Councillor 'delighted' with success of live 2020 session

* Town Councillor Robyn Lovelock (left) and County Councillor Graham Timms during the live Facebook session.

A Llangollen councillor says she is delighted with the reaction to a live Facebook session held earlier this week to gauge public opinion to a scheme aimed at streamlining the town centre’s traffic system.

The Llangollen 2020 Project, which is backed by both town and county councils, Cadwyn Clwyd and the Welsh Government, sets out to create a vibrant town centre that better meets the needs of residents, visitors and businesses.

Ideas it is looking at include creating a more pedestrian-friendly area, an improved network of parking options and improved signage on the approach to and within the town centre.

A team of consultants has been tasked to support the initiative and they ran a fact-finding session outside the Town Hall recently during which members of the public attached post-it notes with their ideas for traffic improvements to a large map of the town centre.

Town Councillor Robyn Lovelock and one of the area’s county councillors, Graham Timms, who are both supporting the project, took to Facebook for a 50-minute live session on Tuesday evening, inviting comments about 2020 from the public.

Cllr Lovelock said: “I’m delighted the clip has been viewed by so many people - over 1,200 - and that it appears to have been appreciated as a way of engaging residents in the process and decisions that will need to be made. “It was the first public Facebook live session for Graham and I so we were pleased that there were no major technical issues - and I was happy that my nerves didn’t get in the way too much!” She added:  “We hope this is the first of several conversations about the Llangollen 2020 project, with future sessions possibly discussing the findings from the consultants, the options they propose, and the economic impact study as all of these are published. “For now, we just want to get as much input into this ideas stage as possible and really encourage those residents and visitors who haven’t yet completed the online survey to do so.” Cllr Lovelock said today (Friday) was the last day for people to complete the online 2020 survey, which has so far received over 300 responses. They can do so at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Llangollen2020 The Welsh link is: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Llangollen2020Cymraeg

Preferred candidate for police chief announced

 *  Carl Foulkes is in line for the top job with North Wales Police.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones has announced his preferred candidate as the region’s new Chief Constable.

Gulf War veteran Carl Foulkes’ appointment is subject to confirmation by the North Wales Police and Crime Panel, which will take place on September 10.

Mr Jones has informed the Police and Crime Panel about his choice which follows a rigorous two-day interview process.

Mr Foulkes, 47, who hails originally from Caergwrle, near Wrexham,  is currently the Deputy Chief Constable of Merseyside Police.

He started his policing career with British Transport Police in 1993, having previously served in the Royal Navy and seeing active service in the first Gulf War.

After spending 10 years working for British Transport Police in London, serving in a variety of local policing and support roles, he was promoted to the rank of acting Chief Inspector.

In 2003, he joined West Midlands Police as a Detective Chief Inspector in Walsall.  He moved into the Criminal Investigation Department prior to becoming Operations Superintendent in Birmingham.

In 2008, he was promoted to the position of Solihull Commander and two years later he assumed command of Force Intelligence, before moving on to head Force CID, the largest single department in the Force.   As head of Force CID, he managed the force’s response to serious organised crime, homicide and acquisitive crime.

He has national portfolio responsibility for Assisting Offender Debriefing under SOCPA, Open Source Investigations and UK Protected Persons Service (UKPPS).

Mr Foulkes is married with a teenage son and enjoys outdoor pursuits including running, walking and cycling. 

In 2012 he represented Great Britain at the World Duathlon Championships in France and he often runs and cycles run and cycle in support of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Mr Foulkes said: “I am proud and privileged to have been chosen as the preferred candidate to serve the people of North Wales.  

“I look forward to meeting the Police and Crime Panel at my confirmation hearing and subject to their approval of my appointment,  I very much look forward to leading such a dedicated and hard-working force.”

The commissioner said: "I am delighted to name Carl Foulkes as my preferred candidate for North Wales’ new Chief Constable.

“His experience, enthusiasm and commitment was clear from the interview process and I am pleased to be able to put his name forward to the Police and Crime Panel.

“I will not be making any further comment until the Panel have had the opportunity to review the appointment at a confirmation hearing.”

The job was advertised after Mark Polin revealed he was retiring after nine years as chief constable.

Until a new chief constable starts, the current Deputy Chief Constable, Gareth Pritchard, will become the Temporary Chief Constable in the interim and Richard Debicki who will be the Temporary  Deputy Chief Constable, while Neill Anderson will step up as the Temporary Assistant Chief Constable.

Horseshoe Pass is now open

The Horseshoe is now open. There are traffic lights in operation between the layby at the top of the Pass and the quarry.

Iconic Welsh beer heads back to Llan food festival

* Wrexham Lager Managing Director Mark Roberts with Donna Hughes, of Cadwyn Clwyd at the brewery in Wrexham.

An iconic Welsh beer that made a remarkable comeback is celebrating after landing its biggest ever export orders with major deals in China and France.

Wrexham Lager was served on the ill-fated Titanic which sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic on its maiden voyage.

The brewery itself sank in 2002 but the famous beverage was resurrected in 2011 and now it’s going from strength to strength.

The company credits Llangollen Food Festival for helping to introduce its lager to a new audience.

They will be making a triumphant return to the annual festival this autumn in the picturesque Dee Valley town after securing the two international contracts which will catapult its award-winning bottled lager to global success once again.

China is currently the world’s largest market for lager, overtaking both Germany and the US, and the Wrexham-based firm hopes foreign interest in the brand will lead to new jobs for local people.

The new export orders were placed by leading wholesalers and come on the back of international business networking events organised by the Welsh Government which showcased the best of Welsh produce. 

Office manager Nic Gaffey said: “The French contract is with a wholesaler which supplies more than 3,000 supermarkets and deli shops. It’s a big order for us and hopefully once the bottles go out they’ll be well-received and the supplier will look to re-order in bigger volumes. We’re hoping for a four-six week turnaround.

“It’s a similar story in Hong Kong where the wholesaler has a licence to distribute alcoholic drink across China.

“The bottles will be sold across China in high-end specialist drink shops selling premium spirits and lager.
“There's a very strong market for high-end lager and spirits in China and from there we’re hoping to get more orders.”

To toast its success, Wrexham Lager will be bringing its purpose-built formal bar to Llangollen Food Festival and will serve a variety of soft drinks, spirits as well as Wrexham lager in draught and bottles and will accompany the firm’s usual demonstration trailer.

The vehicle was imported from Germany and modified over a number of weeks to create the perfect setting for a pint.

The firm will also be selling its popular gift packs to give customers something to take home from the day for relatives and friends.

This year Llangollen Food Festival will be held on October 13 and 14, with thousands of food lovers expected from far and wide.

It’s been named as one of the Top 10 food festivals in the UK by the Independent and Daily Telegraph newspapers, pumping almost £400,000 into the local economy

Nic added: “We’ve been coming to the festival for six years now and really look forward to it. People go along every year and expect to see us - we’ve really become a firm fixture at this event.

“Now we’re increasing interest in Wrexham Lager farther afield which is really exciting. Our first export orders represent a significant expansion and both are firsts for us. We’re definitely getting our name out there with the bigger brands which enjoy a world market.

“There are only five of us here at the moment but our bottles are on the same platform as the likes of Budweiser and Fosters which is great to see for both Wrexham and North Wales.

“We’re already looking for an additional member of staff and as orders increase there could be the potential for additional delivery drivers and others to work on the brewery side which is all good for the local economy.”

Wrexham Lager was first brewed in 1882 by German immigrants and was the first chilled beer in the UK.

The brewery was resurrected in 2011 by the Roberts family and Ian Dale, the former head brewer at Wrexham Lager, and production of the historic tipple was revived. The firm now supplies hundreds of pubs across North Wales, the North West and beyond.

Llangollen Food Festival committee members Donna Hughes and Phil Davies are looking forward to helping the brewery celebrate at this year’s event.

Donna said: “We are thrilled that Wrexham Lager is doing so well and has landed these two major export orders.

“It is a source of great satisfaction to us that the festival has been able to play a part in helping to revive this famous brew which is made using the original recipe.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Phil who added: “Thanks to a whole host of indigenous companies, North East Wales is rapidly establishing a reputation as a centre of excellence for high quality products like Wrexham Lager.

“The food festival is a perfect shop window for the companies who form the backbone of the local economy."

* For more information about Llangollen Food Festival go to www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

A483 closed following accident

Breaking news ...

The Leader has just posted on online story saying that the A483 is closed following a accident between a tractor and a lorry.

The affected area is between junction two and three of the A483 between Ruabon and Rhostyllen.

For the full story, see: http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/16391670.long-delays-as-hgv-and-tractor-collide-on-a483-at-ruabon/

Eisteddfod confirms departure of music director

* Vicky Yannoula, the eisteddfod's departing Music Director.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has confirmed that its Music Director is leaving after just one year with the festival.

Last September Vicky Yannoula, who is of Greek origin, took over from Eilir Owen Griffiths who stepped down after six years in the high-profile role following the 2017 eisteddfod.

A portfolio musician with international experience, Ms Yannoula joined the eisteddfod after holding successful positions with organisations such as Trinity College London, Middlesex University and the Drake Calleja Trust.

This year she masterminded successful evening concerts by Alfie Boe and Van Morrison in addition to overseeing the festival’s range of musical competitions.

In a statement sent to llanblogger this afternoon, the eisteddfod says: “We can confirm that Vicky Yannoula’s tenure as our Music Director has now ended.

“We would like to thank Vicky for her energy and enthusiasm and for bringing a refreshing change of artistic emphasis to the Eisteddfod.

“The artistic success of the 2018 Eisteddfod has highlighted the skills and talents of the staff and volunteers that support our organisation and moving forward we will be looking into developing the Music Director role into a more strategic leadership position. This review will ensure that we continue to grow and develop our offering.

“We’re looking forward to announcing our latest developments and will keep our community up to date with this news.

“Once again, we’d like to thank everyone involved in delivering a fantastic festival this year and are delighted with the positive feedback received from the majority of visitors, performers and volunteers involved in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.”

Ms Yannoula was the eisteddfod’s eighth Music Director. 

Since moving from Corfu to London in 1995 to study at the Royal College of Music, her list of accomplishments has made her a notable pianist on stages around the world and seen her collaborate with a wealth of international artists.

She has also had experience as a tutor, recording artist, manager and an entrepreneur.

Blaze supply drop organiser calls for more help

* Supply drop organiser Cat Meade (left), pictured with Llangollen Deputy Mayor Issy Richards, who has also been heavily involved, says help is still needed.

The organiser of the massive operation to deliver food and drinks to firefighters tackling the mountain blaze above Llangollen says help is still needed, especially from hotels.

Crews are still in attendance on the scorched moorland which was has been burning for well over a week.

Since last Thursday Cat Meade from Wingetts estate agents in Castle Street has been running a relay of deliveries by a team of volunteer drivers up to the Horseshoe Pass area.

She also set up an online appeal for funds which currently stands at well over £1,000.

But Cat told llanblogger today (Wednesday) that the work must go on and she spoke of the need for businesses to get involved.

She said: “Gofund sits at £1,500 of which we have above £200 left.

“We've been doing three drops a day since last Thursday. The deliveries are costing about £250 a day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We’re also using cash donations to buy supplies.

“We plan to continue until Saturday but we are running out of funds quickly.

“Over 20 volunteers have been doing food deliveries. Tesco at Cefn Mawr has been helping daily along with Home Bargains, Stans and Chirk McDonalds but now we need hotel people with catering facilities on board to help.”

Cat added: “We have been overwhelmed by the level of public support we’ve had with daily donations.

“I’d also like to mention one lady from Oswestry, Pam Metcalf, who has been amazing and has just done her fourth drop-off of supplies.”

Pam said on Facebook: “I wanted to help and do my bit. I love Llangollen like so many others. The Horseshoe Pass is breathtakingly beautiful.

“The men and women firefighters were fighting hard against the elements, I couldn’t sit back and ignore it.

“Then I saw a post by Cat Meade and I was on a mission. So to the firefighters and the community of Llangollen, glad we could help and give you all support.”

* To donate to the appeal, go to: gf.me/u/j5y9gc

Firefighters tackle blaze at Kronospan

* A picture taken last night at the height of the fire.

Wrexham.com is reporting today on a major fire at Kronospan in Chirk late last night (Tuesday).

For the full story, see: http://www.wrexham.com/news/five-crews-called-to-major-fire-at-kronospan-in-chirk-153771.html

Legion group head off on Great War pilgrimage

* Llangollen Town Mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, gives an official send-off to Royal British Legion representatives Philip Stroud, the local branch chairman (left) and standard bearer Phil Silverston in Centenary Square. 

Four members of the Llangollen branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) will be joining their comrades from across Britain for a special ceremony in northern France next week honouring the fallen of the First World War.  

A decade after the end of the war in 1918 the British Legion, as it was then known, organised an expedition for veterans and widows to visit the battlefields of the Somme and Ypres before marching to the Menin Gate in Ypres on August 8th 1928.

Exactly 90 years later, thousands of Legion representatives will recreate the 1928 Battlefields Pilgrimage and visit the same battlefields.

Then, next Wednesday, they will parade their branch standard and a wreath along the same route to the Menin Gate for the One Hundred Days ceremony to commemorate the last 100 days of the war and represent an entire generation that served while defending their country.

Proudly taking their place in the poignant pilgrimage will be Llangollen RBL chairman Philip Stroud along with branch standard bearer Phil Silverston, secretary David Thomas and parade commander Graham Patton.

They will be taking with them the official good wishes of the Town Council and people of Llangollen expressed to them at a gathering in the town’s new Centenary Square yesterday (Tuesday).

Housing the town’s two war memorials, the square was created by the Town Council to mark 100 years since the end of the Great War and was officially opened just a few weeks ago.

The RBL party were given an official send-off by the Town Mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, who presented them with a poppy wreath he had signed on behalf of the whole community.

Philip Stroud, who himself served in the King’s Regiment, said: “The four Llangollen representatives will be journeying over to France this Sunday and will return the following Thursday after the two special events in which we are proud to be taking part.

“It’s good to know that we are taking with us the good wishes of the town.”

The Mayor said: “A lot of people from this area took part in the Great War. There was a big sacrifice and it’s important that people never forget this.

“I wished the RBL group bon voyage on behalf of everyone in Llangollen.”

* To learn more about the two special events in France they are attending, go to: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/community/calendar/remembrance-services-and-events/great-pilgrimage-90/ 

Charity concert news

Stay clear of Horseshoe fire scene, says Ponderosa boss

* Devastation to the ground caused by the fire pictured by Simon Clemence of the Ponderosa Café.

* Fire appliances still on top of the Horseshoe Pass. Picture by Simon Clemence of the Ponderosa Café.

People shouldn't travel up to the Horseshoe Pass area unless absolutely necessary as the mountain is still smouldering after more than a week on fire.

That's the message this morning from Simon Clemence, owner of the world-famous Ponderosa Café at the summit of the pass.

They say on their Facebook page: "The main pass road is still closed. The Old Pass is open however please take care.

"We are open to the emergency services and the public but I would advise people to not travel up the pass unless absolutely necessary.

"There are still fire hotspots and the mountain is still smouldering. The devastation this fire has caused to our beautiful area is heartbreaking but hopefully now we can move forward.

"Can I just take this time to thank all emergency services involved they truly are commendable without their bravery and determination I don’t think the Ponderosa would be standing.

"So from each and everyone of us thank you so very much. Regards Simon and Samantha Clemence."

* The annual Ponderosa Fell Race, due to start from the café tomorrow evening (August 1) has just been cancelled.

Earlier this morning organiser Charles Ashley said on Facebook: "It is with regret to inform you all that this year's race is cancelled.

"Firefighters are still in the area working to put out hotspots etc etc.

"I know this will be a disappointment to you all but I’m sure you’ll understand that this is completely out of our control."

The massive operation to supply the firefighters still around the Horseshoe Pass with refreshments, being co-ordinated by Cat Meade at Wingetts estate agents in Castle Street, Llangollen, continues.

* Meanwhile, Denbighshire County Council has paid tribute to its teams of staff that have been busy supporting North Wales Fire and Rescue Service in dealing with the fires at Llantysilio Mountain.

Teams from the Countryside Service have been have been out assisting firefighting efforts since the first fires started a week and a half ago and teams have been working tirelessly ever since.

They have responded positively to all requests from the Fire and Rescue Service and have provided their own specialist fire fighting equipment to assist the efforts and supported fire fighters in its use.

Teams have also been assisting with cutting fire breaks,  working closely with fire and rescue teams and colleagues from Natural Resources Wales to try and prevent the fire from spreading.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “The fire and rescue service has been working tirelessly to deal with the fire at the location and they are to be commended for their actions.

“They have been ably assisted by our countryside teams who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect this area of outstanding natural beauty and reduce the risk of the fire from spreading to nearby properties.

“This is an example of partnership working at its best."

A number of other teams from the Council, including highways and social services have been involved in the response to the fires.

Holiday route saluted at Autumn Steam Gala

* Steam engine No. 46521 during a previous visit to Llangollen Railway.

The important role played by the old Ruabon to Barmouth line in connecting holidaymakers from the North West of England with the Cambrian Coast will be celebrated at Llangollen Railway this October.

2018 is Visit Wales' Year of the Sea (www.visitwales.com/sea) with the theme for October- December being Connected Coasts.

At its forthcoming Autumn Steam Gala, which runs throughout the weekend of October 12-14, Llangollen Railway is marking the occasion by saluting the part played by the Ruabon-Barmouth route – of which the 10-mile heritage line was once a part - in linking the busy industrial areas of Cheshire, Manchester and Liverpool with the holiday resorts of North Wales .

The gala is entitled Along Cambrian Lines 2 and follows on from the railway’s highly popular event on the same theme in April 2016.

Organiser Peter Dickinson, a project engineer at the railway, said: “It will be a three-day feast of steam-hauled nostalgia.

“Our annual Autumn Steam Gala has become an important event on many enthusiasts’ calendars as it offers a varied range of trains running along our picturesque line.

“For nearly 100 years, the railway carried many thousands of holidaymakers over its tracks to seaside resorts right along the coast.

“This October’s gala will be a celebration of these much loved trains heading for the seaside during the 1950s and early 1960s.

“A great line-up of visiting locomotives will be supported by members of the Llangollen Railway's home fleet, recreating many of the authentic sights and sounds of the period.”

Visiting locomotives include BR Ivatt 2MT  No. 46521, courtesy of the Great Central Railway. This former Royal Train engine spent almost its entire working life in Wales and was allocated to Oswestry, Brecon and Machynlleth steam sheds during its career.

No. 46521 was also a regular sight around Barmouth during the 1950s and 1960s, working trains along the Cambrian Coast route and the regular shuttle service up the Mawddach Estuary to Dolgellau. 

Other visitors will be announced over the coming weeks, including the possible return of a local locomotive after a 60-year absence. 

Attractions include:

• Interactive activities for all the family, including Make your own Luggage Labels.
• Display of entries of the railway’s 2018 Steam Trains to the Seaside children's poster competition.
• Intensive timetable over all three days.
• Full line and local services to-ing and fro-ing.
• Demonstration goods and parcel loading at Berwyn station

Along the Llangollen line there are a number of interesting structures built with local stone which was quarried along the River Dee.

A special exhibition telling the story of some of the viaducts, road bridges and station buildings will be running in the Henry Robertson Suite in Llangollen Station throughout the gala.

Passenger timetables will follow in the weeks leading up to the event.

The full working timetable will be available free of charge to holders of travel tickets for the event from the railway’s booking offices at the event while stocks last.

* Event details can be found at: http://llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/autumn-steam-gala-12th-14th-october/ 

Firefighter has her 40th birthday battling the big blaze

The proud mum of one of the firefighters who have been battling to control a mountain fire above Llangollen has spoken of how she had her 40^th birthday on the fire ravaged frontline.

Jayne Dulson went on Facebook to describe how her daughter Clare Dulson (pictured) spent her milestone birthday alongside her colleagues from Chirk fire station trying to contain the flames which were ripping through the moorlands near Llantysilio and the Horseshoe Pass.

And the organiser of the big effort to supply the firefighters with much-needed refreshments, Cat Meade from Wingetts estate agents in Llangollen, said that when the volunteer driver delivering food and drinks to the hard-pressed fire crews found out it was Clare’s birthday they served her with bacon butties plus a cream cake.

Clare is originally from Llangollen but now lives in Chirk.

Her mum Jayne says in her Facebook post, which has rapidly gone viral since appearing yesterday attracting over 1,000 likes: “This is my daughter Clare Dulson and she is one of the many firefighters that have been tackling the mountain fires over the last 11 days.

“I just want everyone to know how amazing she is because not only was she up there pretty much continually from Thursday morning until the early hours of this morning, with her colleagues from Chirk, and there is a chance they may go back, it was her 40th birthday yesterday and she dropped all her plans and chose to keep her crew available to fight the fires.

“They saw her birthday in with her, and out, and I can’t even imagine how tired they all are and therefore she didn’t have a birthday at all, or any celebrations, and while some have put on the here that “That’s what their paid to do anyway”, the hours they have put in are astounding and they are all heroes.

“She spent most of her birthday evening trying to contain some of the most challenging conditions that they have had so far ,and I was worried sick about her, but today she wanted no fuss, and said she would have rather been there than anywhere else, because of her love for the job, and her hometown.

“So, although she will not appreciate my post, I want to say huge thanks to all of the firefighters that have spent so long up there, whilst trying to juggle a day job, families and no sleep, and hope as many people as possible wish my daughter a very happy birthday for yesterday, and show our appreciation for our wonderful firefighters.”

Cat Meade, who has organised an online appeal for the firefighters’ supplies which has so far attracted donations well over £1,200, said: “When we found out that Clare was having her 40^th birthday up there we knew we had to do something a little special for her.

“The money we’d collected meant we could send them all bacon butties but we also gave Clare a nice big cream cake which was donated by a shop in Oswestry.

“We were delighted to help her celebrate her big birthday because she and he colleagues have been doing such a brilliant job up there for us.”       

UPDATE ...

The incident saw the closure of the Horseshoe Pass at the end of last week but North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has announced this morning that the old section - from Ruthin up to the Ponderosa - has now reopened.

The new section remains closed, a spokesman for the fire and rescue service added.

Two fire appliances remained on site overnight and there are plans to send three crews and an off-road vehicle up to the scene today.

Fire supply team calls for volunteers

* Fire control centre.

* Picture of the fire scene taken earlier this afternoon.

* Food delivery on the road this afternoon.

2.15pm UPDATE ...

Cllr Issy Richards has just returned from taking a consignment of supplies to the crews.

She said: "Fires still smouldering but rain has helped, firefighters still hard at the work."

* A statement just received from Denbighshire County Council says:

“On Friday night, the escalating fire meant that the Council was placed on high alert to take immediate action if necessary.

“The Council’s countryside service teams have been working closely with fire and rescue service colleagues throughout the week and the weekend to tackle the fire.

“Fire crews, assisted by the Council’s countryside service teams have been making good progress in their efforts to distinguish the fire and the rain has certainly assisted the efforts.

“The Council has put arrangements for a rest centre in place, should the need arise. However, in light of the improving situation, the Council has been given permission to stand down its rest centre arrangements. The situation will be closely monitored and we will be informed if the need for a rest centre arises again."

The team taking supplies to the fire crews battling the blaze on the mountainsides near Llangollen say they are now looking for extra help.

Llangollen's deputy mayor, Cllr Issy Richards, who is helping to co-ordinate the delivery efforts, said: "So far there have been a handful of helpers to collect and deliver hot food at 1pm and 7pm to the firefighters at various points.

"We are now looking for extra help, as the situation may be ongoing throughout the week.

"If anyone can help please let us know and we will contact you via Messenger.

"What are needed are two people in a vehicle who can collect hot food from Llangollen and deliver, probably to the Llandegla roundabout."

Please contact the team via the Llangollen Noticeboard page on Facebook.

Firefighters' supplies appeal goes on, says organiser

Ponderosa Cafe

· 11 hrs ·

Good evening everyone,
The Ponderosa has been evacuated due to fire and smoke.
Can I please just take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful emergency services who are currently battling this menace.
...

Regards Simon Clemence.

* Last night's message on Facebook from the Ponderosa Café.

11am update from Ponderosa's Simon Clemence to llanblogger ...

Yes the Cafe was evacuated last night I’m back up here now. Road still closed. Mountain in a terrible state but the cafe and family is ok thank goodness.

The urgent operation to get food and drinks to firefighters battling the blaze on the mountainsides around Llangollen goes on despite overnight rain.

That’s the message from Cat Meade from Wingetts estate agents in Castle Street who has been co-ordinating efforts to get supplies to the hard-pressed crews.

Last night it appears that the Ponderosa Café whose car park had been used as the emergency services command centre for the past few days had to be evacuated.

Its owner Simon Clemence put out a message on Facebook to say: “The Ponderosa has been evacuated due to fire and smoke.

“Can I please just take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful emergency services who are currently battling this menace.”

Late last week Cat at Wingetts set up an online appeal for cash to help pay for supplies for the large number of fire crews who have been drafted in from across North Wales.

Within hours hundreds of pounds had been pledged and the tally this morning (Sunday) stands at £1,200.

However, Cat points out that with average spending on food and drinks running at around £200 a day the money collected so far can’t last much longer if the emergency continues.

She said: “We’re hoping that the rain we’ve had overnight will help damp down the fire but it’s so deep-rooted that we just don’t know.

“We’re therefore planning to keep both the appeal and supply runs going.

“We know they do have a stockpile of supplies up there but what they’ve got is only likely to last for the next 24 hours.

“The public have been fantastic in supporting the appeal but I think now we need a little help from the corporate side of things. I’d like to see larger businesses contributing in some way – not just from this area but right through to Wrexham from where many of the fire crews have been coming.”

She added: “Could you also advise people that the last of the supplies were delivered last night. There was plenty of water but they’ve requested energy drinks like Red Bull, Lucozade and so on.

“Our collection points at Wingetts in Castle Street, from 9am tomorrow, and the leisure centre. Llangollen Leisure Centre opening hours are Sunday 9-1pm and Monday 7.30am-9pm.

“Things must have been pretty bad up there last night as Simon and his family had to be evacuated from the Ponderosa. I just hope they are okay.”

And for those who can't access the online funding, Cat Meade is at Wingetts from Monday onwards for cash donations.

* To donate to Cat’s appeal go to: gf.me/u/j5y9gc

Denbighshire Free Press has just published an update from official sources. It says:

Smoke continues to spread across North Wales as firefighters begin another day of tackling a huge mountainside blaze.

Several fire crews have continued to battle the flames over the weekend, with three appliances and an off-road vehicle at the scene this morning.

A spokesman for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters are currently focusing on tackling hotspots, as well as protecting fire breaks (measures such as trenches used to prevent the blaze from spreading further.)

8.30pm update on the fire

North Wales Police has just tweeted an update on the ongoing saga of the fire raging through the mountainsides above Llangollen.

Around 8pm their tweet said: “Fire in #Llangollen - due to a change in wind direction it has been required to close the new as well as the old Horse Shoe Pass sections of road. Please
continue to avoid the area. Thanks for your cooperation.”

This follows a worrying report from Llangollen’s deputy mayor, Cllr Issy Richards, this afternoon to llanblogger after she had taken the latest consignment of supplies to firefighters.

She said: “Just been up. Conditions deteriorated on the Pass, thick smoke low down … awful smoke on the top near Ponderosa. Took hot food from kebab house on the corner £125. None needed tonight but hot needed tomorrow lunch and tea.”

In their own tweet at around 8pm tonight North wales Fire & Rescue Service said: “#Llangollen fire update - 9 appliances still in attendance. Smoke still
drifting far afield - if you see/smell smoke it could be from #Llantysilio fire unless you see source of fire /flames. Both old &
new Horse Shoe Pass rds now closed so avoid area. Thanks for your cooperation.”

In response to calls yesterday on social media for the army to be drafted in to help the firefighters battle the blaze, Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones (pictured) responded to llanblogger earlier today: “I would support that if the firefighters themselves felt it were required.

“North Wales Fire and Rescue are working tirelessly in a difficult situation and stressful weather conditions, making the safety of local residents their priority.

“I have worked closely with local firefighters in the past on saving the second fire appliance for our area. I trusted their judgment absolutely – and if they believe army back-up to be required, they will have my support in calling for it.

“However, my view is that we most listen to the professional judgment of our excellent, dedicated firefighters on this matter.

“My thanks to the firefighters for the excellent job they are doing.” 

Below is a message which went out earlier today to all county councillors from Denbighshire County Council ...

As you are aware, a fire has been burning at Llantysilio Mountain near the Horseshoe Pass for over a week and it intensified Thursday night into Friday.

Our countryside teams have been working with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service during this period. They are helping with the work of digging trenches, so that fire breaks can be created to try and prevent the fire from spreading.

The county has well-prepared arrangements in please for dealing with major incidents and the Council is working closely with the Fire and Rescue Service, the lead agency in the response.  We are keeping in close contact with the incident commander who is managing the situation and we are proactively responding to requests for assistance.

Both the police and the fire and rescue service have advised people to stay away from the location and to leave the response to the agencies involved. That message has been relayed to the public via the media and social media and that advice still stands.  Our own press team are re-sharing these messages.

The Horseshoe Pass has also been closed as a precautionary measure.

Social Services are also on stand-by to assist to open a rest centre, should any evacuations be necessary.  There are 12 properties in the nearby vicinity that may need to be evacuated. However that has not been necessary at this stage and the situation is being constantly monitored.

We will keep you informed of any developments.