Balloon festival provides spectacular sight

* One of the balloons heads from the field and across town.

* A member of the Red Devils display team in action.

* Another of the balloons reaches for the sky.

* A third balloon gets airborne.

Llangollen Balloon Festival provided a thrilling display for scores of people waiting on the bridge and across town earlier this evening.

Around half a dozen colourful balloons launched from the International Pavilion field around teatime to drift slowly towards Regent Street.

Shortly afterwards there was another spectacular sight as members of the Red Devils Parachute Display Team went through their paces hundreds of feet above the town.

Still to come this evening:

* 8pm Evening Glow

* 8pm Firework Display

And programme for tomorrow (Sunday) is:

7am Gates open for early morning ascent.
10am Main show begins with balloon display in main arena.
11am Galloping Acrobats
12pm Cheshire Falconry
1pm Balloon Display
2pm Llangollen Motorcycle Club
3pm Galloping Acrobats
4pm Cheshire Falconry
5pm British Ironworks Balloon Race

New tourism awards celebrate success of North Wales

* North Wales Tourism managing director Jim Jones.

The first ever tourism awards celebrating the work the spectacular successes of the £2 billion industry in North Wales are being launched.

The Go North Wales Tourism Awards, which will also showcase local produce, aim to highlight excellence in the region’s high flying hospitality and tourism sectors. 

The awards are being run by private sector body North Wales Tourism, in partnership with Heart FM, and will be handed out at a gala dinner on Thursday, November 24 at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Heart FM presenters Spencer and Rachel will also be at the black-tie event.

* White water rafting is one of the many

activities on offer in North Wales.

North Wales is at the centre of the growing adventure holidays market and is earning recognition as a world leader thanks to developments like Zip World, Surf Snowdonia and the Snowdonia Pass provided by the Attractions of Snowdonia.

Tourism already employs 40,000 people across North Wales - which adds up to one in every seven jobs in the area.

At the same time more than £100 million of mainly private sector money is currently being invested in tourism-related projects in the region.

North Wales Tourism managing director Jim Jones said: “These awards are all about celebrating everything that’s wonderful in North Wales. 

“They will showcase and celebrate the achievements, hard work and dedication of the hundreds of entrepreneurs who run businesses in this area.

“Tourism and hospitality are worth millions to the economy of North Wales, with the value growing every year. Thousands of people already work in the industry across the six counties and there’s the potential to grow this, to enable more jobs to be created.

“We want people to nominate their tourism business, by demonstrating their success and showing how they offer an exceptional experience to visitors - one that makes people return time and again to North Wales.

“There are a wide range of categories because there are so many different providers in the tourism and hospitality sector in North Wales. It could include an adventure park, bike trail, hotel or B&B, a crowd-pulling event or festival, campsite, promotional campaign, or a new food or drink. 

“There is also a Green Award as it is important that we safeguard this environment - we know visitors to North Wales come to enjoy the wonderful outdoors and we want future generations to continue to enjoy it. 

“I am very grateful to those businesses that have agreed to sponsor the different categories - their support will help us to showcase the very best in North Wales.”

Nominations can be made via the website GoNorthWalesTourismAwards.net until October 23. A judging panel will then draw up a shortlist in each category, with the winners announced on November 24.

The categories are

• Best Attraction, sponsored by Contact Centre Cymru
• Best Food or Drink, sponsored by Celtic Holiday Park
• Best Accommodation, sponsored by Wrexham Lager
• Best Caravan, Camping or Glamping site, sponsored by Wrexham Destination Partnership
• Best Destination (town or area), sponsored by WR Davies Motor Group
• The Green Award, sponsored by Carbon Zero
• Best Use of Digital, sponsored by Cartrefi Conwy
• Best Newcomer, sponsored by Silver Birch Golf Club
• Tourism Business Innovation, sponsored by North Wales Economic Ambition Board
• Year of Adventure, sponsored by Arriva
• Magnificent Crowd Puller (audience over 7,500) sponsored by Powlsons
• Magnificent Crowd Puller (audience under 7,500), sponsored by North Wales Tourism. 

North Wales Tourism is one of the UK’s leading tourism organisations, supporting businesses across the region’s six counties.  Its aim is to build and maintain a prosperous and sustainable tourism industry in North Wales.

The Awards evening on November 24 includes a gala dinner and award presentations followed by an evening of entertainment and dancing. Event tickets are available at a cost of £50 plus VAT per person or £500 plus VAT for a table to seat 10 guests.

To book by phone call 01492 539058 or visit GoNorthWalesTourismAwards.net

Big mountain bike event comes to Llan

British Cycling's National Downhill Mountain Bike Series Round Six, presented by Shimano, will be staged in Llangollen this Saturday and Sunday.

Riders contending for the series overall are measured on their best five results, with seeding counting for up to 50 points and race runs up to 200 points for the win.

The newly revised Squirrel Track will be used with a new re-vamped start straight with several new BMX track style jumps into two new berms.

The course itself is steep and technical as it winds itself down the famous Llangollen hillside with a spectator route cut top to bottom meaning nobody has to cross the course.

Saturday is practice all day from 09:30 to 18:00 with live timing in place for all riders.

Sunday is practice in the morning followed be seeding runs and then one race run, again with live timing throughout.

On Sunday between the intervals for seeding and race runs the Strider Downhill Race is packed with 40 stars of the future who will tackle a course that starts next to the famous Llangollen step downs.

They will then fire into the long finish arena and across the finish line and into the hot seat. The Strider riders will be in age categories and complete downhill timed runs.

Planning application submitted for "ghost" supermarket

* The Berwyn Street supermarket for which a planning application has now been submitted.

A planning application has been lodged with Denbighshire County Council which could possibly see Llangollen’s “ghost” supermarket split between two tenants – discount retailers Aldi and Home Bargains.

The 34,000 sq ft unit off Berwyn Street has stood empty since May 2015 when Sainsbury’s for whom it was built made the shock announcement that they would not be moving in due to a scaling back of their stores.

The application, made in the name of Sainsbury’s who still own the building, seeks permission for the subdivision of the existing retail unit and alterations to allow it to trade as two retail units with associated internal and external physical alterations to the building, service yard, customer entrance and forecourt areas.

The move, which comes after more than a year of speculation about the eventual tenant, has been welcomed by Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies who said: “Mention of Aldi and Home Bargains being the two prospective tenants of the supermarket is made in the covering letter of the planning application and also in a background document.

“I am happy that an application has finally been made for this empty building and to see that there are prospective tenants in mind.”

The Sainsbury’s pull-out, which they blamed on “adverse trading conditions” at the time, dashed hopes for 130 promised jobs.

Sainsburys announced they wouldn’t themselves be running the store directly and revealed they were looking for potential tenants.

Interest by Aldi and the discount group Home Bargains has often been speculated upon but never confirmed by either company.

A spokesman for Aldi told llanblogger a few months ago:  “Aldi, the award-winning discount food retailer, is keen to develop a new food store in Llangollen.

“There is a clear need for greater shopping choice in the area and Aldi is looking at a variety of sites that fit both suitability and convenience for local shoppers.”

And a spokesman for Home Bargains said at the time: “Unfortunately, it’s a no comment from us, as we work to a strict planner of confirmed stores.”

* The application, reference number 03/2016/0887, can be inspected in full via the planning search section of the Denbighshire County Council website at: http://planning.denbighshire.gov.uk

Council slammed over station parking

* Ken Skates AM with Cllr Dana Davies at Ruabon Station.

Wrexham Council has made ‘an utter mess’ of parking charges at Ruabon Station, according to opposition politicians.

Along with many residents and station users, Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates and Ruabon councillor Dana Davies have previously criticised the authority over the introduction of a pay-and-display system at the popular station.

Now they say constant issues with the ticket machine are exacerbating problems – and have called on the council to address the situation.

Mr Skates and Cllr Davies last April suggested the council should reinvest money from the new parking charges – up to £400 a year per person – into improving the station’s facilities, such as better disabled access. But their plea fell on deaf ears at the Guildhall.

Cllr Davies, leader of the opposition Labour group said: “At least if the money had gone towards station improvements, commuters and users could’ve seen where it was going. This is purely a revenue stream, while at the same time the council is wasting hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money trying to demolish The Groves.

“Since the charges came in, people are parking anywhere but at the train station, including at the cemetery and in residential areas.

“These issues were raised at the time the decision was made, but our concerns were ignored. They are still discussed on a regular basis at Ruabon Community Council, and I’m getting a lot of complaints from residents.

“The ticket machine is also faulty on a regular basis and people often have problems paying for long-term stays. I was assured this would be looked at, but I’m still waiting.”

Cllr Davies added: “Wrexham Council leaders continue to make an utter mess of this.”

Mr Skates added: “I use this station and know how frustrating the parking payment system is. I also know how badly the charges have impacted on neighbouring householders, who are finding people parking all over the place. I have taken this up with the chief executive once again and hope to get a response in the very near future.”

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “I am flabbergasted at Labour’s hypocrisy, given the decision of the executive board on January 13, 2015, to introduce a Pay and Display service at Ruabon Railway Station - it is my recollection that this was a unanimous decision which included the two Labour members of the executive board at that time.

“It seems to me they have short-term memory loss, and I would suggest to Ken Skates AM that he needs to have more dialogue with his Labour members on Wrexham Council.”

Cllr Bithell added: “In respect of the issues raised, this was part of the revenue budget savings for 2015/16, where the Council had to make £11.6 million of savings. The department is also currently working with the local member on some localised issues around the use of Pay and Display at the car park.”

Llan could be part of proposed new constituency

* The proposed new constituency of South Clwyd and

North Montgomeryshire, with Llangollen

included in area four on the map.

Latest proposals from the Boundary Commission for Wales for changes to the country’s electoral map show that Llangollen could form part of a suggested new constituency called De Clwyd a Gogledd Sir Faldwyn (South Clwyd and North Montgomeryshire). 

The proposals, published prior to 12 weeks of public consultation, suggest the new seat being created from parts of the existing Clwyd South including the County of Denbighshire electoral wards of Corwen (1,826), Llandrillo (930) and Llangollen (3,319); and. the County Borough of Wrexham electoral wards of Cefn (3,709); Dyffryn Ceiriog/Ceiriog Valley (1,670), Chirk North (1,811), Chirk South (1,549), Johnstown (2,415), Llangollen Rural (1,578), Pant (1,534), Penycae (1,479), Penycae and Ruabon South (1,898), Plas Madoc (1,198), Ruabon (2,071) and Ponciau (without the Aberoer and Pentrebychan wards of the Community of Esclusham) (2,831).

Also included in the new constituency would be parts of the existing Clwyd West and Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Montgomeryshire and Vale of Clwyd seats.

The proposed constituency would have 71,097 electors which is 4.9% below the UKEQ of 74,769 electors per constituency. 

The Boundary Commission says: “The remaining electoral wards from the existing constituencies of Clwyd South, Clwyd West and the Vale of Clwyd were considered appropriate to combine in a constituency as they share similar rural, economic and social characteristics. 

“However, there is an insufficient electorate in these areas to form a constituency.  There is therefore a need to extend the proposal south encompassing the northern wards of the existing Montgomeryshire constituency.

“Wards from the existing Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency have also been included to enable sufficient road access to all parts of the proposed constituency. 

“The Commission acknowledges that this is the most disruptive change to the existing arrangements of all the newly proposed constituencies. 

“The proposed constituency is geographically large at 2,704 km2, reflecting the sparse population and rural nature of the area.”   

The Commission adds: “The Commission proposes placing the Ponciau North, Ponciau South and Rhos wards of the Community of Rhosllanerchrugog into the proposed ‘De Clwyd a Gogledd Sir Faldwyn’ constituency with the remaining wards of the Community of Esclusham forming part of the proposed Wrexham Maelor constituency.  

“The Commission has decided on the name to reflect the areas within the proposed constituency. 

“Having regard to the linguistic characteristics of the larger part of the area involved, the Commission has decided to give the proposal a Welsh language official name and an English language alternative name.” 

* Full details can be found at http://bcomm-wales.gov.uk/2018-review/maps_and_supporting_information?lang=en

* Representations about the review should be addressed, within 12 weeks, to the Boundary Commission for Wales, Hastings House, Fitzalan Court, Cardiff, CF24 0BL, faxed to 02920 464820, or e-mailed to bcomm.wales@wales.gsi.gov.uk. 

79 people in court for littering offences

Denbighshire County Council’s campaign for cleaner, tidy streets is continuing with a total of 79 people being taken to court for littering offences.

The hearing at Llandudno Magistrates Court yesterday (Tuesday) heard cases of smoking related litter, food and drink containers being wilfully dropped in public.

The total amount of fines issued by the court was £3,250 with a total of £3,260 in costs.

Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “The majority of residents and visitors to Denbighshire act responsibly and dispose of litter lawfully in bins provided or they take their litter home. We thank them for their efforts to keep our streets in Denbighshire clean and tidy.

“However, there is a minority who think it’s appropriate to drop litter. It’s a blight on the landscape, it affects people’s quality of life and it’s one of the most common concerns raised by residents.  

"In recent times, the council has been running an awareness campaign, encouraging people to keep their communities litter-free and educating the public about the health dangers of issues such as dog fouling.  

“This matter is being taken seriously by the council and the enforcement activity against all kinds of environmental crimes continues."

 

County launches energy efficiency scheme

Denbighshire County Council is launching its biggest energy efficiency initiative to date, with over 5,000 homes in the county identified as needing improved insulation.

Hundreds of homes across the county have already received insulation improvements as part of a previous scheme, with the council attracting over £5 million to improve the energy performance of houses.

Now  the county council has worked with partners A&M Energy Solutions, Citizens Advice Denbighshire and the North Wales Energy Advice Centre to develop Denbighshire Cosy Homes, to fund the installation of loft and cavity wall insulation for all suitable homes.

Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership to promote this scheme and encourage more properties to have better insulation.

“People could get loft and cavity wall insulation installed in their  homes for free, even if the rent the property. Insulating the house will make the house warmer in winter, cooler in summer and reduce fuel bills and carbon dioxide emissions.

"The improvements could save up to £500 per year off your fuel bills.

“All houses will be contacted directly by post to inform them of their suitability and surveyors from A&M will visit the area and contact the households directly to organise for the survey.

A Freephone advice service is being offered by North Wales Energy Advice Centre: 0800 954 0658. If you wish to contact A&M prior to the initiative contact them directly on 0800 318 867 (select Penley Branch) or 01948 83 0824.

Citizens Advice Denbighshire will be offering energy, debt and benefit advice. They can be contacted directly on 01745 814336 (Denbigh), 01745 334 568 (Rhyl), 01824 703483.

Ambulance service hailed for good practice

TWO Welsh Ambulance Service initiatives that help patients in need of mental health care and end of life care have been recognised as examples of good practice.

The Trust’s Mental Health Pathway and End of Life Care Project have both been listed on the Social Care Institute of Excellence’s website.

It comes after submissions were invited to highlight work that has raised awareness and improved implementation of the Mental Capacity Act.

Clinical Support Officer Edward O’Brian, said: “It’s fantastic for the Trust to be recognised nationally and for these initiatives to be published on the Social Care Institute of Excellence’s website.

“A simple pathway has been designed by the Trust to improve the quality and clinical appropriateness of care provided to mental health patients that access the ambulance service.

“The primary aim of the pathway is to better assist those who need an urgent mental health assessment.

“A further aim is to prevent those whose care needs are of a less urgent nature being left waiting for hours in Emergency Departments and then subsequently being discharged.

“When a paramedic is on scene with a patient they can ring the Mental Health Crisis Team and a joint decision is then made as to the best course of action for that patient which would lead to one of three possible outcomes.

“The first would be to leave them at home with signposting to relevant services and the second would be to convey them to the Emergency Department if an underlying medical condition is suspected.

“The third would be a situation in which the patient is deemed to be in need of urgent mental health support. In this case they would be taken directly to a mental health facility.”

The End of Life Care Project aims to prevent unnecessary and unwanted hospital admissions for patients receiving end of life care that access the ambulance service.

Edward, who is also the Trust’s End of Life Care Lead, said that 999 is often accessed for end of life care patients who are suffering from an increase in their symptoms.

He said: “Prior to the Trust making these changes ambulance clinicians have often had to convey these patients to hospital in order to manage their symptoms when they would much rather be at home with their families.

“The Trust has introduced mandatory training in recognition and management of specific symptoms that are often seen in end of life care.

“Clinicians can now provide further treatment by using additional medications within patients’ own homes, thus preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.

“By controlling these symptoms at home patients can then remain at home which is often their preferred place of care.”

Glyn Valley Tramway work on track

* Mark Isherwood with Ben Williams and Will Appleton.

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has praised progress on work to restore the Glyn Valley Tramway to its former glory after visiting the site.  

Anwyl Construction of Deeside recently started a five-day track clearance, operating between Hand Lane Bridge and Levers Bridge (Ty Ririd Cutting).

With this work undertaken the Glyn Valley Tramway Trust (GVTT) will be in a position to lay approximately 700m of ballast and lay the foundations

Mr Isherwood, who has long supported the GVTT in their work to restore the tramway, was among those who visited the site to witness the work get underway.  

He said: “Reinstating the railway will be a major boost to tourism in Chirk and the surrounding area. I have worked with the Trust for a number of years as they have strived to turn their dream of steam trains running here once again into a reality and I would like to congratulate them on all they have achieved to date. I look forward to visiting in the future to see further progress.”  

Denbighshire "one of best councils in Wales"

Denbighshire County Council continues to be one of the best performing councils in Wales.

Figures compiled by the Local Government Data Unit compare the performance of councils across Wales on a range of issues. 

The results for 2015/16 show that Denbighshire performed in the top half for the majority of activities it was assessed against compared with other councils.

The bulletin shows that Denbighshire was amongst the top five authorities for:

Percentage of highways and land of a high or acceptable level of cleanliness (Denbighshire was the best performer at 100%).

The council also achieved top quartile performance for:

The percentage of reported fly-tipping incidents cleared within five working days.

Average number of days taken to deliver a Disabled Facilities Grant (Denbighshire was the best performing council at 133 days), this is a substantial improvement on the 2014/15 performance (178 days).

Percentage of adult protection referrals where the risk was managed (Denbighshire was the best performer at 100%)

Formerly looked after children who are in contact with the authority at age 19 (Denbighshire was top with 100%)

Formerly looked after children who are in suitable accommodation at age 19 (Denbighshire was top with 100%)

Formerly looked after children known to be engaged in education, training or employment at age 19 (80%)

Third lowest number of average days/shifts per full time employee lost due to sickness (8.47 days/shifts)

Percentage of pupils assessed receiving a Teacher Assessment in Welsh (first language) at the end of Key Stage 3 (21.27%).

Percentage of private sector dwellings (vacant for more than 6 months) returned to occupation (24.61%).

Percentage of children looked after (on 31^st March) who have had 3 or more placements during the year (8%).

Percentage of reviews (looked after children) carried out within statutory timescales (96.33%).

Percentage of municipal waste collected that was reused, recycled, composted or treated biologically (62.42%).

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, with responsibility for business performance, said: “This report makes very pleasing reading and reflects the commitment and dedication of both staff and councillors for Denbighshire to be a continuing high performing authority, providing the best quality services to its residents and its communities.

“The headlines speak for themselves and we are proud of our achievements. However, we recognise that there is always room for further improvement and we will not become complacent as we work to continue to be as good as we can possibly be in all areas of our work."

* Denbighshire County Council has announced that school meals are to remain at £1.90 for another year.

The service has kept the price for a two-course school meal at the same price for the last four years. 

The council says this has been made possible through managing to maintain the uptake of  meals by providing "popular nutritious menus and making meal times fun with regular theme days in primary schools and varying the food offer in secondary schools across the county."

The School Meals Service is now also working in Partnership with Denbighshire Leisure Services with the aim of promoting healthy eating and healthy living to children across Denbighshire and will be running joint promotions throughout the new school academic year.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Corporate Plan and Performance, said: “We are pleased to be able to offer families school meals for their children at the same price as last year.  The meals are excellent value and the menus created with nutrition in mind and will help children and young people to be better prepared for their afternoon lessons.”

Ambulance service backs campaign to cut road death toll

* The Welsh Ambulance Service’s Road Safety Champion

and clinical team leader Dermot O’Leary taking part in

a mock road traffic collision exercise along

with other emergency service partners.

THE WELSH Ambulance Service is backing a European day of action to reduce the number of people killed in road accidents.

European road safety network TISPOL has launched a campaign in the hope that September 21 will be the first European Day Without A Road Death.

Project EDWARD calls on all road users to reflect on their behaviour and attitude in a bid to reduce the number of serious accidents.

Clinical Team Leader Dermot O’Leary has witnessed first-hand the impact that road traffic collisions (RTCs) have on patients, their families and members of the emergency services who attend them.

Last year 105 people were killed on the roads of Wales, while a further 1,081 were seriously injured.

Dermot said the emergence of technology and the use of devices such as mobile phones and sat navs has led to an increase in potential distractions for road users.

He added that drug driving was also on the rise, which can seriously impair a driver’s reactions.

Dermot said: “People don’t realise just how dangerous RTCs are. In a collision your weight increases between 30 and 60 times.

“Despite it being against the law you still see a lot of people driving with a phone in their hand and hands free is not really any better, as you can’t do two things at once.

“The unfortunate thing these days is we’re seeing a huge increase in so-called legal highs and the use of recreational drugs and people think that it’s okay to get behind the wheel.

“The cost that people don’t see is the emotional cost. You’ve got the emotional cost to the family because they’ve lost a loved one and you’ve got the emotional cost to the people who attend the RTC.

“One thing I always say to people is if they could be in my shoes, crawl into a crashed car and look into the face of somebody and think ‘Am I going to be able to save you?’ then they might think drink or drug driving is an issue.”

Dermot, who is based in Rhyl, takes part in Deadly Impacts Roadshows along with other emergency service partners to teach college students about the dangers of the 'Fatal Five' - excessive speed, anti-social driving, no sea tbelts, drink or drug-driving and using a mobile phone whilst driving. 

Dermot said: “Part of the problem you’ve got with the age group 15 to 24 is that road traffic death is the biggest killer.

“The kind of cars they drive in aren’t the latest ones with side impact protection and multiple airbags, they’re the older cars as it’s the first ones they can afford to drive.

“I cover what happens to their body in a collision and show them the sorts of injuries you can receive.

“We follow that up with a session whereby I’ll then show them the equipment I’ll use like tubes and cannulas.

“We put someone in a Kendrick Extrication Device so they can feel what it’s like to be extricated. It’s the closest thing to feeling it that we can give them.”

Dermot has pledged his support to Project EDWARD a nd is calling on people across Wales to take heed of the safety messages issued by the emergency services in order to prevent road deaths.

He said: “At the end of the day if you stick to speed limits, you wear your belt, you don’t drink drive, you don’t drug drive, you’re not fiddling with your mobile phone and have 100 per cent concentration then in theory you don’t have a collision.

“That’s the idea behind a day without a road death, it’s about getting everyone across Europe to wake up to that.”

* You can join the Trust in making TISPOL’s pledge to help reduce risk and improve safety on road journeys by visiting the Project EDWARD website.

Nominations sought for Clwydian Range award

Nominations from Llangollen are being sought for this year's Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB Award.

Every year the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) selects an individual or group whose contribution to the landscape and communities of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB have been outstanding.  

The award, which is held annually, invites nominations from  businesses/individuals that operate within the AONB and provide a good quality service sustainably, along with enhancing the AONB.   

Previous winners of the award include The Raven Inn, Llanarmon yn Ial, Michael Skuse, Rod Waterfield, Woodlands Skill Centre, Bodfari, and Richard Jones, Countryside Skills.
 
Nominations should include a brief explanation as to why you think the business/individual should be considered for  the award.

They can be emailed to: karen.holthofer@denbighshire.gov.uk, or posted to: Karen Holthofer,
AONB Communications Officer, Information Centre, Loggerheads Country Park, Ruthin Road,
Denbighshire CH7 5LH by September 13.

The award will be presented at the AONB Partnership Meeting due to be held on Friday October 21.

Woman killed on Horseshoe Pass is named

* Cassie Dulson.

North Wales Police has confirmed that the woman who sadly died following the collision on the Horseshoe Pass on Monday September 5 has been named as Cassandra Jayne Dulson, also fondly known as Cassie.

She was 24-years-old and came from the Ruabon area of Wrexham.

The family say that Cassie was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

Cassie’s family are being supported by North Wales Police and officers continue to appeal for witnesses to contact them on 101 quoting reference number U134728.

County says thanks for supporting Tour of Britain

Denbighshire County Council has said a big “thank you” to the county’s residents for supporting the Tour of Britain as the event kick started its visit to Wales in Denbigh earlier today (Wednesday).

Stage 4 of this year started on the High Street before heading towards the former North Wales Hospital site and looping back into the town near the leisure centre and Denbigh High School before leaving the town and heading towards Bodfari.

The race then temporarily left Denbighshire and into Flintshire, heading through Mold,  Pontblyddyn, Coed Talon, Treuddyn before it re-entered Denbighshire near Llandegla. It then travelled along the A5104 through Bryneglwys and on to the A5 at Corwen before turning for Cynwyd and Llandrillo.

A host of activities took place in Denbigh town centre before the race began and thousands of people and school children lined the streets to welcome the cyclists to town.

Leader of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “We are absolutely delighted by the level of support shown on the day. Denbigh Town Centre was full of supporters ready to give the cyclists a warm Welsh welcome. We also had people supporting the race at other points around Denbigh and in the south of the county.

“The Tour of Britain organisers always t ell us that cyclists are delighted to receive such strong support in North Wales and they are pleased to see the crowds out in force.

“The event is a great opportunity to showcase the county and the North Wales region.  North Wales is fast earning itself a reputation for hosting and staging major events, with the Tour of Britain a prime example of how councils across the region and organisers work together to deliver spectacular events. 

“We know that the support provided by the people of Denbighshire in recent years has been phenomenal and we want to encourage the same level of support again this year."

 

Businesses support county's media campaign

* Pete Carroll, right, of Pro Adventure outdoor shop,

Jan Deeprose of Lily Rose Interiors, and

Steve Jones of Stans Supermarket.

A trio of thriving Llangollen businesses are helping to spearhead a new drive to persuade people to support local businesses.

Stans supermarket, the Pro Adventure outdoor shop and Lilly Rose Interiors have all just joined the small and growing band of official ambassadors for the #LoveLiveLocal social media campaign.

The campaign is being supported by Denbighshire County Council to promote independent local shops, small companies and service providers and help them make the most of social media marketing.

The big idea behind the campaign is that if a customer loves the product they have just bought at their local gift shop or is delighted with the restaurant meal they had, they can spread the word over Twitter or Facebook, simply adding #LoveLiveLocal, to help their business friends and neighbours.

Denbighshire Council leader Hugh Evans has invited businesses across the county to engage with the campaign, use the hashtag to promote themselves and ask their customers to use it too.

He said: “There are so many fantastic businesses here in Denbighshire in all sorts of sectors from food and hotels, to shops selling uniquely made crafts and providers of first class services and unforgettable experiences.

“We need to get the word out and make sure as many people as possible get to know about them and use them.

“We call on the people of Denbighshire to show community spirit by supporting this bid to safeguard the future of our high streets.

"Small businesses help create a thriving regional economy and provide vital jobs for local people.

"That’s why we really want people to share their positive experiences and boost our

#LoveLiveLocal campaign by passing on the message about how much they love

shopping locally.

"It's part of our ongoing drive to develop and expand the local economy, promote shopping locally and encourage businesses to further explore the benefits of using social media."

Among those throwing their weight behind the campaign is Stans supermarket on Berwyn Street where manager Steve Jones said: “I’ll be doing whatever I can to support it as an ambassador.

“At Stans in Llangollen we’re very much in favour of supporting other businesses from the area and we stock items from 15 or 16 local suppliers alongside the main brands.

“We also support local causes and in the four years since we opened in Llangollen we’ve donated about £2,500 to schools, football teams and the area’s Tidy Town team.

“I think #LoveLiveLocal is useful as social media is such a valuable marketing tool and getting feedback about local businesses from the people who use them is very important.”

Another new #LoveLiveLocal ambassador in Llangollen is one of the town’s youngest businesses, Lilly Rose Interiors, which opened in Castle Street just four months ago.

It’s run by Jan Deeprose, who lives in the area and used her considerable background in retailing as a springboard to start her own shop selling a wide range of home and house wear, from candles and cushions to crockery and garden ornaments.

She said: “I’m pleased to become as ambassador for #LoveLiveLocal as I know that social media is so vital for businesses these days. That’s why I’m on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

“It’s also so important to be doing something to support smaller local businesses, which is what the county council is doing with this campaign.

“Being local is vital these days. I live and work in Llangollen, so I pride myself on knowing my local market and what people want and being able to pass the word about what businesses have to offer through this campaign all helps.”

Pete Carol, who has been running his Pro Adventure business in Llangollen since 1991 and now trades from the former Post Office in Castle Street.

He said: “I’m pleased to be involved as I regularly use social media to help market my business, which is a specialist retailer for people who love the outdoors.

“It’s not just about clothing and we stock items for walking, camping and bushcraft, such as such as axes and knives.

“Through our presence on social media we pick up on local shares and retweets, which is good for business.

“The #LoveLiveLocal campaign is an extension of that and I’m very pleased to be involved in it as it will certainly help to tell people about what’s good about using businesses in Llangollen and Denbighshire.”          

MP calls for bee protection measures

Susan Elan Jones MP has written formally to call on the Government to protect the bee population by supporting a comprehensive ban on neonicotinoids.

The Clwyd South Labour MP (pictured) said: "Bee-keeping is vital in our local area - and we need to be doing more to support the bee population and the production of honey. That's why I want to see the Government following the science. We need a total ban on harmful pesticides, which have a severe effect on our wildlife.

"Since last spring, I have been questioning the Government on another key environmental issue - the banning of microbeads (the pieces of plastic in products like shower gel and toothpaste that causes major damage to the world's oceans). 

"I am pleased the Government has changed its mind and decided to support a ban on these environmental menaces from 2017. However, we need the same sort of action to ban neonicotinoids. I urge the Government to act now."

St Collen's hosts BBC Radio 4's Any Questions

BBC Radio 4’s Any Questions will be broadcast live from St Collen’s Church in Llangollen on the evening of Friday October 21.

Vicar, the Rev Andrew Sully, said: “This is your chance to ask a question and influence the debate.

“For your free ticket please contact me by emailing and andamary@sullystallard.fsnet.co.uk, or calling 01978 860231.”

Doors open at 6.45-7.15pm on the night.

On Wednesday September 21, St Collen’s is playing host to a Peace One Day event starting at 10.30am.

St John’s Church in Abbey Road will hold its animal blessing service at 5pm on Animal Welfare Sunday, October 2.  

Woman dies in Horseshoe Pass collision

A woman has died following a road traffic collision on the Horseshoe Pass this morning (Monday).

Shortly after 10.30am police were informed that a Vauxhall Corsa had left the road near to the top of the pass and was approximately 75 metres down the embankment.

The emergency services were called but sadly the female driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

A team from the North East Wales Mountain Rescue Team were called to assist with retrieving the body.

The road remains closed at this time whilst enquiries are ongoing.

Sergeant Raymond Williams from the Roads Policing Unit said: “We are appealing for anybody who may have witnessed the incident, or to anybody who may have seen a red coloured Vauxhall Corsa travelling up the Horseshoe Pass prior to it leaving the road to contact us quoting reference number U134728."

Contact with the Roads Policing Unit can be made either via 101 or via the live webchat /contact/chat-support.aspx

Horseshoe Pass closed after crash

BBC online news is reporting the closure of the Horseshoe Pass today following a road accident.

For more details, see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-north-east-wales-37273594

County prepares for cycling spectacular

Final preparations are being made ahead of the Tour of Britain’s return to Denbigh, with Denbighshire County Council urging residents to come out and support the cyclists as they race through the county.

The fourth stage of the Tour ,from Denbigh to Builth Wells will be taking place on Wednesday, September 7^th and will be the longest day for the riders.  

Starting in Denbigh Town Centre, the race will head towards Bodfari and leave Denbighshire into Flintshire. It will head into Mold and through Pontblyddyn, Coed Talon, Treuddyn before it re-enters Denbighshire near Llandegla.

The race will then travel along the A5104 through Bryneglwys and on to the A5 at Corwen before turning for Cynwyd and Llandrillo.

Leader of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured the start of the North Wales stage this year, as we feel it will have great benefits to the tourism industry as well as showcasing what the region has to offer.

“North Wales is fast earning itself a reputation for hosting and staging major events, with the Tour of Britain a prime example of how councils across North Wales and organisers work together to deliver spectacular events. 

“We know that the support provided by the people of Denbighshire in recent years has been phenomenal and we want to encourage the same level of support again this year.

It’s a great opportunity to showcase Denbighshire and the rest of North Wales and we look forward to welcoming thousands to the county to witness one of the most prestigious events in the cycling calendar."

Alastair Grant, Tour of Britain’s Commercial Director, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to North Wales this year with the Tour, year after year we see more people at the roadside coming to watch the world’s best rider pass through their towns and the Welsh crowds never fail to turn out in their masses. We are certainly looking forward to seeing how the peloton tackle what is arguably the hardest stage of the Tour of Britain this year. 

A ‘Park and Walk’ will be located on the Recreation Ground (adjacent to Denbigh Football Club) for people wanting to come out and support the Tour of Britain on Wednesday, September 7.  It can be accessed from Park Street (near Denbigh Infirmary).

There will be stewards on duty marshalling the parking and guiding drivers in and out.  

People travelling in to Denbigh from the Pentrefoelas direction and wanting to support the race will be directed to the town’s rugby club.

For further information, please visit: www.thetour.co.uk

llanblogger takes a short break

llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back in about a week's time ...

Railway's steam gala this weekend

Llangollen Railway's annual Autumn Steam Gala is taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week and offers fun for all the family.

There will be five historic steam locomotives in operation, working an intensive timetable between Llangollen and Corwen, with many attractions and activities going on along the line.

Visiting the line specially for the weekend is a Victorian-era steam locomotive, No.12322, which was originally built for the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway in 1896 and its normal base in Greater Manchester.

Adults and children alike can explore the railway with the fun quiz, whilst at Carrog station the miniature steam railway will be in operation, offering rides in the station yard. The scenes of yesteryear will be recreated at Berwyn, with demonstrations of parcel loading taking place at 12.20pm and 2pm on each of the three days.

Look out for Walter the prized racing pigeon being loaded onto the train, along with milk churns, parcels and Cuthberts seeds boxes!

On the Friday and Saturday evenings, a special Real Ale shuttle service will be in operation between Llangollen and Glyndyfrdwy stations, where the line's Cambrian Bar will be open.

On the Sunday, two long-scrapped steam locomotives will be recreated. Resident No.7822 'Foxcote Manor' will be running as a sister No. 7811 'Dunley Manor', which was based at Shrewsbury and Wrexham sheds for a time.

The 50th anniversary of the closure of the much lamented Somerset & Dorset Railway will also be marked by the renumbering of resident BR Standard locomotive No. 80072 as former S&D stalwart No.80043. After the gala, No.80072 will be transported south by road to the former S&D station at Midsomer Norton, where it will be in operation on a restored stretch of the route.

Construction work on the railway's new western terminus at Corwen Central can be viewed on all three days of the gala. Guided tours will be on offer at regular intervals, with volunteers on-hand to discuss progress on the new station.

The Souvenir Guide for the gala, including all timetables, events and quiz, is available to download for free from the Llangollen Railway's website: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/autumn-steam-gala/

Discounted advance tickets for one, two and three day rover tickets are now available from the railway's website, offering considerable savings (up to £24) on prices on the day.

AM becomes breast cancer champion

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has demonstrated his support for women with breast cancer by becoming an ambassador for leading charity Breast Cancer Now.

Mr Isherwood joins 17 Assembly Members across Wales who are pledging their support to Breast Cancer Now – the UK’s largest breast cancer charity – to remind fellow politicians and constituents alike that breast cancer is not a ‘done deal’ and that immediate action must be taken to stop the disease taking lives.

Around 600 women are still dying from breast cancer each year in Wales. Breast Cancer Now will be working closely with Breast Cancer Ambassadors to help them take action to tackle breast cancer in their local areas and in the Welsh Assembly, and to ensure that Wales’ most common cancer remains high on the political agenda.

By bringing together the brightest, boldest and most influential policymakers, scientists, fundraisers and campaigners across the country, Breast Cancer Now believes that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live – but only if we all act now.

Mr Isherwood (pictured) said: “Too many women are still dying from breast cancer in Wales. We must act now if we are to finally put an end to deaths from the disease and I am therefore very proud to support Breast Cancer Now and their bold 2050 ambition.

“Together, we urgently need to put the spotlight back on this dreadful disease locally and nationally. By becoming a Breast Cancer Ambassador, I will ensure that action is taken on behalf of the women and families affected by breast cancer within North Wales.”

Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We are so grateful to have the support of Mark in the Welsh Assembly. Around 600 mothers, daughters and sisters in Wales are still losing their lives to breast cancer each year and we all need to work together to put a stop to this.

“If we all act now, we believe that by 2050 everyone who develops breast cancer will live. With the help of our Breast Cancer Ambassadors, we can ensure that those affected by breast cancer in Wales are not forgotten.”

Breast Cancer Now – the new charity created from the merger of Breast Cancer Campaign and Breakthrough Breast Cancer – launched in June 2015, aiming to unite everybody affected by the disease to ensure that we are the generation that finally stops women dying from it.