County helps traders to get business rate relief

Denbighshire County Council is helping 650 traders get business rate relief this year.

The council will be applying the Welsh Government High Street Retail Relief Scheme automatically to businesses’ bills where possible as well as informing them of the help available.

Denbighshire has the third highest number of qualifying businesses in Wales, only Cardiff and Swansea will be awarding relief to more traders, resulting in savings of £284,500 for businesses in the county.

Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “We’ve lobbied the Welsh Government on rate relief because we understand the pressures from changing consumer demands and the effects of last year’s change to the Welsh Government multiplier.

“The council is automatically applying rate relief where it is able to and publishing details on our website and social media for businesses, informing them of what schemes are available.

“Supporting businesses is part of our commitment to support economic prosperity in Denbighshire and create resilient communities. Our role in applying the Welsh Government High Street Retail Relief Scheme is one of a number of projects we undertake to support local businesses.”

The council also supports local businesses  for example by holding training sessions throughout the year, as well as during its annual March for Business month, by encouraging residents to shop local through the #LoveLiveLocal campaign and by reducing red tape through the Better Business for All scheme.

Denbighshire County Council collects business rates on behalf on the Welsh Government and then returns the funds to them.

The council does not set the rates. The rateable value is assessed by the Valuation Office Agency, which is part of HM Revenue and Customs and Welsh Government sets the multiplier on which business rate bills are based.

* If you would like the council to review your eligibility for any of the relief schemes you can contact businessrates@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 706000 or for more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/businessrates

Three Eagles to take off in historic public house

* From left, Llangollen entrepreneurs Vicky and Matt Jones with Tracey Owens.

A new bar and restaurant is set to open in one of the oldest public houses in the heart of Llangollen later this year.

Located on Bridge Street, the Wynnstay Arms building has been standing empty for over 12 months.

Now this historic building is to be transformed into a sophisticated new venue The Three Eagles, following its recent purchase by Llangollen entrepreneur-couple Matt and Vicky Jones.

Already owners of Knights Construction Group and Llangollen’s prestigious wedding venue Tyn Dwr Hall, the couple have joined forces with Matt’s sister, Tracey Owen, for this latest venture, that also marks the launch of a new bar restaurant operator, One Hundred Knights.

According to Matt Jones, the Three Eagles aims to inject new life into the early 18th century listed building and create an aspirational high-end restaurant, bar and cocktail bar over three floors.

This will be complemented with a courtyard area for al fresco dining, with the opportunity for ‘live’ acoustic sets.

Matt and Vicky were behind the extensive refurbishment and re-development of Tyn Dwr Hall, turning it into one of the UKs most exclusive wedding venues, as well as creating 45 jobs and boosting the local economy through increased visitor numbers to the area.

The couple’s latest business venture looks set to inject new life into Bridge Street after the property  fell into disrepair.

Several new full-time jobs will also be generated, boosting their ambition to create a ‘hospitality hub’ in Llangollen which will train and attract talented people looking to embark on a career in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Matt said: “Vicky and I are delighted to have purchased this iconic, Grade II-listed building and we are looking forward to transforming it into a destination venue that will attract guests from right across the region.

“I grew up in the Llangollen area and live here today so I’m really focused on getting this project underway. I’m hugely proud of this town but I believe The Three Eagles will introduce something genuinely new and exciting. Something people will be eager to come and sample.

"Our objective is to provide guests with a lasting impression of quality from the entire experience that will be The Three Eagles. The venue will very much be a lively and vibrant place to dine and meet up with friends.

“This is a very important project for us and we are eager to complete its’ transformation and turn it into one of the premier venues in the region, and a significant and valuable addition to Llangollen."

Tracey believes the business will provide Llangollen with a boost.

She said: “Our impressive food and beverage menu will sit alongside our talented and knowledgeable team, whose passion for providing top level customer service will ensure their guests’ visit to The Three Eagles is an altogether memorable one.

“We believe the hospitality industry is vital to the future economic development of Llangollen and we wholeheartedly embrace the opportunities we can offer to those wishing to aspire to a career with us here at The Three Eagles."

* To find out more about The Three Eagles, Llangollen go to www.thethreeeagles.co.uk

Llan Round Challenge raises record £60,000

* Competitors on the Llangollen Round Challenge.
Picture by Barrie Potter.

The third annual Llangollen Round Challenge scooped a record £60,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Big test for the event, staged on June 2 and 3, was to walk 35 miles over either one or two days.

But as the route included every summit around the Vale of Llangollen it was no stroll in the park.

Last time it was held in 2015 the event raised £45,000 for the cancer charity but this year’s walk topped that total by £15,000, thanks to the scores of walkers who came to take part from across Britain, from Dorset to East Anglia.

One of the organisers, Sandra Woodhall from Llangollen, said: “We have done amazingly well.

“We have now raised over £60,000 from the event which is fantastic.  Money is still coming in so hopefully it will creep up some more.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the walk and the volunteers who helped with the organisation of the event.”    

Mountain fire flares up again

The fire near Llangollen which has been burning for more than two weeks has reignited of the second day in a row, the Daily Post is reporing.


For the full story, see
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/llantysilio-mountain-fire-flares-up-14993041

Hundreds roar into a red-hot LlanBikeFest

Hundreds of biking fans have roared into a sun-baked LlanBikeFest 2018 which has been staged at the Pavilion over the past two days.

llanblogger went along to record some of the scenes there.

* Perfect for the final journey.

* Busy scene inside the pavilion.

* Three-wheeled conveyance.

* Stylish sidecar combo.

* Machine with a skeleton crew.

* A vintage AA patrol bike and sidecar.

* A line-up of classic wheels.

* It wasn't just cars that there to be admired. 

* Llangollen's Deputy Mayor, Cllr Issy Richards, was at the festival on Saturday and met legendary bike racer John McGuinness (centre).

Horseshoe Pass re-opens after fire alert

According to the latest tweet from North Wales Fire & Rescue Service, the Horseshoe Pass is now open again following its closure yesterday due to a re-ignition of the mountain fire.

It says:

* RT Please * Update on the #Llantysilio #Llangollen mountain fire. Crews carried out inspections overnight checking for hotspots.  #Horseshoepass road reopened overnight. Smoke blowing NW. Advice remains to avoid mountain for safety. Crews remaining throughout the day #Staysafe

0 replies9 retweets6 likes

 

 

  

Pass closed as mountain fire re-ignites

llanblogger picture

* Smoke is just visible rising from the mountainside near the Horseshoe Pass.

* The Horseshoe Pass has been closed again.

Following a re-ignition of the mountain fire above Llangollen the Horseshoe Pass was closed again earlier this afternoon.

North Wales Fire & Rescue Service has tweeted ...

* RT Please * Update on the #Llantysilio #Llangollen mountain fire. Following a re-ignition in one area , the road between Llantysilio village and the #PonderosaCafe is CLOSED in both directions. Please avoid the area while crews work. KEEP OFF the mountain #StaySafe #Thanks

Keep the countryside tidy, says county

* A llanblogger reader's picture of barbecue

boxes left at the Horseshoe Falls. She removed these.

Denbighshire Countryside Service is reminding visitors to respect the country and not dump their rubbish at some of the county’s beauty spots.

The call follows complaints that rubbish has been dumped at Llangynhafal Quarry in Moel Famau Country Park, with over two bin bags full of rubbish collected from the location in one clean-up alone.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “We’ve got some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country and we are truly proud of our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“However, behaviour like this from a small group of individuals spoils it for everyone.  Dumping rubbish is a blight on the landscape, it’s anti-social and can have a detrimental impact on people’s perceptions of the area.

“All that we ask if for everyone to take their rubbish home or dispose of it in bins provided in communities. By working together, we can rid our countryside of rubbish and allow people to enjoy the great scenery”.

“Improving the environment through clean and tidy streets is a key priority for the Council. Keeping our countryside free from rubbish is equally as important."

Food supply operation is stood down

* A llanblogger picture of the mountain fire at its height last weekend.

The team of dedicated volunteers who have been delivering vital supplies to crews battling the mountain fire above Llangollen have now called off the big operation.

The drivers, who came from across the community, had eight days of intense activity delivering fresh sandwiches and drinks to the parched firefighters around Llantysilio and the Horseshoe Pass.

At the height of the operation they were doing three drops a day with supplies donated by a host of local businesses.

One of the organisers, Cat Meade from Wingetts estate agents in Castle Street, also started an online appeal to buy supplies which raised over £1,500.  

Cat has said that now the fire has at last been brought under control the food-lift has ceased.

She said: “Thank you to everyone who has supported the firefighters and teams on the Horseshoe Pass over the last two weeks, no further donations or funds are required.

“A huge thank you to every individual and business from all over that have supported, a great community and neighbouring spirit which has brought us all together .. amazing people!

“I have a few bits of drinks and snacks left which will be donated to Llangollen food bank.”

A spokesman for the fire and rescue service added: "Thanks again to all those who have supported our firefighters whilst we attended this incident."

* Cat Meade at Wingetts (left) with fellow appeal organiser Town Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Issy Richards. 

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/ 

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