Steam loco damaged as yobs leave log on the track

* The Black Five locomotive, which was damaged in Saturday’s incident

on the track, pictured on a Santa Special Train near Berwyn.

An historic steam engine was damaged by yobs leaving a wooden log on the track … as it hauled a murder mystery special carrying over 100 people on the heritage railway line from Carrog to Llangollen on Saturday.

A railway chief says the incident could easily have caused a derailment and serious injury to passengers and crew.  

North Wales police, who say extensive damage was caused to the train, are now investigating the incident which took place at around 9.20pm and have launched an appeal for witnesses.

Railway spokesman George Jones said:  “Llangollen Railway Plc holds a number of evening events throughout the year.

“On Saturday evening, the summertime Murder & Mystery Special operated along the line from Llangollen to Carrog with the Black Five steam locomotive No.44806.

“During the return journey from Carrog, when the locomotive was working tender first, an incident took place involving the placement of a wooden log between the rails of the track at a remote point below Pen-y-Garth, between Glyndyfrdwy and Deeside loop.

“The locomotive involved has been examined and has been found to have sustained damage to the running gear of the tender and locomotive.

“An assessment is being made as to the repair costs, but it will be out of service for some time and this means that no stand-by engine will be available during the busy summer season.”

Railway chairman, Jim Ritchie, commenting on this incident, said: “The board of Llangollen Railway is pleased that, although this incident could have resulted in the derailment and potential injury of crew and passengers, it was fortunate that no one was injured and the train was able to continue its journey back to Llangollen.

“The board attaches the greatest priority to the safe operation of the railway and such an act of vandalism by persons unknown is of the deepest concern.

“The object placed on the track was of a size which could potentially have caused a derailment to a smaller locomotive or a diesel railcar. With over 100 passengers on the train that would have resulted in injury or worse to crew or passengers.”

He added: “The Llangollen Railway is co-operating with North Wales Police who are investigating this incident and appeals for anyone who has information to provide it to the police. The incident has been reported to the Office of the Rail Regulator.

“The penalty for trespassing on any railway, including heritage lines such as Llangollen Railway, is £1,000 and, of course, anyone involved in such practice endangers not just themselves, but also the train crew and passengers using the railway.” 

·         Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact PC 2820 Sarah Smith at Llangollen on 101. Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Man rescued from river near Chirk

The BBC news website is reporting this morning (Wednesday) that a man was rescued from a river near Chirk yesterday evening.

See the full story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-23337829

Butchers praised for its apprentices

A young butcher from Llangollen shows how a small business can benefit from having apprentices, First Minister Carwyn Jones has said.

 

Twenty-three-year old Tomi Lee Jones is the shop manager at Jones’ Butchers in the town and is an apprentice himself since 2010.

 

Based on his experience of apprenticeships he is also training two of his employees, Jac Jones and Chris Roberts, through an apprentices scheme using support from the Young Recruit Programme, which is funded by the Welsh Government backed by the European Social Fund.  

 

Tomi is also VQ Learner of the Year 2013 and the Welsh Young Butcher of the Year 2012.

 

Last week as he visited the eisteddfod, the First Minister called into Jones’ Butchers to hear how the business is benefiting from having apprentices.

Later he said: "The success Jones’ Butchers has had with apprentices shows how smaller businesses can benefit from schemes such as the Young Recruit Programme.  Training our young people for the workplace is vital for creating sustainable growth and is a key part of our Programme for Government.

“The Young Recruits Programme was introduced to support apprenticeship training during the economic downturn and in 2012-13 we exceeded our target of supporting 2,000 places through this scheme.

“I am pleased to see the results of the scheme here in Llangollen, and to see young people successfully embarking on their careers.”

Tomi said “The apprenticeship allowed me to learn the skills I needed to do the job while gaining experience at the same time.  That’s why I wanted the rest of the staff to have the same opportunity so that they can learn the skills they need and be part of the business.”

Vandals damage train with timber on track

Police are appealing for information after timber was placed between two rails which caused extensive damage to a train.

 

At around 9.20pm on Saturday, July 13, an offender or offenders placed a large timber log between two rails on the Glyndyfrdwy to Llangollen train track.

 

Extensive damage was caused to one train but no one was injured.

 

Anyone with information is regarding the incident is urged to contact PC 2820 Sarah Smith at Llangollen on 101. Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

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AM slams Welsh Government over its NHS management

The Welsh Labour Government has “catastrophically mismanaged our NHS”, claims the Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales Aled Roberts.

His criticism follows the publication of a report by the Wales Audit Office which reveals scheduled operations were postponed and hospital waiting lists allowed to grow as the Welsh NHS struggled to cut costs in the last year.

Managers balanced the books but need to save £404m this year, the report concludes.

Aled Roberts (pictured left), who is a member of the Welsh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee, said: “The Welsh Labour Government explicitly warned that it would not bail out Health Boards that lost control of their finances. 

“Yet, the Welsh Labour Government went back on its word and dished out additional funding totalling £92 million.  As the report acknowledges, this inconsistency sends out unhelpful mixed messages.

“The Welsh NHS is under a colossal amount of strain.  The report notes that the NHS is likely to struggle to sustain current levels of service and performance. 

“Wales has the longest ambulance waiting times in any part of mainland UK, cancer waiting times not met since 2008 and A&E targets that have never been met.  To think some of our NHS services could continue to deteriorate further is shocking. "

Mr Roberts slammed: “The truth is the Welsh Labour Government has catastrophically mismanaged our NHS and it is the people of Wales who are paying the price for Labour’s failure. 

“How can we expect Health Boards to be financially prudent when, as the report acknowledges, there are unfunded commitments in the Welsh Labour Government’s manifesto and programme for Government?

“Of course it’s important that Health Boards meet their financial targets.  But this isn’t just about money, it’s people’s lives that we are talking about. The report highlights that NHS bodies reduced activity to help manage financial pressures

“I found it particularly galling last week when the Health Minister congratulated Health Boards on their ‘careful financial management’.  This is despite knowing that Betsi Cadwaladr UHB was only able to do so by allowing waiting lists to grow and cancelling routine operations.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford said the NHS "remains resilient" despite challenging circumstances.

Agenda for tonight's Town Council meeting

LLANGOLLEN TOWN COUNCIL

COUNCIL MEETING 16th JULY 2013

AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence. To receive apologies for absence. 2. Declaration of Interest. To receive any known declarations of interest in items on the agenda. 3. Presentation To receive a presentation form Haf Wyn-Hughes, Workplace Skills Officer on the Essential Skills in the Workplace project, on behalf of the Welsh Government. 4. Mayors Announcements. To receive announcements form the Town Mayor. 5. To receive statements from the public.

6. Minutes of Meeting. To authorise the Chairman to sign the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on the held on the 21st May 2013, as a correct record.

7. Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting.

To authorise the Chairman to sign the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on Tuesday 21st May 2013.

8. Planning Committee.


To accept the Minutes of the meeting Planning Committee held on 23rd April 2013, previously circulated.

9. General Purposes Committee


To adopt the Minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 19th February 2013, previously circulated.




10. Financial Matters.
To consider financial matters and make any necessary decisions thereon.

a) Financial Statement

b) Authorised Payments.

c) Donations.
d) Annual Return.
11. Members Reports.



To accept reports arising from Members attendance on outside bodies, and to make any necessary decisions thereon.
12. Notices of Motion.



Cllr S Burrell: That the Town Council compile and produce an amenities directory.

Cllr M Mile: That the Town Council consider on street parking issues in Church Street.


13. County Councillors Report.
To receive reports form County Councillors.
13. Casual Vacancy.
To consider applications for consideration to be co-opted as a Member of the Council
14. Clerk's Reports.
a) Monthly update.

b) Chain bridge project; to confirm acceptance of grant in aid from the Heritage lottery Fund.

c) Standing Orders; to consider the adoption of the National Association of Local Councils / One Voice Wales Model Standing Orders, copy attached.

d) Consultation Document Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, copy attached..
15. Correspondence
To consider correspondence received and to make any necessary decisions thereon.  

Eating at the yellow Aqueduct is certainly no peril

llanblogger taste test

* The startlingly yellow Aqueduct Inn at Fron.

THE new vivid yellow external paintjob might be a little startling but there’s nothing disturbing about the welcome and the food at the Aqueduct Inn in Fron.

If discerning Llangollen folk would care to travel just a couple of miles up the road to sample Sunday lunch there, they are not likely to be disappointed.

The historic pub in its prime position overlooking the Dee Valley and the World Heritage site was empty for quite a few months but, just as the place where we did our last taste test, the Sun at Rhewl, enterprising new people have now moved in and are doing their best to make a go of  what was once a thriving village boozer.

Despite the canary-like exterior, the interior of the Aqueduct is still reassuringly old world, from its muted, heritage-style painted walls to the old-fashioned tables and chairs.

The guy behind the bar when llanblogger went there recently was extremely welcoming and chatty and offered us something cool to drink as soon as we stepped in looking hot from the sun-baked A5.

There was a couple of interesting-looking real ales and one of them made a very refreshing pint of bitter shandy.

The Sunday lunch menu was hardly vast but featured the essential roasts – good old beef and lamb.

There was a slightly wider choice of starters, including the tasty garlic mushrooms we ordered at £3.95.

We then went for a couple of beef main courses at a very reasonable £5.99.

The beef was succulent and came with all the usual trimmings – mashed and roast potatoes, two veg, a Yorkshire pudding and some very pleasant gravy.

Helpings weren’t lavish but perfectly adequate and left enough room for a couple of desserts.

The last helpings of chocolate cake and cream having been snaffled just before we got around to ordering, it had to be apple pie and ice cream times two for us, at £2.50 apiece.

But that was certainly no imposition as these were delicious, with a nice crust, plenty of apple filling and two scoops of vanilla ice cream to top them off.

Service came with a smile, the landlord called at our table for a chat and we were able to sit in one of the two main rooms and look out over an idyllic canal scene as we enjoyed lunch for a very digestible total of £26 including our shandies.

The Aqueduct is definitely worth driving up the A5 to try. 

Importance of fire drill emphasized after big blaze

A senior fire officer is highlighting the importance of working smoke alarms and having a practiced fire escape plan after a family of seven escaped a serious fire in their New Brighton home last night.
 
Firefighters from Llangollen along with those from Johnstown, Wrexham and Chirk were called to the fire at a rural property in the New Brighton area of Minera, Wrexham at 10.56pm yesterday (Sunday, July 14).

The female occupant, her teenage daughter and her daughter’s partner along with another four of her children were in the property at the time of the fire.

The female occupant was upstairs sleeping and was woken by bangs and crackling coming from downstairs. She went to investigate and alerted the other sleeping occupants as the smoke alarms activated.

Their regular route of escape was blocked and so the daughter’s partner kicked down an alternative door.

All occupants escaped safely and were taken to hospital for precautionary checks before being discharged earlier today.

The cause of the fire is currently being investigated.

Paul Whybro, Head of Risk and Resilience for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “This incident clearly highlights the importance of working smoke alarms and practiced fire escape plans.

“Smoke alarms give an early warning which help you to escape safely and quickly in the event of a fire. Plan your escape route with everyone - always include children and the elderly so that everyone knows how to get out. Also, make sure that you know where door and window keys are kept so that you can escape quickly in the event of an emergency.
 
“Thankfully no one was hurt in this fire which had the potential for a major tragedy. This was a rural property and residents living in rural areas should take extra care with fire safety as it is likely that there will not be a fire station in the immediate area. This will mean that the firefighters will have to take time to travel to the property - so early detection of the fire is especially important. “

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service also offer free home fire safety checks for all residents in North Wales. During a home fire safety check, a member of the Service will visit your home, help formulate a safety escape plan, give tips and guidance on fire safety in the home, and if necessary, install a new smoke alarm free of charge. For a free home fire safety check, please call our 24 hour hotline on 0800 169 1234, visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk or e-mail cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk

More colourful Llanfest pictures

Guest photographer Barrie Potter has sent us more pictures from yesterday (Sunday's) Llanfest at the eisteddfod. 

Local musical talent on show at Llanfest

 

Our guest photographer Barrie Potter was back on the eisteddfod field today afternoon (Sunday) to picture the array of local musical talent on display during the traditional Llanfest staged in the amphitheatre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Countdown begins to prestigious cycling event

* Riders in last year's Etape Cymru head up the Horseshoe Pass.

The countdown has begun to welcome one of the UK's most prestigious cycling sportives to North East Wales.

 

The route of Wiggle Etape Cymru 2013, to be held on Sunday, September 8,  starts and finishes at Bangor on Dee Racecourse and passes through communities in Wrexham County Borough before it enters into Denbighshire through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty.

The route takes in several well-known climbs including the legendary Horseshoe Pass which incorporates a timed King of the Mountains challenge.

This incredible event was voted Sportive of the Year 2012 by readers of Road Cycling UK and has been widely acclaimed for its success by all of the top cycling media outlets.

The event is being staged by Human Race, who are the UK's largest mass participation events company and fully is supported by Wrexham and Denbighshire Councils.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans, said: "Cycling is becoming an ever more popular sport, especially in the wake of the tremendous cycling success at London 2012 and we are extremely keen to capitalise on this renewed interest in the sport.

"Here in Denbighshire we are working hard to establish the county as a centre for cycling excellence. We have the infrastructure to deliver this, with resources such as the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Cycling Centre at Llandegla right on our very own doorstep.

"This year will be the third year in a row that Denbighshire County Council has been actively involved in assisting event organisers to ensure the safe running of this event and we are confident that it will continue to be a great success."

Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race said: "We welcome the support of Wrexham and Denbighshire Council in making this year's Etape Cymru the best yet. After the fantastic success of last year's event cyclists are anticipating a great event for 2013 and we look forward to welcoming thousands of cyclists to the region."

For further information, please visit the website: www.humanrace.co.uk

Eisteddfod's street dance spectacular

Our guest photographer Barrie Potter has sent us these fabulous pictures of the street dance session staged by performers from the Eisteddfod in the town centre yesterday (Friday). 

 

 

 

 

 

County council proceedings may be webcast

Council meetings in Denbighshire could be broadcast over the web in future, after councillors gave the thumbs up to the idea of using more modern technology to engage people in local democracy.

Discussions have taken place after a former Minister for Communications and Local Government wrote to all authorities earlier this year, indicating that the Welsh Government was making £1.2 million in grants available to councils to assist with implementing the webcasting of council meetings.

Webcasting involves the live streaming of sound and vision of council meetings. The webcast can be made available on the Council's website as archived material.  This means that members of the public who are not able to attend meetings may either view them live online of  at a later date.

Officers from the Council have already held discussions with the Welsh Government and Welsh Local Government Association and a demonstration has been given to councillors.

Councillor Barbara Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Modernisation, said: "This is a good way for the Council to communicate with residents and the public via social media. We want to be a  modern Council in our approach to using technology to do business and this is a great way of allowing people to access council meetings without having to leave their home or office.

"There is also the flexibility of listening and watching coverage of council meetings at times which suit the individual and Members were keen to support such an innovative project."

Action from day three of the Eisteddfod ...

There was plenty of action both on the field and in the performance area on day three of the Eisteddfod.

 

Another llanblogger guest photographer, Barrie Potter, was on hand to capture some of the action for us.

 

 

 

 

Aqueduct gets all lit up for big family event

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct will be all lit up this Friday during a programme of family entertainment centre on the World Heritage sire. 

The event, entitled Underneath the Arches - Pont Ffest 2013, will run from 7-11pm.

Gates will be open at 6pm on the Acrefair Football Club Pitch below.

  

Underneath the Arches is a family-friendly, 'picnic in the park' type event which will provide a rare opportunity to view the full majesty of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at close quarters. 

You will need to bring something to sit on and then all you have to do is relax, listen to music from a selection of local bands and enjoy the view. 

You can bring your own picnic with you, or purchase something from the on-site caterers, but barbecues aren't allowed on the site.

During the evening, as darkness approaches, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is bathed in coloured light. 

Later, there will be a fireworks display.

Top of the bill is Wrexham Band 'The Big Beat' - billed as one of the most exciting young cover bands in the UK at this moment. 

They will be on stage from around 9.15pm until 10.45pm. 

Local-born vocalist, Annie Hughes will sing a range of Musical showtunes from 7.45pm - 8.00pm. 

Annie has performed several times on London's West End and was a runner-up in the prestigious 'Search For A Twitter Star' show at London's Lyric Theatre in 2012. 

                            

		* The Big Beat, pictured right, are on the bill for the evening.

Calon FM, will compère the event.

There will also be children's fairground rides and other attractions on the night.

Free parking for the event will be at the Trevor Basin car park at the bottom of Station Road.

The walk from the car park takes 5 - 10 minutes, with a fair slope down to the Bont Bridge over the river and then up to the event field. 

A minibus will operate from outside the Telford Inn at the start of the evening and from the event field at the end of the evening.  There will be a charge of 50p per person each way.

Advance Tickets:  Adults: £4 / 5-16s and 60 +: £2 / Family: (2 + 4) £10.

To book online go to:

http://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/en-gb/events/2013/july/underneath-the-arches-(pont-ffest)/

Tickets can also be purchased from:

• The Tourist Information Centre, Queens Square, Wrexham. Tel: 01978 292015; The Tourist Information Centre, Mile End, Oswestry. Tel: 01691 662488; Cefn Mawr Post Office, Crane Street, LL14 3LN. Tel: 01978 823090

All advance rickets will be exchanged on the night for wristbands.

Tickets on the night: Adults: £5 / 5 - 16s and 60+: £2.50 / Family (2 + 4): £12

These can be purchased on the event field from 6pm onwards.

More parade pictures for you to enjoy

 

Gareth Ceidiog Hughes, our guest photographer, has provided some more fabulous pictures of yesterday's Eisteddfod parade, which we are delighted to share with you.

 

First Minister challenged over health shake-up

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood AM has accused the Welsh Government of “being in the dark” over failures at Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board.

 

The First Minister of Wales indicated that he knew nothing of governance failures at the health board until a recent report was published.

 

Leanne Wood said it was concerning that the First Minister had no awareness of these difficulties yet was pushing ahead with radical re-configuration plans.

 

These include closing four community hospitals, including the one in Llangollen, and moving neonatal intensive care across the border to Arrowe Park.

 

She also warned that in the Francis Report in England, the Department of Health accepted that it bears some responsibility for the failure of the healthcare system to detect and prevent healthcare deficiencies.

 

Ms Wood said:  “In recent weeks, three of  Betsi Cadwaladr’s senior people have left and now we see their failure to deal with deadly superbug infections in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and concerns over mental health policies at Ysbyty Bangor.

 

“Today, consultants told a National Assembly committee that they had no faith in the governance structure and that it is not fit for purpose.

 

“Yet despite these clearly deep-seated problems of governance and policy the First Minister has apparently only just heard of them. Where has he been?

 

“Health is completely devolved and the Welsh Government is responsible for it.

 

“In England, the Francis Report found that the Department of Health accepted some responsibility for the failure of the healthcare system to detect and prevent healthcare deficiencies, such as those at Mid-Staffordshire.

 

“Using those same principles, the Welsh Government must take responsibility for what has happened at Betsi Cadwaladr.

 

“While these failures have been taking place, reconfiguration plans for NHS services in the north have been pushed forward, including attempts to move neonatal intensive care over the border to England.  

 

“There is talk of new plans to change health facilities in the north of Wales, which could include sending more patients across the border to a service that the First Minister himself criticises.

 

“Given the Welsh Government’s lack of awareness of the problems at Betsi Cadwaladr, they should look again at the reconfiguration proposals. Any reorganisation to the NHS in the North has to put these problems right.”

Thousands turn out in the sun for eisteddfod parade

Parade pictures by Gareth Ceidiog Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THOUSANDS lined the sun-drenched streets of the famous Denbighshire tourist town to watch Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s traditional opening parade pass by yesterday afternoon.

Temperatures soared well into the eighties as competitors from across the globe marched through the heart of Llangollen to the accompaniment of rousing cheers and applause from one of the largest crowds to watch the event in years.

A rainbow array of banners and national flags fluttered above them as singers and dancers from a host of nations walked in procession from the Eisteddfod field, down Abbey Road, across the historic centuries-old bridge and on into the town centre where the main roads had been closed off specially for the occasion.

Heading the parade, which took around 20 minutes to go by any one point, was the Welsh dragon flag and Llangollen’s bearded town crier, known as Chem, ringing a bell to let everyone know the main event was beginning.

Pace for the big parade was set by some stirring tunes from Llangollen Silver Band.

Behind them came a colourful cavalcade of competitors beneath their national flags including those of countries as far away as the United States, New Zealand and China.

The riot of colour continued when contingents of performers from Indonesia, South Africa and Canada passed by.

Interspersed with the overseas competitors in the parade line-up were a number of Welsh and English choirs and youngsters from local schools who had earlier enjoyed visiting the festival on the opening children’s day. 

TV cameras whirred and cameras clicked to record the unforgettable scenes as the world went by in the sizzling heat.

As usual, there was special applause for Llangollen stalwarts, the Heritage Dancers of India, in their vivid national costumes.

The crowd also reserved an especially warm welcome for Eisteddfod President Terry Waite who waved to them and smiled broadly as he drove past in his usual classic car, which this year was a red open-topped Triumph Herald from the 1960s.

And keeping up a pulsating beat as they brought up the tail of the parade were Llangollen favourites, the Karamba drum band.   

llanblogger celebrates its first successful year

* The couple who had their wedding reception aboard a steam train - still our most popular story.

* Above: snowbound A5 in March.

* Below (1): A dramatic rescue from the River Dee.

* Below (2) Part of the parade at last year's Christmas Festival. 

 

Today llanblogger celebrates its first birthday.

Since we launched on July 9 last year we’ve brought you over 1,000 stories which, we are delighted to say, have attracted close on 90,000 page views from our readers.

It’s been a momentous 12 months when our town has been at the centre of a number of big, long-running stories.

These have included the controversies over the axing of our Cottage Hospital and plans to replace it with a £5.5 million new health centre, and the construction of a Sainsbury’s supermarket on the site of the current Dobson & Crowther factory on the A5.

There has also been on the on-going argument over the future of the former River Lodge in Mill Street and the recriminations over how its fate has been handled by the Welsh Government.

Our blog started in a small way by reporting on how a fallen tree had blocked the canal one Monday last July. It attracted just a handful of page views.

But as word of the new blog spread, thanks to our presence on Facebook and Twitter, later stories we covered sent the viewing figures soaring.

For instance, when freak heavy snowfalls hit the town in March this year, we were bringing you almost hourly updates on how the white deluge was affecting Llan and its surrounding areas.

That led to the number of our page views hitting the 600-700 a day mark.

Our most popular story to date, however, remains the lovely tale of how a couple held their wedding reception aboard a steam train from Llangollen Station. Because the bride and groom had strong American connections, llanblogger went international by attracting many page views from across the other side of the Atlantic.

In fact, stories about our heritage railway are always popular with our readers and regularly lead to a high number of page views.   

The railway is just one of the local attractions we feature. As often as possible we highlight events at the Pavilion, Plas Newydd and in the Town Hall.

And entertainment isn’t the only reason llanblogger makes regular mention of the Town Hall because we go there every month to bring you comprehensive reports on the meetings of our Town Council. We are also represented on the group which is currently bidding for Cittaslow status for the town.

Politics features strongly in our range of coverage. Apart from the deliberations of the town and county councils, we also bring you stories about our local Assembly Members and Members of Parliament.

A range of local clubs and organisations and their activities also find regular space on our blog – from the group which nurtures our excellent community garden to the brilliant Silver Band, the moving funeral of whose stalwart member Albert Hammonds we reported on last summer.

Another area we take very seriously is providing our readers with information about things such as local roadworks and warnings on crime and safety matters from the police, fire and health services.

Quite a few local organisations now get in touch with us on a regular basis so that we can feature their events and activities on the blog but we’d love to hear from more of you.

All you have to do to get your information on the blog – completely free of charge – is email us at the usual address, llanblogger@gmail.com

As we celebrate our first successful year, we hope that you’ve enjoyed reading llanblogger as much we’ve enjoyed creating it, and please keep logging on!

Keep homes secure in warm weather, say police

Almost 30% of burglaries in Conwy and Denbighshire happened at insecure properties.

 

This startling figure rose to over 40% in the months of August ’12 and October ’12 according to statistics for the past 12 months.

 

The figures are being released by North Wales Police as part of a two-fold drive to reduce the number of offences and encourage residents to keep their homes secure – whatever the weather.

 

“As the warmer weather increases, so does the temptation to leave windows and doors open during the day and night – which is why we are urging householders to remain security conscious,” said Detective Inspector Sion Williams, who is leading on the initiative.

 

“Burglaries are down 12% compared to the previous 12 months however we cannot escape the fact that many more could have been avoided,” added DI Williams. “Sadly, a door left ajar or an open window could prove more than enough of a temptation for an opportunist thief to strike. It is therefore important for people to remain security conscious and maintain personal security so that criminals don’t get the chance to exploit opportunities associated with the summer time.”

 

From April 2012 to March 2013 alone 490 burglaries happened in Conwy and Denbighshire – 146 of these were in insecure properties.

 

Since 1st April 2013, burglaries in the Denbighshire area have reduced by almost 5% and police are determined to keep them on a downward spiral.

 

Much work is already underway across Conwy and Denbighshire to tackle the issue and reduce burglaries. Members of the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been speaking to residents individually and at specific events about home security. Posters and leaflets have also been produced and are in the process of being distributed in a further effort to drive home the importance of keeping homes secure and out of reach of the sneaky thieves. Regular feeds on the forces Twitter and Facebook accounts will also be issued on the subject.

 

“Once inside a property, offenders will take anything that is of value,” added Insp Julie Sheard of Community Safety. “Laptops, handbags, mobile phones and anything left visible inside a home have been taken. Along with taking the simple steps of closing doors and windows, residents can also help themselves by making sure they security mark their property and taking advantage of registration schemes such as Immobilise.”

 

“Marking your property can also prove an effective deterrent to would be thieves,” Insp Sheard. “If your property is clearly identified it will be more difficult for a burglar or thieves to sell on the item. Another advantage is that should you become a victim of crime or if you lose the item – you increase the chance of having the property returned to you.”

 

 

Advice to residents

 

Residents can take positive steps to help avoid becoming a victim of crime by:

•             Make sure that all windows are closed and locked, even when you are at home or in the garden. Use the security measures on modern windows, which allow them to let some air in but are still locked.

•             Only have ground floor windows open if you are to be in that room for a period of time.

•             Do not leave upstairs windows open when you are going out.

•             Always lock your front door from inside - in particular UPVc front doors are often left unlocked when people are in their house.

•             Do not leave back doors open or unlocked if you are to be upstairs for any length of time.

•             Keep all valuables out of the line of sight of prying eyes, never put car keys or purses on window-sills or in view of a window or door. Always avoid keeping large amounts of cash in your house.

•             Lock away all your garden tools and equipment including ladders. Secure your shed and garage properly.

•             Use a good quality padlock on a back gate.

•             When going on holiday make sure milk deliveries are cancelled, that post is collected and if possible get friends or family to check on your property.

 

For more information on home security click here to visit our advice and support section.

 

Residents are being reminded to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to police. If you see anyone acting suspiciously, call North Wales Police on 999 if it is an emergency or dial101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sun promises to make for sizzling Llan Eisteddfod

* Ann Eagar, left, and Jane Jones on the floral displays.

Sunny skies and soaring temperatures are expected to make this a bumper year for the 67^th annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod which starts tomorrow (Tuesday).

Ticket sales are already racing ahead of last year’s successful event with top attractions like keyboard king Jools Holland and Strictly Come Dancing stars James and Ola Jordan attracting big audiences to evening concerts.

But ticket sales to all the concerts are going well, according to Treasurer Selwyn Evans, who said: “We are already within £85,000 of our target of £440,000 and we would expect to pass that comfortably now.

“The weather seems set fair to and that is great news because there is so much on here on the field during the days and that makes an outing to the Eisteddfod a fantastic experience.

“Ticket sales for the concerts are going really well but we still have tickets left for each one.”

Thousands of people from around the world will again descend on the town for the Eisteddfod which began as a festival of peace in the aftermath of the Second World War and has since grown into one of Europe’s premier music and dance events.

It has attracted cultural icons like Dylan Thomas and the great Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who began his international career as a member of a choir from Modena at Llangollen in 1955.

In recent years artists of the stature of Bryn Terfel, Katherine Jenkins, Kiri Te Kanawa, James Galway and Montserrat Caballe have performed at the final Sunday Evening Gala Concert.

Most importantly the competitors have continued to come from all over the world – this year they will be here from Alaska, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, China, India, New Zealand and Ghana as well as from all over Europe and the UK.

This year’s event runs from Tuesday, July 9, when the colourful traditional procession through the town will be led by Eisteddfod Patron Terry Waite, through six days of competitions and concerts to Sunday’s spectacular fireworks extravaganza.

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, former official harpist to HRH the Prince of Wales, along with the Eisteddfod Orchestra and the Santo Tomas Choir 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, a performance of Verdi’s Requiem by to mark the 200^th anniversary of the composer’s birth with Claire Rutter, Mirouslava Yordanova , Gwyn Hughes Jones, Jonathan Lemalu and accompanied by the Eisteddfod Orchestra conducted by Andrew Greenwood.

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 before the spectacular firework finale.

The Eisteddfod field will also be alive and buzzing every day of the week with international performances on the new and improved undercover Outside Stages.

Visitors can enjoy live music at the 200-seat S4C Stage, join in with a dance workshop on the Amphitheatre Wrexham Lager Stage or listen to live storytelling on the Lawn Stage.

And in the early evenings the S4C Stage will be transformed into an amazing window on world music for The World @ 6 programme of song and performance from Persia, the Indian subcontinent, Africa and more.

Throughout the week world-class competitors perform in a spectacular celebration of cultures with stunning choral music and lively traditional dance, especially on Folk Friday when the outdoor stages will feature world-class music and dance.

The Eisteddfod is a complete international experience and that goes for the food too. Home-cooked Welsh produce is on the menu but so are the cuisines of Europe, China, India and the rest of the world and there’s excellent local Llangollen ale.

There are gifts and clothes from South America, jewellery, wooden toys and Welsh-made products at more than 40 stalls, including exhibitions of festival supporters, Extreme Animals and Owl Rescue Display, charity groups and more including jugglers, escape artists and magic tricks.

For tickets for this year’s concerts and for more information go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llangollen

Drop-in session planned on Etape Cymru

A drop-in session is being planned for people to come and have their say about a major cycling event coming to Wrexham and Denbighshire in September.

Wiggle Etape Cymru 2013 is arranged by Humanrace and fully supported by Wrexham and Denbighshire County Council.

The  route starts and finishes at Bangor on Dee Racecourse and passes through communities in Wrexham County Borough before it enters into Denbighshire through the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty The route takes in several well-known climbs including the legendary Horseshoe Pass which incorporates a timed King of the Mountains challenge.

The drop-in session will take place on Tuesday, 23 July at the Royal International Pavilion, Llangollen between 6pm and 8pm, where officers from the organisers and both councils will be available to talk about the route, proposed times and any other queries.

For further information about the Wiggle Etape Cymru event, please visit: www.humanrace.co.uk

Report says man has died after Ruabon railway incident

The Leader is reporting on its website today (Monday) that a man has died after being struck by a train near Ruabon railway station shortly after 10am.

See he full story at: http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/124399/man-dies-after-being-hit-by-train-near-wrexham.aspx

Welsh Government should enforce no cold calling zones, says AM

North Wales Welsh Liberal Democrats AM Aled Roberts is supporting calls from Age Cymru for the Welsh Government to legally enforce “No Cold Calling Zones” in Wales.

 

Mr Roberts, (pictured left) Welsh Lib Dem spokesperson for older people, said: “Older people are particularly vulnerable to unwelcome contact in a variety of forms from companies and individuals who all too often pressurise them into parting with substantial sums of money.

 

“Sadly, in many instances, the goods or services that were paid for are never delivered or are of sub-standard quality.

 

“I welcome Age Cymru’s “Scams and Swindles” campaign and fully support its aims to penalise cold callers who operate in the designated zones.

 

“Whilst there are already some safeguards in place to dissuade cold callers, the weight of legal enforcement and prosecution will provide a welcome deterrent.”

Latest roadworks details

Denbighshire County Council have given details of the following local roadworks:

Birch Hill, Llangollen, road closure from July 8-10, to allow erection of scaffolding.

Opposite White Lion Square, Mill Street, Llangollen, July 16-18, temporary traffic lights to allow water works.