Let's have your hazelnuts, says county

Denbighshire County Council’s Countryside Service is collecting and donating hazelnuts as part of Snowdonia National Park’s Hedgerow Scheme.

The scheme promotes natural borders and encourages hedgerow planting which provides a habitat for wildlife and supports biodiversity.

Snowdonia National Park operates a nursery growing hedge plants to donate to farmers and landowners to encourage the replanting of hedges.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at the Tourist Information Centre in Llangollen, Canolfan Ni Corwen Loggerheads Country Park or the Countryside Service office at Brickfield Pond in Rhyl.

Those picking or foraging hazelnuts must have the landowner’s permission before doing so, and be aware of wildlife - don’t take everything from one area as wildlife depend on this resource over winter.  

Hazelnut gathering events will take place in Llangollen on Wednesday, October 9 between 10am and 12pm starting from Pengwern Community Centre and in Corwen on Thursday, October 10 between 10am and 12pm starting from the leisure centre car park. Visit the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB’s Facebook page to stay up to date on events and how many hazelnuts have been collected. 

Kia's latest Ceed model has the X factor

* The XCeed, the fourth edition to the Kia Ceed family.

Kia XCeed launch report by Steve Rogers

Just when you thought the family was complete another one comes along. Meet the XCeed, the fourth edition to the Kia Ceed family.

What is it? It is a Ceed hatchback which has gone into the workshop and come out with a change of clothes.

Is it needed? The Kia top brass think so and they are normally right. As one exec said to me: "We don't build cars people don't want."

Eight consecutive years of increased sales sort of backs that up, and it looks like this will be year number nine with 97,000 Kias leaving our showrooms, a pretty remarkable achievement from the company's bargain basement roots of the nineties.

Let's drill into what XCeed is and why it is needed. The X is the clue, it's a crossover or family SUV, whichever name you like best, and they are taking over the car market. 

Kia isn't short of SUVs, it has got Niro and Sportage, but Niro is a hybrid and Sportage a bigger SUV so XCeed has been brought in to plug the gap between Ceed and Sportage. Mazda has done the same with the CX-30 as has Ford with its pumped up Focus.

Kia believe XCeed will take around half the total Ceed range although I would not be surprised if it was higher and this is why. 

The X factor has given it a little more length than the hatchback (85mm) so there is no compromise on cabin space, the boot has room for an extra bag or two, it has the higher driving position which everyone seems to like, and it is better looking than the hatch with a tasty fastback tailgate design.

No one builds cars that don't drive well so let's jump ahead to more important things. On the engine front the choice is 1.0 and 1.4 litre petrols, and a 1.6 litre diesel. My star pick is the 1-litre, a lively, economic three-cylinder which will blow you away with its refinement and performance.

People I talk to are still dubious about this new breed of small engine and there will be doubters over this engine's ability to carry the XCeed but they will be wrong. The 1-litre is an absolute hoot from the second the accelerator is pressed and it can hold its performance right to the red line.

The 1.4 litre petrol is less impressive not because it is inadequate, which it is not, but because it does not have the same performance as some of its top rivals which offer a wider range of power outputs.

It provides the power for the top of the range First Edition which is the most eye catching with its tasteful yellow detailing on the seats and dashboard. It also comes with a striking wide 10.25in multi media screen that dominates the dashboard and flows into an equally impressive 12.3in digital instrument cluster which projects all the driver information you could possibly need.

First Edition also comes with a full suite of safety systems adding blind spot collision warning, speed limit information and forward crash avoidance that includes detecting pedestrians and cyclists.

It also throws in a sports mode selector, not really necessary given the modest power output, but nevertheless adds a spark of fun. First Edition will set you back £28,095 or £29,195 for the seven speed automatic.

Something to please mobile phone users is the ability to connect two mobiles at once, an all too rare benefit in cars of this class.

Kia does not expect many buyers to go for the entry Grade 2 but that is hardly left wanting with the touchscreen shrunk to eight inches for DAB audio selection, Bluetooth and reversing camera, all round electric windows, keyless entry, LED headlights, cruise control with speed limiter and air conditioning. This opens at £20,795 with the one litre engine.

The majority will opt for Grade 3 which uses all of the touchscreen and brings in navigation, heated front seats and steering wheel and electric parking brake among the extras over the entry model.

XCeed will not have it all its own way simply because strong rivals will be gnashing their teeth trying to frighten it off, but it is the new star of the Ceed range with great looks and a generous level of standard kit.

Why bother buying Ceed hatchback? Why indeed.

Key facts

XCeed Grade 2

£23,295

1.0 T-GDI; 118bhp

0-62mph 10.9secs; 115mph

45.6mpg combined

124g/km. 1st year tax £170

Boot: 426-1378 litres

Landmarks get lit up to celebrate big anniversary

A LUMINAIRE of iconic structures along the eleven-mile corridor of the Dee Valley’s World Heritage site near Llangollen is expected to draw thousands of visitors to the area this month.

The event runs from October 7-27 and marks the 10-year anniversary since Thomas Telford’s breath-taking nineteenth century Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at Trevor Basin was given the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2009.

It also coincides with the hosting of the UKs World Heritage Annual Conference and AGM in Llangollen, entitled Making The Most Of World Heritage on October 7-8.

Each site is unique and is either graded, a scheduled monument or both and will be lit up by expert lighting company Enlightened of Bristol for two hours each evening from 7.30pm - 9.30pm.

The sites to be lit up are as follows:

Aqueduct, Chirk (Grade II Scheduled Monument)

Viaduct, Chirk (Grade II)

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Trevor (Grade I Scheduled Monument)

Dinas Bran Castle, Llangollen (Scheduled Monument)

Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen (Grade II)

Organisers believe the spectacle, that places the 126ft structure at the centre of the celebrations, will come to life under the cover of darkness and encourage locals and tourists to explore the five structures along the stretch of the Llangollen Canal from Llangollen to Chirk, within the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  

It is intended to extend the length of the 2019 tourism season to boost the local economy of the area.

Wrexham County Borough Councillor Terry Evans, Executive Lead Member and member of the World Heritage Status Board, said: “I am looking forward to seeing the structures lit up, further highlighting that the World Heritage Site is an 11 mile corridor and encouraging people to visit more of it.  It is great that it will be over a three week period which will give more people the opportunity to visit and see it.”

Adnan Saif, regional director at Canal & River Trust said: “The Llangollen Canal is a beautiful waterway and is a lovely place to visit throughout the year. Research shows that being next to water makes you happier and healthier and this luminaire event will allow visitors to see the canal in a different light whilst helping to celebrate ten years since it became a World Heritage Site.”

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to support this exciting project which is an excellent way of celebrating Pontcysyllte Aqueduct’s tenth anniversary as a World Heritage Site. This project is a great example of what can be achieved by working in partnership and how innovative ideas like this can help us make the most of our World Heritage Sites.”

This project would not have been possible without funding from Visit Wales and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and permission being granted from private landowners and also from Network Rail who have given their permission for the Chirk Viaduct to be lit up.

* You can keep up to date on Pontcysyllte Aqueduct special events at its dedicated Facebook page or through Twitter or Instagram.

Love Island's Niall to star in Stiwt pantomime

* Niall Aslam will star in this year's pantomime at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhos.

Love Island heart-throb Niall Aslam has been announced as the star of this year's pantomime at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhosllannerchrugog.

The 25-year-old former Love Island contestant will take the role of the Genie in Aladdin, which runs from Saturday December 7 until Tuesday December 31.

Niall rose to fame in the 2018 series of the reality show and became one of the most popular contestants of that series due to his comical nature and proved a hit with the ladies of the villa.

Since Love Island, Niall has continued his career in reality TV, modelling and has also become a proud ambassador of the National Autistic Society.

Aladdin will be Niall's pantomime debut.

He said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to perform in Wrexham's annual Christmas pantomime. I've heard only good things about the audience, so I'm confident I'll have a good time and hopefully put a smile on everyone's faces.

"I'm looking forward to all the usual pantomime banter that gets the audience going - all the 'he's behind you', 'oh yes, we are' and 'oh no, you aren'ts'. It'll be great fun."

This will be the tenth year Liverpool-based LHK Productions has produced the Christmas pantomime at the Stiwt.

Lee Kelly, producer of the pantomime and managing director of LHK Productions, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that we've got Niall on board for our decade year at the Stiwt. He will be fabulous, and I'm confident our audiences will love him.

"Everyone who watches our panto at the Stiwt always has a brilliant time, and this year's will be no exception. We're bringing back some familiar faces and that all important pantomime magic.

"I guarantee Wrexham is in for a treat with this year's production of Aladdin."

* Tickets can be purchased via www.stiwt.com or by telephoning 01978 841300.

Young 'Uns to stage The Wizard of Oz in 2020

* Members of the Young 'Uns cast for The Wizard of Oz line up. Picture by Barrie Potter.

Llangollen Operatic Society's junior section, the Young 'Uns, have just  completed casting for their next annual production, The Wizard of Oz.

The full cast for the RSC version of the show will feature 47 talented young people from Llangollen and surrounding areas.

The new show, which hits the Llangollen Town Hall stage from Thursday-Saturday, February 13-15, 

follows on from the group's acclaimed production of  Grease in February. 

Young 'Uns have been putting on shows in Llangollen for the past 30 years.   

   

Evening performances are at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are priced at £12 with £10 concessions.

Film maker Joe frames up major business award

* Joe Clifford, second from left, middle row, with fellow winners in the North Wales Young Business Awards at Bangor University.

A young film maker with strong connections to Llangollen has scooped a major business award.

In his spare time Joe Clifford, who lives in Chirk, is an active member of the Twenty Club amateur theatre group and has had key roles in a number of their productions over the years, most recently The Flint Street Nativity and Dinner With Otto.

But Joe's day-job is running the successful Wrexham-based bespoke video production service TasteBudds - The Food Filmmakers.

And TasteBuds won one of the key categories at the prestigious North Wales Young Business Awards staged recently at Bangor University.

A total of 150 businesses from across the region attended the event, hosted by BBC presenter Sian Lloyd, which recognises entrepreneurs under-35 and firms that are making waves in the region.

The awards had the backing of a number of local businesses who helped with sponsorship.

Joe and his company won the award for Food & Beverage Business of the Year, sponsored by  The Alternative Board - North Wales.

More flu clinics planned at health centre

MP says fight goes on for pension equality

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones (pictured) and other members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on State Pension Inequality for Women have pledged to carry on fighting for women affected by the increase in their state pension age after a High Court ruling.

Yesterday (Thursday) the High Court rejected claims that increasing the state pension age for women born in the 1950s discriminated against them on the grounds of age and sex, and that the government had failed to appropriately notify those affected.

However, Labour MP Carolyn Harris and former Conservative Government Minister Tim Loughton, co-chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on State Pension Inequality for Women, said the All Party Group would continue to use all means available – including private members’ bills – “to seek justice for all the women affected”.

In a written statement the politicians said the cross-party group’s continued aim was to deliver on a series of measures proposed in April 2018.

The measures include:

- making a non-means-tested pension credit available to all women aged 63 and over from the day it is approved until they reach state pension age, which won’t be backdated.

- equalising women’s pensions, so that everyone receives a full state pension (£159 per week) regardless of the number of years of National Insurance contributions accrued.

- extending pension credit for those worst affected who have no other income or private pension available to them and are suffering financial hardship.

Plans to increase the state pension age were first announced in the Pension Act 1995 but these changes were accelerated as part of the Pension Act 2011.

Susan Elan Jones MP said: “Pension fairness matters hugely for ordinary people from our local area. I’ve worked very closely with many constituents who’ve been affected by these pension changes. I remain committed to working in Parliament with other MPs across the political spectrum who want a fair, common sense solution for women born in the 1950s.”

Keddie wins town council seat

Paul Keddie yesterday won the vacant seat on Llangollen Town Council.

Results were:

Paul Keddie (Independent) - 293

John Palmer - 276

Gillian Robertson (Independent) - 92

Turnout 22.69%

County encourages more food waste recycling

* See reaction at foot of story from former Llangollwn county councillor Stuart Davies 

A food recycling project is being piloted in three areas of Denbighshire as part of efforts to encourage greater use of recycling facilities before significant changes are introduced to the county’s waste and recycling services.

During a recent monitoring exercise the council noticed that a total of 600 properties had not placed their food waste caddies out in the previous weeks. 

Those households have received a leaflet which encourages them to recycle food waste and to make sure that householders are aware of the equipment needed to recycle food.

The equipment includes an orange kerbside collection bin, a convenient silver kitchen caddy that can be placed on counter tops or under the sink and a roll of compostable liners.

Any households not placing their food waste bins ready for collection will be visited by a team of recycling advisors, to see what can be done to rectify any issues.

In December 2018, the Council approved plans to change waste and recycling collections in Denbighshire.  Those changes will come into effect during 2021 and will be:

§  a new weekly collection for recyclables such as paper, glass, cans, and plastic

§  a new weekly collection for nappies and incontinence wear

§  a weekly collection for food waste

§  a new fortnightly collection for clothes and small electrical items

The council says that if residents use the recycling service correctly, it should only result in a minimal amount of residual waste being created.  

As a result, the council will be changing the collection of non-recyclable waste to every four weeks for the majority of households.

Residents will be issued with a  bigger black bin if they need one, but overall, households would have more capacity each week for managing their waste than they have with our current service.  

The new weekly recycling service, using a Trollibloc system, would provide more capacity for recycling when compared to the current fortnightly collection with the blue wheelie bin.  

The council says residents will be able to free up even more space in their black bin by using new kerbside recycling services for textiles, small electrical goods, batteries and where needed, nappies and incontinence waste.   

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet lead Member for Highways, Environmental Impact, Waste and Sustainable Travel, said: “The council provides a weekly food waste recycling service to properties and people should be using it to take away unwanted food. They should not be placing any food waste in their black bin. If this initiative is successful, it could be drawn out across  the county.

“The council can fine people who repeatedly fail to separate their rubbish so it is important people take the time to put the right waste in the right container. 

"The majority of residents in Denbighshire recycle their food waste and we thank them for that, but we need to understand why some people do not dispose of their food waste properly. Households receive orange kerbside collection  bins that goes out once a week with the remainder of the refuse. A convenient silver kitchen caddy is used to  gather the food waste and a roll of compostable liners.

“This is a very timely initiative as we prepare our plans for a significant waste and recycling project being rolled out in 2021. In the meantime, our efforts to encourage greater amounts of recycling continues. And over the coming months we will be rolling out a series of initiatives to make it safer and more community-spirited to recycle as much as we can."

* To find out information about waste and recycling in Denbighshire, visit: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling

Reaction from former Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies ...

How dare Cllr Brian Jones threaten residents of Denbighshire with fines when his department is just as guilty of not collecting recycling properly themselves?

About five years ago DCC rolled out the recycling scheme in Llangollen, however they did not have small enough vehicles to access country properties such as mine and we have been on sack collection since. One for plastics, paper, metal etc and one for everything else! That includes waste food! 

As the then County Councillor I was promised that as the fleet was renewed that vehicles suitable for collecting the various recycling would be incorporated and we could ALL do recycling properly! It has not happened! We still are on two sack collection! 

The question needs to be asked of this arrogant councillor, is why he thinks it is ok to threaten residents with fines for not recycling when his own department is not doing its job properly by providing proper facilities for recycling to residents out in the country side? It smacks of having double standards! 

County gives underage knife sales test results

Denbighshire County Council and North Wales Police have issued the results of underage knife sales test in the county

The checks were carried out as part of Operation Sceptre, a national campaign taking place twice a year targeting knife crime and involves both education and enforcement activity with the aim of removing unwanted knives off the streets.

As part of a joint working initiative Officers of Denbighshire Trading Standards and North Wales Police have teamed up to carry out an exercise looking at the effectiveness of retail sales to young people.

On Saturday 21^st September 2019, a volunteer Police Cadet aged 15 attempted to purchase a knife at a number of local retailers.  The legal age for the sale of knives is 18. The volunteer attempted purchases in 13 premises within Denbighshire.   

Eight of those premises refused the sale, either asking the volunteer their age or for identification, and four of the premises did not have any stock of knives.  However, one retailer did sell to the volunteer and this matter is currently being investigated.

Councillor Mark Young, Denbighshire Council’s Lead member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities said:  “It is important to recognise the dangers surrounding the mis-use of knives and the dangers presented when these products are in the wrong hands. Whilst it is recognised that a child can access knives from other places, such as at home, this operation highlights that there is a need for staff working within store to be vigilant when making sales. There are restrictions on the age of sale for knives for a reason- any child carrying a knife is at a greater risk of harm. 

"As a result of this exercise Denbighshire Trading Standards will be looking at doing more follow up work by means of advice and education to knife retailers over the coming months. 

"If you are aware of any premises selling age restricted products to underage persons please report this to Trading Standards on tradingstandards@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 706057 – this is an automated service and reports can be made anonymously."

Temporary Detective Inspector Tecwyn Green said: “Knives are dangerous and there is no place for them on the streets of North Wales. Using a knife can have devastating consequences, and I hope that by constantly stressing the dangers of knife crime we are getting the message across, particularly to our young people. I would urge people to continue to educate themselves, speak to their children and family members so that tragedies can be prevented.

“We are grateful for the support of 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 say they 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

#StopKnifeCrime #OpSceptre

Rehearsals going well for Twenty club's Blackadder

* Miranda Richardson and Rowan Atkinson in TV's Blackadder.

Rehearsals are going well for Langollen Twenty Club's next production, a stage version of the smash-hit TV comedy series Blackadder.

Fresh from their most recent success with the gripping Dinner with Otto, the group are lightening the mood by staging three episodes of the iconic show written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton.

They've chosen to depict Blackadder's Elizabethan-era incarnation in the play which runs at Llangollen Town Hall from November 7-9, each performance starting at 7.30pm.

Director Chrissie Ashworth said: “We have chosen three episodes which we considered to be the best mix and most suited to perform at our home at the Town Hall.

"We've assembled a fantastic cast, of a number of them new to Twenty Club, and rehearsals are going extremely well. In fact, sometimes it's hard to get anything done because we're all laughing so much at the lines and the plot situations."

She added: "We're aiming for a close ‘copy’ of the original TV characters, as that is what people remember and the humour that goes with it. The three episodes are entitled respectively Head, Beer and Bells. 

“Blackadder is hilarious. It is farce, quick witted and when staged well is a gem." 

To book tickets, go to www.twentyclub.co.uk

Town Hall to host special music event

Brexit uncertainty damaging to social care, says boss

* Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales. 

A social care champion is calling for certainty over Brexit.

Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, says the current state of flux was hugely damaging.

He was speaking in the wake of the publication of the UK Government’s Operation contingency planning document, Operation Yellowhammer.

According to Mr Kreft, who is also the proprietor of the Pendine Park Care Organisation, the political paralysis surrounding Brexit was already driving up prices and had led to European workers returning home.

He said: “Operation Yellowhammer suggests the worst-case scenario would be very serious with some smaller care homes closing within a fortnight because of escalating prices and larger providers under threat within a month or two.

“The current uncertainty is already causing issues for social care because is ratcheting up prices while the issue of people not wanting to come and work in this country becoming a real problem.

“We’ve seen a lot of talented care practitioners and nurses leave Wales already and this is a major concern because we have an aging population and, planning ahead for the next 15 to 20 years, we are going to see a 100 per cent increase in the number of people aged over 85.

“Regardless of what happens with Brexit, the demographics are going to cause enormous issues but this uncertainty and this appearance that we no longer welcoming people who have talent and want to work here is causing even more problems because the NHS is already under tremendous pressure.

“We have been fortunate in recent years but if we have a bad winter, you would see pressures on the NHS that we have never seen before.

“Social care underpins the NHS and what business wants and what social care wants is an end to this uncertainty.

“While Westminster decides whether it’s a deal or a no deal Brexit, what the social care sector needs is certainty to be able to continue to provide services for the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Ian completes his marathon walking challenge

* Ian Parry is jubilant after completing his big walking challenge.

Llangollen's Ian Parry has completed his big September walking challenge to raise cash for the fight against prostate cancer.

Ian, who is secretary of Llangollen Prostate Cancer Support Group, decided to take up his personal walking marathon in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

Each year, 11,000 men die from this form of cancer and therefore the charity felt that taking 11,000 steps - by walking, running, jogging or even dancing - every day during the month of September would be an appropriate fundraising challenge, with each step being in memory of a life lost this year. 

The money raised across the country will go towards research that will help spot prostate cancer sooner with more accurate tests, faster treatments with fewer side effects and emotional and practical support for everyone affected.

Ian has now completed the challenge after completing a total of 406,761 steps and approximately 178 miles during the month. 

And that means he has raised a healthy £635 of his target figure, although contributions are still very welcome, he says.

Ian began the challenge on September 1 by walking from his home to Trevor Basin along the canal and registering his 11,000 steps. 

He has been recording his daily steps mainly along the canal from the Horseshoe Falls to Trevor Basin, from there towards Chirk and from Chirk to Lion Quays. A couple of days were spent in Chester walking around the city walls and riverside.

* If you would like to support Ian in this challenge by making a donation and helping Prostate Cancer in its research you can do so by visiting the Just Giving website at:  https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ian-Parry9

Town Council election is tomorrow

The election to fill the vacancy created by Karen Edwards on Llangollen Town Council will be held tomorrow (Thursday).

The three candidates are:

KEDDIE, Paul (Annibynnol/ Independent)

PALMER, John Christopher

ROBERTSON, Gillian (Independent)

Christmas Festival puts out the call for helpers

* Sion Corn arrives at an earlier Llan Christmas Festival.

Organisers of this year’s Llangollen Christmas Festival have put out an urgent call for able-bodied people to help run the big show.

Thousands of seasonal revellers are expected to come flocking to Llangollen for the town’s annual Christmas Festival on Saturday November 30.

Kicking off at 1pm with the famous parade which sees Sion Corn - the Welsh Santa – being escorted into town over the historic bridge by a colourful cavalcade of entertainers and local groups, the event features children’s fairground rides, food stalls, choirs, craft stalls, circus acts and face painting.

For the past few years there have been enough volunteers to help with the heavier work of putting up the wide range of stalls, sideshows and other equipment needed to make the festival a success.

But as the show grows in popularity more people are needed this year to lend a hand with this work.

Chairman of the festival committee Austin ‘Chem’ Cheminais, who is also the local town crier and a member of the town council, said: “We’ve usually had enough volunteers on hand to help with the heavier work but as the event gets ever more popular there’s more to do and we could do with a few extra willing hands.

“Three or four people would be enough but, due to the nature of the work, they’d need to be physically up to doing some of the heavier jobs.

“This is a key part of the behind-the-scenes festival organisation and we’d be delighted to hear from anyone interested in helping us out. They can contact us through our Facebook page, which is https://www.facebook.com/Llangollen-Christmas-Festival-311747955653208/

During the festival, which will once again benefit Wales Air Ambulance and local charities, there will also be a chance for youngsters to visit Sion Corn in his glorious grotto and during the afternoon visitors can look forward to an eclectic mix of musical entertainment from local groups on two outdoor stages and other on-street entertainment.

The fun-packed day rounds off at 5pm with the ceremonial switching on of Llangollen’s legendary Christmas lights and a firework extravaganza. 

Llangollen Christmas Festival is organised by a group of dedicated community volunteers. It costs over £4,000 to stage each year and is self-funding.

The festival aims to provide a free family-orientated event in the safety of the town centre with surplus funds being donated to Wales Air Ambulance and local community groups.

Over the last couple of years the police have estimated that the spectacular event draws over 2,000 people into town during the course of the afternoon.

For the third year the festival has teamed up with Light Up Local Food, a project aimed at promoting Llangollen-based food and drink producers.

Festival organisers have also arranged for free parking throughout the day at local car parks.

Questions asked about Vicarage Road area

Former Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies (pictured) has let llanblogger have a copy of the letter he has just sent to Denbighshire's development manager Paul Mead and current local county councillor Melvyn Mile.

The development below my house in Vicarage Rd has triggered a new water storage facility being built to the west of it in the green belt.

It is a couple of hundred yards away from me and immediately below my neighbours.

From my time on the planning committee I know that putting in an application triggers a process. If it could be controversial, neighbours are advised and if they respond then it goes to committee.

This is an enormous development in a sensitive area, and yet neither myself or neighbours were advised or given the chance to comment and so it looks like it was a delegated decision to grant.

I finally managed to find the papers on line, the website is useless by the way.

It was done in haste, the agent for Welsh Water has a recurring theme in that she wanted it done quickly.

We heard and saw a tree being pollarded the other day, it turned out to be a walnut, in the words of the tree expert from Flintshire, extremely rare in North Wales.

They cut down the easterly one, the nut bearing one. So no more rare walnuts in this area. The tree expert allowed it in the application.

So, question, why weren't the neighbours consulted about the application? Why was a rare tree allowed to be cut down without any public consultation?

Is it because Welsh Water were on a mission to do it quickly?

There is another issue arising, there were springs in the field, the earthworks appear to have opened them up, with this rain we are experiencing, the water and spoil is running down across the excavations across Vicarage Road and in to the new housing development. Special soak-aways have been constructed both there and under Hall St car park to deal. Houses in Hall St on the A5 have cellars which could be affected when those soak-aways get full.

Concerns have also been aired to me about the excavation and access road levels on the site. Could somebody check them please?

* Stuart Davies has received a response from a county planning officer which says the correct processes have been followed, adjacent residents notified and the responses of statutory consultees/technical informed. 

Chamber sends out invites to "critical" meeting

Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism is to hold a critical meeting next month to discuss its future membership.

Numbers attending the chamber meetings have dwindled in recent years and it is felt that a new focus and direction is required to reinvigorate the organisation. 

The chamber says this comes as Llangollen undergoes a number of changes and begins to attract significant new businesses and development to the town. 

Llangollen's thriving tourism sector also makes an important contribution to the town’s success and the chamber is keen to attract more tourism and service businesses to complement the retail and food representatives.

The chamber is invting more new business representatives from the following areas to attend the next meeting at The Three Eagles, Bridge Street, Llangollen on Tuesday, October 8, at 5.30pm.

·       Tourism

·       Food

·       Hospitality

·       Retail

·       Leisure

·       Business

·       Entertainment

·       Creative/Arts/

·       Health & Well-being/Lifestyle

Existing members of the chamber are also encouraged to attend where positive ideas and contributions will be welcomed.

Chamber chair David Davies said: “Llangollen is in a unique position to elevate its position as a ‘must see’ destination when visiting North Wales. 

"We are included in the eleven mile corridor of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct’s World Heritage site and with our beautiful valley landscapes, the River Dee, Dinas Bran Castle and Steam Railway, not to mention excellent eateries and high quality accommodation attracting visitors, it is right that as a chamber we should push our town to the forefront of the minds of potential visitors and the media. 

"It is also important that our town benefits local residents from providing quality employment opportunities and an eclectic mix of shops to bolster the ‘shop local’ movement.  

“We want to attract new businesses to the Chamber and to Llangollen that complement our existing infrastructure. We are looking to work with entrepreneurs, schools and key stakeholders to support the town’s development in order to boost visitor footfall all year round, not just from Easter to October half-term.

“We look forward to getting stuck in and reinvigorating the Chamber with gusto and enthusiasm and encourage as many people as possible to come and join us at this exciting time.”