Put the Brexit decision back to the people, says local MP

Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones has written this piece on the current Brexit debacle specially for llanblogger.

"I am very concerned at how the Brexit debate has polarised our country. I'm also concerned that we are set to make a decision on the future of our country that excludes people below the age of 21 from having their say.

The younger generation will have to face the consequences of the Brexit decision more than anyone else, yet as things stand they are not being asked about what they think. I think that's terrible. 

My extensive mailbox from constituents reflects a very wide range of views held by local people. These range from young people angry that they have not been given a say on such a major issue as this; 2016 Leave voters whose support is linked to referendum promises of a Deal; 2016 Remain voters who support the Prime Minister’s Deal; 2016 Leave voters who are conscious they voted in the expectation of a Deal but are angry with what they see as an inadequate Deal and as a last resort, feel the UK should if need be pull out without any deal; 2016 Remain supporters who feel the Government has not listened to their opinions and who will not back an inadequate deal; those on both sides of the arguments who have revised their opinions.

This week, I have voted against the Prime Minister's Deal and against No Deal (I was a signatory to the amendment on this). I am writing this piece for Llanblogger before today's votes but plan to vote to extend Article 50. There are a lot of technicalities being discussed today (Thursday) in that supporting certain amendments may lead to others being negated. However with the Prime Minister basically ignoring the views of Parliament and pressing on regardless, I believe today we must ensure that the Government is compelled to hold a series of indicative votes which become binding in law.  

I have long expressed the view that a divided Parliament must put the Brexit decision back to the people. I think my party is right to call for both a General Election and a confirmatory referendum.

Even the Treasury's own figures show that every version of Brexit is economically worse for our country than staying in the EU. In May 2016, Nigel Farage said that a 52-48 referendum result would be "unfinished business by a long way". I agree and believe we should trust the people of our great but currently divided country. That's why I support extending Article 50 and facilitating a Final Say vote."

Nominations sought for eisteddfod peace prize

* Last year's winner Last year's prize winner

Dr Waheed Arian receives the peace prize.

Individuals or groups committed to peace are being encouraged to put their names forward

to be honoured at this summer's Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Rotary International will make the Peace Prize supported by sponsors Westminster Stone.

Rotary International is one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world and shares its commitment to peace with the eisteddfod.

Shortlisted entrants will be invited to a presentation ceremony at the Pavilion on Thursday July 4 which will be part of an evening of international celebration.

Last year's prize winner Dr Waheed Arian will join the 2019 judging panel.

Dr Arian and The Arian Foundation was acknowledged for the pioneering scheme Arian Teleheal which connects volunteer doctors in the UK, US and other countries with their peers using their smartphones and Skype or WhatsApp, enabling real-time discussions on the best available care for patients.

This year’s judges also include Richard Hazlehurst of Bradford Peace Centre and Rotary Peace Project founder Jean Best who was recognised as a peace honoree at the United Nations in 2018.

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said: “Following on from the inspiring work and astounding success of the last three year’s celebrations, we’re delighted once again to recognise the individuals and organisations that work so hard to make a difference, promoting peace here in the UK and across the world.

“The initial idea of creating the Rotary International Peace Prize was born at the Llangollen Eisteddfod five years ago and with the festival’s initiative of spreading peace, friendship and goodwill across all nations more important than ever, it’s with great pride that we’re able to highlight peace advocates in an international celebration."

* For more information about the eisteddfod and the Rotary International Peace Award, visit www.Llangollen.net

Llan railway starts midweek running

Take the railcar for a ramble in the Dee Valley - use the intermediate stations to alight and re-join the train after a walk in the countryside or visit to a local pub.

Enjoy the delights of the Station Cafe at Carrog or Llangollen take a walk along the canal and catch the train at Berwyn or get off at Berwyn and walk gently back to Llangollen along the beautiful canal path.

Site survey for 'pocket park' near Llan goes ahead

* Activity on the site near the former civic amenity site spotted last week.

A site survey is being carried out on land which is the subject of a planning application for a "pocket park" on one of the main gateways to Llangollen.

The county council-owned land off the A539 was the area's civic amenity site until its closure in the late 1990s.

In 2017 the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Team on behalf of the Our Picturesque Landscape Partnership applied for permission to create the park.

According to the original application, which is still under consideration, this would see paths, tracks and parking for 36 cars.

Late last week activity was spotted on the site by llanblogger. A small digger was operating and a man in high-viz jacket appeared to be taking land samples. A car was parked nearby.

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: "We are in the process of carrying out a topographical survey and soil sampling to get a better understanding of the site.

"The planning application for the site is still being considered."

According to the original development brief, the park plan includes landscaping, tree planting, wildflower meadows and hedgerow planting with the aim of increasing the biodiversity and ecological value of the site.

Work was also to be done to eradicate the small stand of Japanese knotweed said to be present on site.

Paths, tracks and parking for 36 cars would be landscaped and screened to minimise any visual impact on the surrounding landscape and immediate site neighbours.

Improved site access/egress was a key part of the proposals. Adjacent landowners and the county’s highways department had been consulted.

Access to the site would be available for pedestrians and cyclists along pavement from Llangollen to the west and the canal to the east, a bus stop is also located adjacent to the site, providing easy access to the site to users by an alternative means to the car.

The planning brief said: “The proposed new park would be developed along with community groups and other interested parties over a number of years and as this will take time, the ethos for this initial phase was to create a welcoming site for people to enjoy both in its own right but also as a gateway to the wider area.

“The plan has been developed as part of a Heritage Lottery Fund – Landscape Partnership Scheme bid and as part of this process consultation with stakeholders and communities has been ongoing.

“The site is seen as a key gateway into Llangollen and the wider Dee Valley, it will provide a new access point for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, promoting wider exploration of the area and a longer stay.”

X-Trail comes fourth in gladiatorial SUV contest

* The facelifted Nissan X-Trail.

Nissan X-Trail road test by Steve Rogers

First thought when I looked at the front of the Nissan X-Trail was the film Gladiator.

Yes, strange one that but the facelifted X-Trail has got that aggressive, ready for combat look about it. It was the thick, gleaming chrome draped across its nose which brought to mind Russell Crowe kitted out in his shiny battle armour before leading his Roman legion against the barbarians.

Probably best to move on, this is getting a bit too deep.

X-Trail is a proper, rugged SUV and has been around longer than the majority of its rivals. Nissan has done its best to keep pace with the hordes of newcomers and it is the changes to the front that have made the most impact. The dominant V grille and spikey new headlights make this a mean machine.

All of which has turned X-Trail into a longer Qashqai but able to offer seven seats and that is no bad thing.

To be honest my expectations were not that high having driven three of its closest competitors in as many months. They are all new so bang up to date on design and everything else that goes in making a top SUV. Kia Sorento is the most practical seven seater, Skoda Kodiaq the best to drive, and the Peugeot 5008 is just brilliant at everything. Could the Nissan get close?

It is a big ask, too big actually, but that doesn't put X-Trail out of the running. As I have said before margins are fine when choosing a car and a lot of people are happy with the Nissan. It is damn good value against those mentioned and the one I would choose for serious off roading.

It is set up for a comfortable ride which means the suspension will protect occupants against our many poor road surfaces. The downside is body control becomes a tad ragged when pushed through bends, but if that is your bag buy a sports car.

X-Trail is a big SUV and that means lots of space for legs and luggage. Mine was the five seater so the boot is sizeable and very practical with out of site storage in a section used for a third row of seats, and reversible rubber/fabric floor mat.

The facelift brought some interior upgrades but a full makeover is needed to bring it up to the standard of the front runners. Compared to Kodiaq and 5008 the X-Trail's cabin is looking dated but the fittings are solid and there were no rattles or creaks.

There is a choice of petrol and diesel engines and my guess is the majority would favour the 173bhp 2-litre turbo diesel. Good choice if refinement and extra grunt is needed but for me the 1.6 diesel does the job admirably. There is nothing to fear here when it comes to performance and its economy will raise eyebrows.

Okay, the power band is narrow and it sounds harsh as the revs mount, but I never felt short changed when overtaking and noise levels are perfectly acceptable when cruising. The best bit is a smidgen over 50mpg after a week and 470 miles. That is a terrific return for such a big four wheel drive car.

My N Connecta is near the top of the range and is well equipped with substantial safety and comfort packages. My favourite: the 360deg camera, great for parking in tight spots. And I liked the double USB socket for the second row. A small detail may be but very useful these days.

All in all X-Trail was much better than I expected and is good value. But I am afraid it still comes fourth behind the three mentioned at the start.

Fast facts

Nissan X-Trail N Connecta 4WD

£32,445 (starts £25,590)

1.6 litre dCi 130

0-62mph 11secs; 115mph

52.3mpg combined

143g/km. 1st year road tax £515

Insurance group 16

Hundreds say farewell to Colin Loughlin

* The late Colin Loughlin whose funeral was held at Pentrebychan crematorium.

Hundreds of people turned out to pay their last respects to the saviour of Llangollen Food Festival – and heard it had just been named as one of the best eight events of its type in the UK.

There was standing room only at the Pentrebychan crematorium near Wrexham for the funeral of Colin Loughlin who died aged 76 from a suspected heart attack.

The service was conducted by the Rev Andrew Sully who served as the Vicar of Llangollen, Trevor and Llantysilio for more than a decade until moving to Llandudno last summer.

Appropriately, donations in lieu of flowers were accepted to pay for a defibrillator for a new boat being launched by the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust which Colin supported for many years.

In 2011 Colin came to rescue when the previous organisers of the festival pulled the plug and he was elected chairman of a committee of volunteers who revived the event which has gone from strength.

After being named as one of the top 10 food festivals in the UK by the Independent and Daily Telegraph newspapers, it’s now been hailed as one of the best eight in the UK by the Redonline website.

Colin’s contribution as the chair of the festival committee has been celebrated with a painting of him in a mural on the side of the Llangollen pavilion where the event is held every October.

A native of Wrexham, Colin ran a wine distribution company called Whitehouse Wines in Coedpoeth before going into business with Lorraine Hughes.

They bought an existing company called Megan’s Kitchen which makes Welsh Cakes.
Lorraine continued to run the business after Colin retired five years ago, before stepping down as festival committee chair in 2016.

She said: “Colin was a force of nature and an irreplaceable character but his legacy will live on in the form of Llangollen Food Festival which he was instrumental in saving and ensuring that it thrived and prospered.

“So much so, that the festival has now received another accolade from the Redonline website and been hailed as one of the best eight food festivals in the UK.”

The eulogy at the funeral was delivered by long-time friend Bob Jaques who is also the treasurer of the food festival committee.

Bob said: “After Colin moved to Llangollen he quickly became a well-loved member of the community and, when the organiser of the Llangollen Festival withdrew, Colin formed a committee of friends to continue the event.

“He became Chairman and the committee successfully took over the running of this annual event for many years, which very soon became one of the top ten Food Festivals in the UK.

“He eventually resigned as Chair but very soon was persuaded to return to the committee in order that his vast knowledge and experience should not be lost.

“Away from work Colin enjoyed all types of sport including rugby, motor racing and sailing.  He was a member and played for Wrexham Rugby Club and made many lifelong friends. 

“Colin was an enthusiastic member of Llangollen Round Table and willingly took part in fund raising events, Father Christmas float, raft races, jazz evenings, barbeques, trips on the river and French wine runs.

“He joined some colleagues from Table who had started a project to build a canal boat specially adapted for people with disabilities which became the Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust.

“This first boat, Myfanwy, was built by apprentices at Camel Lairds shipyard and provided memorable days out for thousands.

“Many years and three boats later the Trust is currently building a new boat which will be launched in the Summer and today, donations in memory of Colin will go towards buying a defibrillator for this new boat.

“We will all, I know, have many memories of Col, his love of wine, his love of cars, particularly his Triumph Vitesse which is parked outside this afternoon thanks to its proud new owner Brian Owen.

After the service, fellow committee member Pip Gale, of Gales Wine Bar and Hotel, added: “Colin was hugely popular and so well respected so his passing came as a huge shock to us all.

“Quite simply, the food festival would not exist today were it not for the enthusiasm and leadership shown by Colin.

“He is a massive loss to the town of Llangollen in general and the food festival in particular but he will always be remembered with great fondness.”

Wind turbine deliveries progessing well, says contractor

* One of the massive wind turbine components is driven along Regent Street.

The delivery of 27 wind turbines to a renewable energy development in Denbighshire, through Llangollen, is progressing well and on schedule, says the contractor.

For the full story see Business News Wales at: https://businessnewswales.com/27-wind-turbines-set-for-renewable-development-in-denbighshire/

Llan gets overnight dusting of snow

* Snow on the hillside leading up to the castle. 

People in Llangollen woke up this morning (Sunday) to find it had snowed on the hills surrounding the town.

A yellow warning of the snowfall across North Wales was given by forecasters yesterday.

Later this morning the snow turned again to rain.

County increases annual garden waste charge

From April 1 Denbighshire County Council is increasing the standard garden waste service charge from £24 to £27.

New customers can opt for the standard service consisting of one 140 litre wheelie bin or three re-usable sacks, or an enhanced service using two wheelie bins or six sacks. The cost of the enhanced service will increase from £36 to £39.

For online customers, and those who pay for their service by Direct Debit, the standard service charge will increase from £22 to £24 and the enhanced service will increase from £34 to £36.

The increase in costs is the first increase of its kind since the Council started charging for the garden waste collections five years ago.

The price increase will take effect on all transactions completed after midnight on March 31.

Existing Denbighshire garden waste customers with subscriptions due to expire in the spring should bear in mind that they are able to renew their subscriptions up to 12 weeks before they expire.

Over 17,000 Denbighshire residents subscribe to the fortnightly garden waste collection service. The service is provided for 52 weeks a year and residents can sign-up at any time of the year and receive a full 12 months of service.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways, Planning and Sustainable Travel, said: “In the current climate, there are difficult decisions that need to be made and every service has been asked to find cuts and new ways of working as we look at re-shaping the Council.

“We have great feedback about our garden waste collections and  we want to keep this valuable service going. To do so, we are in the position where we are needing to increase the cost marginally.   We understand this is not ideal, however we hope people understand our reasoning behind the increase in charges and continue to use this valuable service.”

* For further information about garden waste collections, please visit: http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling

Local produce on menu at culinary event

Food producers are being given the chance to show off their delicious produce at a special event.

As part of Denbighshire County Council’s March for Business month, food producers from across Denbighshire are inviting hoteliers, chefs, food stores and those in the hospitality industry to find out about all the local produce on their doorsteps.

Taste Local - Meet the Producer 2019 is being organised by Llangollen and Dee Valley Good Grub Club and the Clwydian Range Food & Drink group, in collaboration with Denbighshire and Flintshire county councils.

The event on Tuesday, March 12 at Ruthin Castle will offer food buyers the chance to sample food and drink products from across the region.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “This event offers food businesses such as hotels, B&Bs, cafes and shops a fantastic opportunity to meet local suppliers and source new products for their menus and shelves.

“We have amazing food producers in Denbighshire and we want to help them promote themselves and expand their businesses.

“Research shows that in Wales more than 80 per cent of consumers want more Welsh food and drink available in shops while more than 44 per cent would be prepared to pay more for Welsh produce.

“We are pleased to be working with Llangollen and Dee Valley Good Grub Club and Clwydian Range Food & Drink on this event to support the great work both groups do promoting their members.”

There will also be business support stands at the event.

Blas Lleol - Meet the Producer is part of March for Business, Denbighshire County Council’s annual business month with 25 varied events offering almost 100 hours of content at venues across the county.

* Food buyers and users such as cafés, shops, pubs, B&Bs and restaurants can register to attend by booking via www.denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness

Llan man's cancer battle debated by AMs

* Stuart Davies spearheaded the prostate cancer campaign. 

A campaign by a Llangollen man for equal prostate cancer treatment to be available across the country has been debated in the Welsh Assembly.

Former county councillor Stuart Davies paid Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) nearly £900 for a multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI) scan when a cancer that he'd beaten several years ago returned 18 months ago.

The mpMRI is a specific type of MRI scan that can give more detailed images of the prostate than a regular MRI scan.

The scan was recommended to Mr Davies by the health board as a way of specifically deciding upon the correct treatment for his cancer. After receiving the scan in 2017 he was shocked to learn that it is offered for free by other health boards in Wales.

Mr Davies started a petition to have the free scans rolled out across all of Wales and received over 6,345 signatures, warranting its discussion in the Senedd in Cardiff and last month Mr Davies marched on the capital, joined by fellow campaigners.

Before the petition was launched, just three of the seven health boards in Wales, offered mpMRI before biopsy and only one board provided to a standard high enough to safely rule men out of biopsy. This meant men in four health boards did not have access to mpMRI as a diagnostic test, unless they paid to have it done privately.
Yesterday Assembly Members debated the petition and North Wales AM  Mark Isherwood urged the Welsh Government to act on the campaigners' calls.

Wrexham Maelor Hospital's urology unit is one of 11 units across England and Wales that took part in the prostate MRI imaging study ‘PROMIS’ trial to discover improved ways of diagnosing prostate cancer.

Although the results showed that 93 per cent of aggressive cancers were detected by using the mpMRI scan to guide the biopsy compared with just 48 per cent where only a Transrectal ultrasound guided (TRUS) biopsy was carried out, men in North Wales have had to fund the scans themselves because they were not provided or funded by the health board in North Wales. 

Speaking in the debate, Mr Isherwood said that last March's announcement by NHS England that it was launching a one-stop service using MRI techniques to revolutionise prostate cancer treatment and slash the time taken for a diagnosis there was a game changer, that men’s lives here are being put at risk and that patients across Wales should not be left behind.

He said: ”Last December, NICE issued new draft guidance recommending pre-biopsy mpMRI for suspected Prostate Cancer, with final guidance expected next month.

“In January, the Health Minister wrote to members stating that he had asked all Health Boards to work with the Welsh Urology Board to ensure that they have full implementation plans within one month of this.

“In the same letter he stated that “Health Boards have confirmed that at present they deliver care in line with current NICE Guidance”.

“North Wales patients subsequently reiterated that care was not delivered in line with current NICE Guidance in their cases.

“North Wales Community Health Council stated that the Health Board have consistently declined to produce proof that they did any scans for men with rising PSA following a negative biopsy – and that they are co-ordinating refunds to all of their clients who did not receive scans in line with the 2014 guidance.

“They also state that their correspondence with the Health Minister gives them no comfort that he will intervene if they make the same decision on the pre-biopsy mpMRI guidance."

Mr Isherwood added: “This petition’s sponsor, Stuart Davies, states that interim arrangements should be put in place now so that men do not put their lives at risk, that although patients pay approximately £900, the cost to the NHS at Wrexham’s Spire Hospital is only £365 – and that men contacting the campaign say that they are either waiting for it to become free or are taking out loans to pay for their scan. 

“Last December, I attended a meeting with Mr Davies, the Health Board and Community Health Council, at which the Health Board apologised and offered to refund the money men had paid for scans.

“However, only this week, a constituent received a letter from the Health Board stating that “although current clinical advice suggests that the use of full diagnostic mpMRI may be beneficial … this has not yet been supported by NICE.

“Noting, however, that NICE has now backed mpMRI scans as a cost effective first-line investigation, Tenovus Cancer Care have called on the Welsh Government to ensure that mpMRI is available across Wales, stating that it is not available at Betsi Cadwaladr, Hywel Dda or Swansea Bay, and not available at PROMIS standards in Cardiff and Vale.

“As Prostate Cancer UK states, mpMRI revolutionises Prostate Cancer diagnosis, so let's listen to the experts with lived experience. These men have been telling the truth from the very beginning."

Lenten lunch at Holy Cross Church

Has Peugeot finally found a big saloon winner?

Steve Rogers gives his verdict on the new Peugeot 508.

IT'S bold and beautiful so is this the car that can crack the saloon car market for Peugeot?

Not that many of us are buying big saloons any more, and those that do tend to go up market for Audis, BMWs, Mercs and Jags.

Peugeot and large saloons have never gone down well here but the French company has a strong tradition - 405, 505, 607, even the outgoing 508 were all decent cars but the Brits have a thing about big French cars and drive past the showrooms. Renault and Citroen have already thrown in the towel so credit to Peugeot for trying again.

Although new 508 looks like a saloon it is actually a hatchback and that has helped the designers create that sweeping ever-so-low roofline which has thrown up a minor glitch but we will come to that later.

I liked the shape of the old model but up against this it does look a bit dull. There are lots of eye catching features, a sexy front, streak style daylight driving lights, coupe look roofline and a full width reflective strip along the tailgate.

Inside has been totally revamped with Peugeot's signature i-Cockpit layout. It is very much 21st century stuff with a 12.3 inch digital binnacle, interchangeable for layout and colour along with a central 10 inch touchscreen.

This switch-free zone came in for a lot of stick from the likes of me when it was first used in the 308 because it was all touch control and very irritating. Peugeot took the criticism and did a quick redesign for the next model creating 'piano key' toggle switches that not only solved the problem but added a stunning design feature to the dashboard.

If this is still all too baffling tune into to voice control and speak your commands for radio, navigation, mobile phone and heating controls.

Just about every car company is going down the digital route so we are going to have to live with it. On the plus side it brings so much more to car travel particularly for people with smart or i-phones, which is almost everyone.

The Peugeot is not as big as the Vauxhall Insignia, its rival and new partner, but passenger space is pretty good and there will be no complaints about legroom, even for six footers although taller folk will have something to say about the poor back seat headroom. Even my five foot nothing sister-in-law commented on how close her head was to the roof, and that's the penalty for the low roofline mentioned earlier.

But the switch to a hatchback is a success with more boot space and a wider opening for easy loading.

Even with switchable suspension settings the ride on my GT model is always firm but that is just a warning rather than a complaint. This car is set up to cope with aggressive driving and has far more grip than the average driver is ever going to need let alone use.

Peugeot has one of the strongest engine line ups and the 1.6 litre petrol under the bonnet here is the best. How they have managed to muster 225bhp is beyond me but the reward is razor sharp response right across the rev range. It reminded me of the stunning performance from the two litre 405 Mi-16 a quarter of a century ago.

Far be it from me to encourage anyone to exploit the GTs performance but should a driver get too eager there are so many safety features it is almost like driving in a protective bubble although the night vision view for the driver is a step too far for me. I want to be concentrating on the road not glancing down at a screen to see what's going on.

Is there anything that needs to be improved? The rear view camera definition is poor by today's standards and if proof is needed jump into a Volvo and see the difference.

Peugeot has done all it can to convince customers 508 is a worthy rival to the dominant German trio throwing down the gauntlet with a car full of presence, quality, performance and technology.

If Peugeot can't do it with this cracker it never will.

Fast facts

508 GT 8speed auto

£35,975 (starts £25,000)

1.6 litre; 225bhp

0-62mph 7.3secs; 155mph

49.6mpg combined

This test: 33-39mpg

131g/km. 1st road tax £205

Insurance group 34

Cyber crime bus to stop off in Llangollen

The importance of cyber security and the threats posed to businesses and individuals will be highlighted when a specially equipped cyber information bus visits Llangollen next week.

Funded by the Welsh Government and managed by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) for Southern Wales along with the North West ROCU, the bus travelling throughout Wales during March.

It will be on the Market Street car park in Llangollen between 10am and 1pm on Monday March 11.

The aim of the tour is to raise awareness of cyber security for individuals, groups and businesses, delivering key messaging in line with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the UK National Cyber Security Strategy.

The bus will be staffed by bilingual Police Cyber Protect Officers and other cyber security experts as well as partners such as Get Safe Online & the National Cyber Security Centre. The operating hours will be between midday and 8.00pm to allow for those unable to attend during working hours.

Statistics recently published by Action Fraud reveal that more than £190,000 a day are lost in the UK by victims of cyber-crime. More than a third of victims in that period fell prey to the hacking of social media and email accounts.

Action Fraud also say that £34.6m was reported to be stolen from victims between April and September 2018, a 24% increase on the previous six months.

The City of London Police, which runs Action Fraud, has warned people to keep separate passwords for online accounts.

Figures show that 13,357 people in the UK reported cyber-crimes over six months and over 5,000 of those people were hacked via their social media and email accounts, costing victims £14.8m.

Detective Constable Symon Kendall of Tarian said: “We aim to utilise the bus to speak to anyone who is interested in upskilling themselves and we can demonstrate scams and hacks.

“We will also be staging separate events in nearby premises for both business and the public where more formal cyber protect presentations and business cyber resilience table top exercises will take place.

“It is estimated that the vulnerability to cybercrime can be reduced by up to 80% by taking five key steps in increasing cyber security. We recognise that the majority of campaigns rely on social media and website information and the majority of cyber security events are attended by those with an interest in cyber security. As such we are not reaching the general public and small businesses. This project is designed to go some way towards remedying this.

“We know that nationally there is considerable under reporting of cybercrime and this affects our ability to combat the threat and by promoting Action Fraud as the National Fraud and Cybercrime Reporting Centre we will raise awareness of the services available.

“The overarching goal is to incorporate cyber safety and resilience into the national psyche which will in turn make Wales a more cyber resilient nation where it is safer to do business online.”

* For more details, go to:

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-cyber-security-advice-for-businesses-tickets-55959544504

MP to present new charity Bill in Parliament

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones, who co-chairs  the All Party Parliament Group for Charities and Volunteering , will today present the Charity Trustees (Time Off for Duties) Bill to Parliament.

The 10 Minute Rule Bill seeks to amend the Employment Rights Act 1996 to give charity trustees the right to time off work for the purposes of carrying out the duties of that office and for connected purposes.

Ms Jones (pictured) who worked for charities for 15 years before becoming an MP, will say in her speech: “The Charity Trustees (Time Off for Duties) Bill has two clear purposes. The first is to value our existing charity trustees by giving them an improved status in law. The second is to provide the sort of support that might encourage a greater number of people from a wider diversity of backgrounds to take on this important but unpaid civic duty."

Speaking about her Bill, the MP said: “Charity trustees do hugely important work in our communities and I think it’s high time they were treated the same as school governors, councillors, magistrates and others when it comes to being able to have a modest amount of unpaid time off to fulfil their duties.

"I am delighted that MPs from Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem parties are co-sponsoring this Bill and that it has won the support of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO), the Small Charities Coalition and the Wales Council for Voluntary Action."

£10,000 needed to finish final stretch of railway

After 45 years of building a railway line between two Denbighshire towns, volunteers at Llangollen Railway say they need £10,000 to finish the last stretch.

Ten miles (16km) of the heritage line has been rebuilt between Llangollen and Corwen, with a platform created at the end.

For the full story on the BBC website go to: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-47410158

Town's Royal Navy Association branch to close

Llangollen branch of the Royal Navy Association (RNA) is to close.

The branch was started many years ago by Bill Hallam at the Wynnstay - now the Three Eagles - and enjoyed by many with memories of the sea.

Spokesperson Trefor Williams said: "Sadly, membership numbers have gradually declined.

"The nearest RNA branches are at Wrexham and Oswestry, which continue to thrive."

He added: "There will be a small ceremony at the war memorial at 11am on Thursday, March 21 in St Collen' Church where the standard will be laid up.

"Many thanks to all that have supported the branch. Thanks too must go to RAFA Club which has played host to our meetings in recent years."

Crooks' confiscated cash to boost crimebusters

* Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones with Assistant Chief Constable Neill Anderson. 

People across North Wales are being urged to vote for their favourite crime fighting schemes - using money seized from criminals.

The successful groups stand to win £2,500 each from a pot of money set up by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones.

There is a total of more than £60,000 up for grabs with two groups from each county set to be rewarded.

In addition, two groups that work in three or more counties will each receive a grant of £5,000  and, thanks to additional funding from the police and crime commissioner, there will be two new grants of £10,000.

The only condition is that the successful groups have to pledge to run projects to tackle anti-social behaviour and combat crime and disorder.

The Your Community, Your Choice’ scheme was launched by  Mr Jones and Assistant Chief Constable Neill Anderson  in partnership with the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).

It is being jointly funded by money recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act, using cash confiscated from offenders, and the Commissioner’s Fund.

A shortlist of applicants for the Your Community Your Choice cash has been chosen by a special panel and the public decide which groups to support with a vote via the websites of  North Wales Police and the commissioner, as well as a dedicated email address.  The voting is open until midnight on March 15.

Mr Jones said: "It's very appropriate that this scheme takes money away from the crooks and gives it to the people to improve the quality of life in their communities by helping them to combat crime and disorder or anti-social behaviour.

"The money is going  where it’s going to make a difference in reducing crime and in improving the quality of the communities which suffer the crime."

The message was reinforced by Assistant Chief Neill Anderson who said: "It is a very good thing for community groups to be able to access pots of money in order to be able to reduce crime and disorder within their communities and improve the quality of life for the community in their area.

"It sends a really positive message that money taken from the pockets of criminals is being recycled. This is turning bad money into good money that's being used for a constructive purpose.

"We really value our relationships with the public and we recognise that we can’t reduce crime and disorder on our own.  It’s a partnership and a joint effort with other agencies but absolutely crucial and critically is the public themselves.

"The public often are the ones who know what the things are that will work best in their area and for them to be able to bid into a pot of money is a really positive thing."

According to PACT project manager Dave Evans, it was also a very democratic process because the public will be able to decide who gets the money.

Mr Evans said: "One of the real pluses of the scheme is that ultimately it’s the public who has the voice and who will say which projects will go forward and are worthy of this important money.

"And very appropriately, one of the conditions is that the people who apply for this money have to be doing something that combats anti-social behaviour or addresses crime and disorder in some way.

"The aims Your Community, Your Choice scheme also coincide with the objectives of the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan so it creates a virtuous circle."

For more information on how to vote ring 01745 588516 or go to www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk or www.north-wales.police.uk