AMs meet HSBC chiefs to discuss bank closures

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood, together with Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, has met HSBC Bank’s regional director, Retail Banking, and regional service manager in the Assembly today following HSBC’s recent announcement of bank closures in Llangollen, Conwy and Beaumaris.

 

The AMs highlighted concerns raised with them by constituents about the impact these closures will have on them, but were told that the bank was unable to reverse its decision because customer usage at these three branches was amongst the lowest of its network of 1,100 branches across the UK.

 

The AMs asked the bank to consider the provision of an ATM cashpoint machine and were told that the bank would give this its consideration and let them know what decision it reached.

 

The bank’s representatives stated their records showed that the majority of customers at the three branches already use other branches and are internet registered.

 

However they said they want to talk with all their customers  - and especially those who lack mobility or internet access – about alternative ways they can access services.

 

Mr Isherwood said: “They are using their own database to identify their most vulnerable customers, some information is not held by them and all information is helpful.

 

"The bank emphasised that all personal customers can access HSBC via any post office, that they offer personal internet banking, that mobile phones can now be used to pay bills and transfer cash and that business customers can use the ‘fast bank’ service.

 

"The bank also emphasised that it wants a conversation with its local business customers about the different ways it can help.”

 

Methodist Church hosts Christmas tree festival

 

* Part of the whole display of trees in the church.

 

* Above: The arrangement created by pupils at Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Right: The tree cooked up by the Buttered Crust.
 

Llangollen Methodist Church is currently running its annual Christmas tree festival.

The church features a number of examples of creatively decorated trees, which can be seen by going along there between 10am and 4pm today (Thursday), tomorrow and Saturday.

Red sky at morning ...

* With large areas of the UK, including North Wales, bracing themselves for gale-force winds and flooding, llanblogger captured the stunning sunrise over our part of the world earlier this morning (Thursday).

Community councils may be asked to take on more responsibility

Representatives from Denbighshire County Council are to meet a delegation from some of the main town and community councils and the voluntary sector later this month  to discuss public services.

The council needs to find £8.5 million of savings in 2014/15, with  up to £5.5 million in subsequent years.  

It says this means it cannot continue to deliver all of its current services in the current format and it is looking at potential alternative solutions.

The authority is hoping that the main town and community councils, including Llangollen, along with the voluntary sector will look at whether they could be in a position to deliver some services.

Mohammed Mehmet, Chief Executive of Denbighshire, said: "We are proud of the work that we have done in Denbighshire to date to mitigate the effects of the tremendous financial pressure facing us, in light of our funding allocation.  

"That work has seen us make better use of resources, being more efficient and effective in the way in which we do business.

"That kind of planning has been invaluable in maintaining and protecting frontline services. However, with other major savings to be made over the coming years we need to look at different ways of delivering some services.  That is where our town and community councils come in.

"We have already seen examples of where town councils have taken over responsibility for assets and some community services very effectively in the past few years.  

"There are tough decisions to be made, particularly in 2015/16, and we need hold discussions with town and community councils early, to see whether they are in a position to deliver services instead of the county council or whether an alternative solution can be found.

"The two tiers of local government need to have an honest and open dialogue, to see how we can work together over the coming years, for the benefit of Denbighshire residents."

Warning over strong winds

Denbighshire County Council is advising residents that the Met Office has issued a warning of strong winds to affect the North Wales region tomorrow (Thursday).

Winds are expected to increase in strength in the early hours and by daylight the Met Office is expecting gusts of around 60 or 70 mph. Some minor damage to trees is expected, with difficult driving conditions also anticipated.

A flood alert is also being issued for the whole of the North Wales Coast area, with the potential for large waves to cause overtopping of defences in some places.

The Council is monitoring the situation and is advising people to monitor weather forecasts online, radio and television for the latest information.  

The latest forecasts are available on the Met Office website: www.metoffice.gov.uk  with further advice available on Natural Resources Wales' website:  www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk.

Witness appeal follows petrol theft

Police are appealing for information after petrol was drained from a car parked in a lay-by in Cefn Mawr.

 

The petrol was stolen sometime between 7.30pm on Saturday, November 30 and 10am on Monday, December 2, when the vehicle was parked in the lay-by on the High Street.

 

Unknown offenders are believed to have damaged the petrol tank with a sharp implement and then drained the petrol out.

 

Anyone who may have information relating to the incident is asked to contact the Investigation Support Team on 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Star line-up announced for 2014 eisteddfod

* Bryn Terfel.

Opera superstar Bryn Terfel and jazz sensation Caro Emerald have been unveiled as the headline acts at next year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

The acclaimed bass baritone will be playing the lead in a special production of Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street featuring an all-Welsh cast.



Organisers also revealed there will be a world premiere of a new work by top composer Karl Jenkins and an appearance by the chart-topping singing brothers, Richard and Adam Johnson (pictured above) from Holywell, in Flintshire.

* Karl Jenkins.

The lavish production of Sweeney Todd on Monday, July 7, will be a curtain raiser for the 2014 festival which gets underway the following day.

The evening is being sponsored by the Wrexham-based care organisation, Pendine Park, that’s won a raft of awards for the way in which they use the arts to enrich the lives of residents.

Tickets will go on sale to season ticket holders immediately and will go on sale online only on December 20 when another big announcement is expected.

Next March Bryn will be starring in another version of the show with the New York Philharmonic orchestra at the Big Apple’s iconic Lincoln Center where he will be sharing the bill with Oscar winning actress Emma Thompson.

Before then the bass baritone from Pant Glas, in Gwynedd, will be seen performing at the Royal Variety Performance from London’s Palladium which is being shown on ITV on December 9 which, coincidentally, also stars Caro Emerald.

* Caro Emerald.

On the Tuesday night at the Eisteddfod there will be a galaxy of international talent at the Carnival of Nations concert.

It will showcase spectacular circus acts from across the globe including Cirque du Soleil’s Bruce Bilodeau, acrobats from the Chinese State Circus Acrobats and Spelbound, winners of Britain’s Got Talent. The concert will include the official opening ceremony of the festival and the Procession of Nations into the Pavilion.

The following night will see the return of Karl Jenkins, the highest selling classical composer alive today, with the world premiere of his latest masterpiece, Adiemus Colores.

He will conduct his Latin American themed work with American tenor Noah Stewart making a welcome return, Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores and Latvian accordion player Ksenija Sidorova to the accompaniment of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Orchestra.

* Noah Stewart.

The multi-award winning Dutch jazz singer Caro Emerald will be making her Llangollen debut on the Thursday evening.  Earlier this year her second studio album, The Shocking Miss Emerald, went to No 1 in the UK album chart.

The Friday night concert, Spirit of Unity, will feature the Cape Town Opera, Africa’s premier opera company, famed for their “vibrant vocalism and high-octane stage performances”.

Appearing with them will be Wales’ representative in Cardiff Singer of the World, Gary Griffiths, the Wales Millennium Centre Only Kidz Aloud Chorus under the baton of celebrity conductor Tim Rhys Evans and British Sinfonietta, one of the UK’s leading independent professional orchestras.

The Choir of the World competition on the Saturday night is the blue riband event of the week-long festival and remains one of the foremost choral competitions in the international choral calendar, according to Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths.

The Pavarotti Trophy and a cash prize of £3,500 are awarded to the overall winner from the Mixed, Female, Male, Youth choir and new Open Category competitions.

There will also be a competition to find the dance champions of 2014 and to top the evening off Richard and Adam, who shot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, will appear as special guests.

It will be the first time Bryn Terfel has performed on the International Eisteddfod stage since he opened the 2006 festival and that was his first appearance at Llangollen in a decade.

He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled I’m able to appear at the 2014 International Eisteddfod. I’m a proud Welshman and the International Eisteddfod is unique, the atmosphere, the colour, the audience, even the flowers, it really is a very, very special event.”

The lead role as the mean, brooding, murderous barber particularly excites Bryn who added: “I’m really looking forward to returning to sing the role of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

“I had the honour of meeting Sondheim when I sang Sweeney for the first time for a production at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in 2002 and was privileged to be a soloist for the BBC Proms Concert honouring Sondheim’s 80th Birthday in 2010.

“I haven’t sung the role since 2007 so I’m grateful to have the opportunity to reprise the role at the Lincoln Center in New York, along with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, in March.

“This will hold me in good stead for when I return to Llangollen. And to be part of an all Welsh cast what a coup! What other nation would be able to do this!”

Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths said: “I am really excited about the line-up for next year which I am sure will prove a big hit with our audiences.

“We are currently finalising the arrangements for our final Sunday night concert and we will be in a position to reveal our smash hit headline act very soon. Watch this space!”

To book tickets and for more details on the 2014 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Isherwood slams Welsh Government for "failing" pupils

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has criticised the Welsh Government for failing pupils in the region after an international study revealed this week that Wales has once again fallen behind the rest of the UK.

Wales had lower results on average in reading, maths and science than in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
 

Tests are taken by 15 year old pupils in 65 countries and local administrations.

 

Since 2007 Wales has slipped down the Pisa rankings, slumping from 20th in science to joint 36th, dropping 12 places in maths to 43rd and falling from 27th in reading to 41st.

 

Mr Isherwood, who was Welsh Conservative Education Spokesperson during the Second Assembly and still regularly speaks on education issues, said: “A generation of Welsh pupils has been let down by successive Labour ministers and it is disgraceful that Carwyn Jones is unable to apologise to teachers, parents and pupils.

 

“This First Minister, himself a former Education Minister, should take full responsibility for educational standards now and going forward, or seriously consider his position.

 

“Today’s PISA results reveal just how bad the situation in Wales is and the First Minister should be looking to take action to address the failings as a matter of urgency.

 

“The children of Wales deserve to have access to a first-rate education system. Labour have been failing our children for far too long and this needs to change fast!”

 

Runaway turkey ends up in Llan

The BBC North East Wales news website is this evening carrying a story about a runaway turkey who holed up in Llangollen en route to the slaughterman.

See the full story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-25196970

Musician in canal rescue drama

The BBC North East Wales news website is carrying a story about a musician who had to be rescued from the Llangollen Canal after he went in to recover his saxophone which had fallen into the water.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-25192357

Twenty Club holds open auditions for World War One play

The Twenty Club are holding open auditions on Thursday, December 12, at 7.30pm, in the  council chamber of Llangollen Town Hall (Parade Street entrance, opposite the bus stop) for a production of Peter Whelan's play The Accrington Pals.

There will be twice-weekly rehearsals from January, and the play will be performed from March 6-8,  2014 in Llangollen Town Hall, in the year of the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.

The Accrington Pals is based on the true story of how the smallest town in England raised a volunteer force to fight in WWI, contrasting life at the front and in the 1916 Battle of the Somme with the women left behind.

There are five roles for women (to appear ages roughly 18 or 19 for two roles, mid 20s, late 20s and late 30s/early 40s for the other three) and five for men (to appear ages roughly 15, 19, 19, late 30s, and early 40s).

For more details ring the club secretary, Noreen Turner, on 01978 810623, or go online and visit  facebook.com/twentyclub.

Medals stolen in Llan burglary

Police are appealing for information to trace war medals stolen during a burglary in Llangollen.

 

The incident occurred overnight between Sunday December 1  and 11.30am  Monday  December 2, when thieves broke into a house in  Brook Stree.

 

The medals are described as The African Star, The Italian Star and a 1939 -1945 campaign medal all in the name of John Knox.

 

A long service firefighter’s medal and a Jubilee medal in the name of John Graham Knox were also stolen.

 

Anyone who is offered these medals for sale or has any information about the theft is asked to call North Wales Police on 101. Crime reference P197003.

Police warning over suspicious vehicles

North Wales Police are appealing for information following two reports of suspicious vehicles stopping members of the public and asking them if they wished to by chainsaws, pressure washers and tools.

The males are reported to have been driving a black Transit van and also a plain silver Renault van.

They have been described as wearing black clothes, thinning light coloured hair and aged approximately 30’s.

Another male has been described as being well built and wearing glasses.   

The incidents occurred sometime between 15:20 and 15:40 on the November 29.

Police say they are urging people living in the areas Pengwern Estate, near Erw Deg, and Dinbren Road, Llangollen, to be cautious of these males and also to lock away their property.   

If you noticed anything suspicious, or have any information relating to this incident, contact North Wales Police by dialling 101 quoting reference P194720 or P194865.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously by calling Crime-stoppers Wales on 0800 555 111.

North Wales Police would like to urge residents to always report suspicious activity to them at the earliest opportunity.

Santa Specials get under way at Llan Railway

 

 * Santa and two of his Elves at Lapland.

 

 

* The loco crew with engine No.3802 ready for the 11.55am departure.

 

Saturday saw the start of the season of Santa Special Steam trains at Llangollen.

 

Santa and his elves were busy on the trains and the station greeting the family groups who were booked on the first specials of the festive season.

 

With four trains a day on each of the weekends, and a daily service from Friday, December 20 through to Christmas Eve, a total of 44 Santa Specials are scheduled to operate along the Dee Valley to Lapland at Carrog.

 

During the journey each child receives a special gift from Santa and the adults receive mulled wine and mince pies.

At Carrog, where a special delivery of snow has already arrived, family groups are invited to have their photograph taken with Santa on his sleigh beneath the Lapland station sign.

 

Back at Llangollen there is the opportunity to visit the special grotto coach where a traditional street scene is set out to enjoy.

 

Santa bookings are proving very popular as always and advance booking is necessary on the Santa Special website at www.llangollen-railway.co.uk.

Fatal incident near Ruthin

North Wales Police have this afternoon issued a statement about a fatal incident not too far away from Llangollen.

It reads: "At 12.10pm on Saturday, November 30, police were alerted by the Ambulance Service that a cyclist is believed to have come off his bike on Lon Cae Glas, a country lane in Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Ruthin.

"The Ambulance, Air Ambulance and police attended the location and the man, who is believed to be from the Stockport area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Inquiries are currently continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

"Anyone with information is urged to contact North Wales Police on 101 quoting ref no P195897."
 

County's quest for extra parking spaces in Llan

County council officers are looking at a plan to create extra spaces for vehicles by removing some of the recycling bins from the Market Street car park.

The idea was revealed to members of Llangollen Town Council by local county councillor Stuart Davies at their monthly meeting on Tuesday evening.

Cllr Davies regularly attends town council meetings to give updates on matters of relevance going on at county level.

Looking at the issue of local parking, which is controlled by the county council, he said the aim was to double the present number of spaces available in the town from 400 to 800 in the next two years.

County officers, he explained, were investigating a number of ways of achieving this, including creating more spaces at Market Street.

“Our officers have been looking at the situation with the recycling bins there and at times some of these are either empty or only a quarter full,” he told members.

“If we took away, say, half of the bins it would mean we could free up more car parking spaces.

“It we can free up 10 spaces that means the extra revenue would amount to about £6,000 based on each space bringing in from £450 to £600 a year.

“We could then possibly get matched funding from the Welsh Government to do things with locally.”

The Mayor, Cllr Bob Lube, said that although around 75 extra parking spaces would be created at the planned new health centre, he feared that because the Welsh NHS was not allowed to charge for parking these would be “pinched” by people who were not patients or staff.

Cllr Davies replied that county council officers were looking into this situation with a view to finding a solution.

* Cllr Davies also gave a short summary of the county council’s current financial situation.

He explained that Denbighshire was looking to make a cut of just over eight per cent in its budget, which had been brought about by the county not having as large a population as had been thought, and was consequently losing about £2 million of government support.

Cllr Davies also revealed how it had been suggested that because of the financial situation community councils such as Llangollen Town Council might be asked to take on responsibility for providing more services than at present.

He said: “Llangollen Town Council pays for things like CCTV, Christmas lights and flowers out of its precept (part of the council tax apportioned to community councils) but there are some towns elsewhere in the county that don’t do that, so we might be asking community councils to take on more services in the future.”

Asked by Cllr Tony Baker about the provision of low-cost housing in Llangollen, Cllr Davies said county officers were currently looking at potential sites where these might be built.

He added that among the sites being investigated “in and around town” was one with garages on it.

He also spoke of his concerns that not enough people were putting down their names on the affordable housing register, which is administered by the Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd organisation in Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.

More details on how register, he said, can be found on the Cymdeithas website at: http://www.taiclwyd.com/find-a-home/take-the-first-steps-to-affordable-home-ownership/

Christmas Festival brings out the crowds

Hundreds of people thronged the town centre today for the annual Christmas Festival.

llanblogger brings you the following pictures kindly supplied by Linda and Phil Thane.

Return to Forbidden Planet is rocket-powered hit

A rockin’ spaceship crew gave a toe-tapping audience a tuneful trip from Llangollen to another galaxy last night.

The newly-formed Llangollen Musical Theatre Group is currently staging its version of jukebox musical Return to the Forbidden Planet at the International Pavilion.

And the Friday night performance was a pretty rocket-propelled affair.

The plot of the piece is about as thin as the atmosphere on Mars and hinges on the spacecraft SS Albatross being unexpectedly marooned by a storm of asteroids on the planet Dillyria.

There the crew meets up with mad scientist Doctor Prospero and his pretty young daughter Miranda for whose affections there is intense competition between the Albatross’s upstanding skipper, Captain Tempest, and resident chef, Cookie.

… I think.

Still, the plot hardly matters as the funky spaceship is just a vehicle for presenting a whole solar system of amazing tunes.

There are over 30 of them, ranging from the deeply soulful It’s a Man’s World to the poppy Teenager in Love and from the plaintive Go Now to the iconic rocker Great Balls of Fire.

Every one of them was a stonking hit and you could see the 10-strong cast were having as much fun belting them out as the audience was in hearing them.

Of course, they couldn’t have managed it without the services of an excellent nine-strong band equipped with everything from keyboards to saxophones.

Every one of the cast put their heart and soul into their parts and the profusion of musical numbers.

Justine Bradley made a sassy Gloria, the spaceship’s science officer, while Nico Decourt was a  loveable robot named Ariel.

Cookie the cook was powerfully portrayed Stuart Dillon and wasn’t fazed at all when his electric guitar failed to fire up at one point in the action.

He simply busked it by singing the rest of the segment and there was nice touch right at the end of the show when he was allowed to do it all again, this time with a fully serviceable instrument.

Geth Foulkes made a splendid Captain Tempest who sucks on a pipe – luckily minus tobacco - throughout the production to help create the right commanding presence.

Lucas Howson played Bosun Arras to perfection and one of the most powerful voices in the show came from consummate rocker Bill Hughes.

Jo Potts made a great Miranda who goes from plain little girl to high-heeled vamp in an Act Two costume and character transformation.

Linking the action and providing some powerful musical back-up were Jillian Handley and Leonie Kirby as the Damage Control Crew members and Tracey Rawlinson as the Navigation Officer.

Return to the Forbidden Planet was a credit to director Paul Brown, musical director Nigel James and producer Katherine Brown.

Sets – especially the electronic bits – were brilliantly masterminded by a team headed by Josie Ashcroft, who also had a creative hand in the eye-catching costumes.

The show’s on again tonight (Saturday, November 30) and I understand there may be a few tickets left.

Chain Bridge tenders go out for early 2014 start

* Tenders have now gone out for restoration work on the Chain Bridge.

Llangollen councillors have been introduced to the two new officers who will help drive forward the project to revive the Chain Bridge.

This summer it was announced that the long-awaited £465,000 restoration of the famous bridge, which has been closed for safety reasons for the past 30 years or so, could go ahead after the final slice of necessary cash came in the form of a £350,000 boost from the Heritage Lottery.

At the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors met Sam Jones, who will be project co-ordinator, and Laura Black, who will be heritage officer.

Both said they were now working to spread the word of the project to local voluntary groups and businesses and, hopefully, to get as many people involved as possible.

They added that the project now had its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Town clerk Gareth Thomas told members that tenders for the work had recently gone out to six likely contractors and bids were due to be received just before Christmas.

He said it was hoped that the contract would be let in January, with work on the bridge possibly starting the following month and being finished in May or June next year.

There will then be an official re-opening event later in the year.

Mr Thomas added: “Hopefully, we will get a favourable tender and be able to get the right team to work on this important project.”    

He explained that an issue had been identified with the water supply to the nearby Chainbridge Hotel being carried over the River Dee on the bridge but said talks would be held with its owner Seamus O’Keeffe to ensure the supply is maintained.

Fears over future of Plas Madoc leisure centre

The Leader is reporting today on fears that Plas Madoc leisure centre, which is used by people from Llangollen, may be earmarked for closure due to cuts at Wrexham Council.

See the full story at: http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/128678/fears-plas-madoc-leisure-centre-may-have-to-close.aspx

Skates backs community hub plan

A plan to use the building in Bridge Street as a community hub if the HSBC bank moves out next year has won the backing of Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates.

And he says he will put the idea to bank chiefs when he meets them next week to discuss their proposal to axe the branch next February.

The community hub scheme is the brainchild of local man Mike Edwards who was a member of the team which led the successful bid for Llangollen to win Cittaslow – slow town – status earlier this year.

Mr Edwards says if HSBC is determined to press ahead with the closure against the wishes of local campaigners, the bank building could be acquired on behalf of the people of Llangollen as a community facility housing small businesses, meeting rooms and a café.

Asked by llanblogger for his views on the idea, Mr Skates said: "I'm very pleased Mike is putting together a business case for using the building as a community facility and I will be putting this suggestion direct to HSBC when I meet bank officials next week on December 5.

"If they don't reverse their decision it is vital that Llangollen is not left with a vacant building or something that fails to add value to the town's economy and community well-being."

Explaining his idea, Mr Edwards said: “If the branch does close, the Welsh Government should demand that HSBC provides the building to the community on a medium term lease at a peppercorn rent.

“Cittaslow Llangollen could then investigate the condition of the property and put together a business plan to convert the building into a business and community support hub.

“This might have, say, a cafe on the ground floor with business space and serviced meeting rooms on the upper floors which could be let out to generate additional income.

“That way it's a project which would be self-funding in the long term because it would be generating income not merely soaking up money.

“There may also be space for a residential unit to be used be a caretaker-type individual who would be responsible for providing day to day support for the hub users.

“Some of the accommodation could be available for the use of local clubs and organisations to meet etc.”

Mr Edwards sees the Llangollen community hub being modelled on a similar scheme now successfully at Glyn in Chirk and housed in the former estate office overlooking Chirk Aqueduct.

KLS plans biggest Buy Local Day of the year

Campaigners in Llangollen are planning to stage the biggest Buy Local Day of the year early next month.

Keep Llangollen Special (KLS), which was set up to support businesses in the town in the face of what they see as a major threat from the planned Sainsbury’s supermarket, organises the Buy Local days at regular intervals throughout the year.

And it has now decided to hold the pre-Christmas event on Saturday, November 7, to tie in with Small Business Saturday.

As revealed by llanblogger yesterday, this is a concept which came originally from the USA, where it has helped increase spending in small businesses and bring in more long-term customers by creating a buzz on the high street.

It also helped small businesses network with each other, championed their role in local communities and highlighted the role of entrepreneurship.

The idea is being promoted locally by both Clwyd South’s MP, Susan Elan Jones, and Assembly Member, Ken Skates.     

Susan Elan Jones MP (pictured left promoting the idea) said: “Small businesses are important everywhere, but they are especially vital in an area like ours which contains so many villages and small towns. We need to give all the support we can to small businesses so that they do not go under in times of economic downturn.”

KLS was to have held its Christmas Buy Local Day on December 13 but after learning of the Small Business Saturday idea from the llanblogger story, members have now decided to stage the event on December 7, which, according to chairman Martin Crumpton, will “make a big day even bigger!”

He said: “We have also contacted the three banks in Llangollen to ask them to open their branches for the day.

“Many people will take advantage of Buy Local and the opportunity to buy for Christmas. We have local produce in town that’s second to none; what a treat for friends and relatives!

“We’ll do everything we can to make it the best trading day of this year’s calendar and call on everyone, from individual traders to the Town Council to get the Christmas decorations to the very highest standard to showcase what a wonderful, vibrant town centre we have.”

Mr Crumpton added: “Meanwhile, please remember we need evidence to present to HSBC where their closure will cause hardship to people who need to see human beings for their banking.

“Perhaps the regional managers at HSBC will get a nice visit from Father Christmas if they’ll let us negotiate with them?”

Over 1,000 caught using phones while driving

More than 1,000 motorists were caught using their mobile phones while at the wheel during the 2013 All-Wales Anti-Mobile Phone While Driving Campaign last month.

 

The two-week campaign, involving road safety partners across the principality, aimed to raise awareness among motorists about the real dangers involved when drivers break the law through phoning or texting at the wheel.

 

Officers from all four Welsh police forces carried out proactive patrols to target motorists who endanger other road users through this behaviour and educated drivers on the penalties they face if caught.

 

During the campaign, officers detected a total of 1,095 mobile phone driving offences.

 

North Wales Police issued 95 fixed penalty notices while in the Gwent area a total of 47 notices were issued to law-breakers.

 

In the Dyfed Powys force area 862 notices were given, while in South Wales 91 offenders were caught and apprehended.

 

Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit said: “Despite the law change in February 2007 where using a mobile phone while driving can result in three penalty points and a further increase to a £100 fine back in August this year, drivers in Wales are still persisting with this dangerous activity and breaking the law.

 

“This campaign is just one part of our continuing effort to target and reduce the number of drivers who risk becoming involved in a serious or fatal collision due to using a mobile phone while driving.

 

"Along with drink driving, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt and driving carelessly, using a mobile phone behind the wheel, whether it be texting, using an app, or making a phone call is classed as one of the Fatal 5; the five most common causes of fatal road traffic collisions.

 

"Even the most experienced or competent of drivers can easily be distracted. A momentary lapse in concentration can have serious consequences and it is disappointing that 95 motorists in North Wales have broken the law and put their own lives and the lives of others at risk."

 

He added: "We all need to take account of how we drive on our roads and driving a vehicle requires us to multi-task so anything above and beyond that needs to wait until we are safely parked up or until our journey has finished.”

Politicians back small business day

* Susan Elan Jones MP backs Small Business Saturday.

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones and AM Ken Skates have given their backing to Small Business Saturday, which this year will be held on Saturday, December 7.

The idea originally comes from the USA. It helped increase spending in small businesses and a rise in long-term customers, and created a buzz on the high street.

It also helped small businesses network with each other, championed their role in local communities and highlighted the role of entrepreneurship.

Susan Elan Jones MP said: “Small businesses are important everywhere, but they are especially vital in an area like ours which contains so many villages and small towns. We need to give all the support we can to small businesses so that they do not go under in times of economic downturn.

"Small and medium-sized local businesses have a loyalty to their customers and their home area in a way that global multi-nationals do not. They must be supported.”

Ken Skates AM commented: “Small businesses form the backbone of our economy and deserve to be supported. Small Business Saturday is a great way for people to show their support.”

Extra cash will allow people to access advice services

Wales's Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert has announced a series of grants  that will allow almost 7,000 extra people to access free advice services.

This follows an invitation in May for organisations providing free and independent information and advice to apply for Welsh Government funding in 2013-14.

 

Along with the invitation was a request for organisations to adapt to a situation where funding to support their services is being drastically cut but the demand for their services is growing due to cuts to welfare benefits and the struggling economy.

 

Eight organisations will share a total of £936,330 and through their services will provide valuable advice on debt, housing and welfare benefit advice to approximately 6,376 people.

The eight agencies are: Advice UK (£173,743), Age Cymru Partnership (£13,153), Citizens Advice Cymru (£484,086), Law Centres Network (£32,025), RNIB (£20,988), Shelter Cymru (£79,158), SNAP Cymru (£90,710) and the Welsh Refugee Council (£42,467).

Jeff Cuthbert said: “This announcement is another example of our commitment to taking action to provide practical help to people living in, or at risk of falling into, poverty.

“Free advice services are more important than ever given the current economic climate and the impact welfare changes are having on whole communities. Thousands of people rely on specialist, expert advice, but funding is being squeezed at the very time when more people are turning to them for help. Many of these advice services are facing direct cuts to their funding.

“I want to make sure people do not fall through the cracks given the changes to the UK welfare system and am delighted to be announcing these grants.”

An additional £103,950 is being granted to three organisations to provide specialist discrimination advice to around 347 clients.

The three beneficiaries are: Race Equalities First (£25,073), Citizens Advice Cymru (£69,506) and the Royal Association for Deaf People’s Deaf Law Centre (£9,371).

The Minster added: “Ensuring everyone in Wales is treated fairly is fundamental to my vision for a country that embraces equality and diversity and that we can all be proud to live in. These grants will ensure that people who believe they have experienced discrimination can receive professional advice.”

Community hub plan floated for bank building

 

* Community hub plan: the HSBC bank building in Bridge Street.

 

If Llangollen’s HSBC bank closes early next year the building it occupies could be used as a community hub housing small businesses, meeting rooms and a café.

The ambitious plan is the brainchild of local man Mike Edwards who was a member of the team which led the bid for Llangollen to win Cittaslow – slow town – status earlier this year.

Mr Edwards (pictured below) says if HSBC is determined to press ahead with the closure against the wishes of local campaigners, the imposing building in Bridge Street could be acquired on behalf of the people of Llangollen as a community facility.

He explained: “If the branch does close, the Welsh Government should demand that HSBC provides the building to the community on a medium term lease at a peppercorn rent.

“Cittaslow Llangollen could then investigate the condition of the property and put together a business plan to convert the building into a business and community support hub.

“This might have, say, a cafe on the ground floor with business space and serviced meeting rooms on the upper floors which could be let out to generate additional income.

“That way it's a project which would be self-funding in the long term because it would be generating income not merely soaking up money.

“There may also be space for a residential unit to be used be a caretaker-type individual who would be responsible for providing day to day support for the hub users.

“Some of the accommodation could be available for the use of local clubs and organisations to meet etc.”

Mr Edwards added: “The hub could be equipped with ITC - internet, printing, photocopying etc - which local independent businesses could use and, if they wanted to meet customers, suppliers or similar, they could use the meeting rooms with full support normally available to larger business who have extensive resources.

“Armed with a convincing business plan we could convince funders, such as the Welsh Government and the Lottery, to back the refurbishment and conversion of the building.”

Mr Edwards says the Llangollen hub could be based on the successful model of Glyn Wylfa Ltd, which is housed in the former estate office overlooking Chirk Aqueduct.

It has been established as a social enterprise and development trust by a committed team of local residents with complementary business and social community skills.

The refurbished building includes a variety of high quality office accommodation, a meeting room for up to 20 delegates plus a café. It also offers an arts and crafts market place at weekends.

* Gill Thomas from the Chamber of Trade and Tourism has sent the following note to llanblogger:

"Just wanted to clarify the situation re customers of HSBC using the post office. This option is only open to personal account holders. Business, Charity and Community account holders will have to travel to Chirk, Ruabon or Wrexham. This is why this decision is so devastating for us and means we will probably have to move to one of the remaining banks in town."

KLS issues latest statement on bank closure issue

Keep Llangollen Special has issued its latest statement on the proposed closure of the HSBC bank in Llangollen, which we bring you here:

 

“In a BBC News article on Friday, RBS (NatWest) are quoted as saying, “Since 2010, branch transactions are down almost 30%”.  We know what that means.

 

“Also, from Barclays just recently when 1,700 job cuts were announced, one quote stood out:  “Mr Blakey [editor of Retail Banker International] thinks banks need to "right size" their branches, because they are not needed as much with the advent of mobile and internet banking.

 

“We’ve been urged to leave HSBC, but how can you jump ships when there are no ships left to jump to?

 

“Now is probably a highly counter-productive time to take precipitous action like switching accounts from HSBC as it might harden HSBC’s attitude further.

 

“We have written to Alan Keir of HSBC to help smooth-over ruffled feathers, at least while negotiations continue. It has been acknowledged.

 

“Despite the flat refusal by HSBC to meet with the Chamber of Trade, Mark Isherwood has persuaded them to have a meeting in Cardiff,  accompanied by Ken Skates AM.

 

“It is not an event to which others are invited, regrettably, so we need to furnish them with as much ammunition as we possibly can.  

 

“We have been asked by Mark Isherwood’s office to provide details of any individual cases we would like him to take to the meeting.

 

“We now know what to do; it’s all hands on deck to canvas for cases from businesses and residents about how the branch closure would cause hardship to them.

 

“I’m quite certain the Chamber of Trade and KLS can compile all your comments and present them in a coherent and concise form.

 

* As a for instance, some of us may feel that their accounts would not be transferrable to a new bank due to problems with debt and still need a local manager to help them because of their relationship with someone who understands their circumstance rather than a stranger who might be less sympathetic.

 

* It might be because of anxiety and the need for personal  understanding and sympathetic contact.

 

* It might due to physical impairment or that the cost of transport is unaffordable to them.

 

* Perhaps you have no telephone, which implies you have no Internet access either.

 

* Impaired vision, partial hearing and physical immobility  are obviously problems, and if you have carers provided by social services you may not be willing to entrust your bank account details with.

 

* If you’re a trader in town and have concerns such as openly carrying sums of cash to bank, even road safety  worries crossing the A5 to the Post Office or delays introduced by third parties slowing its transfer to your account, let us know.

 

“Please be a good neighbour – if you know anyone who would be unable to read this, please let them know.

 

“We need your name and address. It will be kept confidential. Hand-written letters, which we encourage, may be given to Watkin & Williams who have kindly offered to be a collection point. (Mark the envelope HSBC, please.)

 

"Whatever the reason, please contact researcher@keepllangollenspecial.org.uk , or the Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism  at LlanCTandT@hotmail.co.uk.

 

“What we need to tell our leaders is that this is no longer a local issue. It’s turned UK-wide. Our local and national economies are going to plummet if we can’t find a solution.

 

“Next week, documents will be sent to all AMs. Watch this space.”

 

Martin Crumpton, 

Chair,

Keep Llangollen Special.

Railway gets two new engineering apprentices

* New apprentices Luke Denoven, left, and Harry Jones.

Llangollen Railway has two new apprentices on its books following a recruitment scheme in association with Coleg Cambria in Wrexham.

The offer of two engineering apprenticeships produced applications for the posts from students undertaking the mechanical engineering course at Coleg Cambria.

Five students were called for interview and two have been selected.

After completing a two-week ‘no commitment’ trial period at the railway’s workshop in Llangollen,
the two successful candidates have now begun a four year engineering skills programme.

This provides for part time day release to continue their studies at Coleg Cambria whilst gaining experience in the maintenance, restoration and building of locomotives at the heritage railway.

Dave Owen, Head of Engineering at Llangollen Railway, said: “Llangollen Railway is pleased to be able to offer two engineering apprentice positions this year.

"Since 2001 we have provided 12 apprenticeships to aspiring engineers and, whilst some have moved on to positions elsewhere in the railway industry, others have stayed with us as long term employees.
They are now experienced engineers who have played a major part in the challenging locomotive restoration projects we have completed in recent years.

“Our two new apprentices will receive an apprenticeship in traditional engineering, in conjunction with day release to an engineering course at Coleg Cambria. They will be involved in work on the three exciting schemes being undertaken here to build new examples of steam locomotives with the
Betton Grange, Patriot and Night Owl projects.

“If the railway heritage business is to continue to prosper, it is essential we have young engineers joining the ranks of the Llangollen Railway work force, skilled in traditional methods which allow steam locomotives to be maintained and restored.”

The two successful engineering apprentices are both from Wrexham.

Luke Denoven, aged 19, a former pupil at St Joseph’s High School, studied Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Cambria, said: “I am really thrilled to have got the apprenticeship at Llangollen Railway and look forward to a career in engineering.”

Harry Jones, aged 17, a former pupil at Rhosnesni High School, has also studied Mechanical Engineering at Coleg Cambria, said: “ I look forward to gaining practical hands-on experience in a real industry with good career prospects.”

During their first week at Llangollen Railway both have helped with the preparation of the LMS ‘Patriot’ locomotive project which is due to go on show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham during the Warley Model Railway Show to be held November 23/24.

Councillor urges people to move their business away from HSBC

A Llangollen county councillor has taken his business away from HSBC in protest at the bank's decision to close its branch in the town.

Stuart Davies, who was at yesterday's protest outside the bank in Bridge Street, has just written to senior bank bosses to complain about their "intransigence", through its regional manager Rachel Thomas, in refusing to discuss the closure, due in February next year, with local representatives such as himself.

Cllr Davies (pictured right) tells them he has already transferred his savings to a rival bank and has urged other local people to do the same.

In an email to HSBC, Cllr Davies says he was elected on his promise to help safeguard jobs and generate more and suggests the closure of a major bank branch in Llangollen does nothing to help that pledge.

He says: "I urge fellow politicians to join him in putting pressure on the higher ups in HSBC to reverse the decision.
"I also call on the public to vote with their feet.

"Today I initiated the process of transferring all my savings and accounts to Barclays from HSBC, a process made easier by the recent changes to help make transfers easier.

"By doing this, not only do we make our point to HSBC, we actually help to strengthen the remaining banks in Llangollen by increasing their business.

"Perhaps when HSBC senior managers see the amount of savings flowing out of their coffers to their rivals then market forces might start to apply to them."

One of the recipents of Cllr Davies's message is HSBC chief executive officer lan Keir from whom he requests the "courtesy of a reply".

KLS asks bankers' group for statement on HSBC closure

The chairman of Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) has fired the latest salvo in the battle to save the town's HSBC bank.

He has written to a bankers' organisation seeking its views on HSBC's refusal to discuss the axing of the Bridge Street branch next February.

Led by officials of Llangolen Chamber of Trade and Tourism, a group of around 25 protesters gathered outside the bank to demonstrate against the closure.

Now, Martin Crumpton, who chairs KLS, has referred the matter to the British Bankers' Association, the UK’s leading association for the banking and financial services sector, representing the interests of more than 240 member organisations with a worldwide presence in 180 countries.

In his email, he says: "I seek a Statement from the BBA, on behalf of my Community Group and many other interested parties, regarding the intractable refusal of HSBC to negotiate their programme of withdrawing branch services from rural communities in Wales, a matter raised in the Welsh Assembly this week due to its widespread detrimental effect on small communities.

 

"This programme, which we see mirrored by announcements of cuts by other major banks, is widely regarded as a cynical manoeuvre to cuts costs and increase profits, perhaps in response to threats of caps and levies by the Labour Party.

 

"That HSBC, to be followed by the other banks, previously known as the high street banks, is offloading customers onto the Post Office and the Internet is indisputable, whether by intent or not. That HSBC, a profitable business, will increase its profits by branch closures is also indisputable. We believe that the BBA shares a responsibility along with HSBC and other banks to act in a socially-responsible manner, and a Statement from you is eagerly anticipated."