Jades has visit from hairdressing VIP

* Beverley C, fourth from right on the front row, with the Jades team.

On the back row is William Wilson.

STAFF at Jades Hair and Beauty in Llangollen welcomed a VIP guest recently.

Celebrity hairdresser Beverly C called into the salon to show the team some creative cutting and colouring.

Formerly known as Beverley Cobella, she became the first woman to be awarded an MBE for her services to hairdressing when she was honoured by the Queen in 2008.

She has twice been voted British Hairdresser of the Year, in 2001 and 2002 - the first female to win the award.

Beverley also won London Hairdresser of the Year in 87/88 and 88/89, was awarded Best British Hairdresser in 1990 in Japan and received the British Masters Award in Australia in 2005.

She spent the afternoon at Jades along with William Wilson, head of technical and creative directions for Goldwell Hair.

New loco spruced up for its weekend visitors

Members of the LMS Patriot group were on hand in the shed at Llangollen Railway this week to give the frames of The Unknown Warrior a coat of black paint ready for when it is shown to visitors this weekend.

The locomotive is being faithfully built from scratch by volunteers from the group to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War Armistice in 2018.

The smokebox now features the door with smoke deflectors attached.

Escorted parties of visitors will be given guided tours of the building project tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday to coincide with the railway's Remembrance weekend.

Council approves plan to breath new life into county

Councillors in Denbighshire have formally approved a blueprint aimed at breathing new life into the county's economy.

At a meeting in Ruthin earlier this week members unanimously agreed that the council should  implement its draft Economic & Community Ambition Strategy, 'Developing Opportunities, Creating Confidence' .

One of its headlines is the need to work together to make Denbighshire a place where businesses existing and new, grow and flourish, towns and communities are vibrant and prosper and all residents enjoy a good quality of life and can participate in the local economy.

The council has based its strategy around six key themes:

• Having the right infrastructure for growth
• Businesses that are supported and connected
• Maximised economic strengths/opportunities
• A high quality skilled workforce
• Vibrant towns and communities
• A well promoted Denbighshire

The council hopes that by taking action to tackle the issues set out in the strategy, results will be seen in reduced unemployment, higher household incomes, more successful and sustainable businesses, less deprivation, more people able to participate in the local economy and a higher profile for Denbighshire.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire and Lead Member for Economic Development, said: "Economic development has been highlighted as one of Denbighshire's top priorities in our corporate plan for the term of this council. There has been both extensive and intensive work carried out over the last 12 months to develop the strategy and I am confident that the emerging priorities are the right ones for Denbighshire.

"We want Denbighshire to be a county with high levels of employment and good levels of income in all of its towns and communities and the council has a significant role to play in enabling growth and opportunities for development.

"As we all know the economy, both nationally and internationally, is in difficulty and the strategy highlights our intentions to play our part locally with clarity and conviction, where I firmly believe we have a significant role of enabling growth and developing opportunities.

"In order to achieve this we recognise the work that is happening at a regional and national level and will embrace this agenda as part of our strategy. While we have worked hard to identify what we think are the right things to focus on, we have also listened to the views of residents, community groups and organisations from the relevant sectors.  

"It has been important to us that there is a buy-in from these individuals and groups, so that we can move forward this important priority for Denbighshire. Now the hard work of delivering on this plan really starts."

Shop window competition announced

Businesses in Llangollen are being encouraged to take part in a window dressing competition to coincide with the town’s annual Christmas Festival.

Judging will take place the week before the festival, which is on Saturday, November 30, and there will be two categories, retail/commercial and charity/not for profit.

Winners will be announced on festival day.

Businesses wanting further information are asked to contact the Town Clerk on 01978 861345.

Llan set to go with the FLO

* White water rafting is one of the sports featured in FLO.

THE UK’s first outdoor multi-sport festival gets under way in Llangollen later this month.

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.

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”.

According to the FLO website – www.flo-llangollen.com – on the Friday afternoon, from 2-4.30pm, the pavilion and its programme of activities will only be open to local schoolchildren.

On the Saturday, the pavilion will become the hub of the event and will host a range of ‘come and try’ activities, including kayaking, climbing, biking on a pump track, segways, abseiling from the balconies, paintballing, bushcraft skills and mountain yoga.

The nearby River Dee will be the setting for an extreme slalom event, starting at noon.

The Sunday will see a programme of lectures on a range of outdoor themes from 4pm.

These will include Rob Moffat on his kayaking expedition to Borneo and Lawrence Crossman Emms on mountain biking photography.

A charity raft race will see competition starting at 10am, and an hour later will be the start of a fell race.

Visitors to FLO are expected to use local hotels and a campsite run by River Legacy will be open from 4-9pm on Friday for registration.

Entry to the event is £5 for which you can try a wide range of activities.

Organisers say their target is to bring 1,000 people into the town over the weekend and for FLO to become an annual event.

Chamber's idea for extra parking

Visitors to the town may be able to park in the grounds of Ysgol Dinas Bran if an idea by Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism is accepted.

The chamber is currently conducting its own in-depth probe into car parking facilities in the town.

At its monthly meeting on Monday night chairman David Davies told members details were still coming in about exactly what parking is available.

He then revealed he had been having talks with the school about using its car park.

He said: “I’ve been in consultations with the school about using its premises during holidays and at weekend.

“The whole idea of us looking at parking is to be in the best fighting position when Sainsbury’s come in and offer free parking.”  

Local MP slams Cameron over bankers' bonuses

Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones has branded Prime Minister David Cameron as "useless" for failing to act on bankers' bonuses.

At today's session of Prime Minister's Questions (Wednesday), she asked Mr Cameron why he hadn't acted to stop bankers' bonuses "growing 91% more than ordinary wages in the last year".

Speaking after her questioning of the PM, Ms Jones said: "David Cameron's assured us time and time again that we would not see a re-run of bankers being able to take home obscenely high bonuses while ordinary, hard-working families are feeling the pinch.

"Either the Prime Minister couldn't care less about the situation or he is absolutely useless at his job. As the gap between those on City bonuses and everyone else gets wider and wider, I don't think most people in Britain will believe his claim that we are all in this together."

Response from Mark Isherwood AM: 

 

When local Labour MP Susan Elan Jones used Llanblogger to attack the Prime Minister after she questioned him over bankers' bonuses on 6th November, she omitted to share his response:

 

“The point the hon. Lady should bear in mind is that bonuses were 85% higher when the shadow Chancellor was sitting in the Treasury. In fact, we inherited a situation where cleaners were paying higher tax rates than the hedge fund managers they were working for”.

 

When Gordon Brown opened Lehman Brothers’ London headquarters in 2004, he told Lehman bankers,  'I would like to pay tribute to the contribution you and your company make to the prosperity of Britain.’

 

The Financial Services Authority’s report, 'The failure of the Royal Bank of Scotland’, refers by name to Messrs Blair and Brown and the current Shadow Chancellor, Ed Balls and details the “sustained political emphasis on the need for the Financial Services Authority to be ‘light touch’ in its approach”.

 

The National Audit Office reported that the Mr Brown’s Treasury was warned three years before Northern Rock nearly went bust that it needed to set up emergency plans to handle a banking crisis, but did nothing about it.

 

The former Labour UK Government also ignored a warning on the 12th July 2006 by the Bank of England about the ‘devastating consequences’ and potential damage a credit crunch and a collapse in asset prices could cause to the economy and financial system and which expressed its concern about the complex and risky financial instruments devised by banks and hedge funds.

 

We are still living with the consequences to-day.

November 5 sparks busy night for fire service

North Wales Fire & Rescue has slammed troublemakers who it says put its own staff and public at risk on Bonfire Night yesterday.

The service has revealed that it received 74 calls into the control room between 6pm on November 5 and 7.30am on November 6, and attended 28 incidents.

However, no-one was injured in the region.

Calls included a number of bonfires left unattended and a large gorse fire caused by a firework in Holyhead.

Senior Fire Safety Manager Gary Brandrick said: "The number of calls received meant a busy night for our control operators and firefighters.

"These incidents, repeat calls and calls for advice received highlight why we are encouraging residents to attend organised displays and avoid letting off fireworks themselves.

"Many included unattended bonfires and some deliberate fires, which put unnecessary pressure on our resources – these incidents put the perpetrators, our firefighters and the community as a whole at risk."

Despite the problems, the service says communities across North Wales came together last night at  firework and bonfire displays across the region.

Gary Brandrick added: "We thank the public for heeding our safety messages.

"I was extremely pleased to hear that no one was seriously injured during last night’s celebrations in North Wales, and that the majority of residents took advantage of the organised firework displays across North Wales.

"They are the safest type of displays, have the best facilities and offer the best value for money.

"Bonfire celebrations see an increase in anxiety for senior citizens and pet owners, so attending community events helps reduce this distress."

Santa briefs chamber on Christmas Festival

* The opening parade at last year's Christmas Festival.

Santa himself turned up at the monthly meeting of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism in the Hand Hotel on Monday night to give members details of the town’s Christmas festival this year.

Looking suspiciously like former chamber chairman John Palmer under a big white beard, he said that, as usual, the event was all about bringing together the Llangollen community and supporting local businesses.

The festival, planned for Saturday, November 30, will feature a parade, street stalls, raffles, a grotto, an appearance by Llangollen Silver Band, carol singing and the ceremonial switch-on of the Christmas lights.

Santa said the festival was expected to attract around 2,000 people to the town on what would otherwise be a quiet November Saturday.

He added: “It will help the community but a donation will also be made to Hope House Hospice.”

The big parade starts from Mill Street car park at 1pm and later Santa and his Welsh counterpart Siôn Corn will be on hand to meet young visitors in their grotto inside the Town Hall.

Entertainment will this year be centred on the steps of the library and tourist information centre as well as in the Royal Gardens just across the road.

Santa explained that the Royal Hotel had given special permission for the shop at the corner of its premises to be used for Punch and Judy shows and story-telling sessions for youngsters.

Chamber chairman David Davies said that, up to now, 18 shops and businesses in the town had agreed to join in a search-for-the-sheep competition in which people will be asked to locate the small woollen animals and give each one a name.

The lights will be switched on at 5pm followed by a firework display.  

AM urges men to have prostate cancer check

AN ASSEMBLY Member is urging men to get a potentially life-saving health check during a month-long male cancer awareness campaign. 

 

More than 2,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in Wales, and experts predict it will be the UK’s most common cancer by 2030. 

 

Mr Skates, Labour AM for Clwyd South, is keen for as many men as possible to get themselves checked during Movember, which last year raised £27m in the UK to fund research initiatives to combat prostate and testicular cancer.  

 

He said: “In the UK, one in eight men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. It is the most common cancer in men and kills more than 500 in Wales every year. Across the UK more than 100 men are diagnosed with the disease and a man dies from prostate cancer every hour – that's more than 10,000 every year. 

 

“These facts and figures are a stark reminder of how important it is for men – especially those aged over 50 – to make sure they are regularly checked.” 

 

Symptoms of prostate problems can include needing to urinate more often, difficulty starting to urinate,  a weak flow and a feeling that your bladder has not emptied properly. 

 

Mr Skates added: “If you are experiencing problems, or simply to put your mind at rest, contact your GP or call a specialist prostate cancer nurse in confidence on 0800 074 8383. Don’t take any chances – it’s better to be safe than sorry.”   

 

New health chief invited to address county council

Denbighshire County Council is to invite the new chair of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Dr Peter Higson, to address members.

This follows a notice of motion in the name of a group of county councillors which reads:
"In light of the recent critical national coverage of Ysgoly Glan Clwyd and our long-standing concerns about the running of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, we call upon the recently appointed chair of the board to attend the next meeting of full council.  

"We would like him to explain his plans for turning around the reputation of the board and health service in general across North Wales and here in Denbighshire.

"We want him to tell us how he will rebuild the confidence of staff, patients and the general public in our local health services." 

Cash available for crime-busting projects

Do you have a crime reduction project which would benefit from financial support?

 

If the answer is ‘yes’ North Wales Police would like to hear from you.

 

Money seized from local criminals via POCA (Proceeds of Crime) and funds from the Police and Crime Commissioner are being made available for local communities to use on projects which will help cut crime and reduce anti-social behaviour.

 

Bids are now being accepted from groups for a share of £42k across North Wales for the Participatory Budgeting Pilot Scheme.

 

Each local authority area has been allocated £7k and applicants will be invited to present their bids to a local panel who will then decide which project will go forward to a final public vote. Each winning project can receive a maximum of £3.5k.

 

Public voting will take place online and further details regarding how to vote will be publicised in due course.

 

Application form (pdf)
Application pack (word document).

 

Winston Roddick, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, said: “During my first year in office I have built my most effective policies on what you the public have told me. The most obvious examples are the development of the rural crime team and additional police officers.

 

“I want to build on this approach by piloting a participatory budgeting grant scheme. This means that the communities of north Wales will be able to decide which projects are given financial support. I know there are communities and organisations  who have innovative projects that can help make our communities safer. This pilot scheme will put the decision-making power in the hands of our communities by letting them decide which projects to support.

 

“The scheme will be funded partly through monies recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which is the money accumulated by convicted criminals, being returned for reinvestment in the communities of north Wales. The other part will be provided from the funds which have been allocated to the Commissioner’s Fund."

 

He added: “I look forward to receiving applications for funding from across north Wales and to hear your views on which projects should be supported by this fund.”

 

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Simon Shaw said: “North Wales Police are pleased to support this Participatory Budget Pilot in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner. Feedback from our communities, partners and staff show that the reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour is a key priority.

 

“This pilot fund aims to give local communities and organisations the opportunity to develop innovative projects that will help address these issues. Applicants might find it useful to speak to neighbourhood policing teams about their proposals."

 

He added: “I would like to wish applicants the best of luck and we very much look forward to receiving the proposals.”

Applicants must be a properly constituted voluntary organisation, community group or charity working  in North Wales.

Completed applications must be returned via email to participatorybudgetfund@nthwales.pnn.police.uk

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Saturday 30^th November 2013.

Projects must be completed and grant monies spent by 31^st March 2014.

If you would like to speak to a member of your local policing team to discuss your proposal please visit the Neighbourhood Policing section

.

New law makes for easier walking and cycling in Wales

A landmark Welsh law to make it easier for people to walk and cycle in Wales has been granted Royal Assent by Her Majesty the Queen.

The Letters Patent for the Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013, signed by Her Majesty the Queen and Sealed with the Welsh Seal.

 

The Act - which is considered to be a world first - makes it a legal requirement for local authorities in Wales to map and create fully integrated transport networks that consider the needs of walkers and cyclists.

By connecting key sites such as workplaces, hospitals, schools and shopping areas with traffic free routes and cycle lanes, the Act will encourage people to rely less on their cars when making short journeys.

The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 completed its passage through the National Assembly for Wales October 1st 2013.

A Bill receives Royal Assent when Letters Patent under the Welsh Seal signed with Her Majesty’s own hand signifying Her Assent are notified to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The Bill then becomes an Act of the Assembly.
The Welsh Seal was applied to the Letters Patent in a ceremony in Cardiff earlier today (Monday November 4th).

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said: "This act is a landmark piece of legislation. As a government, we have a proud track record of developing and delivering pioneering policies that make a real difference to people’s lives.

“I’m especially proud we are using our legislative powers to make Wales a true global leader in promoting cycling and walking as a realistic alternative to the car.”

Minister for Culture & Sport, John Griffiths said:“This act will help to begin integrating exercise into everyday life. By making it easier to walk and cycle, it will help make it easier for people all over Wales to be physical active. That should have a beneficial impact on  the health and well-being of people in Wales.”

Suspected human skull found

West Mercia Police sais this morning (Monday) that carbon dating will be carried out on what is believed to be part of a human skull found in woodland at SweeneyMountain, near Oswestry.

Police are continuing to search the location although no other bones have been discovered to date.
The remains were found on Saturday by an organised shooting party.

Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy said today it is likely to be several weeks before the results of carbon dating are known.

He said: “It appears to be part of a human skull, believed to be that of an adult male.  It’s possibly many years old but until tests have been carried out we cannot be sure.

“A pathologist will also examine the remains and an anthropologist is also assisting.  We will be carrying out further searches of the area to establish if there are any other skeletal remains.”

The Shropshire coroner, Mr John Ellery has been informed.

Councillor reveals his "big vision" for Llan parking

THE old municipal tip and the new health centre both figure in a councillor’s “big vision” for the future of parking provision in Llangollen.

Stuart Davis, who represents the town on Denbighshire County Council, says that in a bid to address complaints about a shortage of parking facilities he would like to see the number of spaces doubled in the next two years.

* Cllr Stuart Davies. 

He now plans to ask council officers to come up with an in-depth study on how this can be achieved.

Cllr Davies revealed that one of the possible solutions he has in mind is creating a large number of spaces on the former council refuse tip on the A539 just outside the town, which was closed some years due to access problem from the busy main road.

Another of his ideas is for the council to reach an agreement with the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to share use of parking spaces which will be created to serve the planned new health centre on the site of the River Lodge.

Cllr Davies said: “I have had representations from businesses in the town as parking has become a real issue.

“I have therefore called a meeting across a number of county departments, including planning, traffic and highways, to see what can be done.

“My big vision for the next two years is to double the 400-odd spaces we currently have over the next two years, but we’ve got to be inventive about it.

“I am looking at a traffic management study to get the number of spaces we need and then for it to be made a priority in the Town Plan.”

He added: “We’re going to have 75 parking spaces with the new health centre. I am suggesting we talk to the health board about putting a meter in there and using these for the public at the weekend when the centre doesn’t need them.

“I  also think we could use the old refuse tip at Wenffryd for out of town parking, where we might get at least 100 spaces.

“It’s never been properly developed because of access problems from the main road but the money raised from parking there could pay for a safe right turn to be made into it.

“It’s also possible that we could use some of the money to build some football pitches there for community use.

“This is very much a work in progress but with the tight financial situation we should be looking at ways of increasing parking provision without having to rely on ratepayers to foot the bill.”

New steam engine previews at Llan Railway

* The Unknown Warrior with smokebox fitted.

 

Visitors to Llangollen Railway's Remembrance weekend will be able to view progress on the exciting project to built an example of the Patriot class of express locomotive to commemorate the sacrifice of World War One.

To be known as The Unknown Warrior, the basic frames of the locomotive have been erected in the heritage railway's own engineering workshop and, with additional parts made and fitted, the locomotive is beginning to take shape.

When the main driving wheels are added in a few weeks time, it will be recognisable as an example of the Patriot class built by the London Midland & Scottish Railway in the 1930s.

Visitors taking part in escorted tours of the work shops next weekend will be able to see the fitted out frames with the smokebox attached to the front end.

The intention is to have the locomotive completed in time for the centenary of the Armistice in 2018 when it will be presented as the National Memorial Engine.

The largest item still required to complete the project is the boiler and an appeal to raise £400,000 this will cost is being promoted by the LMS-Patriot Project.

Details of the project will be on show at Llangollen station throughout the weekend as an appropriate theme to the annual Remembrance commemoration.

During the weekend Llangollen Railway will be operating steam train services departing Llangollen at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

Members of the Royal British Legion and Army Cadet Force will be on hand to promote the annual Poppy Appeal and the steam locomotive hauling the train will be wearing a Remembrance headboard.

Andrew Laws, from The LMS-Patriot Project, said: "Visitors to the Llangollen Railway Remembrance weekend will be able to see how the new build project has forged ahead.

"The latest progress on the Unknown Warrior can be seen inside the Llangollen Railway Works, as guided tours are being organised by volunteers from The LMS-Patriot Project. 

 

"The prospect is that a really impressive piece of engineering will be on display later in November when the rolling chassis of the new Patriot is taken for display at the NEC, Birmingham, during the Warley National Model Railway exhibition on November 23/24."

 

As part of the weekend's activities, on the Saturday evening the LMS-Patriot Project will be running a special steam-hauled fish n chip fundraising special.

 

This will leave Llangollen station at 6.30pm with one round trip to Carro.. Fish and chips will be served shortly after departure from Llangollen.

 

A booking form is available to download from:www.lms-patriot.org.uk/FishnChipNov2013.pdf

Take extra care with bonfire night, says ambulance chief

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people to take extra care during Bonfire Night celebrations.

Every year, the service is called to deal with firework and bonfire-related injuries through improper handling of fireworks and people taking unnecessary risks.

The Trust is asking revellers to keep a sensible head in the run-up to November 5.

 

 Mike Collins, Interim Director of Service Delivery at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “It is easy to forget how dangerous fireworks, bonfires and even sparklers can be.

“Calls we dealt with last year ranged from minor burns to life-changing injuries as a result of a fireworks display gone wrong, and a lot of these injuries could have been avoided. 

“We want people to enjoy themselves on Bonfire Night, but it is important to remember that fireworks can be potentially lethal if used improperly.

“If you can’t go to a professionally-organised public display and are planning to host your own event, please make safety a priority to ensure everyone has a good time without getting hurt.”

People hosting their own event are reminded that fireworks should be kept in a closed box and used one at a time to avoid any accidents.

Follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary, and light at arm’s length wearing goggles and protective clothing. Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

Children should wear gloves with sparklers, and never wave it near someone’s face. When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away and leave it there.

Mike added: “Bonfire Night is a demanding time of year for the Welsh Ambulance Service, and makes it difficult for crews to get to other non firework-related incidents.

“Help reduce the number of calls we get about firework-related injuries to zero, and play your part in freeing up valuable resources to help others who may be suffering a life-threatening medical emergency.”

Click the below to learn more about firework safety and find an organised display in your area:

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service: www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk

Notice from wholefood co-operative

llanblogger has received the following notice on behalf of Llangollen Wholefood Co-operative:

"After 6 years of trading the Llangollen Wholefood Co-operative closed its doors on Thursday 31st October. 

"The members of the Co-op would like to thank all the customers who have supported them. 

“We have received so many positive comments in our last few weeks of trade,” said Catherine Veasey. 

"There are now only the last few lines left to sell.  The shop will be opening its doors for one last morning of trade on Saturday 2nd November 10am –1pm with 20% off all remaining stock."

Latest roadworks in the area

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

A5, from area boundary to Queen Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights until November 22 for wall repairs.

Outside Canoe Centre, Berwyn Road, Llangollen, traffic lights to allow water works from November 3-6.

Opposite old Smithfield pub, Berwyn Street, Llangollen, waterworks from November 3-6.  

Welsh Government offered some income tax control

The Welsh Government will be offered some control over income tax subject to a referendum, Prime Minister David Cameron has said this morning.

See the full story on the BBC news website at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-24763988

Wales's Finance Minister Jane Hutt has welcomed the UK Government's announcement.

 

She said: "This is excellent news for Wales, and a significant milestone in our story of devolution.  It gives the National Assembly and the Welsh Government new responsibilities and significant opportunities to boost jobs and support the Welsh economy.

 

"These changes mean that, in the next few years, Wales will be in a position to tackle the improvements required for the M4, and to shape its own taxes, including the much needed reform of Stamp Duty Land Tax.  A future Assembly will also be able to call a referendum on the devolution of rate-varying powers for income tax."

While the details are to follow, the UK Government has committed to legislate for the new powers within the lifetime of the current UK Parliament.

Councillor acts on smoke incident

* One of Cllr Phil Thane's pictures of the smoke over Llangollen.

A Llangollen councillor made a formal complaint to the county council after smoke billowed across part of the town on Thursday morning.

Cllr Phil Thane, a member of the town council, took several pictures of the incident which he says led to smoke “filling the valley” at one stage.

And he passed on the details of it to the Denbighshire’s pollution and public health team.

Later in the day, a council officer replied to Cllr Thane, saying the source of the smoke had been contacted and warned about such burning.

Safety advice for Halloween and Bonfire Night

Denbighshire County Council’s Trading Standards Section and North Wales Police say they will be working to try and make Halloween and Bonfire night as enjoyable as possible for local people.

A spokesperson from Denbighshire Trading Standards Section has said: “October 31 and November 5 are dates that have long been associated with parties and family fun, but for some they can be nights to forget.   

"On Halloween elderly people can be left frightened and intimidated by youngsters calling at their home asking for trick or treat - particularly when the callers are in costume.

"Similarly, families can find their evenings disrupted and their pets driven to distraction by the blasts and bangs from fireworks exploding on Bonfire Night.

"Nuisance behaviour at Halloween had been a recurring problem in years gone by. In relation to anti-social behaviour Halloween has often been a bigger problem than Bonfire Night.  

"This is because of the shock some elderly and vulnerable people get when they find someone dressed in a terrifying outfit on their doorstep or from people persistently knocking on their doors.

"We don't want to stop anyone enjoying themselves, but we would ask that they bear in mind the elderly and vulnerable people in our community who may not want callers knocking on their door late at night.

"We would ask the youngsters who got out trick or treating to make Halloween as pleasant as possible for the households they call on, by being polite and courteous to those they meet. Parents should ensure that their children are suitably advised as to possible ramifications involving elderly residents. A message they may wish to employ is to imagine they are visiting their own grandparents.

"Many of the problems associated with Bonfire night would not take place if certain residents just stopped to think of being more neighbourly.

"There are several organised displays in Denbighshire, scheduled for Bonfire night and we would recommend people attend those rather than have their own fireworks party in their back garden, for both safety and social reasons.

"However, if people want to hold their own event we would ask that they inform their neighbours well ahead of time, by calling in person or by popping a note through their letterbox. Many complaints spring out of people not telling their neighbours that they are planning to hold a firework display at their home and most importantly when the fireworks were going to be let off.

"The residents then have a chance to make arrangements in relation to any pets they may keep, or to make plans to go out if they don't want to listen to the noise.

"We would also ask that people, no matter how experienced, please take all the usual safety precautions, accidents happen when you become lax about the danger that you may be in.

"Fireworks are explosives and should be treated with great care and respect." The council and the police have issued the following safety advice:

1.        Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 and from reputable outlets.
2.        Don't drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
3.        Keep fireworks in a closed box.
4.        Follow the instructions on each firework.
5.        Light them at arm's length, using a taper.
5.        Stand well back.
6.        Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn't gone off, it could still explode.
7.        Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
8.        Always supervise children around fireworks.
9.        Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
10        Never give sparklers to children under five.
11.        Keep pets indoors.
12.        Don't set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm.
13.         If having a bonfire, prior to lighting check carefully for wildlife and when finished dampen it down fully. Never light or store fireworks near the bonfire.

Anyone that chooses to use fireworks in an anti-social and irresponsible manner could find themselves on the wrong side of the law. Under the Fireworks Act there is a now a curfew preventing people from letting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am.  I

If people are holding a fireworks party on November 5, the last rocket must have gone off by 11pm or they could find themselves liable for prosecution.

It is now illegal for children under 18 to buy or in fact be in the possession of fireworks.

Denbighshire Trading Standards will be undertaking inspections and test purchases to each premise which sell fireworks to ensure compliance with firework legislation and age restricted products.

Twenty Club cancels Rebecca

The Twenty Club has had to cancel its production of Rebecca, due to have been staged at Llangollen Town Hall next week.

A group spokesman said tonight (Wednesday): "With sadness, due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to cancel our production of Rebecca' originally scheduled to take place next week.

"This is the first time that this has happened in the club's 67-year history and needless to say everyone involved is hugely disappointed.

"We apologise to anyone who had made plans to come and see the production and hope that no inconvenience has been caused.

"On a more positive note, we are able to announce the March 2014 production.

"In order to mark the centenary of World War 1 we will be staging The Accrington Pals by Peter Whelan. We hope you will all be able to attend."

North Wales ambulance response target missed again

Figures released today show that the all-Wales Welsh Ambulance response time target been missed for September.

 

The eight-minute target has not been met since May 2012.

 

The Welsh Government’s target is for 65% of ambulances to respond to Category A (immediately life-threatening) calls within eight minutes, yet figures for September show that only 62.9% of ambulances arrived within that time.

 

In England and Scotland the target for the same priority call is 75%.

 

Kirsty Williams, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, commented: “Despite the best efforts of the hard working front line paramedics, another month goes by and yet another health target missed by Welsh Labour.

 

“It is bad enough that people i n Wales have to put up with a government that is less ambitious than those in England and Scotland, but for those unambitious targets to not be met just compounds that misery.

 

“Labour MP Ann Clwyd is right when she says Wales is behind England in every instance. The First Minister and his Health Minister need to stop burying their heads in the sand and start delivering the health service the people of Wales deserve.”

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “September was a busy month for us, with the service taking 33,677 emergency calls, with more than a third of these - 13,200 calls - being of the most serious in nature.

“We have introduced a number of measures to improve our responsiveness and it is encouraging to see that we are now showing signs of continuous improvement.

“We would like to reassure the public that the Trust is firmly committed to delivering the improvement aims of its ‘Working Together for Success’ modernisation programme to provide the best quality of care for the people of Wales.

“We invite the public to support NHS Wales’ Choose Well campaign, so that busy emergency services are available to those who need them most urgently. For non-emergencies, please consider calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or visiting www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk for free, confidential health advice.

“We ask the public only to dial 999 for life-threatening and serious illnesses and injuries – let’s keep emergency ambulances for emergencies.”

 

The statistics can be found at:

 

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/headlines/health2013/ambulance-services-september-2013/?lang=en

Wales to spend £850,000 on marking WW1 anniversary

The First Minister Carwyn Jones, has officially launched the Framework Programme for Wales’s Commemoration of the First World War, Cymru’n Cofio – Wales Remembers 1914-1918, and announced that £850k will made available by the Welsh Government to support the educational programme to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the conflict.

 

 

The First Minister made the announcement at the official launch of the Programme at Firing Line: Cardiff Castle Museum of the Welsh Soldier.

He said: "The centenary of the start of the war in 1914 marks an important opportunity for us to remember all those who took part in the First World War and the transformational impact of the conflict in shaping modern Wales.

"There will be very few people in Wales whose lives have not been affected by the First World War’s enduring legacy, whether they are aware of it or not. That’s why we want education and community events to play a central role.

"I want the commemoration in Wales to be inclusive, with national events and exhibitions accompanied by community-based activities.

"We want to reach everyone and I encourage you to visit the new Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 website where you will find information about events, projects and funding, and signposting services relevant to activities in Wales."

In line with the First Minister’s desire for the commemoration to have an educational legacy, the £850k will be used to produce digital educational resources and enable schools to develop a suitable programme of activities to mark the centenary.

The Education Minister Huw Lewis said: "Making sure that young people understand the events and consequences of the conflict is a key objective for the commemoration programme.

"The funding we are allocating will allow the National Library of Wales to lead a major project to develop bilingual, cross-curriculum learning resources, including an innovative 'app' which will act as a Welsh guide to the battlefields.

"In addition, every secondary school in Wales will receive £1,000 to develop creative and innovative projects to commemorate the war and to encourage debate and discussion. We have left it to schools to decide how best they can do this and it may be that schools will group together to undertake collaborative projects to mark the anniversary."

The First Minister added: "Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 will develop over the years to come and will link with the wider commemorations of the First World War that are taking place in the rest of the UK and around the World.

"It will be a fitting and Wales-wide commemoration, which will pay tribute to those people whose sacrifice is justly remembered by us all."

Skates welcomes £2.4 million debt advice boost

CLWYD South Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed the Welsh Government’s announcement it will spend an extra £2.4m to provide advice on debt, money management and housing in some of Wales’ most deprived areas.

 

Labour AM Mr Skates said the new services announced recently (October 23) by Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty Vaughan Gething will give ‘a huge boost’ to people struggling in some of the country’s poorest communities.

 

Mr Skates said: “Given the current economic climate and the Tory-led UK Government’s welfare changes, the need for advice services has increased considerably. This new funding package will allow Citizens Advice Cymru to help 36 Communities First clusters across Wales to meet this growing demand.

 

“There are two Communities First areas in Clwyd South and I am delighted a share of this £2.4m will go directly to supporting people struggling here as the ruthless cuts of the Westminster coalition continue to hit hard.”

 

Communities First is the Welsh Government’s flagship programme to help those living in the top 10% most deprived communities in the country, aiming to improve health, prosperity and access to education and learning.

 

Citizens Advice Cymru director Fran Targett said: “We are seeing a big increase in the need for help at this difficult time. People need independent, impartial advice more than ever. We welcome this funding, which will help reach some of the most vulnerable people right in the heart of their communities.”

Llan burtcher becomes Wales food ambassador

Food industry website foodmanufacture.co.uk is reporting today that Llangollen butcher Tomi Jones has been appointed as Welsh food industry skills ambassador.

See the full story at:

http://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/People/First-Welsh-food-industry-skills-ambassador-named?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright

Sports stars honoured at Llan ceremony

Sporting teams and individuals have been honoured for their achievements at a recent awards ceremony staged in Llangollen and arranged by Denbighshire County Council's Leisure Team.

Last year, three Denbighshire Community Sport Awards winners went on to win national accolades at the Sport Wales Awards in Cardiff.

This year there was over 160 nominations for the Denbighshire Community Sport Awards.

They were then shortlisted to three finalists for each category.

Many of the clubs and individuals recognised had received a Denbighshire Talented Athlete Grant, a Community Chest Grant or a North Wales Gold Card.

This year's guest speaker was Nicola Tustain of Corwen, one of Britain’s best known para–equestrian dressage riders,  having performed at a world class level for the past ten years.

Her career has taken her to international competitions in no less than 12 countries representing the UK and her speech outlining her sporting journey was truly inspirational.

The 2013 winners announced at the ceremony were:

• James Roberts, Prestatyn (Sports Performer)
•  Emily Noden, Denbigh  (Disability Award)
• Roydon Healy (Coach of the year)
• Sophie Vaughan, Rhyl (Volunteer of the Year)
•  Michael Kitchin, Prestatyn (Young Inspiration of the Year)
•  Olivia Fuller, Prestatyn (Junior Sports Performer)
•  Prestatyn High School (Sport in School Award)
• Jeff Jenkins, Denbigh  (Lifetime Achievement)
•  Prestatyn FC (Team of the Year and Denbighshire Sport Ambassadors 2013).

Jamie Groves, Denbighshire County Council's Head of Communication, Marketing and Leisure, said: "It was a true honour for the Council and its partners to recognise the tremendous amount of sporting talent we have in Denbighshire.

"They are great ambassadors for sport and well-being and really show how commitment, dedication and nurturing local talent can pay dividends in their chosen sport.

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games have left a lasting legacy for sports in the UK and the leisure industry has never been in the spotlight as much as it is now. It's a great opportunity for us to celebrate achievements, as well as encouraging others to get active and strive for the best in their fields."

Denbighshire County Council says it would like to thank event sponsors Alliance Leisure, who have also been awarded a four year investment framework as partners to Denbighshire County Council, to significantly improve and expand leisure facilities in the county.  

The transformation of Ruthin Leisure Centre has providing a full sized all weather pitch, a new extension to the swimming pool – which will house a new reception and viewing area, as well as a state of the art 25 station fitness centre.  

Category sponsors were Glyndwr University, Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, X N Leisure, Technogym,  Denbighshire County Council Housing services and Family information Services and University of Central Lancashire. They are thanked for their support in making the event possible.

Region escapes big storm

Our region has escaped the worst of the big storm.

For more, see the Daily Post report at http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-weather-region-escapes-6246787