Campaign to improve homes' energy efficiency launched

Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government are joining forces to improve the energy efficiency of homes across the county.

The local authority has teamed up with the Welsh Government Warm Homes Nest Scheme which supports low income families struggling with their energy bills.

The scheme provides a range of advice and support for householders, and free home improvements for residents who receive a means tested benefit and own or rent a home that is particularly hard to heat.

Officers at Denbighshire County Council have undertaken detailed data analysis of properties across the county to identify households that are eligible to receive the free assistance.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member, said: “We are keen to ensure that every household in Denbighshire which meets the Nest Scheme criteria can benefit from the scheme. Nest provides much needed support to low income families who are often paying high energy bills due to the inefficiency of their property.

“We will be sending letters directly to households which we think may benefit from the scheme but we would encourage any household in need of advice and support to contact the scheme directly.”

Lee Parry, Head of Nest, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Denbighshire County Council. Their innovative approach to data analysis and their commitment to their local residents will help the Nest Scheme to reach as many low income households as possible.”

“The Welsh Government funded free home improvements, including new central heating systems and insulation, are often too expensive to replace for households in receipt of a means tested benefit. By working in partnership we will be able to help the Council support its local residents.”

Denbighshire County Council and the Nest Scheme will be holding a series of roadshows across the county in the One-Stop Shops to provide an opportunity for local residents to find out more about the scheme.  The local one will be at Llangollen Library on Wednesday July 6, from 1.30pm-3.30pm.

The Nest Scheme can also be contacted on Freephone 0808 808 2244 or at www.nestwales.org.uk.

Denbighshire joins UK in voting to LEAVE EU

The UK has voted by 52% to 48% to leave the European Union after 43 years in yesterday’s referendum, the BBC’s online news service reported just before 6.30am.

The report says London and Scotland voted strongly to stay in the EU but the remain vote has been undermined by poor results in the north of England.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage hailed the result as the UK's "independence day", it adds.

The majority of Denbighshire voters opted to leave.

At just after 2.20am this morning, the county council announced the result of the poll in the county.

Of the 52,108 people who voted, 28,177 went for Leave against  23,955 who chose Remain.

The turnout was 69.1% (52,108 people voted out of 75,362 people eligible to vote).

The number of postal votes issued was 15,177 – the number returned was 13,035 (85.9%).

The number of polling stations was 67.

* For the full results, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-36570120

It's open doors at historic sites this Sunday

North Wales South East Wales South West Wales

Economy and Infrastructure Secretary Ken Skates has announced the Welsh Government is opening the doors, free of charge, to all of its directly-managed Cadw sites on Sunday June 26 June to mark Wales’ historic achievement at reaching the final 16 in the European 2016 Football Championship.

That includes Valle Crucis Abbey in Llangollen (pictured).

Following Monday night’s 3-0 victory against Russia, which also placed Wales at the top of its qualifying group, Ken Skates said: "We entered this competition with a real feeling that qualification was just the start for this group of players and we were right. 

“From fan behaviour to Wales’ performance on the pitch, this tournament has captured the hearts and minds of this country and really helped to showcase to the rest of the world what Wales is truly capable of.” 

Earlier this month Mr Skates, who is also responsible for Major Events and Elite Sport in Wales, said he would be delighted to offer free entry to Cadw’s historic castles and monuments on June 26 if the Team reached the final 16.

Following Monday’s result he said: “We waited 58 years for this opportunity but it was certainly worth the wait.

“This has unquestionably been our Year of Adventure so far and long may it continue. I am pleased to confirm that not only will our castles remain illuminated in red but also, this Sunday, everyone will have the opportunity to visit our directly-managed Cadw sites for free.

“I hope the people of Wales will take full advantage of this opportunity and enjoy a thoroughly fun, informative and fulfilling day out to help celebrate the success of our national football team.”
There are 24 directly-managed Cadw sites in Wales where the special offer applies.

With more than 130 sites to explore across Wales, further information about all of Cadw’s castles and properties can be found on the Cadw website

The 24 directly-managed Cadw sites in Wales where the special offer applies are:

• Beaumaris Castle
• Caernarfon Castle
• Conwy Castle
• Harlech Castle
• Criccieth Castle
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
• Denbigh Castle
• Rhuddlan Castle
• Rug Chapel
• Valle Crucis Abbey
• Cilgerran Castle
• Kidwelly Castle
• Laugharne Castle
• Oxwich Castle
• St David’s Bishop’s Palace
• Strata Florida Abbey
• Caerphilly Castle
• Castell Coch
• Chepstow Castle
• Raglan Castle
• Tintern Abbey
• Tretower Court & Castle
• Blaenavon Ironworks*
• Caerleon Roman Baths*

* Caerleon Roman Baths and Blaenavon Ironworks are already free to enter so although they are included on this list the offer of free entry is not limited to June 26.

Isherwood campaigns for armed forces community

* Mark Isherwood AM meets RAF veteran Andy Davies to discuss the campaign at the Welsh Assembly.

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has declared his support for The Royal British Legion’s ‘Count Them In’ campaign which calls for questions on the Armed Forces community to be included in the next UK Census.

It is estimated that there are currently between 6.5 million and 6.7 million members of the Armed Forces community living in the UK, representing about a tenth of the population.

However, says Mr Isherwood, little is known about the exact numbers, location and needs of this significant group.

He believes that including new questions on the next census would provide public bodies, and charities with information to ensure they are able to deliver the best services they can for the Armed Forces community. 

After meeting veterans' representatives, he said: “There could be up to 250,000 veterans in Wales, but without this data we cannot plan for the NHS Wales capacity needed, commission the wider services required, or provide the support on which family and carers depend, and we cannot  deliver on the promise made by the Armed Forces Covenant that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.”

Chris Simpkins, Director-General of The Royal British Legion, said: “As a nation we promise to provide lifelong care and support for those who serve our country, and by adding questions to the 2021 UK Census we can help public bodies and charities to deliver the best services they can for our Armed Forces community where they are needed most. We thank Mark for adding his support to our campaign and it’s time to make the next census count for our Armed Forces community . We count on them, lets Count them in.”

* People can show their support for the campaign by visiting the campaign website, www.britishlegion.org.uk/census, or by posting on social media using the #CountThemIn hashtag.

MP's concern over fire service cuts plan

Susan Elan Jones, Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, has written to every member of the North Wales Fire Authority expressing deep concerns about proposals to cut 24 posts one of Wrexham’s two full-time engines.

Ahead of the authority’s meeting yesterday (Monday), at which the controversial plans were discussed, Ms Jones urged members to ‘go back to the drawing board’.

She said: “I am extremely concerned. This news comes only weeks after the service moved into a brand new joint ambulance and fire station, a £15m facility built with joint investment from both services. It’s quite astounding.”

Ms Jones said she feared response times would increase and lives consequently put at risk by the ‘short-sighted’ cuts put forward.

She added: “I understand Wrexham Fire Station is already dealing with more than 40% of all North Wales arson incidents, and a large proportion of the road traffic accidents across the region, and it will be facing increased pressure over the coming years with the anticipated 20% increase in the local population.

“Cutting the second appliance from Wrexham would, surely, result in delayed responses. In an environment where every second counts, this could be considered to be a deliberately irresponsible course of action.

“The second appliance based at Wrexham also supports outlying fire stations in Clwyd South at Johnstown, Chirk, Llangollen and Corwen. It is extremely worrying that standby support in these areas would cease, leaving large areas along the A5 corridor without adequate cover.

“I would urge the authority to go back to the drawing board and seriously reconsider these short-sighted proposals for the safety of the public.”

Wrexham Fire Station receives around 1,000 calls per year, about a quarter of the total for North Wales. Another 50 fire engines cover the remaining 75% of the region.

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates said he would also be writing to the authority to raise his concerns.
UPDATE ...
North wales Fire and Rescue Authority said it will consult on the proposals, the BBC reported yesterday (Monday).
For the full story, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-36570627

Wild Pheasant goes on the market

The Daily Post is reporting today (Monday) that the Wild Pheasant Hotel in Llangollen has gone on the market for £2.25 million.

For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llangollens-wild-pheasant-hotel-spa-11495088

Band tuning up for Picnic in the Garden

* Last year's successful Picnic in the Garden at Plas Newydd.

Llangollen Silver Band will be holding their popular Picnic in the Garden event at Plas Newydd next Sunday, June 26, from 4 – 6.30pm.

The event will feature all three of their bands  - training, youth and senior bands - performing sets alongside other musical guests.

Band spokesman, Robert Stock, explained: “In addition to brass music provided by our three bands, we’ll have string performances from Florence Harvey, Lucy Mwale and Elizabeth Mwale.

"We’re also delighted that Ysgol Bryn Collen’s Drama Group will again be joining us, following their successful performance alongside us at a concert in Llangollen Methodist Church back in March.

"They will be performing a selection of favourites from musicals such as The Sound of Music, Annie and Cinderella Rockafella.”

Tickets for Picnic in the Garden are now on sale at the cost of £5 and are available to purchase at the Council Office on Parade Street, Tourist Information Centre, Glyn the Butchers on Castle Street, and from band members. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate.

Concert goers are asked to bring along a folded chair, picnic and umbrella. 

A cake stall will also be available to purchase a range of homemade treats.

Should the weather on the day be particularly poor, the even will be held at Llangollen Town Hall instead.

Check the band's twitter page at www.twitter.com/llanband for any announcement regarding to where the event will be held.

Rock star heads hand hygiene campaign

* Rock star Mike Peters is to lead an Olympic-style baton tour around North Wales.

Rock star Mike Peters is to lead an Olympic-style baton tour around North Wales, as part of a Hand Hygiene crusade to help prevent the spread of life-threatening infections.

The Alarm front-man is among a team of NHS patients and staff who will carry the Hand Hygiene baton around the region, championing the message: 'Clean hands save lives'.

Mike, 57, from Prestatyn in Denbighshire, is battling leukaemia and so has learned first-hand the importance of hand washing when it comes to staying infection-free.

The Hand Hygiene baton will tour North Wales during nine days of events organised by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, including visits to Ysbyty Glan Glwyd at Bodelwyddan, Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.

Mike will take the baton on a tour of wards at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and speak to patients about the importance of hand hygiene, from 9.30am on Friday July 1. 

Four symbolic Hand Hygiene batons are being passed around communities across the UK this summer, in a campaign organised by the Infection Prevention Society (IPS), and delivered in North Wales by the BCUHB Infection Prevention team.

The tour was launched in Scotland on May 5 to coincide with the World Health Organisation's World Hand Hygiene Day, and will finish on September 26 in Yorkshire. 

It will be in the Wrexham area on June 27 and 28, Bodelwyddan area on June 29 and 30, and July 1 and Ysbyty Gwynedd from July 3 to 5. Full details of the tour will be revealed at a later date.

The idea is to spread the message, not the bugs, says the Infection Prevention team at BCUHB. 

Mike hopes his visit to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd on July 1 will help catapult the important message that ‘Clean Hands Save Lives’ into the national spotlight. 

During a glittering career Mike, 57, has shared the stage with A-listers Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Bono and Neil Young, while The Alarm has achieved 15 UK top 40 hits and sold more than five million records worldwide. 

Despite his illness he continues to tour, both at home and overseas, spurred on by the passionate support of his army of fans.

The married dad of two who lives with wife and manager, Jules, and their two sons, Dylan, 12 and Evan, nine, near Dyserth, Denbighshire, knows from personal experience how important hand hygiene is, particularly for those with low immunity levels, the very young, frail and elderly. 

He is a staunch supporter of Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Ysbyty Gwynedd, without which he says he would not be alive today.

Mike was diagnosed with lymphoma in 1995. Chemotherapy treatment forced it into remission, but the cancer came back in 2005 in the form of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. 

Further treatment kept the disease at bay until last year when it recurred. In a crushing blow for him and his family Mike was told he had developed a resistance to the life-saving drugs he was on and doctors had to urgently change his treatment regime. 

He is now on a trial drug to which his body is so far responding positively. He has regular treatment and check-ups at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.

Mike says after years of suffering from cancer and going through times when his strength and immunity levels were dangerously low, he knows how easy it is for a commonplace infection to develop into something more serious and potentially lethal.

He said: “I had absolutely no hesitation when asked to support the infection prevention campaign because I know first-hand how effective it is when it comes to saving lives. 

"Simple preventative measures like washing your hands regularly can make a huge difference, stemming the spread of bacteria and viruses and so protecting the vulnerable.”

Tracey Cooper, the Assistant Director of Nursing in charge of infection prevention at BCUHB, will hand the baton to Mike before he takes it on tour around Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

She said: “It’s the year of the Rio Olympic Games and we’re all up for a challenge, but we’ve set ourselves a very specific goal here in North Wales – we want to stop potentially fatal infections from getting out of the starting blocks. 

"We’re over the moon Mike has agreed to be an ambassador for us.”

Infection Prevention Nurse, Kathryn Chapple, who has organised a week long hand hygiene events programme for BCUHB, added: "Mike’s visit will be a highlight of our campaign. 

"He has a large fan base here, among staff as well as patients. He will tour the various departments and visit wards.”

Experts estimate that eight out of 10 infections are spread by touch. 

Nurse Kathryn Chapple said: “That’s why washing your hands properly is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent and control the spread of many illnesses. 

“An efficient hand hygiene routine can significantly reduce the risk of contracting colds, flu, food poisoning and stop healthcare associated infections being passed from person to person. We recommend people wash their hands frequently, not just after going to the toilet, or before meals, but regularly throughout the day.”

The message was firmly reiterated by Mike’s wife Jules who admits to having become a ‘hygiene obsessive’.

She said: “I don’t want to sound paranoid of anything, but as a carer I know how bad it can get. 

"When Mike was first diagnosed I was terrified of people coming near him or even visiting him in hospital because of the risk that they could spread on infection. 

“He has so many adoring fans and has always made himself so accessible to them. I urged him to start doing ‘fist bumps’ instead of handshakes to minimise the risk.

“We all pick up invisible bacteria during the course of the day, just by touching things around us – hand rails or door knobs, for instance – and these bacteria are easily passed from person to person. 

"If you are in full health you may have the ability to fight off colds and other viruses picked up in this way, but if you are vulnerable in the first place they can become life-threatening. 

“Passing on an infection is so easily done just by shaking hands with or hugging someone when you have not washed your hands.  

"But it is also easily prevented by one simple measure – hand washing. If there is not a washroom nearby then carry an anti-bacterial cleanser. I am always telling Mike and the boys to carry anti-bacterial hand gel round with them and to use it regularly.”

Jules’s determination to support the hand hygiene campaign is strengthened by her experience of having spent a traumatic month in isolation in hospital after picking up a virus while on a fund-raising climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. 

It was in aid of world leading rock and roll charity the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation which Mike co-founded following his cancer diagnosis.

The foundation promotes music related, outreach and awareness programmes for leukaemia and cancer sufferers, survivors and their families. It builds cancer centres, funds medical equipment and supplies, raises awareness about cancer and campaigns for more potential donors to sign up to the organ and bone marrow registers.

It has seen Mike perform at famous summits around the world, from Mount Snowdon, on his home turf, to the top of New York’s Empire State Building, the world’s highest rock concert on Mount Everest, a dawn concert at Mount Fuji, Japan, and the ‘roof of Africa trek’ to Mount Kilimanjaro. 

It was following that trip when Jules suffered a blood clot which caused her leg to swell up, coupled with a mystery virus, which nearly killed her, and resulted in her having emergency treatment in Liverpool’s Tropical Disease Centre isolation unit. 

She said: “It was a very frightening time, during which I had to be quarantined from everyone including Mike and the boys, all my family, and friends, for a month. 

“I put myself in the hands of the doctors and followed their advice to the letter because I knew that was the best thing I could do. 

"I was very lucky to come out of it alive and one thing it has taught me is how easy it is for what seems like a small insignificant infection to escalate out of control. 

“That’s why the Hand Hygiene campaign is so important to us as a family, because it can make such a massive difference. It is amazing to think that such a simple task can have such a huge impact, but all the evidence is clear, washing our hands regularly really does save lives.”

The Hand Hygiene tour is the largest campaign of its kind held by the Infection Prevention Society and coincides with the 2016 World Health Organisation Clean Your Hands offensive, leading up to an infection prevention conference in Harrogate this September. 

You can follow the Hand Hygiene tour on Facebook and Twitter by searching @BCUbeatthebugs or #IPSTorchTour16

For more information visit www.ips.uk.net

Llan MP's tribute to murdered colleague

WHILE taking sensible precautions for their own safety MPs should never forget they are there to represent individuals and communities and cannot do that by hiding themselves away.

That was the message from Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones as she paid warm tribute to fellow  Labour MP Jo Cox who was murdered on the streets of her Yorkshire constituency last Thursday.

Ms Jones (pictured) said: “The tragic news about the murder of Jo Cox has shocked the whole country.

“It is clear that Jo was a person who cared very deeply about other people, both in this country and across the world.

“She had a career of distinguished service as an aid worker and a campaigner before she entered Parliament and she was every bit as dedicated in her work as an MP.

“Jo was also a mother to very young children. I know many people across our country and the world will hold her family and close friends in their thoughts and prayers at this very traumatic time. 

“Many of us were very moved by the words of Jo's husband after her death that we can best remember Jo and honour her life by standing up against the hatred that led to her death.”

Ms Jones added: “Regrettably, there often seem to be much hatred, fear and extremism in politics in our country today. However, there is also much that is good.

“One thing that I believe that we must cherish is the right of individual constituents to meet with their Members of Parliament.

“Of course, MPs and everyone in the public eye must take sensible security precautions, but we MPs should never forget that we are here to represent individuals and communities.

“And we can't do that by hiding away from people.

“Yesterday (Friday) I visited the museum in Cefn Mawr and then held a constituency surgery in Llangollen Library with Ken Skates AM.

“I will continue to do all I can to help and represent my constituents to the best of my ability.

“Democracy and tolerance are precious treasures in our country and across our continent. We must never let the voices of hatred and extremism threaten them.” 

Archive material now at touch of button

Information held in Denbighshire’s archives is now only a click away, with a new website launched to help people delve into the county’s history.

The new interactive website, one of the first of its kind in Wales,  can be found by visiting: archives.denbighshire.gov.uk

The site has been 18 months in the making, developing and enhancing online services for researchers.

People can access  details of collections held at Denbighshire, selected digital images, order digital copies, book to use the service and make online payments.

Archivist Sarah Roberts, said: “More and more people are using online resources for research to discover who lived in their house or the history behind their local area, church or schools.

“The new developments are in direct response to the changing needs of our researchers and online audiences."

Councillor Barbara Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Modernisation, said: “These changes have only been possible because of the dedication of staff and volunteers working with the service. The website looks fantastic and provides users with an interactive platform to engage with the service in new ways."

The website has been supported by the National Archives and the Museums, Archives and Libraries Division of Welsh Government.

Church's requiem will mark Somme centenary

ST COLLEN’S Church in Llangollen has arranged a special commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in World War One.

At the church at 7.30pm on Thursday June 30, Glyndŵr University Community Choir, conducted by Owen Roberts, will perform Faurés Requiem.

There will also be readings by pupils from Ysgol Dinas Brân. Admission free with a retiring collection.

After the concert, a lit candle will be placed at the war memorial in Castle Street until 7.30am next day when whistles will be blown to mark the actual time the Battle of the Somme began on July 1 1916.

There will be a short Service of Remembrance at the war memorial at 11am.

Open evening

* St John’s Church in Abbey Road, which is associated with St Collen’s, has just had a programme of modernisation work completed.

This included new central heating, a new kitchenette and a disability toilet have been added.

Vicar, the Rev Andrew Sully, said: “We’d love to show people what’s been done and so are holding an open evening on Tuesday June 28 at 7pm.

“Our hope is that members of the community will be able to meet here for occasional one-off meetings or for more regular group meetings during the whole year, now that we have central heating.”

AM challenges First Minister over new home numbers

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has challenged the First Minister over house building in Wales this week, claiming that the number of private units granted planning permission in Wales has decreased while England has seen a substantial increase.

Speaking in the Chamber Mr Isherwood (pictured) said: “Given that, in England, Local Plans produced in consultation with the community have been the cornerstone of planning reforms, how will your Government engage with the Home Builders Federation regarding the statement in its Welsh election paper, ‘Building Communities, Boosting Investment’, that, because of the many improvements in England, in terms of reduced regulation and greater land availability, the relative attraction of investing in the requisite land and skills in Wales has reduced over recent years?

“The results can be seen in the most  recently published data on planning permissions, which show that, since the start of 2013, the number of private units granted planning permission in Wales has decreased by 4 per cent, whilst increasing by 49 per cent in England.”

The First Minister replied: “Well, we have seen significant increases in the number of houses being built in Wales over the past two years. It seems to me that, in England, the plans there are designed to block housing development and not to encourage housing development.

"What there needs to be, of course, is a properly regulated development plan so that people are able to see where development will take place. I don’t believe that local development plans, of themselves, are sufficient over a wider economic area, which is why strategic plans, to my mind, have a great deal of force and are a great deal of help when it comes to planning for the future.”

Mr Isherwood added: “So it seems he still won’t listen to those who actually build the homes needed to tackle Labour’s housing supply crisis in Wales. Last year Wales was the only UK nation to see a fall in the number of new homes registered.” 

Young Llan performer is West End smash

A TALENTED young performer from Llangollen has won glowing praise for his part in a West End concert celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the Childline charity.

Cassius Hackforth was one of the young stars from across the UK chosen to take part in A Fabulous Musical Afternoon at the Arts Theatre, which also saw an appearance by musical legend Marti Webb. * Cassius Hackforth when he appeared in the Young Uns' production of Half a Sixpence The show was a fast-paced review of the classic musicals of the last 60 years programmed by Robert Page and presented by a company of over 30 performers. Cassius, who attends Ysgol Dinas Bran and played Bulfrog to great acclaim in last year’s production of the musical Honk! by Llangollen Operatic’s Young ‘Uns junior section, took to the stage in the second half of the show. And, according to a critic from the London Live Review, he virtually stole the show. The report says: “The solo performance of the day did not belong to the West End stars. It belonged to a young man called Cassius Hackforth. “Putting children in a show is always a risk on a bill of top West End talent.   “However, Chay had proved in the first act that the Facebook winners were some of the best young singers in the UK.   “Cassius has already bagged a lead role with the National Youth Music Theatre. This performance of Different from Honk was totally mesmerising and he owned the theatre.   “In fact, it was so fantastic that Sylvia Young who was attending the show offered him a free Summer Place at her famed Summer School. A bright future is surely ahead for Cassius.”

County urges support for business campaign

Denbighshire County Council is urging residents to get behind their campaign to support local businesses in the county.

The #LoveLocalDenbighshire campaign aims to get people to show their support for local businesses by using the hashtag on Twitter and Facebook to promote good experiences they’ve had and promote products and services locally that they have ‘loved’.

The council also wants Denbighshire businesses to engage with the campaign and use the hashtag to promote their goods and services to help spread the word about the diverse range of products and services that are available in local towns and villages.

Leader of the Council, Hugh Evans OBE, said : “We are calling on the people of Denbighshire to show support for local businesses and show community spirit by making sure we look after our high streets.

“There are so many fantastic businesses here in Denbighshire in all sorts of areas from food and hotels, to shops selling uniquely made crafts and providers of unique services and experiences. We need to get the word out and make sure people use them. 

“They also help create a thriving local economy and support our communities by providing jobs for local people. We really want the people of Denbighshire to share their positive experiences of engaging with local businesses by shopping in them and taking the pledge to love shopping locally.”

Chairman of the Clwydian Range Food Trail and one of Denbighshire’s Tourism Ambassadors, Dave Jones, said: “I think this is a really positive campaign from the Council. Local businesses need to support each other, build networks and promote each other. Engaging with social media is a great way to do this.

“It’s also really important that communities get behind their local businesses and support them too. We have a wealth of fantastic businesses in this County and we need to get the message out that buying locally is good for everyone in so many ways.”

The campaign is also part of the Council’s drive to develop the local economy by supporting vibrant and viable high streets, working to support healthy private businesses.

MP stands up for social enterprises

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones will be championing the cause of local social enterprises in Parliament today (Wednesday).  

Leading a debate entitled Support for Social Investment, she will call on the Government  to amend laws and change accounting regulations to help social enterprises that benefit local communities.

Ms Jones (pictured), who co-chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group for Charities and Volunteering, believes that her proposed changes, if supported by the Government, could be of massive financial help to the 68,000+ social enterprises nationwide.

Local examples of social enterprises include Splash Magic Leisure Centre, Plas Madoc, Glyn Wylfa Ltd at Chirk and, potentially, Llangollen Railway, the Brymbo Heritage Group and Ty'n y Capel Inn and Restaurant in Minera.

She said: "I believe that our country needs much more serious thinking and action about how our communities can be better and stronger.

"Social enterprises - using cost-effective business models to improve communities - are an excellent way of doing this and I think we should be doing much more to support them as they try and access finance.

"My debate on this issue comes as the result of a lot of thinking and discussion with people who work in social enterprises.

"I am very pleased that this debate was selected for discussion and really hope the Government takes on board what we are asking for."

Experts roped in to spread Eisteddfod word

* Llangollen International Eisteddfod banners are placed above the railway line with the help of local company R3 Safety & Rescue using their team of abseilers. Paul O'Sullivan, left, secures the banner with help from Chris Heath, watched by Eisteddfod marketing chairman Ian Lebbon, front right, and railway manager Kevin Gooding.

A team of high ropes experts from Llangollen have swung into action to help spread the word about the town’s iconic music festival.

The intrepid operators swayed out over the River Dee in the town centre to fix a four metre advertising banner to the Llangollen Railway Station bridge to get the message out about next month’s International Musical Eisteddfod.

Now thousands of travellers on the famous steam railway will see that the famous festival runs from Tuesday, July 5, to Sunday, July 10, what’s on and where to get tickets.

It’s also in clear view of the even greater numbers of visitors to the picturesque town who stroll across the famous Dee bridge, one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, and stop to admire the spectacular view upstream.

The idea came from Eisteddfod Marketing Chairman Ian Lebbon who said: “It’s a great example of different organisations in the town working together.

“We asked Llangollen Railway if we could put the banner up on their pedestrian bridge across the tracks and they agreed and we asked our neighbours at R3 Safety and Rescue who rent an office at the Eisteddfod site and they came up with the high ropes expertise to put it up safely.

“The railway station is a prime location and they’ve also allowed us to put more banners up on the stations along the route at Berwyn, Glyndwyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen.

“We’re very grateful to the railway and to R3 for their help – in a small town like this it’s important that we all work together.”

Llangollen Railway, a heritage line run by enthusiast, operates a mainly steam service the ten miles to Corwen and back with over 1,000 passengers a week during busy periods.

Kevin Gooding, the Railway’s General Manager, said: “We will have thousands of visitors passing through the station so it is in an ideal spot.

“We benefit from the Eisteddfod because the TV often bring artists and performers down here to film them and so we get our share of publicity from that.

“We had Prunella Scales and Timothy West here last year for a cream tea because they were filming on the canal and the next thing we were being inundated with requests from round the country for cream teas.”

The man hanging out over the waters of the fast-flowing Dee was R3 Safety and Rescue Managing Director Paul O’Sullivan watched by Operations Director Chris Heath.

He said: “We’re a safety and rescue training provider and we work across the UK. Ian asked if we’d help out with this and we’re delighted to do so.

“We teach all the emergency services a range of skills including mountain and water rescue and we use the River Dee and even the Royal International Pavilion which is ideal for our high ropes work so we were happy to get involved.”

Tickets sales for the concerts at this year’s Eisteddfod, which begins on Tuesday, July 5, are already going well, especially for the opening night when superstar Katherine Jenkins gets the programme off to a sensational start as she sings Bizet’s Carmen.

Wednesday will be International Children’s Day and will include choral and dance competitions and also a new Under 16s solo competition while the evening will feature the Voices of Musical Theatre.

The great Bryn Terfel will headline the 70^th Classical Gala Concert on Thursday evening while the day will see the crowning of the Children’s Choir of the World.

Friday will celebrate Rhythms of the World and will be a feast of music and dance from the best of the Eisteddfod’s international competitors with the Dance Champions of the World competition climax at the evening concert.

It will open with a Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza, followed by the International Peace message delivered by Theatr yr Ifanc, Rhosllannerchrugog.

In a change of the scheduling Friday will also see the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, switched from Tuesday in anticipation of bigger crowds and more competitors being present.

Saturday is dedicated to the top choirs and concludes with the Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy while Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert.

To book tickets and for more details on the 2016 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

250+ homes plan for old Air Products site

Wrexham.com is reporting today that an application has been made to build more than 250 homes on the former Air Products site in Acrefair.

For the full story, see: https://www.wrexham.com/news/250-homes-proposed-for-former-air-products-site-114105.html

Museum's programme of events

Llangollen Museum of Local History has three major events planned over the next few weeks, details of which are below ...

Warning over bogus computer calls

* Now with a message from town councillor Phil Thane at the foot of the story

Denbighshire Trading Standards is reminding residents to be extra vigilant following reports of telephone calls from a company claiming to be from Microsoft Windows. 

These cold callers are usually attempting to get access to your computer or asking for a payment to fix an issue. 

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire’s Public Protection Manager said: “Residents should be aware that Microsoft, or other computer software providers, do not make unsolicited calls or emails to charge for computer security or fixes.  If individuals need to check then they should go to the official Micorsoft website.”

Trading Standards is offering the following advice to consumers:

* Be suspicious of unsolicited calls related to a computer or other security problem, even if they claim to represent a respected company

* Never provide personal information, such as credit card or bank details, to an unsolicited caller

* Do not go to a website, type anything into a computer, install software or follow any other instruction from someone who calls out of the blue

* If you can, take the caller’s information down and pass it to the authorities, but if you are uncomfortable with the caller, simply put the phone down.

* Use up-to-date versions of your operating and application software

* Make sure security updates are installed regularly

* Make sure the firewall is turned on and that antivirus software is installed and up to date

* If you have any concerns about your computer, take to a local/ reputable expert to check it out

To help reduce the number of unsolicited calls, consumers can register for the Telephone Preference Service on 0345 070 0707.

* Message from Llangollen town councillor Phil Thane:

Saw your blog piece regarding windows scam. I got a call a few years back and recorded it. Worth waiting for the punch line...

http://pthane.co.uk/?s=broken+windows