Nature presenter backs community garden campaign

* Community gardeners gather on their plot during the recent snow.

Nature presenter Iolo Williams has added his voice to those opposed to the closure of Llangollen Community garden.

The garden has been threatened by a deal between a developer and the landowner, Denbighshire County council. 

Iolo is one of Wales’ most renowned naturalists and wildlife presenters. He has worked in conservation for over 30 years and has presented many nature and wildlife series for the BBC and S4C.  

He said: “Resources such as this play a vital role in local communities and can engender a lifelong passion for gardening and wildlife. Indeed my own passion was encouraged by my grandfather who took me to work with him in a local community garden.

"In these times when mental health and weight issues are becoming an increasing problem, community gardens have an important role to play and it would be a travesty if the garden at Llangollen was closed.” 

Last month Denbighshire County Council’s Asset Management Group decided to gift the 0.5-acre plot for housing on the basis that the developer will carry out works to nearby Plas Newydd.

Founders of the garden, which was established in 2012, say they received just four days’ notice ahead of the decision, which is due to be ratified on January 11. 

Garden campaigners claim that following the initial decision in November it has now emerged that the land was originally bought by Denbighshire County Council in order to enhance and protect the neighbouring heritage attraction, Plas Newydd. The initial purchase was majority funded by the Heritage Lottery fund, they say. 

Gardener Warren Davies said: “We have worked hard to create a community resource which is open to all, at no cost to the council, but it seems the council is willing to destroy that.”  

Amid claims by Denbighshire council that an alternative site had been turned down, Mr Davies said: “Another site has been mentioned, but it is in private ownership and has not been negotiated by the council, or formalised in any way. It also appears to be one tenth of the size of the current garden." 

The community garden is free to attend and open to all, and grows fruit and vegetables as well as developing wildflower areas and nature habitats. 

The garden regularly hosts free events such as storytelling evenings, visits from local children's groups, Welsh language sessions, and bonfires. 

The community garden group have set up a petition on their website which so far over 300 people have signed, and has more information about the group on Facebook. 

* Denbighshire County Council told llanblogger in response to its last story on the garden:  

“The council has also committed to providing a revised report for the next meeting of the Asset Management Group in January, when this group will review the decision made at the November meeting, reflecting on the additional information and supporting documentation provided by the Community Garden."

The council said yesterday that it doesn't wish to add to this comment.

MP wins ATM cashpoint commitment

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has secured a commitment that all Post Office ATM cashpoint machines will stay free-to-use.

Ms Jones today (Wednesday) met in Parliament with Post Office Corporate Affairs Director Patrick Bourke and Director of Banking Services, Martin Kearsley.

Later, the MP (pictured) said: "I am concerned that as the banks consult on their cash machines and the Links network, we could be left in a position where fewer of the UK's 70,000 Links cashpoint machines are free to use. I personally believe the Government should legislate on this issue, but if it doesn't, small towns and villages could be hit really hard.

"For that reason, I asked to meet with senior Post Office directors to discuss their  take on the situation. Their commitment to free-to-use machines is welcome.

"Also welcome is the fact that the Post Office is starting to work with Credit Unions and developing new technologies to do so.

"This is really good news - as it means that in case of emergencies, say boilers or cookers breaking down, many Credit Union account holders will be able to access cash fast through the local Post Office. That is so much better than having to go to Bright House or high-interest loan companies."

She added: "As someone who made representations to the Government's Banking Protocol about the need to standardise access to bank accounts, I am also pleased to see that 99% of all UK consumer banking customers – and 95% of all small business banking customers –  can now access basic banking services, such as cash withdrawal, cash deposit and cheque deposits through the Post Office. That means locally that people don't have to go to Wrexham for their everyday banking needs."

Ms Jones also raised issues relating to how charities, community groups and local churches can use the Post Office for everyday banking, and discussed particular problems concerning access to Post Office services in the Maelor villages.

Police boss calls for legal clampdown on "upskirting"

A police boss is calling for tough new legislation to punish the sexually intrusive practice of upskirting.

According to North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, secretly photographing underneath a woman's clothing without her consent should be a sexual offence.

The perverts who take the pictures often make things even more distressing for the victims by uploading the images onto the internet.

An online campaign by one victim, London writer Gina Martin, 25, has already amassed more than 70,000 signatures.

The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, of which Mr Jones is a member, has also spoken out against the "invasive and appalling practice". The UK Government is being urged to criminalise the behaviour and introduce legislation in the forthcoming Courts Bill to update the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Mr Jones (pictured) said: "There should certainly be new legislation so that the law can catch up with the new problems of the here and now. As things stand there is a gap in the law.

"Upskirting appears to be a growing problem and it is something that we should act upon to make sure that it is punished appropriately.

"It is a classic example of misogyny in a public place and there is no room in society for this form of totally inappropriate behaviour.

"What makes things even worse is that the perpetrator often compounds these acts by up-loading these images onto the internet.

"Voyeurism is already classed as an offence and there is no reason in my view why upskirting should not be treated in exactly the same way.

"By creating a specific sexual offence covering the practice of 'upskirting' we will be providing the police with more of the tools they need to help bring perpetrators of these appalling acts to justice.

“Making this a specific sexual offence would mean proper recognition of the intent of the perpetrator and the real distress and sense of violation caused to the victim. In addition, it would allow for the range of sentencing and disposal options that are available in respect of sexual offences.

“Updating the law would also raise the public's awareness of this deviant behaviour, give the police more clarity about what action they can take to purse prosecutions whilst at the same time it would send a clear message that these acts are totally unacceptable.

"I am calling on the Government to act swiftly and decisively to ensure that justice is no longer denied to the victims already suffering from this disgraceful practice. The Justice Secretary should look to include measures in the forthcoming Courts Bill to tackle this appalling practice and update the law to protect victims.

"Quite simply, this is sexual offending and should be treated as such."

Christmas music at Methodist Church

Update on D Jones bus company closure

Wrexham.com has a further update on the story of the local bus company closure ...

http://www.wrexham.com/news/further-update-from-wrexham-council-after-collapse-of-d-jones-son-buses-142128.html

Churches stage annual carol service

* Members of Llangollen Youth Choir perform at the carol concert last night.

Churches of various denominations in Llangollen came together for their annual carol service at the Town Hall yesterday (Sunday) evening.

Led by the Rev Phil Poole of the Methodist Church and the Rev Andrew Sully of St Collen's Parish Church, the evening featured a selection of traditional carols, all accompanied by Llangollen Silver Band.

The band performed a number of Christmas numbers, including Tannenbaum and Stop the Cavalry popularised by Joan Lewie in the 1980s.

Also singing some seasonal songs were members of Llangollen Youth Choir conducted by Elen Mair Roberts.

Musical items were interspersed with readings for a number of people including Town Mayor, Cllr Sheena Burrell.

Refreshments were provided and a retiring collection was taken in aid of the charity Embrace the Middle East.

During the evening results were announced of the Christmas tree competition staged at the Methodist Church and voted for by members of the public.

The two winners were the trees created by the town's New Dot community cinema and Llangollen Gardening Club.  

Disruption 'inevitable" after bus company ceases trading

A council leader says disruption is inevitable after a bus company serving Llangollen ceased trading.

For the full story, see: http://www.chesterstandard.co.uk/home/2017/12/16/gallery/disruption-inevitable-after-wrexham-bus-firm-announces-it-is-to-cease-trading-102447/

Stiwt panto has everything to make it a hit

With its larger-than-life dame, frenetic comic lead and extra-nasty villain the Stiwt panto couldn’t fail to be a smash-hit.

Add in a sweet principal girl, the mother of all a fairy godmothers and a posse of super-cute oversized puppets and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs should be pulling in the crowd this festive season.

Audience participation is always a key ingredient and the huge gang of kids packing the aisles at the lovely old Rhos theatre were hooked right from the start by Dame Debbie, forcefully delivered by the towering James Humphreys, who dared them not to scream along with the action.

Standing what appeared to be about seven feet high, if there’s a taller dame in any panto in the land this season, I’d be surprised. And his comedic talent measured up to every inch of his height.

Another character who develops that essential love/hate rapport with the crowd is Michael Jenkins as the Wicked Queen’s sneering side-kick, Henchman. A Stiwt panto stalwart, he steps out of his jackboots to direct the whole show and it’s largely down to him that the whole thing is so zingy and tight.

If the dame is extra tall, then Muddles the comic lead is the exact opposite. But what Kyle Corrin may lack in stature he certainly makes up for in sheer exuberance.

A ball of explosive energy, he fires off jokes machine-gun style and never gives the kids out front a minute’s peace. They love him for it as you can hear from the crescendo of cheers which greets his many appearances on stage.

As has become the practice with the LHK Productions-created pantos here, there has to be high-profile addition to the cast. This time there’s two – Eastenders’ Tony Discipline as the dashing hero Prince Valiant and Big Brother’s Mark Byron as the very camp Fairy Godmother.  Both are perfect in their roles.

The programme biogs don’t mention if Megan Ashley has played in any previous pantos, so this may be her first. But so competently did she handle the part of Snow White, with just the right level of sweetness, that it certainly won’t be her last.

The other lady involved is Cerys Buck. On stage she turned in a very neat Wicked Queen and off-stage she was the choreographer behind some fast-moving dance routines involving a host of talented local youngsters.

Two teams of kids take it in turn to don the clever costumes of the Seven Dwarfs. They look adorable and are yet another crowd pleaser.

There’s recently been some media fuss about at least one professional panto using a script that’s a little near the knuckle for an audience largely comprising kids.

Innuendo has long been a tradition with this type of show but the trick is to make sure things don’t tumble too far over the watershed.

This one has a bit of naughtiness, especially from Dame Debbie, but there’s definitely nothing too strong or offensive and it's all delivered in the best possible taste.

This spectacular show, packed with humour, music and an abundance of colour, is sure to delight the whole family and is on at the Stiwt until New Year’s Eve. Box office: 01978 841300.      

AM calls for more domestic abuse support

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called for more support for both male and female victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence.  

Speaking in a debate on the ‘The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Annual Review 2016-2017’, Mr Isherwood (pictured) emphasised the shortage of refuges for male victims in Wales, referring to the fact that Flintshire men’s refuge is struggling to meet demand, and the need for more perpetrator programmes.  

He said: “Working alongside Plaid Cymru’s Jocelyn Davies and Liberal Democrat Peter Black, I was one of the three AMs in the last Assembly who took the Welsh Government to the line over passage of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act (Wales) 2015.

“We will therefore be supporting amendment 1 (‘Regrets that the Equality and Human Right’s Commission’s aim of eliminating violence in the community is hampered by the lack of progress in implementation of the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Act (Wales) 2015’), and, in this context, I also move amendment 2, noting that the Commission’s aim of eliminating violence in the community requires implementation of the wider Welsh Government pledges made during the passage of the Act. Welsh Women's Aid are now concerned about the lack of Health Budget being invested in specialist Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence providers.

“I moved amendments then calling for national and local strategies to meet the gender-specific needs of women and men. The Stage 1 committee report recommended that Welsh Ministers should ensure that services are tailored to the specific needs of men and women respectively. The Minister then opposed these amendments, stating that this will already be taken into consideration by authorities in the preparation and implementation of national and local strategies.

“In emphasising that women and girls are disproportionately impacted by violence, the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit in Shotton also provides a gender-neutral service, because they say that domestic abuse and sexual violence affect both genders.

“When I visited them recently, they told me that their male refuge received five referrals for just two spaces on its first day, that it had been full ever since and that they are currently operating waiting lists. I understand it's the only male refuge in North Wales, currently funded by the Council, supporting victims until next March, with funding for female victims supported only one year more. A written Welsh Government response to me last month stated that a 2015 survey showed 274 refuge spaces across Wales, of which four in Montgomery were provided for males.”

He added: “I moved then amendments calling for the National Strategy to include provision of at least one perpetrator programme. As Relate Cymru had told Committee, ‘90 per cent of the partners they questioned some time after the end of their programme said 'that there had been a complete stop in violence and intimidation by their partner’. The Minister responded that he did not consider my amendments appropriate, but had jointly funded research to help inform future responses to perpetrators. Well, as reiterated at the last meeting of the Cross Party Group on Violence against Women and Children, Relate's programme ‘Choose 2 Change’ is the only current Respect-accredited programme in Wales.”

Mr Isherwood also moved Amendment 3, “noting the increase in reported hate crime in Wales” and Amendment 4, noting that the EHRC’s efforts to ensure that equality and human rights are embedded in work taken forward under the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act, detailed in their Annual Review, will require the “real and meaningful dialogue between communities, individuals and their public services” called for by the Future Generations Commissioner in her Draft Strategic Plan. 

Christmas quiz planned for Ponsonby next week

Eisteddfod's December update

It has been a busy month in the Eisteddfod office not least because we have been able to launch the main 2018 concert strand and tickets go on sale at 9.30 am today, Thursday December 14.
 
I am delighted that our new Music Director Vicky Yannoula has been able to secure a star-studded concert line-up, featuring performances from best-selling artist, Alfie Boe, prolific recording artist, Van Morrison, renowned baroque instrumental group, Red Priest, and award winning Welsh folk band, Calan.

The concert series offers something for everyone and reflects the musical excellence and diversity that is at the heart of the Eisteddfod. 

Tickets will be available online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office on 01978 862 001 and we would recommend that you buy early to get the best seats. 

Full details of the line-up are: 

Alfie Boe in Concert – Tuesday July 3

The 2018 event will open with one of Britain’s biggest selling, most popular and best loved vocalists of a generation, Alfie Boe. The hugely successful recording artist and West End, Broadway sensation will be joined by his ensemble of stellar musicians, and will performs songs from his iconic, chart-topping albums.

The Classical Collection  - Wednesday July 4

This evening will encapsulate the magic of two of our favourite instruments – the piano and the human voice, featuring our new Music Director, and the International Voice of the Future final.

International Celebration with special guests Calan – Thursday July 5

Celebrate the colour, sound and diversity of our international competitors, along with award winning band, Calan who will set feet tapping with their quirky interpretation of Welsh folk music. 

An Evening with Van Morrison – Friday July 6

What a thrill and an honour to be welcoming Sir Van Morrison, one of the most prolific recording artists and live performers in music history - it will be an evening not to be missed.

Choir of the World with special guests Red Priest – Saturday July 7

The Eisteddfod’s competitions will reach their exciting climax as the very best performers compete for the titles of Choir of the World 2018 and the Dance Champions of the World 2018. Our special guests Baroque instrumental group, Red Priest, will captivate the audience with their technical wizardry and showmanship. 

Watch out for further announcements in the new year about the line-up for Llanfest 2018. 
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dr Rhys Davies,
Eisteddfod Chairman

Horseshoe Pass re-opens

Denbighshire County Council says the Horseshoe Pass is now open again, although ice warnings are still in place.

Honour for local radio presenter

Calon FM presenter Jan Rawlinson has been recognised for her support for classical music.

Jan fronts Calon FM's Sunday early afternoon show Classical Crossover, which is a favourite with people in Llangollen and where she plays and promotes tracks from the classical world of music covering both national and local talent.

In recognition of encouraging the interest of classical crossover music, Jan was recently given a huge pictorial montage from classical music stalwarts, Kevin Wrapson and Nicola Heales.

The montage included photos and handwritten words of gratitude from many of artists she has played and also interviewed on her 12-2pm Sunday show.

Jan said on being presented the honour: "I'm extremely touched to receive this montage with these words of thanks from Kevin, Nicola & the artists. I'm proud to have played and interviewed so many talented artists.

"I'll be looking forward to playing all the great classical crossover music new and old throughout next year, every Sunday 12-2pm."

New Dot's 2018 screening programme

Llangollen's NEW Dot community cinema has released details of its 2018 programme ...

Big community effort saves dog on freezing night

A massive community search effort helped save the life of a dog who went missing in sub-zero temperatures near Dinas Bran Castle in Llangollen last night (Monday).

Grateful owner Matthew Pritchard says the dog, named Andy (pictured), probably wouldn’t have survived the night as the thermometer plummeted to – 10 if he hadn’t have been found after 600 people shared a Facebook message to say he was missing and a number joined the hunt to find him.   

Matthew said: “We acquired Andy just after Christmas last year. He was already named and believed to be 12-15 months old.

“He was being trained to sniff explosive and was destined to spend his life abroad in war zones, but luckily for him he failed to make the grade.

“Although his health and sniff were excellent he had a short attention span, possibly due to his trainers believing he was a lot older than he was. We believe he was about eight months old when he came to live with us in Llangollen.

“Andy fitted in well with our family and soon we started to run canicross with him as both myself and my partner Heather like to run.

“Andy comes out running with us at every available opportunity and we’ve even entered into canicross events where he’s come home with his own medal.

“We regularly train with our local club, Run Free Fell Runners, of which Andy could be classed as the club mascot, and it was on one of these training sessions last night that he disappeared. He runs both on the lead and sometimes off the lead and has never disappeared before.”

Describing how last night’s drama unfolded, Matthew said: “Heather and the run club were half way up Dinas Bran Castle when Andy disappeared.

“After spending what seemed like ages shouting and looking for him Heather ran back home to get another head torch, a power bank for her phone and to inform me about Andy disappearance before returning back up the castle to continue the search.

"While she did this the remaining members of the Run Free Fell Runners club continued looking. “It was at this point that I placed two posts on Facebook, one on Llangollen Notice Board and one on my personal page. “Within an hour both posts had had over 600 shares each with over 500 comments combined. People were messaging me from all over with offers of help in searching for him. “I even had a message from a professional drone company offering assistance. Many members of the Llan community and surrounding areas left the warmth of their own homes and gave up their valuable time to help find him. “With the temperatures due to drop to -10 I didn’t think he’d of survived the night stuck up the castle. After just over an hour of searching he was found safe and well.” “He’s run this route many of times with the club but we believe the deep snow must have disorientated him. “I was overwhelmed by the amount of people concerned for Andy and the amount who helped in the search and I just can’t thank them enough. “Andy returned home, had his tea and snuggled down in his warm bed for the evening, probably oblivious to just how many people were out looking for him.” * Andy with the Run Free Fell Runners.

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Blue badge holders get new concession

Blue Badge holders in Denbighshire will now be allowed to park for an extra hour in council car parks.

The announcement has been hailed by Plaid Cymru – the Party of Wales on the County Council, who maintained that blue badge holders were discriminated against.

Previously Denbighshire County Council gave no concessions for people with blue badges at council run car parks.

Plaid Cymru warned that this went against the Equalities Act 2010 and argued that people with mobility issues needed more time to compensate for their disability.

Plaid Cymru Councillor Glenn Swingler, said: “This is excellent news and I thank Denbighshire County Council for listening to our arguments.

"As things stood the council were discriminating against people with mobility issues. Those with Blue Badges have them for a reason. If someone has mobility issues it takes longer for them to do their shopping, for instance, than others who do not have any mobility issues. This is why we argued that it was only fair and right that the Council gives people with Blue Badges an extra hour."

In July Cllr Swingler said, “The Equalities Act 2010 makes clear that public bodies must provide ‘reasonable adjustment’ for blue badge holders. The current policy doesn’t give that reasonable adjustment, and I’m afraid that we could therefore be in breach of the Equalities Act.

"By giving an extra hour or so on top of the parking ticket then this could be deemed as ‘reasonable adjustment’, and I would be happy to support such a change in policy."

Denbighshire County Council’s report states: “It is proposed to give Blue Badge holders an extra hour of parking in all Denbighshire pay and display car parks as a "reasonable adjustment" in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

"This will work by the Civil Enforcement Officers allowing an additional hour on top of the time printed on the pay and display ticket.”

BBC's snow coverage comes from Llan again

For the second day in a row reports about the disruption caused by heavy snow across the country have come from Llangollen.

Once again BBC reporter Matt Richards and his crew set up their camera on the Horseshoe Pass, which was closed to traffic when snowfalls were at their height.

He described Llangollen as one of the areas of Wales worst hit by what's been dubbed the "snow bomb" of the weekend before going on to describe how the rest of Britain had been affected by the wintry weather.

Here, all three local schools remain closed today.

UP DATES ...

Latest from D.Jones & Son Bus and Coaches SERVICE UPDATE The following services are due to operate only serving main roads 05 Wrexham - Llangollen 41/ 42 Wrexham - Wrexham Industrial Estate

Latest county snow update - Sunday evening

Snow in Denbighshire -  Update at 7.30pm

Round –up of the snow position in Denbighshire today:

The Horseshoe Pass has remained closed all day. All A routes are open. B routes in the South of the County remain a challenge. Agricultural contractors are helping with snow clearance.  Bus services have operated in the main today with a few exceptions.  North East Wales councils have been in communication all weekend about highways, streetscene and social care to ensure a coordinated response.

Gritters have been working on shifts all weekend and will continue throughout the night.  Temperatures are predicted to drop as low as minus eight degrees overnight, at which point the grit is less effective, so drivers are warned to take extra special precautions. 

The advice to Denbighshire residents is not to travel unless absolutely necessary, particularly in the south of the county. 

Update on services for Monday:

School transport: There will be no school transport operating south of the A55 tomorrow. This is likely to impact on the number of schools opening.

Schools: To date,  the majority of the schools to the south of the A55 will be closed on Monday:

St Asaph Infants

Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn

Ysgol Caer Drewyn

Ysgol Carrog

Ysgol Bro Cinmeirch, Llanrhaeadr

Ysgol Pant Pastynog, Prion.

Ysgol Tremeirchion

Ysgol Esgob Morgan, St Asaph

Rhos Street School, Ruthin.

St Brigid’s Secondary School

Ysgol Twm o’r Nant, Denbigh

Ysgol Llanbedr Dyffryn  Clwyd

Ysgol Glan Clwyd, St Asaph

Ysgol y Parc, Denbigh

Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd

Denbigh High School

Ysgol Trefnant

Ysgol Gellifor

Ysgol Bryn Clwyd, Llandyrnog

Ysgol Betws Gwerfil Goch

Ysgol Bro Elwern, Gwyddelwern

Ysgol  Borthyn, Rhuthun

Ysgol Bryn Collen, Llangollen

Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen

Ysgol Carreg Emlyn

Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh

Ysgol Pentrecelyn

Ysgol Cefn Meiriadog

Ysgol Bodfari

Ysgol Gymraeg y Gwernant, Llangollen

Ysgol Frongoch, Denbigh

Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin

Ysgol Rhewl

Ysgol Plas Cefndy (Mr Seamark’s Class – the school will re-open for remaining pupils who live north of the A55)

Ysgol Pen Barras, Ruthin

Ysgol Henllan

Libraries: We are expecting to open all our libraries tomorrow to allow Council staff to work locally to their homes if they have the ability to do so.  Any limit to the public services available from the libraries will be communicated tomorrow.

Waste services:  They are likely to be restricted in the South of the County as we try to catch up after the disruption on Friday.Collections were due in Rhyl and Denbigh – they will take place in Rhyl but not Denbigh.  The recycling centres at Denbigh and Ruthin will be closed. Rhyl’s will remain open.

Leisure facilities: A decision will be made about these tomorrow morning and will be communicated.

Customer Contact Centre: The customer contact centre will be manned from alternative locations to cope with the inevitably high demand.

Another whiteout for Llan

See updates at foot of story ... 

* The wintry scene in Regent Street at around 8.15am.

* BBC reporter Matt Richards broadcasts a snow report from Llangollen.

Llangollen has seen its second significant fall of snow in a few days.

It began snowing at around 4.30am and forecasters say it will continue for a few hours yet.

The BBC chose Llangollen as the spot from which to broadcast a report on the extreme weather conditions at 8am.

North Wales Police tweeted ...

#Snow is now affecting eastern areas of the region. Please do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary. If you have to venture out allow plenty of time for your journey and drive according to the conditions #StaySafe

The Met office tweeted ...

Snow in Denbighshire – Update at 10am on Sunday

The heavy snow predicted for Denbighshire has arrived in earnest and gritting teams have been out throughout the night and are out in force across the county.

They are focussing mainly on the trunk routes and principal county roads.  The weather position is at its worst in south Denbighshire and  teams are doing all they can to keep the main routes open.

The Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen remains closed, but all other routes are passable with extreme care. However, we are re-iterating the advice by police for people to only travel if absolutely necessary.

Leisure facilities:

Llangollen Leisure Centre - Closed

Corwen Leisure Centre – Closed

Ruthin Leisure Centre – Closed

Ruthin Craft Centre – Closed

Denbigh Leisure Centre – Open, Astro Turf Pitch Closed

St Asaph Leisure Centre – Closed,

Rhyl Leisure Centre – Open, Astro Turf Pitch Closed

Nova Prestatyn – Open

Prestatyn Leisure Centre – Open, Astro Turf Pitch Closed

North Wales Bowls Centre – Open

Rhyl Harbour - Open

Bus services:

Other than Wrexham to Barmouth,  all Denbighshire  Sunday services currently operating including to Denbigh, Llandyrnog and Llangwyfan with the exception of Well Hill Holywell and through Mancot (both on the Rhyl - Chester service); No details from Arriva regarding their Wrexham - Llangollen service.

 

Council snow update issued

Gritting teams have been working overnight and are continuing to work this morning to treat the county’s roads, with the priority given to main A and B routes. Agricultural contractors are also being used to assist the Council.

Roads: The Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen remains closed – but most other major routes across the county are open.  Drivers being warned to take care and to allow extra time for any journeys today.

Buses: Buses in the Ruthin area are running broadly to time. All Arriva routes are operating from Ruthin towards the coast today. The service between Ruthin and Wrexham is being assessed.  The service between Ruthin and Mold is also operating.

Libraries:  All libraries are open this morning (except Corwen which does not open normally on Saturdays)

Leisure:

Llangollen Leisure Centre - Closed

Corwen Leisure Centre – Open, Swimming Lessons Cancelled

Ruthin Leisure Centre – Closed

Ruthin Craft Centre – Open until 4pm

Denbigh Leisure Centre – Open, Astro Turf Pitch Closed

St Asaph Leisure Centre – Closed

Rhyl Leisure Centre – Open

Nova Prestatyn – Open

Prestatyn Leisure Centre – Open, Astro Turf Pitch Closed

North Wales Bowls Centre – Open

Rhyl Harbour - Open

The forecast is for a band of heavy snow to affect North Wales on Sunday and we are continuing to monitor the forecast and will have teams of staff ready to deal with any snow issues.

We are advising people to continue to monitor the weather forecasts on television, radio, online and in the press. Information can also be found on the Met Office’s website: www.metoffice.gov.uk  Any updates will also be placed on the Council’s website and social media accounts.

Railway's Santa Special gets underway

Llangollen Railway's Santa Special season has begun and on Sunday 3 December one of the Santa trains was seen passing Berwyn with engine No.5199 working hard on the climb past the Dee Gorge.

Trains operate at weekends through to Christmas Eve and from Boxing Day the Mince Pie Specials will run.

Live weather updates from Llan area

 ... see live updates below

* Regent Street at 10.20am. 

* The snowy scene this morning looking towards Castell Dinas Bran. 

11.04 UPDATE: Llan Leisure Centre closed for the day due to snow.

More from Wrexham.com ...

So to get all technical but there is some thick stuff on the way http://www.wrexham.com/news/snow-falling-in-wrexham-area-updates-141456.html …pic.twitter.com/WxIu1OJ0it

10.55 UPDATE: Tweet from Arriva Bus Wales ... SERVICE UPDATE: Due to bad weather in the Wrexham Area (Snow) the following services are currently affected: Service 3/4 – 7/8 - 10/11/11A - 12/12A - 26/27 - 5 - For further details click on the following link... https://goo.gl/d1j7Wb 

10.50 UPDATE: From Wrexham.com ...

* Just had official note from @colegcambria "We are closing our Yale, Bersham Road and Llysfasi sites at 11am today because of the weather”

There are now over 40 schools closed or partially closed in Wrexham due to the snow.

10.40 UPDATE: 23 of the county schools are closed for the day. • 3 of the county libraries – Denbigh, Llangollen and Corwen are closed for the day. •The Horseshoe Pass is closed but most other routes are passable with extreme care. #denbighshiresnow

* Horseshoe Pass.

Posted on Facebook by Ponderosa Café about 9.50am Friday.

10.30am UPDATE: Ysgol Bryn Collen now closed.

10.10am UPDATE:

Ysgol Gymraeg y Gwernant

and Ysgol Dinas VBran are both now closed.

Llangollen awoke to a thin covering of snow this morning (Friday).

Further showers are forecast throughout the day and perhaps into tomorrow.

Traffic through town appears to be flowing freely and no local school closures are being reported so far on the county council website, although schools are shut for the day due to the weather in other parts of the county including Llandegla.

We're ready for the snow, says council

Denbighshire County Council is reassuring residents that it is prepared for the wintry weather predicted for later this week.

A yellow warning for snow and ice is in place from 12.05am on Friday through until 6pm on Saturday. The Met Office is warning that heavy snow showers may cause some disruption to some services.

The council says its highways team is geared up and will be gritting the county’s roads when freezing temperatures are predicted. 

The council has salt stocks at its three depots and teams will be working around the clock to keep the main A and B roads open, as well as roads connecting villages.  

The team is also receiving regular, detailed weather forecasts and will respond if there are any unexpected changes to weather forecasts or any significant snowfall.

In the event of any school closures, the latest information can be found on the council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk

The council is advising people to continue monitoring weather forecasts on television, radio and online, as well as in the local press and social media. 

Any specific information relating to Denbighshire will be placed on the council’s website and through its social media channels.