llanblogger's exlusive look at Vicarage Road development

llanblogger exclusive

* A site plan of the development, with Willow Street on the left and the cemetery

in the middle top.

llanblogger has been given an exclusive insight into the £25 million new homes development planned for land off Vicarage Road in Llangollen.

Earlier this year Wrexham-based family building firm SG Estates acquired the 10-acre site from the Castlemead Group which secured planning permission for the scheme in late 2016.

Castlemead completed a small number of houses on a section of the site but not before it had run into a storm of criticism from a well-organised campaign group whose members objected to the wider development for the extra traffic it would create and the additional burden it would place on local services, such as schools.

There was particular concern about the timing of the construction of a new access road to the development, which opponents demanded should be finished before building work on the houses began.

However, Steve Griffin, managing director of SG Estates which bought the undeveloped section of the site from Castlemead last February, has given a pledge that the road, which will bring traffic up from the town centre, will be completed ahead of construction of the homes.

Mr Griffin said what his company now planned was the main body of the development and would include 95 units.

* The development site as it looks at the moment.

The extensive site stretches from Vicarage Road in the north towards Fron Bache in the south and from the cemetery and allotments and fields in front of them in the west to open fields in the east.  

Nine of the properties will be affordable homes, in either two-bedroom mews style or semis, the occupation of which will be overseen by a housing association yet to be decided.

Sixty per cent of the rest of the homes will be either two or three bedrooms with the remainder four or five bedroom units.

Prices of the properties will range from £150,000 to half a million pounds.

Mr Griffin said that overall his company is pumping £25 million into the development – it’s yet to be given a d name – which includes a contribution of £47,000 towards the affordable homes and, as agreed within the original planning permission, a contribution of £173,000 to local education which schools can spend as they see fit.

Eighty-five per cent of the properties in the development will qualify for the Welsh Government’s Help to Buy scheme, which means they can be secured with a deposit of just five per cent.

This, explained Mr Griffin, would mean that, for example, a £200,000 property could be obtained with a deposit of £10,000.

He said: “I believe this will be particularly attractive to first-time buyers and young families.”   

The landscaped site will feature four public open spaces with children’s play equipment and the main frontage is to be planted with oak trees.

First job, according to Mr Griffin, is to start work on the new access road within the next eight to 10 weeks.

The road will begin by branching off from Hall Street and lead into Willow Street which will be widened to 9.5 metres from its present 3.5 metres.

SG Estates has purchased parcels of land along the left hand side of Willow Street heading up from the town from both private owners and the local authority to enable the widening operation to take place and no properties are affected.

The new road heads on past the youth centre where the company will upgrade the car park and put in four extra parking spaces.

The road then branches off left on a new section across the adjacent field. It follows the line of Vicarage Road into the housing development before joining up with the existing new section of road outside the homes built by Castlemead.

The original and narrower Vicarage Road will become a cycle path and pedestrian walkway.

Mr Griffin revealed that the new road and the diversion of services into the development site is costing £1.4 million.

He assured that construction work on the new homes would only start after the access road is finished which he estimates will take about 12 weeks.

He is therefore aiming for building work to start around next February with the first batch of new homes being ready for occupation in the late summer of 2019. The entire development will take just over four years, he added.  

Before the road project starts he has promised full consultation with affected residents and their local council representatives.

Mr Griffin, whose background is in building, said: “This is a very exciting time for the company, which we started in 2004.

“We have ongoing developments in Pont Adam, Ruabon and The Pavilions, Gresford, but this will become our biggest site and the overall cost of £25 million represents a very big investment for us.

“Our watchword is quality and we regularly win quality awards from local authorities.

“The Llangollen development will be beautiful when it is finished and I believe it will add vibrancy and bring a fresh outlook to the town, which I love to visit.

“Possibly, when we move onto the site and take a closer look at density the number of units in the development could be reduced at the southern end towards Fron Bache.”               

Special week will celebrate county's older people

A week-long series of events are being held across Denbighshire to celebrate older people, in the run-up to International Day of Older Persons (October 1).

Nearly 30 years ago the United National General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons.  In 2016 the United Nations took a stand against ageism by drawing attention to and challenging negative stereotypes and misconceptions about older people and ageing. 

Building on last year’s successful programme the council is Celebrating Age throughout county again this year with a series of events arranged through Denbighshire’s  Ageing – Well Multi-agency Group. 

This Partnership includes Denbighshire County Council, Age Connects, Alzheimers’ Society, British Red Cross, Care & Repair, Care Forum Wales, Citizens Advice Denbighshire, NEWCIS, the NHS and many more.

Events will include social events, arts and textiles, a ‘culture club’ for arts and dance, information and advice and so much more.

A social media campaign will also get underway to promote the projects underway and help raise the profile of issues relating to older people.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence said:  “The increasing age profile is a fact we can't ignore.

“Throughout their lives older people have gained a wealth of knowledge, and as living longer becomes the norm, we need to recognise, value and harness their contribution.  We must encourage people to take responsibility for keeping well and fit and to stay independent for as long as possible” 

Councillor Ellie Chard, Denbighshire’s Older People’s Champion said “It is great that we are holding this event in Denbighshire highlighting all the good work that is going on as well as engaging with older people themselves “

Sue Wright, Chair of the Ageing Well In Denbighshire Multi-Agency group said “Celebrating Age Week is a clear demonstration of effective partnership working between the statutory and the third sectors.

“It should be recognised that many of these events could not go ahead without the enthusiasm and commitment of older people themselves.

“The third sector survives not just because of the generosity of funders but also because older people value the benefits of active volunteering."

Denbighshire has the second largest population of older people in Wales. Nearly a half of the population of Denbighshire are aged over 50 and a quarter are over 65.  More and more people are living past 100 than ever before.  

Inner Wheel Club backs international peace

On September 21 the Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen, in conjunction with its counterparts worldwide, will be celebrating the United Nations International Day of Peace. 

The event, entitled The Right to Peace, takes its name from the 2018 theme and will take the form of a short programme of words and music. 

A Llangollen club spokesperson said that everyone is welcome to join them at St John’s Church in Abbey Road at 2pm on that Friday. Light refreshments will be provided.     

Work disrupts Parade Street traffic

There was some disruption to traffic in Parade Street this morning (Sunday) due to gas supply work by Wales & West Utilities.

MP slams tax cut reversal for self-employed

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has slammed the Conservative UK Government for scrapping the planned tax cut for 2.7m self-employed workers.

The Government was originally due to scrap Class 2 National Insurance contributions in April but the move had been delayed by a year and has now been completely abandoned.

Ms Jones (pictured) said: “We should be supporting people who are setting up businesses not penalising them. What a dreadful way to treat our local entrepreneurs, who work hard, create jobs and produce the wealth we need locally and nationally.”

Federation of Small Businesses Chairman Mike Cherry commented: "The self-employed community has been let down today, missing out on a promise to reduce their tax burden. 

"This raises serious questions once again about the government's commitment to supporting the self-employed.”


* The next joint advice surgeries for Susan Elan Jones MP and Ken Skates, Assembly Member for Clwyd South, are:

Friday, September 21: Canolfan Ni, London Road, Corwen (LL21 0DP)

Friday, October 26: George Edwards Hall, Well Street, Cefn Mawr (LL14 3AE)

Friday, November 30: Marchwiel Parish Hall, Piercy Avenue, Marchwiel (LL13 0RH)

Surgeries run from 3.30pm-5.30pm on a first-come, first-served basis, so constituents don’t need to book an appointment in advance.

Llangollen Artists' work goes on show at museum

Llangollen Artists unveiled their latest exhibition at the town's museum last night (Thursday) and llanblogger went along to record the event.

The exhibition runs until September 30 and the museum in Parade Street is open from 10am-5pm daily.

Llangollen Artists are a group of established, professional artists with a diverse range of techniques and styles.

They are Edward Bell, Simon Collinge, Dory, Mike Flory, Andrew Gale and Sue Hall.

They use a range of media including drawing, installation, mixed media, painting, photography, print making, sculpture and textiles to create a diverse range of work.

Andrew Gale will be showing with the group including his photo book WILD 

http://andrew-gale.com/blog/2017/10/06/wild-limited-edition-photobook/

Simon Collinge is showcasing his photo book Pentrefoelas - A jubilee wood 

http://www.memorybox.org.uk/Book_pages_1_-_18.html

* For more information of Llangollen Artists, go to: www.llangollenartists.wales  

* Artist Dory with some of his work on show at the exhibition.

* Guests at the launch evening.

Examples of work in the exhibition ...

County's tourism benefits continue to grow

The economic benefit of tourism in Denbighshire is continuing to grow.

The latest STEAM economic impact figures show that in 2017 tourism brought £490.35million into the local economy, an increase of 2.3 per cent on 2016, and of 70 per cent since 2007.

Last year tourism supported 6,231 jobs in Denbighshire, while 5.93m people visited the county, an increase of 25 per cent since 2007, for a total of 11.58m days.

The number of visitors to the coast increased to 3.16m, as did the number of visitor days spent (6.92m) and the number of staying visitors (900,000).

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “The latest figures showing an increase in the overall economic benefit of tourism in Denbighshire are really encouraging, despite 2017 being a challenging year in terms of the weather.

“The county has so much to offer, a beautiful coastline, rural market towns, areas of outstanding natural beauty, a host of outdoor activities as well as a wealth of history and some fantastic local produce and shops.

“Particularly encouraging is the increase in coastal tourism. With the addition of two new hotels in Rhyl, the SC2 visitor attraction due to open next year, as well as the already established 1891 restaurant and the Nova in Prestatyn, we would expect these figures to continue to grow. This shows investment from the Council and the private sector is having a real impact on the economic prosperity of Denbighshire, which is a priority under our Corporate Plan.”

In total last year there were 1.5m staying visitors who contributed a total of £331.46m to the economy in 2017, a 50 per cent increase in staying visitors compared to 2007.

Dave Jones, who owns the four-star Plas Efenechtyd Cottage B&B, near Ruthin, said: “We have seen an increase in overseas visitors staying longer, especially from the Netherlands, Germany and the USA. This year bookings over the summer months have been strong.

“Most people arrive with an idea of what they want to see and do but without much knowledge of Welsh history, geography and politics, something I would like to see addressed.

“The latest figures are encouraging and we look forward to continuing to work with Denbighshire and other key partnerships like the Clwydian Range Tourism Group to create themed itineraries and create attractive packages that will appeal to a variety of visitors.”

Denbighshire County Council continues to support tourism via strong partnership working in North Wales to capitalise on the growing tourism market.

The Council also runs projects to upskill staff working in tourism related businesses to improve the visitor experience, creates new tourism leaflets and promotional films to reach wider audiences as well supporting key events and festivals such as Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Funded education and childcare up for debate

The roll-out of funded education and childcare in Wales will come under the spotlight of Denbighshire councillors today (Thursday).

In 2017 the Welsh Government (WG) pledged to offer 30 hours a week of funded early education and childcare to eligible working parents of three and four year olds, for 48 weeks of the year by September 2020.

The government have confirmed that Denbighshire County Council can begin to deliver the Childcare Offer to families from April 2019 and have agreed to work with the council with the aim of making the offer available across the county at the same time, rather than on a phased ward by ward approach.

Children will be eligible to access the offer from the beginning of the term following their third birthday until the September following their fourth birthday.

Eligible children will be entitled to up to 20 free hours of childcare during term time in addition to the 10 hours already provided by the Foundation Phase. During the school holidays, when there is no early education, the offer will provide 30 hours a week of childcare for up to nine weeks.

Parents are able to choose any registered childcare setting that suits their personal and family circumstance, whether inside or outside of county, in agreement with the provider and the local authority.

At their meeting today members of the Communities Scrutiny Committee will be asked to endorse the proposed cross-county delivery plan with Flintshire County Council being the authority delivering the scheme on behalf of Denbighshire.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children, Young People and the Welsh Language, said: “The aim of the Childcare Offer is to allow eligible parents to have more employment choices, increase their disposable income to help counteract poverty for those in low paid jobs and ensure that quality early education and childcare is provided to promote child development and school readiness.

“The Childcare Offer is not means tested and will be available to all working parents who reside permanently in Wales and earn the equivalent of at least 16 hours at national living wage or national minimum wage.

"Denbighshire will have the role of ‘Engagement Authority’ with responsibility for promoting the offer to parents and childcare providers within the County, training staff to deal with enquiries on the Offer and providing Flintshire with information they require to process applications and administer the offer. Denbighshire will receive specific grant funding to deliver this function.

“We have already expressed concern that Denbighshire was not included in the last round of the roll-out of the scheme and have held constructive talks with the Welsh Government to ensure that Denbighshire families are not disadvantaged by the offer. The matter will now go before the Scrutiny Committee for further discussion."

Special event sounds out ideas for Llan's future

People are being invited to a special two-day event next week at which they can share their views on Llangollen's future.

The Story Studio is a welcoming creative space where the community can tell, listen to and exchange stories – a place to have conversations and generate ideas about the future of the community and the town.

Being staged on Friday and Saturday, September 14 and 15, Love Llangollen is based in the former CiCi clothing shop in Castle Street and is part of the Rural Futures programme funded by the Big Lottery.

The programme is:

10am-4pm both days

Story Studio open for drop in activities including a range of maps and activities for you to add your ideas, thoughts and memories. Photo space – bring your photos of Llangollen along. Postcards from Llangollen - “If Llangollen could speak what would it say? ”

Friday September 14

10am: Shape My Town Workshop. Bringing together the community, local groups and businesses to discuss the challenges facing the town and ideas and initiatives to create a positive future for the town and its surroundings. Hosted by the newly-formed Shape My Llangollen.

2pm: Traffic & travel. Drop-in session hosted by Arcadis. You can contribute to future thinking about traffic and travel in and around the town.

Saturday September 15

Walk-shops. A series of guided walks exploring Llangollen in the past, present and future. Approximately one hour maximum. Ten people. Meet at the story studio.

10am: History & Heritage. Explore the fascinating heritage of the town and how it can be seen in the town today.

12pm: Working walk. How people work in the town in the past, present and future and its impact on the town.

2pm: From town to around. Explore the connections between town and landscape.

4pm: Ideas walk-shop. Discussing ideas from the story studio sessions.

Splash centre shortlisted for national award

* From left,  Ken Skates AM, Splash Community Trust Secretary Stella Matthews, Mark Drakeford AM, General Manager Denise Chadwick and Mark Tami MP.

Supporters have congratulated staff and volunteers at a thriving leisure centre used by people from Llangollen after it was nominated for a national award.

Wrexham Council closed Plas Madoc down in 2014, but a small band of dedicated supporters worked tirelessly to reopen the much-loved facility as a social enterprise.

Now the volunteer-led Splash Community Trust, which runs the centre, has been shortlisted for this year’s Social Business Wales Awards, which take place in Cardiff on September 26.

Local Assembly Member Ken Skates, who helped co-found the group, visited Plas Madoc on Saturday with fellow AM Mark Drakeford to congratulate the team in person.

Mr Skates said: “Plas Madoc is an amazing local success story and I’m incredibly proud of where it is today, with improvements being made all the time and visitor numbers increasing. 

“Last year a Welsh Government grant of £500,000 helped fund key structural work including a replacement roof, fixing wiring and insulation, replacing pool plant equipment and upgrading the centre’s CCTV and fire alarm, and now a new conference space and spin studio is being created. The main sports hall has also been given a makeover. Improvements are being made constantly and it’s fantastic to see the centre thriving like we knew it could.”

Mr Skates added: “It’s impossible to describe just how much credit the Splash Community Trust and the staff here deserve. They’ve done an incredible job.”

Splash Community Trust secretary Stella Matthews said the centre now employs more than 40 people and has become a thriving community hub.

Mr Drakeford said: “Ken has told me a lot about Plas Madoc and the amazing turnaround in the past few years. I have wanted to visit for some time and it was wonderful to meet the staff and volunteers and to see the centre so busy and bustling on a Saturday morning.

“I wish the trust the best of luck at the awards and for the future.”

Bus service information for route 64

Denbighshire County Council has issued the following information about the 64 bus service which runs through Llangollen:

The operator for service 64 changes on Monday September 10th from Easy Coach to Tanat Valley Coaches.

Tanat Valley had previously undertaken the service before Easy Coach.

There is a minor timetable change for journeys from the Llanarmon/Glyn Ceiriog direction only.

Those from Llangollen remain the same and the times of all journeys to and from Pengwern are also the same as now.

Free business advice sessions on offer

Denbighshire businesses are being given the chance to get free one-to-one expert advice. 

Denbighshire County Council is providing eight day-long sessions throughout the county giving traders the chance for personalised one-hour advice sessions from retail and marketing expert Helen Hodgkinson.

Helen is a business trainer and owner of Indie Business Training and has experience of developing and delivering training sessions and workshops covering areas such as digital opportunities, social media, retail and selling.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “These free sessions will allow businesses to get tailored advice to help build knowledge, skills and confidence, generate ideas and provide assurance and support.

“Supporting businesses and creating resilient communities is part of our work to increase economic prosperity in Denbighshire and providing free training sessions to our businesses helps us achieve this.

“I would encourage businesses in the county to take advantage of this support.”  

The coaching sessions can help get your message to the right customer, offer help with social media as well as visual merchandising, store layout, how to improve sales, customer service, staffing and product range.

* Sessions will be held in Rhyl (September 18); Prestatyn ( 19th); Denbigh (20th); Ruthin (25th); Llangollen (26th); Corwen (27th); Rhuddlan (October 2); St Asaph (3rd) and you can book at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/businessevents

Stamp out this vandalism and crime now

* The broken windows at Proadventure in Castle Street.

llanblogger comment

Llangollen has seen a spate of vandalism and crime over the past week of the sort it does not normally witness.

First, on Thursday, what appeared to be a huge slab of concrete was used to smash the two glass front doors of Proadventure in Castle Street.

The next morning people out early in Castle Street saw that, just a few yards away, a large and heavy planter had to been moved from its position outside the front doors of the Town Hall and then smashed into pieces with its contents being strewn across the pavement.

This morning, Sunday, a resident of Church Street (pictured above) posted on Facebook that they had woken up to find that a window at their home had been broken overnight.

Also this morning we learn from Facebook that the Chainbridge Hotel had been broken into during the early hours.

Its post said: “WARNING TO ALL IN THE LLANGOLLEN AREA - we have been broken into overnight. Three males, in hoods, at 1.00am. If you have any information please pass it on. Please also be vigilant. They left the hotel in a dark hatchback, heading towards Llangollen. The hotel will be open to the public as normal today. Thank you”.

* The vandalised planter in Castle Street.

The incidents on Thursday and Friday is Castle Street – our main thoroughfare and a showcase for the town to visitors – immediately set alarm bells ringing and a number of town councillors rightly called for swift action to nip such undesirable actions in the bud.

There are now likely to be calls for extra police vigilance which llanblogger believes must be heeded.

It is a well-known fact that police resources are under extreme pressure and that, in the general scheme of things, Lllangollen is identified as a low-crime area.

However, that does not take away from the fact that we have a right to receive adequate policing and that these incidents should be thoroughly examined and action taken to see avoid a pattern of lawlessness being established as it has in other areas not too far from here.  

Eisteddfod on the lookout for 2019 competitors

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is looking for dancers, singers and instrumentalists from across the globe to enter its group competitions next year.

Successful entrants will compete for a range of prestigious titles including Dance Champions of the World and Choir of the World at the 2019 festival, from July 2-7.

This will also see the return of the Acapella Group, Senior Children’s Choirs, Open Choirs and Traditional Folk Dance Group.

The Eisteddfod's best-known categories include choral, ensemble, dance and non-competitive participation.

The festival is also appealing for female choirs to come forward and showcase their talent on the Royal International Pavilion stage with the chance to win an international medal and cash prizes of up to £3,000 if they progress to the Choir of the World final.

Following the departure of Vicky Yannoula, Edward-Rhys Harry will be stepping into the role of music director.

He has previously been artistic director at both the International Voces Volgograd in Russia and the London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs. 

Entries for all choral, ensemble and dance competitions will close on Friday November 23, while solo applications will open in early December.

Applications to follow in the footsteps of non-competitive acts and perform on one of the International Eisteddfod’s outside stages are also open, with the entries also closing on November 23.

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “Every year, those who take part in the Eisteddfod come away with an unforgettable experience that stays with them forever.

“With the unique opportunity for performers from across the globe to compete on an international stage in a variety of 20 competitions, alongside such talented musicians and dancers, whilst making life-long friendships is something truly special." 

* For more information on all the competitions or to apply through the Eisteddfod participants’ website visit: http://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/

For more information about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod visit: www.Llangollen.ne

Castle Street planter overturned

A large planter outside the front of the Town Hall in Castle Street has been overturned overnight.

Tyn Dwr Hall to host Christmas charity ball

* Victoria Jones, owner of Tyn Dwr Hall, and her children Charlie, Alastair and Arayah, with Catrin Dowdeswell, area fundraiser for Hope House Children’s Hospice.

Tyn Dwr Hall in Llangollen is to host an exclusive Christmas charity fundraising ball in aid of Hope House Children’s Hospice.
 
The idea is the long-held dream of mum-of-three Victoria Jones who, together with her husband Matt, owns the country hall wedding venue. 
 
The event, on Saturday, December 15, will also see a special guest appearance by singing sensations Belle Voci, famed for appearing on ITVs The Voice The Live Final earlier this year.  
 
The lavish venue has been open less than three years and has already made an impact on the UK wedding scene.
 
To keep both hospice doors open all year round, Hope House has to raise at least £6.3 million, with only one month's worth of income coming from the government. 

Victoria said: “I have wanted to host a charity fundraising event for some time at Tyn Dwr Hall, however the past few years have been hectic refurbishing the hall, developing the business, moving house and having our third baby.

"When Matt and I first talked about such an event Hope House Children’s Hospice was the charity that instantly sprang to my mind because of their good work across North Wales and Shropshire.

“Having children is such a blessing, and as parents we all wish for our children to be in good health and have long and happy lives.

"Unfortunately, for some this is not the case and many families face life changing situations that are devastating for the child and the parents. That’s why Hope House was my first choice, as their support and care is so important for entire families dealing with these things.
 
“We want our guests to have a great time with live music, exquisite food, and top class entertainment. For some guests it will be an opportunity to entertain friends, family, corporate clients or treat their team to an amazing Christmas party whilst raising as much money as possible for Hope House. We are delighted and grateful that Emily and Sophie from Belle Voci will be performing for us during the evening as well.”
 
Cat Dowdeswell, area fundraiser for Hope House Children’s Hospice said: "When I heard that Victoria and Matt were planning an event at Tyn Dwr and that it would be for Hope House, I was over the moon.

"I attended a wedding there last year and cannot wait to see what the finished event will look like. It's guaranteed to be a stunning evening. We are so excited to have Tyn Dwr support us. We have invited the team to visit the hospice to see just where their donations will be spent.

"Amazingly, only two percent of our catchment donate directly to Hope House, so it's wonderful to have new supporters realise how important Hope House is to the families in the local area."

* If you would like to know more about the Tyn Dwr Hall Charity Fundraiser, or would like to offer a prize for inclusion in the charity auction, email to: charity@tyndwrhall.co.uk.

Museum to host new exhibition

Skates: Why I'm backing Drakeford for leader

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates sets out the reasons why he will be supporting Mark Drakeford in the forthcoming election for a new Welsh Labour leader and First Minister

* Ken Skates AM, left with Mark Drakeford AM outside Chirk Health Centre.

The same concern about politics has been expressed to me repeatedly these past two years: that the world has gone crazy and nowhere appears stable.

With the proliferation of fake news, the rise of dangerously populist politicians and with divisive issues such as Brexit constantly looming over us, it's no wonder so many people feel insecure. That people feel dismayed and dejected, that the world feels unsafe and even unfamiliar.

That, allied to the way social media allows the most vocal – and often the most extreme views – to be heard over the less hysterical majority and you could easily believe we now occupy a space in which calm, considered reflection and conviction politics have been abandoned.

This makes it so important for us to elect leaders that can remain steady in a storm, who have inbuilt moral compasses rather than populist calculators, who have a proven track record of applying principles rather than a history of riding bandwagons.

In a world that Trump, Farage and Boris Johnson are turning angrily against itself, we need principled, internationalist and intelligent leaders to come to the fore and offer the shining light of hope. And we can start right here in Wales by electing Mark Drakeford as Welsh Labour leader and First Minister.

I’m backing Mark because I know what he stands for. A politician who is steered by principles. Mark is the person who can best help us navigate through the mess of Brexit and he is the person who can unite, reach out and enthuse people to work together, rather than against each other.

Mark also gets the North Wales issue. Whether real or perceived, there is a feeling across North Wales that the region has fared less well than other parts of the country in recent times, that the North feels detached from centres of power in Cardiff and London. 

In my discussions with Mark, he is fully aware of the need to address regional inequalities and disengagement. And he is also acutely aware to the threat of ongoing austerity to the wellbeing and welfare of people in the communities I serve. Welfare reform, insecure employment and the financial pressures faced by families and councils will not go away until austerity ends. Which means we need a leader who is determined to protect the most vulnerable, someone who wants wealth and good health for all.

I'm backing Mark Drakeford because of his principles, his character and his priorities. And I'm hoping many more Labour members will join the campaign to elect Mark this autumn.

Council promotes voice for young people

Denbighshire Youth and Education services are urging young people to make sure their voices are heard by registering as an election candidate or to vote in the first ever Welsh Youth Parliament Election.

Young people in Wales aged from 11 up to 18 years are eligible to stand for election or to vote

Sixty members will make up Welsh Youth Parliament and it will empower young people to identify and raise awareness of the issues that matter to them.

Denbighshire is urging young people to sign up to vote or as a candidate for the inaugural Welsh Youth Parliament election.

In the week beginning the September 17 Denbighshire Youth Services are holding a registration to vote week, at all youth centres across the county.

Staff will be on hand to support you through the process.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Welsh Youth Parliament then go along on September 24 to the Hwb in Denbigh where the council will support you to complete your candidate application. For more information, email: youth.service@denbighshire.gov.uk.

The Welsh Youth Parliament will provide a voice for young people to raise awareness and debate the issues that matter to them. Working with the National Assembly for Wales, these issues can then be brought before the people with the power to make changes happen.

There will be 60 Welsh Youth Parliament Members. Forty of these will be elected via First Past the Post through an electronic voting system in each of the 40 electoral constituencies in Wales. Twenty will be returned by partner organisations to ensure the representation of diverse groups of young people.

All young people in Wales, between the ages of 11 and up to 18, can take part by registering to vote in the online election which will be in November 2018.

Register to vote: 28/05/2018 – 16/11/2018

Apply to be part of the Welsh Youth Parliament: 03/09/2018 – 30/09/2018

Elections: 05/11/2018 – 25/11/2018

Welsh Youth Parliament announced: December 2018

The first meeting of the Welsh Youth Parliament will be held in February 2019.

The National Assembly Commission agreed to establish a youth parliament in September 2017 following an extensive consultation with more than 5,000 young people around Wales. 

The National Assembly has also worked closely with a steering group of youth organisations providing expert guidance and, critically, views from the point of view of young people which contributed to the shaping of the new Welsh Youth Parliament.

* More information is available on the Welsh Youth Parliament website:  www.youthparliament.wales.

Invites go out to hydro-electric power scheme

* South Denbighshire Community Partnership launch of Energy Local Corwen at Canolfan Ni, Corwen, (front, L/R) Sally Lloyd Davies and Margaret Sutherland, of SDCP; Silas Jones, Cadwyn Clwyd; and Tom Taylor, Director, Speed of Thought Ltd.

Home owners in the Corwen area are being invited to sign up to a community project to take advantage of the energy generated by the town’s very own hydro-electric power plant which started generating last year.

It could be worth over £300 a year to some households in savings and provide the community with up to £2,000 a year to spend on local good causes.

Energy Local Corwen is being run by the South Denbighshire Community Partnership who are keen to sign up 37 households in the first step to making the Edeyrnion area one of the ‘greenest’ in Wales.

SDCP Chief Officer Margaret Sutherland said: “We want to make people aware of what an innovative and exciting project this is and how it could put Corwen at the forefront of the green revolution in Wales.

“We are expecting a lot of interest because people could make really substantial savings from our very own hydro-power scheme and that money can be spent locally while at the same time surplus cash from the power generation will be channeled into community projects and we are saving the planet as well.

“We would expect to be over-subscribed and it will be on a first come, first served basis but those who miss out this time will go onto a waiting list and with another, bigger hydro-power scheme in the pipeline at Bonwm. Near Corwen, they shouldn’t have to wait too long.”

Residents of Corwen and the surrounding villages of Glyndyfrdwy, Llidiart y Parc, Carrog, Cynwyd, Gwyddelwern, Bryn SM and Bryneglwys should be eligible to sign up with Energy Local Corwen.

The scheme is being run by Tom Taylor, of Speed of Thought Ltd, and he said: “A similar scheme in Bethesda has had studies done showing that people who sign up can expect savings of between ten and 30 per cent.

“That could amount to up to £300 a year for a household which is a significant amount of money and because renewable energy is ‘green’ there is a social responsibility element to the project as well.

“Our role is to create a template for how this can work for future schemes and developing the co-operative that will be made up of the households which sign up and they will play a part in its running alongside the directors of the Corwen Hydro Project.”

The electricity generated at the turbine house in the town centre is driven by the Nant y Pigyn and Nant Cawrddu streams which plunge 500 feet from a reservoir high above Corwen to generate 55 kilowatt hours of electricity, enough to supply up to 40 homes a year.

Over its 40-year lifespan of receiving government feed-in tariffs it is estimated that the project will generate £1.2 million with £120,000 going directly to community benefit for local organisations and good causes.

The scheme is publicly owned and it is also payback time for them after an issue of £1 shares raised £318,000, over half of them bought locally, to fund the project which was developed by rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd.

The agency provided a £12,000 feasibility study through its LEADER fund as part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is financed by the Welsh Government and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

LEADER is a fund for rural areas in Wales to explore innovative new approaches and experimental technologies to tackle poverty, create jobs and drive sustainable economic development.

Silas Jones, Project Officer with rural regeneration agency Cadwyn Clwyd who piloted the Corwen Hydro Project, said: “This is a really exciting and groundbreaking project which will become a model for others to follow and which we can also follow ourselves as Corwen develops into a hub of renewable energy.

“It is ideally placed for water power with the Bonwm project to go ahead and to provide even more energy and major wind power developments also taking place in the Clocaenog Forest as well as smaller schemes nearby.”

* For more information on the Energy Local Corwen project and South Denbighshire Community Partnership go to http://www.canolfan-ni.org/ and to https://www.facebook.com/SouthDenbighshireCommunityPartnership/ and for more on Cadwyn Clwyd go to http://cadwynclwyd.co.uk/

Operatic to host meet and greet evening

Llangollen Operatic Society will be launching their 2018-2019 season with a Meet and Greet on Tuesday September 11 at 7.30pm in the studio, off Castle Street.

There will be introductions from the production team - producer Helen Belton, artistic director Alison Ravenscroft, assistant director Chrissie Ashworth and musical director Leigh Mason.

There will also be a chance to find out more about the 2019 show, Fiddler on the Roof, including dates of auditions, details of characters and ways in which society members and newcomers to the society can take part.

There will also be a chance to sing through some of the chorus numbers later in the evening.

Refreshments will be available.

The following week, Tuesday September 18, social secretary Tracey Kempster Jones and committee member Nia Pickering will host a quiz and social evening. Again newcomers are welcome.

Producer Helen Belton said: "New members are always welcome to the society, whether you see yourself treading the boards or helping in the many ways available offstage. 

"The production team will be looking for principals to audition for Fiddler on the Roof as well as chorus members. Men are particularly welcome.

"Contact us through our Facebook page, Llangollen Operatic Society, phone the membership secretary Alison on  07887 595015‬ or simply turn up to the studio on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm." 

County has volunteering roles available

Are you interested in volunteering in Strategic Leisure or Youth Services?

Denbighshire County Council currently has opportunities due to our current volunteers gaining employment or fulltime training.

There are opportunities within Community Arts, GP referral, Community Sport, the Youth Service and D of E (Duke of Edinburgh Award) across Denbighshire.

If you are interested in any of these areas, or feel you have a certain skill set to offer and would like to volunteer then you are invited along to one of the council's drop in sessions to find out more.

All volunteers are offered free relevant training, including Certificate in Youth Work, Sports Leaders, Safeguarding, First Aid and D of E Leaders.

A DBS check will be completed and ongoing support in the role will be provided.

The council says it is particularly keen to offer more volunteering opportunities to Welsh speakers.

The opportunities gained through volunteering in Strategic Leisure and the Youth Service have  previously led to paid employment for the leisure, children, young peoples and social care related job opportunities and can widen skills and experience.

The drop-in sessions will take place at the following locations:

Tuesday 18^th September, 5-6.30pm at the Oaktree Centre, Ffordlas Road, Rhyl, LL18 2DY

Thursday 20th September, 5-6.30pm at Caledfryn, Smithfield Road, Denbigh, LL16 3RJ

* For more information, contact Sian Bennett, Health and Wellbeing Manager 01824 712710 sian.bennett@denbighshire.gov.uk

Easycoach pulls out of bus services, says story

The Leader is reporting that budget bus operator Easycoach has pulled out of providing services in the Wrexham area just two months after it was launched.

The story says that those impacted include services from Wrexham to Oswestry, Barker’s Lane, Wrexham Industrial Estate and Cefn Mawr, as well as one running from Llanarmon DC to Llangollen.

For the full story, see: http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/16598443.bus-operator-easycoach-pulls-out-of-wrexham-after-only-two-months/

Three Eagles chooses hometown executive chef

* Adam Gaunt-Evans is executive chef at The Three Eagles.

A man with an international culinary reputation has been chosen as executive chef at Llangollen’s new Three Eagles Restaurant and Bar.

Adam Gaunt-Evans, who is returning to his hometown to take up the prestige appointment, come with over 20 years of culinary experience, having cooked in some of the world’s most exclusive venues spanning three continents and seven countries. 

The Three Eagles owner Matt Jones said: “To be able to announce Adam as our executive chef makes me extremely excited.

“His skills coupled with the experience he brings with him from his time in top class kitchens around the world makes him an ideal acquisition for what we are looking to achieve at The Three Eagles.”

After finding his love for cooking at the age of 14 Adam went on to train at London’s five-star Dorchester Hotel and continued on to the Michelin-starred Green House in Mayfair as well as working alongside the acclaimed chef Bjorn Van der Horst.

Adam continued his success operating top restaurant kitchens across a host of exotic countries and in his first international role worked as a senior chef at the Burj al Arab, the iconic Dubai landmark regarded as the world’s first seven-star hotel.

His skills later took him to further luxury resorts in the Maldives, Thailand and Australia, where he worked in a seafood restaurant headed by celebrity chef Peter Kuruvita.

Adam joins The Three Eagles following his latest overseas venture which saw him head-hunted for the role of executive chef at Sri-Lanka’s five-star Galle Face Hotel.

Here he oversaw the successful re-opening of the hotel’s group of six restaurants following a 30m dollar restoration and refurbishment. 

Adam says The Three Eagles will be the ideal venue for guests to experience menus that will reflect the rich cultural diversity of Llangollen, home to the world’s first International Eisteddfod.

“The Three Eagles is going to offer a new dining experience to the town and surrounding areas,” said Adam.

“I am working closely with owners Matt and Vicky and operations director Tracey to create exciting menus ranging from leisurely brunches and the perfect traditional Sunday lunch to a full evening a la carte experience. Our sophisticated bar will provide an exciting venue to enjoy perfectly mixed drinks with convivial sharing dishes.”

He added: “Wherever I have been in the world, Llangollen has always been my home. North Wales has some of the best natural produce available and I’m very excited to be working again with Welsh suppliers, farmers and producers, championing seasonal produce and really showcasing the quality of our region.”

The Three Eagles will include a cocktail bar with a restaurant featuring signature dishes such as seared native scallop with curried pumpkin, parmesan and vanilla butter, as well as sticky Welsh beef short rib in stout with champ potatoes, charred leeks and crispy garlic. 

“We have already begun recruiting a very strong senior team,” revealed Adam. “But we look forward to welcoming applications as we create new opportunities for local people aspiring to work in the hospitality industry. There has never been a better time to join - our internal training program and future expansion will provide exciting opportunities for our employees.” 

The Three Eagles is the latest venture by Llangollen-based entrepreneur-couple Matt and Vicky Jones and will be the first feature under the One Hundred knights hospitality brand, whose mission is to “redefine travel experiences and dining out trends within the region, with an exciting collection of restaurants, bars and leisure venues”.

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