Advice on safe toy buying this Christmas

Denbighshire Trading Standards are reminding businesses and shoppers to help keep children safe by selling and buying toys that are deemed safe.

David Smith, Lead member for Public Realm in Denbighshire said: "Trading Standards officers across the county keep watch for unsafe toys being sold or imported.  Officers regularly inspect shops to check that toys on sale meet current safety legislation.

“Retailers must only supply toys which are safe and meet stringent safety standards.  If the toy is labelled with the ‘CE’ mark it means it meets the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations."

The advice is:

·        Don’t buy toys without a genuine “CE” mark

·        Always buy from reputable shops and traders

·        If buying over the internet, buy from reputable web sites to reduce the risk of being supplied with unsafe and possibly counterfeit toys

·        Look for safety signs in addition to the “CE” mark (e.g. the British Toy and Hobby Association ‘Lion mark’)

·        Don’t let children play with broken toys as they may no longer comply with safety standards

·        Don’t forget to keep older children’s toys away from the toddler or baby

·        Always remove plastic bags before giving a toy to a child

·        For electrical products, always ensure the plug is a three-pin, made to BS 1363. If it doesn’t include this information, then don’t buy the product.  Any safety advice should be always be in English, and should advise on both charging the product and how to use correctly.

Councillor Smith added: “Toys are generally much safer than they used to be, but there are still non-compliant toys being sold which is why Trading standards is offering the following toy safety tips to keep your children safe.”

* For advice on your consumer rights call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh Language.  Reporting an online fraud can be done on the Action Fraud website.

Go-ahead for Vicarage Road homes scheme

* The Vicarage Road site.

After a lengthy debate county planners earlier today gave the go-ahead to a controversial scheme to build 95 homes on land off Vicarage Road in Llangollen.

And the area's Assembly member Ken Skates says he is "bitterly disappointed" by the decision.

The scheme, by Castlemead Group Ltd, raised a storm of protest from people in the area who objected mainly to the extra pressure they feared would be put on access roads to the 3.7 hectare site.

But, following negotiations, Castlemead agreed to upgrade Willow Street before construction begins.     

The site incorporates land originally granted planning permission in the late 1990s which has an existing planning permission for 50 dwellings.

The scheme proposes a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached dwellings.

And a condition of today's approval was that 10 per cent of these are affordable homes rather than the four originally proposed.  

An officers’ report to the planning committee said there were around 100 objections to the application on the grounds of the impact on existing roads, insufficient infrastructure to serve the development and the extra burden it would place on local schools and health services.

The report, which recommended the application for approval, goes on to show that a number of these concerns have been addressed.  

It says: “The proposal includes upgrading of an existing access road to the site (Willow Street).

“This upgrade is proposed to take place prior to the construction of any dwellings.

“Separate parking spaces are proposed to be provided within the site for seven adjacent dwellings (1-7 Castle Buildings). It is proposed that the site will be accessible from both Willow Street and Hill Street.”

The report points out that current pupil numbers for the two primary schools serving Llangollen  - Ysgol Gwernant and Bryn Collen - indicate both are at capacity. But it adds that the developer is to make a contribution of £172,000 towards education provision.

Officers also say that there is no evidence to suggest that the development as proposed would lead to a requirement to build additional healthcare facilities or improve the newly built health centre. On this basis no contributions have been sought from the developer.

The report adds: “A development of this scale will inevitably lead to increased levels of noise and disruption for occupiers of neighbouring properties.

“However, having regard to the scale, location, separation distances and design of the proposed development in relation to the existing site and neighbouring properties, it is not considered that the proposals would be so unreasonable in terms of impacts on residential amenity to justify refusal of permission.”


* Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, who has previously raised concerns over the development, said he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ with the decision and would fight for safeguards for residents.

He added: “People have been worried about this development in its various guises for a long time, which has been conveyed to the council in no uncertain terms. I asked for an urgent meeting with the developers earlier this year, but they weren’t interested.

“I’m bitterly disappointed with this, as I know many others who raised serious concerns will be.”

Boost for job-creating business grant

* Dominic Haynes and Llyr Jones of the Dangerous Food Company.

A business grant which has already helped scores of businesses to create jobs has been increased.

Denbighshire County Council’s Business Development Grant scheme has awarded more than £71,000 to 17 Denbighshire firms since April.

The cap of the grant has been raised from £5,000 to £10,000 and the limit on applicants’ annual turnover has increased from £250,000 to £500,000.

The scheme, which forms part of the council’s Economic and Community Ambition Strategy, offers funding to new and existing businesses to create employment, improve business competitiveness and create a vibrant local economy.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire, said: “Raising the cap for our business grant scheme will allow us to help even more firms in Denbighshire.

“The scheme is a funder of last resort, so by the time an applicant approaches us they have already tried to secure other sources.

“The scheme has already had a real impact, directly helping to create 19 jobs and safeguarding another 17.

“Doubling the maximum grant and the turnover limit will enable us to directly release additional business investment and expansion within the county. 

“This will lead directly to the creation of additional employment opportunity for local residents that otherwise would not be realised.

“I would encourage eligible businesses in the county to apply for a grant before the end of the financial year.”

Dominic Haynes and Llyr Jones, who launched St-Asaph-based Dangerous Food Company less than three years ago, used a £2,300 grant from Denbighshire County Council to purchase a walk-in fridge which enabled them to quadruple their order capacity and expand.

The grant has also been expanded to include businesses looking to exploit digital technology to help stimulate local innovation, improve competitiveness and help reach new markets.

* For more information or to apply for a Business Development Grant of up to £10,000 from Denbighshire County Council visit Denbighshire.gov.uk/business or contact 01824 706896.

County issues credit card scam warning

Denbighshire County Council is warning people to be aware of a scam relating to credit cards.

A Rhyl resident has been in touch with Denbighshire Trading Standards after receiving an automated telephone call at his home, stating:  “Alert, Alert, your credit card has been compromised, please press 1 to resolve”.

The caller hung up and checked with his credit card provider who advised that was a scam call.

The Council is issuing the following advice relating to telephone scams:

• did the call come out of the blue?
• stop, think and be sceptical. If something sounds too good to be true it probably is
• do not give personal or financial information or pin numbers to anyone, however plausible they might sound. This applies even if they claim to represent a business or organisation you have heard of or where an approach is personalised
• genuine businesses or organisations will never telephone you and ask you for personal or financial information
• think about how much money you could lose responding to a potential scam; it's a risk not worth taking
• if you receive a call that you suspect is bogus, speak to family or friends or seek advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service
• If you receive a scam telephone call, you can report it to Action Fraud. You can also report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service for referral to trading standards.
• If you are conned into phoning a premium rate number, you can report it to PhonepayPlus, which regulates premium rate services in the UK.
• If you enter a contract because a trader misled you or because a trader used an aggressive commercial practice, the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 may give you rights to redress: You can report complaints about unfair trading practices to the Citizens Advice consumer service for referral to trading standards. However, it may be difficult to take legal action against a criminal.
• If you think your details have been shared unlawfully you should report it to the Information Commissioner's Office for further investigation.
• If you have been the victim of a fraud you can report it to the police.
• If you think your identity has been stolen please follow the guidance given on the Action Fraud website

* To contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, please phone 03454040506 or  Action Fraud – 0300 123 2040  website www.actionfraud.police.uk

Christmas drink driving campaign launched

The 2016 Think Safe, Drink Safe Christmas Campaign for Denbighshire is underway to promote safe and responsible drinking in our communities.

It is aimed at ensuring visitors to Denbighshire can enjoy a safe and relaxed night out during the festive period. 

It also aims to promote responsible drinking and prevent and reduce levels of alcohol fuelled violent crime and anti-social behaviour at this time of year.

This year’s Think Safe Drink Safe campaign is taking on a regional and local element to highlight the significant pressures that front line operational services are put under at this time of year including police, ambulance and A&E departments. 

Resources are often put under increasing pressure as key personnel have to deal with extra cases of alcohol related incidence, whilst continuing to support already over-stretched services.

The public are encouraged to take part in a specially designed quiz aimed at raising awareness of alcohol consumption. This is available via the North Wales Police website http://www.north-wales.police.uk

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Community Safety,  said: “We know that Christmas and the New Year is an extremely busy time. We want visitors to Denbighshire to enjoy themselves but we frequently find that people drink too much during the festive season.

"Our aim is to encourage people to have a good time but to drink responsibly. Excessive drinking can affect behaviour and lead to serious consequences. The message is simple - anti social behaviour and violence will not be tolerated and anyone behaving irresponsibly will be dealt with appropriately and quickly ensuring that Denbighshire  is a safe place to come and enjoy a night out.”

Superintendent Jane Banham, of North Wales Police, said: “We want people to enjoy the festive season, but we know from experience that at this time of year some people will come to harm due to alcohol excess and it is the emergency services and local councils who are left picking up the pieces.

“The aim of this campaign is to ensure that those who consume and sell alcohol take responsibility for their actions.

“We make a significant contribution to keeping our town centres safe so people can enjoy a good night out, but we must get the message across that people need to take greater responsibility for themselves and their friends to reduce the likelihood of them being injured, becoming a victim of crime, or being involved in violence through excessive drinking.

“North Wales Police, working with our partners, will ensure that pubs, clubs, shops and drinkers are complying with the law. Those who don’t will be dealt with robustly. 

“The message is simple – think safe, drink safe.”

Church stages Christmas tree festival

Llangollen Methodist Church is currently staging its annual Christmas Tree Festival.

The colourful collection of trees, pictured below, has been made by schools, clubs and businesses in the area.

Visitors are invited to vote for their favourite festive creation.

The church will be open for tree viewing next Saturday (December 17) from 10am-3pm and Sunday between 12.30pm and 3.30pm.

Filmstar bear's terrific response

AN ART teacher has been overwhelmed with the response to her one-of-a-kind teddy bear which has been spreading festive cheer in Denbighshire.

Sarah Chapman, aged 57, from Llandegla, created Carys, the six-foot bespoke bear which stars in Denbighshire County Council’s Christmas shopping video.

The two-minute  film has been produced to showcase the wide range of local shops in the county and as well as telling the story of Carys’ magical journey, features a family completing their Christmas shopping in Denbighshire with all gifts bought from local traders.

Making the bear took Sarah 50 hours, seven metres of material and 10kg of stuffing.

The mum-of-two started making rag dolls and soft toys when she was still at school near Brecon, South Wales, and now runs her handmade teddy bear business, Bilberry Bears.

Sarah said: “I have done a lot of different jobs over the years and never had any formal training as an artist.

“A few years ago I had the inspiration to make individual fabric bears.

“I’m slowly building up the business, it is just me, there is no big production line.”

Sarah was approached by Frozen Moon Productions, who produced the film on behalf of the Council, to make a bear costume modelled on one of her creations.

She said: “I was pleased to be asked but I went into a panic, I’ve never made a 6ft bear costume before.

“It was very stressful but the reaction has been fantastic. People love Carys and everyone says the video is fantastic. It is a really heart-warming story and it supports local businesses which I love.

“I have been overwhelmed. I have had a lot of lovely responses. People have been showing a real interest after the film.”

Sarah, who has been teaching art at St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Wrexham, for 12 years also writes poetry and makes greeting cards.

She said: “It is great to work with the children. I love it. I learn as much from them as they do from me.

“They have seen the film and all the children have said they love it.”

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “This is a fantastic film with a heart-warming story and a really important message – shop locally this Christmas.

“All the businesses featured are based in Denbighshire and the film shows the huge range of products and services available.

“As a Council we want to see local businesses succeed as this ensures money spent locally stays in Denbighshire and helps create a thriving economy.”

More than 50 children, from Rhyl, Prestatyn, Ruthin, Bala, Corwen, Denbigh and St Asaph, aged six – to 17 from Denbigh Stagecoach also performed in the film.

For a chance to win Carys, who has now been transformed into a smaller bear, visit Denbighshire County Council’s Facebook page or to view the clip visit the Council’s YouTube page.

AM slams Welsh Government over "cuts"

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has described Welsh Government cuts to its budgets for prevention and early intervention services and voluntary sector support as a ‘false economy’.

Speaking in a debate on the Welsh Government’s Draft Budget, Mr Isherwood expressed concern that although budgets for prevention and early intervention, and for voluntary sector support, are key to delivery of its policies - and although they represent just 1.5% of the combined Health and Local Government budgets - Labour Welsh Government has cut them again, to over £7 million below their 2015-16 level.

Mr Isherwood said: “The Welsh Government has rightly prioritised prevention and early intervention, but as this draft budget illustrates, it says one thing and does another.

“Rather than working smarter, this false economy will add additional costs to Health and Local Government services many times higher than the short-sighted cuts imposed.

“So much for the Social Services and Wellbeing Act, promoting the involvement of people in the design and delivery of Care and Support services. So much for the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, making public bodies work better with people, with communities and each other, taking a joined-up approach.”

Referring to the impact of Welsh Government cuts to the Family Fund on the most vulnerable families with disabled children, Mr Isherwood stressed that equivalent funding in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland has been maintained, and referred to other cuts already made by the Welsh Government.

He added: “Of course, Labour Welsh Government has got form for this. When, in September 2014, it announced funding to support front-line advice services Citizens Advice Cymru and Shelter Cymru, it shut out AdviceUK, the UK’s largest support network for free, independent advice centres, with 24 member organisations in Wales, denying people in crisis quick, emergency intervention and trapping them on waiting lists.

“Over the last year it has been the turn of organisations including Disability Wales and Child Contact Centres in Wales, leading to poorer and more costly outcomes for people and families.

“Despite calls by the Wales Disability Reference Group for the devolved Independent Living Fund to be administered in the voluntary sector with Scotland and Northern Ireland, Labour has given this to Local Government.

“When I raised concerns about the shortage of qualified nurses providing Palliative Care in the Voluntary Sector identified by Charity “Together for Short Lives”, this was dismissed – as it was when I highlighted concerns raised by the North Wales Safer Communities Board that too much was being spent on firefighting substance misuse problems and not enough on intervention and prevention, and when I criticised the 10% cut to the Third Sector Supporting Communities and People Budget, emphasising the crucial role the third sector plays in delivering quality services for less.

“Such cuts to ground level support compromise the more user-led, preventative and cost-effective services that the Third Sector delivers – when we should instead be transforming Wales’ public services by embedding co-production.”

Campaigner slams Llan housing plan as a "travesty"

A proposed development of nearly 100 houses at Vicarage Road Llangollen would be a “travesty” and fail to meet the needs of local people, says Mabon ap Gwynfor who has campaigned against it.

He slams the scheme, which is recommended for approval subject to conditions when it is considered by county planners next week, in a Daily Post article published today.

* For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/huge-llangollen-housing-development-would-12288762

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner voices Brexit fears

* Ann Griffith, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales.

Fears are growing that North Wales could become a more dangerous place as a result of leaving the European Union.

The latest warning has come from Ann Griffith, the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, who says the Brexit vote has raised worrying questions about the implications for fighting crime and security.

Among her concerns is the potential damage to the European Police Office, known as Europol, which contributes to more than 13,500 cross-border investigations every year.

Life could also be made more difficult for other joint investigation teams from agencies like Eurojust which tackle a range of crimes from terror to child abuse.

Another worry is whether the UK will still be a part of the European Arrest Warrant agreements that allows for the most wanted criminals to be returned promptly.

The agreement was introduced 2002 in response to a growing threat from international terrorism and a recognition that extradition procedures were complex and time consuming.

Ms Griffith said: “Brexit wasn't sold to us with all of the information available -  very little was said about the implications for policing and security about which there are very serious concerns.

"Unfortunately, the vote to quit the European Union leaves us with more questions than answers in all areas of governance and we are facing a period of huge change and uncertainty.

"But one thing that remains the same as it applies to policing and security, is the fact that the sharing of intelligence and cooperation between countries will remain vital in understanding the movement of criminals and domestic and international terrorism into the future.

"What you have is years and years of hard work and preparation gone into creating agencies and agreements that may be dashed as a result of Brexit.

"We're very aware now in North Wales how cyber-crime is the biggest emerging crime problem that we have - it's across Europe and indeed across the world.

"The majority of crime doesn't happen on the streets anymore and our frontline is now online.

"Europol was established in 2009, and one of its main function is cyber-crime cooperation.

"If the cooperation with Europol an Eurojust is to continue, it will come at a price because it is likely we will have to pay a lot more to benefit from the work of these agencies.

"I am also particularly worried about the possible loss of the European Arrest Warrants which currently means that most wanted criminals can be returned promptly.

"Before the European Arrest Warrant, extradition arrangements could take up to 10 years whereas now we're talking about people being able to be transferred within a matter of weeks.

"There is a huge amount of legislation to be worked through as a result of the Brexit vote but it is vitally important that security and policing are given priority by the UK Government.

"Keeping people safe has got to be our priority," she added.

Transport chiefs keep on eye on 64 bus route

Problems with the operator which could affect a bus service into Llangollen are being kept under review by the county council.

The problems affect the 64 service from the Ceiriog Valley to Llangollen via Chirk.  

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies said: “More disruption is on the way but Denbighshire’s passenger transport team are keeping on top of the situation and are ready to pick up any slack if necessary.

“I understand from them that Wrexham council is securing a successor but in the event that they cannot find a new operator for the contract we will resume our minibus operation from Parade Street to Pengwern.”

* For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/rjs-wem-banned-operating-wrexham-12276072

Joshua wins top care award

A rugby-playing dad who devotes his time to help turn around the lives of young people in a children’s home has been presented with a top care award.

Josh Wilson, 25, from Llangollen, (pictured) scooped a silver trophy in the Exceptional Newcomer category of the Wales Care Awards 2016, run by Care Forum Wales.

The keen sportsman has been described as a role model for the youngsters he supports at a specialist therapeutic children’s home in Ruthin by encouraging them to strive for the best and keep active through sport.

The home is a six-bedroom unit for young boys aged 11-18 with complex behavioural and emotional difficulties who are given intense support to help them succeed in education and employment.

Josh, who is employed by Branas Isaf and formerly taught swimming to children aged three to 12 at Corwen Leisure Centre, collected his silver award at a glittering ceremony at City Hall in Cardiff.

The awards acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector.

“I feel like I’m putting something back and making a difference. When I come back from work I feel happy, it’s very rewarding,” said Josh, who combines his challenging role as a support worker two days a week with his responsibilities at the family business, Ty Canol Caravan Park in Llangollen.

“My family are proud and my mum is especially proud.

“When you drive home at the end of the day you always think about what you’ve done with the kids and what I would’ve liked to have done better.

“I love working there. The whole team is brilliant and my manager has done a lot for me. I’ve come a long way since joining the team.

“I’d never worked in care before. I was in the deep end quite quickly but I wouldn’t have had it any other way as it meant I learnt very quickly.”

Josh, who also worked in Corwen and Llangollen Leisure Centres as a fitness instructor after leaving school, plays competitive rugby for Chester Rugby Club, which is in North Division 2, has a talent for communicating with children and inspiring them to succeed.

The new dad, whose daughter Azaia Wilson, was born a year ago, has already won the national and regional Newcomer of the Year title in the Caretech Awards in November.

Josh, who attended Ysgol Dinas Brân, said the most satisfying aspect of his job was watching the youngsters’ progress and reform their behaviour through sport and other goal-driven work. The home has even created a squash league to build their self-confidence.

One of his most notable achievements was seeing a young boy for whom he was a key worker move on from the home and flourish.

“I feel like I’m a role model to them. I always tell them what the score was in the rugby. I’m trying to inspire them and keep them active by encouraging them to the gym,” said Josh, who is in the completion stages of his QCF Level 3 in Caring For Children and Young People.

“I’ve recently had a child myself and it’s put a different perspective on things. I’m much more empathetic.

“You have your bad days but I’m level-headed and can deal with most things thrown at me. You want to see the lads do well.

“I would like to continue working with young people in the future. I play rugby and I look after myself and the kids look up to me. I try to work on their self-confidence and you develop a bond.”

Nominating Josh for his award, registered manager Leanne Bennett said: “Josh is a very well-liked and respected member of the team at Pant Glas and nothing is ever too much trouble for Josh. He is eager and enthusiastic in his role and works exceptionally well both lone working and in a team.

“He has a good morale which impacts on others and his can do attitude is infectious to his colleagues. Josh is an asset to our team and I feel he has a brilliant career ahead of him.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high.

He added: “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights in the months and years to come.

“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.

“We take our hats off to them.”

Eisteddfod welcomes Albanian VIPs

* Albanian Peace Ambassador Fitim Mimani, left, with

Eisteddfod chairman Rhys Davies and Susan Elan Jones MP next to the olive trees.

Llangollen Eisteddfod leaders welcomed a group of VIP visitors from Albania on Friday.

Visaret E Gores, a group of dancers and musicians from the country competed at this year’s festival. 

Accompanying them was Fitim Mimani, the Albanian Peace Ambassador, who was greeted by Eisteddfod’s President Terry Waite, Llangollen Mayor Cllr Mike Adams and festival officials.

The group stayed at homes in Overton where they were warmly welcomed by local residents and became firm favourites with everyone they met.

The dancers gave impromptu performances on the field when passers-by were encouraged to join in with their colourful routines.

Since then, Mr Mimani has been back to Llangollen to investigate how additional groups from Albania can take part in the Eisteddfod.

He is now planning to return once more, with five Albanian dancers and musicians from a group called Qypryllinjte E Roshnikut.

A groups from Albania visited Llangollen last week and after lunch in the Corn Mill there was a short ceremony during which gifts were exchanged and Mr Mimani presented the Eisteddfod with three established olive trees which will be planted on the Pavilion field next spring.

Among those attending the ceremony was Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones, Eisteddfod’s competitions officer Merle Hunt and festival volunteers.

Skates backs today's Small Business Saturday

* SFTW owner Clare Rhodes with Ken Skates AM

and Oliver Edwards. 

Assembly Member Ken Skates is encouraging people in his constituency to support their local shops on today's Small Business Saturday.

The Clwyd South AM, who is based in Llangollen, visited his local high street and urged shoppers to spend on their own doorstep.

“Llangollen is a superb example of a high street which boasts a fantastic array of independent shops, cafes and other firms, and the aim of Small Business Saturday is to showcase them and encourage people to use them,” said Mr Skates.

The AM stopped by SFTW Barbers on Abbey Road, owned by Clare Rhodes.

“It is businesses like SFTW which are the lifeblood of our communities, and this is one of many in the town that I can personally vouch for as a customer.”

Clare took on 18-year-old Oliver Edwards, from Chirk Bank, earlier this year and says she agrees with the ethos of Small Business Saturday.

Clare said: “I always do my best to support other small high street businesses, I think we all try to help each other. The benefits of shopping local are obvious, not least because the money stays local. I hope everyone will get behind this campaign.”

Mr Skates added: “Research shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stays in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.

“Small Business Saturday is a fantastic concept and I hope residents in Llangollen and throughout Clwyd South will join me in supporting it – especially at Christmas.”

Operatic's Christmas show in a real cracker

A talented cast from Llangollen Operatic Society polished up a whole stockingful of comic gems to present a delighted audience with a glittering pre-Christmas present at the Town Hall last night (Friday).

Their seasonal offering, entitled Comedy Tonight, does exactly what it says on the tin, serving up a varied selection of excerpts from some of the most hilarious TV shows of the past interspersed with stand-alone sketches and songs.

This feast of fun has everything – from a couple of hilarious helpings of ‘All Allo featuring that naughty hidden sausage routine and an acrobatic French Resistance girl to a rip-snorting recreation of the late great Victoria Wood’s legendary ditty of marital frustration, Can’t Do It.

Shining in both ‘Allo Allo tributes is Operatic stalwart Bill Cheshire who has just the right mixture of bashfulness and bawd to bring the wartime bar owner Rene startlingly back to life, and in the first knock-about snatch from the show he’s aided and abetted by a gendarme who’s so good he could really be French (actually, Nico Decourt genuinely is).

Bill’s back as a French landlord from a different era when he takes centre stage in Master of the House from Les Mis.

The superb chorus backing him and the setting – especially Bill’s fabulous Napoleonic military costume – makes the whole roistering experience a real highlight of the show.

But then there are many more, including Chris Sims’s gob-smackingly good portrayal of Victoria’s Wood’s Can’t Do It with its cheeky cascading lyrics and the re-visiting of the unforgettable Two Soups sketch which in the original saw doddering waitress  Julie Walter making real a hash of serving a couple of hapless diners.

Here Robin Crowley – who also directs the whole show – brings his own touch of hilarity to the piece.

Llangollen's neighbouring Twenty Club recently had a smash-hit run with another TV comedy icon, The Vicar of Dibley, with Louise Cielecki in the title role.

So with Louise being link woman for the night it would have been a sin for her not to revisit the crazy Gloucestershire parish in company with that man Chris Sims again and the marvellous Carys Stallard all of whom ensure that its sparkles anew.

Louise also works with her old sparring partner from their days in the society’s Young ‘Uns junior section, Nathan Lloyd, to present some delicious slapstick moments.

Talking about the Young ‘Uns, a group of them kick off the evening with a selection of numbers from their forthcoming production of Bugsy Malone led by its two stars, Cassius Hackforth and Celyn Orton Jones.

Helen Belton is the show's one-woman orchestra and it's amazing the musical power she can produce from just an electric piano.

The whole entertainment experience is the brainchild of Tracey Rawlinson and she deserves a round of applause as loud and strong as the production won from the audience at the end of a couple of hours of rib-tickling fun on its first of two nights.

If you want to get the Christmas snowball rolling in fine style why not see if you can grab yourself a couple of tickets for tonight’s closing performance as I believe there might still be a few left. 

They’re £8 (£6 concessions) and you could try the usual outlets of Gwyn Davies butchers, Jades Hair and Beauty or Baileys.  

Llan youth band triumphs at Brynhyfryd

* The Youth Band performs at Ysgol Brynhyfryd.

Llangollen Youth Band competed in the North Wales Brass Bands Association Annual Championships at Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin last Saturday.

They finished in second place and were awarded the Llandudno Challenge Cup in the Youth Section of the contest.

The band began with the beautiful hymn tune ‘Angels Watching Over Me’ before performing the test piece ‘Passing Moods’ by Thomas James Powell, with cornet player, Taya Castley, being awarded the Lixwm Challenge Cup for Best Soloist for her solo in the latter.

Conductor, Trevor Williams, was left feeling proud when reflecting upon the band’s performance.

He said: "All players in the Youth Band should feel immensely proud of their performance in the contest.

"We have put in several months of practice to prepare for this competition and all members have worked incredibly hard.

"The experience of playing in front of such a large audience and competing against other talented bands is sure to improve them all as players."

County taxis carry domestic abuse message

Denbighshire taxis will be the first in North Wales to relay this important message in both English and Welsh.

The new dash board stickers carrying the informative and impactive message about domestic abuse will be seen by all customers, from the end of this week, in the 430 licensed taxis across Denbighshire.

PC Les Jones, who came up with the sticker idea, said: “The message about domestic abuse will be relayed to thousands of men, women and children who use these vehicles, to transport them at all times of day.

“We hope the stickers will plant the seed of non-acceptance and that it will go towards reducing/preventing this often hidden crime and assists in making this county a safer place.”

The stickers will be issued in the run up to White Ribbon Day, but it is hoped the message will carry through to the festive period and beyond.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Social Care, Adults and Children’s Services, said: “This is an extremely important message that we are trying to get across to residents in Denbighshire communities and we have been considering innovative ways of getting our message across in a visual and engaging way.

“This is another great example how council departments work closely together, in close association with our colleagues at North Wales Police to help protect the public from abuse."

Free After 3 parking announced for town

*Llangollen's Market Street car park which is part of the Free After 3 initiative.

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents and visitors that the "Free After 3" parking scheme is operating in the county to help support town centres and to encourage local shopping.in the run-up to Christmas.

The scheme provides free parking in all council operated pay & display car parks in town centres after 3pm on a daily basis until December 31. 

Amongst car parks included in the initiative are:

Llangollen 
East Street
Hall Street 
Market Street
Mill Street 

Corwen
Green Lane 

RuthinCrispin Yard (Cae Ddol)
Dog Lane
Market Street
Park Road
Rhos Street
St Peter's Square
Troed y Rhiw

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “We are delighted to be offering free parking across Denbighshire after 3pm again this year. 

“We feel this is a good way of encouraging people to support the town centres and to access the wide variety of goods and services available from our local businesses."

This initiative coincides with the Small Business Saturday initiative across the county where the council is urging people to support their local businesses and services on December 3 and in the run-up to Christmas.

Denbighshire County Council is also helping support local businesses through its shop local campaign, #LoveLiveLocal which encourages people to share positive experiences of Denbighshire as a fantastic place to shop on social media and a Christmas video which will showcase what the county has to offer shoppers over the festive period. 

MP calls for tougher sentencing of rogue drivers

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones will lead a debate in Parliament today (Wednesday) on the subject of road safety and the Government's proposed sentencing review.

Ms Jones (pictured), who received road safety charity Brake's award of 2015 Parliamentarian of the Year for her campaigning work, previously introduced a bill to Parliament calling for higher penalties for drivers who drive unlicensed or uninsured.

This year, she tabled a series of questions to the Government on the issue on the week Theresa May became Prime Minister.

Ms Jones said: "I met recently with the Transport Minister and over the summer I tabled a number of questions to Government Ministers.

"I finally got a commitment that the Government would announce a proper consultation on sentencing for road traffic offences by the end of the year.

"I am not giving up because every delay to this campaign is a slight to justice and an insult to the families of those innocent victims who die on our roads.

"There is a lot of support for fairer laws that will help secure justice and make our roads safer."

The train now arriving ...

* 6880 Betton Grange aboard a low loader is inched into the entrance to the railway works in Abbey Road. 

Traffic on Abbey Road was temporarily halted yesterday (Monday) afternoon to allow a prestigious steam engine to be shoehorned into Llangollen railway workshops. 

Last weekend 6880 Betton Grange had been one of the stars at the world’s biggest model railway exhibition, the Warley MRC event at Birmingham’s NEC, and was being returned to its home base. 

This was the first time the loco had appeared in public.

The Betton Grange Society's working parties had lovingly prepared 6880 for display at Warley, assembling all of the motion parts to finish the bottom end of the engine.

The boiler from ex-GWR loco No. 5952, Cogan Hall, was mounted on the frames for the display period.

This will allow the society to set out the pipe runs needed when No. 7927 Willington Hall’s boiler is finally refurbished for use on the completed engine.

The transfer of the boiler from Cogan Hall on to Betton Grange was handled by volunteers led by chief engineer Chris Moore.

The society has announced that TV presenter Mark Evans has agreed to be their first ambassador.

Mark has delivered a number of programmes on Channel 4 and Discovery including An MG is Born, A Race Car is Born and A Plane is Born.

He joined the society at Llangollen in October and received a warm welcome from the 6880 directors who explained all aspects of the project to him.

Ideas flowed as to how Mark could help members achieve their ambition of finishing 6880 within the next two years.

* Llangollen Railway's Winter Warmer gala weekend will be held on December 30 and 31.

It will feature an intensive timetable, authentic cameos and a real ale bar.

Services will be in operation between Llangollen and Carrog (the temporary platform at Corwen East being closed over the winter period as part of the new Corwen Central station works) and will feature a combination of steam, diesel and DMU traction.

Discounted advance fares are available through the railway's website: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/, with an adult day rover being just £16 (£18 on the day) and just £9 for children. Senior and family discounts are also available.