Llan county councillor slams cut in free swimming

* County Cllr Graham Timms.

A cut in free swimming at leisure centres across Denbighshire has been branded "cheap politics" by a Llangollen county councillor who is now demanding a reversal of the move.

The council has blamed a cut in Welsh Government funding for a decision yesterday (Tuesday) by its cabinet to make reductions in the free swimming programme.

But this has prompted an angry response from County Cllr Graham Timms, Labour member for Llangollen.

He said: "Welsh councils were given £3m grant for free swimming provision for children and over 60s. A report produced last year showed that the actual cost of all the free sessions was only half what the Sports Council had paid out. Source:  http://sport.wales/media/1975893/180704_free_swimming_report_final_eng_clean.docx 

"The report estimates that the actual cost of providing the free swimming is only £1.5million, but this has not been mentioned by the Denbighshire Cabinet. They simply pointed out that because a grant had been reduced by 25% they were going to reduce the number of free swimming sessions. 

"The health and wellbeing of residents is supposed to be one of Denbighshire's proprieties. It seems odd that such a cut in a vital provision is being made without a proper information being considered by the council. 

"It is cheap politics and does not report the full facts, which shows that the grant funding is double the actual cost of the provision across Wales. Denbighshire Leisure needs to assure us that the take-up in the county is double the national average before it can start looking at such a damaging cut. 

"It is cheap politics to reduce a vital benefit for Denbighshire when we should be encouraging more people to get active. If Denbighshire genuinely has twice as many free swimmers as the Welsh National average then this should be celebrated and the extra £20k is well worth it. I am calling on DCC to halt this reduction and let's have a grown-up debate rather than cheap politicking. 

"Incidentally, the Cabinet yesterday approved how they were going to spend an extra £1.388 million on vital school maintenance. This was extra money from Welsh Government but no press release has been issued about this good news story even though it is nearly 700 times as much money as the free swimming grant reduction."

The press release issued yesterday by the county council on the free swimming issue says:

"Denbighshire County Council has made changes to its free swimming programme following a reduction in funding from the Welsh Government.

"Since 2003, Denbighshire Leisure has received annual funding from Welsh Government to provide free swimming sessions for children and customers aged over 60. 

"Overtime there have been reductions in the amount of funding made available, but a combination of strong performance and sound financial management, has allowed us to consistently provide more than the minimum level of activity required by Welsh Government. 

"Welsh Government recently announced that from October 2019 they will be launching a revised Free Swimming Initiative, which will include a new set of national objectives, but will also mean a 25 per cent reduction in the level of funding received by Denbighshire Leisure for the current financial year, and a 50 per cent reduction from April 2020.

"Cllr Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “We are very disappointed in this reduction and the effect it will have on our programme.  We have expressed our dissatisfaction in the strongest terms to Welsh Government and have done our best to negotiate a more favourable outcome, but to no avail. 

“The revised initiative will be launched on October 1 and regrettably, we will therefore have no option but to reduce the amount of free swimming activity offered from our leisure centres. 

“We have reviewed our free swimming programme and made every effort to ensure any funding to be received will continue to provide the maximum activity possible.  Our revised programme for the remainder of the year will be delivered slightly differently by each centre.  Free sessions will be clearly marked on centre timetables and staff will be happy to answer any questions customers may have.

“Over recent years, Denbighshire Leisure has been one of the few local authorities to invest heavily in its swimming provision and we have carried out a number of refurbishments on our pools and changing areas across the county. We see swimming as an integral part of the corporate wellbeing agenda of Denbighshire County Council, contributing to the health and fitness of our residents.  We will continue to offer existing benefits, such as free swimming in public sessions for all children who enrol in our swimming lesson programme.

“Once again, we can only reinforce how disappointed we are at this reduction in funding and the effect it has had on our programme.  We apologise for the short notice given for these changes; we have only just received confirmation of the funding, which has given us a very short window to inform our customers of the changes. However, please be assured Denbighshire Leisure will do its best to continue to invest in its facilities and deliver an excellent service to customers.”

Free Swimming for Under 16’s

1 Free Family Swim Session at each pool during the weekend. Children are free with a paying adult or free if swimming alone over the age of 8.

2 free public swim sessions at each pool during the summer holidays. 

Free Swimming for Over 60’s

Each Centre will run one free Aqua Aerobics session each week. All other Aqua Aerobic sessions will be charged at the current rate of £4.80 per session for peak classes or £3.00 for off peak classes.

Each pool will also offer 5 hours of free swimming each week. Other designated sessions will be available at a reduced charge of £2.50 per session. Please see the timetable at your local centre for details.  Please remember for those who swim regularly with us we offer a monthly swim pass for £23 per month by Direct Debit or £29 per month if paid by cash."

Applications open for eisteddfod competitions

* John's Boys Male Chorus celebrate winning Choir of the World last year.

Applications to take part in the 2020 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod are now being invited.

Over 4,000 dance, choral and instrumental artistes from around the world perform and compete annually at the world-famous festival. 

Prestigious awards in 2020 include the renowned Choir of the World and Dance Champions of the World with a number of new award categories being launched this time around. 

Group competitions and non-competitive applications opened last Saturday and those interested have until Friday November 29 to apply.

Musical director Dr Edward-Rhys Harry said: “The International Eisteddfod is a truly unique experience, offering the most diverse and stunning collection of cultural performances. 

"Our new competition categories are exciting new additions which will showcase amazing new talent from around the world. This is the first time the festival will be inviting show choirs, contemporary dance and musical composition entries, enabling us to support and champion the evolution of the arts.”

Musical Composition will offer two opportunities to compose new works for youth, mixed, female/male choirs, or for a piano quintet. 

Each winner will receive a cash prize and will be invited to debut their work at the eisteddfod. Applications are open until Wednesday April 1.

Solo applications will open on Friday December and also include a new Solo Contemporary Dance competition. For more information on all competitions, or to apply online go to: www.eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/

Latest Citizen's Advice column

My gas and electricity deal has come to an end and the energy company has offered me a new contract. However, they’re insisting I get a smart meter fitted. I’ve heard these don’t really work and I can’t see the benefit. Am I better off looking for a different supplier, or will the new company also force me to have a smart meter? 

It’s always worth shopping around. Citizens Advice has a tool on its website which can help. Our energy star rating looks at how well suppliers perform on a range of measures, including customer service, rather than just price.

As regards the smart meter, you certainly don’t have to accept one. A supplier can’t tell you that you must have one installed. However, it might mean you’re not eligible for all the deals on offer. In future the cheaper tariffs offered by suppliers might only be available to customers with smart meters.

If you do decide to go ahead, your supplier should explain the process beforehand, show you how it works and give you a number to call if anything goes wrong.

There are benefits to smart meters, they send daily meter readings to your supplier, meaning they can bill you accurately for the energy you’ve used. They won’t automatically save you money, but you can use the digital ‘in-home’ display to keep track of how much energy you’re using and then try to reduce it.

The Citizens Advice consumer helpline (03454 04 05 06) can give advice on smart meter issues.

Boris Johnson should resign, says local MP

Commenting on this morning's ruling by the Supreme Court that Boris Johnson's suspension was of Parliament was unlawful, Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones (pictured) said: "My view on the Supreme Court verdict is that Boris Johnson should be tendering his resignation as Prime Minister. 

"The prorogation of Parliament was illegal as fictitious reasons were given to the Queen. How can Johnson seriously stay on after that?

"Our moral-free Prime Minister is an absolute disgrace. If he will not go voluntarily, he must be replaced by Parliament. This is not about party politics; it is about what it means to live in a parliamentary democracy."

Llan panto group to stage Pinocchio in 2020

* Pinocchio cast members, from top left, are Sarah Louise (Teacher), David Lyne (Dame Prosecco), Louise Lyne (Pepe), Riah Amelle (Cat), Sophie Siddall (Pinocchio), Daniel May (Stromboli), Harvey Barrett (Jim the Cricket). Bottom left, Joanna Potts (Cat), Michael Bradey (Luigi), Lesley Critchlow-Hughes (Lorenzo), Shea Ferron (Macaroni). Not pictured are Neil Barrett (Geppetto), Alex Morris (Tagliatelli) and Beth McSpadden (Blue Fairy). Picture by Barrie Potter.

Llangollen Pantomime group are departing from the more traditional type of show to stage a panto with a difference early next year.

From Thursday to Sunday, January 16-19 they'll be bringing to the Pavilion stage Pinocchio, the little wooden puppet learning how to be a real boy, and his many adventures.

Director Justine Bradey said: "Although Pinocchio is not is not the usual pantomime the story should appeal to both boys and girls.

"This is my second time directing for Llangollen after last year's Snow White. This year my assistant director is Samantha Fletcher.

Mold Road closed after collision say police

North Wales Police put out the following message on its Facebook page just before 7am this morning (Monday) ...


#RTC A5118 @ Llong #Mold road is closed due to serious collision and will be closed for some time -  diversions will be put in place at the A541 side and the Padeswood side. Please use a different route

Cor Meibion Dyffryn Ceiriog hosts successful concert

Mike Gleed has sent in this report about the recent choral concert at the RAFA Club.

At the concert by Cor Meibion Dyffryn Ceiriog in the RAFA Club on Friday 20^th September a little over £300 was raised for Llangollen Prostate Cancer Group.

Although a little depleted due to prior commitments and one unforeseen incident the choir gave a well-received performance. 

Three choristers who “morph into” the Border Men and tenor Alan Williams added popular variety to the programme. 

To cap it all our Musical Director, Helen Rayner, at no notice at all, sang the solo in O Gymru, due to the absence of our usual chorister who was unable to get to the venue. 

This was, although unplanned, a very successful part of the evening for audience and choristers. Thanks and well done Helen, Wow!

Thanks to the RAFA Club for making us welcome as always and to the audience for coming to support us and the aforementioned Group.

Go-slower Volvo gets the electrical buzz

* The Volvo S60.

* The Volvo XC40.

Volvo launch news by Steve Rogers

Volvo is on a mission to make driving safer and cleaner.

The buzz word at Volvo is electric. It is already the first manufacturer to offer plug in hybrid versions on its entire seven model range and new UK managing director Kristian Elvefors told me the company's target is for half its sales to be fully electric by 2025.

On the safety front the top speed of all its cars will be limited to 112mph from next year. Most Volvos are in the 130-140-mph bracket with some capped at 155mph. Elvefors said they want to send a 'strong signal about the dangers of speeding'.

Given our 70mph speed limit that should not worry drivers and the cars will still have the same acceleration. 

In the case of the new S60 T8 60mph comes up in under five seconds but the Swedish company is still hell bent on safety and the latest innovation is for sensors to alert the driver to any lack of concentration and even bring the car to a stop in the most extreme case.

The rise of Volvo has been phenomenal from an insignificant player in the premium sector to one that is ruffling the feathers of the establishment, very much like Audi which rose from nowhere in the nineties to leader of the premium pack before the dieselgate scandal spoilt the party.

The Swedish company has seen five years of continued growth selling more than 50,000 cars last year and this year is looking like another record in the UK with sales up 27 per cent in a market that is still on the slide.

Electrification of its models is leading the charge with new hybrid engines for the XC90 being rolled out across the range. There will be plug-in hybrid versions for S60 and V60 with the XC40 debuting as the first fully electric Volvo next year.

As for the cars Volvo has created some of the most stylish and luxurious models in the premium sector and has the likes of Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Audi wondering what is coming next.

The XC90 is as plush as a Range Rover but with a greater wow factor thanks to the minimalist design and delicate Swedish textures. The dashboard is dominated by the vertical tablet style multi media centre which I still find a real handful to work out.

Drivers need to learn the ins and outs of this system otherwise it can be a big distraction while driving. I stay away from it when underway preferring voice control for everyday functions like selecting a radio station, changing the heating settings, although that job is pretty easy, or asking for sat-nav guidance.

Even though Volvo has a huge commitment to safety it can still spice things up and the place to find that is behind the wheel of the new S60. This is the first Volvo to really challenge the red hot BMW, Mercedes and Audi models setting up the Polestar performance division.

The Polestar tuned S60 will be here soon but in the meantime the all wheel drive T8 plug-in hybrid is hardly short on excitement. With 390bhp on tap - 303bhp from 2-litre petrol and 87bhp from the electric motor - the T8 can hit 62mph in 4.6 seconds, only two tenths of a second behind the Polestar tuned S60.

Because it is hybrid emissions are just 39g/km and driven very sensibly can achieve anything between 122 to 176mpg. The price tag is a hefty £49,805 but a 205bhp T5 version brings S60 closer to the masses at £37,935.

If S60 was my drive of the day my car of the day was the more modest XC40, Volvo's newest and smallest SUV. This has an entry level three-cylinder 1.5 litre petrol engine which has been upgraded to 163bhp, a lot of power for a small engine and like all modern three-cylinder engines it is refined with a punchy response at very low revs.

Like the rest of the range it is packed with safety features, has the standard 9 inch tablet style touchscreen, and comes with a choice of diesel, petrol and petrol hybrid engines.

Key facts

XC 40 R-Design 8sp auto

£34,365 (starts £28,965)

1.5 litre 3ycl; 163bhp

0-60mph 9.1secs; 124mph

35.8-39.2mpg

147g/km. 1st yr tax £210

Boot: 460-1336 litres

Llan group enjoys music hall trip to Leeds

 * Above and below: members of the Llangollen group outside the theatre in Leeds. 

A party of around 50 people from Llangollen journeyed over to Leeds yesterday (Saturday) to see a performance of the Old Time Music Hall at the famous City Varieties Theatre, starring former Coronation Street star Sherrie Hewson.

Many of the party got into the spirit of things by donning Victorian-era fancy dress.

The trip, which went down very well, was arranged and led by Llangollen vicar Father Lee Taylor who is a keen music hall fan.

Invite goes out to Cittaslow Sunday

From 11-3pm on September 29 representatives of the many social, cultural and community groups in Llangollen will be hosting stalls on Centenary Square as part of Cittaslow Sunday.

They will be sharing what they do, how they do it and suggesting ways to help and opportunities to get involved. 

There will also be food, drinks entertainment and activities

Llangollen is exceptional for the high number and wide range of community groups it has: nearly 100 groups were captured in the Llangollen Community Photobook published by Simon Collinge and Andrew Gale in 2013. 

On Cittaslow Sunday, the Cittaslow Committee of Llangollen Town Council, aim to recognise and celebrate how much the work of all these groups contribute to the social, physical and cultural fabric of our town. 

Daily, weekly, monthly and annually these (largely volunteer) groups organise and offer support for individuals and groups of all ages and in some cases provide life-saving services.

There are groups that help maintain and develop the very fabric of our town. The rich and diverse cultural environment that helps define Llangollen is also largely the result of the hard work of volunteers who attract art, culture, sport and music to the town.

Cittaslow Sunday is celebrated each year by Cittaslow towns around the world. 

Llangollen became a designated Cittaslow town in 2013 after a substantial effort from a large group of councillors and local volunteers to secure the designation, joining the network of 252 other Cittaslow towns globally. 

Cittaslow promotes a way of life for market towns that is environmentally sustainable and supportive of local community groups and businesses. Its themes are about:

·        Encouraging community connections

·        Supporting local products (arts & agriculture)

·        Creating human-friendly infrastructure

·        Protecting and conserving the environment

·        Using technology wisely, and

·        Promoting hospitality (‘slow travel’)

Other initiatives the Cittaslow Committee are currently working on include:

·       * Developing a website for community groups to share information on activities, events and meetings including a shared community calendar

·       * Improving the Community Newsletter

·       * Participatory budgeting – small grants programme for community groups

·       * Supporting information sharing between groups and with the Town Council through regular events and a monthly “open to ideas forum” with the Cittaslow Committee (6pm, second Wednesday of each month)

All town organisations and groups are welcome to host a stall and should have received an invitation to do so. To register your interest in a stall, please contact Councillor Austin Cheminais at chemshouts@yahoo.co.uk or cllrcheminais@llangollentowncounci.gov.uk

* For more information, look at Facebook www.facebook.com/CittaslowLlangollen

Hospice launches new heart failure service

 * The launch of the new service by Nightingale House Hospice. 

A new permanent hospice service for patients with advanced heart failure and palliative care needs has been launched in Wrexham. 

It will give patients with the condition improved access to managing their care in a planned and coordinated way, enabling them to live their best life possible.

Nightingale House Hospice on Chester Road has been able to launch the service following recruitment of a heart failure nurse specialist. 

The post was developed following a pilot project which was made possible through a £40,000 grant from the St James’s Place Charitable Foundation, administered by Hospice UK. 

BCU Health Board made further resources possible during the length of the project to complete the project aims. The project evaluation identified a need for patients with heart failure to have better palliative care for their condition.

A total of 26% of patient deaths are heart failure related in the UK compared to 27% for cancer patients, yet only 4% percent of heart failure patients are cared for by a hospice and palliative care team compared to 70% of cancer patients.

During the pilot project (November 2017-May 2019) some heart failure patients said they were frightened and shocked to be given an appointment at Nightingale House Hospice due to the misconception that it is only for people with cancer. 

The new clinic enables patients to be assessed by a specialist heart failure nurse linked with palliative care, to give advice including practical and emotional concerns of living with heart failure; this might be years before death.

Dr Jenny Welstand, Hospice Heart Failure Nurse Specialist, said: “Palliative symptoms are often under-estimated and inadequately addressed, mainly because patients can often look much better than they feel. The service allows us to assess patients in clinic and via telephone, not only to manage their symptoms and medication alongside the heart failure team, but also to support them with concerns and problems they identify as important to them. Importantly we also support families who often shoulder the burden of care and the emotional issues this brings.

“We received significant feedback from our patients who were adamant they wanted to live their lives in the best way possible and feel supported. As our joint pilot project progressed the word ‘hospice’ became less of a fear as the benefits of the service developed.

“Hospice-enabled care has transformed the care our local Heart Failure Team can offer and invigorated our hospice team. Both teams know we still have so much to learn, but we want to carry on doing this together.”

Here are some of the things heart failure patients told the team when they were initially referred for an assessment at Nightingale House Hospice on Chester Road, Wrexham:

“It frightened me when the hospice was mentioned, I thought I had cancer.”

“I’ve never really been ill before and thought that when the hospice was mentioned, I only had a few weeks left to live.”

The new collaborative service now available at Nightingale House Hospice, delivered by the Heart Failure Nurse and specialist palliative care team, combines a unique blend of knowledge and experience to improve care for patients.

Sue Glover’s late husband Paul had stage four kidney cancer and needed to have a replacement heart valve. But in March 2018 Paul had a severe reaction to his cancer medication which severely damaged the pumping ability of his heart, meaning he developed heart failure.

“We came to see Jenny here at Nightingale House where we chatted, and she explained lots of things to Paul.  She helped support him to tap into other resources that meant he could stay at home for as long as possible. Sadly, Paul passed away in hospital due to complications but to see this project now become a permanent service for those experiencing heart failure is just fantastic.”

Karl Benn, Head of Grants, Hospice UK, said: “Hospices are not just about cancer, it’s about the whole issue of how we approach death and dying.

“Patients diagnosed with heart failure in the Nightingale House catchment area will now be able to access a service that will mean they, together with their families and carers can learn to cope with their life limiting illness and adjust to the challenges that brings.

“Some of the projects we fund don’t continue so it is fantastic to see real success here. It’s encouraging to know the funding provided through St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation will continue to have an impact well beyond the life of the grant.”

Medwyn Edwards, of Hadlow Edwards Wealth Management, Wrexham, is the local representative for St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation. He said: “We are delighted to have been able to give this grant funding via Hospice UK to support the Heart Failure Project at Nightingale House and enable them to develop an innovative and effective support service that help improve the the quality of life for people with life limiting illnesses and improve their end of life care.”

llanblogger takes a short break

llanblogger is now taking a short break and will be back by the weekend

Profiles of Llan town councillor candidates

Now with profile of third candidate, Gillian Robertson at foot of story

An election for the vacancy on Llangollen Town Council created by the recent resignation of Karen Edwards will be held on Thursday, October 3.

Three candidates are standing - John Palmer, Paul Keddie and Gillian Roberston.

John Palmer and Paul Keddie have responded to a request from llanblogger to supply a profile of themselves based on their election leaflets for the benefit of voters, and here they are:

Vote Paul Keddie

Independent

Thursday, 3^rd October

ü  An actively contributing member of the community

ü  Committed to Llangollen, having a strong and proactive approach

ü  An open-minded person with no partisan political agenda

I aim to...

ü  Maintain the charm and appeal of our Town

ü  Strive for improved traffic management and make our Town safe

ü  Promote Llangollen for tourism and events, we really are a gem!

ü  Improve communications to and from the Town Council

I am very proud of our town and will do everything I possibly can to make it even better… for everyone.     

I welcome innovation with an active hands-on approach, but never lose focus on preserving our heritage.  Our Town is important, you are important.

Contact: 07949 418257, or email: paul@llangollenfringe.co.uk

Male voice choir concert at RAFA Club

Feast of food and fun at the Co-op

* Above and below: Singer Shea Ferron belts out some numbers.

* Chef Jack Hatley gives a cooking demonstration.

* Visitors look around the food and drink stalls.

* Two of the exhibitors on their stalls.

A selection of Welsh produce was served-up by the Co-op’s Llangollen store as it hosted a celebration of food and drink this morning (Saturday).

The free event took place in the car park of the Regent Street store and members of the community were invited to sample products from Co-op’s Welsh suppliers including Conwy Brewery, Daoini, Edwards of Conwy, Llaeth Y Llan Village Dairy, Radnor Hills, Village Baker, Welsh Lady Preserves, Wild Trail and Wrexham Lager.

The store, which re-launched in May this year after a £500,000 investment, also welcomed local singer Shea Ferron who performed a selection of songs which are featured on his first CD collection, out this week.

Later, Llangollen-based chef Jack Hatley prepared a selection of dishes and offered recipe suggestions.

The family-friendly event also included activities for children, including face painting.

Mandy Hughes, manager of the Llangollen store, said: “We were delighted to welcome a flavour of our Welsh suppliers to our store, providing a taste of the great food and drink which is produced in Wales.

“We have had a great response since we relaunched the store in May. The investment was a great way to mark the Co-op’s 175th anniversary year."

Police declare knife amnesty

North Wales Police is cracking down on knife crime as part of a national week of action which highlights the risks that carrying a bladed weapon can bring, as well as targeting offenders who use and carry knives in the area.

Taking place between  September 16 and 22, Operation Sceptre will see the force taking part in a knife surrender, where special amnesty bins will be located across the region giving people the opportunity to dispose of knives and blades safely. 

Similar bins will be placed at a number of recycling centres for people who do not feel comfortable attending a police station.

As part of the Home Office supported campaign, licensed premises are being issued with knife-detection wands which have been funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Arfon Jones.

Temporary Detective Inspector Tecwyn Green, Operation Sceptre Co-ordinator for North Wales Police, said: “Carrying knives is totally and utterly unacceptable and we hope that introducing these wands will not only act as a deterrent, but they’ll also reassure people who are planning an enjoyable night out.

“Knives are dangerous and there is no place for them on the streets of North Wales. Carrying knives or other weapons do not keep you safe. By carrying a knife you are putting yourself in much greater danger, and more likely to become involved in a violent situation and get injured yourself.

“All licensed premises that are being given these wands have been extremely positive and are pleased to play their part in the national campaign. These venues rarely have issues relating to knife crime, yet they fully understand the importance of having a preventative initiative such as this one in place."

He added: “We want to ensure residents are safe from knife crime in their communities so we are pleased to be promoting our week-long knife amnesty where people can hand in knives without fear of punishment. Since July 2017, a total of 1,691 knives have been handed in across North Wales.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones said: "The rise in the statistics for violent crime is a general trend across the UK and it is important to remember than North Wales is still one of the safest places to live and work.

"Another important factor to remember is that there have been changes in the recording methods of some categories of crime, including violent crime, and this has also had an impact in skewing the statistics.

“Nevertheless, it is vitally important that we tackle this scourge and I know it is a priority for North Wales Police.

“The message is clear. Knives and dangerous. They can maim and even kill people.

“I would urge young people to support this campaign and report any concerns they have about knife crime.”

During the week School Community Police Officers will be attending primary and secondary schools throughout North Wales to give a presentation on knife crime as part of the All Wales Schools Programme.

Unwanted knives can be disposed of in special amnesty bins which will be placed in police stations in Wrexham, Mold, Rhyl, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Caernarfon and Holyhead. They can also be taken to recycling centres at Mochdre, Abergele, Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin. People should ensure any sharp ends are securely wrapped in a protective material,say police.

T/D.I Green added: “We take a robust approach to anyone found to be illegally in possession of a knife or bladed article on the streets and I would encourage you to take this opportunity to rid yourselves of any illegal weapons by taking them to any of the named stations.

“We are grateful for the support of the licenced premises, the community and our partners with this campaign and together, we will continue to work towards removing knives and dangerous weapons and bring those responsible, for carrying and using them, to justice.”

North Wales Police will act on all information reported regarding knife crime. Anyone with information can call North Wales Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The wands have been distributed at the following licensed premises:

* Wings, Denbigh

* Mojo, Wrexham

* Central Station, Wrexham

* One to Five, Wrexham

* Atik, Wrexham

* Penny Black, Wrexham

Tourism brings in over half a billion to county economy

* Tourist attraction: The Horseshoe Falls. 

The economic benefit of tourism in Denbighshire has reached the half billion mark for the first time.

Figures monitoring the impact of tourism in the county show that in 2018 visitors brought £509million into the local economy, up from £283.79m in 2007 and up 3.8 per cent on 2017.

The STEAM figures also show an increase in the number of staying visitor days to 7.19million, an increase of 0.5 per cent, while the economic impact of staying visitors was £345m in 2018 up 4.3 per cent on 2017.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “These figures show visitors are staying longer in Denbighshire and spending more money, which is benefiting local businesses and helping to grow the local economy.

“We have a fantastic offer across the county, from seaside towns and attractions to market towns, historical sites, beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Denbighshire’s businesses also offer visitors a great experience and our aim is to encourage visitors to come throughout the year and stay longer so they experience more of what Denbighshire has to offer.

“With the addition of a new Travelodge hotel and the opening of SC2 in Rhyl, as well as new offers across the county in 2019, the future of tourism is looking bright.”

The total number of visitors in 2018 was 5.87m, with 1.5m of those staying, the total number of visitor days spent in Denbighshire was 11.57m while tourism supported 6,108 jobs in the county.

The Council’s tourism strategy aims to encourage people to visit Denbighshire throughout the year, stay in the county for longer and to spend more money with local businesses.

New tourism projects include the Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador Scheme launched in June and designed to improve the visitor experience by training people who work in tourism or with visitors to provide a consistent message on the offer in the county.