Plans finalised for Llan Christmas Festival

Members of the Llangollen Christmas Festival Committee are now very busy finalising arrangements for this year's event, which will be on Saturday 30th November 

 

The Festival will start with Sion Corn’s arrival by steam train at the station and then he will accompany a parade  led by the Llangollen Silver Band through the streets to the Town Hall.

 

The Parade will start at the station at 1.00pm and proceed along Castle Street then into Market Street, East Street, Parade Street and then back to the Town Hall where Sion Corn will have his Grotto.

 

It is also the intention to close Oak Street from 10.00am to 6.00pm where street entertainment, market stalls, music and dancing will be available. 

 

Sion Corn’s Grotto will be in the Town Hall where children will be able to visit him and receive a small gift.

 

To avoid waiting a long time in a queue to see him arrangements are being made for tickets to be sold in advance at half hour time intervals. Those tickets will be available from the Town Hall Office and Tourist Information Office.   

 

Although the Festival Committee has received generous donations from some local businesses, to whom the group says it is extremely grateful, more funding is required to ensure a successful Festival so anyone wishing to make a donation should contact the Town Hall office on 01978 861345.

 

Funds have been raised from a Car Boot Sale, Sponsored Climb up Snowdon, contributions from an Abseiling event in Llangollen and it is the intention to hold a sponsored car wash with the help of the local Fire Service (date to be arranged) and also a Quiz Night in the Town Hall. Collection boxes have been placed in various locations in the town and these have raised well over £200 in the past but it is hoped that this sum will grow by the time of the Festival. 

 

A Raffle is being held once again and over 20 prizes have been donated so the Committee hopes everyone will be digging deep in their pockets and buying lots of tickets which will be on sale very soon. 

   

Arrangements are being made for lots of musical entertainment during the day provided by the Silver Band and many local choirs taking part.

 

There will be children's funfair rides, climbing tower, Punch & Judy shows, circus acts, Morris dancing, a storyteller, a facepainter and lots more to entertain you during the day until the Christmas Lights are switched on about 5.00pm followed by a Laser Light show or Firework display.

 

Once again pupils from Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Y Gwernant will be entering competitions and the winners will be invited to switch on the Lights. 

 

Pitches will be available at various locations across the town for those who bring their own Market Stalls at a cost of £25 and anyone interested should contact Gareth Thomas on 01978 861345. 

 

All net proceeds from the Festival will be donated to Hope House Children's Hospice. 

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We'll be back online in just over a week's time to bring you all the latest in news and views from Llangollen and the surrounding region.

Clubs invited to apply for cash boost

Corwen and District Angling Club has received a community chest grant to continue the  work they have done encouraging new junior members to participate in the sport.

And the county council says every club in Denbighshire will be eligible to apply for a similar cash boost.

For the past four months Corwen Angling Club has taken groups of children to fish at Chirk Fishery for one day a month so that the kids can enjoy uninterrupted coaching.

The parents are invited and food is provided for them in addition to the children - this is all free of charge and all the kids are given free membership to the club.

The club will also be holding fly tying days at the Recreation Pavillion in Corwen over the winter free of charge.

A series of junior fishing competitions have also been arranged for next year in conjunction with Bala Angling Club.

This will be on a monthly league basis and will be over a 6 months period and the intention is to develop the skills of these kids to a high level of competence and the ultimate goal would be for some to represent Wales on the International fly fishing stage.

Corwen Cricket Club, and Henllan Football Club both also benefited from a recent community chest grant as they plan to introduce two new junior teams this year.  Corwen cricket club received the full £932 they requested for coach education, training costs and equipment and could still apply for another £568 for further costs this year too.  With two more meetings remaining in the current financial year the panel has over £30,000 still available and clubs are encouraged to apply, subject to their meeting the appropriate criteria.  For full lists of criteria go to http://denbighshireleisure.co.uk/grants.html#Denbighshire or pick up a leaflet from your local leisure centre.  Every club in Denbighshire will be eligible to apply for a community chest grant of up to £1500, every 12 months for separate projects.

Warning over cold call computer scam

Denbighshire Trading Standards is renewing its warning to residents to be extra vigilant following  reports of  telephone calls from a company falsely claiming to be a Manager from “Windows Computer Software in London” .

The cold callers are telling residents that their computers security is threatened and go on to offer free security checks.

If the initial sales pitch is successful, the victims help the fraudsters gain remote access to their computers via visiting a website called www.ammyy.com.

By visiting the site and downloading the legal software, it gives the scammers access to your computer and potentially to personal information that you may have on the computer,  for example account log-in information and bank details, all of which could be used to commit fraud.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire’s Public Protection Manager said: “Residents should be aware that neither Microsoft or its partners make unsolicited calls to charge for computer security or fixes.  If individuals need check then they should go to the official Microsoft website.”

   Trading Standards is offering the following advice to consumers:

§        Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a computer or other security problem, even if they         claim to represent a respected company
§        Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller
§        Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other         instruction from someone who calls out of the blue
§        If you can, take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities, but if you are         uncomfortable with the caller, simply put the phone down.
§        Use up-to-date versions of your operating and application software
§        Make sure security updates are installed regularly
§        Make sure the firewall is turned on and that anti-virus software is installed and up to date
§        If you have any concerns about your computer, take to a local/ reputable expert to check it out

To help reduce the number of unsolicited calls, consumers can register for the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.

For further information or to report such a call, residents can contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 for the Welsh language service

Doggie treats for pampered pooches

* Pupcakes...canine chef Sharon Ludgate with Lola the Lab and the Christmas treats for pampered pooches.

Christmas is coming early for pampered pooches in North East Wales - with a range of doggie treats being launched at a food festival for humans.

Canine chef Sharon Ludgate, 34, will be unveiling the new festive cakes and biscuits made for dogs at the popular Hamper Llangollen event being held on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20.

According to Sharon, from Penyffordd, near Buckley , in Flintshire, who started her company, Pupcakes, earlier this year, her products are also suitable for human consumption. 
 
She said: “I’m absolutely delighted and so excited to have been invited to attend the Hamper 2013 Llangollen Food Festival, it’s such a massive honour and privilege.

“I’m so looking forward to launching my Christmas range at the festival, I can’t wait.
“I’m launching three new specially flavoured Christmas cakes for dogs, apple and cinnamon, ginger and cranberry.

“On top of that I’ll be showing off my new doggie advent calendars filled with 24 little bone-shaped treats and Christmas stockings for dogs which are crammed full of a variety of treats.”

Sharon started Pupcakes with the help of her nine-year-old daughter, Emma, and her partner Scott, after spotting a gap in the market.

She explained: “We had a beautiful Labrador dog called George who was sadly a bit overweight. Most people know you shouldn’t give dogs chocolate but most commercially produced treats are still packed with sugar and fats, none of which does a dog a great deal of good.

“Emma and I used to make treats for George using wholemeal flour, fresh vegetables but no raw meat. It was all very healthy stuff and George used to love them.

“When George died of old age we took on a two-year-old golden Labrador called Lola. She was a rescue dog and grossly overweight when we got her.

“She has now lost a huge amount of that excess weight and really enjoys our healthy treats.”

She added: “I spent a year researching recipes before we launched Pupcakes and everything I make we taste-test ourselves, including Scott, who also looks after all the accounts and all the other admin tasks that comes with running any business.

“We now make a range of birthday cakes for dogs in a number of flavours including beef, chicken, minty lamb, peanut butter, cheese and carrot. Plus we make little biscuit bone-shaped treats which are hugely popular with my regular customers.

“I think people like what we do because they know we only use good wholesome ingredients and when we say there is no sugar and reduced fat in our products, people know they can trust us.”

Pupcakes is registered with Wrexham County Borough Council and Sharon labels all her products with a breakdown of their fat, sugar and protein content.     

She said: “It means customers know what they are getting and trust that the product they are giving their pets is first class.

“The ingredients are all hand-picked and fresh, the cakes and biscuits are perfectly suitable for human consumption too. In fact Scott really likes them!”

Sharon, who works closely with Trelogan-based North Clwyd Animal Rescue Centre, says she got the idea of introducing a Christmas range after feedback from customers.

She said: “Our doggie birthday cakes are proving ever more popular as are our biscuits. But customers have started asking for cakes and special treats for other special events such as Halloween and pet pamper evenings.

“That gave me the idea to introduce a Christmas range and I have had a lot of interest already from regular customers.

“I spent months perfecting the Christmas recipes and getting it just right. I’m really happy with the range and particularly like our advent calendars, I just think they are superb.”  
Sharon, has also just learned Pupcakes has been named BizMums Best New Business 2013.

She said: “I was amazed to learn some of my customers had nominated me for the BizMums award. I don’t know who nominated me but I’m so grateful to them.

“BizMums is a social enterprise that supports inspiring mums in business. It’s fantastic to be recognised in this way, especially as it is something of a new business idea. I've only just found out I have won and don't even know what the prize is yet although I know I get a special plaque.

“I’m now concentrating on getting ready for Llangollen where I hope to meet lots of dog owners wanting to treat their pets by giving Santa something special to pass on this Christmas.”

This year's Hamper Llangollen is being supported by the rural development agency, Cadwyn Clwyd.

 

Cadwyn Clwyd’s contribution came via the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.

 

Robert Price, Cadwyn Clwyd's agri-food project officer, said: "In addition to many favourites, we have lots of new food producers wanting to come this year and we're delighted that Pupcakes will be joining us this year.

 

"Although Sharon's products are designed with dogs in mind, they are also perfectly fine for people to eat. She's created a new food based business which is contributing to the local economy.

 

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

 

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

 

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

Skates welcomes job creation figures

FIGURES showing the creation of 8,672 job opportunities across Wales – including 568 in Wrexham and Denbighshire – have been welcomed by Clwyd South AM Ken Skates.

Mr Skates hailed the success of the Welsh Labour Government’s Jobs Growth Wales programme, which was set up in 2011 and has seen 6,896 of the positions filled – 544 since 10 August this year.

 

The ‘flagship’ scheme was set up to tackle a key issue that young people face in their search for jobs – how they can secure the work experience employers require.

 

As well as creating job opportunities for unemployed people aged 16-24, the posts created by Jobs Growth Wales are new positions and can therefore help Welsh businesses grow.

 

Commenting on the figures, Mr Skates said: “Jobs Growth Wales is one of the Welsh Government’s flagship programmes and it’s fantastic to see that it continues to go from strength to strength.

 

“It’s clear to see from the statistics Jobs Growth Wales is working and is making a real difference to young people's lives. Our absolute priority in these still-challenging economic times is to stand up for the people of Wales, creating jobs and enabling growth, and the ongoing success of this programme proves we’re doing just that.”  

Walk arranged to mark facelift of historic landmark

* An old picture of the Jubilee Tower.

A special walk is being arranged to mark the official opening of refurbishment work at one of the Clwydian Range's most historic landmarks.

Denbighshire and Flintshire Councils have worked together to develop a programme of works to reconsolidate parts of the Jubilee Tower at the summit of Moel Famau.

Parts of the tower have deteriorated over recent times and access onto the tower has become increasingly difficult.

The Jubilee Tower was built in 1810 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of King George III. The original 120ft tower, set on a broad base, blew down in the 1860s and the remains have slowly deteriorated ever since.

Major repairs were carried out in 1969, but since then it has received very little attention – despite being one of the most visited spots in both counties – getting over 200,000 visitors every year.

In 2009 Flintshire and Denbighshire Councils, with support from the Clwydian Range AONB commissioned specialist conservation architects TACP to examine the condition of the building and to make recommendations for its repair and reconsolidation.

Now, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund through the Heather and Hillforts Project, work has taken place.

The walk delegation will leave the Pen Barras car park at 2pm on Friday, 4 October for a leisurely walk to the Tower, where the new staircase to the tower will be officially opened.

David Shiel, Senior Countryside Officer for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB, said: "A careful study of the tower had identified key areas in need of repair and reconsolidation. Specialist stone masons have used traditional techniques to carefully repair the stone work and construct a new spiral staircase onto the tower.  

"This is the first time in over 40 years that any significant work has taken place at the Tower. We have been really please to find that so much of the original monument had survived underneath the rubble.  

"It has been a painstaking job to expose these parts of the tower that have lain buried for so many years. You can really get a sense of the original scale of the building."

Cllr Carolyn Thomas, chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and chair of Flintshire County Council, said: "It is excellent news that we have been able to carry out this important work.

"The Jubilee Tower is such an iconic landmark for the Clwydian Range and many of the communities of both Flintshire and Denbighshire - but we have perhaps taken it for granted over the years – despite it receiving over 200,000 visitors every year very little has been invested over the last 40 years in safeguarding the fabric of the building.

"It's great that we are in a position to celebrate this work and to look forward to welcoming thousands people to this historic feature over the coming years."

Go ahead for £44m Wrexham to Chester rail improvement plan

Wales' Transport Minister Edwina Hart has announced a £44m scheme to improve north south rail journey times and increase capacity between Wrexham and Chester.

 

Following a review, a £44m scheme has been agreed with Network Rail to be delivered by spring 2015.

The revised scheme will involve a significant doubling of the existing single line between Wrexham and Chester and line speed improvements.

This will reduce north south journey times by 16 minutes.

Mrs Hart said: "I am pleased that we have been able to agree a scheme that will reduce journey times between north and south Wales and deliver increased capacity between Wrexham and Chester.

“This new scheme will meet our objectives and provide value for money. It will ensure more people in north east Wales will be able to benefit from the improved rail links to the rest of Wales delivered by the Welsh Government.”

Aled Roberts, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for North Wales has given an enthusiastic welcome to today’s announcement.

 

He said: "This is excellent news for the region and comes as a result of sustained pressure on the Minister to make sure that the proposals for rail improvements went ahead as planned.

 

“The recent talk of a review caused a great deal of concern over whether the scheme would go ahead, but I am delighted with today’s news.

 

“This amounts to a £44 million scheme for investment in the region’s rail infrastructure and today’s result is testament to what can be achieved when we work together to ensure that north Wales’ interests are protected."

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates said: “I am delighted with the confirmation the Minister has given that this redoubling work will now be going ahead. It’s important this piece of infrastructure investment is undertaken for the benefit of commuters and businesses in my constituency.

“Improving the rail network between Wrexham and Chester, and cutting journey times along the way, is good news for our regional economy and I look forward to the works being completed.”

Flu vaccination dates at Llan Health Centre

Flu vaccination clinics will be held at Llangollen Health Centre on the following dates:

 

Wednesday 9 October from 5.15pm

Saturday 9 November from 9.00am

Thursday 28 November from 5.15pm

 

 

You qualify for a flu vaccination on the NHS if you: 

• are over 65 years of age
• have a chronic disease such as heart, renal, liver, neurological or respiratory disease
• have diabetes
• have had a stroke or TIA
• are a carer, frontline healthcare or social care worker
• are a community first responder

To book your appointment please ring the Health Centre on 01978 860625.

Lib Dems home in on Wales' reception "not spots"

People in Llangollen who have had trouble with Vodafone mobile phone reception may be interested in the following story ...

 

In their debate this week, the Welsh Liberal Democrats are calling for an end to internet and mobile ‘not spots’ in Wales.

 

Wales currently has the largest proportion of premises in potential not-spots and the lowest availability of superfast broadband services.  

 

In the past, the Welsh Government’s broadband schemes have proven to be inadequate for businesses due to the slow speed of the broadband provided, according to the Lib Dems. 

 

They are now calling on the Welsh Government to examine the support that can be offered to businesses to improve their ability to compete worldwide through better access to digital services.

 

Welsh Liberal Democrats will also be calling for the Welsh Government to investigate recent problems with mobile signals in rural areas and to work with network providers to ensure these issues are addressed and coverage is maximised across Wales.

 

William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson, said: “There is a fear that many businesses are being left behind the rest of the UK due to inadequate internet connections.  Frankly, using a homing pigeon would be more effective than the non-existent email service many businesses have to put up with.

 

“There are an increasing number of people who are self employed and working from home.  Not only is that a convenient way to help people fit their work around their home life, it can also save them vast amounts of money. Yet for many people that simply isn’t an option due to the lack of phone and internet connection.  The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to put that right.”

 

Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, said: “Technology moves fast and the difference between those who have broadband and those who don’t is getting wider and wider.

 

“Fuel poverty is a massive issue in many rural communities.  Yet figures show that rural households are less likely to take up schemes that reduce fuel costs, such as cheaper tariffs or energy efficacy schemes, due to a lack of broadband access.  Far too many people in Wales are being made to feel like second class broadband citizens.

 

“We’ve had some terrible problems with mobile signal recently in Mid Wales.  We are calling on the Welsh Labour Government to investigate these recent problems with mobile signal and work with network providers to ensure these issues are addressed so that coverage is maximised across Wales.”

New business rates schemes for Wales unveiled

Two new business rates schemes have been announced by Economy Minister Edwina Hart to help revitalise Welsh High Streets and stimulate and encourage speculative commercial development.

 

The schemes, announced in a statement to Assembly Members, are in response to the recommendations from the Task and Finish Group that examined how the business rates regime in Wales could be used to encourage economic development.

 

The two new schemes Open for Business and New Developments represent an anticipated investment of over £5m by the Welsh Government which will provide a grant to local authorities to run the programmes.

The Minister said: “These two schemes send a clear message that Wales is open for business and will provide an incentive to construction and the reoccupation of long-term empty properties.

"In addition Open for Business will  support all businesses considering a move into a long term vacant retail property, for example businesses in the first year of trading or those considering a move closer to a town centre.”

Open for Business is expected to cost around £2.5m and will run until 31 March 2015 to encourage re-occupation of long term vacant retail properties, particularly in town centres and shopping areas.

Open for Business funds 50% relief on business rates for eligible properties for up to 12 months from the first date of occupation.

The retail properties will have had to have been unoccupied for a continuous period of 12 months or more and have a rateable value of no more than £45K. Similar schemes run in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The New Developments Scheme is estimated to be worth over £2.8m and will exempt all newly built commercial property from business rates for the first 18 months and will run until September 30 2016.

This scheme will extend the exemption period for new build developments to 18 months and give an incentive to developers in Wales and could boost construction.

Professor Brian Morgan, who chaired the Review Group, said: “I think the new schemes being announced today offer common-sense and pragmatic ways in which the Welsh Government can work with the property sector to facilitate new developments and also encourage investment in vacant premises in our towns.

“A lack of new modern business space is hindering economic recovery in Wales and the New Developments scheme will help kick start speculative development. Similarly Open for Business will offer an important avenue for encouraging more diversified investments into empty properties in our town centres.

“Taken together, these measures will provide a consistent and coherent approach to working with the private sector to create a more competitive environment for Welsh businesses to expand.” 

* Eluned Parrott, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Business Minister, has accused the Business Minister of costing Wales jobs due to uncertainty over the future of business rate relief for charities.

 

The Business Minister has decided to delay her decision on business rates relief for charities.

 

Instead she plans to work with the UK Government and other devolved administrations to discuss the proposals.

 

The Business Minister has also announced that she is to introduce two further business rates schemes to help businesses.

 

Eluned Parrott AM said: “Today’s announcement should have nailed the coffin lid on proposals to hike taxes on charities, however the Minister decided to fudge the decision.  I’m pleased the Minister has finally taken some action to tackle the blight of empty properties, but the uncertainty over the future of charity business rates could actually mean more empty shops on our high streets.

 

“Due to the Minister’s proposals to cut rates relief for charities, we have already heard that some charities have abandoned plans to expand in Wales.  Sadly the uncertainty will remain until the Minister categorically says these proposals will never see the light of day.  This lack of clarity is costing Wales jobs and investment.

 

“It’s ironic that with one hand the Minister is aiming to encourage businesses to fill Wales’ empty shops, but with the other she is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and concern that we know has prevented a number of charities doing exactly that.

 

“Charities are telling me that they won’t invest and expand in Wales until there is clarity over future future proposals.   The Minister had a chance to end that uncertainty today, yet refused to do so.”

 

Council consults on its big plan

Denbighshire is currently consulting on the next BIG Plan (BIG Plan II) to deliver key partnership actions on issues such as older people, vulnerable families, children and young people, rural areas and keeping people safe.

The plan aims to set out the work be council will be doing with its partners over the next few years to help improve the lives of residents.

It is now time to prepare for the next phase of the BIG Plan which cover 2014-2017.  

A council spokesperson said: "We want to know what you think our priorities should be for the BIG Plan II.  

"You can let us know online what you think we should focus on to make a real, positive difference to people living, working and learning in Denbighshire. You can find the short survey at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/current-consultations

"It is essential to make sure that we are tackling the issues that matter the most to you and so we would encourage as many people to take part in this consultation as possible. The closing date for letting us know your views is Thursday 31st October."

Welsh Government launches NHS performance website

A new website giving patients easily accessible information on NHS performance has been launched by the Welsh Government.

 

mylocalhealthservice.wales.gov.uk will provide performance data on a range of health services, including:

• hospital information, such as mortality rates, healthcare infection rates and nurse ratios;
• progress in primary care on preventative measures to address the major health issues facing the population such as heart disease and stroke;
• the results of patient satisfaction surveys; and,
• links to reports and locally-published performance data.

Launching the website, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “We have made a firm commitment to transparency in the NHS. Gathering together key performance datasets into one place and explaining them clearly is part of our delivery on that commitment.

“The current site is just the start – we will continue to build on this initial information set, with more information provided over the coming months to make My Local Health Service our window on the performance of our local NHS services right across the country.

“Increased transparency is a key driver in improving quality across the NHS as a whole, highlighting both those areas where good practice is in place and those where there is scope for improvement.

“The website is in line with our wider aim of introducing more mechanisms to detect risks or problems before they occur, and publishing more performance data to raise quality of care.”

Labour team seeking prospective Picasos

ASSEMBLY Member Ken Skates and MP Susan Elan Jones are encouraging schoolchildren in Clwyd South to show their artistic side by designing their own Christmas cards.

 

The political duo may have only just returned to Cardiff and Westminster after their summer breaks, but they are already inviting pupils of every infant and primary school in the constituency to get into the festive spirit and enter their annual competition.

 

The winning design, which will be picked by First Minister Carwyn Jones, will become the Labour pair’s official Christmas card and will be sent out to constituents, businesses, schools and voluntary groups in Wrexham and Denbighshire.

 

Last year’s winner was Jack Warburton from Rhosymedre Community Primary School, whose card was chosen out of hundreds of entries.

                                       

Clwyd South AM Mr Skates said: “There were so many fantastic designs last year and we’re hoping to give the First Minister an even more difficult choice this time!

 

“The children in Clwyd South always throw themselves in to this competition and their creativity is encouraged by our dedicated teachers. I’m sure this year will be no different, and I’m looking forward to seeing the entries come flooding in.”

 

MP Ms Jones added: “The competition gives us a good opportunity to engage with young people in Clwyd South, and it’s a fun way for them to learn a little bit about who represents them. The competition closes on Friday, November 1, so the sooner the children get cracking the better!”

 

Prospective Picassos should ask their teachers to send their designs to Mr Skates’ constituency office at Unit 19, The Malthouse, Regent St reet, Llangollen, LL20 8HS.

Work of specialist ambulance team revealed

* Members of the Welsh Ambulance Service’s HART team on a training exercise.

A SPECIALIST team of ambulance staff trained to provide life-saving care at major incidents has dealt with more than 2,300 emergency calls since its creation last year.

The Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) - which is part of the Welsh Ambulance Service - provides clinical care in hostile environments like industrial accidents and natural disasters, as well as chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear and terrorist incidents.

Of the calls dealt with since its launch, more than 40 involved flooding, a further 40 involved a firearm or other weapon, and more than 140 meant working at height, in a confined space or on tricky terrain.

Staff are deployed to major road traffic collisions, like the one outside Rhws Primary School in June, in which nine people were injured, and large-scale fires, like the one in Clydach Vale in March, which left a former workingmen’s club destroyed.

The team was also involved in the multi-agency search for missing schoolgirl April Jones in Machynlleth last October.

Chris Sims, Welsh Ambulance Service HART manager in Wales, has been reflecting on a challenge-filled first year. He said: “The introduction of HART in Wales is a huge step forward for the Welsh Ambulance Service, and now means we can provide clinical care to patients in difficult environments.

"HART in Wales is part of a UK network of HART teams, whose members are skilled ambulance professionals with additional training.

"Throughout the year we’ve attended a number of challenging incidents where, in partnership with other agencies, our training and equipment has helped to get access to a patient and support our operational crews.”

The Bridgend-based HART complements the existing Special Operations Response Team (SORT), whose members are trained to provide decontamination and mass oxygenation at such incidents.

The specially trained personnel work 24/7 across Wales, and can also called upon to give clinical care to patients outside of a major incident.

Elwyn Price-Morris, chief executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, added: “The creation of HART marked a significant development in the history of the Welsh Ambulance Service.

“We hope that HART is not in serious action too often, but knowing that they exist here in Wales gives us all some peace of mind that their expertise is available if and when they are needed.”

Concerns raised over Corwen Health Centre

CLWYD South AM Ken Skates and MP Susan Elan Jones have called for assurances from the health board over GP services at Corwen Health Centre.

The Labour politicians say they contacted Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board on behalf of their constituents after one GP left the surgery and the other partner tendered her resignation – leaving the practice without a permanent doctor.

 

BCUHB says the vacancy has been advertised nationally, but a replacement is unlikely to be found before the remaining GP, Dr Sue Hesketh, leaves on November 29.

 

The board will manage the surgery from December 1 and use locums in the interim.

 

Assembly Member Mr Skates said: “We know some of our constituents in Corwen are worried about the current situation, and we have contacted the health board on their behalf to relay their concerns.

 

“Betsi Cadwaladr has assured us it will do all it can to minimise disruption during the next few months, and myself and Susan will continue to monitor the situation.”

 

MP Ms Jones added: “As soon as we were made aware of the situation at Corwen Health Centre, Ken and I contacted Betsi Cadwaladr to seek immediate assurances that patient services will not be adversely affected.

 

“We know this upheaval will concern our constituents. We will be in regular contact with the health board until the situation is resolved and will do our best to keep them abreast of developments.”

Appeal for ambulance first responders

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is appealing to the people of Denbighshire and Conwy to make a difference to family, friends or neighbours in distress by becoming a Community First Responder.

The Trust is appealing for volunteers in Denbigh, Llangollen, Abergele and Llanrwst and to give something back to the people in their communities - a fighting chance of survival.

First responders are volunteers who give up their spare time to attend appropriate 999 calls and give first hand emergency care to people in their own community.

All volunteers will be trained by the Welsh Ambulance Service to administer basic first aid, oxygen therapy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of a defibrillator.

First responders do not replace the normal response of a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle or an emergency ambulance, but support the patient until it arrives.

First responder team manager and trainer, Claire Hurford, said: “Every second counts when you are trying to save someone’s life, and Community First Responder schemes are hugely beneficial in helping the ambulance service provide the best possible pre-hospital care for patients.

“Many of our volunteers have taken experiences that life has thrown at them, such as seeing a loved one suffer a heart attack, and have moulded them into a positive outlook to help family, friends and neighbours.

“You can make a big difference by just carrying out a few simple skills that we can teach you. If you are proud of the community in which you live, becoming a first responder can really help the heart of your village or town keeping beating long into the future.”

Community First Responders play an important role alongside frontline ambulance staff in making sure patients get appropriate help quickly and efficiently, explained Chief Executive at the Welsh Ambulance Service, Elwyn Price-Morris.

“Community First Responders are a key partner in the chain of survival and very much part of the whole Welsh Ambulance Service family,” he added.

Call Claire Hurford on 01248 682028 or visit
http://www.ambulance.wales.nhs.uk/Default.aspx?pageId=96&lan=en
for more information on becoming a Community First Responder.

AM raises issue of low wages in area

Concerned by reports of staff in Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire Councils earning below the living wage, North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has questioned the Welsh Government over its action to address the problem.

 

Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Isherwood asked the Minister for Local Government and Government Business what is being done to encourage local authorities to become living wage employers.   

 

He said: “Questioning you on the same subject in the Chamber in May, I asked what action you could take to encourage local authorities to consider how a living wage might be introduced. I referred to evidence at the Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/Together Creating Communities Public Assembly in Wrexham of staff earning below the minimum wage in Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire.

 

"You replied that the Welsh Government is very happy to encourage employers to become living wage employers, although, as you say, on a voluntary basis. Therefore, Minister, since I asked that question in May, what action have you taken to encourage local authorities to become living wage employers?”

 

The Minister replied: “We can encourage local authorities to do so, but it is up to them. I am sure that you would want to join me in welcoming the proposal to bring the living wage in the public sector under the remit of the workforce partnership council. I think that we can have a much more strategic look at the broader issues with trade unions and public sector employers. It is something that I have put on the agenda for the next council, which will be held on Monday.”