North Wales Police launch specialist rape investigation team

From today, North Wales Police will bring together specialist staff from across North Wales to form one team dedicated to investigating rape.

  

This team will work closely with partners in the Crown Prosecution Service of Wales, Betsi Calwalder Health Board and third sector colleagues to form a cohort of rape specialists to be known as Amethyst Team. 

The team will be based throughout north Wales but make use of the SARC building in Old Colwyn to interview, gather evidence and support victims. 

 

It will work closely with partners in the Crown Prosecution Service of Wales, Betsi Calwalder Health Board and third sector colleagues.

 

Comprising a Detective Inspector, three Detective Sergeants, twelve Detective Constables, six Specially Trained officers and an analyst, Amethyst will also utilise its analytical capability to better understand offences of rape in North Wales and provide a proactive response to preventing rape and safeguarding those vulnerable to rape offences.

 

Any victim of rape aged under thirteen years and those under eighteen years offended against by family members will be assisted by specialist child abuse investigators within public protection units. 

 

Victims over thirteen years for non-interfamilial offences and all offences where the victim is over eighteen years will be assisted by Amethyst Team staff.

 

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: “Over many years we have striven to improve the service we provide victims of serious sexual offences and the Amethyst Team is just part of that on-going holistic approach. 

 

"Improving the well-established relationship we have with our partners in CPS, Health and the Voluntary Sector we are determined to ensure victims receive our full support and guidance through every stage of the Criminal Justice System. 

 

"Our five objectives are in setting up this dedicated team are:to provide a good quality of service to victims, to improve the investigations carried out by specially trained officers and dedicated detectives, to improve the Criminal Justice outcomes,to work smarter and more efficiently with our partners and finally to improve the confidence and trust the community have in the way serious sexual offences are investigated.

 

“Sexual Offences are under reported and I’d encourage any victims to come forward, you will be taken seriously, your complaint will be investigated professionally and you will receive the support of trained Police Officers, Crown Prosecution Lawyers and dedicated Counsellors from the Health Service all whom are core to the Amethyst Team.”

 

Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick said:  “First and foremost we hope that victims will feel sufficiently confident to make a complaint to the police.  They may feel that they are criminals themselves or they may feel afraid to make a complaint, but unless they take that first step of making the complaint against the criminal, then the police cannot begin to solve the problem.”

Horseshoe Pass trip inspires sci-fi novel

A cycling trip up the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen was the inspiration for a new science fiction book by a Chester author.

Geoff Nelder’s latest work, ARIA Left Luggage, tells the story of how astronauts bring back to Earth a case they find floating in space.

Inside it is a virus which when unknowingly unleashed spreads an amnesia virus which goes around the world like wildfire bringing the planet to the edge of disaster.

In the prologue to the book, the author writes: “This novel would not have been possible without a Dawes Super Galaxy allowing me to cycle up the Welsh slope of Horseshoe Pass, North Wales, making my heart thump so fast my brain – freshly oxygenated – buzzed with the original idea in ARIA.”

Originally from the south of England and now living with his wife and children, Nelder taught IT and geography in the local high school.

He has post-grad researched and written about climatic change, run computer clubs and was editor of a computer magazine.

Nelder has published a couple of climate books and has short stories used in a variety of literary
magazines.


His first novel, a humour thriller, Escaping Reality, was published in 2005.

Left Luggage  is part of a sci-fi trilogy entitled which is published by LL-Publications.

The bug at the centre of the book he calls Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia.

It causes everyone who catches it to regress, seemingly slowly at first, but it soon becomes apparent that years of lives are being lost memory-wise, and fast.

Enter the hero Ryder, who has been on to the thing from the start and has the brainpower – and contacts – to stay away and eventually find like-minded uninfected people to try to help him to stay alive and to come up with a solution to the huge threat to  humanity.
 

Throughout, Ryder tries his best, first of all persuading uninfected friends and colleagues to barricade themselves in a remote Welsh valley.
 

But then as his leadership is tested time and again even his morals start to slip and the lines between what is right and wrong according to everything he was taught and believes in start to blur.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ARIA-Left-Luggage-ebook/dp/B008RADGYC#_

Patients' Trust plans sponsored walk

Llangollen and District Patients’ Trust has organised a sponsored walk on Saturday, June 22. 

Those wishing to take part are asked to meet at Siamber Wen in Wern Road, Llangollen, for registration from 9.30am that day, with the walk starting at 10am. 

Light refreshments will be available at Siamber Wen on particpants’ return. 

Sponsor forms are available from Llangollen Health Centre and also from the  Glyn Ceiriog and Plas Madoc surgeries. 

Dogs on leads are welcome, say organisers. 

All money raised by the event will go to the Patients Trust, which finances “extras” for patients such as comfy chairs for the waiting room to ambulatory blood pressure monitors.

For further information, contact Llangollen Health Centre on 01978 860625.

New police "Specials" sought

Being a North Wales Police volunteer helps you to improve your skills and gain new experiences – whether it’s on the front line as a Special Constable or Police Support Volunteer.

 

North Wales Police are supporting this year’s Volunteers’ Week - a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering which takes place from 1^st to 7^th June each year with the aim of recognising, rewarding and recruiting volunteers.

 

Volunteers make up an important part of the North Wales Police family by playing a vital role in building important links between the police and local communities.

 

The role of the Special Constable is to assist and support the regular force in meeting local policing needs. They are an important part of the police service and have a vital role to play in the future of policing.

 

Special Constables undertake valuable work and form a vital link between the regular force and the local community. Special Constables are volunteers, from all walks of life, who want to do something positive for their communities.

 

With North Wales Police you would be expected to carry out a variety of tasks. Duties could include assisting regulars on patrol, crime prevention work and community liaison projects. Special Constables have the same powers of arrest as a regular Police Officer.

 

Police Support Volunteers are members of the community who give their time freely to undertake additional duties and activities to those currently performed by the extended policing family, adding great value to the services we already provide.

 

Volunteers build important links between the police and communities, providing opportunities for individuals to make a positive contribution to their local area.

 

We are looking for people aged 16 upwards from a wide range of backgrounds and sections of the community.

 

To find out more about how to join North Wales Police as a Special Constable or Police Support Volunteer please visit the Recruitment section of our website.

 

To find out what is happening in Volunteers Week where you live, or about volunteering opportunities available, contact your local volunteer centre via their website.

Treat Dad to a Bikesafe course

Struggling to find a suitable gift for this year’s Father’s Day?

 

Why not book a *free Bikesafe workshop which is being held in Porthmadog on Sunday 16^th June.

 

Bikesafe is a police-led motorcycle project that is run by most forces in the UK with the main aim being to reduce the number of bikers being hurt on the roads.

 

          

Sponsored by the North Wales Partnerships and Taith, the workshops, which are held at various locations across North Wales including Porthmadog, Rhyl, Broughton and St Asaph, offer practical advice about road safety and educate riders by passing on knowledge and skills to try and help motorcyclists become safer riders.

 

The Father’s Day workshop is being held at Porthmadog’s Fire Station on Sunday 16^th June.

 

Part of the morning will be spent in the classroom and then there is then an enjoyable practical road element over approximately 60 miles taking you round the roads of North Wales and the Snowdonia National Park.

 

North Wales Police Bikesafe Co-ordinator, Paul Cheshire MBE said: "Bikesafe is about starting on the right path to development as it "Bridges the Gap". Riders should continue to train throughout their riding years and not just stop once they have passed their bike test. 

 

“You will find at Bikesafe workshops that you are sitting alongside like-minded biking enthusiasts with a wide range of experience, skills and different machines.  Whether you are on a commuter bike, scooter or a sports bike, you are equally welcome and will benefit from one of our workshops.”

 

The BikeSafe workshop explores the main issues facing today’s bikers. It also explores the principles of advanced riding through the on-road element. The BikeSafe Observer will give assessment and feedback which will highlight areas where the rider needs to develop.

 

Paul Cheshire added: “Whether you passed your bike test six months ago, six years ago or, indeed, twenty-six years ago, you can always improve your level of skill to make your riding not only safer but also more enjoyable.”

 

In addition North Wales Police will provide a free day’s training of first aid for bikers licensed by Medic Skills from FBoS ( First Bike on Scene – North West NHS). Upon completion you will be issued a Certificate of Approval from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and a safety pack.

 

If you would like to participate in a *free Bikesafe workshop please visit the Bikesafe website or contact the booking line via 08444 151206 or email info@bikesafeadmin.co.uk

 

Godspell takes to Town Hall stage tonight

Skates hits out over union blacklists

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has called on the Welsh Government and local councils to ban companies holding union blacklists from being awarded public sector contracts in North Wales.

Earlier this year an investigation by the GMB into the construction industry revealed at least 111 workers from Wales on an illegal ‘blacklist’ of employees that belonged to a trade union.  The list was being used by some construction firms to prevent them from getting work.

 

It is believed 39 of those workers were from North Wales, with the majority unaware their personal data was being collated and used against them.

 

The Labour AM (pictured right) is calling on the Welsh Government and local councils not to award public sector contracts to any firm known to blacklist workers.

 

Mr Skates said: “It is shocking that some companies have chosen to illegally blacklist some workers because they are a member of a trade union.  This is the kind of spiteful practice that we all thought had died out many years ago.

 

“There were a lot of workers identified from North Wales on the construction list uncovered recently by the GMB, something that is very concerning indeed.  Construction is an important industry in North Wales and many families rely on it for their household income.

 

“The use of blacklists is totally unacceptable.  Construction is an industry that is heavily contract based, making workers in this sector a particular target for these kinds of practices. 

 

“I believe the Welsh Government and local councils should now work together to use their significant procurement powers to prevent any company that is known to have held a blacklist from winning public sector contracts in North Wales.

“Any that have held lists in the past should compensate workers they have discriminated against and take clear steps to demonstrate they do not blacklist workers known to a member of a trade union.

 

“Why should taxpayers money be used to subsidise companies that flout the law and blacklist hard-working people in the construction trade, or any other industry, that is a member of a trade union?

“We need to work together to stamp out this unscrupulous practice which is bad for local workers and bad for the local economy too.”

 

The Welsh Government has said its officials are currently considering the measures available to strengthen procurement policy and eradicate the unacceptable practice of blacklisting.  

 

They will shortly be issuing new guidance to all public bodies in Wales in relation to selecting suppliers, setting contract conditions and managing delivery of procurement.

 

Blacklisting was revealed in 2009 when the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) seized a database of 3,213 names of construction workers and environmental activists used by over 40 companies.

Skates calls for law change to help small pubs

Clwyd South Assembly Member Kern Skates has called for a change in the law to help out small pubs in his constituency.

 

The AM is calling on the UK Government to reform the ‘tied model’ operated by large pub owning companies.

 

Around 1/3 of pubs in the UK are owned by large pub companies who then lease the pubs out to tenants to run as their own businesses. These pubs are contractually obliged to buy their beer only from the pub company, preventing pub licensees buying on the open market. 

 

This is known as ‘the tie’.

 

The AM said the fundamental problem is that large pub companies take too much of a pub’s profits and is calling for legislation to ensure fair rents and fair beer prices to help local pubs in his constituency.

 

Mr Skates said: “The traditional local pub is going through a very difficult time at the moment.  Unreasonably high beer prices and inflated rents have caused the closure of hundreds of pubs right across North Wales.  Drinking habits are also changing and the competition of local supermarkets is very intense. 

 

“Nevertheless there can be a bright future for the village pub, but we need the help of the UK Government and large pub companies to help achieve this.

 

“We need the UK Government to introduce a new statutory code of practice for large companies that will enshrine in law the long accepted but largely ignored principle that the tied licensee should not be worse off than a free of tie licensee when it came to issues such as beer pricing.  This would allow them to pay a price for beer and drinks that would help them make a sustainable profit.

 

“Rents need to change, too.  It would be much easier for small pubs tied to big chains if their tenants were allowed to pay a reasonable market rent.  For those renting from companies with 500 or more pubs on their books they should be allowed to pay a fair, independently assessed market rent.

 

“Such a system is simple and cheap to administer and would give tied licensees the choice as to whether to pay fair rent only or a lower rent and higher beer prices.”

 

The latest Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers Benchmarking Survey showed that tied rents are actually higher than rents for free of tie pubs. So many tied tenants are effectively being charged double.

 

The AM added: “We’ve got some fantastic pubs in my constituency, from the recently re-opened Tyn-Y-Capel co-operative pub in Minera to the Buck House Hotel in Bangor-on-Dee, which has now started re-selling Wrexham Lager for the first time in over a decade.

 

“We now need sensible reform of the tied system to ensure those local pubs linked to a big brewery can continue to turn a profit and have a fair chance of staying open in the next few years.”

 

Mr Skates is backing the ‘Fair Deal for Your Local’ campaign led by CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale.

Llan firefighters attend chemical incident at Kronospan

* Kronospan at Chirk where the incident took place.

Fire cews today (Thursday) attended a chemical incident at Kronospan Ltd on Holyhead Road, Chirk.

The incident involved a chemical spillage from a road tanker arriving at the site.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service says it received the call at 10.06hrs this morning and crews from Chirk, Llangollen, Wrexham and Deeside as well as the Environmental Protection Unit and Incident Support Unit are on site dealing with the incident.

No one has been hurt in the incident.

Firefighters have been working with specialists and the chemical has now been transferred to a new tanker.

Equipment from the specialist Environmental Protection Unit was used as a precautionary measure.

Crews are currently still at the scene but the incident has now been closed.

Ian Williams, Head of Response for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Crews worked well with firefighting staff onsite to contain the spillage and were able to assist specialist staff with the transfer of the chemical to a new vehicle.

“This incident has once again demonstrates the importance of partnership working and good working practices between local companies and the emergency services.”

Welsh national military museum being considered

The Welsh Minister for Culture and Sport has agreed to consider the establishment of a Welsh National Military Museum following calls from Clwyd West AM Darren Millar.

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Millar said a Welsh National Military Museum would be a fitting tribute to commemorate the rich Welsh heritage in the armed forces and to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Mr Millar, who is chair of the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces, said: “I very much welcome the fact that the Minister has indicated that he is prepared to consider the establishment of a National Military Museum.

“The UK Government has already established a programme of commemorative events to mark the centenary of the start of  the 1914 -18 World War, which resulted in the deaths of 40,000 forces personnel from Wales and it would be great if Ministers in Cardiff Bay could follow this lead.

“There are already a series of smaller military collections across Wales, including in Brecon, Caernarfon, Carmarthen and in Cardiff Castle, but there is no provision for a National Military Museum.

"It is impossible to overstate the massive contribution that our armed forces make to keeping our nation safe, often at great personal risk, and their professionalism and courage sets an example to young people across Wales. It is only right that we should show our appreciation and admiration in every way possible and establishing a National Military Museum  would do just that.”

Women's festival to hand over cash raised to charities

 

 * Dani Chamberlain as Agnetha and Jo Potts as Anni-Frid in the Abba tribute at the festival.

 

Organisers of the Women's Festival of Music & Arts staged in Llangollen on May 10-12 are to hand over the money raised during the highly successful event to various charities at a presentation later this month.

 

The festival's Facebook Page says: 

 

"We are pleased to announce that the Women's Festival of Music & Arts 2013 in Llangollen Town Hall, raised enough money to be able to present £1000 to this year's designated charities, MIND & AVOW, local mental health services, to be shared equally as £500 each. Thanks to everyone who took part, and the audiences who came. The formal presentation will take place at The Ty'n Y Wern Hotel, Llangollen, at 4pm on Sunday, June 16th. Absolutely everybody is welcome. We've booked the Hotel from 3pm until 6pm, bar and snacks are available. Let's make it a great afternoon."

Women's Festival Of Music & Arts Llangollen May 10th, 11th & 12th - 2013

 

Help for small music venues

The Manchester Evening News carries a story which might be of interest to small music venues in Llangollen.

It can be viewed at:

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/innovation/web-ticket-manager-creates-virtual-4050377

Welsh Government report reviews past year

The second Annual Report from the Welsh Government which has just been published allows the public to scrutinise how the Welsh Government is delivering on the commitments made in the Programme for Government.

It sets out 340 indicators of performance and updating on 547 actions and says that in the last year the Welsh Government has:

• Created 4,000 job opportunities to help young unemployed people into work through the Jobs Growth Wales programme and supported 1,500 young people into apprenticeships through the Pathways to Apprenticeship programme.
• Boosted investment in infrastructure by some £900million through the Welsh Infrastructure Investment Plan, supporting innovative initiatives in transport, education and housing.
• Invested £400million to deliver high-speed broadband across the country with support from the European Regional Development Fund.
• Supported our poorest communities by setting aside £22million to ensure those eligible will still receive full council tax support, providing nearly 2,500 extra affordable homes and re-launching the Communities First programme to focus on health, learning and prosperity.
• Improved school attendance rates and continued to support teachers to provide the best learning environment.
• Provided easier access to health services, with nine out of ten GP surgeries offering early evening appointments at least two nights a week.
• Recruited an additional 400 Police Community Support Officers, helping people to feel safer in their communities.
• Led the way in the UK on recycling, with 48.5 per cent recycling rates in 2011 which continues to increase, with people now recycling more than they are sending to landfill.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones said: “Our annual report shows real progress made in delivering on our promises on the issues that really matter to the people of Wales. It gives an honest account of how Wales is responding to the twin challenges of the global economy and the austerity and welfare policies of the UK Government.

“We are focused on the economy, attracting businesses to Wales, improving infrastructure, up-skilling the workforce and creating job opportunities, but we haven’t let our attention in other areas slip.

“We continue to make progress in health and education and have redoubled our efforts to do all we can to help the poorest and most vulnerable people in Wales in the face of UK Government reforms.

“However, we cannot ignore the fact that our budget continues to be squeezed and we have some tough choices to make. We cannot continue to finance all the projects which have received funding in the past. We will need to prioritise to ensure the future of those public services we all rely on – health, education and job creation.

"We remain committed to making this country a more resilient and competitive place. We will continue to stand up for and deliver for the people of Wales.”

County's local plan approved by councillors

Denbighshire councillors have voted in favour of adopting the draft Local Development Plan (LDP) by 21 votes to 18 after a lengthy debate at Full Council on Tuesday.

The Local Development Plan allocates land to meet the needs of the County for uses such as housing, including affordable housing, employment, retail and leisure as well as providing protection for our high quality environment and landscape.

The plan makes provision for 7,500 new homes over the 15 year period 2006 – 2021.

The Council successfully argued that this was the appropriate level of growth for the County in the face of pressure from Welsh Government and the building industry that the figure should be significantly higher.

Of the 7,500 new homes over 1,400 have already been built and a further 1,750 have planning permission. The Inspector identified through the Examination that additional sites should be put forward to ensure the remaining housing supply could be met.

The Council put forward 21 additional sites which the Inspector has included in the final Plan along with another 4 sites not put forward by the Council. All sites included in the final LDP have been submitted by landowners during the preparation process and consulted upon.

The Key Strategic Site at Bodelwyddan forms an important part of the LDP strategy and will provide 1,715 new homes, 26 hectares of employment land as well as a new primary school, community facilities and open space. There are also significant development sites located in Rhyl, Meliden, Rhuddlan, St Asaph, Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen.

Smaller development sites to meet local needs have also been allocated across the County.

A new settlement tier for hamlets has been introduced which will allow limited affordable housing development in very rural areas for people with a local connection to the area.

Affordable housing provision will be required on all sites of 3 or more homes starting at 10% and rising progressively to 30% as house prices rise in the future.

All permissions for conversions of rural buildings, infill developments and exceptions sites outside of development boundaries will only be permitted as affordable homes to meet local needs.  T

The re-use of brown field land is promoted through the Plan, along with the regeneration of Rhyl. A zone protecting and promoting tourism uses has been allocated along the coast and appropriate, sustainable tourism initiatives are encouraged throughout the County.  I

In order to protect and enhance the landscape, the redevelopment of caravan parks to reduce density and improve landscaping is encouraged. The development of new static caravan sites will however not be permitted.

The St Asaph business park will continue to provide high quality employment land to boost the local economy along with policies to encourage appropriate employment development in the County’s towns and more rural areas.  R

Retail development will be concentrated in town centres to assist in regeneration and ensure they remain vibrant and able to meet the needs of the people of Denbighshire now and in the future.

Open spaces are protected; including land on the Park View Estate in Rhyl that has been a key ambition of the local population for many years; and policies are included to ensure that new developments include open space.

Areas of high landscape value are protected from inappropriate development including the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, the Area of Outstanding Beauty around Cynwyd and Llandrillo and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.

The LDP will now be monitored on an annual basis to ensure that the policies are delivering the desired outcomes, and meeting the agreed targets.

Copies of the full LDP will now be made available at all council libraries, One Stop Shops and Bodelwyddan Community Centre.

Register for e-billing and win an Ipad

Denbighshire residents are being urged to switch to electronic council tax billing – with an Ipad2 up for grabs for one lucky customer.

Those that have already registered for e-billing or those who register  before 31 July will be entered into the draw for the Ipad, kindly donated by Capita Plc.      
The council says there are many benefits to receiving bills electronically:

·        It’s faster – you can see your bill as soon as it is available.
·        It’s simple and convenient.
·        It saves paper, so it’s better for the environment.
·        It helps reduce printing and postage costs.
·        You have the option to download and print the bill if needed.
·        Each person named on the bill can receive their own copy.
·        You can view your bill outside normal opening hours, 7 days a week.
·        You will always know where your bill is.
·        It uses a secure email system.
·        It’s free of charge.

You must be an account holder if you would like to take up this option. All you need to do is send an email to: revenues@denbighshire.gov.uk with your full name, address and council tax reference number. Once your request is processed, all future or amended bills will be issued to your email address.  (Terms & conditions apply.  They can be found at:  www.denbighshire.gov.uk)

Politicians comment on River Lodge report

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates  has welcomed a report by the Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee on the Welsh Government’s management of the former River Lodge Hotel in Llangollen (see earlier blog).

 

He said: “I welcome the Public Accounts Committee’s report into the former River Lodge Hotel in Llangollen. The detailed report and recommendations emanating from it make for sober reading and fully justify the concerns raised by the former AM Karen Sinclair as far back as 2007.

 

“On becoming an AM in 2011 I too investigated this matter thoroughly and voiced my own similar concerns that the Powys Fadog plans did not represent good value for money.

 

“From the original purchase of the land to the subsequent plan to turn the site into a Shaolin Martial Arts Centre and spiritual retreat, the story is one of poor judgement and inadequate management. 

 

“Perhaps the worst mistake was in allowing a serious conflict of interest to exist for so long.  The civil servant who recommended the hotel for purchase was also a volunteer director of the organisation which also wanted to lease it.  This was a fundamental error which contributed to the poor decisions that were made.

 

“A lot of public money has been wasted on this project and I hope the Welsh Government learn the important lessons contained in both this report and the earlier investigation undertaken by the Wales Audit Office.

 

“The wider point is that in Denbighshire as elsewhere, we need to take a much more robust and critical look at the way in which we manage projects in our communities which involve significant amounts of taxpayers money.  At all times we need to ensure value for money and accountability for local people and make sure any concerns raised are investigated and acted upon sooner.”

 

In the same press release from Mr Skates, former Clwyd South Assembly Member KAREN SINCLAIR said: “Nothing could persuade me that this was anything but a clear conflict of interest.  I am saddened that it has taken since 2007 to get to this point.

 

“Looking forward to the future it’s clear we do need to put this site to good use and make sure something constructive comes out of this episode for the people of Llangollen.  It has been my own view for some time that this site could now be converted into a new GP Surgery and health centre for the town, a facility the area has needed for some time.  I have made this very clear both to the Welsh Government and to the local health board.” 

Welsh Government criticised over River Lodge saga

* The derelict River Lodge.

The Welsh Government has been criticised for wasting £1.6m of public money on a failed scheme to turn a derelict Llangollen hotel into a community centre.

The full story appears today on the BBC Wales news website, see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-22760984

Plans for new health centre to be unveiled

* An artist's impression of the new health centre.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board says it will be presenting the plans for the proposed new Llangollen Health Centre on Tuesday, June 11 in the first floor hall of Llangollen Town Hall between 3pm and 6.30pm. 

 

The board says the new centre will be constructed on the former River Lodge site on the A539 to Trevor and will be shared between the Llangollen GP practice, the board itself, Denbighshire County Council social care and voluntary sector services. 

 

A board spokesperson said: "A wide range of services will be provided from the centre such as GP services, community nursing and midwifery services, outpatient clinics, therapies, mental health care services and social care.

 

"Members of the public are warmly invited to view the plans and make comments on them.  Health Board and Llangollen GP practice representatives will be on hand with the architects to respond to questions about the plans. 

 

"There is a lift to the first floor hall in the Town Hall."


Welcoming the plan, Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates said: “I warmly welcome the plans being put together by the local health board for a new health centre in Llangollen.  The town has desperately needed a new primary care facility for some time and the initial outline of the new centre looks very good indeed.

 

“Importantly the new centre will house a wide range of facilities, from a new GP surgery to improved mental health support and midwifery services.  This is exactly what the town needs and I’m in full support of what the health board are trying to achieve.

 

“In addition, these plans will also hopefully draw a line under the sorry saga of the River Lodge site and ensure something good comes out of this mess. 

 

“Local people have rightly been angered by the amount of money that has been wasted on the proposed Kung Fu Centre up this point.  This new Health Centre is a much better use of public money and I’m looking forward to having it up and running in the near future.”

 

Police ask for help to find missing man

Police are calling on the help of the public to trace a 53-year-old man who is missing.

 

Graham Austin of Shifnal in Shropshire (pictured below) was last seen at around 4.30am on Sunday morning, June 2, when he left a caravan in which he was staying in in the Corwen area.

 

His car was later found at Llyn Brenig, Alwen, near Cerrigydrudion.

 

The 53-year-old, who was on holiday in the area, is described as white, around 5ft 8’ tall of stocky build. He has short cropped hair which is greying and a full beard.   

 

He is believed to be wearing either jeans or black coloured pyjama bottoms, a pyjama top which has a loony Tunes motif on it and a green coloured Berghaus water proof jacket or fleece. 

 

Mr Austin is also believed to be wearing green coloured shoes which have a brown stripe down the side.

 

The 53-year-old has not gone missing before and concern is increasing for his safety and whereabouts.

 

“The Llyn Brenig area is very popular with walkers, cyclists and people who fish, and it is therefore very possible that someone may have seen Graham in the vicinity since the early hours of Sunday morning,” said Sergeant Grahame Brown.

 

“Concern is naturally mounting for the 53-year-old who has now been missing over 24 hours. I’d urge anyone who has seen Graham or a man matching his description in the area to please contact us immediately on 101.”

 

Searches have been undertaken in the area involving police, police helicopter, the Search and Rescue Dogs Association (SARDA) and North East Wales Search and Rescue (NEWSAR).

 

Anyone who has seen Graham or may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact North Wales Police immediately on 101 quoting reference number P085831. 

Llanblogger is back ...

Llanblogger is back today following a short break.

Thanks for bearing with us while we were away.

Now we'll continue to bring you all the best in news and views from our town and out region.

Llan Food Festival hits national top ten

 

* Rob Price from Cadwyn Clwyd with food festival chair Colin Loughlin and Llangollen butcher Gwyn Davies.

 

Hamper Llangollen was named in the Top 10 food festivals in Britain by a national newspaper.

 

The accolade has delighted the organisers of the popular event that will be celebrating its 16th anniversary when it's held on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20.

 

More good news came when it was revealed the festival won a special award from Llangollen Town Council for its contribution to the commercial life of the town.

 

It's estimated the event pumps nearly £400,000 into the local economy every year with £156,000 being spent at the event and a further £234,000 being spent in the town and the surrounding area.

 

Among the first to applaud the festival was Alun Davies, Minister for Natural Resources and Food.

 

He said: “I would like to congratulate Llangollen Food Festival in their excellent achievement in The Independent's Top 10 Food Festivals in Britain, as well as gaining a special award from Llangollen Town Council for its contribution to the commercial life of the town. 

 

"Food festivals are an excellent way of showcasing the very best of Welsh produce and, I know from my visit to the Llangollen Food Festival last year, that it is a great example of this."

 

Colin Loughlin, chair of the local committee that runs the festival was also delighted.

He HehEhsaid: "I am extremely proud that Hamper Llangollen has received this   fantastic recognition of being acknowledged as a top 10 food festival in the whole of the UK.

"We are the only North Wales festival to be honoured by the Independent.

 

"The  festival has gone from strength to strength since it was taken over by a local committee in 2011.

 

"The success of Hamper Llangollen is a mark of the quality of the people we have on the committee. Everybody is pulling their weight and the way it has come together is very rewarding.

 

"I think the magic ingredient in the success of the festival is the location, the town of Llangollen and the people who live here.

 

"One of our priorities has been to integrate better with the town by involving the school, the Llangollen Silver Band and local choirs.

 

"We're making a positive contribution the local economy. After last year's event, local traders told us they were delighted with the amount of business we brought to the town. They had a very, very business weekend.

 

"This year Graham Tinsley, the star of ITV's Taste the Nation and a former captain of the Welsh Culinary Team, will be joined in the show kitchen at the festival by the ever popular Dai Chef.

 

"They have done a great deal to raise the profile of real, honest to goodness food and their crusade chimes perfectly with our mission to promote the value of our indigenous producers who bring great taste and traceability to the table.

 

"We have a wonderful array of fantastic food producers clustered in the area and the festival is the perfect shop window for them.

 

"A food festival is so much better and more interesting than going to the supermarket because here you can sample the food and talk to the producers.

 

"Hamper Llangollen is celebrating its 16th anniversary this year and is firmly and rightly established as a major highlight in the UK's culinary calendar."

 

Robert Price, Cadwyn Clwyd's agri-food project officer, said: "In addition to many favourites, we have lots of new food producers wanting to come this year.

 

"The location of the Pavilion is absolutely  spectacular - I can't imagine that any other food festival in the UK has a more beautiful setting.

 

"It's also brilliant news for the local economy. If you buy from a local producer, all that money is recycled through the local economy and that sustains employment in our rural areas."

 

For more information about Hamper Llangollen 2013 go to: www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

County landmarks to feature on TV

Denbighshire Archives and the Ruthin Gaol Museum will be featured on BBC 1's The One Show as part of a focus on Victorian criminals and the early use of photography as a means of identification.

A production team, to include well-know historian, Ruth Goodman, spent a whole day at the Gaol and Archives, and the section is scheduled to be broadcast on 11 June.  

Presenter, Ruth, had her ‘mugshot’ taken and developed by a photographer who specialises in Victorian photographic techniques; a school pupil from Penycae found some information on his ancestor who had been imprisoned at Ruthin in 1871 for the theft of a velvet coat; and Ruth and Richard Ireland, a senior lecturer form Aberystwyth who specialises in the history of criminal law, discussed two rare, early ‘mugshot’ books which are part of the Denbighshire Constabulary’s records in the Archives.

Just a short break

Llanblogger is taking a short break for the rest of this week.

However, we'll be back with all the latest news and views affecting our town and our region early next week.

So see you then ...

KLS safety concerns over Post Office switch

Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) says it has concerns about one aspect of the plan to transfer the town's main Post Office from Castle Street to Stan's on the A5.

A member of the group has seen a notice in the Post Office to say the Castle Street premises will be closing on July 20, with the move to Stan's taking place on July 22.

But KLS chair Mike Edwards said: "We are concerned about the dangers for pedestrians crossing the A5 at this very busy location and these dangers will be intensified with increased volume of pedestrians going to and from the new Sub PO.

"We will be discussing this at our next meeting and will consider representations to our local members on DCC, but we may also establish a petition to make clear the community's concern about this issue."

Public asked to help tackle alien invaders in the Dee

* Himalayan balsam may look pretty but it can

cause havoc on river banks, out-competing native

vegetation and dying back over

winter leaving banks open to erosion.

 Organisations across North Wales and Cheshire are appealing for volunteers to help eradicate non-native species from the River Dee and its tributaries. 

Preparations are now gathering pace for Big Dee Day – the Invasion – which takes place on 28 and 29 June and follows on from the success of the annual Big Dee Day river clean-up.

This is the first ever coordinated event to tackle invasive non-native plants and animals, such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Chinese mitten crab.

A Denbighshire County Council spokesperson said: "It is open to everyone across the area – and we need your help to tackle our alien invaders right across the Dee catchment, from the river’s source in Snowdonia National Park right through Cheshire to its estuary in Liverpool Bay.

"These alien species are brought to the UK either accidentally or intentionally and can cause big problems for our native wildlife, as well as having other effects such as making river banks more prone to erosion, which can lead to flooding."

Local authority Countryside Services, Snowdonia National Park Authority, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Natural Resources Wales, Wildlife Trusts, the Welsh Dee Trust, Cofnod, Record and Chester Zoo are among the many organisations involved in organising this major event.

Councillor Carolyn Thomas, Chairman of Flintshire County Council and Chairman of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, said: “This is going to be a fantastic opportunity for everyone to pull on their wellies and make a huge difference to our local environment. This is about direct action, on both sides of the border, and we are encouraging members of the public and voluntary groups to get stuck in with balsam bashing! We also need people to spy on the alien invaders and record their locations. Please keep 28 and 29 June in your diary and register your interest at  www.bionetwales.co.uk or contact your local biodiversity officer.”

Big Dee Day – The Invasion also has a Facebook page – www.facebook.com/BigDeeDayTheInvasion

Local biodiversity officers are listed below:

Cheshire Wildlife Trust	Lyn Byrne	07971 052162	lbyrne@cheshirewt.org.uk
Denbighshire	Lizzy Webster	01824 708263	elizabeth.webster@denbighshire.gov.uk
Flintshire	Amy Green	01352 703263	amy.e.green@flintshire.gov.uk
Snowdonia National Park	Gethin Davies	01766 772515	g.davies@eryri-npa.gov.uk
Wrexham	Emma Broad	01978 298762	emma.broad@wrexham.gov.uk
Gwynedd	Adam Daniel	01286 679381	adamdaniel@gwynedd.gov.uk

Fish and chips will help build special steam loco

* An artist's impression of how The Unknown Warrior will look on its launch day on 2018. 

VISITORS to Llangollen Railway are being invited to tuck into fish and chips to help top up the £1.5 million fund to build a new steam engine to mark the end of World War One. 

Specialist engineers at the heritage railway are steaming ahead with the ambitious scheme to create an entirely new locomotive, to be called The Unknown Warrior, by November, 2018 – exactly a century after the guns fell silent on the Western Front at the end of the 1914-18 conflict. 

The aim of the LMS Patriot Project is to commemorate all those who died in the “war to end wars”.

To keep the building project rolling ahead regular cash injections are needed, and the latest fundraiser will the running of a Fish n Chip Special train from Llangollen Station on Saturday, June 15.  

Tickets are £15 each and include a return trip on the Dee Valley line, starting at 7.30pm, hauled by the steam engine Black 5, subject to availability. 

The LMS-Patriot Project  was launched by heritage railway enthusiast David Bradshaw with the aim of building a new Patriot class loco, the originals of which ran in the 1920s and 30s. 

This will tour heritage railways across the country and will also be capable of running on the mainline rail network. 

Finance for the project is coming from public donations, legacies, commercial sponsorship and grant applications. 

It has received the endorsement of the Royal British Legion, and the engine will carry a Legion crest above its nameplate.  

Many original LMS drawings have been obtained for the project and, where necessary,  draughtsmen are preparing new plans using computer techniques which produce them in 3D. 

Assembly of the The Unknown Warrior began in 2009 led by Dave Owen, chief mechanical engineer of Llangollen Railway Works.  

Other workshops around the UK are making components for the new loco. 

The massive chassis of The Unknown warrior have now been laid using heavy gauge steel plate and enormous castings at a cost of £48,000. 

Next stages are to install the steam parallel boiler. Roughly the length of a single-decker bus and three times as heavy, this will cost £500,000. 

Next will come the fitting of the loco’s six 6ft high wheels iron wheels, which have a total cost of £60,000. 

The “tyres” which encase the wheels and the axles on which they will turn are both being sourced from specialists in South Africa. 

While some of the components for the engine are new, others are being reclaimed from scrap or bought from private railway collections. 

The booking form can also be downloaded from: www.lms-patriot.org.uk/FishnChip.pdf and the deadline for bookings is May 31. 

Chance to get your dog micro-chipped

Denbighshire County Council Dog Warden Service, working in partnership with North Clwyd Animal Rescue, is holding a micro-chipping event on Friday 31 May, from 9am to 5pm ,at the Car Park, Market Street, Llangollen.

Dog owners who have yet to microchip their pet are invited to come along and for a cost of £10 have their dog safely and securely micro-chipped.

For further information please contact Denbighshire County Council Dog Warden Service on 01824 706444.

Latest roadworks

 

Latest local roadworks notified by Denbighshire County Council are:

A542 Llandegla, Dafarn Dywrch roundabout to Ponderosa Café, temporary traffic lights on May 29 and 30 to allow tree cutting.

A542 Horseshoe Pass, Lllangollen, temporary traffic lights until May 24 to allow sign erection.

A539 Llangollen Road, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from June 3-5 to allow water works by Dee Valley Water.

Birch Hill, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights until September 20 to allow water works by Welsh Water.

A539 Mill Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from May 30-June 3 to allow water works by Dee Valley Water.

Fresh police appeal for missing Acrefair man

North Wales Police are continuing in their efforts to trace David Clwyd Davies who has not been seen since the April 8.

 

It was initially believed that Mr Davies (pictured below) had not been seen since April 7.

However, investigations show that he was seen in the Cefn area of Wrexham County between 1 and 2pm on Monday April 8.

Since then there have been several unconfirmed reports that Mr Davies has been sighted outside North Wales namely in the North West of England.

 

Detective Inspector Arwyn Jones who is leading the enquiry said, “It is seven weeks on Sunday May 26 since Mr Davies was last seen and our investigation into his disappearance remains a priority.  We would again ask members of the public who may hold any information that may assist the enquiry to come forward, particularly anybody who knows Clwyd, and who may have any information about his life or movements, past or present.    

 

Anybody with any information should contact North Wales Police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.Pictured below) had not been seen since April 7. However, investigations show that he was seen in the Cefn area of Wrexham County between 1 and 2pm on Monday April 8.

Since then there have been several unconfirmed reports that Mr Davies has been sighted outside North Wales namely in the North West of England.

 

Detective Inspector Arwyn Jones who is leading the enquiry said, “It is seven weeks on Sunday May 26 since Mr Davies was last seen and our investigation into his disappearance remains a priority.  We would again ask members of the public who may hold any information that may assist the enquiry to come forward, particularly anybody who knows Clwyd, and who may have any information about his life or movements, past or present.    

 

Anybody with any information should contact North Wales Police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Warning follows bike theft

Neighbourhood Watch has put out the following message to people in Llangollen:

"Please be aware that thieves are operating in your area.  On Thursday 23rd May 2013 at approximately 15.00hrs an unknown male was sighted at Dinas Bran School stealing a mountain bike.

"The mountain bike is described as a lime green “Identity” mountain bike with, front suspension and disc brakes.

"The male is described as approximately 18 to 25 years of age, white appearance, medium to stocky build with stubble.  He was wearing a grey hoody and dark jogging bottom with white trainers.

"If you see a person or a bike matching the above description call North Wales Police on 101 quoting reference P079807."