Go Compare man to sing alongside Bryn Terfel in Llan

* Incomparable ... top tenor Wynne Evans who'll be starring

in Sweeney Todd with Bryn Terfel at Llangollen International

Musical Eisteddfod.

Top tenor Wynne Evans has landed an incomparable new role - singing alongside opera superstar Bryn Terfel in Llangollen.

Wynne  – best known as the waiter who belts out catchy jingles in the Go Compare TV ads – will be starring with the bass baritone in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street at this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

But first Wynne faces a mad dash from Covent Garden where he'll be performing in the Richard Strauss opera, Ariadne auf Naxos, the night before at the Royal Opera House.

 

He'll be joining Bryn and an all-Welsh cast in an English language production of the Sondheim classic on the opening night of the Llangollen Eisteddfod on Monday, July 7, that's being sponsored by the Pendine Park care organisation.

 

According to Wynne, 42, Llangollen is one of his favourite places on the planet.

He explained: “Llangollen is a very special place and one of the most special places on earth for a week.

 

“I performed in a headline concert there a couple of years ago and also presenting BBC 2’s coverage of the festival for the last two years.

“Llangollen is a wonderful place to return to especially as I’m going to be performing with my old mate Bryn Terfel.

“I’m playing the role of Pirelli, Sweeney Todd’s arch rival who is slain by the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Luckily, Bryn and I are good friends or I might just take it personally!

“We both attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, although he was a few years ahead of me. So we have been good friends having know each other for a long time."

Wynne, who was born in Carmarthen, was an established opera star long before he was picked to play Gio Compario for the Go Compare TV ads and has performed at many of the world’s top venues including the Royal Albert Hall.

The TV exposure, he says, has been a bonus when it comes to concert ticket sales.
He added: “It’s amazing really. Six years ago I was relatively unknown until of course Gio Compario came along. It doesn’t bother me though, I know I was a successful opera singer before he came along and I will continue performing in the future.

“I think about the attention I get as my being an ambassador for Wales actually. I have just been over to Dublin for the rugby international, I was working for a TV station, and, as usual, I got lots and lots of ‘Go Compare’ shouts from across the street.

“However, I feel quite honoured really. I know some artists and performers who get quite precious and don’t want to perform the very song that made them famous. I can never understand that, it just doesn’t make sense to me.

"People expect you to perform what they know you best for. What’s the point in disappointing people?

“I know a lot of people come along to concerts or opera performances I’m in as a direct result of seeing those TV ads so I am happy to celebrate that.

“And I’m filming a few more ads in the near future so you can expect to see Gio Compario back on your TV screens quite soon!”

Sweeney Todd was the perfect introduction for anybody who hasn't seen live opera before.
He said: “It’s superb. Fast moving and menacing it's got a bit of everything including murder and intrigue and the music is just sensational."

This year’s Eisteddfod will also feature concerts by Dutch jazz sensation Caro Emerald and veteran British rockers Status Quo as well as a world premiere of a new work, Adiemus Colores, by top composer Karl Jenkins.

 

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

 

The Friday night concert, Spirit of Unity, will feature the Cape Town Opera, Africa’s premiere 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 for the Pavarotti Trophy on the Saturday night is the blue riband event of the week-long festival which will close with a Sunday night concert by Status Quo.

 

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

Local youngsters shoot monuments film

* Valle Crucis Abbey.

 

Denbighshire schoolchildren will be the stars on the red carpet in an upcoming premiere of their films on Welsh heritage sites at the Llangollen International Pavilion.

Inspired by Welsh heritage sites at Rug Chapel and the Valle Crucis Abbey, the pupils will showcase the results of their hard work in creating films based on the monuments under Cadw guardianship.

The schoolchildren from Ysgol Caer Drewyn in Corwen and Ysgol Bryn Collen in Llangollen will showcase their work to friends and family in a launch on March 6.

 

Valle Crucis Abbey was visited by Ysgol Bryn Collen’s year 4 class.

 

The pupils spent the day exploring the site and its surroundings, including the ninth century Eliseg’s Pillar which stands on a Bronze Age burial mound just 500 metres from the abbey. After tours from the Cadw custodian and archaeologists, the pupils worked on creating their interpretation of the historical area in film.

 

Pupils from year 5 at Ysgol Caer Drewyn visited the Rug Chapel site and connected with its past through a series of poems they had written. A digital film was then created at the school which showcases the stunning historical site with the pupils poetry read out over the images.

 

The project, led by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, had utilised  the pupil’s skills in communication, team working and literacy, applying the Curriculum Cymreig to learn about music, languages, geography and art as well as history. The children have been working with award winning company Big Heritage to create the films.

 

Dean Paton, at the Big Heritage company said: “Big Heritage exist to create new ways for people to engage with their shared past, so we were really pleased to work with Cadw to help local schoolchildren to explore the stories of two amazing local places".

 

"Valle Crucis gave us an opportunity to tell stories of a whole landscape, whilst Rug Chapel focused on the tiniest of details that caught the imagination. The project has helped the local schools to appreciate their past, and the films leave a wonderful creative legacy for others to enjoy."

Dai Chef cooks up his dream job

 

* Dai Chef at Bodnant Welsh Food.

 

A TOP celebrity chef who wowed opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti with his culinary skills has landed his "dream job".

 

Dai Chef, who lived in Chirk for many years, has vowed to champion Welsh produce after being appointed as the resident chef at Bodnant Welsh Food in the Conwy Valley.

 

The centre of excellence at the heart of the 5,000 acre estate has been a big hit since it was officially opened by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall in 2012.

 

According to Dai, his role at Bodnant  is the culmination of a 30-year mission to promote the merits of Welsh food.

 

Working with Executive Chef Clare Jones who's been at Bodnant since it opened, he will be running the centre's Hayloft restaurant and tea room as well as teaching in the cookery school, with the ingredients coming from Bodnant's acclaimed farm shop.

 

Dai famously cooked for Pavarotti when he came to perform at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in 1995, exactly 40 years after he first came to Llangollen as part of his father's choir from Modena, in Italy.

 

A native of Aberystwyth, Dai gained his initial experience in some of the largest hotels in London's West end and by the age of 21 he was the youngest chef saucier – in charge of the creation of delicious sauces – at the world famous Carlton Club in St James’s.

 

He was the founder of the Welsh Culinary Team and is now seen as the "Daddy of Welsh Chefs", having trained the like of Rhodri Williams, the Senior Sous Chef at Raymond Blanc's legendary Oxfordshire eatery, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons.

 

For the past six years Dai has been chef director at the Ship Inn at Red Wharf Bay on Anglesey and in 2008 he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship at Glyndwr University in Wrexham.

 

Dai, who's moved to live in Colwyn Bay, said: "I started championing Welsh food 30 years ago when it wasn't flavour of the month so my role at Bodnant - as the centre of excellence for Welsh food - is truly a dream job for me. It's a marriage made in culinary heaven.

 

"The menu at the Hayloft restaurant will be full on Welsh rustic food with a modern twist.

 

"All the ingredients are available right here literally on the doorstep. Bodnant has its own butchers shop and delicatessen. The butter is produced here, the bread is baked here. We're not talking food miles - it's more like food yards.

 

"I'm just putting the final touches to the menu for St David's Day and I've gone down the traditional route with lamb, leek and lava bread in a cawl style.  I’m going to slice some lovely potatoes over the top with some the award winning Bodnant cheese."

 

Gwyndaf Pritchard, the General Manager at Bodnant Welsh Food, was equally excited about Dai's arrival.

 

He said: "We are the Welsh Food Centre and Dai is very passionate about Welsh produce, as well as being extremely talented and creative.

 

"Bodnant is now well established as a centre of excellence but we are determined not to rest on our laurels and Dai's appointment will help take us to the next level.

 

"Food is an increasingly important part of the Welsh economy and we are doing our bit by sustaining local growers and local farmers.

 

"Forty per cent of the produce on sale in our shop comes from Bodnant Welsh Food and if we can't produce something ourselves, then the Conwy Valley is our first port of call.

 

"These are exciting times at Bodnant and we have an appetite for even more success."

New health centre plan gets go-ahead

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

County councillors have approved plans to bulldoze the former River Lodge (pictured below right)and replace it with a new £5.5 million health centre on the same site off the A539.

The application from the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was given the go-ahead by the planning committee earlier this week.

However, a number of extra conditions were imposed on the original application.

These are:

8. The car parking areas shall not be brought into use until the written confirmation of the Local Planning Authority has been obtained to the proposed management arrangements for the use of the parking areas outside core operating hours.

Two conditions also need to be added to the suggested list, to cover the requirements of the Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, and questions raised over the potential for contaminated land on the line of the former railway.

Suggested new condition(s):

20. No development shall take place within the application site until the applicant, their agents, or successors in title has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation, which has been submitted by the applicant and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The archaeological work shall be undertaken and completed in accordance with the standards laid down by the Institute for Archaeologists and MoRPHE (2006). On completion, appropriate reports and an archive assessment shall be submitted for approval to the Local Planning Authority and the Development Control Archaeologist, Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust, 41 Broad Street, Welshpool, Powys, SY21 7RR  Telephone 01938 553670.

Reason: To ensure appropriate archaeological investigation and works are undertaken in conjunction with the development.

22. If, during development, contamination not previously identified is found to be present at the site then no further development (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority) shall be carried out until the developer has submitted a remediation strategy to the local planning authority detailing how this unsuspected contamination shall be dealt with and obtained written approval from the local planning authority. The remediation strategy shall be implemented as approved.

Reason: To ensure that appropriate steps are taken in the event of contamination being identified in the interests of protecting the adjacent main river from pollution.

Plas Madoc battlers could seek judicial review

* The packed public meeting in Acrefair. Picture courtesy of Mabon ap Gwyfor. 

Campaigners at a public meeting in Acrefair last night (Thursday) said they planned to consult a barrister about the possibility of a judicial review into the proposed closure of Plas Madoc leisure centre.

See a report on the BBC website at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-26269338

Segway centre plan is withdrawn

llanblogger exclusive

A planning application for a segway adventure trail on the edge of Llangollen has been withdrawn.

Details of the scheme - reference number 03/2013/1014 - on land to the north of Cilmedw Farm, were submitted to Denbighshire County Council last August. 

The plan called for the creation of a segway adventure trail, the demolition of an existing building and the erection of a replacement building to provide facilities for a segway centre and, as a white water rafting centre, the formation of vehicular access and creation of car park and associated development.

According to the planning brief, the site of the application was to the west of the A5 and to the north west of the White Water Hotel, and located close to the edge of Llangollen amongst a cluster of development associated with the town and set around the A5. 

However, yesterday (Thursday) an objector to the scheme was sent a letter from Graham Boase, Denbighshire’s Head of Planning and Public Protection, says: “I write to advise you that the above application submitted to the Local Planning Authority has now been withdrawn by the applicants/agent and the Authority will not therefore proceed any further with its consideration.”

The site of the application is currently agricultural land which slopes up from the A5 towards the northern and western sides of the site in line with the land form of the area, which is defined by the wooded slopes that form the western side of the Vale of Llangollen. 

The brief explains: “The proposal is a full application for the creation of a segway adventure trail and a white water rafting centre which involves the following elements:

• Creation of a segway track (with a grass surface);

• Demolition of existing agricultural building on site and erection of a replacement building of a similar size and scale which will provide facilities for the segway centre, and will also be used as the base for the applicant’s white water rafting business;

• Creation of a new access and formation of a parking area (gravel surface);

• Provision of wood chip path between parking area and building;

• Formation of soakaways to serve the building."

The planning brief submitted with the application said: “The proposal would make a positive contribution to the area’s economic character as it would provide employment and would be an additional attraction that would assist in attracting and retaining visitors. 

“A new access will be provided for the site onto the road bordering the northern section of the western edge of the site, this will then allow access onto the A5 via the existing junction.” 

Well-known local campaigner Martin Crumpton, of Berwyn, who led the initial opposition to the Sainsbury’s supermarket on the Dobson & Crowther site off the A5 and also battled plans for the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital, opposed the segway scheme.

Writing to a county council planning official last August Mr Crumpton expressed his concern the proposed development would destroy an identified, active badger sett and lead to what he described as “further decimation of AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and World Heritage land”.

On hearing that the application had been withdrawn, Mr Crumpton said: "The badgers who live at an undisclosed location west of Cilmedw are now safe."

Plaid Cymru to stage annual conference in Llan

* Llangollen Pavilion.

Hundreds  of delegates from across the country will be converging on Llangollen next autumn as Plaid Cymru stages its annual party conference at the town’s Pavilion.

Plaid leaders say they see it as a landmark occasion as it will be the last major gathering of supporters before the 2015 General Election.

It is also regarded as significant because it will be held just weeks after the referendum on Scottish independence.

The conference will take place oat the pavilion - home each summer of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod - on Friday and Saturday, October 24 and 25.

An official statement from Plaid Cyrmu says:  “The party are looking forward to returning to Llangollen, following many successful conferences there in the past. 

“The venue is an ideal one for our conference,  with great facilities at the pavilion, ample accommodation nearby for our delegates and the backdrop of the beautiful landscape of the Llangollen area.

“Taking place under the shadow of the ancient Welsh stronghold of Dinas Brân, this conference will be held little over a month after the Scottish referendum on independence.

“Whatever the result, it will undoubtedly change the contours of politics in the UK and will therefore provide an enabling context for our debates. This is will also be our last annual party conference  before the Westminster elections of 2015.

“Many policies discussed and adopted at this conference will inform our 2015 manifesto and candidates for that election are sure to have a prominent presence on the conference stage. 

“The highlight of the conference will be on the Friday afternoon, when Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood AM will address delegates.”

David Davies, chair of Llangollen Chamber of Trade & Tourism, said: “We are delighted to hear that Plaid Cymru is to hold its annual conference this year in Llangollen.

“This will provide a great opportunity  to boost the economy of the town during the generally quiet autumn period and showcase the outstanding beauty and attractions of the area.

“Hopefully, it will also demonstrate what a good venue the Pavilion is for other conferences in future.” 

Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru's North Wales AM, said: "Holding our national conference in Llangollen is a great opportunity for delegates from all over Wales to see what exactly this part of the country has to offer. I'm sure Llangollen will be offering its customary welcome to the conference."

Plaid Cymru points out that its conferences are open to all members. Opportunity packs for organisations and charities wishing to book stalls are available now for the conference at Llangollen by contacting Gwenno George – gwennogeorge@plaidcymru.org

Message about recycling from county council

Denbighshire County Council says it is advising householders in Llangollen to recycle their glass bottles and jars using the simple and convenient household recycling service provided by the council (blue bin/blue dumpy bag or clear sacks as appropriate) after reports that a contractor has removed the bottle bank on Market Street.
   

A statement from the council says: "Any businesses that have used the Market Street bottle banks will need to ensure they have the arrangements in place to comply with all waste legislation. Most waste collection contractors, including Denbighshire County Council, can offer collections of recyclable materials as well as non-recyclable rubbish."

 

Llan man launches new poetry collection

Mike Law of Llangollen will launch his new collection of poetry at the latest in a series of Viva Voce open mic nights at the Saith Seren Welsh community centre in Wrexham this evening (Wednesday)  from 8-10pm. Admission is free. 

 

 

 

 

 

Schemes benefit from seized crime cash

People across north Wales have chosen which community projects are to benefit from the money seized from criminals in the region.

 

Following a public online vote, two projects in each county have been awarded grants of up to £3500 towards reducing crime in their local area.

 

The grants have been distributed under the Participatory Budgeting Fund set up by Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick (pictured right) and partly funded with money seized by North Wales Police under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

 

The fund was launched at the beginning of November and community groups were invited to bid for grants to help cut crime and reduce anti-social behaviour.

 

A total of 73 projects were submitted and later shortlisted to five per county area following a panel discussion involving police, local authority and community representatives.

 

Commissioner Winston Roddick said: “It is only right that money recovered from those who commit crimes against people in north Wales should go back to benefit local communities.

 

“This small grants initiative goes a step further by allowing the public to decide on where and how it should be spent.”

 

The programme was coordinated by PACT (Police and Communities Trust), operated through North Wales Police.

 

North wales Police Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Simon Shaw said: “I would like to congratulate the groups on their success in securing funding for their initiatives.

 

“The worthy recipients cover a wide-range of interesting and exciting projects that will help enhance local communities. What makes this even more worthwhile is that they are being funded by money we’ve taken from criminals.

 

“I look forward to hearing about the development of the winning projects.”

 

The successful groups, by county, are:

 

ANGLESEY:                 Plas Road Allotment Project, Holyhead (£3500); Valley Community Group (£3301)

 

CONWY:                      Llandudno Junction FC (£3500); Llanrwst Junior Football Club (£3300)

 

DENBIGHSHIRE:          Prestatyn Youth Centre (£1150); St Asaph Football Club (£2000)

 

FLINTSHIRE:                Saltney Ferry Scout/Guide Group (£3500); DangerPoint (£3500)

 

GWYNEDD:                 Gwarchod Bermo Watch, Barmouth (£3500); Noddfa Community Church, Caernarfon (£3500)

 

WREXHAM:                 Wrexham Street Pastors (£3500); Groundworks North Wales, Alyn Waters, Wrexham (£3500)

 

County unveils new anti-bullying strategy

Denbighshire County Council's proactive approach to tackling bullying amongst children and young people has been highlighted in a brand new strategy hot off the press.

The council's Anti-Bullying Strategy aims to help schools reduce the frequency of bullying, increase the likelihood that incidents are disclosed to responsible adults and intervene effectively when bullying happens.

The council says it will help reduce bullying by:

·        providing a model anti-bullying policy and guidance for schools, including establishing effective procedures for recording and dealing with bullying incidents;

·        providing targeted training where appropriate, for example with regards to Internet safety and cyber bullying;

·        collecting information about incidents of bullying in schools to inform future policy development;

·        supporting schools in tackling bullying issues, for example directly through existing support such as behaviour support teachers and education inclusion officers or referrals to other external agencies;

·        establishing a mechanism for raising awareness of bullying issues, including sharing effective practice and useful resources.

An example of a proactive approach to tackling bullying has been the establishment of the Prestatyn Community Anti-bullying Group. The Council's Educational Psychology Service is part of the cohort of people that formed this group approximately two years ago. We have wide involvement from the local community.

Safe Havens have been created  in shops in the town centre and the Council provides training for people in the shops to safely engage with young people who feel unsafe in the town when they are out and about.

This venture is becoming quite successful and the intention is to have the community programme run out in other towns in Denbighshire.  This method of community action means that the focus is on protecting the young people throughout the school week, after school and weekends.

Michael Duke, Denbighshire's Principal Educational Psychologist, said: "There are many important categories of bullying, including bullying around racism, sexual orientation, gender-based, bullying of people with long term health conditions and cyber bullying.

"In Denbighshire, the Council has been active in training students, staff, parents/carers and other professionals for some years in the dangers of the Internet and safe use of social networking sites.  This is an increasing problem nationwide and is difficult to trace, requiring schools to be particularly vigilant and innovative in finding solutions.  

Dr Melaine Ackers, an Educational Psychologist with Denbighshire County Council said: "We are spending a lot of time working with schools to address any concerns or issues they may have, but also to raise awareness of issues around bullying and trying to prevent it from happening in the first instance. The situation in Denbighshire is no different to any other part of the country, but with new communications channels available, we need to be more alert to how bullying can happen and be more creative in our approach to tackling the issues."

Sky man backs bid to save leisure centre

Sky Sports commentator and Wrexham Supporters' Trust president Bryn Law is the latest person to add his voice to the campaign to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

The commentator, who was raised in Ruabon, said: "I'm aware of the threat to Plas Madoc. It would be a very great shame if it had to close.

 "The leisure centre and pool played a big part in my life when I was growing up in Ruabon. I'd never seen a pool with a slide and wave machine before I made my first visit on the very same day I moved house from Liverpool. Our new neighbours took me and my brother whilst my parents unpacked.

 "I've played football and badminton in the gym and I still go to the pool with my children when I come over to North Wales to visit my parents. At a time when we're all being encouraged to live more healthy lifestyles, I'd have thought it would be a better decision to improve not remove facilities. Good luck with the campaign."

His passionate plea is another boost to the growing campaign to save the leisure centre.

Clare Wright, speaking on behalf of the campaign to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, said they were grateful to Mr Law for speaking out on this important issue: "The level of support from people from beyond the immediate area is fantastic as they realise the threat to this unique leisure centre. Bryn speaks for many when he says how important it still is to him and his family.

"The full council is voting on the clo sure on February 26th and the campaign group will be holding a mass meeting at 7.30pm on Thursday, Feb 20th, at the Air Products Social Club in Acrefair to discuss our next move. We are clear in our minds that the future of Plas Madoc is in the hands of individual councillors and they must do the right thing next week. If they do not, we will hold them to account in their communities."

Santander pulls out of agency branches

The Daily Post's website is reporting this evening that the bank Santander is pulling out of five agency branches in north Wales, including Ruthin.

See the full story at: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/santander-pull-out-five-north-6719759 

Group formed to save Plas Madoc

A group of experts and community representatives has been formed to work on an urgent plan to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

The team has been brought together following a meeting of campaigners, local councillors, third sector organisations, Wrexham Council officers and experts in energy conservation and social enterprises.

The meeting on Sunday to form a plan of action was called by Clwyd South AM Ken Skates and organised by Cefn Mawr councillor Derek Wright.

Labour AM Mr Skates said: “People are extremely anxious about the possible loss of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre because of the UK Government's austerity programme, but Sunday’s meeting has provided us with Plan B and an alternative to closure which I hope Wrexham Council will help us deliver.

“I am extremely grateful to those people who gave up their time to attend what was a last-minute event to look at alternative ownership models for Plas Madoc. I know many more people would have liked to attend and I will be seeking their views and assistance this week.

“We agreed to form an efficient working group and to tap into the required expertise needed for a viable business plan for the future of this popular facility. We will need time to develop the plan, but the desire, knowledge and energy needed to save the centre is definitely evident.

“I am keen to see the centre remain open while Plan B is developed and I hope everyone, regardless of their politics, will be able to come together in a constructive way as a matter of urgency. I also urge current service users to stay loyal to Plas Madoc while we invest time and effort in trying to protect it.”

Mr Skates added: “Above all, one message is clear. UK austerity and welfare reforms are devastating the country, so now more than ever before we need to stand up for our most vulnerable communities, otherwise they will crumble. That means we must be united and put all our energy into delivering solutions to impending public service cuts.

“By 2020, Wales will be getting 20% less from Westminster than we were getting at the start of the decade, so alternative ownership and operational models for council-run services need to be initiated right now.”

Redundancy story comments disputed

A community group is disputing comments reportedly made to media outlets by a local county councillor in stories about redundancies planned at Llangollen printworks Dobson & Crowther.

The company is due to move to a new factory to be built on nearby farmland at Cilmedw allowing Sainsbury’s to develop a new superstore on its current riverside site.

A turf-cutting ceremony due to be held at Cilmedw on Friday was cancelled. This was due to bad weather, according to developers J-Ross.

Separate stories appeared last Friday on the BBC website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-26192993 and in the Daily Post http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llangollen-up-30-workers-face-6711941 about redundancies at the factory.

In the Daily Post story there was confirmation of a redundancy situation by Dobson & Crowther managing director Paul Holden.

In both stories Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies is reported to have blamed “the process caused by opposition to the development” for slowing the opening of the new factory.

But the comments have prompted criticism from community group Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) which opposed the superstore plan.

A statement from Martin Crumpton, chair of KLS, says: “Cllr Stuart Davies has blamed opposition to the plans for the downward fortunes of the printworks. By opposition, he specifically blames the Keep Llangollen Special community group.

“Neither we, nor any other opponents of the developments, have had any bearing on the state of the company’s business.

“Neither we nor any of the plans’ opponents have protracted the granting of planning permission in any way – no judicial reviews, no injunctions, only exercising our legitimate rights in objecting on behalf of the majority of Llangollen’s residents. Until Friday we were unaware the company’s prime customer was cancelling its contract.

“We saw the job cuts coming and warned him long ago and several times this would happen. We will not shoulder any further transfer of blame by the councillor and feel that the time has come for him to consider his position before the community is put at further risk.”

Cllr Davies told llanblogger he did not wish to respond to the KLS statement.

READER REACTION:

It seems perverse to blame the proposed redundancies at Dobson & Crowther on opposition to the Sainsbury’s superstore. Final planning was granted in December 2012, so why did the developers only start building the new factory in January 2014?  In any case, if the redundancies are the result of a lost contract, a new factory, or the lack of it, is a bit of red herring.

 

Gill Thomas

Linking memories – a bridge through time

A new project on the famous Chain Bridge at Llantysilio has begun. 

The bridge has gone through three reincarnations in its lifetime, the first dating back to 1817.

It is believed, through work carried out by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW), that it is possibly the oldest cast iron chain link bridge in the Western world.

Now, after its closure in the 1980s, a new project is underway which focuses on the historic bridge.

The £350,000 Heritage Lottery funded project will involve a series of events with local communities and schools. 

Samantha Jones, Heritage Officer for the project, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the local area. I am keen for as many people as possible to be involved in the project. One way people can get involved is through helping us gather memories of the bridge and we are looking for volunteers to help us with this.”

On Friday, February 21, there will be a free training event which is open to everyone.

The event is being held at the Llangollen Town Hall running from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The day will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project along with presentations by heritage experts who will speak about digital archiving, guide volunteers in the use of various recording kit and equipment along with helpful tips on interviewing techniques.

Volunteers will also have the chance to practice their interviewing skills with assistance from the experienced professionals. Speakers will include Helen Rowe and Nikki Vousden from RCAHMW; David Crane from the Llangollen Museum; and local heritage professional Lorna Jenner. 

If you are unable to attend this date but still want to get involved or have a story you want to share please contact the Chain Bridge team.

* For more information or to book your place please contact Samantha Jones at chainbridgeheritage@gmail.com or call 07936590867.

You can keep up to date on the project via Facebook, Twitter and our Wordpress site, www.chainbridgeproject.wordpress.com

Latest roadworks details

Hall Street, Llangollen, road closure from March 10-28 to allow the laying of road cables.

Brook Street, Llangollen, road closure from February 25-March 18 to allow laying of new cables.

Outside the Canoe Centre, Berwyn Road, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from March 24-26 to allow water works.

Prince of Wales Pub, Regent Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from March 24-26 to allow water works.

Birch Terrace, Llangollen, A5 from area boundary to Queen Street, temporary traffic lights from February 20-March 6 to allow retaining wall works.

Park Avenue- Hall Street, Berwyn Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights until March 14 to allow the laying of new cables.

Dee floods near Corwen

* A picture of the Dee flooding from North Wales Police control room.

The River Dee has burst its banks at Corwen.

On Twitter at about 9.30am, the North Wales Police control room says: “Flooding in Corwen. Green Lane only just passable with extreme care. Don't take risks, use an alternative route.”

Another tweet from the control room at around the same time says the flooding is near Carrog.

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Research prompts call for Plas Madoc to be saved

New research revealing that poorer communities are less physically active has prompted calls for Wrexham Council to reverse its decision to close Plas Madoc leisure centre.

 

The research by the ESRC (Economic and Social research Council) says that being less physically active is storing up huge health-related problems for the future.

 

Researchers from the ESRC examined data on over one million adults in England. The large sample size and detailed local information made it possible to produce precise estimates of the link between physical inactivity and different aspects of individual socio-economic positions, adjusted for local cost of physical activity.

Their research shows high levels of inactivity are closely associated with people’s socio-economic position – specifically income, education and local area deprivation. Other factors influencing physical activity include gender, ethnic group, age and geographic area.

 

The policy implications refer to:

- Subsidising sports centres and swimming pools to keep prices low could enable low-income people to attend local facilities

- Financial support for the development of sports facilities in lower socio-economic areas with reduced tax bases could provide gyms, football pitches and pools which are free at the point of access.

Plaid Cymru Clwyd South spokesperson, Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “Plas Madoc is in one of the most deprived wards in Wales. This research shows that inactivity levels and deprivation levels are linked. Our Health system is already struggling. The closure of Plas Madoc is a short sighted decision which will create huge problems for the future.

“The ESRC is a respected research body and is the UK's largest organisation for funding research on economic and social issues. It says that swimming pools and sports centres should be kept open and financial support should be given to develop sports facilities.

“By contrast, Wrexham Council is actively closing a popular leisure centre based in one of our most deprived wards.

“Diabetes Type Two is on the increase; obesity levels are rising; heart disease continues to be the nation’s biggest killer. All of these cost our NHS tens of millions every year. Health costs could be cut if we provided more leisure facilities. Plas Madoc is ideally placed to play an important part in tackling these health issues and help ease the burden on our health service.”

Plas Madoc campaigners pledge to fight on

Organisers behind the Save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre Campaign have expressed their disappointment at Tuesday’s vote to close Plas Madoc but say they are resolute in continuing their campaign for its survival.

As the next step in they have announced a public meeting for next week, Thursday 20th February at the Air Products Social Club in Acrefair.

One of the Organisers, Greg Ogden, said: "Naturally, we are disappointed that the WCBC Executive Board chose to inflate their egos with an unnecessary dream over the well-being of the vulnerable and less-abled people in the community. However, we believe that we can persuade the council to change their minds and vote for the Leisure Centre to remain open."

"We are constantly being stopped in the street with people angry that Wrexham South is being abandoned by its council and politicians. The vote for closure is the only topic of conversation in the local shops and cafés. These same people are telling us that they will remember which councillors have neglected them at the next ballot box. We have promised them that we record and publish how each councillor votes.

"One local resident told me, 'What is the council for, if they won't listen to what the public want for their area? What is the point of the council, if it closes our valued services and amenities?' The campaign team wholeheartedly agrees with this sentiment, what is purpose of the council, if it won't fulfill the wishes of its residents?"

Another campaign organiser Darrell Wright, said: "We are inviting all those concerned with the plight of Plas Madoc to meet next Thursday. Together we will plan how we can secure the future of the Leisure Centre and how the campaign will be run over the next few weeks. We encourage everyone who can make it to be there.

"In the meantime, we urge everyone to contact their local councillor and demand that they vote to save Plas Madoc at the full council meeting on February 26."

In the next few days, the campaign team will meet with AM Ken Skates and Cllr Paul Blackwell to tell them how angry their voters are with the council's decision.

The team is also discussing professional advice they have had which they say states that the social enterprise/community trust initiative is being set up to fail, as the council is "dragging their heals" over presenting information that was first requested in October.

Church to hold St David's Day celebration

St Collen's Church, Llangollen, is holding a St David’s Day celebration in the church hall at 7pm on Saturday, March 1.

Welsh stew and sandwiches will be served and tickets, at £5, are available from the vicar on 01978 860231.

Lib Dems launch 'more nurses' campaign

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have launched their ‘More Nurses’ campaign in a bid to make Wales the first country in the UK to establish a legal duty for safe nurse staffing levels. 

 

In December, Kirsty Williams AM was drawn in the National Assembly’s private member’s ballot with her proposal for minimum nurse staffing levels to be enshrined in law. 

 

She is working with the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to encourage people to support the campaign to allow the legislation to be taken forward and properly debated. 

 

Assembly Members will vote on the proposed bill on March 5.

 

North Wales Lib Dem AM Aled Roberts (pictured left) said: "There is increasing evidence from across the world that nurse staffing levels have a significant impact on patient care and the recruitment and retention of staff.  Yet sadly in Wales our nurses are under immense pressure with high workloads, which means they are unable to give the level of care they would like.

 

“It is staggering to see the vast difference in the ratio of nurses to patients in Wales when compared to the rest of the UK.  Our nurses are being forced to do more, but with less.  Wales deserves better than that.

 

“Mandatory nurse staffing levels in other countries have led to increased recruitment and retention of nurses, reduced reliance on agency staff, fully funded budgets for safe staffing levels, better patient care, more manageable workloads, increased job satisfaction and reduced stress.

 

“Safe nurse staffing levels would also be a more efficient use of funding, reducing reliance on costly agency staff and overtime, reducing lengthy hospital stays and reducing the risk of harm. 

 

“I want Wales to lead the way in being the first country in the UK to establish a legal duty for safe nurse staffing levels.  We have three weeks left to make the case for this bill to progress to the next stage.  I urge everyone to visit www.morenurses.org.uk to make their voice heard and encourage their local AM to vote ‘Yes’ on March 5.” 

Local MP wins national road safety award for campaign

Susan Elan Jones, MP for Clwyd South, has been awarded a national road safety award by the charity Brake and Direct Line Group for her work campaigning for longer jail terms for drivers who kill or seriously injure.

 

Susan (pictured right) launched her campaign after the tragic death of nine-year-old, Robert Gaunt, who was run over and killed in 2009.

The driver of the car involved had no licence, no insurance and failed to stop when he hit Robert. He was given a 22 month prison sentence, but served just 10 months.

 

The maximum sentence for causing a death when driving unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured is two years in jail, and the maximum for killing someone and failing to stop and report it is up to six months. This compares to a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for drivers convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

 

Susan brought forward The Driving Offences (Review of Sentencing Guidelines) Bill under a 10-minute rule bill in January. She called for the government to reconsider the maximum jail sentences for driving that leads to death and serious injury, including unlicensed and hit and run drivers.

 

After being contacted by Robert Gaunt's family and other local residents in 2010 outraged over the lack of justice following Robert's death, Susan determined to take up the call in Parliament.

 

Since then, Susan has been in regular contact with the family and has written letters, worked in the media, tabled parliamentary questions and lobbied ministers to raise awareness of this gross injustice.

 

In 2011, Susan drew the attention of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Crispin Blunt, to her campaign and urged him to consider a review of maximum sentences for serious driving offences. While he noted her concerns, this time the Minister did not accept the need for a review.

 

Susan was able to secure cross party support for her Private Member's Bill - in January 2014 - calling for a review. Numerous other MPs across different parties said they had experienced similar cases to Robert's in their own constituencies, and were equally concerned about the issue of justice for bereaved and seriously injured road crash victims.

 

The formal date for second reading in Parliament is 28 February and the Ministry of Justice is now committed to reviewing the law surrounding serious driving offences.

 

Susan has been speaking to MPs across different political parties to try to ensure the issue is kept at the forefront of the political debate, and vows to continue working on the campaign.

 

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, the road safety charity, said: "We're fully behind Susan's campaign, which is vital in helping to secure justice for families who have been devastated by road death or serious injury.

 

"Risky, illegal driving frequently ends lives violently and needlessly, and inflicts appalling suffering on families and communities, which we bear witness to through our support services for crash victims. It's crucial these offences are taken seriously and appropriately tough sentences are handed out, to deter risky driving and ensure justice is done.

 

"We applaud Susan's work, and look forward to continuing to work alongside her in the future."

 

Susan Elan Jones said: "Brake is an outstanding campaigning organisation - and I am absolutely delighted to receive this award. However, this award also belongs to local campaigners and Overton-on-Dee Community Council who have worked with me throughout on this campaign.

 

"We remain determined in our quest to work with Brake to secure some measure of justice for the family of those people so tragically killed or seriously injured on our roads."