Llan Railway announces its 2013 programme



* Llan Railway has a packed programme for 2013.



 

Everything from a steam gala to murder mystery trains and from real ale evenings to a teddy bears’ picnic feature in next year’s packed programme of special events at Llangollen Railway. 

Supplies of next year’s brochure (pictured below) including the timetable were available for visitors at Llangollen station on the first day of the Santa season yesterday (Saturday). 

 

Key events in the pipeline for 2013 are: 

·       9 & 10 and 15-17 February - Day Out with Thomas ( note Sat/Sun plus Fri/Sat/Sun 

·       23 March - Diesel day 

·       13 April - Real Ale train evening 

·       19-21 April - Spring Steam gala with return of the steam Railmotor 93 and newly restored Auto Trailer 92 

·       11 May - Murder Mystery 

·       19 May - Teddy Bears Picnic 

·       1 & 2 June - Day Out with Thomas weekend 

·       8 June - Real Ale train evening 

·       22 & 23 June - Heritage Railcar Gala 

·       6 & 7 July - Classic Transport Weekend 

·       13 July - Murder Mystery evening 

·       27 & 28 July - 1960s weekend 

·       3 & 4 with 8-11 August - Day Out With Thomas 

·       30 & 31 August with 1 Sept - Steam gala 

·       14 Sept - Murder Mystery evening 

·       21 Sept - Diesel Day 

·       12 Oct - Real Ale Train evening 

·       19 & 20 plus 26 & 27 October - Day Out with Thomas weekends 

·       31 Oct - Ghost Train evening 

·       2 November - Murder Mystery evening 

·       3 November - Ride the Rocket evening 

·       9 & 10 November - Remembrance Weekend 

·       30 November - Santa Specials followed by 1, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 20-24 December

·       7 December - Real Ale Train evening 

·       26-31 December & 1 January - Mince Pie Specials. 

The weekday daily running seasons dates from Monday 25 March through to Friday 4 October and a further spell for half term 21 Oct to Friday 8 November. 

There is no train service from 2 January to 1 February and weekends only from Monday 4 February through to Friday 22 March (apart from half term week 11-16 February). 

Train fares are: 

Standard Return fares for one return trip on day of purchase: £12 Adult, £10 Senior, Child £6, Family 2+2 £30. 

All day Rover tickets are available for unlimited travel on day of purchase: Adult £14, Senior £12, Child £7 Family £36. 

On board dining is also promoted with options for cream teas and picnic baskets or children's party bookable at 72 hours notice. 

A new section in the brochure entitled Along the line promotes the attractions of all four stations as a means of giving visitors a better appreciation of the Railway and what it offers for a whole day out, plus a more detailed map of the Railway's route from Llangollen through to Corwen.

Christmas clampdown on drunk drivers

This Christmas police across Wales will be targeting drivers, and in particular young drivers, who risk their lives and the lives of others by driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
 

Led by South Wales Police, the month-long Christmas Anti Drink and Drug Driving Campaign will run from Saturday 1^st December through to 1^st January, and will see officers from across the country conducting high profile roadside checks and using intelligence to identify offenders.

Last year in Wales, police tested a total of 27, 744 motorists as part of the campaign, with 545 individuals (2%) returning either positive results or failing/refusing to take a breath test.

Chief Inspector Darren Wareing, who is in charge of the North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit said: “If you drink and drive this Christmas you significantly increase the risk of killing an innocent person, or yourself or both. It is really that simple.

“Many people don’t realise they can still be over the limit the morning after a drinking session. We would urge everyone to think twice before getting behind the wheel the morning after and consider making alternative arrangements to get to work.

“Drivers need to be aware that regardless of the time of day they are caught, whether they are going to work or taking children to school, they will face the same penalties as someone who has chosen to drink heavily in a pub and driven at night.”

North Wales Police will also be using the campaign to reinforce Operation Sodium – a campaign which was launched during the summer, in response to the growing number of young people who are involved in collisions linked to drink or drug driving, and in particular in rural areas of the force.

Chief Inspector Wareing added: “Younger drivers tend to take more risks and this is a cause for great concern. Operation Sodium is aimed at reducing the number of young drink-drivers and those who drive whilst under the influence of drugs, who are putting their lives, and the lives of other road users, at risk on our roads.

“There is a perception out there that drivers in rural areas believe they have less chance of getting caught drunk behind the wheel which we are going to change. People should be aware that we will continue to patrol rural roads in targeted operations to catch drink/drug drivers.”

Sue Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales said:“My advice is that if you’re expecting to drink alcohol during the Christmas holiday, plan how to get home without driving. Don’t offer an alcoholic drink to someone you know is planning to drive and don’t accept a lift from a driver you know has drunk alcohol.”

A hard-hitting television advert highlighting the consequences of drink driving will also be shown throughout December as part of the Department for Transport’s THINK! Christmas drink drive campaign.

If you have information relating to someone you think is driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact North Wales Police on 101 or via Crimestoppers Wales anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.

Further information regarding the penalties for drink or drug driving are available in the ‘Advice & Support’ section of the Force website

.

Santa Special ready to roll at Llan Station

              * Llangollen Railway apprentice Sam Ellis, from Hope,

fixes the Santa Special head-board to steam locomotive

No. 7822, Foxcote Manor, ready for the first departure.

Tickets for the popular Santa Special at Llangollen Railway in the run-up to Christmas are selling well.

Many of the trains are already completely sold out. 

A total of 44 trains are scheduled to run through the Dee valley, starting today, Satureday, December 1, and going through to Christmas Eve. 

Over 7,600 seats have been on offer, but the unsold places are currently clustered around the early trains this weekend and on the mid-week trains for Thursday/Friday, December 20/21.  

The weekends of December 8/9 and December 15/16 have proved particularly popular with families keen to experience the annual meeting with Santa on the steam train at Llangollen. 

A railway spokesperson said that anyone wishing to book now will need to have a range of options for times and dates if they are to be accommodated for a pre-Christmas ride on the train.

Bear with us over recycling scheme snags says council

Denbighshire County Council says it is continuing with its efforts in the south of the county, which includes Llangollen, to sort out problems associated with the expansion of the X2 service.

In a statement issued this afternoon (Friday) the council says the backlog of service requests is gradually being cleared, but has been affected by the recent flooding events.

The statement adds: "If you are experiencing problems and have not already contacted the Council, please telephone Denbighshire's Customer Contact Service Centre on 01824 706100 (Welsh language) or 01824 706101 (English language). Our customer service team will be able to give advice, and check whether you are missing any equipment. We can then arrange to get the equipment delivered.

"Residents who have already contacted the Council with a request, can be assured that the request will be dealt with as quickly as possible."

Watchdog seeks assurances over health changes

* Llangollen Cottage Hospital is earmarked for closure. 

While it “broadly supports” plans to close Llangollen Cottage Hospital and replace it with a new health centre, a watchdog body says it still needs assurances on a number of points.

 

North Wales Community Health Council, which safeguards the interests of NHS patients, has just submitted its official response plans for a major shake-up of services by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. 

Of the part of the plan which affects Llangollen, it says: “The CHC broadly supports the proposals for Llangollen Community Hospital services.  

“But we will not be sure that the proposals will serve the interests of people in Llangollen and its surrounding areas without further assurances from the health board about:  

 The way it will plan and deliver services with other organisations in the public, voluntary and independent sectors, and tell people how they can get access to the service  

 It’s plans to provide clinical services in Llangollen and its surrounding area in the time between the closure of facilities at Llangollen Community Hospital and the completion of a new primary care centre  

 Confirmation that the GP services in Llangollen are committed to the plans to deliver the new service

 It’s response to the particular needs of rural communities, including those to the West of Llangollen  

 The way it will work with care home providers to make sure its proposals in this area will work.”  

The CHC’s submission adds that it has “some serious concerns” about other aspects of the proposals for community hospitals.  

It explains: “We have seen little financial information or information about staffing plans. This means we cannot be sure that the health board has a financial and workforce plan which provides a firm basis for developing community and primary care services, or the proposals for providing enhanced care within people’s homes.  

“We are also concerned about the relationship between the health board and general practitioners in some areas. People, quite rightly, rely completely on these two sets of health care professionals to work together. We have seen and heard evidence that this is not the case everywhere.  

“Finally, the CHC is concerned that the health board’s proposals for community hospitals may represent an erosion of community-based services. This runs against a national policy which says that community hospitals play an important part in making sure people have easy access to the care they need. If people do not have easy access to services they may not seek help at the right time and when they do, the treatment may be less successful and more expensive.” 

Llyr Gruffydd, the Party of Wales Assembly Member for North Wales, said: “The Community Health Council’s response makes clear that in many instances, especially regarding community health services, there isn’t sufficient information to make an informed decision.

“Its report makes clear that there is insufficient information given in the consultation about staffing, finances and the fact that many of the recommendations conflict with the views of local GPs, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing.

“Running down community hospitals is a key area of concern in this report and recent events, where roads were inaccessible and travelling hazardous, stress the need for local services to serve the community.

 “The pressure is mounting on Betsi Cadwaladr’s management to explain their proposals and how they will improve the health of the region.”

Classic motoring event heads for Llan

* Action from a previous Le Jog event.

A prestige classic motoring event will pass through Llangollen tomorrow (Saturday).

Le Jog 2012, the 18th Land's End to John O'Groats Reliability & Touring Trial, which takes place between December 1 and 4, has been described as the toughest event of its kind in Europe.

That is because of the severe weather drivers taking part often encounter along the route.

Organised by HERO – Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation – Le Jog is once again open to cars built before 1984 and attracts entries from across Europe.

The Touring Trial is a non-competitive but challenging event aimed at testing the stamina of the crew.

Calling at the reliability trial main controls and with 'code board' questions between controls, there are no time penalties, regularities or tests.

Entrants receive finisher’s awards and are eligible for the concourse and Spirit of the Rally awards.

2012 Le Jog will break new ground with the route using roads and parts of the country that have never been used before on the event.

Among two new stop-off points will be Llangollen.

After setting off from Land’s End early on Saturday morning, the route takes a direct line to the Severn Bridge before heading to South Wales and heading up through the country to Llangollen where the drivers will have an overnight halt.    

After bed and breakfast the route will travel through Cheshire and Lancashire.

The final 24 hours will begin with a run through the remoter areas of Northumbria and the Borders.

In the afternoon the crews will drive west then north-west to skirt Glasgow and head via the famous Rest-and-Be-Thankful hill climb for an evening supper halt at Fort William.

Leg five will see them driving through the Highlands to arrive at John O'Groats for the traditional piper's welcome and breakfast before turning back south for the short drive to Wick for a deep sleep in preparation for the celebrations of the black-tie prize-giving dinner.

County's appeal over flood donations

Following the devastating floods that affected hundreds of homes in Denbighshire, offers of help and donations of all kinds of goods have been pouring in from kind-hearted members of the public and businesses and Denbighshire County Council has thanked everyone for their kindness.

The counil says in a statement issued earlier today: "As a result of the tremendous amount of goods received, it is important now that they are distributed to the correct places. As a result, the council is asking people not to drop off any more goods, but to consider making a financial donation instead.

"People can do so by making a donation to the Ruthin Mayor's Appeal Fund or the St Asaph Mayor's Flood Relief Fund.

"To donate to the St Asaph Mayor's Flood Relief Fund, please make cheques payable to: 'The Mayor's Charity Account" and cheques can be dropped off at the Cathedral Diocesan Office, St Asaph.

"To donate to the Ruthin Mayor's Fund, please make cheques payable to 'Cyngor Tref Rhuthun' or 'Ruthin Town Council'. The account number is 20788929, sort code: 202576 and money can be deposited at Barclays Bank on St Peter's Square, Ruthin."

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "We have been overwhelmed by people's generosity and it's humbling to see communities pull together at a time when co-operation is needed the most.

"Receiving and distributing goods as a result of all this goodwill has become un-coordinated and we don't want to be in a position where goods don't get to people quickly. That is why we are now calling on people to donate financially instead.

"The council is extremely grateful for this co-operation."

The extent of the flooding in St Asaph can be seen at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39543169@N02/8226554595

Plan to move Post Office to Stan's



* The Post Office in Castle Street.



* The Post Office could move to nearby Stan's store. 

The Post Office is inviting customers and interested parties to give their comments on its proposal to move Llangollen Post Office from its current location at 41 Castle Street to the nearby Stan's store in Berwyn Road.

The service, subject to a successful public consultation, will open as a new-style main Post Office branch.

The move is part of major three-year modernisation programme across the Post Office network designed to make it easier for customers to do business, through longer opening hours and modern open plan environments.

The investment programme, the largest in the history of Post Office Ltd, will see around 6,000 branches (about half the Post Office network) converting to new-style branches.

The Post Office, now independent of Royal Mail, is the largest retail network in the UK, with over 11,500 branches. It is also one of the fastest growing financial services companies and is developing its online and telephony services.

Post Office Regional Network Manager for Wales, Tony Jones said: “I am delighted to announce news of an important investment in our service in Llangollen.

"We know how important the Post Office service is to the community and we feel sure that our customers old and new will welcome the longer opening hours and modern open plan format. This move will help secure Post Office services in the town for the future.”

Mr Jones added: “Post Office Main is a new concept for delivering Post Office services, operated from a combination of screened and open plan counters in an established shop, with key Post Office products and services available alongside retail transactions during extended opening hours.”

Post Office customers will benefit from extended opening hours provided by the new retailer with the introduction of late night and all-day Saturday and Sunday opening.

The opening hours will be 8am-9pm, Monday to Sunday, offering customers an extra 45 hours a week in which to access Post Office products and services.

During the public consultation Post Office Ltd says it welcomes feedback on any issues customers would like considered before a final decision is taken on this proposal. The consultation will close on January 18, 2013.

Submissions can be made during the consultation by post at Freepost YOUR COMMENTS to Post Office Ltd, National Consultation Team, Wealdstone Post Office, 1st Floor, Admin, 2 Headstone Drive, Harrow, HA3 5QL, via email to comments@postoffice.co.uk, via the Customer Helpline: 08457 22 33 44 or Textphone 08457 22 33 55.

If the public consultation is successful the move is proposed to take place in January 2013 and for the following 12 months Post Office and its agent will monitor the new service to ensure it meets the needs of customers.

Houses should not be built on flood plains says AM

John Griffiths, Wales' Environment Minister, is visiting flood-affected Ruthin today (Thursday).

Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales Assembly Member for the Party of Wales, said: “The priority at the moment is the safety and wellbeing of everybody affected by the flooding, which has had a devastating effect across the region.

 

"We must also ensure that those areas affected are not subject to some kind of insurance blight due to the flooding. It’s vital that a safety net is maintained by the government and that we see proper and ongoing investment in flood defence schemes..”
 

Mr Gruffydd , who is also Plaid Cymru’s shadow minister for the environmental, added: “There is a also wider issue here that must be addressed by the planning authorities and the Welsh Government. We cannot continue to build houses on flood plains and expect to get away with it. Councils must address this matter in making their future Local Development Plans (LDP) fit for purpose.
 

“Some of the houses that were flooded were built very recently and all kinds of assurances were made. Those householders have clearly been let down and we cannot have more of this kind of development, which will end up with even greater disasters if we’re not careful.
 

“With that in mind, I want to see every council in Wales re-assess their housing allocations in light of these latest floods so that future LDPs do not repeat the mistakes made by planners in the past. Denbighshire Council, the worst affected area, is meeting next Tuesday to discuss allocating land for a further 1,000 homes. Can they give an assurance that these sites are safe from flooding?
 

“John Griffiths and his government also have to do more than offer words of sympathy for those whose homes have been flooded. He must act decisively and ensure that he does all in his powers to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.”

County steps up dog fouling action plan

Denbighshire’s Cabinet members have approved an action plan and a raft of measures to stamp out dog fouling in the county.

At the Cabinet meeting, members gave their support for an anti fouling strategy which will involve three work strands - communication and marketing, suitable collection arrangements and enforcement, and will look to engage and educate residents in the first instance as well as ensuring there are adequate litter bins in public realm and robust enforcement.

In presenting the report to members, Cabinet Lead Member for Public Realm, Councillor David Smith, said: “Time and time again, residents have raised the issue of dog fouling. It is one of the issues they would most like to see tackled.

"We appreciate that there are many responsible dog owners who do pick up after their pets but there is still a significant minority that do not.

"In taking this strategy forward, we will be contributing to our Corporate Priority for ensuring ‘clean and tidy streets.

"We will be improving the environment, improving the quality of life for residents and our visitors as well as reducing the threat to health, particularly for our children.”

Cabinet members voted unanimously in favour of the strategy and added a recommendation that further studies will be carried out into the benefits, or otherwise, of dog control orders.

Cittaslow group meets at Town Hall

About a dozen members of Llangollen’s new Cittaslow group had their second monthly meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday evening.

Cittaslow grew out of the ‘Slow Food’ movement in Italy to encourage people to use local businesses and delight in local produce.

Now it is a worldwide organisation and is a demonstration that a community is serious about sustainability – economic, social and environmental.

In some respects Cittaslow is rather like business certification schemes such as ISO 9000 and ‘Investors in People’ which reassure potential investors and customers that a business is well run and progressive.

Similarly Cittaslow membership says a lot about a town and can be the key to unlocking funds from central government and the EU in support of local initiatives.

Mold, the first Cittaslow town in Wales has benefited enormously from it.

One of Keep Llangollen Special’s members, Phil Thane, suggested to the town council back in 2011 that Cittaslow embodied many of the things that the council was trying to achieve with its Town Plan - and which KLS are also trying to achieve with things like its Buy Local days.

The council took up the idea and following Phil’s election to the council in May 2012 asked him to lead the group which is aiming to get Cittaslow status for the town.

The working group consists of three councillors and representatives from a wide range of community associations, including Philk Robinson, editor of llanblogger.

At this week’s meeting, members discussed various measures and initiatives which could help quality Llangollen for Cittaslow membership.

There’s a lot of work to be done though, so each group member will be calling on their friends and associates for help.

If someone approaches you, please get involved, we need everyone’s help and enthusiasm.

If you want to get involved, but are not a member of any of the community groups contact Phil Thane by e-mail at phil@pthane.co.uk

AMs speak out about mental health issues

Two Assembly Members who represent Llangollen have shared their experiences of mental health issues ahead of a debate about stigma and discrimination.

* Llyr Huws Gruffydd AM.

Labour’s Ken Skates, who represents Clwyd South, and North Wales Plaid Cyrmu member Llyr Huws Gruffydd are among four AMs who have revealed facing problems with anxiety and depression and have written about them on the Time to Change Wales website which aims to alter attitudes.

One in four people think those with mental health issues should not hold office, research by the site found.

* Ken Skates AM.

The Time for Change Wales campaign was set up to try to end negative associations with mental health as well as discrimination faced by those who experience it.

The assembly debate was prompted by the group's research, which reported one in ten people saying they did not think those with mental health problems should have children.

For some of the AMs, it is the first time they have disclosed their illnesses to family or friends.

It was through writing his blog that North Wales Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Huws Gruffydd found the courage to tell his parents he had    suffered from depression nearly 10 years previously, which he had come through with support from his community mental health team.

His full account can be seen at http://www.timetochangewales.org.uk/blog/just-one-one-four-llyr-huws-gruffydd-am

Clwyd South Labour AM Ken Skates' says his first encounter with generalised anxiety disorder came during his first week at Cambridge University, although he was not diagnosed with the condition for several years.

Mr Skates' account can be seen at:
http://www.timetochangewales.org.uk/blog/putting-those-pieces-back-together-again-ken-skates-am

 

Some county roads now open after flooding

* Wales First Minister Carwyn Jones has been in St Asaph today speaking to flooding victims. 

Just after 2pm today (Wednesday) Denbighshire County Council announced the following road are now open following the flooding:

* A525 RUTHIN LINK ROAD - BOTH DIRECTIONS

* B5381 LOWER DENBIGH ROAD - ST ASAPH

* LLANNERCH ROAD BRIDGE - LLANNERCH HALL

* PONT-Y-CAMBWLL (CAMBWLL BRIDGE)- TREFNANT/GRAIG

* Y LON LAS (GREEN LANE) - CORWEN

Welsh Government unveils its budget

 

 

 

 

The Welsh Government is delivering growth and jobs at the toughest of times, Finance Minister Jane Hutt said yesterday as she announced almost £47m of extra capital funding to meet economic and infrastructure needs.

 

The Final Budget for 2013-14 includes an additional £30m for a second phase of the Economic Growth Fund and £16.7m for the use of public sector land for housing.

 

This brings the total additional capital investment in the Final Budget to £220m.

 

The Minister said: "When I published the Draft Budget I announced £175m of capital funding. Today we are building on this with a further £47m investment in Welsh businesses and housing.

"In our Budget we are delivering growth and jobs at the toughest of times and we are determined to maximise this support for the Welsh economy. We have demonstrated this commitment with additional capital investment totalling over £220m in this Budget for Growth and Jobs."

Business Minister Edwina Hart said: "The first phase of the Wales Economic Growth Fund was a great success in creating and safeguarding jobs across Wales. This year we allocated more than £30million to around 120 business projects across Wales, with the potential to create around 1800 new jobs and safeguard some 1600 others.

"The additional funding announced today will now allow us to relaunch the Fund to provide much-needed financial support to even more businesses around Wales to allow them to grow and expand at a time when traditional avenues of finance are not readily available."

Housing Minister Huw Lewis added: "Thanks to this extra funding around 1,800 new homes will be built across Wales. During construction of the houses a potential 300 jobs will be created, so this funding will not only result in new homes for individuals, couples and families but will also give the construction industry a much needed boost."

Jane Hutt has also written to UK Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander urging the UK Government to consider further action in the Autumn Statement to increase capital investment in 2013-14 and beyond.

The Finance Minister has pointed to the Welsh Government’s top ‘shovel-ready’ projects in line with Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan priorities, including:

• A465 Heads of the Valleys Dualling;
• A55 Conwy Tunnel improvements;
• Next Generation Broadband for Wales programme;
• Acceleration of the 21st Century schools programme; Acceleration of new social housing projects; and,
• An enhanced flood defence programme.

Jane Hutt added: "I believe it is our duty and responsibility to provide an economic stimulus in our Budget for Growth and Jobs. I am therefore calling on the UK Government to take swift and decisive action to increase capital investment in projects that will create jobs quickly and make a lasting difference to our economy."

Two big dates for Llan Silver band

Llangollen Silver Band has two important events coming up in December.

The band's Christmas Fayre will be held in the bandhut in Parade Street on Saturday, Decenmber 8, from10am-2pm.

It includes games and refreshments.

Entrance is 70p for adults and children free, which includes tea or coffee.

The Christmas Gala Concert will be held at Llangollen Town Hall on Friday, December 21, from 7pm.

It will feature carols and performances by the training, youth and senior bands plus special items from other band members.

Tuickets at £5 and including mulled wine, juice, mince pies are available from Gwyn's the Butcher and Honeypots on Castle Street.  
This event is part of an on-going series of fundraising events throughout the year, which provide the basic income for the band to cover running costs.

A band spokesperson said: "We look forward to welcoming local people into the Band-room and so building a relationship with the local community.

"The gala is a showcase evening for all our players. Everyone takes part – even if they’ve only just begun to learn.

"The smallest children start to practice their pieces in September and always very excited to show off their new skills to family, friends, and anyone else who will listen. The music featured is both varied and seasonal.

"Everyone is invited to share this grand finale event with us."

A5 closed Corwen to Llangollen

Traffic Wales reported at 6.30am this morning (Wednesday) that the A5 was closed in both directions between Corwen and Llangollen due to adverse weather conditions.

* The BBC's travel news website expands on this further by saying:

A5 Denbighshire - A5 in Corwen closed in both directions between the B4401 junction and the A494 junction, because of flooding.

* In an update issued just before 10am today, Denbighshire County Council says:

Most services are operating normally again this morning although they may still be subject to delays.

The main known exception is service 51 Rhyl - Denbigh. This cannot operate south of Rhuddlan at the moment. Arriva is providing a skeleton service to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd but operating via the Rhuddlan Bypass and Abergele Road and Borth Crossroads. Arriva is assessing whether it can extend services ...

to Denbigh via Lower Denbigh Road. A bus is trying the route but stuck in considerable queues, at present.

Indeed, queuing traffic in and around St Asaph and Rhuddlan appears to be a feature of things this morning.

This is also the case in Ruthin, where roadworks at Anchor Corner are causing significant problems. Not in Ruthin the X5 and X50 cannot service Llanfair Road and Wrexham Road owing to the works (see my em,ail of Friday).

GHA Service X50/X52 Wrexham-Ruthin-Denbigh-Rhyl is operating NORMALLY but may be subject to delay. Going north, the bus can enter St Asaph, and is operating along High Street and then via Glascoed Road, St Asaph Business Park to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, after which it diverts via Borth Crossroads, Abergele Road and the Rhuddlan bypass.

We're sorry that passengers may need to be as patient as possible owing to these continued delays.

* The Daily Post is reporting this morning that a Facebook page has also been set up to offer help and support to #St Asaph flood victims.

It is at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Please-help-support-the-victims-of-flooding-in-Ruthin/250720598388913#!/pages/Please-help-support-the-victims-of-flooding-in-Ruthin/250720598388913

 

Last flooding update of the day

The flooding situation has now eased in Denbighshire, according to the latest update from the county council, issued earlier this evening (Tuesday).
Latest reports suggest that approximately 400 properties have been affected in St Asaph, most if not all properties on the Glasdir Estate Ruthin and between ten and 15 properties in Rhuddlan, have been evacuated including the hotel/restaurant park.

The situation is stabilising and the rivers have stopped over topping now and the latest high tide had no impact on the flooding. T

The fire and rescue service is using high volume pumps to pump the water away from flooded areas where possible and Denbighshire staff are cleaning up where possible. The Environment Agency is in attendance.

The council continues to have two rest centres open at the moment, but with only one person expected to stay at St Asaph overnight .

The situation in Ruthin will be reviewed, depending on need.

There are enough volunteers to cover overnight and local supermarkets, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Asda, as well as Ysbyty Glan Clwyd have all donated food, medical equipment, bedding, clothing.

Both Ysgol Esgob Morgan and Ysgol Glan Clwyd(both in St Asaph) will remain closed tomorrow (Wednesday)

Mohammed Mehmet, Denbighshire County Council's Chief Executive, said: "Today has been a difficult day for many people affected by flooding, not only in St Asaph, Ruthin and Rhuddlan, but also in other communities.

"Even though we are still in the response stage, work has already started to plan for the recovery phase. A series of sub groups have been set up to look at each area of priority such as welfare, clean up and temporary accommodation and housing needs.
We have had a number of offers of help from the public, voluntary groups and neighbouring Councils and we are extremely grateful for their kind offers.

"We have been doing everything we can and have primarily focussed our efforts on the immediate emergency, ensuring that people are warm, fed and safe and rehoused where possible.
"I have been proud of the Council's response, many working through the night and in difficult circumstances to try and deal with the on-going situation. Teams of staff from many departments have dealt with an extensive number of enquiries from the public and the media and I would like to thank them for their professional and co-ordinated approach to dealing with what can only be described as unprecedented situation for many.

"Staff have worked closely with volunteers from the British Red Cross in the running of two rest centres and with the other emergency services in dealing with the developing situation during the day."

Any further developments will be placed on Denbighshire's website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk

residents can access public health information by visiting: www.hpa.org.uk or www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/888/page/43887