Health Minister visits community hospital

Following today’s (Wednesday) visit by Health Minister Lesley Griffiths to Ruthin Hospital, Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s Assembly Member for the North, said: “I’m glad the Minister has taken the time to hear for herself the concerns that many of have about the planned centralisation and downgrading of our local health services.

* Llyr Hughes Gruffydd AM.

“In the case of Ruthin, the loss of the minor injuries unit and X-ray service will impact quite drastically on the hospital’s ability to provide a full local service, including orthopaedics. The hospital currently serves a wide area of south Denbighshire and, for people in the Corwen area who may also lose Llangollen Hospital, it will mean very long journeys for relatively minor health care.

“What the health board has failed to recognise in proposing these changes is the very real problem of transport in rural areas. Many people struggle to run a car with prices at the pump rising almost daily at times. Added to that very real ‘transport poverty’, there is little alternative. Public transport in this area is patchy at best and certainly not geared to provide a service to and from hospitals. In some cases we’re talking of an hour’s drive to the nearest hospital so it’s not a case of people hopping into the car and driving an extra few miles.

“The Health Minister is still awaiting the final decision by Betsi Cadwaladr’s board in January, which will then come to her for approval. That is then her opportunity to reject the proposals where they advocate moving health services beyond the reach of the local population.”

No it's not snow!

* A frost-laden Llan this morning.

A deep overnight freeze turned Llangollen into a winter wonderland this morning (Wednesday).

Temperatures slumped well into minus figures and thick frost formed on buildings and trees.

Weather forecasters predict things will warm up later in the week when we might also be in for some rain, they say.

* If you have any striking frost pictures please send them in to us at llanblogger@gmail.com so we can share them with our readers.

Operatic's Festive Frolics is a seasonal treat



* Cast members of Festive Frolics during the show. 

 A packed Town Hall audience enjoyed every magical moment of last night’s (Tuesday) Christmas show by Llangollen Operatic, Festive Frolics.

The programme included a selection of favourite carols and seasonal songs, ranging from Hark the Herald Angels Sing to the ever-popular White Christmas.

Musical items were interspersed with Christmas-themed readings by cast members.

The audience, who were served mince pies and wine during the interval, enthusiastically joined in a rousing delivery of The Twelve Days of Christmas led from the stage.

One of the most moving moments came when a soldier’s account of the legendary Christmas truce on the Western Front in 1914, near the start of the First World War, was read out with English and German versions of the carol Silent Night being sung - just as they were that day by the opposing troops in the trenches.

MEP's campaign to boost local firms

Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales MEP Jill Evans, whose office is in Wrexham, is working on changes to European Union public procurement rules to help local businesses get more government contracts. The party estimates that 48,000 jobs could be created by adopting an effective 'buy-local' policy.

The European Parliament is currently reviewing the laws adopted in 2004 which have so often been used as an excuse by government at all levels in Wales to avoid using Welsh companies. The Party of Wales President wants to make it easier to buy from local suppliers.

In Wales around £4.3 billion is spent by the public sector every year, highlighting the massive advantages of ploughing this money back into the Welsh economy. Jill Evans launched the party's "buy local" campaign at the Royal Welsh Show.

At local government level, the North Wales Procurement Partnership, which consists of Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd and Wrexham, has reported that public procurement is worth £550 million in the north alone.

When Plaid Cymru was in government it was made easier for local firms to win government contracts. By 2010/11, some 52% of public sector business was being won locally, an increase from 35% a few years earlier.

Jill Evans, who is a spokesperson for her parliamentary group on this issue, has been working for a simplification of the rules, allowing the public sector to put value for money before cost when awarding contracts.

She said: "The public sector currently spends over £4 billion in Wales every year but sources barely half of its goods and services from local firms. We want to see that figure increase to at least 75% which could help create tens of thousands of local jobs.

"To do that we have to make sure that the rules are simplified and that local authorities are able to work together to provide services. We have to protect our education, health and social services and that means that contracts are not given to those who simply offer the lowest price.

"There has been pioneering work done in Wales, by our universities and the voluntary sector in particular, to show how we could really develop our economy and create jobs in this way. I will be ensuring that the new laws will help us do that."

The draft law will be voted in committee in the European Parliament in December and will go to the full session of Parliament in the new year. Intense negotiations are going on to reach a compromise on the 2,597 amendments that were put in.

Ms Evans will be speaking on Public Procurement at Bangor University on 22nd March 2013. The talk will be part of the Institute for Competition & Procurement Studies' Public Procurement week which will take place from 18th March until 22nd March.

Santa Specials draw in the crowds

The second weekend of the Santa Special trains season at Llangollen Railway attracted large crowds, with all four trains each day heavily loaded for the run to "Lapland" at Carrog. 

 

 * The first train on Sunday passes Berwyn with the

Black Five locomotive No.44806 tackling the climb.

* The last train of the day, with Foxcote Manor No.7822, is seen at

rest in Llangollen station as darkness descends.

* Visiting the station on Monday was Heart FM Radio from

Wrexham with representatives greeting travellers.

A470 blocked near Betws-y-Coed

The Daily Post and North Wales Police have just tweeted (around 5pm) that the A470 has been completely blocked near Betws-y-Coed after a lorry jack-knifed on the road at 4.45pm. More at http://dailypost.co.uk 

County's GCSE results are best in Wales

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed news that county's GCSE results in last summer's examinations were the best in Wales.

In 2008, 51.5% of pupils at Key Stage 4 achieved the Level 2 Threshold (5 GCSE A*- C or equivalent) which ranked Denbighshire 18th out of the 22 authorities in Wales.

In 2010, Denbighshire was ranked 19th. 

In contrast, the figure for 2012 was 82.7%, which ranked Denbighshire as the best performing at this level in the whole of Wales.

54.7% of pupils achieved Level 2 at Key Stage 4 including English or Welsh and Maths.

This placed Denbighshire 7th out of the 22 authorities. This is also in line with a target set by the council of being in the top ten best performing education authorities in Wales.

Councillor Eryl Williams, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Education, said: "These results are a true reflection of the tremendous amount of hard work that has been going on over recent years to improve standards of education in Denbighshire.

"This is very much a team effort, with a commitment from councillors, education staff, headteachers, teaching staff, governors, parents and pupils to raise standards, which in turn has resulted in Denbighshire being the best education services in Wales.

"I'm truly proud that everyone has pulled together and the benefits are clear for everyone to see.

"An Estyn inspection report released earlier this year deemed Denbighshire's Education Service to be good, with educational leadership across all levels of the Council described as outstanding.

"This is a good day for education in Denbighshire. However, we will not rest on our laurels and our efforts to improve education even further in Denbighshire will continue."

Ken Skates appears in neat little festive number

Clwyd South Assembky Member joined in the seasonal fun this week by donning his favourite festive jumper for Save the Children.

The local Labour AM joined colleagues in the Assembly and people across the country by wearing their favourite sweaters for Christmas Jumper Day on Friday, December 14.

By tinselling up in festive knitwear, AMs were raising money for Save the Children’s life-changing work with the world’s poorest children.

 

Mr Skates said: “Even though some of the jumpers I’ve seen this week are of dubious quality, it was fun to raise money and awareness for such a good cause.

“Every year 7.6 million children under-five die from easily preventable causes such as pneumonia and malnutrition. The work of Save the Children is helping to save lives across the globe and ensure more children get the chance to live a healthy life, no matter where they live.

“Whilst Christmas time is a fun and enjoyable time of year, we should spare a thought for those children growing up in parts of the world where the fight to stave off malnourishment and disease is a constant battle.

“This Christmas Jumper Day is a chance to raise money for Save the Children and help change the lives of young people living in some of the poorest communities on earth.”

To find out more about Christmas Jumper Day, visitwww.savethechildren.org.uk/jumpers

County's tourism plan unveiled

Tourism-based organisations in Llangollen will be interested in the following release from Denbighshire County Council:

A development programme for tourism related businesses is being rolled out at locations across Denbighshire, as part of a wider programme of activity being undertaken to better manage the visitor experience in the county.

The programme builds on the principles previously covered by the Welcome Host and Sense of Place schemes which used to be delivered by Visit Wales, but has more of an emphasis on the visitor experience in Denbighshire. It looks at identifying customers and their motivations, customer service, sense of place, sales and marketing and working in partnership.

The programme is delivered over 1½ days is free of charge to delegates.

Participants on the four sessions run to date have represented B&Bs, self catering operators, Leisure Centres, libraries, Tourist Information Centres, a pharmacy, a high street bank, outdoor activity centres, retail operators and a museum.
Justin Jones of Corwen Leisure Centre said ".... the course was excellent; very informative and highlighted how we need to work together more through firstly identifying customer needs and signposting our customers".

Hanna Andersen, HSBC said "I found the Croeso programme really useful. It was a great opportunity to learn from other business owners and take some time away from your every day work to truly think about the service that you are offering to your customers. It was a fantastic experience and one that I think will particularly help smaller businesses. That said, I have also recommended to colleagues as I feel that as larger companies we can learn a lot and also help the smaller local businesses."

Eirlys Rawson, Corn Bwch camp-site said "....it made me think more about our customers’ overall experience and the ‘added value’ we could for offer for very little cost, and how to deal with the different types of customers"
Philip Dykins, who operates a self-catering holiday cottage, near Ruthin said he "found the programme provoked focus on areas of business which may have been overlooked."
The programme is delivered by Eleri Llwyd of Pragma Training, with the training co-ordinated by Denbighshire County Council with financial assistance from Tourism Partnership North Wales and the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

The next sessions of the Croeso programme will be held in St.Asaph on 15th and 22nd January. Others will follow at Loggerheads, Rhuddlan, Denbigh, Ruthin, Corwen and Bodelwyddan.

To register for this FREE development programme, contact Denbighshire County Council's Tourism team on 01824 708242 or dcc_tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk

Future dates / locations of the programme are:

* St.Asaph 15& 22 Jan
* Loggerheads 29/1 & 5/2
* Rhuddlan 12& 19 Feb
* Denbigh 5 & 12 March (through Welsh medium)
* Ruthin 19 & 26 March (Welsh medium)
* Corwen 9 & 16 March
* Llangollen 23 & 30 April
* Loggerheads 14 & 21 May
* Bodelwyddan 4 & 11 June
* Denbigh 18 & 25 June

Silver Band play at Chirk Castle

* The Silver Band play Christmas music in Chirk Castle chapel.

Llangollen Silver Band helped visitors to get the Christmas spirit when they played in the chapel at Chirk Castle on Sunday.

Over a number of sessions they performed a mixture of traditional carols of seasonal tunes such as White Christmas and Winter Wonderland.

The castle had a number of Christmas attractions including Santa's grotto for youngsters in the garden, a nativity scene in stables near the entrance and an elves' workshop.

To warm people on a cold day the National Trust property also had roasted chestnuts and mulled wine on sale from a vendor in the courtyard and a seasonal menu on offer in the restaurant.

Jade Jones takes BBC personality award

The BBC website is reporting tonight (Monday) that Taekwondo star Jade Jones has been named as the BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2012.

The 19-year-old from Flint in north Wales won the public vote, with rugby union back-row Dan Lydiate in second place and cyclist Geraint Thomas third.

Jones battled through to win gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games, taking the women's -57kg title.

"It's like a great honour I can't believe I have won," said Jones.

"There were so many great people I was up against and just the fact that the public got to vote, so it's such a great honour that people recognised what I have done."

Consultation on Council Tax reduction

As part of the Welfare Reform Act, Council Tax Benefit is being replaced by the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Under the new scheme, there will be a maximum amount that a claimant will be entitled to, which will result in everyone having to pay part of their council tax bill.

In Denbighshire, 10,800 council taxpayers currently receive financial help with the council tax at a cost of £8.98 million.

The Welsh Assembly Government has decided to introduce a scheme to be adopted by all Wales Local Authorities with discretion to enhance payment in the additional areas of:

· Backdating
Extended payments
· War pensions

This consultation is to ask for opinions as to whether the Authority should adopt these enhancements as part of our Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Responses should be in writing to:
· By email – benefits@denbighshire.gov.uk
· By post – Consultation, Benefits Department, Russell House, Churton Rd, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 3DP.

Closing date for responses 4th January 2013.

Family relieved Llan man safe in quake-hit Japan

The family of a young Llangollen man on a business trip to Japan found themselves anxiously waiting for news of his safety in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami which hit the country late last week.

Richard Jones, 31, (pictured right) who works as a supply chain manager for Crewe-based Rolls-Royce, is out in the Far East visiting the company’s plants in Japan and China and is due to fly home later this week.

Last Friday morning, a 7.3-magnitude quake struck off Japan's eastern coast, triggering a small tsunami and sparking evacuations.

A one-metre wave hit Ishinomaki in Miyagi Prefecture and many people heeded calls to move to higher ground before all alerts were later lifted.

The quake epicentre was about 245km (150 miles) south-east of Kamiashi at a depth of about 36km, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

Miyagi was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011 and the latest quake saw buildings shaking in Tokyo, the country’s capital, about 230 miles away.

At the time it hit, Richard, who lives with his girlfriend Samantha Wood in Llangollen, was travelling back to Tokyo after a business meeting in Kobe in the south of the country aboard the high-speed bullet train.

But his family back in Wales had no idea of his whereabouts at the time and were desperately worried for his safety.

His sister, 33-year-old Louisa Jones, of Chirk, said: “Richard eventually texted back home and told he was safe but until he got in touch we were very worried about him.

“You only had to think back to last year when Japan was hit by the earthquake which did so much damage to the same part of the country.

“Richard said that as he was on the train at the time he felt nothing of the quake and didn’t know anything about it until he got back to Tokyo because mobile phones aren’t allowed on the train.

“When he texted and phoned us again later on Friday he told us he had heard about the evacuations.”

Louisa (pictured left) who  recently completed her own charity bike ride through India as reported by llanblogger, added: “The main thing is that he is safe but we’ll still be a bit concerned him until he gets back home.

“After Japan he is due to fly to Shanghai in China for more business meeting and won’t be back in the UK until Thursday but we’ll be glad to see him.”

After graduating in mechanical engineering from Sheffield University, Richard – known to his friends at “Vaughany” - first worked in management at Airbus in Flintshire and has been with Rolls-Royce for the past 14 months.  

Operatic members sing for golf club ladies

* Operatic members entertained at the golf club on Friday evening.

About a dozen members of Llangollen Operatic Society provided seasonal entertainment for the annual Christmas party of the Llangollen Golf Club ladies' section on Friday evening.

They sang a selection of carols and other songs from their forthcoming Christmas show, Festive Frolics, which will be staged at Llangollen Town Hall next Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets, at £5, include a glass of wine and a mince pie and will be available on the door on the night.

Deserving children offered free Santa Special seats

Llangollen Railway is offering families the opportunity to apply for a limited number of FREE places on the Santa Special train.

Many young children who have gone through a difficult year or youngsters who have bravely battled illness deserve a special treat at Christmas.

To acknowledge their bravery the Llangollen-based heritage railway has booked a carriage on the Santa Special due to depart from Llangollen at 2.30pm on Thursday, December 20.

That means there are 64 spaces available on board for deserving children and their families who get the opportunity to meet Santa on a festive steam train.

During the journey along the wintry Dee Valley, Santa, accompanied by his helpers the elves, will make his way through the train, stopping to talk to all the children and give them each a present.

Adults are not neglected as they will also receive a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.

Holly Evans, commercial administrator for the railway, said: "Christmas is a very special time of year when we think of others, giving presents to and receiving presents from those who are special to us.

"Unfortunately, not everyone is in such a fortunate position and Llangollen Railway would like to give something to some of the most deserving children in the North East Wales area in the run-up to Christmas.

"I'd like to hear from local families who feel their children deserve the opportunity to enjoy such a special experience.

"We hope all the lucky winners will have a great day out meeting Santa on the train.”

Llangollen Railway chairman, Jim Ritchie, said: "We're delighted to offer some of the most deserving children in the area a very special Christmas treat.

"Each year we see thousands of happy children on our steam trains, so we're very pleased to have an opportunity to extend that Christmas cheer even further to some deserving children."

To nominate a local child, please write, in no more than 50 words, why you think the child in question deserves to meet Santa at Llangollen Railway.

Also provide the name of the child and the name of the person who is nominating along with their relationship to the child, address, telephone number and email address.

Send your applications to commercial@llangollen-railway.co.uk with the subject title ‘Santa Special Treat’ by no later than 9am on Friday, December 14.

Terms and Conditions apply to offer, please see website for more details.

Llangollen Railway's Santa Special trains run every Saturday and Sunday from December 1 and then daily from December 20 through to Christmas Eve.

The 15-mile round trip in the Dee valley takes approximately one hour 45 minutes.

With more than 10,000 visitors to Santa Trains each year, advance booking is essential.
Telephone 01978 860979 or book online at www.llangollen-railway.com.uk

KLS cries foul over dog poo bins

A campaign group leader has highlighted what he claims is a lack of receptacles for dog waste in Llangollen.

Mike Edwards, chair of Keep Llangollen Special (KLS), has also criticised the county council for not proving a recycling centre for the town.

* Mike Edwards of KLS. 

Mr Edwards’ comments were sparked by a llanblogger post earlier this week linking to a Daily Post story about dog fouling.

This said that in the past eight years councils in North Wales have received more than 9,250 fouling complaints, with Denbighshire handling over 1,000 complaints since 2008 and handing out 185 penalties to owners.

Recently the local authority agreed an action plan to stamp it out across the county, with a crack team kitted out with cameras to target hotspots.

Since May 2010 there has been a continual campaign to educate and raise awareness of the blight of dog fouling. Denbighshire County Council Enforcement officers issue Fixed Penalty Notices, cautions, warning letters and verbal warnings.

But Mr Edwards said: “Whilst KLS welcome this vital health solution we feel there are insufficient receptacles around town for pet owners to dispose of the offending items.

“There is only one dedicated bin in the Riverside Garden and there are very few other general waste bins around Llangollen which the public can use, and one on the top of Hill Street disappeared recently when the lamp standard was replaced.”

Going to deal with recycling issues, he said: “Whilst it is good that Denbighshire CC have finally provided recycling bins (most local authorities have had them for 20-odd years) we have no recycling centre in Llangollen and residents have to travel to Corwen to dispose of any items which are not catered for in the household recycling bins.

“This is not a sustainable approach since it encourages vehicle journeys on a principal tourist route creating associated congestion and pollution of the environment in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Site Buffer Zone.
 
“Denbighshire claim to be a leading authority in relation to recycling, but this is not reflected in the current position in Llangollen.

“Perhaps our local councillors could look into these short-comings?”

Wern Road site suggested for eight homes

A site in Llangollen is among 21 across Denbighshire now accepted by the county council for inclusion in its local development plan as locations for new housing.

The sites were proposed after a government inspector said insufficient land was allocated to meet the original target of 7,500 homes by 2021.
 

A report warned the inspector could declare the LDP "unsound" without the extra sites.

Opponents claim homes in some new locations would add pressure to local traffic, water and power supplies.
 

The Llangollen site earmarked (county council reference number AHS 15) is 0.26 hectares of land at Wern Road, which planners believe could accommodate eight homes. 

A county council report says of it: “Thirteen responses [were] received, of which 6 are objections. 

“Llangollen Town Council expressed its support for development on this site throughout the process.

“Local residents are mainly concerned about the impact of additional eight houses on the local road network and impact on the (local) natural environment.  

“Highways consider that this development would only have negligible impact on the existing road infrastructure with site access to be created from existing estate road.  

“Adverse effects on landscape and wild life will be mitigated through applying high quality design in line with LDP policy RD1, Supplementary Planning Guidance Note 26 (‘Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site‘), and LDP policy VOE2.” 

Other areas in the county put forward for more homes include Bodfari, Llanarmon, Llanbedr DC, Dyserth and Cyffylliog.

The largest site is at the former HM Stanley Hospital in St Asaph where 172 extra houses are planned.

 

Don't miss Festive Frolics at the Town Hall

There's still time to get your tickets for Festive Frolics, a seasonal selection of songs and sketches being staged by members of Llangollen Operatic Society at thd Town Hall next Tuesday, December 11, starting at 7.30pm.

A society spokesperson said: "Get into the Christmas spirit with our programme of well-loved seasonal songs, humorous readings, poignant poems and favourite carols."

Tickets, at £5, include a mince pie and a glass of wine.

They are available now from the Tourist Information Centre, Gwyn the Butchers or any Operatic member.

Promotional street banners scheme explored

* The A5 could get promotional banners either side of the lights.

Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism has been checking out the cost of installing promotional banners in the town centre.

Chair John Palmer told members at their meeting at the Hand Hotel on Monday night that his initial research had shown it would cost an estimated £2,500 to site the banners, hanging from poles and bearing a welcome message to potential tourists, either side of the lights on the A5 and in Castle Street.

He also reckoned there could be around a £1,000 contribution towards the cost of the project.

Mr Palmer said the chamber would retain ownership of the banners and about 20 of them would be needed.

The chamber is now looking further into the scheme and coming up with ideas for the design to be carried on the banners.

AM warns over Christmas loan sharks

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has warned constituents to guard themselves against unscrupulous loan sharks this Christmas.

A recent report by the Money Advice Service has shown that more than one in 10 people across the UK who took on debts to fund Christmas 2011 are still paying off their loans as this year’s festive season approaches.

The research also found that in Wales, 36% of people questioned said it would be more difficult to afford Christmas this year.

The AM said financial help and advice was available to groups that need it and there were alternatives to illegal loan sharks.

Mr Skates said: “As families in Denbighshire brace themselves for a winter of soaring energy bills and increasing food prices, there is a risk vulnerable people will fall into financial hardship and approach unscrupulous loan sharks to help them get through.

“The average price of Christmas is now up to £600, more costly than ever before. It is therefore very important that low-income groups in Denbighshire get the advice and support they need over the Christmas and New Year period and avoid the predatory loan sharks operating in the area.

“Some victims are being charged thousands of per cent interest by rogue money lenders operating without a licence from the Office of Fair Trading. We need to be clear that these individuals are breaking the law because lending money without a licence is a crime.

“If anyone is having problems with loan sharks or is being pressured into borrowing money, please get in touch with the Wales’ Illegal Money Lending Unit for advice and support.

“If you are having problems this Christmas then there are viable alternatives to loan sharks, such as the local credit union which is a much more affordable way to borrow money.”

* WIMLU has a dedicated hotline number (0300 123 3311) that is answered 24 hours a day for anyone who is concerned about a loan they have taken out, and all information you give to the investigators is confidential.

Interest shown in buying Oakleigh

* Oakleigh is on the market with offers invite around £350,000. 

A spokesman for the company tasked with marketing Oakleigh, the former mental health facility in Abbey Road, Lllangolen, has told llanblogger they have already had a number of people interested in buying the property. 

In a letter we published earlier today (Wednesday) a reader suggested the asking price – offers in the region of £350,000 are invited – seemed low. 

In response, Stephen Wade, director business space for Legat Owen’s Chester office  which is marketing the property of behalf of its owners the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, has supplied its full details to us. 

And Mr Wade said: “Boards have now been erected and adverts are being placed in the local press. 

“We have already received several expressions of interest and viewings are being arranged.”     

The sale details show that Oakleigh covers 306 square metres (3,293 square feet) on a site of 0.28 hectares (0.69 acres). 

The description continues:  “Oakleigh comprises an attractive two storey period propertyfof brick construction under a pitched timber framed roof with clay tile covering.  

“Internally the property retains many of its original features. 

“The property has a rateable value of £10,000 and is available for sale freehold. 

“The property offers potential for a variety of alternative uses subject to securing the appropriate planning permission. 

“Planning permission has recently been granted for a change of use to a residential dwelling.”

Call for more responsible alcohol sales

As Ministers propose a minimum price of 45p a unit for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales, two senior North Wales councillors have called on shops and supermarkets to be more responsible in their attitude towards the sale of alcohol.

The call was made by Councillor Phil Edwards, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire Lead Member for Public Realm, following a meeting of the Conwy and Denbighshire Community Safety Strategic Group at Divisional Police HQ at St.Asaph to discuss ways of reducing violent crimes and their impact on communities.
The group was particularly concerned about the increased incidence of violence in the home.

Councillor Phil Edwards said: “The link between crimes and many offences involving violence has been long established. Licensing Committees on Local Authorities have made a great deal of headway in tackling troublesome pubs and off-licences but there is now a growing body of evidence that shows that alcohol induced violence in the homes has increased significantly and that this problem is made worse by the availability of cheap beers and strong ciders in retail outlets.

"The statistics that relate to domestic violence, which too often ends in tragedy for a family is frightening and it is high time we all started to tackle this seriously. At least one woman is killed every day by domestic violence and the link between this and too much alcohol is undeniable”.

Councillor Edwards added: “Shops and supermarkets need to remember that they are subject to the same strict Licensing Laws as pubs and clubs and if their activities contribute in any way against the Licensing Objectives, they will have to face the consequences in exactly the same way. In my view, there is very little difference between encouraging people to drink excessively in a ‘happy hour’ and encouraging people by offering alcohol at grossly reduced prices. The outcome too often is the same and it’s time that responsible sale of alcohol came before profits.”

Councillor David Smith agreed and said:“As responsible councillors we are concerned at the number of crimes associated with alcohol abuse, particularly alcohol induced crime in the home.

"In many cases, this is a result of readily available cheap alcoholic drinks many of which have high alcohol levels. I fully endorse the comments made by Councillor Phil Edwards and would ask retailers who sell alcohol to be more responsible in the way they sell alcohol to the public.”
 

Communications complaints aired by chamber

* The quality of the local Vodafone signal has
been questioned. 

A discussion on local communications developed amongst members at Monday night’s meeting of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism.

Simon Collinge started things off by criticising the quality of the Vodafone mobile signal in town and asked if the chamber could take up the matter with the company.

As the discussion turned to Llangollen’s broadband provision, chair John Palmer said he had been told by a telecoms expert that unless a “massive” amount of money was spent on upgrading it immediately, the town would not be getting an improved connection until 2014 or 2015.

Ian Parry suggested that if anyone was unhappy with their broadband service they could call for a better one by adding their name to the BT Infinity website.

“The more people who do this, the better the chance is of something being done, “ he explained.

The chamber agreed that it would contact Vodafone to seeking improvements to its mobile signal to the area. 

Chamber members pictured for posterity

 

* Chamber members have their picture taken in the style of the Old Masters.  

Old Masters were at work at the meeting of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism on Monday night.

While Rembrandt and Frans Hals weren’t actually at the Hand Hotel to weave their magic, they were certainly there in spirit as local photographer Andrew Gale, directed by Simon Collinge, took artistic pictures of chamber members in the style of the famous painters.

The photo-shoot came as part of a project by Andrew and Simon to produce a book recording details and pictures of community groups, clubs and societies based in the area for a book they are producing entitled Llangollen Community to be launched at the Fringe Festival next July.

They reckon there are over local 50 organisations eligible for inclusion and they are working hard to picture each of them.

Up to a few weeks ago they had held sessions with groups such as the Silver Band, Probus, the Christmas Festival Committee, Llangollen Operatic, the 20 Club, The Community market, Friends of the Earth, St Collen’s Church PCC and the Catholic Church.

But there are still many more to be captured.

“We felt it was about time that a documented pictorial history of these groups was recorded for posterity – it also seemed rather a fun idea,” said Simon Collinge.



                                * Andrew Gale (right) takes the picture.

Letter about marketing of Oakleigh House

llanblogger has received the following letter as a result of our recent story about Oakleigh House on Abbey Road, Llangollen being put on the market by its owners, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Although the sender has supplied their name we are respecting their request to remain anonymous:

Legat Owen Chester are marketing Oakleigh the former MHR  owned by the trust - on their website it is stated POA - ok but then the give a price guide of £350k!

What is going on?  After the fire in the 1980's the house was totally rebuilt and refurbished - as I recall it was marketed before the NHS purchased it for around 250k - even as a health centre the condition of the house was extremely  good, original features, fireplaces, heating - surely it cannont have been neglected so badly in the period of closure - how about an open day for the residents and former users of this resource to see what is on offer for this knock-down price guide.

The market is not good I will agree - but why are the trust not even marketing the asset with a company within the Conwy/Denbighshire area which as far as I remember, managed this much missed and valuable resorce.

Warning to drivers over icy roads

The BBC is reporting this afternoon (Tuesday) that drivers are being warned that icy roads could lead to possible disruption to travel in parts of north and mid Wales on Wednesday morning.

The story says that the Met Office said there was also a chance of snow overnight, particularly on high ground, as temperatures plunge.

It adds: "The yellow "be aware" warning is in place from 16:00 GMT on Tuesday to 12:00 GMT on Wednesday.

North Wales was hit by severe weather last week as heavy rain led to flooding after rivers burst their banks.

The Met Office said falling temperatures and wintry showers could cause problems in north and mid Wales on Wednesday morning.

"The public should be aware of the potential for increased iciness, especially early on Wednesday, and possible disruption to travel," it said.

BBC Wales weather presenter Sue Charles said Tuesday could see a mix of sleet and snow in Snowdonia, heavy at times, and wintry weather elsewhere.

"This evening showers continue as a weak cold front moves southwards but they'll become mainly confined to western coasts with maybe the odd wintry flurry inland," she said.

"But also the Met Office is warning of an ice risk across north and mid Wales as temperatures fall near freezing following those showers."

Llan chamber donates to Ruthin flood victims

* Flood-hit houses in Ruthin.

Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism is making a £200 donation to the Mayor of Ruthin’s appeal for the town’s flood-hit families.

At their meeting at the Hand Hotel on Monday night, chamber members were told by the chair John Palmer: “I suggest we donate £200 to the appeal. I believe it would be a nice act of solidarity for those poor people affected by the flooding.”

Members agreed to go ahead with the donation.

+ Denbighshire County Council has received requests from members of the public on where they can leave financial donations following last week's flooding.

The council is reminding people that they can make 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, make cheques payable to: “The Mayor's Charity Account" and cheques can be dropped off at the Cathedral Diocesan Office in St Asaph.

To donate to the Ruthin Mayor's Fund, 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."

Tobacco display law now in force

A new law has come into force in Wales banning the display of tobacco in supermarkets and other large shops.

 

It is hoped the ban will help reduce the take-up of smoking among young people, who can be tempted to take up smoking by seeing cigarettes on display.

 

The display of tobacco products can also tempt adults who are trying to stop smoking. The law will extend to smaller shops, including specialist tobacconists, in April 2015.

Since Monday large retailers have no longer been able to have cigarettes and other tobacco products on display, except when staff are serving customers and carrying out tasks such as restocking.

Tobacco price lists will also look different. A plain A3 price list with no tobacco branding can be shown at the point of sale, with an illustrated price list available to customers on request. Customers may be asked for proof of age before being shown the illustrated list.

Non-compliance with the new law, which will be enforced by local trading standards officials, is a criminal offence. Anyone found guilty could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to two years in prison.

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Smoking remains a huge risk to public health in Wales. Around 20 per cent of our NHS admissions are related to smoking, at a cost of more than £1million a day.

"Our aim is to reduce smoking levels in Wales to 16% by 2020 with an ultimate vision of a smoke-free society, in which the harm from tobacco is completely eradicated.

“We know that young people can be influenced by seeing cigarettes on display, and that they can tempt adults who are trying to give up the habit.

“We see this new law as an important part of our drive to tackle the harm caused by smoking. If we can prevent young people from ever taking up smoking, we can give future generations a better chance of a healthy life.”

The Welsh Government has a range of initiatives designed to tackle smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. These include the Fresh Start campaign, which is targeting smoking in cars carrying children and offering Fresh Start packs for those who wish to give up smoking.

Art and craft show comes to Town Hall

An art and craft fair will be held at Llangollen Town Hall on Saturday, December 8, from 10am-3pm.

It will feature ceramics, textiles, cards, jewellery, teddy bears, silk scarves, painting on ceramics, feltwork, glass painting, soaps, make-up, paintings, woodwork, knitting, decorated boxes and Christmas wreaths.

Also on sale will be quirky Christmas gifts and decorations.

Refreshments will be available.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "Come along and take a look at the unique and gorgeous array of hand-made designs and crafts.

"You will be delighted by the stylish mixture of art and craft on display. That elusive Christmas present could be waiting for you to buy."

Dog fouling problem highlighted

* Llangollen's own anti dog fouling poster. 

The Daily Post has a story today that will interest people in Llangollen where the amount of dog fouling is a cause for concern.

The paper says that in the past eight years councils in North Wales have received more than 9,250 fouling complaints.

Denbighshire has handled over 1,000 complaints since 2008, it adds.

See the report at: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2012/12/03/north-wales-councils-receive-well-over-9-250-complaints-about-dog-fouling-55578-32350299/

Classic car rally stops off in Llan

 

 

* The Hand car park is a hive of mechanical activity as entrants prepare for the next gruelling leg.

 

* A gleaming Mini Cooper is ready for the off.

* Robert and Susan McClean prepare their 1962 Rover 100 for the road.

* A rally-seasoned Porsche from Belgium.

* A BMW roars off from the Hand car park.

* A Porsche needs a little coaxing as it heads away from Llangollen.

A host of magnificent metal filled the car park of the Hand Hotel when entrants in a prestige classic car endurance rally spent the night in Llangollen.

Le Jog 2012, the 18th Land's End to John O'Groats Reliability & Touring Trial, which takes place over four days, has been described as the toughest event of its kind in Europe due to the severe weather drivers taking part often encounter along the route.

One team taking part, Robert and Susan McClean from Barrow-in-Furness, said they had encountered snow on the way to Llangollen from South Wales on Saturday evening.

However, they said they had managed to avoid the worst of it in their rally-seasoned 1962 Rover 100.

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

In the Hand car park was a cavalcade of vehicles from various parts of Europe, including Germany, Belgium and Holland.

After setting off from Land’s End early on Saturday morning, the rally took a direct line to the Severn Bridge before heading to South Wales and weaving its way north to Llangollen.

After breakfast drivers travelled on through Cheshire and Lancashire, Northumbria and into Scotland.

Snow on the hills above town

* Snow on the hills overlooking Llan.

Although there was none of the white stuff in town, a dusting of snow was visible on the hills overlooking the town this morning (Sunday).

On social media sites there were reports of a light covering of snow overnight in places like Coedpoeth, Bwlchgwyn and Ponciau.