Minister tweets big no to shake-up intervention

Wales’ Health Minister Lesley Griffiths has categorically ruled out intervening in controversial plans for a major shake-up of services in the region, which include the axing of Llangollen Cottage Hospital.

Watchdog body the Community Health Council is currently considering whether to lodge a formal objection to the proposals by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

But a number of groups and individuals have urged Ms Griffiths (pictured below) to intervene now and halt some parts of the package which they oppose.

However, on Twitter earlier today (Friday) the Minister posted three consecutive messages in which she stresses that this will not happen.

The tweets say:

SERVICE CHANGE PLANS: It’s vital people understand the current process to determine what changes take place in the NHS in the future 1/3

SERVICE CHANGE PLANS: After local health boards share their service change plans, CHCs have 6 weeks to review those proposals 2/3

SERVICE CHANGE PLANS: As Health Minister, I cannot and will not intervene during this time 3/3

Her stark refusal to make an early intervention follows news reported on llanblogger this morning that the minor injuries unit at Llangollen Hospital is to close and be transferred to the town’s health centre in the week commencing March 3.

It is believed there has been no formal announcement of the move other than as a footnote to a press release posted on the board’s website earlier this week.

This has brought strong criticism from the campaign group Keep Llangollen Health Services, whose spokesman said the board was treating local service users with “complete contempt.”

Mike Edwards, chair of Keep Llangollen Special, who earlier this week wrote to Lesley Griffiths asking her to call in the change proposals, said the situation had now reached the stage where it would be impossible for the change proposals to be undone.

Closure date given for Llan injuries unit

* Now with Keep Lllangollen Health Services comment at foot of story


The minor injuries service is due to transfer from Llangollen Community Hospital to the Health Centre during the week commencing the 3rd of March.

That piece of important information for local people is buried in the last paragraph of a press release issued yesterday (Thursday)  by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The release, which llanblogger has picked up from the board’s website, is mostly about new opening hours for the minor injuries service across the region.

It says: “For some hospitals opening hours will be extended further once staffing arrangements have been completed.

“The Minor Injuries Service is one of the care options available to people who become ill or suffer an injury: as its name implies it is intended for people who suffer a physical injury such as a cut, insect bite or sprain. 

“Other care options include: 

·         For minor illnesses and injuries that don’t need to be seen by a nurse or doctor you can use over-the counter medicines and dressings. If you need healthcare advice you can visit a local pharmacy or contact NHS Direct on 08 45 46 47.

·         For more serious illness or persistent pain you should contact your GP for advice and treatment. Outside office hours the GP out of hours service can be called via your normal GP surgery number or by ringing NHS Direct 08 45 46 47.

·         If someone is badly injured or very ill then they should be taken to an Accident & Emergency Department or, for genuine emergency cases, call 999 for the ambulance service to arrange an appropriate response.” 

The release goes on to list the places where Minor Injuries Services are available. 

These include Denbigh Infirmary (8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday), Mold Community Hospital (8:30am to 6:00pm) and Wrexham Maelor Hospital (24 hour minor injuries and A&E service). 

The last paragraph says: “In Llangollen the minor injuries service will transfer from the Community Hospital to the Health Centre during the week commencing the 3rd of March.” 

+ Meanwhile, a llanblogger reader has sent in a picture he took of a notice which says that the minor injuries unit at Chirk Hospital will close next Monday (February 18).

 

Mike Edwards, chair of Keep Llangollen Special, which recently raised the issue of Llangollen Hospital and local services with wales' Health Minister Lesley Griffiths, said of the latest development: "My main concern would be that as far as I am aware there have been no official notifications to advise patients what is actually happening and when.

"The Community Health Council seems to have not acted decisively to object to BCUHB's confirmed proposals and asked the Health Minister to call them in and examine them in the public interest.

"In the absence of this the Health Board are clearly pushing ahead with their reorganisation and it will be shortly be impossible for anyone to undo them, be it the Minister or anyone else."

A spokesman for the group Keep Llangollen Health Services said: “The Health Board seem to be treating Llangollen and the service users in the community with complete contempt.

"I sincerely hope that the Health Board have put in place the necessary arrangements in order for the Health Centre to be able accommodate the new patients that they’ll be receiving.

"The Health Board need to ensure that the people of Llangollen and the surrounding area are fully aware of the change – the last thing we want is to see a patient suffering and not knowing where to turn to because the hospital is closed and the information hasn’t been properly circulated.

"It’s great that Llanblogger is trying to ensure that people are aware of these changes in advance.

"The Health Board cannot ignore public opinion, and that’s why the Community Health Council must intervene and insist that the final decision is taken by the Health Minister, it’s on her door step after all.

"The fight to keep our Health Services in this valley continues because this Valley, it’s people and it’s visitors deserve a proper community based health service.” 

Major scheme to improve the Dee

The Daily Post is reporting today that a major project is to be launched to improve the River Dee.

See the full story at: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2013/02/15/major-initiative-to-improve-the-river-dee-55578-32813150/

Team rescues two from snow-covered hillside

* Cyrn y Brain in better weather conditions.

North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) has given more details of the dramatic rescue by one of its teams of two people - one of them injured - from snow-covered hills high above Llangollen on Wednesday.

A press release says: "Just after 11am on Wednesday 13th February, NEWSAR was called out to assist an injured person and their colleague on Cyrn y Brain, above the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen.

"At the time the weather conditions were very poor with the heavy snowfall, strong winds and poor visibility potentially making this casualty evacuation difficult. There was also a concern that exposed to those conditions for a prolonged period, the safety of the two people could deteriorate rapidly.

"Despite the appalling weather, difficult driving conditions and news reports saying that the Horseshoe Pass was barely drivable, our volunteer team members responded to the callout and made their way to the top of the Horseshoe Pass, before being deployed on the hill.

"The location of the two was established and team members made their way to the location. On any other day, our two Landrovers could have driven them and their equipment to the summit of Cyrn y Brain, but the wintery conditions meant that even the four wheel drive vehicles wouldn’t make it up the icy track.

"An advanced party made a hasty ascent with medical equipment and shelters to ensure that the injured person could be treated as quickly as possible and the second party followed with the 32 kilo stretcher that would be used to carry the injured person off the hill.

"Progress was slow and steady but with poor visibility, there was a concern that locating the two people would to be difficult. Fortunately, the two were found and treatment of the injury and exposure to the poor weather began.

"The injured person was placed inside a “cas bag”, a warm sleeping bag, and put on a stretcher. The second person was able to walk down with the Team. Once they were secured and made comfortable on the stretcher, the evacuation began.

"A little less than three hours after the first text message was sent out to the team, the injured person was handed over to an ambulance at the Ponderosa cafe and the Team was stood down."

Concerns over replacement services when hospital shuts

* The county council is concerned whether cash will be available for community services after Llangollen Hospital is closed.

Health chiefs can give no guarantees there will be enough money to foot the bill for replacement community services once Llangollen Cottage Hospital is closed.

That was one of the messages to come from a summit meeting between representatives of Denbighshire County Council and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

A statement from the county council issued today (Thursday) says: "Representatives from Denbighshire County Council have held a full and frank discussion the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to discuss concerns about the major shake-up in the health service in North Wales.

"The meeting was held following a request made by the full council and whilst councillors continue to remain very unhappy with some aspects of the proposals presented by BCUHB, they were given detailed information and assurances on other aspects of the plan.

"Concerns were raised during the meeting about capital funding required for health developments across North Wales, with £27 million of the £40 million for North Wales needed for replacement community health facilities in Denbighshire.

"Whilst BCUHB is optimistic of success, it was unable to give cast-iron guarantees that the money required would come from Welsh Government so local communities in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Llangollen still do not have certainty.

"The Council agreed to write to the Welsh Government to seek further reassurances from them.The Council was critical of the impact interim services would have on local people during the transition from existing services to new alternative services and were also critical of the way BCUHB had communicated the changes.

"BCUHB said some existing services did need to close to keep services safe today and allow for preparation for new services.

"The Council raised concerns that moving health services from hospitals into the community would inevitably impact on social care costs. BCUHB accepted that the enhanced care model could lead to additional costs for social services though they believed there was evidence these costs could be offset through patients being less disrupted and requiring less care than if they had been in hospital.

"Agreement was reached to do further work on costs and gather a common set of data to enable the effects and impact of Enhanced Care Service on health, social care and residents to be monitored and evaluated.

"Councillors were pleased with the reassurances regarding the future of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd (YGC) as a district general hospital. BCUHB gave an unequivocal commitment to the future of YGC.This includes confirming its future as the centre for complex vascular surgery and a range of general DGH and specialist functions.

"On transport, BCUHB re-stated its position which was that they have a statutory responsibility to provide transport via the ambulance service for those that meet eligibility criteria. But they do not have a responsibility to provide transport for everyone. They agreed to work in partnership with public sector organisations.

"The Council feels this is progress which needs to be followed through rapidly."

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Health and Social Care, said: "The Council had lengthy discussions on the BCUHB’s proposals when councillors met last week, with many expressing serious concerns about the plans.

“The meeting gave plenty of opportunities for councillors to clearly express their concerns and those of the local community, as well as giving the Health Board an opportunity to respond in detail.

“We remain unhappy with a number of issues, we were given detail and the rationale behind some of these proposals and fully realise that the Health Board has difficult decisions to make. We were also reassured on some aspects such as the future of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

“Despite my continuing frustration I still think that, in the best interests of the people of Denbighshire, it is vital to continue dialogue between the Council and the Health Board on these very important issues, on behalf of the residents of Denbighshire.”

Valentine's Day fire warning

Romance might be in the air ahead of Valentine's Day but firefighters are warning couples not to get caught up in the heat of the moment.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service wants people to take extra care on 14^th February if they are planning on creating a romantic setting - especially with a naked flame.

Tea-lights and alcohol can be a recipe for disaster if they're not used in the correct way, and leaning in for a kiss over a candlelit dinner could result in setting fire to hair or clothes.

Cooking is the biggest source of house fires in the county and it's important to ensure that if you are preparing a meal for a loved-one that you don't get distracted.

Paul Scott, Community Safety Team Manager, said: "Valentine's night can be a lovely romantic evening but a combination of high spirits, alcohol and romantic gestures could lead to tragedy. We want everyone to have a fantastic time so follow our simple tips for a romantic night and stay safe.

"Above all you'll want to make sure it's only sparks of passion that are ignited on Valentine's Day, so make sure you stay safe from fire."

Candles can build the mood for romantic meals but:

- they must be kept away from flammable objects such as curtains, towels or bedding

- tea-lights can generate temperatures throughout the metal base of over 200 degrees so always use tea light holders and never place direct onto baths or televisions

- always make sure candles are properly extinguished when you go to bed.

Cooking a special meal is always a great way to say 'I love you', but remember that more than 50 per cent of house fires start in the kitchen so:

- take care when frying

- make sure that grills and ovens are clean as fat and grease can ignite when heated

- never leave cooking unattended - don't get distracted.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offer free home fire safety checks, where a member of the Service will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan and fit new alarms - all free of charge.

This service is available to all residents in North Wales.

To register for a free home fire safety check, please call the 24 hour free hotline on 0800 169 1234, e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk or visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk.

Llan's bid to become a "slow" town

Llangollen is taking a fast route to officially becoming a slow town.

The town is currently bidding to become part of the Cittaslow movement, a worldwide organisation which aims to show a community is serious about sustainability – economic, social and environmental.

It developed from the Slow Food Movement, another international scheme which links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment by promoting local, seasonal produce and reconnecting people with where their food comes from.

The name Cittaslow is derived from the Italian word for city or town and is pronounced almost like 'cheetah'. Slow is English. 

Under the umbrella of the town council, Llangollen has set up a group dedicated to winning Cittaslow status for the town. 

Spokesman and town councillor Phil Thane said: “There are two major reasons for becoming a Cittaslow town. 

“Firstly, it provides a set of well recognised goals that serve to keep the town council and Denbighshire County Council up to scratch. 

“Also, when the council or a voluntary body in Llangollen applies for a grant from Cardiff, London or Brussels being a Cittaslow town shows that we are well organised and  run and should help us bring more investment into the town. 

“We want to involve as many people as possible in Cittaslow Llangollen so we've set up a website to show you what we're doing at www.cittaslow.llangollentowncouncil.co.uk” 

Cllr Thane added: “One of our first targets is to create a database of local food suppliers 

“We're including anyone growing, rearing or making food within 20 miles of Llangollen. 

“We are also compiling data on voluntary groups and businesses based in Llangollen. 

“Those lists are not complete either but we're getting there.  

“If your business or group is missing, or if some details are wrong please sign up online. Once you have been approved you will be given access to update your own details. 

“Another goal is to have a Slow Food group based here in town. That's being organised by one of our group, Sal Jefford.  

“Slow Food groups – which are run by volunteers - organise a variety of events alongside local food and drink producers and chefs. 

“We will soon distribute posters and leaflets around Llangollen, or anyone interested can email: slowfoodllangollen@gmail.com, or text Sal on  07786 623802 for more information.”

 

* The Cittaslow bid is being backed by llanblogger.

 

"No horse" found in county council meat

Denbighshire County Council says its food suppliers are so far completely free of horse meat.

In a statement issued earlier today, the authority says: "The Council is committed to providing the best services possible to all of its consumers.

"As a result, it has carried out extensive checks with its food providers in light of the food labelling issues and no issues have emerged to date.

"We have rigorous processes in place and we already work closely with TUCO, the food consortium used by the council and they have contacted all its meat product suppliers, asking them to submit evidence that authenticity checks have been carried out to ensure that no horse meat is used in any of its products.

"The council is also contacting any suppliers outside the TUCO arrangement.

"Additional checks with our suppliers to schools, residential homes and leisure centres have been carried and no issues have emerged so far. H

"However, residents in Denbighshire can be reassurred that the council will continue liaising with its suppliers in order to carry out further checks.

"We are also working closely with the Food Standards Agency Wales through visiting food businesses such as meat cold stores and meat products premises to check on traceability of meat and reporting back to the FSA Wales with our findings."

Search and rescue team in Llan

North Wales Police tweeted just after 2.30pm today (Wednesday) that members of North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR) are currently conducting a rescue in the Llangollen area.

Latest tweet from North Wales Police says: "Many thanks NEWSAR - blizzard conditions - snow/high winds - male carried down on stretcher - suspect broken leg - now in hospital."

There are no details of where the rescue took place.

Llan under snow ...

It started snowing in Llangollen before 8am today (Wednesday) and by lunchtime was still coming down thick and fast.

llanblogger went out and about around town to capture these pictures of some of our famous landmarks under a covering of the white stuff.



* Plas Newydd. 



* The bridge. 



* The railway.  



* St Collen's churchyard. 

Regional leaders welcome prison plan

The North Wales Regional Leadership Board has welcomed the announcement of Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling to consider building a prison in North Wales.

The board represents the leaders from the six North Wales councils, the Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales Police, North Wales Fire and Rescue Authority and the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “The board has been lobbying for a prison in North Wales for over five years. It is great news that we are on the shortlist of regions to be considered for a new prison."

Representatives of the board met the Prisons Minister with the Wales Office in October last year and presented a case for locating a prison in North Wales.

Cllr Evans added: "I believe our efforts have put us in contention for a substantial investment in our region that could create over a thousand jobs and provide a major £50m per annum boost to the whole economy of North Wales.”

County issues two doorstep caller warnings

Denbighshire County Council’s Trading Standards Section has this morning (Wednesday) issued two warnings to about cold callers.

The first says: "We are warning residents to be on their guard as more reports of doorstep sellers have been reported..

"The authority has received information about attempted sales of mattresses out of the backs of vans by traders cold calling at consumers' homes and whilst walking down the street.

"In all cases the consumer must be on their guard, we do not know at this time where these mattresses are manufactured, whether they bear the correct safety labelling or if they are genuine branded product..

"The sellers are claiming that the mattresses are on sale due to wrong order at a local hotel or that they were the wrong sizes and they cant take them back to the factory.

"We understand that the mattresses have been described as Memory Foam, Luxury etc but we understand that they are carefully wrapped so you have no idea what exactly you are buying, until the salesman is long gone, by then its to late and you could be out of pocket..

"The sellers do not provide any paperwork or invoices and we are aware that they are using false business names and addresses. More importantly the seller is not complying with the Cancellation Regulations, that entitles the consumer when entering into a contract in their home, to have a seven-day cooling off period where they can change their mind and cancel the contract at no charge.

"We are urging the public not to deal with these sellers, you really do not know who you are buying from and if things go wrong, we will have no way of identifying the seller or rectifying the matter. If an offer seems to good to be true, in most cases it is.

“Talk to family, friends or neighbours if you are unsure or worried, or contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Customer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or for the Welsh Language Service 08454 04 05 05. Alternatively contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"If you feel intimidated or threatened by any doorstep seller you should shut the door and call the police emergency number 999."

* Denbighshire Trading standards are also warning residents to be aware of companies cold calling and inviting them to complete a questionnaire which may result in winning a hotel accommodation voucher.

The warning message says: "Members of the public are warned to be aware of these selling practices which may involve the sale of water and air purifiers. The trader will typically cold call and invite the consumer to answer some health related questions. Prize winners will be notified by phone which may result in a sales presentation in their home for water and air purifiers.

"Consumers who agree to buy a water purifier in this way legally have a seven day cooling off period during which they can change their mind and cancel the contract. To do this they must contact the company in writing to cancel.
 
"These companies target particular areas so we would urge residents across the county to be on their guard”.

“We are not aware of any issues with the drinking water in Denbighshire. Consumers should never feel pressured to sign up to anything and if they feel there may be a problem with the drinking water they should contact their water supplier.

"Salesmen trying to sell you something on your doorstep or over the phone could be anyone and you should not give out any personal information.

“Talk to family, friends or neighbours if you are unsure or worried, or contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Customer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or for the Welsh Language Service 08454 04 05 05. Alternatively contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"If you feel intimidated or threatened by any doorstep seller you should shut the door and call the police emergency number 999."

Volunteers sought for aqueduct information point

* Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Volunteers are being sought to help man a visitor information point at the mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Open between Easter and late autumn, it provides information on things to see and do along the World Heritage Site and the rest of Wrexham County Borough and North Wales.

It also gives people the chance to look at tools that were used to build canal barges and maintain the aqueduct in days gone by, watch film footage and offers youngsters the chance to build a model aqueduct from wooden blocks, complete a quiz and try their hand at other activities.

Over 20,000 people used the information point between April and October last year, and the council is keen to ramp up community involvement when it re-opens for the new tourism season towards the end of March.

Councillor Neil Rogers, leader of Wrexham Council, said: “Local people and community groups are already involved in many different aspects of the World Heritage Site. They’re very proud of the site and are helping Wrexham share this amazing asset with the world. So we’d love to get local people involved in manning the information point too.

“Volunteers need to be 18 years or older, and can do as many or as few hours as they like. This is a great chance to learn new skills, gain experience and have fun helping tourists get the most out of their visit to the area.”

The facility was opened last year by Wrexham Council in partnership with the Canal and River Trust, and withfunding from Wrexham Council and from the Tourism Investment Support Scheme on behalf of Visit Wales, under the authority of the Minister for Business, Enterprise, Technology and Science.

For more information, contact Amanda Evans,World Heritage Site Community Development Officer,Wrexham Council, on 01978 814925 oramanda.evans@wrexham.gov.uk

Reports of discoloured water in Llan investigated

The supply company says it is investigating reports of discoloured water from some users in Llangollen today (Tuesday).

A statement on the Dee Valley Water website says: "Please note that if you live in the Llangollen area you may be experiencing problems of discolouration to your water supply.

"Our Network Inspectors are currently investigating this issue to try and resolve this matter as soon as possible.

"If your water supply is discoloured we would please ask that you refrain from using the supply for any water appliances until the supply has cleared and it may help if you run the kitchen cold water tap to try and clear the supply.

"Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused as a result of this disruption and be assured that we are doing everything possible to restore the supply to normal.

"We will keep our website updated with the latest information."

The website to check is: http://www.deevalleywater.co.uk/news.php?id=80

Snow alert issued for Wednesday

The BBC News website is reporting this afternoon that a warning for snow on Wednesday morning has been issued for north Wales, including Denbighshire and Wrexham.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21428886

Health Minister urged to take swift action over hospital

The chair of a community group has demanded an early response from Health Minister Lesley Griffiths to plans for the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital. 

Mike Edwards, who heads Keep Llangollen Special (KLS), recently wrote to Ms Griffiths urging her to call in proposals by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to axe the 137-year-old hospital as part of a general health shake-up in the region. 

* Lesley Griffiths AM.

But he was angry to receive an email from an official informing it could take up to 17 working days for the Minister to reply. 

Earlier today (Tuesday) he fired off a furious reply to Cardiff, in which he says: “Seventeen working days is totally unacceptable mainly because I've been to Llangollen Hospital this morning and was told by staff that the hospital will be closed by the end of this month ie. 16 days time. 

“This matter therefore needs the Minister's urgent attention because BCUHB have and are implementing their proposals and little or no information is being provided to patients as to when the changes take place - I wonder why? 

“The Health Board are running circles around and disrespecting the Minister and of course the patients.”

In his original letter to Ms Griffiths, Mr Edwards said: “I would appeal to you to intervene in the decision taken by BCUHB to close Llangollen Hospital which has served the community well and to which residents have contributed to funding over many years.
 
“The Board's decision which has ignored residents’ objections who are dismayed that the community hospital should be closed without adequate replacement of services in place. This concern is exasperated, by them finding out that a Notice has been posted at Chirk Hospital withdrawing " Minor Injuries Treatment" from the 18th February, 2013. This will mean residents being forced to travel to and back to Wrexham Maelor Hospital a distance of some 14 miles. How do patients who have no personal transport cope reaching this destination?
 
“These changes breach your Government's policies on sustainability in that they increase vehicle journeys and force people to travel a distance such as this with a consequent sever detrimental effect on the environment in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty.
 
“Please investigate the Hospital Board's decision and "call the proposals in."

KLS drops plan for legal challenge over supermarket

A campaign group has given up on its plan to seek a judicial review of the way planning permission was given to a new Sainsbury’s supermarket in Llangollen.

Instead, Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) says it will now be concentrating on helping to promote independent businesses in the town.

For the past few months, the group has been looking into the possibility of having a High Court judge take a look at the circumstances behind the removal of a ban on a café being included in the 20,000 square foot store, which is earmarked for the site of the Dobson & Crowther printworks.

But KLS says it has now concluded that although it could well have a strong case, it will not go ahead with any legal challenge.

The decision comes after last week’s meeting of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism (LCT&T) when members said that although they backed the idea in principle, they could not support it financially.

In a statement issued yesterday (Monday), KLS chair Mike Edwards (pictured left) says: “We had a committee meeting on Friday night to discuss the letter received from LCT&T confirming their decision taken a week ago.
 
“Following a lengthy discussion we decided that despite having advice that Denbighshire CC's decision was fatally flawed legally on a number of counts, unfortunately without the full support of the independent businesses directly affected by this decision we were not prepared nor able to proceed with this legal action.
 
“We are very disappointed that having opposed the planning application since it was submitted last year the businesses are now not able to back our efforts to stop this development which threatens their livelihoods and the vitality and vibrancy of Llangollen town centre. There would be considerable work required to pursue a judicial review which the members of KLS are not prepared to commit to without the full backing of those affected.

“Recently our AM, Ken Skates gave his ‘moral support’ to this action, but regrettably the support which Mr. Skates, Councillor Stuart Davies and John Palmer, chair of LCT&T, gave to the application originally encouraged DCC to disregard Planning Policy Wales and grant the application.
 
“We have decided therefore to concentrate our constructive efforts going forward to promote the identity, image and brand of Llangollen by continuing with our monthly Buy Local Days and are also investigating a Llangollen savers’ discount card and businesssupport hub to assist local businesses and suppliers who have not embraced or do not have the resources to use the Internet and social media marketing to grow their businesses.

“We would hope that we can count on the support of the Town Council, local politicians, businesses and organisations in Llangollen and district to further these constructive initiatives.”

The statement adds: “It appears to us that there are numerous fragmented interests which need to be pulled together and coordinated to promote all the unique and special qualities that our town benefits from some of which may be lost.

“Independent businesses are continuing to face unequal competition from corporate business who extract money from our the local economy e.g. Sainsbury's predict, if they have their figures right, to export £18.4 million per annum out of Llangollen to their corporate HQ.

“What impact will that have on independent businesses if they are not assisted to compete on a level playing field with these corporate interests?”

County agrees tax rise of 2 per cent

Denbighshire County Council says it is protecting frontline services and investing in priorities while keeping council tax increases in the county as low as possible at 2%.

The council has now agreed the budget against a backdrop of what it says are poorer than expected financial settlement.

Capital funding has been cut by 15% to £4.9 million. This is a significant loss on top of the 27% already cut over the past two years.

The council has identified over £3 million in further savings over the next year while investing in education and social services.

The council has also decided to further invest £1m extra funding in its Corporate Plan priorities over the next year - modernising education, highways, the economy, modernising the Council and social care.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Assets, said: "We have created a budget that protects education and social care and we have increased funding to these areas to the tune of £2.1m.

"We have already cut around £14 million from budgets over the years and we are proud of the fact that we have been able to protect frontline services.

"While the outlook for public finances is poor, it is extremely important that we provide residents with below inflation tax rises in these difficult times."

Mohammed Mehmet, Chief Executive of Denbighshire, said: "As a council we want to protect those services that are important to people and this budget achieves this while keeping the council tax increase as low as possible and making £3m efficiencies.

"The council has a strong track record of delivering savings by finding better ways of doing things. We are reducing the amount of days loss to sickness; we are scrutinising our contracts to ensure better value for money and we are being more competitive in the way in which we buy in services."

Eisteddfod's star line-up announced

 

 * James and Ola Jordan.

 

 

* Noah Stewart.

 

* Evelyn Glennie.

 

*Only Men Aloud.

Strictly Come Dancing couple James and Ola Jordan will add glitz and glamour to the star-studded line-up at this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The twinkle toed pair from the popular BBC show will share the stage with the veteran musicians of the highly-acclaimed Buena Vista Social Club to bring a Latin and Cuban flavour to Thursday night at Wales’s biggest music and dance festival.

The 67^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod takes place this year from Tuesday, July 9, to Sunday, July 14, at the Royal International Pavilion site.

Husband and wife James and Ola have starred in top-rated Saturday night show since 2004 and both are viewers’ favourites.

James went so close in the festive finale to the recent Strictly season as he and celeb partner Denise Van Outen were pipped for the title by Flavia Cacace and Olympic gymnast Louis Smith.

Ola is a former winner of the sparkly dancefest with BBC sports presenter Chris Hollins and has also partnered local boy Robbie Savage while James previously reached the final with Pamela Stephenson and also danced with One Show star Alex Jones.

The couple are part of a week-long line-up of international stars with Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths scouring the world to put together a global team of talent.

Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will close the festival on Sunday night ahead of a spectacular fireworks extravaganza while other stars will include Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie, English soprano Claire Rutter, and, from Wales, four top male voice choirs, royal harpist Claire Jones, tenor Gwyn Hughes Jones and choir Only Men Aloud.

International stars include top American tenor Noah Stewart, Kiwi bass Jonathan Lemalu, Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Miroslava Jordanova, a top Trinidadian steel band, the two-time Choir of the World winners from the Philippines, as well as the Buena Vista Social Club, the forgotten pre-Castro Cuban musicians and singers rediscovered by American guitar great Ry Cooder.

In addition there is the VERDI 200 on the Friday night of the Eisteddfod, a 200^th anniversary performance of Verdi’s Requiem with Claire Rutter, Mirouslava Yordanova , Gwyn Hughes Jones, Jonathan Lemalu and accompanied by the Eisteddfod Orchestra conducted by Andrew Greenwood.

And the event will open on theTuesday with the colourful procession of the competitors to the Royal International Pavilion, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, CBE, the former Archbishop’s Special Envoy and a long-time supporter.

Eilir Owen Griffiths said: “I am delighted to have put together such a strong line-up and one that is truly global in its scope and one that shows that Llangollen still attracts the very best to come and perform here.

“It’s a very exciting programme and is very different and we need to show that we can do that and remain true to the spirit of the International Eisteddfod.

“We have a truly worldwide line-up which is a real mixture but I feel it is a good fit.

“We have international class performers from around the world and that combined with the colour and atmosphere generated by our competitors and the welcome they receive makes this a unique event.”

The evening concerts start with Tuesday night’s Carnival of Nations featuring four of Wales’s finest male voice choirs, the Rhos Orpheus, Cor Godre’r Aran, Cor y Brythoniaid and the chart topping Fron Choir, performing on the 60^th anniversary of the historic visit of Germany’s Oberkirchen Choir. They will be joined by the St Melodians Steel Band, from Trinidad and international competitors.

Wednesday night will feature An Evening with Scottish percussionist Evelyn Glennie who will be joined by the rising American tenor Noah Stewart and harpist Claire Jones, (pictured right) former official harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales, along with the Eisteddfod Orchestra and the Santo Tomas Chioir from the Philippines, twice Choir of the World winners.

Thursday will be Strictly Cuban, a celebration of Latin dance rhythms with James and Ola Jordan and the Buena Vista Social Club while Friday will be VERDI 200.

Saturday is Choir of the World which this year will also feature Only Men Aloud, Last Choir Standing TV winners while for the first time dance will be teamed with choral music on Saturday night as the Eisteddfod’s top two dance troupes dance off for the new Dance Champions 2013 Trophy.

On Sunday keyboard king Jools Holland will bring the house and the curtain down with his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and a special guest.

To book tickets and for more details on this year’s event go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.ukand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

Pope in shock resignation

The BBC and other media are reporting that Pope Benedict XVI has just make the shock announcement of his resignation at the age of 85.

He is the first pope in 600 years not to continue in office until his death.

The BBC report can be seen at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-21411304

Cruel irony of cruise ship tragedy

llanblogger man Phil Robinson recalls his recent cruise on the same ship involved which was in a tragic accident yesterday afternoon ...

 

 

* The Thomson ship Majesty in port during a Canaries cruise over Christmas.

As on most cruise ships these days, it’s a case of safety first – and second and third – aboard the Thomson Majesty.

I know this is the case because I was a passenger aboard her on a trip around the Canary Islands over Christmas.

Given this huge emphasis on safety, it was quite a shock to hear the tragic news that five crew members had been killed and another three injured during what should have been a routine safety exercise yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.

It is understood that one of the ship’s large motorised lifeboats, which are stored at regular intervals right around one of the upper decks, fell into sea during the drill which was being held while the ship was docked in the port of Santa Cruz de le Palma – a place I visited on a similar cruise aboard the Majesty.

Passengers are said to have looked on in horror as vain attempts were made to rescue the men who died, who included three Indonesians, a Filipino and a Ghanaian.

Apart from the trauma for their family and friends, this tragedy will come as a terrible blow to their fellow crew members who pride themselves on following safety procedures to the letter.

Within minutes of coming aboard passengers must take part in a compulsory lifeboat drill.

And, unlike air travel, that doesn’t mean looking on bored or continuing to read a magazine as a cabin crew member goes through the crash landing procedure.

It means going to the trouble of finding and strapping on a cumbersome life jacket, working out where your allotted lifeboat station is located, trekking up flights of stairs – no lifts allowed – and slogging along endless decks until you meet up with a few score of other bewildered passengers, have your name checked off a list and are finally dismissed.

Sounds like a lot of fuss – and it is. But far better this way than what I might describe as the “Titanic alternative”.

It is cruelly ironic that crew Majesty members, who go out of their way to assist you and ensure your safety during such an exercise, have now been killed and injured taking part in something which sounds very much like the one I took part it just a couple of months ago. 

Llan gets another sprinkling of snow

As predicted, Llangollen awoke to a thin covering of snow this morning (Monday).

As can be seen from our picture below, visibility looking towards the castle was pretty poor well into the morning as light snow continued to fall.

Forecasters say it will remain dull and cold throughout the day.

Fed up with being cold?

Are you struggling to heat your home because of poor housing conditions or low income?

If so, the Denbighshire Advice Network has issued the following contacts for free, friendly and effective advice:

* North Wales Energy Advice Centre - Free Energy Advice Line 0800 954 0658

* DCC Welfare Rights Team - Free phone advice line: 0800 169 6625

* Rhyl Benefits Advice Shop - Free Phone: 0800 0740 333

* Age Concern - Phone: 01745 816 947

* Care and Repair - Phone: 0300 800 4484

* Shelter for Housing Advice - Free phone: 0845 075 5005

* Denbighshire Citizens Advice Bureau - 01745 334 568

* Nest: Welsh Government’s fuel poverty advice - 0808 8082244 (Freephone)

Another great Beauty and the Beast picture

Here's another great cast picture from Beauty and the Beast, performed so brilliantly by Llangollen Operatic Society Young 'Uns.

* Picture courtesy of Barrie Potter. 

Young 'Uns turn in monster of a show

* A scene from the Young 'Uns production of Beauty and the Beast.

A talented cast from Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section, the Young ‘Uns, turned in a monster of a production of of Disney musical Beauty and the Beast for three nights at the Town Hall, from Thursday-Saturday.

Saturday’s capacity audience was entranced by the fairy tale of the handsome prince turned into a hairy critter with attitude by a vindictive witch, who makes a triumphant return to humanity thanks to the love of a good woman.

The guy with extreme anger management issues, big-time facial hair and a mane of hair like a 70s rock star was superbly played by Wilf Wort who expertly turned snarls to simpers after developing a crush on the Beauty of the title, Belle. She was portrayed with great sensitivity by Jessica Cockburn.

But it wasn’t just the prince who fell victim to the wicked witch’s powers. The old crone also turned the staff at his castle into a range of domestic oddities, including a big talking teapot, a chatty candelabra, a walking wardrobe, a speaking clock and a big feather duster, all of whom can only become human again if their master falls in love.

These animated household objects provided a big slice of the action, a lot of the singing and  a fair bit of the humour of the piece.

They were masterfully interpreted by, respectively, Louise Cielecki and Nathan Lloyd – two Young ‘Uns stalwarts who are consistently brilliant in every role they take on – a sparkling Polly Harrison, a marvellous Meg Howlett and Carys Stallard, who provided plenty of French ooh lah lah. 

Gaston, the creepy egomaniac who fancies Belle himself and therefore does his best to ruin her budding romance with the Beast, was played to perfection by a strutting Nathan Hughes.

He got the most mileage possible out of lines like, “Belle and I would be a perfect match – like my thighs”.

As Maurice, Belle eccentric father, was the extravagantly bewigged Adam Goff, who is always good value for money. 

As usual, the principal cast members received strong backing from a massive number of chorus members ranging from teens to tinies who all put loads of enthusiasm into their roles of whatever size.

Behind the stage was another army of helpers who handled everything from costumes and make-up to choreography and lighting.

Particularly impressive were the sets, created and painted by another large team of back-stage magicians headed up by Emma-Jo Newton, who was also stage manager. The labyrinthine archways of the beast’s castle were particularly realistic looking.

Musical direction of a four-strong live orchestra was under the capable baton of Elen Mair Roberts and the whole show was a credit to co-producers Tess Orton-Jones and Michael Jones and artistic co-directors Deirdre (D) Smith and Bethan Williams.

·        Llangollen Operatic Society’s next production is Anything Goes, at the Town Hall from April 16-20.