incidents in recent weeks, North Wales Police in partnership with Conwy and Denbighshire Trading Standards are advising local residents and businesses to be on their guard.

The incidents reported include residents that are approached by traders claiming that work is required on their property and that they will carry out the work immediately. On other occasions the trader will suggest they are carrying out road repairs and can also tarmac the residents / businesses drive at a price. They can be quite persistent.

Residents/businesses are sometimes convinced to get the work done because it can be completed reasonably quickly.

A police spokesman said: "We would advise that if they are approached in a similar way, to contact traders who have worked for them previously, have worked on property for friends and family or have a good reputation and ask if the work really is required and get additional quotations."

Ian Millington and John Donnelly of Conwy& Denbighshire Trading Standards have this joint message: "By providing advice to local residents of what to be aware of and the way in which potential rogue traders operate, we are hoping to reduce the number of incidents of crime that occur.

 

"A lot of partnership work has been done over the last few years to reduce doorstep crime, including rogue trader patrols with North Wales Police and the implementation of cold calling controlled zones. We want this partnership work to continue in stopping bogus callers and cowboy traders."

Inspector Tony Latham of North Wales Police, said: "If residents experience a cold call or think they have been approached by a rogue trader they should record as many details about the caller as possible including vehicle registration numbers and call police on 101 or the Citizens Advice Customer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or for the Welsh Language Service 08454 04 05 05. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Taste of success for young entrepeneur

A young entrepreneur from Llangollen is helping to introduce Welsh food to our English neighbours with help from the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Plan.

 

 

* Owen Dawson of Artisan Foods.

 

Owen Dawson set up Artisan Foods only a few months ago, and can already count Eurospar among his growing customer base.

 

As well as a solid list of loyal Welsh customers, the 30 year old is starting to see more and more interest in Welsh produce from customers from over the border in areas such as Cheshire and Shropshire.

 

Artisan Foods is a wholesale company distributing delicatessen and speciality Welsh produce. It is based in Ruthin and will distribute to around a 70 mile radius.

 

When starting up, Owen took advantage of help from the Denbighshire Enterprise Bursary.

 

The bursary is funded by rural development agency Cadwyn Clwyd as part of their ambitious £3.6 million regeneration programme for rural Denbighshire throughthe European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) through the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Plan.

 

The business received a £2,000 grant which helped to pay for equipment, storage space and marketing.

 

Owen said: "I saw that there was a gap in the market with plenty of people producing top quality produce and also a rising amount of retailers wanting to sell it, but there weren’t many distributors willing to take it from the one to the other.

 

"At this point, the business is where I hoped it would be, and I’m enjoying the responsibility that comes with being your own boss. My success and failures are based purely on the decisions I make, and building my business from scratch and seeing it grow has been very rewarding so far.

 

"At the moment I’m very focussed on taking Welsh produce over the border, I am seeing a growing demand for Welsh food in England, because although the food is still locally produced, it’s that little bit different to what is usually on the shelves in English outlets."

 

As work increases, Owen is making plans to take on staff to lighten the growing load that comes with the pressures of his successfully blossoming distribution business.

 

Alun Davies, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, has recently established a group to look at the new Rural Development Plan programme for 2014-20.

 

The Deputy Minister said: "Success stories such as Artisan Foods show just how important the Rural Development Plan is for Wales. I am pleased to see how RDP investment can make a real positive difference, not only to individuals, but also to the wider economy during difficult financial times.

 

"I am determined to continue to provide the best possible outcomes from the opportunities that come with forming the new RDP.

 

"I will explore all possibilities and options, and to build on the valuable work that is already being delivered under the current plan."

A taste of Castell Dinas Bran - 13th century style

* Members of the Cwmwed Ial group battle it out. 

Medieval re-enactment group Cwmwd Iâl will be camped just below Castell Dinas Brân, on the area known locally as the Pancake, over the weekend of September 22 and 23.

Between 11am and 4pm each day the group will be living life as it was at around the time that Castell Dinas Brân was built.

Visitors can find out about the sort of things they ate, their clothes, healing and warfare as well as watch set piece battles on the hillside.

"It will really bring the Castle to life," said county archaeologist Fiona Gale.

"Castell Dinas Brân was built in the 13^thcentury by the local Welsh princes and was a very grand home as well as strong fortification. Cwmwd Iâl will fire up our imagination and gives us an idea of day to day life for the people of the castle."

Denbighshire Countryside staff will be on hand as well. 

A modern marquee will have fun children’s activities and information about the local area, part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to a World Heritage Site.

There will be walks up to the Castle from The Pancake throughout the day (12 noon, 2pm and 4pm) to find out about the history and biodiversity of the castle itself and to look at the work that has gone on to ensure the castle remains standing and easy to access….at least as easy as it can be on top of a steep hill!

The best way to see the re-enactors is to park in Llangollen and walk up from the town.

The way will have extra signage for the weekend to help you get there.

Or you could use the Llangollen Lift at 10 am and 1 pm from Parade Street in town.

Ros Stockdale, regional routes warden, said: "It will take you to the Eglwyseg side of the Castle, then you can walk around the castle, which is a pleasant walk of about three quarters of a mile through woodland - and best of all, relatively flat!"

For further information contact Denbighshire Countryside Staff on O1352 810614 or 01978 869615.

Don't miss Troupe's showcase gigs

* The Travelling Troupe are in action again this weekend. 

Fresh from their success at Barmouth Arts Festival last weekend, Llangollen Operatic Society’s Travelling Troupe are getting ready to wow a home audience at their two showcase evenings this Friday and Saturday.

The troupe, which tours the region staging gigs to raise cash for society funds, was in Barmouth to give an exclusive performance at the town’s Dragon Theatre as part of the local arts festival.

The festival organiser has just been in touch with society chairman Mike Jones to say: “Please convey to all concerned my thanks for a very good performance here in Barmouth.

“The feedback from the audience was all positive.

“Personally, I was impressed by the performance, the musicians who were excellent, and the sound man, who didn’t deafen everyone, and the total organisation of it all.”

The troupe’s two showcase evenings this Friday and Saturday, entitled “Lost in Music”, will take place at Llangollen Town Hall.

They will feature a myriad of medleys and numbers, ranging from opera to rock.

Tickets, which include a glass of wine and some cheese, are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, or Jades Hair & Beauty at £8 and £5 concessions, or by e-mailing Troupe@llangollen-operatic.co.uk