Endowment fund for local groups launched

 * At the launch of the new fund at Ruthin Craft Centre are, from left, Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire, Tom Barham from the Community Foundation in Wales, Councillor Jeanette Chamberlain Jones (chair of Denbighshire), Hywyn Williams, Corporate Director - Communities Denbighshire County Council and Lisa Kellett, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation in Wales.

Community and charitable groups in Llangollen and the rest of Denbighshire are being invited to bid for a share of a new £280,000 endowment fund.

The Denbighshire Community Endowment Fund will award around £10,000 in education grants each year.

The funding comes from dormant funds identified by the county council, which has asked the Community Foundation in Wales to identify how the cash can be used locally.

The foundation will work with local people to advise on grant making decisions, and support the education of young people.

The fund will provide a long-term source of funding for community and charitable groups across the county and will gather donations from people wishing to top it up.

Grants will be made under five broad themes - enabling young people and promoting education, enterprise and lifelong learning; building cohesion and confidence in communities; improving physical and mental health; nurturing heritage and culture and protecting our environment.

Liza Kellett, chief executive of the Community Foundation in Wales, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council.

“By working together, we can make sure that the funding is targeted effectively but we also the fund to grow so more local groups can benefit in the future.

“We invite people living in the county to consider gifting a donation to their communities. Local giving for local action really does make a difference.”

Councillor Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: "In an exercise to review the education budget line by line, we realised that we had 57 dormant charitable funds, some of them small.

“The total fund value amounted to about £280k. Making much better use of such a substantial fund is critically important to us, and leaving such funds dormant was not an option.

"When we were contacted by the Community Foundation in Wales, we became really enthusiastic about contributing the monies to create this education -focussed fund for Denbighshire.

“We now have a very good way forward, the money available is going to be invested well, funding will be released to just causes within our communities, and that will, hopefully, reap benefits to our residents, now and for years to come.”

Anyone interested in donating to the fund should phone the Community Foundation in Wales on 02920 536 590.or visit WWW.CFIW.ORG.UK

AM pledges to fight mental health stigma

CLWYD South Assembly Member Ken Skates has pledged to help tackle the stigma over mental health as the Welsh Labour Government launched a ground-breaking new initiative.

The new cross-departmental strategy - “Together for Mental Health” – gives a commitment to support patients “from cradle to the grave.”

* Ken Skates AM

Welsh Government figures currently show:

· One in four adults will have mental health problems or illness at some stage of their lives.

· One in 10 children between the ages of five and 16 has a mental health problem.

· One in six people over 80 years old will have memory problems, such as dementia.

The Strategy is focused around six high level outcomes and is supported by a Delivery Plan.

Mr Skates,  who also chairs the Assembly’s All Party Group on Mental Health, said: “Mental illnesses, particularly depression and anxiety, affect thousands of people across Wales yet there is still a taboo about addressing it. Many people still feel alone and dejected about mental health issues but the truth is there are many places to turn to.

“It’s imperative that patients get the right treatment to make sure they can not only manage their illness but hopefully recover fully and this new strategy will aid that.

“Together for Mental Health is aimed at giving a continuous and seamless care ‘from cradle to the grave’ and that’s exactly what is needed to help vulnerable people regardless of their age or social background.”

Welsh Labour’s Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “One in four people will experience mental illness at some point in their lives. This can be triggered by bereavement, a trauma or even constantly worrying about money. In these days of financial austerity, we need to have more resilience to deal with the everyday pressures we face.

"Together for Mental Health is our commitment to do all we can to ensure we help people in Wales enjoy good mental health and wellbeing and those with mental ill-health are given all the support possible to recover and lead fulfilling lives.”

Clocks back reminder

Don't forget that British Summer Time ends at 1am tomorrow (Sunday) morning, so put your clocks BACK by one hour.

Anti-dog fouling teams to hit the streets

XFOR, the company contracted to carry out environmental enforcement for Denbighshire County Council, has now recruited six new enforcement staff who will take on the battle to rid local streets of dog mess and litter.

The team will be kitted out with video cameras to patrol hotspot areas on the lookout for anyone who fails to clean up after their dog or throws litter on the street.

* Llangollen's anti-dog fouling poster. 

Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, Councillor David Smith, said: “Dog fouling and littering are two of the most common complaints we receive here in Denbighshire. It was highlighted in our latest resident’s survey as one of the most pressing issues in communities.

“Not only is dog fouling a health hazard, it blights the environment in communities across the authority and now is the time to tackle the issue robustly.

“We will be looking to engage with communities, educate people on the need to clear up after their dogs and make it much easier for people to report through a freephone number and social media as well as the more traditional methods of making a complaint.”

Gary Lincoln-Hope, CEO at XFOR said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Denbighshire to combat problems with littering and dog fouling.  “XFOR LAS is now providing two teams to patrol the streets, issuing fixed penalty notices for offences.

“These experienced officers are supported by our back office teams as necessary. We have been welcomed by the council and the local community, and look forward to making robust FPN enforcement more practicable for the council. Most importantly, this partnership will have a measurable impact on the cleanliness of Denbighshire's streets."

The appointment of XFOR will not cost the authority anything but the firm will take a percentage of what they receive from issuing fixed penalty notices. In the coming weeks, Denbighshire will be producing flyers, guides, posters and postcards to be distributed through all council reception areas, libraries, schools, veterinary surgeries, supermarkets, Town and Community Councils, tenants associations, leisure centres and tourist information centres.

Cllr Smith added: “We hope residents will get fully behind this campaign and help reduce this anti-social behaviour once and for all, ensuring Denbighshire is one of the cleanest greenest counties in Wales.”

To report problems with dog fouling, please telephone the Council’s Customer Contact Centre, on 01824 706100 (Welsh language) or 01824 706101.

News from Llan Operatic Society ...

Festive Frolics

Rehearsals are now in full swing for “Festive Frolics”, which is due to be staged in the Town Hall on Tuesday 11^th December. The evening is guaranteed to put you in the mood for seasonal celebrations with a programme featuring traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, humorous poems and monologues, and well loved carols that everyone is welcome to join in with. Tickets are £5.00 per person, including a glass of wine and a mince pie, and will be available from the Tourist Information Centre shortly.

If you would like a taste of what the evening has in store, why not come and see us perform on the library steps during the Town Festival on Saturday 24^th November. Alternatively if you fancy joining us on stage, come along to a rehearsal on Tuesday evening at 19:30 in our studio, off Castle Street or e-mail Membership@llangollen-operatic.co.uk for more details.

Anything Goes

The senior section is delighted to announce that their annual production for 2013 will be “Anything Goes” by Cole Porter. The Society first performed this maritime musical 14 years ago and many of the original cast will be taking to the stage once more. Set in the 1930s, this upbeat show tells of madcap antics aboard the ocean liner SS American on its journey from New York to London. Recognisable numbers from the show include the title song “Anything Goes”, “I get a kick out of you” and “It’s de-lovely”.

The show will be produced by Sue Cheshire and directed by Christine Ashworth with Greg Williams as Musical Director. Rehearsals for anyone interested in auditioning for a principal role will be held on Tuesday 30th October and Sunday 4th November in the studio at 19:30, with auditions on Sunday 11^th November.

We are always on the lookout for new members so if you would be interested in coming along to join us in an acting or non acting capacity, please e-mail Membership@llangollen-operatic.co.uk for further details. We would be particularly interested to hear from anyone who has experience with designing and making costumes, set building and painting and the sourcing and organisation of props.

Travelling Troupe News

The Troupe would like to thank everyone who supported their showcase event “Lost in Music” on 14^th and 15^th September in the Town Hall. The event was enjoyed by all involved and the feedback from the audience was excellent. A profit in the region of £800 was generated for Society funds.

Man plucked to safety from raging river

 

Llanblogger exclusive

 

 

 

* Enmergency services gather on the bridge.

 

 

 

* The stranded man speaks on his mobile.

 

 

 

* Firefighters prepare to make their rescue attempt.

 

* The man is brought ashore by the rescue team.

Llanblogger was at the scene when emergency services plucked a stranded canoeist to safety from an island in the middle of a raging River Dee in Llangollen early this evening.

Crowds of onlookers lined the bridge and the platform of the nearby station to watch a team of firefighters specially trained in water rescue inch their way out to the man across the fast-flowing river before helping him into an inflatable boat and winching him ashore.

The man, who did not appear to be wearing a wetsuit and seemed to be clad in black trousers and anorak with the hood raised over his face, was seen speaking to a police officer before leaving the scene.

The drama began just after 4pm when fire appliances, police cars and an ambulance raced to the bridge with sirens sounding and blue lights flashing.

They were accompanied by a Land Rover marked Edale Mountain Rescue but they do not appear to have taken any part in the rescue.

The man, who was holding a metal paddle, was stranded precariously on an island half way across the river, with water sweeping past on either side of him.

For most of the time he was stranded he appeared to be talking to someone on a mobile phone.

Around 4.30pm a fire service boat rescue team, which is based on Deeside, began entering the water from a point just downstream of the ancient bridge.

Using safety lines they waded carefully across the river until they reached another small island from where one of the firefighters carried a line across to the patch of rock where the man was standing.

The team’s bright yellow inflatable boat was then hauled across and the man was helped into it by other members of the team who had by now also crossed over to him.

The boat, with two firefighters and the rescued man on board, was then pulled back to the bank by safety line.  

As he walked up the steps to the roadway he was seen speaking to a police officer before leaving the area.

The ambulance which was standing by on the bridge was not needed as it is understood the man suffered no injuries.

Emergency services then dispersed at around 5.30pm.

For the duration of the drama police controlled traffic driving across the bridge which led to some minor congestion on Castle Street, which is the main shopping street, and both main roads – the A5 and A539 – leading up to the bridge.

Tourists in town for the weekend had a grandstand view of events from the bridge and also from the platform of nearby Llangollen Station, which was packed with people for an appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine.    

Top doc's advice to beat the bug

Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ruth Hussey, is asking people to follow simple steps if they have symptoms of a seasonal sickness bug.

 

Following a number of isolated incidents on wards across Wales, Dr Hussey is urging people to use common sense if they become unwell.

 

Sge said: "The sickness and diarrhoea bug, which can be caused by Norovirus in some patients, normally lasts between 24 and 60 hours, though symptoms tend to ease after two days.

 

"People can, in most cases, self-medicate. Take paracetamol to relieve symptoms of any fever and aches, and drink plenty of water to replace the fluids lost through diarrhoea and vomiting. This prevents dehydration.

 

"To reduce the risk of passing the virus onto others, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food, and don’t share towels or flannels.

 

"If you think you have a seasonal diarrhoea and vomiting bug, stay at home and don't go to the doctor, because it is contagious and there is nothing the doctor can do while you have it.

 

"Seek advice online or by telephone from NHS Direct, or speak to a pharmacist. However, contact your GP to seek advice if your symptoms last longer than a few days or if you already have a serious illness.

 

"Outbreaks in busy places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools are not uncommon because the virus can survive for several days on surfaces or objects touched by an infected person.

 

"To help prevent the spread of the bug hospitals may restrict visiting to affected areas. If you already have sickness or diarrhoea, please do not visit.”

 

If you have concerns about your health, call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or visit the Choose Well web site. You can also download the Choose Well app.

Warning over Llangollen thefts

Sergeant Paul Hughes, of Llangollen and Corwen Neighbourhood Engagement Team, is appealing for residents to secure their property.

He said: "Llangollen, Corwen and surrounding areas have suffered a number of thefts from sheds, unoccupied premises and vehicles over the last week, most occurring overnight.

 

"While these kinds of offences remain infrequent within our area, I urge local residents to ensure that property is secure and that gates and sheds are fitted with robust locks.

“With the onset of the dark evenings we need to be extra vigilant. If properties have security lighting, please ensure that it is maintained and checked regularly. I would suggest that owners consider post coding their property, especially bicycles, power tools and electrical equipment and to record details of serial numbers, which can assist in the retrieval of stolen property.

"Officers are continuing to target offenders, but I would appeal to members of the public that should they see or hear anything suspicious, to call us at the time.

“If residents believe they are witnessing criminal activity please make a note of any vehicle details and descriptions of the people involved, and contact us on 101 for non emergencies or 999 if they think that their or neighbouring properties are under threat at the time.

“We are fully committed to making this area an even safer place in which to live and work. To discuss these matters further with the neighbourhood engagement team in the Llangollen and Corwen area, please find our contact details on the North Wales Police website under Your Neighbourhood.

“All officers working in your particular area are highlighted accordingly."

Police hope Halloween goes with a BANG

With celebrations for Halloween and Bonfire Night fast approaching, North Wales Police are once again joining forces with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to ask people to‘Be a Nice Guy’ with Operation BANG.

North Wales Police has a responsibility to keep its communities safe and by working with other key partners, we are able to promote key messages through the ‘Be a Nice Guy’initiative. It has been identified that this approach, along with targeted diversionary activities which engage young people in fun and entertaining events, can be very effective in ensuring that everyone can enjoy themselves safely.

Throughout North Wales a variety of Halloween and Bonfire activities, which are being organised by Local Policing Teams, will be taking place to engage with young people. These activities have received financial support from the Arson Reduction Team, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service and North Wales Police in partnership with the Police and Community Trust (PACT).

Over the next three weeks, posters – one welcoming Trick or Treaters and the other asking callers to move on– will be distributed to vulnerable residents by Local Policing Teams across the force area.

Shopkeepers are also being encouraged not to sell flour and eggs to children in the days running up to the 31^st October, and the teams will also be distributing posters to retailers throughout the area.

School Community Police Officers throughout North Wales will also be talking to young people about how their behaviour can affect others after all, not everyone wants to join in the Halloween celebrations. They will also be reminding them to keep them selves safe if they go out trick or treating and will be distributing specially made bookmarks and postcards which contain advice.

“Local policing teams across North Wales are working closely with their communities to ensure that those who want to have fun on Halloween can do so without causing upset to others,” said North Wales Police Deputy Chief Constable Ian Shannon.

“Although lots of people enjoy this time of year, unexpected knocks at the door throughout the evening can cause some people distress.”

“By placing a sign in the window people will know that particular resident’s preference. Hopefully this will be respected and those who would rather keep their doors closed on Halloween night will not be disturbed.”

He added: “We wish for everyone to have a safe and happy Halloween, but would like to remind people to have fun responsibly rather than disturbing others.”

Police and partner organisations are taking a proactive approach and in conjunction with the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, leaflets containing advice and information regarding fireworks are also being distributed.

Mr Shannon added: “We know the majority of people enjoy this time of year sensibly and we are not out to spoil their fun but unfortunately there is a minority who are intent on causing problems and use Bonfire Night as an excuse to commit crime and act anti-socially.

“We will be working in partnership with other agencies to keep people safe and make sure an exciting and enjoyable period is not tarnished by the minority. To ensure the safety of all, we would also encourage residents to attend organised firework displays, which will be well publicised in the local press prior to November 5^th.”

Gareth Griffiths, Senior Fire Safety Manager for the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Every year, countless people are badly injured and burnt in the run up to the bonfire season when lighting bonfires and setting off fireworks. Organised community events in North Wales definitely provide the best value for money for entertainment and also ensure that families no longer need to risk the dangers of back garden bonfire and fireworks parties.

“It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of eighteen years old. Many types of fireworks are banned from sale to the public. Throwing fireworks in a public place is also illegal – a fine of up to £5000 awaits anyone convicted.”

Anyone wanting a Trick or Treating Yes/No poster can contact a member of their local team by calling 101 or by downloading a poster from here

Top tips for Trick-or-Treaters:

• Young children should always go trick or treating with an appropriate adult
• Plan your route and let people know where you are
• Do not take short cuts
• Make sure you stay in areas that are well lit with street lamps, and take a torch with you
• Never go into a stranger’s house
• Do not knock on doors where a ‘No Trick or Treat’ sign is visible
• Don’t talk to strangers on the street
• Be careful not to frighten vulnerable people, especially the elderly
• Be safe, be seen. Ensure you are always visible; it may be a good idea to wear reflective tape on your costume
• Look carefully before crossing the road
• Remember that throwing eggs and flour at property is classed as criminal damage - and the police will deal with all incidents of anti-social behaviour accordingly
• And finally…..be polite on Halloween night

Hospital campaigners lobby health board members

* KLHS campaigners lobby health board memb ers earlier today.

Members of Keep Llangollen Health Services (KLHS) campaign group today (Thursday) attended the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board meeting in Wrexham to lobby members, arguing the case for Llangollen Hospital.

They handed leaflets to each board member on arrival and discussed the proposals with them.

 

The board’s vice chair Dr Lyndon Miles and director of primary, community and mental health services Geoff Lang came out to discuss the proposals with the campaigners.

Mabon ap Gwynfor, of KLHS, said: “This was an opportunity to lobby board members directly. We gave them plain and simple leaflets, which set out what the board is proposing using their own words and what our concerns were.

“The board’s document, Health Care in North Wales is Changing, has only one page on Llangollen, and in it they only make two promises – the first is that the GP surgery will move to a new primary care centre and the other is that the hospital will close, losing our nurse-led minor injuries unit and the hospital beds. Everything else is up in the air with no guarantees or certainties.

“It says a new centre ‘could be completed by 2015’ but this is subject to a successful bid for money which is currently unavailable, planning permission, finding an appropriate site and all sorts of other uncertainties that the board has no control over. It then goes on to say that minor injuries services may be provided by GPs.

 

“This isn’t good enough as we are facing losing what is currently a nurse-led minor injuries service.

 

"Will the GPs have the resources to carry out minor injuries services as well as their regular surgery work?

 

"Then finally the document says care in a community-based bed should be provided from local care homes, but we know that there is not enough beds in the Dee Valley. In addition, care homes are not required to meet the same clinical standards as the NHS, let alone the questions about who is expected to pay for this private service.

“It was very revealing that Mr Lang could not give any guarantees that the funding needed for the health centre would be in place.

 

"That’s a huge concern given the capital funding cuts the Welsh Government has already seen and it’s unlikely to improve significantly in the coming years under the present regime.”

The consultation is coming to an end on October the 28. Anybody wishing to contribute can do so online at www.bcuhbjointhedebate.wales.nhs.uk emailjointhedebate@wales.nhs.uk or send comments on a letter to Join The Debate, BCU Health Board, Freepost RSZZ-SGXY-TSEZ, LL17 0JA.

Documents behind controversial plans now online

* The Dobson & Crowther site where permission has been given for the
supermarket to be built 

The official documents behind the granting of permission to two controversial planning applications in Llangollen are now available for public inspection.

They relate to the scheme to build a new supermarket on the site of the Dobson & Crowther printworks off the A5 and the related plan to relocate the factory to farmland at nearby Climedw.

Ian Weaver, Denbighshire County Council's principal planning officer, has written to local campaigner Martin Crumpton to say: "You will be aware that, having regard to the submissions, representations received, and the planning issues, Denbighshire County Council's Planning Committee resolved to GRANT planning permission for the applications proposing development of a foodstore on the existing Dobson and Crowther site, and for a replacement print works on land at Cilmedw, Llangollen, on September 19th.

"The County Council has now issued the Certificates of Decision on the applications. The Certificates can be viewed on the Council's website."

Reference numbers of applications are:

03/2012/0029
Erection of new print works building, with associated car parking, servicing, and related accesses, construction of substation, new package treatment plant and soakaways, surface water attenuation system, and new vehicular and pedestrian accesses off trunk road
Land at Cilmedw, Llangollen.

03/2012/0030
Demolition of existing printing works, erection of Use Class A1 foodstore with associated access, parking, servicing, landscaping, surface water attenuation system, and construction of new vehicular and pedestrian accesses
Berwyn Works, Llangollen.

The county council website and planning section is at http://planning.denbighshire.gov.uk/lg/plansearch.page?org.apache.shale.dialog.DIALOG_NAME=gfplanningsearch&Param=lg.Planning

Feed the reference numbers into the search field and the documents should be available.

Society goes on trial over ageism

Society will be put on trial on a charge of ageism at a special court hearing being staged in Denbighshire later today (Thursday, October 25).

The mock trial is being arranged by Denbighshire County Council Older People's Team as part of the No Limits! Don't Stop Me Know' event being held at Denbigh Town Hall.

The event, which aims to promote activities for the over 50s, is being supported by Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council and Age Concern North Wales Central.

The court hearing will have defendants accused of ageism and they will face questions from real barristers and a high court judge that are giving their time to support the event.

Expert witnesses will be called to assist in making the event realistic.

A range of other activities will be arranged during the day, including hand massage, a smoothie bike for you to get peddling to create their own healthy smoothie, speed dating for the over 50s, information stands and activities from the Welsh Judo Association.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Social Care and Children's Services, said: "In Denbighshire, we have one of the highest populations of older people in Wales which means that we need to adapt what we have on offer. Older people are living longer, they want to stay independent for longer and as a result, their needs are changing.

"We want to change attitudes towards getting older and events like this really show that life does begin at 50."

Spotlight falls on Trevor Basin tourist scheme

* An artist’s impression of how the finished scheme would look.

* Panels outlining the Trevor Basin scheme were set up in the foyer
at Llangollen Library. 

ORGANISERS of an exhibition showcasing a £100,000 scheme to enhance the visitor experience around Trevor Basin say it was given a warm reception in Llangollen last Friday.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Steering Group are currently carrying out a public consultation exercise into its ambitious scheme to develop a new visitor centre at the canal basin to encourage visitors to explore further into the surrounding World Heritage Site.

It says it is envisaged that a visitor centre would become the “central anchor” for the site, which over the summer hit the international headlines when the Olympic torch passed over the aqueduct aboard a narrow boat.

It says a number of sites have been considered and one has now been identified as being the most able to provide the visitor “offer” envisaged.

The group is also looking into the feasibility of re-opening part or all of the Plas Kynaston Canal from Trevor, possibly as far as Cefn Mawr.

However, the group stresses all the proposals are long term and depend on the development of the former Flexsys site nearby.

The exhibition which came to Llangollen Library last Friday aimed to gauge public opinion on the scheme and has already toured other venues in the 11-mile World Heritage Site Corridor, including Chirk and Cefn Mawr.

Panels containing a wide range of information on the scheme, including plans and artist’s impressions, were set up in the library foyer and copies of documents and a CD explaining the whole project were available to pick up.

Interested members of the public were able to write their comments on post-it notes which could be stuck on a map of the World Heritage Site, or fill in questionnaires which can be handed in at Tourist Information Centres in Llangollen or Wrexham before the consultation closing date of November 16.

A spokesman for the group said: “We had tremendous support for the exhibition from the people visiting Llangollen Library and there were some very positive comments.”

A separate consultation event is planned for the local community of Chirk Bank and Western Rhyn on Monday, November 12.


 

Band delights festival crowds

* The band in action at the festival.

Llangollen Band had a warm reception from the crowd when it played at last weekend's food festival at the International Pavilion.
 
A band spokeswoman said: "The sun shone brightly at the end of a week of summer mysteriously out of place in October, and cherished all the more for that. 

"Conductor Trevor Williams was so delighted with the weather that he requested the organisers to arrange his holidays for next year..! 

"The festival was packed with visitors and the band played in front of the pavilion to an enthusiastic crowd making the most of the warmth, the food and the music.   

"A little bit of heaven for all the senses!"

Appeal for witnesses to fatal crash

Shortly after 7.00pm last night, Monday 22^nd October 2012 emergency services were called to the scene of a two vehicle road traffic collision on the A541 Wrexham to Mold Road close to the end of the dual carriageway adjacent to the Plas Teg Estate. The collision involved a silver BMW series 3 motor vehicle travelling in the direction of Mold and a silver Ford Ka travelling in the opposite direction.

As a result of the collision the driver of the Ford Ka, a local woman in her 30’s received fatal injuries and passed away a short time later at Wrexham hospital. Tragically the woman was pregnant and despite efforts made at the scene her unborn child could not be saved.

The driver of the BMW, who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has since been released on bail whilst the investigation continues.

The officer leading the Investigation Sergeant Jane Thomas of the Roads Policing Unit said “I’d like to hear from anyone who was travelling along the A541 Road in Pontbyddyn yesterday evening and may have witnessed the collision to contact the Police. At this time the lady’s family are being supported by a specialist family liaison officer. As you can imagine they are devastated. This is a tragic incident which will have shaken the local community and I would ask that if you have any information that may assist our investigation that you contact Police immediately.

If you have any information about the collision North Wales Police can be contacted on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote incident N175772.

New health centre could cost millions more than planned claim campaigners

* Accessing the River Lodge site could add millions to the cost of building a new health centre, claim campaigners. 

Providing a new health centre to replace closure-threatened Llangollen Cottage Hospital will cost millions of pounds more than the health board’s current estimate.

That is the claim of the campaign group battling to keep health services in the town if the hospital shuts down as proposed by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

Last Saturday members of the group Keep Llangollen Health Services lobbied politicians going into the annual food festival at the Pavilion and claimed to have gained support from all the area’s four Assembly Members for their aim of keeping the hospital open until its replacement is up and running.

Other protests are now planned, says the group.

Most likely location for the new health centre is the site of the derelict River Lodge in Mill Street.

A researcher from the group who has been checking into concerns about its access off the busy A539 road said: “We know that Mill Street, where the A road from Trefor is too narrow to be an A road and becomes a B road for a short distance, will have to be widened to comply with planning law for the River Lodge redevelopment as a new Health Centre, and that will involve compulsory purchase of a number of large building such as the Upper Dee Mill, adding around £2m-£3m to the estimated £5.5m cost of building the Hospital’s replacement.

“This does not look like value for money, and represents a downgrading – or elimination – of vital local health services.”

Using a Land Registry search, the group has also been trying to clear up confusion over the ownership of the Cottage Hospital building.

And its researcher claims:  “Betsi Cadwaladr has title to the hospital, Dol Afon [the large Victorian house adjacent currently on the market], and the small car park almost opposite.

“Consequently, reversion to the Vivod Estate won’t happen, as there’s no covenant on the hospital, despite the rumours.

“We also have no guarantee that when these assets are sold, the money will benefit the town, so it will probably go into BCUHB’s general pool.”

The group now has its own Facebook page at Save Llangollen Hospital Beds and a website at http://llangollenhospitalcampaign.wordpress.com/

Free food safety session for businesses

A free food safety advice session for businesses is to be held in Llangollen early next month.

The event in Llangollen Library, Y Capel, Castle Street, will be held on Tuesday, November 6, from 2 - 5.30pm.

It is one of a series of similar sessions being staged across Denbighshire and Conwy during November.

The drop-in sessions are being held in town centres, so that businesses will be able to pop along and meet food safety officers, and get information and advice.

Topics covered will be:

• The National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
• Food safety management systems/HACCP
• Food hygiene training
• How to comply with food safety regulations

Useful information for traders and businesses about health and safety at work and Trading Standards will also be available.

Cllr David Smith, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Public Realm, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to meet inspecting officers informally for up-to-date information and advice.

“In this current economic climate, I would urge local businesses to take full advantage of the Food Safety Teams free help and guidance.”

£13 million to help keep Welsh homes warm

Environment Minister, John Griffiths has announced an additional £13m to help keep Welsh homes warm.

 

The money will be divided between the Welsh Government’s two flagship fuel poverty schemes, Nest and Arbed, both of which target investment at those people most in need of help.

Speaking at the launch of Big Energy Savings Week at Bridgend shopping outlet, McArthur Glen, the Minister said: “Rising energy costs and the current economic conditions mean that too many people in Wales are becoming vulnerable to fuel poverty.

“The Welsh Government is committed taking action to tackle this issue, and that is why Nest, our fuel poverty scheme targets investment at those people most at risk.

"Latest figures show that since April 2011 Nest has provided advice and support to over 15000 households to help them reduce their bills and has funded energy saving improvement in around 5600 homes. These improvement packages really do make a difference, resulting in an average saving of £500 per household so I am delighted that we have been able to allocate significant additional money to such a beneficial scheme.

"The £13m will be shared between Nest and our strategic energy scheme Arbed which in its first phase helped to make 6000 homes in some of Wales poorest areas more energy efficient. We are now moving into Arbed’s second phase and expect it to benefit a further 5000 homes plus by 2016.

“Both Nest and Arbed make a genuine difference to the quality of life of Welsh householders, resulting in warmer homes and reduced fuel bills, and I am delighted that we are able to maintain our investment in tackling fuel poverty at this economically difficult time.”

The Environment Minister confirmed that that the draft budget for 2013-14 included an additional £10m for improving domestic energy and that £5m additional capital would be used in both 2013-14 and 2014-15 for the Nest and Arbed schemes. He said the money would improve the energy efficiency of 1600 Welsh homes.

Finance Minister, Jane Hutt said: “As part of the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget for 2013-14 I announced an additional £175m in capital investment over the next two years to support strategically important projects throughout Wales.

“The additional £10million to improve domestic energy will make a real difference, ensuring warmer homes and more manageable fuel bills for many of Wales’ less well off householders.”

The Minister also announced an extra £3m for Nest which has been taken from centrally retained capital.

Latest roadworks in the area ...

 

 

Latest roadworks in the area notified by Denbighshire County Council are:

Hill Street, Llangollen,  from December 23-25, temporary traffic lights for renewal of stop-tap by Dee Valley Water.

Regent Street, Llangollen, from October 24-26, temporary traffic lights for drainage works by Dee Valley Water. 

Pendre Road, Berwyn, from November 8-December 6, road closure for bridge works by the county council. 

The Square, London Road, Corwen, until November 2,  temporary traffic lights for resurfacing work by the county council.

Hatchery Lane, from A539 to junction opposite Trevor Mill House, Trevor, road closure until November 23 to allow drainage works by Dee Valley Water.

Operatic society brews up a successful afternoon tea

* Guests take tea with the Operatic Society.

Llangollen Operatic Society raised almost £250 for its funds from an afternoon tea party it hosted at its Studio headquarters, off Castle Street, on Sunday.

The event was organised by society members Tracey Rawlinson and Louisa Jones while Susan Cheshire, Tess Orton Jones, Jeanette Robinson and Susan Price helped serve the tea, sandwiches and cakes, which went down a treat with guests.

Bill Cheshire compiled and ran a successful music quiz while Christopher Sims provided background piano music during the tea.   

Food festival one of best ever, say organisers

* (Left) Celebrity chef Dai Davies with his son Dan, 17 ,

before going on stage.

 

 

* (Below) Sampling the flavours - Rebecca Owen, 10,

from Llangollen.

 

 

 

An array of "world class, world beating" produce attracted thousands of people to a food festival.

Food lovers from across the UK made a bee line for the Hamper Llangollen 2012 which was described as one of the best ever.

They were entertained by a trio of Welsh celebrity chefs including Graham Tinsley, the star of ITV's Taste the Nation and a former captain of the Welsh Culinary Team.
 

He was joined in the show kitchen by S4C favourite Dudley Newbery and the ever popular Dai Chef.

Another star attraction was the award-winning Master Chef Brian Mellor whose career came full circle.

Brian, who has cooked for TV celebs, Prime Ministers and Royalty, now runs a cookery school in Chester. He revealed he began his stellar career nearly 30 years ago - at The Hand Hotel in Llangollen.

After an absence of several years, it was also an emotional return for Dai Chef whose son, Dan is keeping a promise his dad made to superstar tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

Dai famously cooked for Pavarotti when he came to perform at the International Eisteddfod in 1995, exactly 40 years after he first came to Llangollen as part of his father's choir from Modena, in Italy.

Seventeen year old Dan is already making a name for himself as a front of house specialist and is studying Restaurant Supervision at Llandrillo College.

Dan has just won a prestigious Welsh colleges competition to work for a fortnight at the world-famous Osteria Francescana restaurant in Pavarotti's home town of Modena.

Proud dad Dai, who lived in Chirk for many years but is now the Chef Director of the Ship Inn, at the Anglesey beauty spot of Red Wharf Bay, said: "It's fantastic to be back in Llangollen, it's like coming home."

"I am particularly proud be back with my son, Dan, after he was interviewed at Buckingham Palace.

"At 17 years of age, he was judged to be the best in Wales for front of house and he won the Gold Medal.

"On the back of that, part of the prize is to go to Osteria Francescana, the fifth best restaurant in the world.

"The funny thing about that is that I cooked for Luciano Pavarotti when he came to Llangollen and Dan sat on his knee and he said 'bring him to Modena'. This is a lovely twist that Dan is actually going there to work next April.

"He's just returned from Slovenia and two weeks ago he waited on the tables at the Queen's Awards dinner, so it's really exciting to have him here on stage with me today.

"My daughter, Megan, who's only seven, is on her 43rd cookery demonstration today - both she and Dan are live on stage here at Llangollen."

Dan said: "I am really excited about going to Modena, it's a fabulous opportunity."

Guest of honour at Hamper Llangollen was Alun Davies, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, who described the produce on show as "world class and world-beating".

He said: "It's a great event and it's important because it allows us to recognise and appreciate not only the food that's produced here but where it is as part of our community.

"What I enjoy about the food festival here in Llangollen - and elsewhere - is the celebration of food culture, Welsh identity and the economy.

"The Welsh Government is looking at supporting producers, processors and retailers here in Llangollen today.

"When I leave here I am flying to Paris to support producers in one of the biggest food fairs in Europe.

"We are spending our time working with people to improve our product and create a market for that product. I am very enthusiastic about what we are able to do."

One of the main driving forces behind the festival is businessman Colin Loughlin, Chair of the local committee that runs the event, supported by the rural development agency, Cadwyn Clwyd.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s contribution came via the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.

Mr Loughlin said: "People started queuing to get in at 9.45am on Saturday - the turn-out has been brilliant.

"There's a great atmosphere there's a lovely ambience and it's all come together really well. I am absolutely delighted.

"It's a really important event for the town of Llangollen and the wider rural community. Weare integrating the festival and the town."

Andrew Jedwell, the Chair of Cadwyn Clwyd, added: "Food is an important part of the rural economy and Cadwyn Clwyd has very actively fostered development of the food sector. We think there's a lot more potential still.

"Hamper Llangollen provides a wonderful shop window, it gives people the opportunity to see the full breadth of products that we produce in and around the area and develop a sense of pride in local produce."

Wrexham-based Orchard Pigs chose Hamper Llangollen as the place to launch their new range of artisan bread which was a sell-out success.

Among the other happy stallholders was chocolatier Jo Edwards, from Aballu Truffles, in Rossett, who was unveiling her new chocolate spread for after dinner crackers.

She said: "Hamper Llangollen is really nice event, everyone is enjoying themselves and it's great. And we're selling lots of chocolate, we're doing really well."

It was a sentiment echoed by Carol Allen, from Llanvalley Natural Products, who makes soap from goats' milk.

She said: "It's lovely, the weather's good, the atmosphere's good and the food is glorious. Everybody is happy and everybody visiting the stalls is really enjoying it."

 

* Alun Davies AM, Deputy Minister for

Agriculture,

Food Fisheries and European Programmes, at the opening

 of the festival, with, from left,

Andrew Jedwell,

Chairman of the Board of Directors at Cadwyn

Clwyd, Festival Committee Chair Colin Loughlin and

Lowri Owain, Chief Executive, Cadwyn Clwyd.