Net is cast for volunteer lock-keepers

* The Canal & River Trust is offeroing the chance to help out on the canals. 

The Canal & River Trust, the new charity which cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England & Wales, is calling on communities to get involved in a scheme that will see them becmoning volunteer lock keepers along the Shropshire Union and Llangollen Canals .

 

Lock keeping has been a fixture on the canals for hundreds of years and the role of the modern-day volunteer lock keeper is to help the Trust look after the waterways, including helping boaters through the locks, providing a polite and friendly welcome to waterway visitors and helping to maintain many historic, listed locks.

Actor and adventurer Brian Blessed supported the first appeal during 2012 which saw over 250 people come forward and become volunteer lock keepers.

Now, the Trust is asking for public support to try and double these numbers in over 50 locations across the country.

Paul Corner, volunteer coordinator for the Canal & River Trust, said: “As a new charity we were heartened by the amazing support we received for this role last year.

 

"Volunteers are integral to the future of the nation’s waterways and our growing groups of volunteers have been making a huge difference to local canals and rivers up and down the country.

 

"This is one of the oldest and most iconic roles on the waterways so we’re asking the millions of people who visit the nation’s canals and rivers each year to get active and become a volunteer lock keeper.”

In a recent survey with volunteer lock keepers who took part in 2012, 99% said they planned to return in 2013 and over 70% of people said that ‘keeping fit and active’ was one of the major motivations for waterways volunteering. In total, they collectively contributed over 4,500 volunteer days.

Throughout the season, it’s also estimated the volunteer lock keepers assisted 1,500 boats and engaged with over 1,700 towpath visitors on average per week, helped reduce water loss by encouraging lock sharing and making sure lock paddles were closed and also improved safe passage through locks.

Paul added: “Working outdoors and staying fit have been a key incentive for people, as has a sense of pride in knowing they’re helping protect this 250-year-old working heritage. It’s extremely important to us that we offer volunteers something appealing where they feel like they’re making a difference which this role certainly does.

“The waterways are a national treasure that everyone can participate in and our volunteers have been able to provide so many additional benefits on top of the year round work Canal & River Trust staff carry out.

 

"Whether it’s helping a boat through the lock, talking to customers or local practical tasks, it can really make a huge difference to a visitor’s appreciation of the waterways in North Wales and make sure they’re supported for many more years to come.”

 
 

Volunteers can start quickly and no prior experience is necessary as a full induction, training and a uniform will be provided. The key qualities the Trust is looking for is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

The Canal & River Trust will care for 1,654 locks and there are approximately 5 million ‘lockings’ each year (passages through locks). Over 32,000 boats now call the waterways home; a figure higher than at the height of the industrial revolution.

Full details about how to become a volunteer lock keeper and location details are available by:

 

· Visiting: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer

 

· Emailing: volunteer@canalrivertrust.org.uk

 

· Phoning: 0303 040 4040.

Impairment focus panel meets

If you have a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment this is your opportunity to be listened to.

Denbighshire's Physical and Sensory Impairment (PSI) focus panel will provide you with an opportunity for consultation, information exchange and discussion on local and national issues.

The first meetings are:

February 6^th 10.30am to 12.30pm, Rhyl Community Fire Station, Coast Road Rhyl

March 4^th 10.30am to 12.30pm, Erianfa Community Centre, Factory Place, Denbigh
April 9^th 10.30am to 12.30pm, Corwen Sports Pavilion, War Memorial Park, Corwen
Rona Roberts, PSI Facilitator based at the Disability Resource Centre in Bodelwyddan, said: "Everyone's views are important, and we want to hear them so that the planning of services in Denbighshire can be influenced.

"If people wish to become involved and cannot attend the meetings, or have specific requirements to enable them to have a voice on the panel, please contact me via e-mail, text or telephone."

Rona can be contacted at the Disability Resource Centre (on the Ysbyty Glan Clwyd site at Bodelwyddan)

( 01745 534 525
Mobile 07432812887
E-mail Rona.Roberts@wales.nhs.uk

Heavy snow fall in Llan

* The view along Regent Street at 8.40pm.  

It is currently snowing heavily in the middle of Llangollen - in line with earlier weather forecast.

Twitter shows it’s snowing across a wide area – from Overton to Llay and from Bwlchgwyn to Summerhill.

One tweet says Llangollen Road through Plas Madoc to Acrefair totally thick with snow.

Flashing warning sign says the Horseshoe Pass is closed.

GHA buses says it is bringing its buses home early.

Visibility extremely poor on the A483 near Wrexham.

Further tweets say:

Just took me half an hour to get from Plas Coch to rhosymedre. Roads are dangerous.

Visibility so bad cars are driving at a maximum of 30mph on A483 bypass near Wrexham.

11.31pm: Tweets says: Reports of jacknifed lorries, abandoned cars - not just bypass but A55 & M56 :

11.40pm: Wrexham.com reporting hearing some staff in Tesco, Wrexham, spending the night there as they are snowed in. Others stuck in vehicles - and pubs in and around town.

11.50pm: Heavy rain now falling in Llangollen - perhaps the prelude to a thaw.

Tide of new betting shops should be stemmed, says Skates

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has called for councils to be given stronger powers to stem the numbers of betting shops popping up on high streets in North Wales.

The AM (pictured below) said the recent closure of major retail stores such as Peacocks, Game and JJB Sports as well as scores of small independent shops on the High Street risked more Betting shops opening up in their place. 

 

He believes local councils needed to have stronger planning powers to restrict their numbers in disadvantaged areas.

A report last year for the High Streets First campaign said more than a third of betting shops in Wales are in the most deprived communities.

 

Mr Skates said: "In the last year alone we have seen major retail players such as Clinton Cards, Blacks, Peacocks, Game and JJB Sports all disappear form the High Street, in addition to the recent problems HMV and Blockbuster have suffered. Added to this, scores of small independent shops have also closed their doors.

“The risk is that in the next few months and years these vacant properties will be taken up by betting shops, which prey on vulnerable communities and disadvantaged areas hit hard by unemployment and joblessness.

“In areas like Wrexham, as it is across North Wales, High Streets are more than just a collection of shopping outlets, they form part of the soul of the town. We can’t let the high street become clustered with these addictive betting shops.

“A recent report I did as part of the Assembly’s Enterprise and Business Committee highlighted that vacant sites in our Town Centres now account for 11.5% of all High Street premises, a figure indeed higher than the overall UK average.

“Planning rules need to be changed to allow local authorities in North Wales to stop the excessive spread of betting shops and the clustering of outlets in run down high streets.

“All too often in North Wales you find a row of bookmakers, empty shops and loan companies on a high street, with very little diversity in between. It represents a very unappealing offer to potential investors and seriously affects the way people see their own high street.

“Often this happens because planning rules allow stores with the same ‘use’ license to replace a similar store. So when a café, shop or bank closes in my constituency a new one can open up regardless of the numbers of similar such outlets nearby.

“At the moment bookmakers fall into the same category as banks, which are financial services so it means these facilities can be changed into betting shops without our democratically elected local authorities having a say. This must change.”

Campaign begins over axed hospitals

According to the Daily Post this morning (Friday) Health Minister Lesley Griffiths must intervene in a health board’s decision to transfer intensive care services for the most at-risk newborns to England and controversial plan to axe hospitals and services.

See the full story at:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/01/25/call-for-health-minister-to-step-in-over-north-wales-hospital-cut-and-baby-care-move-55578-32676849/

Chamber feels "cheated" over Sainsbury's plan

MEMBERS of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism believe they have been “cheated” over the controversial plan to build a new Sainsbury’s supermarket in the town.

And they say that if they had known the outcome of  Denbighshire County Council’s planning process they would not have supported the scheme in the first place. 

They also accuse Sainsbury’s of “riding roughshod” over local opinion. 

When the details of the scheme to build a 20,000 square foot food store on land currently occupied by the Dobson & Crowther print works off Berwyn Street was first revealed the chamber decided that rather than object to the application it would support it. 

This was on the strict understanding conditions would be imposed preventing a café being operated on the premises, there would be no delicatessen or butchers counters and that pedestrian access to the town from the supermarket car park would be changed. 

Chamber chair John Palmer stressed these stipulations when he made a short presentation to the planning committee as it considered the application last October. 

The committee approved the plan subject to certain conditions but the formal certificate of decisions later indicated there would be no café permitted. 

Some of the other conditions were rather vague, according to the chamber.  

Soon afterwards the developers submitted an appeal against some of the conditions, including the one covering the café ban, and it became clear they were in fact seeking an extension of the original café area.  

When it was considered last December, the planning committee decided to uphold the appeal despite another presentation from Mr Palmer objecting to the proposal on the basis the town stood to lose a considerable amount of passing trade.   

Mr Palmer said this week: “In the discussions with the developers before the application was submitted it was made very clear to them the chamber would object to a café as part of the development and we were led to believe that it would not be included in the application.  

“The reason for objection to a cafe was to protect existing café businesses in the town centre.

 “The fact that it was included but rejected as part of the committee’s original decision suggested that the outcome was satisfactory.  

“However, the results of the appeal now mean that some of those businesses are vulnerable.” 

Mr Palmer added: “There would appear to be no legal redress for  the chamber and members feel the planning committee succumbed to the power of large organisations and were afraid of any legal challenge if they failed to uphold the appeal.  

“Our members now feel cheated and had they known the outcome of the café issue, would not have supported the original application.  

“The power of the supermarket over local opinion has succeeded again.”

Responding to this story when it was carried in the Leader yesterday (Thursday) Andrew Sanderson, development manager for Sainsbury’s, said: “While Sainsbury’s has not been leading on this supermarket application, we met several local people including John Palmer during public consultation.

“We do not feel a small coffee bar in the supermarket would compete with the range of cafés in the town. Customers use our cafés while doing their food shopping, not as a destination.

“An independent retail consultant commenting on the planning application agreed a café is unlikely to be as attractive to most tourists as existing facilities, which we accept are primarily serving a tourist market.

“Sainsbury’s wants to work with the town and has already offered free marketing space in the store for use by local independent businesses.

“We want to encourage shoppers using the store to also make trips into the town to enjoy the hospitality Llangollen has to offer.”

A spokesman for Denbighshire Council said: “All of the planning applications relating to the food store development in Llangollen have followed a due process of consultation, assessment and determination by the elected members of the planning committee.

“Decisions have been made having regard to all representations received and in accordance with adopted planning policies and guidance.”

Historic US church backs eisteddfod choral contest

 

* The Welsh Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles.

One of America’s most historic churches - where Oscar-winner Sir Anthony Hopkins attended a memorial service for his mother - has backed a major choral competition back home in Wales.

The Welsh Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles held its final service last month after 124 years but its legacy will support the Male Voice Choir competition at the world famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for the next three years.

The church was founded in Los Angeles in 1888 when the West was still wild and when the city had a population of fewer than 50,000 – these days it is the second biggest in the USA with nearly four million inhabitants.

It had a proud history too - its choir sang at the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco in 1938 and at the San Diego World’s Fair in 1935.

They also played a part in another piece of Hollywood history, singing and taking walk-on roles in How Green Was My Valley, which won the 1941 Best Picture Oscar and Best Director award for John Ford.

So it was a sad day when the last service was held on Sunday, December 16, according to Gwyn Phillips, (pictured below with wife Mair dressed for a St David's Day event) a retired insurance broker, now 81, originally from Cwmfelinfach, near Newport, and who emigrated to Canada in 1956.

He met his wife, Mair, a Welsh-speaking nurse from Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay, there and they moved to LA in 1960 and have been there ever since, bringing up three children, David Wyn, Bryn Morgan and Glenda Elen.

Gwyn was an elder of the church and Mair a deacon and he said: “The church has been around for a long time but for the last five or ten years numbers have been declining and we weren’t really able to carry on.

“It was a synagogue and we bought it from the Jews in 1929 and now we’re selling it back to them as a heritage centre – it must be the only Welsh church with five or six Stars of David in the windows.

“We used to hold a regular Cymanfa Ganu and that was very popular and so was the three-day weekend eisteddfod we had and whenever there was a Welsh choir in southern California we’d try and invite them and we’ve had the Llanelli and Rhos Choirs here and the Three Welsh Tenors, Rhys Meirion, Aled Hall and Alun Rhys Jenkins.

“We even made the church earthquake-resistant in the 1980s and raised £250,000 ourselves to do it.

“We are at least glad that we have been able to support events like the Llangollen Eisteddfod – it was a must as far as we were concerned and we were delighted to be able to sponsor the make voice choir competition.

“Music and singing is all part of our heritage and even last year when Wales played England at rugby we went down to this bar and I counted 62 Welsh people there and we all stood to attention to sing Mae Hen Flad Fy Nhadau – even the English loved it.”

Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths said:“While we’re obviously saddened to hear that this historic church has had to close we’re very grateful for their kind sponsorship and support.

“It’s a wonderful and very appropriate gesture that this church which has been attended by immigrants from Wales for well over a hundred years should support an international event back home in Wales – I’m sure the generations of Welsh Americans would approve.”

Gwyn and his wife, who was brought up at Plas Farm, Llysfaen, have visited Wales many times and Mrs Phillips still has three brothers and a sister living in Wales.

They say that the church, founded by the Rev David Hughes, from Llanwchllyn, near Bala, in 1888 when its 22 members met in the back room of a shop in Los Angeles, has been a big part of their lives and will be missed.

One of its members was Mary Griffiths, whose brother, Griffith J Griffiths, donated the 3,000 acres of Griffith Park to the city of Los Angeles – a journalist who made his money in gold mining, Griffith served two years in gaol after shooting his wife.

She survived but unsurprisingly divorced him and Griffiths, who had professed to be a teetotaler but turned out to be a secret drunk, died of liver failure but not before making further bequests to the city.

The church, in Valencia Street, has been a hub of Welsh life in southern California since then and Gwyn added: “We have been able to support a number of Welsh institutions, including the Llangollen Eisteddfod, the National Eisteddfod, the National Library and St David’s Cathedral, and they’ve been thrilled by the money we’ve sent them.

“As far as we’re concerned here, while that money is being used it’s working and doing something for Wales. That’s the important thing because it is Welsh money.”

A video of the Welsh Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles is on Youtube on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmJ5Pt1FVeo

For more details on this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

AM calls for probe of high suicide rates

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has called for the Welsh Government to commission specialist research into the suicide rate in Wales.

Figures released by the ONS have shown that the suicide rate in Wales has risen 30% in two years, the highest level since 2004.

The rates are now higher than in England. The rate in Wales is up from 10.7 per 100,000 people in 2009 to 13.9 in 2011. The England rate is 10.4 per 100,000.

The Chair of the Assembly’s All Party Group on Mental Health said the new figures had to be treated with caution as the factors that lead to suicide were complex and multi-layered.

However he called on the Welsh Government to examine the new figures closely and commission specialist research to shape policies that could help excluded and marginalised groups at particular risk of suicide.

Mr Skates said: “We do have to treat statistics relating to suicide very carefully indeed. The factors that cause someone to take their own life are complex and reading any concrete patterns into the figures is very difficult.

“However, it is concerning that the suicide rate in Wales has risen 30% in two years and is now higher than the rate we are seeing in England. It had been feared that the economic downturn would have a big impact on mental well-being in Wales and we need more research to examine this further.

“That is why I believe the Welsh Government and the NHS should take a leading role in helping to commission specialist research into the suicide rate in Wales. We need to look at the factors that are underpinning this increase and how policy in mental health can be shaped to help and support groups that are most likely to take their own life.

“One of the at risk groups appears to be middle aged men. A report released last year by the Samaritans - ‘Men and Suicide: Why it’s a social issue’ highlighted that males from disadvantaged backgrounds in their 30s, 40s and 50s are at higher risk of suicide than other groups.

“It said that on average, men from low socio-economic backgrounds living in deprived areas are ten times more likely to die by suicide than men from high socio-economic backgrounds living in the most affluent areas.

“These are the sorts of issues that need now to be researched further. With a legacy of heavy industrial manufacturing that has gone into sharp decline over the last thirty years, maybe there are longer term factors, particular to Wales, that need to be explored.”

Some of the increase may be down to a change in the way deaths were recorded by coroners following new guidance.

Wales had a greater number of deaths than any E nglish region. North-east England is the next highest at 12.9 per 100,000.

* The Freephone Community Advice and Listening Line (CALL) numbers are 0800 132737 or 81066.

T* The Samaritans on available on 08457 90 90 90.

Llan team are quiz champions

A team from Llangiollen were winners of a county quiz staged by Clwyd Young Farmers Club at Denbigh Rugby Club recently. 

Fifteen teams from across the region took part and the quiz master once again was Erfyl Jones who had a variety of questions to suit everyone. 

Runners-up to Llangollen were Betws yn Rhos, Cilcain and Llansannan. 

 

 

* The winning Llangollen team of Aled Jones, Iolo Francis, Dan Griffiths, quizmaster Erfyl Jones, Jess Binks and Bronwen Edwards.

AM Isherwood slams Llan hospital closure

Last week’s decision to close four community hospitals, downgrade services at others and transfer intensive care for newborn babies to the Wirral has been criticised in the Welsh Assembly Chamber.

 

During  the Welsh Conservative Debate on NHS Reconfiguration, North Wales Assembly Member, Mark Isherwood, spoke of the many concerns regarding both the changes in North Wales and the preceding consultation, described by campaigners as "a sham".

* Mark Sisherwood AM.

He said: “Twenty-six community beds are to be cut across North Wales, despite bed occupancy levels of 95% and above in the community hospitals now being closed or expected to fill the gap.

“The GP who set up the pilot Enhanced Care at Home scheme with the Health Board, has stated that: 'This will bring a service that is currently frequently gridlocked, further to its knees' and that 'a central part of the proposed shake-up of health services – providing more care in people’s homes – won’t fill the gap left by shutting community hospitals'.

 

“The Director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales, stated: 'There is insufficient capacity within the community to discharge patients out of hospital.'”

Mr Isherwood said that fears have also been expressed by local authorities that the health board’s plans will shift costs to councils and criticised the fact the consultation document lacked reference to what the health board could learn from the third sector about the integration of care services in the home, community, hospital and hospices.

He added: “They (Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board)tell us the changes will lead to better patient care, but reducing community hospital beds and moving services further away from often vulnerable patients will damage, rather than enhance, community based health services.

 

“A Llangollen campaigner emailed 'The fight against the closure of our hospital has taken on a deeply personal aspect. My condition is incurable and I’m now under palliative care. I’d rather receive end-of-life care in my own local hospital.'"

Mr Isherwood stressed that it is Labour Welsh Government policy and its "record breaking cuts that have driven theses closures and downgrading of services".

He added: “Health spending was cut following the budget devolved to Wales by the last Labour UK Government. Today, the Welsh NHS is facing the deepest cuts of any UK Nation.

“Let us hope that in acting as judge and jury to plans resuing from her own policies,this Minister is not now also the executioner of services.”

Police issue cash machine warning

The Daily Post is reporting today (Wednesday) that police are warning residents to be on their guard after two men were seen deliberately bumping into people after they had used a cash machine in Llangollen.

See the full story at:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/01/23/police-issue-llangollen-cash-machine-warning-55578-32660995/

Warning over Llangollen health services

Llangollen will be without adequate health provision for years to come.

That is the warning from North Wales Assembly Member Llyr Gruffydd (pictured below) following the decision last Friday by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to axe the town's Cottage Hospital.

The Plaid Cyrmu member said: “The decision to close Llangollen hospital and downgrade health services in Ruthin will put additional pressures on Wrexham and Glan Clwyd hospitals.

"It will reduce the number of hospital beds in North Wales by more than 10% - that will also mean more bedblocknig in the general hospitals.

“The very real problem of getting to these hospitals, whether you’re a patient or relative, has also been ignored. This is no trivial matter in an area where running a car is a very expensive matter and where public transport is patchy at best.

 

"There is no funding in place for a replacement health centre and I fear Llangollen will be without adequate health provision for years to come."

 

He added: “The decision to move neonatal intensive care services across the border now means there is no Level 3 Special Care Baby Unit north of Carmarthen. I fear this decision is putting lives at risk and it is inexplicable that it should be made in the face of clinical advice and opposition from respected professional bodies such as the RCN and BMA.

 

“The very real experiences of parents with babies that have gone through intensive care at our existing excellent SCBUs has also been ignored. I do not believe we were given the full facts regarding Arrowe Park and therefore the entire consultation process and final decision was skewed.

 

“The same criticism applies to the closure, downgrading and centralisation of community hospitals. GPs and patients alike are rightly sceptical of the promised replacements – where is the money coming from to build new health centres and ensure enhanced home care?

 

“My party, Plaid Cymru, wants to see an improved health service in the North but this decision will lead to a poorer health service for many communities and takes no regard of the very real transport problems many households have.

 

“This decision has been made without key questions being answered about finance and the impact on NHS staff. That’s why I call on the Community Health Council to now stand up for the people of North Wales – they must make a formal objection so that the Health Minister can intervene.

 

"If Lesley Griffiths wants to impose this model on North Wales, she shouldn’t be allowed to hide behind health boards who are not ultimately answerable to the people.”

... and a local campaigner's view:

Mabon ap Gwynfor, spokesman for Keep Llangollen Health Services, said: “The conclusion of this rubber stamping exercise comes as no surprise to us. It’s just another step in our on-going fight to save our health services in Llangollen.

 

"The First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said last week that he will defend the need for safe and sustainable services. These changes are neither safe nor sustainable as they will take basic healthcare such as Minor Injury care further from the patients; block beds at Wrexham Maelor; and force elderly patients to pay for private beds in nursing homes which do not meet the same clinical standards as NHS hospitals. On top of that they are uncosted and are likely to put added pressure on an already stretched Council social services.

“The fight continues. The final decision is likely to rest with the Health Minister, but we need our Community Health Council to support those that they represent and insist that the Minister calls these plans in. The CHC continue to be concerned about the proposals and are asking the same questions as we’ve been asking, which the Health Board have been unable to answer. Ultimately we could have a Judicial Review, which would lay bare the flaws of this whole process.”

Wales leads way in food hygiene legislation

Wales is set to be the first country in the UK to introduce a mandatory scheme requiring food businesses to openly display their hygiene rating.

 

The Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Bill was passed by the National Assembly for Wales today (January 22), and is now nearing the end of the legislative process.

 

The next stage is for the Bill to go before Her Majesty the Queen for Royal Assent to become an Act.
The Bill will result in consumers being provided with more information about where they eat or buy food. This will help to drive up businesses’ food hygiene standards.

Introduction of a mandatory food hygiene rating scheme is a commitment in the Welsh Government’s Programme for Government and would be the UK’s first compulsory scheme.

Under the scheme, businesses will be rated with a score between 0 and 5 – with 0 meaning urgent improvement is necessary and a 5 rating meaning hygiene standards are very good.

The rating will be based on criteria which will include food handling standards – such as how the food is prepared, cooked, cooled and stored, the condition of the premises and the procedures in place to ensure the production of safe food.

Businesses will be required to display their rating in a prominent position, such as at the entrance to their premises, or face a fine.

Following consultation on the proposals last year, the Bill includes provisions enabling the scheme to be applied to businesses that do not deal directly with consumers but supply food to other businesses.

There is also a new duty on food businesses to verbally inform customers of the food hygiene rating for their establishment if requested and an associated offence if they refuse to do so.

This will allow people with impaired vision or enquiring by telephone to establish the hygiene rating of an establishment before deciding whether to buy from there. .

Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: "Today, the Food Hygiene Rating Bill cleared one of the final hurdles on its way to becoming an Act.

“Food hygiene is essential for the protection of public health. The rating scheme will help drive up standards and benefit both consumers and businesses.

“The scheme will enable consumers to make a more informed choice about where they choose to eat or shop for food, while good food hygiene means a higher rating which is good for business.”

If the Bill becomes law, it is expected the earliest a mandatory scheme will come into operation will be late 2013 to allow businesses to prepare.

Council "working continuously" to shift the snow

* Council snow shifters battle against the elements.

Denbighshire County Council says its highway crews and some additional contract JCB's have been working almost continuously throughout the weekend to keep the major routes open and yesterday they branched out onto the more minor roads.

Apokesperson said: "The A5104 between Llandegla and Bryneglwys was particularly badly affected and we weren't able to get this open until Sunday morning.

"Agricultural contractors have been drafted in to clear snow from many of the rural roads and these proved effective except where there were deep drifts.

"We have a snow blower on hire and the JCBs are continuing to work on those locations.

"Overnight there has been further substantial snow in some places so this has obviously added to the workload."

Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, Councillor David Smith, said: "It's fair to say that resources have been stretched in this cold snap but I would like to thank our highways crews for working round the clock to keep the network open throughout most of the county.

"Today we have gritters out salting the more minor roads and we are still using agricultural contractors where appropriate.

"These are most effective where snow is over about three inches deep so we are being selective in how we use them. 

"We are also continuing to respond to specific welfare needs.

"In addition we are also salting in the urban areas of Denbigh, Ruthin and Llangollen and this work too will branch out to other communities as and when we can."

* llanblogger would like to know if you are happy with the way the council handled the snow. Send your views to: llanblogger@gmail.com

Supermarkets "dearer for fruit and veg" claim

Keep Llangollen Special chair Mike Edwards is drawing attention to a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary, screened last night (Monday), which concluded that fruit and vegetables in supermarkets are dearer than those sold by independent shops and markets.

The full story is available here: http://www.channel4.com/info/press/news/supermarket-fruit-and-veg-pricier-than-independent-shop-market

Plaid slam "bedroom tax" plans

Thousands of families in north-east Wales will be affected by a new “bedroom tax” being imposed by the UK Government, claims Plaid Cyrmu.

The leader of the Party of Wales has warned of the “catastrophic” impact the bedroom tax will have on the 40,000 people in Wales affected by the changes to housing benefit.

 

According to calculations made by the Welsh Local Government Association, this will see £26.7 million of income being sucked out of the Welsh economy in the next financial year.

 

Leanne Wood AM, the Plaid Cymru Leader, said the changes will have a huge impact on the most vulnerable in society and a knock-on effect on the local businesses they use.

 

The Westminster Coalition Government’s changes to occupancy rules regarding Housing Benefit will see payments reduced by 14% if there's one extra bedroom and 25% if the person has two or more extra bedrooms.

 

Under the scheme, one bedroom is allowed for each adult couple, two children of the same sex under 16, two children aged under 10 and any other child.

 

Ms Wood said: “As things stand, there are a lot of families in Wales struggling to keep their heads above water with the cost of living and daily essentials rising year-on-year while incomes and social security payments remain static or increase very little.

 

“We have seen phenomenal growth in the demand for food banks in Wales which provide emergency food packages to those who cannot afford to feed themselves. This is a significant barometer of how tough life is for a significant proportion of the population. 

 

“The hunger crisis in Wales will only get significantly worse following the benefit changes on the horizon this April. The bedroom tax, affecting 40,000 people in Wales and taking an estimated £26 million from their pockets will be one of the most devastating changes to social security payments.

 

“We also expect to see an increase in homelessness, more people in arrears and further economic decline in those areas where there is a high proportion of people reliant on social security.

 

“Around a fifth of all Welsh households will have seen significant cuts in their income due to direct and deliberate actions of a Westminster government that has no mandate in Wales.

 

“Most of the people affected by the bedroom tax are in employment. It will not just affect those in large houses. Foster parents who keep a spare bedroom for children will be regarded as ‘under-occupying’. 

 

“Parents of children in university who keep their rooms for them will be regarded as ‘under-occupying.’

 

“The bedroom tax will have a catastrophic effect on household budgets that have already been mercilessly squeezed.”

 

Ms Wood added: “Devolution has the potential to offer people in Wales some protection, but only if there is political will to do so. 

 

“Plaid Cymru will be pushing for the Welsh government to develop an alternative social protection plan for Wales. We know worse is to come and we cannot afford to wait. 

 

“A Plaid Cymru government would ensure comprehensive provision of advice services for those affected.

 

“Introduce changes to homelessness legislation that would ensure a preventative approach ends homelessness, similar to the law that the Scottish Government has brought in.

 

“We would view investment in social housing as an opportunity to tackle fuel poverty and create jobs as well as being part of a wider programme of action designed tackle the cycle of decline so many of our communities have faced.”

Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s AM for North Wales, added: “In North-east Wales alone more than 3,400 households will be affected by this new bedroom tax. Studies have shown that a great many of those affected have children with disabilities who need special adaptations to their homes. The cost of re-housing these families would be entirely disproportionate.”

Speeding problem raised by town councillors

Police are to be asked to keep an eye on vehicles speeding along Llangollen's two main roads.

At the monthly Town Council meeting on Tuesday night, Cllr James Tobin complained about vehicles speeding along Abbey Road (A539) between the bridge and the former Jenny Jones pub.

Cllr Bob Lube said there was a similar problem on the A5.

Town clerk Gareth Thomas said: "I will ask the police traffic unit can come down here."

West End star Mark appeals to Welsh dancers

 

* West End star Mark Evans.

 

 

* Eilir Owen Griffiths, Musical Director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

West End star Mark Evans is appealing to folk dancers across Wales to represent their country against teams from around the world at Wales’s biggest international cultural festival.

Mark is currently touring the USA in the lead role in the smash-hit musical comedy The Book of Mormon but he took time out of his busy schedule – he is appearing in Seattle at the moment – to urge Welsh dancers to step up to the plate.

That’s because it will be strictly folk dancing as the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod introduces a major new dance prize to feature alongside its acclaimed Choir of the World event on the final night of competition this July.

Mark, from Llanrhaeadr, in the Vale of Clwyd, said: “Llangollen is a wonderful event with a tremendous heritage and it is a great experience to be a part of, whether singing or dancing.

“I would urge dance troupes from across Wales to hurry to be involved in this year’s International Eisteddfod and be able to showcase their talent to the world.”

The idea for the Saturday night dance finale is the brainchild of Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths who wants dance groups from across Wales to pick up the challenge and take on the world at Llangollen this year.

At stake will be the chance to go head to head on the stage with the best in the world for a major new international prize, the Dance Champions International Trophy and £1,000.

Eilir Griffiths said: “The Choir of the World competition is internationally recognised and we want to elevate dance to the same level by giving it a place on the stage on the big night, Saturday, July 13.

“We’re hoping to attract more dance groups from Wales and from across the whole of the UK and Ireland and so we have moved the two major dance competitions to the weekend.

“Dance plays a really important part in the Eisteddfod and brings huge colour, spectacle and atmosphere to the event every year with dancers from all over the world in their different costumes.

“We want it to really light up the weekend and have a real impact not just on the Saturday night but throughout the week and especially the weekend.”

The Eisteddfod’s two major dance competitions will be held at the weekend this year with the Choreographed Dance competition on Friday and the Traditional Dance on Saturday.

The winners of each will then dance off for the judges for the title of Dance Champions on the main stage at the Royal International Pavilion in a spectacular finale to the week’s competitions.

Eilir added: “The Eisteddfod has always boasted that it has the best in folk dancing and choral music from around the world but if it’s the best why isn’t there a best of the best competition for dance?

“For me it’s vitally important that competition in both art forms should culminate in the same way – on the stage on Saturday night.

“We want to reach across the dance community that there is another reason for them to come this year and having them there will bring the field to life and gives the dance groups something to look forward to.

“We regularly have dance groups from Turkey and Kurdistan, from Kenya and Ghana, from Ireland and from Europe and there will be major dance competitions taking place every day at this year’s Eisteddfod.

“It will start with children’s competitions on Wednesday with the cultural showcase on Thursday, the choreographed dance on Friday and the folk dance on Saturday and now with the added climax on Saturday night when we will crown the Dance Champions.”

This year’s dance categories are Cultural Showcase, Children’s Folk Dance Group, Individual Folk Dance under 16’s, Dancing in the Street, Traditional Folk Dance and Choreographed Folk Dance.

The Eisteddfod has also extended the deadline day for entries to the dance competitions to February 1.

As well as the new dance event there will also be a new Children’s Choir of the World competition; with the winning choirs from the Junior Children’s, Senior Children’s and Children’s Folk Choir competitions competing against each other,

There will also be a Conductors Prize for the most inspiring conductor from these competitions as well as a Music Directors Award given by the festival’s Music Director himself, Eilir Owen Griffiths.

Another first, aimed at solo performers, will be the Voice of the Future competition, open to under-35s and with a whopping £2,000 prize while the renowned Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy, named for the great Italian tenor who first sang at the Eisteddfod as a boy, will now include the winners from the Youth Choirs competition.

This year’s event is from Tuesday, July 9, to Sunday, July 14, more details, including how to enter, are on the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

Money-saving website launched

Minister for Local Government and Communities, Carl Sargeant, has launched a new website that helps people find information about how they can make their money go further.

 

The website, www.moneymadeclearwales.org, was created by the Wales Cooperative Centre and gives information about a range of services to help people manage their money.

 

As well as giving details of financial help and guidance available across Wales, the website includes information about affordable credit and savings, news about campaigns and topical stories.

Carl Sargeant said: “At this time of year we all turn our attention sorting our finances out after our Christmas spending. All too often we hear of people struggling to work how they can pay their bills and current cold weather means that the worry of paying for gas and electric is likely to add to these difficulties.

“Turning to a high cost money lender to make the money last to the end of the month is usually not the solution since it could mean an even bigger problem in the months to come.

“This new website will help people make informed choices about how they can best meet their commitments without having to turn to the high cost lenders that prey on the most vulnerable in our society.

“The website signposts sources of financial advice and also gives details of local credit unions, who are ideally placed in communities and offer an affordable alternative to other loan providers.

“This resource will also help financial advice providers to keep in touch with each other so that they can share information and best practice.

”Encouraging such organisations to work together is a crucial in improving financial inclusion and tackling poverty in Wales.”

Derek Walker from the Wales Co-operative Centre said: “At a time when money is tight and increasing numbers of people are worried about their finances we all need to work together to provide the help that is needed.

"The Wales Co-operative Centre has worked with experts in the field to gather that help in the form of an easy to use website. Now we have set it up, our next job is to make sure as many people as possible know about it and use it.”

Funding for more police announced

The BBC news website is reporting today that the North Wales police and crime commissioner has increased the force's funding from council tax by 3.98%.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/wales/north_east_wales/

Town councilors make no comment on plans

Members of Llangollen Town Council made no comment on any of the planning issues which came before them at their monthly meeting on Tuesday night.

These included the related schemes, both recently approved by the county council, to remove or vary conditions on the new Saisnbury's store to be built on the Dobson & Crowther printworks site off the A5, and the site at nearby Cilmedw where a replacement factory will be built.

Also considered without any objection being raised was a plan by Llangollen Railway to erect a steel portal framed building for storage of locomotive engines and other rolling stock, and the re-alignment of the existing track at the Llangollen Junction Yard, Abbey Road, Llangollen.

Latest position on Wrexham schools

Wrexham Council says on its website that there are currently four schools closed or partially closed within the county borough:

Ysgol y Waun, Chirk - Partially Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Insufficient staff cover
• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The junior site on Lloyds Lane is closed due to insufficient staff to cover classes. The infant site on Chapel Lane is open

Last Updated: 07:38AM 21/01/13

Froncysyllte CP - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The shool is closed today. The hill leading to school is treacherous and the car park is unusable. In the interests of health and safety of staff and pupils we have made the difficult decision to close. We will do all we can to get roads gritted and passable so that we can open tomorrow. Thank you for your support and patience - we have not taken the decision lightly.

Last Updated: 07:57AM 21/01/13

Penycae Community Primary - Partially Closed

Further Information: INFANT SITE OPEN. JUNIOR SITE CLOSED. ALL CHILDREN (juniors and infants) GO TO INFANT SITE. Both sites have considerable snow covering and we cannot clear both sites before the start of the day. Breakfast club on the infant site only. Please drop off and pick up all children today at the infant site. After school club will take place on the infant site. We will work on clearing the junior site during the day. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Last Updated: 07:06AM 21/01/13

Ymlaen / Dodds Lane, Gwersyllt - Partially Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Insufficient staff cover

Further Information: Unfortunately, due to insufficient staff cover we have had to close the KS3 Department at Dodd's Lane to pupils. We apologise for any inconvenience. We are looking to reopen to pupils tomorrow.

Last Updated: 08:04AM 21/01/13

Schools that are Open Today or Reopening Tomorrow

There are currently 58 schools open or reopening within Wrexham County Borough.