"Get on with new health centre" councillor tells planners

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

 

A councillor sent out a strong message to the planners of a new £5.5 million health centre in Llangollen – get on with it!

Cllr Stuart Davies, one of the town’s representatives on Denbighshire County Council, was attending the latest in a series of five meetings arranged to update stakeholders on the scheme at Llangollen International Pavilion on Wednesday afternoon.

Managers from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), which is building the new facility to replace Llangollen Cottage Hospital which they axed last March, were there to brief around 30 people with an interest in the project, including representatives of local health organisations, patients and voluntary groups.

Project manager Ian Howarth invited discussion on issues such as access to the site of the new centre, on land between the River Dee and the A539 currently occupied by the derelict River Lodge, and whether a pharmacy and a dental surgery should be included in it.

Mr Howarth also outlined the timetable for development, which he said would see an outline business case being considered by the health board in November, a full case being produced next March and building work starting next summer with completion during 2015. 

But Cllr Davies declared: “Let’s stop fannying about and get on with it. People want it!”

Mr Howarth replied: “We are all of the same mind, that we need to get on with it.”

Earlier in the two-hour meeting, BCUHB’s estate development Andy Williams said that “an awful lot of work” had been going on into site investigation, working with the local highways department.

He told the audience: “We accept that access to the site isn’t good and over the last two or three months we have been looking at the main issues such as the maintenance of existing footpaths, moving the 30mph zone, which currently starts closer to the town, to the far end of the River Lodge site and extending street lighting in that area.

“We have also been talking to local bus operators about putting bus stops adjacent to the site as buses won’t be able to get right into the site because they are too large.”

Cllr Davies suggested that rather having people walk to the new centre along the busy A539 road, it might be possible to develop a route leading down the steps from the river bridge and through an adjacent car park.

Andy Williams said this would be looked at by the project team.

On the question of including a pharmacy in the new centre, Ian Howarth said there were arguments for and against this.

There were suggestions from the audience that if Rowlands, which currently runs the pharmacy in Regent Street, moved to the health centre the current chemist would be lost as the company might not be prepared to run two shops in the same area.

This, it was said, might lead to people needing frequent repeat prescriptions having to walk to the other side of town.

But  a representative of Rowlands in the audience said it might be possible to set up a prescription delivery service or a system of ordering repeat prescriptions over the phone.

The issue of the whether a two-chair dental surgery should be included in the new centre was then touched on with Mr Howarth pointing out that there were points for and against it. But he said there might be a need for this as Llangollen currently had only one dentists.

However, he suggested further discussion of this would have to wait until the next stakeholder meeting as there was nobody present from the dental service.

At the start of the meeting there was some criticism of BCUHB for the way the cottage hospital was closed and services transferred to the existing health centre in Regent Street.

Cllr Davies said: “It wasn’t advertised enough so people weren’t aware of what was happening.”

He also asked if the minor injuries unit, which had been moved over from the hospital to the health centre to be run by the GPs based there, was still in operation.

Practice manager Tessa Orton Jones said it was but that it was restricted to Llangollen residents and genuine day trippers to the tourist town.

Some concern was voiced from the audience that this excluded children attending local schools who lived outside the town and residents of nearby Corwen.

Cllr Davies told the BCUHB team they had “messed up good style” by removing in-patient beds from the old hospital and making no provision for replacements in the new centre.

This, he said, was already “coming home to roost” with local people in need of beds being sent to  Deeside, Mold and Flint.

Mr Howarth told him: “We’ll make sure we follow that up.”

Cllr Davies then asked him if there would be beds in the new centre to which Mr Howarth replied: “It terms of this development it doesn’t make sense.”

AM pledges support for National Eye Week

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has pledged his support for National Eye Health Week, which takes place between September 16-22.

 

National Eye Health Week brings organisations and health professionals from across the UK together to raise awareness of the importance of good eye health and the need for regular sight tests.

 

Mr Isherwood said: “There are currently nearly 100,000 people in Wales who are living with sight loss and over the next 25 years the number is expected to double. Yet with the appropriate action sight loss can be avoided. It is vital that people are made aware of the importance of good eye health and regular eye tests and I therefore welcome the fact that eye care charities, organisations and health professionals will be coming together next week to promote this.”

 

Ceri Jackson, Chair of the National Eye Health Week steering group in Wales, added: “Fifty per cent of sight loss is avoidable, and the single most important thing that people can do to protect their sight is to go for a test every two years. Many people think that a sight test is just about checking whether your vision needs correcting with glasses or contact lenses, but a sight test is also a vital check of the health of the eyes and includes the detection of eye conditions. Many of these have no early symptoms, but when they are detected early then the right type of treatment could save your sight.

 

“National Eye Health Week is an opportunity for people to come together and raise awareness of the need to be proactive about our eye health in the same way as we would in relation to other health conditions. I’m delighted that Mr Isherwood has pledged his support and hope that as many people as possible can join us during the week in doing their bit to stop people losing their sight unnecessarily.”

 

In addition to sight tests, RNIB recommends four actions to keep your eyes healthy:

 

1 Stop smoking. Smoking can double your risk of developing some eye conditions. In fact, the link is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer. Speak to your GP about stopping smoking.

 

2Eat healthily and watch your weight. Eating a diet low in saturated fats but rich in green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli may help protect against eye disease. Oranges, kiwis, nuts, seeds and oily fish may also help. Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes, which in turn could lead to sight loss.

 

3 Keep your eyes covered in the sun. UVA and UVB rays in sunlight can harm your eyes and may increase the risk of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses, glasses or contacts lenses with a built in UV filter will protect your eyes. Only buy sunglasses that have a CE mark or carry British Standard BSEN 1863:1997.

 

4 Safety first. DIY causes thousands of eye related injuries each year. Always wear safety goggles (European Standard BS EN 166) to protect your eyes from flying debris and fine particles. Sports (especially racquet-based sports) also cause lots of eye related injuries each year. Investing in a good pair of protective sports goggles will help prevent serious damage to your eyes.

Former Maelor patients contacted over possible Hepatitis B contact

A small number of obstetric (maternity) and gynaecology patients who were treated at Wrexham Maelor Hospital in the late 1970s are being contacted by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board as a precautionary measure.

 

The Health Board was recently notified that a former healthcare worker, who worked briefly at the Hospital in the summer of 1978, has been diagnosed with the Hepatitis C virus.

 

The person concerned worked elsewhere in the UK, mainly in South Wales, and is now known to have transmitted the virus to two patients between 1984 and 2003.

 

The Health Board has been reviewing clinical records from that period to identify patients who may have been treated by the affected healthcare worker at that time.

 

The risk of passing on the Hepatitis C virus during a health care procedure is low, and could only happen if the healthcare worker suffered an injury that caused them to bleed while treating a patient.

 

Although the risk is low, as a precautionary measure the Health Board will be writing to patients who may have been treated by the affected healthcare worker to offer them advice and a blood test for Hepatitis C.

 

A dedicated helpline has been set up by the Aneurin Bevan Health Board who are leading this work for Wales.  Patients who receive a letter will be asked to contact the helpline to arrange an appointment at specialist clinic sessions which will be held at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

 

Mr Andrew Jones, Director of Public Health for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said:

 

“I know that this news will cause some concern for patients who were seen in Wrexham at around that time.  However I want to stress that the risk of transmission is low.

 

“Even so, it is important that we contact patients who were treated by this person and offer them support and the opportunity of a blood test.  This will allow us to give reassurance that all is well or, if we do identify a person who is carrying the virus, ensure they get the appropriate advice and treatment.

 

“Because we are tracing old records and checking them very carefully against current information to make sure we have the right information and personal contact details for people, this work is taking time.  We will continue writing to people over the course of the next few weeks.

 

“We are only writing to people who had a procedure where there is a theoretical risk that the infection might have been passed on and where this was, or might have been, carried out by the affected health care worker.  Only people who receive a letter need to contact the helpline.”

 

The affected healthcare worker was at Wrexham Maelor Hospital for a short period from 15th May to 27th June in 1978.  People who do not receive a letter should not be concerned.  If any patient has concern or wants additional information they should phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for further advice.

 

Further information about Hepatitis C is available on the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website www.bcu.wales.nhs.uk and from the Hepatitis C Trust at www.hepctrust.org.uk.

Local MP hits out over Lobbying Bill

Charities and other community groups could face massive problems because of the Government's new bill on Lobbying, according to Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones. 

Ms Jones who is a co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for charities, said: "We have seen one tiny change thanks to charities and other groups protesting loudly, but there are still major issues with the bill.

Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday (Tues), Ms Jones said: "Our tradition of charities being allowed to campaign on political issues germane to their charitable activities is at the heart of British life and our democracy.

"It been established in case law since 1917, a year before universal male suffrage. Well before women had the vote, Lord Normand, in the case of Bowman V Secular Society, held that a society whose predominant aim was not to change the law could be charitable when its campaign to change the law was merely a subsidiary activity.

"That tradition has a long pedigree in this country and I do not believe that it should be for tinkering politicians, perhaps fearful of the impact of Cameron and Clegg Non-Mania in 2015, to play with it."

Skates praises nearby community venture

* Ken Skates AM, centre, flanked by Glyn Wylfa officials.

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has praised staff after a visit to a not-for-profit social enterprise in Chirk.

The Labour AM visited Glyn Wylfa – which overlooks the town’s famous aqueduct – to meet the team of residents who refurbished and developed the old Chirk Estate office and surrounding site.

 

The project, which includes a business centre and café, opened last year with financial help from the Welsh Labour Government, and Mr Skates described it as an example to others.

 

He said: “Enterprises like this help tackle social problems and improve communities, with money made on the open market reinvested back into the project for the public’s benefit.

 

“It was a privilege to meet the dedicated team at Glyn Wylfa. What they have done there is amazing and a fantastic example of how a community project can take off with the right people involved.”

 

Mr Skates added: “There are currently still office spaces available for businesses to rent, so I would urge any companies which might interested to get in touch with Glyn Wylfa chairman Mick Ramsey.”

 

The café, Caffi Wylfa, uses local suppliers and serves freshly made food prepared on site. It also offers free internet access to all customers and can be booked for private parties. The adjoining community room, which is open seven days a week, is offered to local groups and organisations free of charge.

 

For more information visit www.glynwylfa.co.uk or call 01691 770460.

Message from Limelight Productions ...

Following our review of their musical show at Llangollen Town on Saturday night, we've just received this message from Wrexham's Limelight Productions:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review you wrote for Limelight Productions in Llanblogger. It makes all the hard work we put in to bring good theatre to Llangollen worth while.

"We have had the most wonderful welcome from the people of Llangollen, and know this is going to be a long and happy association. For many years we struggled to find good performance space in the Wrexham area, but I think we have now struck gold.

"We hope we can get involved as much as possible with the many organisations and fund raising efforts of people in the town, and will gladly offer our services and entertainments to organisations wanting to raise funds.

"Thank you once again and we look forward to welcoming you to our future productions at The Town Hall."

Llan's Little Voice is big noise in Wrexham show

* Anna Turner takes centre stage as Little Voice

in Wrexham’s Grove Park Theatre.

By day 23-year-old Anna Turner from Llangollen uses her dulcet tones to answer telephone calls for large businesses but by night she is using them in a very different way, wowing audiences at Wrexham’s Grove Park Theatre as the lead in their latest production, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

Anna, who works as a Moneypenny receptionist, has been acting since the age of 10, but this is the first time she has taken centre stage.

She began with the Llangollen Twenty Club and has also performed with Tip Top Productions and Suitcase Theatre Company.

Last year she directed a play called Boxed Set which ran for four days in Theatr Clwyd.

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, tells the tale of a young girl who is grieving over the death of her father.

She never leaves the house and barely speaks, while her larger-than-life mother, Mari, enjoys life to its fullest and mocks her daughter’s quiet ways.

The only way Little Voice is able to express herself is to sing along to her late father’s records, imitating icons such as Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe.

One night, Mari’s boyfriend overhears Little Voice singing and cajoles her into performing on stage. Thus begins the rise, and ultimately, the fall, of Little Voice.

Anna says: “This is my first performance with Grove Park Theatre and my first ever time singing solo on stage.

"I was quite nervous before we started the show on September 5th but we have been receiving standing ovations so that feels amazing. There is something very special about performing and it’s wonderful to get to play such a fantastic character.” 

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice is sponsored by Moneypenny and runs until September 14. Tickets are available from www.groveparktheatre.co.uk or the Box Office on 01978 351091.

Eisteddfod wins chorus of approval

* This year's colourful Eisteddfod parade. 

 

There has been a chorus of approval for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for its contribution to putting Wales on the global map.

 

The first to sing the praises of the renowned festival was Huw Hampson-Jones, the Chair of the Wales in London organisation, who read about the Eisteddfod in the influential South China Morning Post while on a trip to Hong Kong.

 

According to Mr Hampson-Jones, the festival that put opera legend Luciano Pavarotti on the road to superstardom is a gem in terms of marketing Wales on the world stage.

The point was driven home while he was reading the South China Morning Post.

Mr Hampson-Jones recalled: "My eye catches the headline on page three, 'Singer 11, follows in the footsteps of greats', and a large article reporting the fact that Ella Ng has won the solo prize at the International Eisteddfod in Wales.

"The article points out that Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanawa, Jose Carreras and Elaine Page have all performed at the Eisteddfod.

"The point to note, of course, is that the paper’s worldwide readership will be made aware of this wonderful international cultural event held in Llangollen, Wales.

"Welsh culture is sophisticated – the Eisteddfod in Llangollen is living proof of that."

It was a sentiment echoed by Welsh Secretary David Jones MP who is a big fan of the colourful cultural event founded in the aftermath of the Second World War as a means of promoting world harmony through music and dance.

Mr Jones said: "Llangollen International Eisteddfod has taken a great Welsh tradition and turned it into a truly international event. I have visited the event for many years, and this year, I was honoured to be invited to be their Vice President.

 

"I always look forward to seeing just how far Wales’ culture and history can reach across the world, and how deeply it can become embedded in other nations. 

 

"It is so important that we share and celebrate our similarities, as well as our differences, at every opportunity. I congratulate the Llangollen International Eisteddfod on its successes over the last 67 years, and I wish it many more years of success."

 

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates is also enchanted by the festival.

 

He said: "I love the International Eisteddfod, it's one of my favourite events of the year and one of the many fantastic jewels in Llangollen's crown, and this summer's event was one of the best yet.

 

"The atmosphere was brilliant and the warmth of the welcome extended was - as always - amazing.

 

"The event gives Llangollen another opportunity to showcase itself and provides a massive boost to the local economy, but it also helps to promote Wales on an international stage, which is hugely important as we strive to further strengthen our burgeoning tourism industry."

 

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones was proud that she had been asked to be a Day President at the 2013 event.

 

She said: "I was struck yet again by how Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod really does bring people and cultures together.

 

"For many of the groups and visitors present, it is their very first experience of Wales and they go on to have many more.

 

"We shouldn't forget that had a young Pavarotti not come to Llangollen, he would probably never have been to Wales in his life. 

 

"As someone who lived overseas in my twenties, I know first hand that when people have experienced a country for themselves that offers huge potential for the business growth that we need." 

 

The acclaim for the contribution of the Eisteddfod was music to the ears of the festival's Chairman, Gethin Davies.

 

He said: "Llangollen has long been known as the town where Wales welcomes the world but it is gratifying to hear recognition from such senior figures of our role in reaching out across the globe and playing a positive part in the drive to market our wonderful nation."

Attempts to sabotage major cycling event

* A North Wales Police officer tweeted a picture of one of the nails found along the route. 

Reports have been coming in throughout the day of attempts to sabotage this morning's Wiggle Etape Cymru cycling event which took in the Horseshoe Pass and for which competitors registered at Llangollen Pavilion on Friday.

Most comprehensive story is on the cycling website road.cc, which says: "A number of riders on today’s Wiggle Etape Cymru suffered punctures after saboteurs reportedly laid tacks on the route.

"A thousand cyclists took part in the 88 mile course starting and finishing at the Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse in Wrexham.

"Half a dozen of the riders, and one of the safety marshall motorcyclists were said to have had punctured tyres, but no-one was hurt in the incident.
North Wales Police were called to help remove the nails that had been scattered."

The story adds: "Sergeant Mark Jones, of the North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit tweeted: “We’ve had reports of tacks being placed on the road on the Etape Cymru route. Several cyclists suffering punctures. Very disappointing.

“Police are trying to clear as many as possible.

“Approximately six cyclists affected however they’ve managed to repair. We’ve had to lose one of the safety motorcycle marshals though.”

"Cock Bank in Wrexham and near Pentrecelyn, Ruthin were the areas affected.

"It’s not the first time the Etape Cymru has been sabotaged. In 2011 a number of riders got lost after signage was allegedly moved."

Limelight take on Strictly and win with musical odyssey

Those adventurous enough to tear themselves away from the Strictly Come Dancing launch episode on TV last night (Saturday) and get down to Llangollen Town Hall couldn’t have been disappointed with their decision.

Because they were treated to an evening of great music from an amateur stage group with a growing local reputation.

And at the end of the packed programme of entertainment it would have been easy for the judges to hold up a row of appreciative tens.


Limelight has recently branched out from its Wrexham base to start presenting a bill of drama and musical shows here in Llangollen.

Latest of these was Musicals in the Limelight, staged by a talented ensemble cast of 14 performers under the skilful musical direction of Kevin Whiteley.

The production whisked the audience, which should have been larger, on a whirlwind tour of the West End and Broadway by presenting a varied selection of memorable numbers from shows such as South Pacific, Sound of Music, Guys & Dolls, Wicked and Les Miserables.

They opened up with four pieces from Godspell, the show with which they had a recent success at the Town Hall.

And then it was an almost non-stop musical odyssey through shows such as Carousel, Camelot, Phantom of the Opera, Jekyll & Hyde and Oliver!

Although the chorus work was powerful, Limelight proved that it has strength in depth by putting forward a string of very competent soloists to enhance the overall effect of their presentation.

Outstanding were John Clifford, John Whitfield, Jim Davies, Debbie Peate, Liz Jones and Fiona Bassett.

The tempo and mood of the musical offerings ranged from the rollicking – Oom Pah Pah from Oliver! and Master of the House from Les Mis – to the poignant – If Ever I Would Leave You from Camelot and I Dreamed a Dream from Les Mis.

Grand final came, of course, from Les Mis when the entire Limelight cast joined forces behind the Paris barricades to pump out the stirring One Day More.

If he’d been there rather on telly presiding over Strictly 2013 Sir Brucie would surely have said, “didn’t they do well!”     

Next Limelight production in Llangollen is Dixie Or Me, a comedy play penned by local poet and playwright Peter Read about local football hero Dixie McNeil and Wrexham Football Club, on September 18 and 19.
 

Police charge kids with getting creative

Budding young artists across Denbighshire are being set a challenge by police to get creative and design poster which highlights safety in and around the home.

 

The competition is open to all primary school pupils in the county and is being launched by District Inspector Siobhan Edwards at the beginning of a new school year.

 

“Its aim is to educate children about security in and around the home as well as raising awareness of vehicle crime,” said Inspector Edwards. “Designing posters seemed an ideal way to get children thinking about the issues and ways to relay messages effectively.”

 

She added: “By taking part, it’s hoped the pupils’ artwork will help stress the importance of keeping property safe and also reiterate key messages to family and friends and help them and others avoid becoming victims of crime.”

 

Three age groups have been set (• Year 1 - 2 Foundation Phase, • Year 3 - 4 Key Stage 2 • Year 5 - 6 Key Stage 2 Years) and children are being tasked to create an A4 poster around one of the following three categories:

•             Security in the home

•             Vehicle crime

•             Security around the home

 

Head teachers have already been made aware of the competition and pupils have until September 27 to submit their entries.

 

From then on in, a winner from each age group will be chosen by school staff and all winning designs will then be collected. Once in, they will be put before a panel of judges who will select winners who will be invited to an awards ceremony.

 

Inspector Edwards added: “We hope that as many pupils take part as possible and help make it a success. Each year we as local officers issue countless warnings and advice about keeping items and homes secure. We hope that the children will come up with some great designs that will help us in our forthcoming crime prevention campaigns.”

 

The winning entries will be printed and distributed across Denbighshire. 

Railway's Corwen extension update

The following is an update from Llangollen railway on the extension of the line to Corwen ...

During August deliveries of recycled ballast brought in 200 tonnes of stone via the access at Bonwm.

This has allowed the base ballasting of the trackbed to be brought forward towards the access gate and track laying by full time permanent way staff saw the rail head extended by six panels, with a further six to be installed shortly.

The stack of concrete sleepers at Bonwm has now been cleared thanks to a further period of hire for a JCB Load-all machine and sleepers have been dispersed along the track bed towards Corwen. A calculation of the short fall in sleepers can now be made for a further quantity to be ordered.

Further deliveries of 1,000 tonnes of ballast will provide for the base towards over bridge 28a, with pegging out of this section to be undertaken during September. It is now envisaged that track laying during the autumn will begin at bridge 28a working backwards towards Bonwm, a stretch of approximately 900 metres.

Tenders for the repair of the under arch and abutments to bridge 28a are awaited from contractors who have expressed interest in this work, but, in the meantime, a volunteer team has started repairs to bridge 28, a fisherman’s access underpass.

The repairs to the road/railer machine have been completed and, following certification, the machine is now on site at Bonwm as the essential tool for further track laying. Two members of the full-time staff are passed competent to operate this machine and two volunteers will be similarly instructed. A volunteer work force is being assembled to undertake the track laying through to bridge 28a and beyond to the Corwen platform site.

Dwyrain Corwen East Station site

The complications with the under bridges within the area of the platform appear close to being resolved. We are advised that Denbighshire County Council has let a contract for the installation of the flood relief scheme outfall to the river which will involved the removal of bridge 30. Subject to confirmation, we can expect the contractor to be on site from September with construction work taking place during the next few months.

We are further advised by Denbighshire Countryside Services that the flood relief scheme also has implications for the route of the link foot path to bridge 29. This will provide access to the nature reserve and some grant aid may be in prospect for work on refurbishing this bridge, if it can be completed during September.

Elsewhere, within the wider context of Corwen, discussions are underway with the artists for the design of the access pathway from the Corwen car park to the station site. Wide ranging discussions are also taking place with regard to the opportunities to promote the new station at Corwen as a destination in 2014 and initial plans for the train timetable have started.

Whilst it is intended that a first train will arrive at Dwyrain Corwen East on St David’s day, 1^st March 2014, it is now likely that an official opening occasion will be held some weeks later to obtain maximum publicity, subject to all the work being completed, including the acquisition of the outstanding funding.

A promotional display for the Corwen Extension was provided during the period of the National Eisteddfod held at Denbigh during August with thanks to Denbighshire County Council for providing facilities.

Busy time for Tidy Town Team

Llangollen's Tidy Town Team has been out in force today (Friday).

A large number of the group, which keeps the town looking clean and tidy on a voluntary basis, were seen clearing ivy and other unwanted foliage and generally tidying the grounds of the museum in Parade Street, working on the railings on Riverside Walk and renewing flowers in the planters in front of the Town Hall in Castle Street.

* Top, members of the team at work around the museum in Parade Street and (below) on the railings in Riverside Walk.

Outbreak of sickness bug at Maelor

The BBC is reporting today that an outbreak of the norovirus sickness bug at Wrexham Maelor Hospital has affected two wards.

According to the story, hospital managers say it also led to some delays in admissions amid reports of hold-ups in the accident and emergency department.

Admissions to the two wards have been suspended until patients' symptoms have gone.

About nine patients are suffering from the bug whose symptoms include diarrhoea or vomiting.

The Betsi Cadwaladr health board which manages the hospital advised anyone with the symptoms not to visit for 48 hours to avoid passing on the bug more commonly seen during the winter.

Llyr Gruffydd, AM for North Wales, said: “These are problems entirely of Betsi Cadwaladr’s own making because it recently closed four community hospitals and lost 50 beds. The chickens are coming home to roost.  

 

"Back in March, when Llangollen and Flint hospitals were closed, we warned that a lack of spare capacity and losing community facilities without adequately replacing them would create bed-blocking problems in district general hospitals such as Wrexham Maelor.

 

 “The Health Minister has sent in a new team to sort out senior management in North Wales but there’s little sign that the sort of changes needed to improve our health service are taking place. Reducing bed blocking so that ambulances aren’t being used to treat A & E patients should be an immediate priority. ”

 

Mabon ap Gwynfor, of the North Wales Health Alliance, said : “If hospital occupancy rates go above 82% it’s recognised that hospital-acquired infections including norovirus are far more likely to occur.

 

"Health experts understand this so it’s surprising that Betsi Cadwaladr has not considered this in their recent review, which centralised services and has seen occupancy rates in our general hospitals of 87%.

 

“Rushing the closure of community hospitals without planning for their replacements is putting more pressure on clinical staff. Managers have got it wrong and need to rethink their plans.”

Cytun holds AGM

Llangollen Cytun (Churches Together) will hold its annual general meeting in the Upper Room at St Collen's on Tuesday, September 10.

The AGM at 7pm will be followed at 7.30pm by a speaker on the theme Action for Children  in Llangollen.

When Thomas Bowman Stephenson arrived in London in 1869, he couldn’t believe how many homeless children there were. Determined to help, he set up The Children’s Home, (later the National Children’s Home, and then simply NCH) – a place where children would be safe from poverty and crime. 

In 2008 the organization became Action for Children to better describe what they do today.

There are now over 650 children’s projects in many different communities – including Young Carers and the Bridge Project here in Llangollen.

A representative from Action for Children will come along to give an informative talk and answer any questions.

All are welcome.

North Wales gears up for top cycling event

North Wales is gearing itself to welcome one of the most prestigious and high profile events in the cycling calendar to the region for the very first time.
   
Stage Four of the Tour of Britain| will begin in Stoke on Trent on Wednesday, 18th September before heading through Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire and Conwy before reaching the finishing line of the stage in Llanberis, Gwynedd.
   
Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Chair of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, said:  "We are delighted to be welcoming the Tour of Britain for the very first time to our region.  This is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase North Wales as a destination, not only for cyclists but also visitors and indeed our own residents.
   
"The stage will take in some of the most breath-taking scenery in the UK, providing cyclists with plenty of challenges, but also providing visitors will views of stunning countryside, mountains and our historic towns and villages that all add up to a unique North Wales experience.
   
"North Wales is fast earning a name for itself as a destination to host major events.  There are plenty of opportunities for cycling, as we are blessed as a region with having plenty of forestry, countryside and cycle routes to attract all kinds of cyclists of all levels.  We really hope this event will put the spotlight firmly on North Wales and that the success will attract other great events to our region in future.
   
"A lot of planning is underway involving all six North Wales councils and we will be providing information over the coming few weeks on how the public can show their support on the day. It is vital that we make a fantastic impression on the event organisers and hope the residents of North Wales will come out in their droves to support this prestigious event."

Plans for major outdoor sports festival unveiled

PLANS to stage the UK’s first outdoor multi-sport festival in Llangollen have been unveiled by organisers.

Chester-based registered charity River Legacy, which provides funding, facilities and support for paddle sports in England and Wales, will host the event called FLO – Festival Llangollen Outdoor Sports – in the town from November 15-17 this year.

Centred on Llangollen International Pavilion, the event aims to bring together what River Legacy describes as “the highest concentration of talented, outdoor specialists from across North Wales, providing a range of activities in order to provide a fun and exciting weekend festival”.

The charity says it will feature activities from running to climbing, swimming to boating, zip-wiring to cooking and have “something for everyone”.

Plans for FLO were outlined by River Legacy representative Steve Wales to members of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism at their meeting in the Hand Hotel on Monday evening.

He said: “This will be a festival for all outdoor sports. There is a  phenomenal amount of talent in this town and the region in sports such as biking and climbing and we want to bring all that together.

“The idea is also to bring business into the town. We will have a campsite but we are also doing what we can to bring people into the town – we really want the whole town to benefit.”

Mr Wales stressed the event was still in the planning stage and said more information was available on a special website set up for the event at www.flo-llangollen.com

This describes how the International Pavilion will be the hub of the event and will host a range of ‘come and try’ activities, including kayaking, climbing and a zip-wire.

There will be the opportunity to try mountain-biking on an artificial track, and Canoe Wales will be providing equipment for people to try out a triathlon.

According to the website, food and drink and live bands will be providing entertainment all day along with films and lectures.

From the pavilion Canadian open boat tours will be run down the canal and there will also be walking and biking tours.

At other locations there will be activities including tubing and rafting, caving, climbing and orienteering.

Mr Wales told the chamber there would be many family-friendly activities, including den building, nature trails, learning how to cook, shelter building and fire making.

He said tickets for the festival will range from £5 for a day zone pass to £55 entitling a family of four to take part in all the activities.

He added: “Our target is to bring 1,000 people into the town over that weekend. We also want it to become an annual event.”

Denbighshire "best performing in Wales" for third year

Denbighshire County Council is the highest performing council in Wales for the third year running, according to information released by the Local Government Data Unit.

All councils reported against 30 national indicators and  Denbighshire performed in the top half of councils for more indicators  than any other authority (22 out of the 30).  

Denbighshire performed in the top quarter of councils for more indicators than any other council (17 out of 30).

Itl also performed in the bottom quarter of councils for fewer  indicators  than anyone else (4 out of the 30)

Denbighshire was the best performing council in Wales  on issues such as preventing homelessness and recycling.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: "The findings clearly show that Denbighshire continues to perform extremely well, despite the challenges it faces in the current economic climate. We want to make sure that vital services are protected and are delivered to the best of our ability and today's news shows clearly we are on the right path.

"We have clear priorities here in Denbighshire and putting the customer at the heart of what we do is key.  Our aim is to work to provide even better services in future and work by working with community groups and partnership organisations to enhance the quality of life for residents".

Dr Mohammed Mehmet, Chief Executive of Denbighshire, said: "I would like to commend staff and councillors for working together to provide the best service for the people of Denbighshire. We are part of a forward thinking organisation that aims to provide the best service it can possibly offer.

"Indicators like these form only a small part of the picture. What's really important is the quality of service that residents receive from the Council."

Super-jail to be built in Wrexham

The BBC and other media are reporting today that the location for north Wales' new 2,000-inmate super-prison has been announced by the Ministry of Justice.

The £250m jail will be built on the Welsh government-owned former Firestone site on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, creating 1,000 jobs.

See the BBC story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-23957373

CLWYD SOUTH AM KEN SKATES says confirmation a new ‘super-prison’ will be built in Wrexham will provide a huge boost to the region’s economy.

 

The Ministry of Justice confirmed today (Wednesday, September 4) that the £250m jail – which will house 2,000 inmates – will be on Welsh Government-owned former Firestone site on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.

 

Two sites were shortlisted for the new prison, which should be built by 2017, but the owners of the rival Kingsmoor Park plot last week said it was out of the running.

 

Labour AM Mr Skates believes there were ‘compelling’ reasons to site a prison in North Wales, which consultants believe could be worth up to £23m to the local economy.

 

He said: “Our region does not currently have any facilities to house local prisoners and my constituents in Clwyd South who have family in prison currently have to travel a long way to HMP Altcourse in Liverpool to visit them.

 

“Importantly, I feel this could help reduce crime rates in North Wales as the odds of re-offending are 39% higher for prisoners who do not receive regular visits.”

 

Mr Skates is also hopeful many of his Clwyd South constituents will be able to secure work thanks to the project, which is expected to create about 1,000 jobs.

 

He added: “While not everybody is supportive of the prison being built here in North Wales, the potential economic benefits to the region are obvious. As well as a much-needed jobs boost, the building of the biggest jail in Britain will present huge opportunities for local businesses and provide millions of pounds worth of construction work.”

* The Welsh Conservatives' Shadow Minister for North Wales Mark Isherwood AM, said: “The announcement of a new prison for North Wales has served as a huge boost for the region and I welcome news of its chosen site, which I have supported since the aborted proposals for a new North Wales prison under the previous Labour UK Government.

 

“This is an enormously significant project, injecting jobs, confidence and investment.

 

“Its announcement was a huge lift for North Wales and a further sign of the Conservative-led UK Government’s commitment to the Welsh economy.” 

Store managers give success stories to chamber

The managers of two of the newer Llangollen stores have given positive accounts of how their businesses have fared since opening in the town centre.

The success stories were revealed by Steve Jones of Stans on the A5 and Rhian Roscoe of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill to members of the Chamber of Trade and Commerce at their monthly meeting held in the Hand Hotel on Monday evening.

Mr Jones said Stans had opened its store and petrol station on a purpose-built site 18 months ago and had immediately enjoyed a warm welcome.

He told the chamber: “Llangollen is a really special town and we hope the public feels we have helped and contributed to it.”

Part of the success story, he said, was the recent transfer to his store from nearby Castle Street of the Post Office , along with three to four of its staff.

They had now become part of a team of 24 full and part-time staff at Stans, all of whom are local people.

He said the shop prided itself on using a dozen local suppliers, providing home-made lines such as Welsh cakes and sandwiches.

Mr Jones also spoke of the success of the petrol station, explaining: “It has eight pumps which are constantly in operation.

“The amount of traffic on the A5, particularly at this time of the year, is phenomenal.”

A chamber member asked him if the store had lived up to expectations, to which he replied: “The directors are very pleased.”

Asked if Stans viewed the proposed opening of a new Sainsbury’s store just a little further along the A5 as a challenge, he said: “Yes, we see it as a challenge.

“Personally, I don’t think the town needs it but we have been well supported since we opened and I hope we always will be.”

Rhian Roscoe, manager of Edinburgh Woollen Mill, told the chamber: “We have been open for three months now and have had excellent feedback. I can’t say how welcoming the town has been to us.”

Ms Roscoe explained how the store had won favour from both local people and an increasing number of tourists, some of had come from as far away as China, Canada and Australia.

Also pointing out that all of the workforce was local, she said: “If we can keep Llangollen as full of shops as it is at the moment I think our success story will continue.”

One of her aims, she said, was to try to attract more coach parties to the store, which chamber members supported on the basis that this would be good for all the businesses in the town.

Asked by a member if the store would continue to trade throughout the week, Ms Roscoe replied: “At the moment we will carry on trading seven days a week and I don’t think we’ll be closing on Sundays.”

Chamber chairman David Davies said: “We must make sure that when Sainsbury’s do come – and we hear that this will be in the middle of 2015 – we have a viable, strong chamber to fight them on all fronts.”

Fringe premieres its new film this Friday

Llangollen Fringe 2013 Film Premiere is being held at the White Waters Hotel on Friday 6th September. 

It has been directed and produced by professional film-maker Mal Molloy, who lives in Llangollen, and it gives a comprehensive picture of the eleven-day festival held in July each year.

The film will be posted on Youtube and also available on DVD.

If you are a supporter of the Fringe and you would like to attend the event, then please email the organisers. contact@llangollenfringe.co.uk

Vodafone makes statement on Llan mobile coverage

Vodafone has admitted that its mobile phone signal in the Llangollen area is “limited” but doesn’t appear to have any specific plans at the moment to make it any more reliable.

At its meeting on Monday evening, Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism again discussed complaints from many local users about the strength of the signal, which means quite a few have switched to other phone providers.

This was contrasted with news from earlier in the day that Vodafone has sold its 45% stake in Verizon Wireless for £84 billion in one of the biggest deals in corporate history.
 

Chamber secretary Ian Parry said that, in the past, he had tried to raise Llangollen phone coverage with the company but had received no response.

Llanblogger asked Vodafone for a statement on the situation and a company spokesman person said: “Vodafone coverage in Llangollen is limited. 

“I can’t give you any detailed plans for this area but across the UK we are investing more than £2.5 million every day in our network. 

“Our commitment it to provide 3G coverage to 98% of the population by the end of 2015. 

“Meanwhile, Vodafone customers with a broadband connection might find our Sure Signal device useful – it will create 3G coverage to homes where there is currently little or no signal.”

Ian Parry commented: “These days when everyone has got to rely heavily on their smartphones it is important that visitors to Llangollen do not feel restricted because of poor reception and may not want to return here as a result.

“Certainly no local people will be rushing to set up contracts with Vodafone.

“Denbighshire county council employees use Vodafone and therefore suffer from communication problems when in this area.

“So the sooner Vodafone can improve coverage in this area it will benefit Llangollen.”

Post Office privatisation plan slammed by local MP

Government plans to privatise the Royal Mail will be bad for our rural communities, according to Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones.  

 

She said it was very significant that MPs from all political parties were concerned, adding: "I hope this will provide a clarion cry to the Government that those who represent rural and semi-rural seats will not stand for anything less than a genuinely universal service as regards Royal Mail and the Post Office."

Describing the reaction to the proposal across the constituency of Clwyd South, which includes rural communities on the Shropshire border, the county of Wrexham as well as inside Denbighshire, she said: "My postbag of postcards, letters and emails from people across my constituency's 240 square miles  bear a clear message: keep the Royal Mail public, with a genuine universal obligation, and protect our post offices.

"And our constituents are absolutely right to say that." 

The MP criticised the government for not committing to universal pricing for parcels and for failing to pledge that Royal Mail would stay in British hands.

She also used her speech highlight the importance of both the Royal Mail and the Post Office for rural businesses and praised the Labour Welsh Government's Post Office Diversification Fund for supporting Post Offices - one example of such being the branch of Dolywern in the Ceiriog Valley which has set up a cafe, tourist information services and expanded its business.

Special events at pavilion for Etape sign-up day

A packed programme of special events has been arranged in Llangollen to coincide with signing-up day for one of the largest cycling events in the calendar.

Registration for Wiggle Etape Cymru will take place on Friday evening, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 at the Pavilion, Llangollen.

To coincide with this, a number of organisations have got together to offer activities and information on Saturday, September 7 for  those taking part in the race, as well as their families,  friends and the wider community.

The event will take place between 12pm and 7pm.

Activities include: 

• Information displays from Denbighshire's Countryside and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty teams, Leisure Services, Family Information and Tourism teams. 
• Bike security activities from North Wales Police
• Stalls from Llangollen Country Market
• Main sponsors of the Wiggle Etape Cymru event will have a presence, as will the Llangollen Chamber of Trade, Corwen Walking Festival, Pro-adventure and the Canal Boat Trust.

The Llangollen Lift, a bus service that takes in some of the area's attractions and locations, will be picking up at the Pavilion for those wanting to venture out into the local community.

The cycling event itself begins at Bangor on Dee Racecourse on Sunday, 8 September and travels through communities in Wrexham and Denbighshire before finishing back at the Racecourse.

For further details of the cycling event, please visit: www.humanrace.co.uk

Your opinion sought on county services

Denbighshire County Council is currently asking residents what they think about council services and issues in their local community.

A printed survey has been sent to a random sample of 6,000 households across Denbighshire, distributed proportionally across the county.

In the survey, the Council asks residents what their communities are like as places to live, and how satisfied they are with council services in general.

It also asks for views on a wide range of issues, including the condition of the county’s roads, community safety, dog fouling and littering.

The results of the survey will tell the Council how much residents know about the organisation and its services, experiences of contacting the Council and what residents think the Council should focus on during the next four years.

Councillor Hugh Irving, Cabinet Lead Member for Customers and Communities, said: “It’s really important that we have a clear picture of what residents think about council services, so that the Council can consider how best to respond.

“This is the third survey of its kind and results in the past have been extremely valuable, giving us a clear indication on people’s thoughts about issues in their communities.

“We would encourage residents to complete the survey if they have received them through the post and help us shape services in the future”.

Copies of the questionnaire can also be found in leisure centres, libraries and council offices across the county.

The surveys should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and those completing the questionnaire by 13^th of September will automatically be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a month’s gym membership, courtesy of Denbighshire Leisure Services.

The closing date for the survey is 20 September 2013.

Abseilers take bridge charity challenge

*A plucky abseiler takes the plunge down the iconic Llangollen bridge.

* The road beside the bridge was cordoned off to allow safety

equipment to be put in place for the charity abseil.

 DAREDEVILS  took the plunge from the parapet of Llangollen’s famous bridge yesterday (Sunday).

For the first time ever a charity was allowed to stage a sponsored abseiling event down the side of the world-famous structure over the River Dee.

Barnardos arranged for staff from its shop in nearby Castle Street to take the challenge to raise cash for its own funds and plucky members of the public were also encouraged to get involved.

Part of the road beside the bridge was cordoned off for most of the day to allow specialist equipment to be set up enabling the abseil to go ahead in safety.

Corwen's big hydro-electric boost

Neighbouring Corwen could be one of the first towns in Wales with its own hydro-electric power scheme which could earn half a million pounds for the local community.

Ambitious plans developed alongside a £2.1 million Denbighshire County Council scheme to
alleviate flooding problems in the town will be unveiled at a public meeting on Thursday,
September 12th, when details of the £300,000 project will be available.

The electricity would be generated by water from a reservoir above the town and could earn Corwen £40,000 a year – with more than half that money going to the local community over a 20-year period.

It is the brainchild of rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd who have worked with
Denbighshire County Council and the Rhug Estate to develop the plans. They hope that one of the products of the meeting will be the formation of a board to run a not-for-profit company to run the scheme and organise its finance.

Silas Jones, Cadwyn Clwyd's Energy Officer, said: "We have carried out a feasibility study and it
shows that the Nant y Pigyn scheme could generate 170,000 kilowatt hours of electricity a year, enough to power over 30 homes.

"We have worked closed with Denbighshire Council who have a project to prevent persistent
flooding caused by a culvert that runs under buildings through the town. They have encouraged us to develop the hydro power plan and the two will run side by side, with the flood defence scheme benefiting the hydro scheme.

"We are looking to use the water that drains down the Nant Cwrddu and Nant y Pigyn streams from the reservoir to power a generator in the town and at the same time it would prevent the Nant Cwrddu stream, which passes through a culvert under the Owain Glyndwr Hotel, from flooding after heavy rain."

The costs of the study and the meeting have been paid for by Cadwyn Clwyd through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) through the Welsh Government's Rural Development Plan, part of a three-year plan to revitalise rural communities and their economies, and by the County Council and the Rhug Estate.

Water from the Nant y Pigyn stream 500 feet above the town and flowing at 45 litres a second will power a 55 kilowatt generator housed in a purpose-built building in the town and connected to the National Grid.

It is intended to finance the £300,000 scheme through investors, who would be eligible for an annual dividend, decided by the locally-based board and through loans. Once the loans had been paid off, the cash raised through the Government's electricity feed-in tariffs would provide
a guaranteed income for 20 years.

Denbighshire County Councillor Huw Jones, from Corwen, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Youth and Leisure, and a member of the Cadwyn Clwyd Board, said: "I'm very positive about the hydro scheme and there is a lot of interest in it in the town.

"The flood alleviation scheme is taking place and that makes the hydro project possible and if we can get local people and local organisations involved then it can be a real boost to Corwen for years to come and provide a regular income to benefit the area."

Silas Jones added: "We are looking for a board with the right skills to run this scheme, and for shareholders, and they will decide how the project will be run, the structure of the company, the cost of shares and how many will be made available.

"The community share offer is expected to be priced at £100 to £150 a share with one member one vote, no matter how many shares anyone holds and we have already had expressions of interest in it.

"We need a range of expertise and experience, financial, legal, energy-generating and engineering, and it really is a very exciting idea which could benefit Corwen for many years to come.

"Successful similar community schemes run elsewhere in Wales, notably in the Brecon Beacons through the Green Valleys organisation but this is the first in North East Wales and one of the first in a town."

A public meeting will be held at the Corwen Sports Pavilion on Thursday, September 12th, at 6.45pm to gauge interest in the hydro scheme with a view to forming a company to run it.

For more information on Cadwyn Clwyd's green energy projects ring 01824 705802 or e-mail
silas.jones@cadwynclwyd.co.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AM questions ambulance response times

Latest figures for emergency ambulance response times in North Wales show a huge variation between council areas and this is being questioned by Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Aled Roberts.

 

“The Welsh Government has commissioned 9 reports into the overall poor performance of the ambulance service in Wales which has by far the worst record in mainland UK,” commented Aled Roberts. 

 

“But the overall figures hide large variations which suggest that some parts of North Wales are much better organized than others.

 

“Wrexham comes out top not just in the North but throughout Wales with a figure of 73.7% for emergency calls attended within the target time of 8 minutes during July. However, the figure for Anglesey is 48.9% which is by far the lowest in North Wales followed by Flintshire on 56.8% and Gwynedd on 57%. These are all below the UK target of 65%, whereas Conwy on 70.5% is well above and Denbighshire is just above on 66.2%

 

"Overall there are clearly problems Wales-wide which were thoroughly investigated in Professor McClelland’s recommendations which were published in April of this year. But these latest figures indicate that the differences cannot be explained away by issues of rurality. There have been major improvements in Scotland in recent years and yet in Wales the Welsh Government and management at the LHBs appear unable to improve the service. I am writing to the Director of the Ambulance Service in North Wales demanding that more be done to ensure that good practice is shared across the region.

 

"Poor ambulance response times are nothing new and yet the Welsh Government does not appear to be doing anything about it. Recommendations from the McClelland Report published in April have still not been acted upon. The report clearly indicates that there is an urgent need to tackle these issues regardless of any long term decisions on the future structure of the ambulance service. When the Assembly reconvenes next month I will be questioning the Health Minister, Mark Drakeford as to what action is to be taken to improve the situation in North Wales in the meantime.”

 

The raw statistics can be found here:

 

https://statswales.wales.gov.uk/Catalogue/Health-and-Social-Care/NHS-Performance/Ambulance-Services/AmbulanceCallsAndEmergencyResponses-by-Area-CategoryOfCall

Temporary closure of Corwen swimming pool

Users of the swimming pool at Corwen's Leisure Centre are being informed that the pool will be closed on Thursday and Friday (5 and 6 September), due to planned essential maintenance work.

The swimming pool will re-open as normal on Saturday, 7 September.

Denbighshire Leisure Services would like to thank pool users for their co-operation.

Temporary lights for tree cutting

 

Latest traffic update from Denbighshire County Council shows the A539 Llangollen Road will have temporary lights for the day next Monday, September 2, to allow tree cutting to go ahead.