County’s roads checked after severe weather

Highways crews from Denbighshire County Council are checking routes across the county today (Monday) to clear debris left following the flooding incidents on Sunday.

The council responded to numerous for help from the public on Sunday and spent the day assisting residents and responding to calls for help county wide. 

A number of roads across the county were closed and severe flood warnings were issued for the Glasdir Estate in Ruthin and for the River Elwy in St Asaph and Rhuddlan areas.  Some minor flooding was reported in these areas.

A rest centre was opened at St Asaph Leisure Centre as a precautionary measure and provided temporary shelter for 53 people and four dogs. 

The people evacuated from Llys y Felin and Mill Street were able to return to their properties a few hours later.  Residents of the Spring Gardens caravan park were placed in overnight accommodation.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways, Environment and Sustainable Travel, said: “The weather on Saturday night and into Sunday was relentless and the sheer amount of rain that fell in Denbighshire and the rest of North Wales and the UK resulted in flooding in some of our communities and caused difficult travelling conditions.

“The council’s teams worked tirelessly in appalling conditions to respond to flooding incidents and problems with fallen trees. Our out of hours service was inundated with calls for help and additional staff were called in for support.

“We also had teams working closely with the other key emergency services, as well as staff and volunteers from the local community assisting at the rest centre. They were able to provide safety to those at risk of flooding and provide them with warmth in a safe environment.

“There was also good co-ordination with Natural Resources Wales who fronted the response to the flooding regionally.

“Further warnings are in place for rain, wind and snow on higher routes over the coming days  and the council is advising people to monitor weather forecasts and the media for any further advice."

Special LGBT to be held service at St Collen's

St Collen’s Church in Llangollen is hosting a special service to celebrate LGBT History Month on Saturday February 22.

Starting at 4pm, it will be a service of sacred and secular music, readings and poems led by celebrities, according to the vicar Father Lee Taylor.

During the service, the tomb of the Ladies of Llangollen will be blessed. 

Special guest will be Ian Shaw, award-winning Welsh jazz singer, presenter and actor.

Section of B5400 closed due to weather

North Wales Police have just put out the following message on their Facebook page ...

B5400 Pontfadog Llangollen between Glyn Traian school and Llwyn y Gelli wood is closed due to flooding and damage caused by the water. It will be closed until at least 8am. Please avoid the area and find alternative route. Thank you

Storm Ciara leaves raging River Dee

Storm Ciara now seems to have moved on leaving in its turbulent wake a raging River Dee, pictured here by llanbogger on Sunday afternoon.

* Gwalia Ceramics in Oak Street suffers from storm damage. 

North Wales Police commended for progress

An inspection has confirmed that North Wales Police continues to be good at reducing crime and keeping people safe, including the way it protects vulnerable people.

The report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services revealed the inspectors also gave the force a ‘good’ overall grading across a range of areas, including planning and the ethical way officers and staff behave.

In addition, the report highlighted that the force had kept up its high standards in relation to preventing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour, investigating crime, tackling serious and organised crime; meeting current demands and using resources.

The inspection found that the force has a good overall understanding of the nature and scale of vulnerability and that officers and staff are good at protecting vulnerable people.

They singled out North Wales Police for praise for its use of domestic violence protection notices (DVPNs) to prevent domestic abuse, with the highest amount issued per head of population in 2018/19 out of all 43 forces in England and Wales.

DVPNs are usually applied in the immediate aftermath of violence, to give the victim a vital window of safety and space, to engage with police and support services to obtain advice.

Deputy Chief Constable Richard Debicki said: “North Wales Police has a strong work ethic to protect vulnerable people; clear leadership direction is being provided from the senior officers and everything we do as a force has the aim of making North Wales the safest place in the UK.

“Since the findings of the inspection were presented to the force, a significant amount of further work has been undertaken in those areas identified for improvement."

The Firearms Alliance between North Wales Police and Cheshire Constabulary was identified as an effective joint working arrangement to provide armed policing with assured deployments, training and command of armed operations in both forces.

North Wales Police’s new approach to budgeting was recognised as enabling the force to better meet demand and the priorities set for policing.

Meanwhile, the restructuring of operational policing departments has increased the number of investigators within the force and has improved the visibility and response rates of front line policing.

Mr Debicki added: “North Wales Police is committed to treating all of the communities that it serves with fairness and respect and is working hard to become more representative of those communities.

“The well-being of officers and staff is a priority and the force was found to handle workforce concerns well, with the inspectors identifying useful areas for improvement.

“As a force we have worked hard to improve the way in which we engage with local people and I am pleased that the inspectorate has recognised the good work that is being undertaken.

“The findings also accord with the latest public confidence surveys which are telling us that local people believe that our service is improving and confidence in North Wales Police remains high - 86% of people feel safe from crime and disorder, and 92% think we treat people with respect. ”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones said: “Tackling domestic abuse and supporting vulnerable people are major priorities in my Police and Crime Plan which sets the blueprint for the way in which the region is policed.

"Domestic violence is a hideous crime and a scourge on society and I am glad to see that the use of domestic violence protection notices in North Wales is making a real difference in terms of protecting victims.

"The fact that seven victims of domestic violence are killed every month in England and Wales makes it an obvious priority. 

"There’s an emotional cost, there’s a cost to society and there’s a financial cost and I think it’s a responsibility to us all to prioritise things of this nature.

"I would certainly encourage victims to come forward, either by reporting the matter directly to the police or by getting in touch with a partner agency."

Her Majesty’s Inspector Wendy Williams said: “I commend North Wales Police for the progress it has made over the past year. This provides a strong foundation for continuing improvement in the year ahead.”

Outdoor centre starts school holiday children's club

* Canoeing is one of the activities at the children's club.

Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre is opening up its doors in school holidays for a new Children’s Holiday Club. 

The club will provide activity days for children seven years and up. 

Activities will include canoeing, climbing, bush craft, raft building, scrambling, orienteering, team challenges, games and arts and crafts. 

These activities will either take place within the 10-acre grounds of Bryntysilio, which are great to explore, or nearby at local landmarks such as the Llangollen Canal or the Panorama.

Lead tutor Paul Williams will be running the club along side other tutors who all have great experience working with children to get them outside enjoying and learning about the countryside, being active, making new friends, learning new skills and making memories.

Bryntysilio Outdoor Education Centre has been providing adventure learning in the outdoors since 1969 and opens its doors to schoolchildren for residential visits from all over the UK.

Bryntysilio house stands in its own grounds overlooking the River Dee. The centre’s formal garden is listed by CADW and overlooks the Horseshoe Falls along with the rest of the grounds forming part of the World Heritage site in the Dee Valley.

* The club will be held during school holidays, apart from those at Christmas, from 9am-4pm. Cost is £35 per child and booking is essential. Call 01978 860454, or email: info@bryntysilio.co.uk

Don't miss the bus on your new pass, says AM

An AM is urging people in his constituency to make sure they apply for their new bus passes as soon as possible.

Transport For Wales (TfW) has been replacing all over 60s and disabled people's bus passes with new-style concessionary travel cards.

The original expiry date for the old bus passes was December 31, 2019, but TfW announced a grace period last month. The new deadline is February 29, 2020.

Clwyd South Am Ken Mr Skates said: “TfW has extended the grace period for renewals, but it is still important that people who want to renew their bus passes get their applications in as soon as possible if they haven't already. It’s also important that people only apply once in order to avoid delays.

“If you live in Clwyd South and have applied for your new pass but are still waiting for it, please email ken.skates@assembly.wales with your name and address and details of when you applied and I'll do my best to help get it sorted out as soon as possible. Alternatively you can call my office."

The new-style cards offer the same free travel rights and benefits as the current cards and are designed so that they can work as part of an integrated travel network in the future. TfW have so far renewed more than 500,000 passes.

You can apply by visiting www.tfw.wales/travelcards. Paper applications are also available from local councils or by calling 0300 303 4240.

Can you help at health centre coffee shop?

Friends of Llangollen Health Centre have sent the following message:

Have you a few hours to spare each week in Llangollen Health Centre?

Our coffee shop is manned by volunteers who give their time to serve drinks and snacks to patients and visitors.

We are a welcoming and friendly group whose aim is to make patients comfortable.

Our prices are low and all profit is used for extra facilities or specialised medical equipment in the health centre, and also various health-related community projects.

* If you are willing and able to help with our work, please contact 07756 393657.

Police boss declares war on "heartless" fraudsters

A police boss has declared war on “despicably heartless” fraudsters after victims in North Wales were tricked out of nearly £9 million.

The pledge from the region’s police and crime commissioner, Arfon Jones (pictured), came after the North Wales Police and Crime Panel unanimously gave the green light for a 25p a week - increase in the cost of policing.

The 4.5 per cent increase – the equivalent of a one minute landline call – will cost Band D householders just an extra £12.51 a year and is believed to be the lowest rise in Wales.

As well as setting up the new five-strong Economic Crime Unit led by a Detective Inspector, Mr Jones has funded the appointment of a new member of the team at the Victim Help Centre in St Asaph to specialise in supporting fraud victims.

The unit is among a raft of new initiatives announced by Mr Jones, a former police inspector.

North Wales Police’s Major Crime Team is getting 10 more officers to combat organised crime gangs and the threat of county lines drug runners.

Tackling the sexual exploitation of vulnerable people is also a priority, says Mr Jones.

As a result, the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit will be getting an additional 19 officers – eight of them will strengthen the team investigating sexual assaults while the Paedophile Investigation Team will also get an extra officer.

The front line will also boosted with 16 more response officers while there will also be five more community safety officers, including three new members of the pioneering Rural Crime Team.

According to Mr Jones, his strategy is in tune with the wishes of the people of North Wales.

An online survey showed that 95 per cent of them backed the crackdown on organised crime while his campaigns against domestic and sexual abuse attracted over 90 per cent support, with four out five people backing his crusade against modern day slavery.

The need to create the new Economic Crime Unit was, he said, underlined by the growing number of fraud cases.

In the year up to March 2019 more than 4,671 economic crimes were reported in North Wales which represented a 17 per cent increase and losses totalled £8.9 million, an increase of 24 per cent.

The online criminals were becoming increasingly sophisticated with 80 per cent of the offences being cyber-enabled.

More than 40 per cent of frauds were committed against businesses and the biggest single loss recorded in North Wales involved a company swindled out of £7.8 million in an email scam.

The impact of being conned also had a devastating effect of individual victims, some of whom were pushed to the brink of suicide after being duped out of their life-savings.

Mr Jones said: “Setting up the dedicated Economic Crime Unit is something I have asked the force to do because of the increase in the number of fraud cases and the suffering it’s causing people.

“Vulnerable people, very often elderly, are being targeted specifically and that is despicably heartless.

“We have had examples in the past of vulnerable people essentially being groomed over a series of telephone calls and then having money taken from them and loans taken out in their names.

“It’s the worst kind of crime because the victims have worked hard all their lives and saved all their money only to see it disappear after sometimes a couple of phone calls.

“If it sounds too good to be true it probably is and that’s the message that needs to go out.

“It’s important to stress that this is not something we can solve on our own and we also need to educate people to educate themselves as well as catching the perpetrators.”

It was a message echoed by Chief Inspector Brian Kearney, the local policing lead for fraud based in Caernarfon.

He said: “The key message is that anyone can be a victim of fraud because the criminals by their very nature are extremely competent and intelligent individuals who will prey on people’s fear of losing money to cause them to divert money elsewhere without thinking of the consequences.

“They purport to be from a bank, the inland revenue, the police, any other agency or department telling the victim they need to move their money immediately as it is at risk. They will come across as professional and they will sound as if they were from a reputable company.

“The victims will divert their money based on a phone call, giving the fraudsters access to their computers to allow them to take over their bank accounts, and in the worst case scenario in some types of fraud they will go to a bank, withdraw the money, hand it over to a courier acting on behalf of the fraudster.

“The challenge for us is making people understand that it could be them, because nobody thinks that they could be scammed in this way.

“In cases that I have dealt with, that money has been moved out internationally through a number of UK bank accounts and out of the UK within an hour, which is incredible.”

“In the worst cases it is life-changing and it destroys people’s lives.”

The dedicated Economic Crime Unit will supplement the work of the officers within North Wales Police already trained to tackle fraud cases and financial investigations.

Superintendent Sian Beck, the force’s director of intelligence, said: “Nationally, our figures show we are actually very effective at investigating fraud.

 “But we need to realise going forward that fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated, their methods are becoming more complex and we need to invest for the future.”

Young 'Uns head back down the Yellow Brick Road

* Main cast members of the Wizard of Oz. Picture by Barrie Potter.

Young ‘Uns, the junior section of Llangollen Operatic Society, are once again dancing down the famous Yellow Brick Road to mark their 30^th anniversary.

The evergreen tale of the Wizard of Oz was their first full production back in 1991 and later this month they’re presenting the same show to celebrate their three decades of pleasing audiences.

In their earliest days they had actually presented two reviews, Songs From the Shows – Oliver and Remember When, which had a 1980s theme, before their first full-scale performance.   

The group has staged a show every year since, everything from Annie to Bugsby Malone and from Beauty and the Beast to Grease.

Along the way they’ve picked up a host of amateur stage awards, the most recent of which was Best Youth Production Musical Theatre for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 2018.

Up to 50 enthusiastic six to 18 year olds take part in Young ‘Uns shows each year.

Members are drawn not only from Llangollen but also from a wide range of surrounding areas, including Chirk, Corwen, Glyn Ceiriog and Wrexham.

Many of the Young 'Uns go on to achieve academic qualifications related to theatre work and some have followed a stage career.

Wizard of Oz runs at Llangollen Town Hall from Thursday to Saturday, February 13-15 and features a cast of 47 youngsters accompanied by a full orchestra led by musical director Julian Cattley.

Grace Roberts plays Dorothy, Katie Clark plays the Wicked Witch of the West, Ethan Roberts is The Wizard of Oz, Ethan Le Cheminant is the Tinman, Matthew Humphreys is the Scarecrow and Aled Morris is the Cowardly Lion.

Behind the scenes is a production team led by producer Pam Williams and including assistant producer Dee Smith and co-directors Robin Crowley and Jo Lloyd.

Producer Pam Williams said: “Pioneers of the Young ‘Uns recall that after announcing the new stage group was forming in 1990 they were shocked to open the doors on audition day to find that over 60 young people were waiting eagerly to enter.  

“For the past 30 years, volunteers from the Operatic Society have developed this wonderful talent in the Young 'Uns, providing rich, but very affordable opportunities for our members to experience creative and cultural development and to engage in musical performance, dance, stage-craft skills, and dramatic interpretation and presentation, culminating in four performances of an exciting annual show.

“We’re delighted to be presenting the Wizard of Oz to mark our 30^th anniversary and it promises to be another exciting and thoroughly enjoyable show.”

Evening performances begin at 7.30pm and there is a Saturday matinee at 2pm.  

* Tickets are £12 with £10 concessions. They are available locally from Gwyn the Butchers, Jades Hair and Beauty, Llangollen Oggie Shop and Stella Bond on 01978 860441.

New MP sees work on Corwen station project

* The inspection party (from left) Phil Rogers, Richard Dixon-Gough, Simon Baynes MP and Peter Neve at the west end Corwen signboard.

The recently elected Member of Parliament for Clwyd South visited Corwen to see progress towards the completion of the new station project.

Members of the Corwen Central Railway Development team invited Simon Baynes to a meeting last Saturday to be briefed on the project and its likely completion in 2020. 

After a review of the Llangollen Railway’s rebuilding since 1975, the effort by the volunteer workforce to build a new terminal station on an abandoned railway embankment over the past five years was explained with regard to the availability of limited resources.

An escorted tour of the station site allowed for the inspection of the completed new trackwork, and the progress with the work on the island platform. 

This now includes the installation of four new heritage style lampposts and the columns for the platform end Corwen running-in board. 

Work on the excavation of a trench for concrete foundations provided a visual demonstration of the effort required by volunteers to install the final pair of canopy columns. 

The completed subway access stairway with disabled chairlift was also inspected and a photo-display in the ticket office building provided a graphic review the many phases of the project since 2015.

Denbighshire’s annual business month returns

Denbighshire County Council’s March for Business month returns for its fifth year offering a mix events, training and workshops for the county’s traders.

Events include social media training covering Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as workshops with Business Wales and the Development Bank of Wales.

The Denbighshire Support Provider Network event will provide tips on how to take your business to the next level with a keynote speaker, workshops and the chance to speak to advisors and professionals.

Other highlights include Blas Lleol, a showcase of local food and drink suppliers, a celebrating enterprising women event and the annual Federation of Small Businesses networking dinner.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “Our March for Business programme is designed to meet the needs of businesses in the county and offers a chance to network and get expert advice around issues that matter to them.

“They can then take this knowledge forward and help grow their business, making a real difference to the county’s economy.

“I’d encourage local businesses to take advantage of the varied events held during March for Business by booking online.”

March for Business is part of the Council’s work on developing the local economy to make sure the county’s communities are resilient and residents have access to goods and services.

For more information or to book visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/marchforbusiness

Kerry's business idea impresses local MP

* Simon Baynes MP meets Kerry Mackay in her Llangollen business base. 

A young mum who once had to rely on a food bank to feed her family is to have the product she invented tried out in the House of Commons kitchens.

New Clwyd South Conservative MP Simon Baynes recently visited Kerry Mackay in her business base in Llangollen and heard how she came up with the novel idea of producing Scrubbies, which are bio-degradable cleaning pads.

He was so impressed that he bought some to take with him to the Commons kitchen.

Mr Baynes had heard about Kerry from her local councillor, Trevor Bates, who represents her home area of the Ceiriog Valley on Wrexham Council.

He told the MP:  “I have been hoping to send you something about this remarkable young lady for some time.

“It is only recently that I found out that over Christmas 2018 and Jan 2019 Kerry was having to rely on the food bank to keep herself and young son fed.

“She persevered with her business developing and selling Scrubbies against the odds to reach the position today when her biggest problem is keeping up with sales demand.

“When our local MP attended the community lunch at Glyn Ceiriog I was telling him about her strength and determination and he asked to visit her office to meet her.”

Tax cut bad luck for climate, says county councillor

Denbighshire Tories and Independents would rather cut council tax by 13p per week than give the county’s climate change plans a boost, according to Graham Timms, Labour county councillor for Llangollen (pictured). 

“That’s the message I took from the Conservative and Independent group at the recent County Council meeting," he said.

“In early December, Denbighshire councillors were presented with a budget which showed a 4.8% rise in council tax for 2020/21. A few days later the Welsh Labour Government came true on its promise to substantially increase their financial support to councils so that local authorities would be able to deliver better services across Wales.

“So I was really disappointed when the Tory/Independent cabinet in Denbighshire decided that instead of improving services to our residents they would cut the council tax. This was the biggest increase from the Welsh Government for years and should have been used for the purpose it was intended, rather than cutting council tax.”

He added: “At last week’s council meeting the Denbighshire Labour group proposed to use a small amount of the money from Welsh Government to tackle climate change. 

"It would have cost 13p per week for the average Band D household. We suggested that the money should be spent on a range of measures to combat climate change and to encourage residents to support the county-wide effort in reducing their own emissions.

“The proposal was defeated by 24 votes to 14 meaning that the council tax cut went ahead.

“Back in July every single councillor voted to support the declaration of a climate and ecological emergency and yet they could not agree to support this proposal. It seems that they are far more faint-hearted when they realise there is a cost involved."

The proposed council tax in Denbighshire has been cut by £6.64 for a Band D house next year, making Denbighshire’s 4.3% increase one of the smallest in North Wales.

Brexit disagreement becomes major talking point

* The Brexit day picture which led to the exchange of  views.

The Brexit disagreement on llanblogger between Langollen’s county councillors old and new has become a major talking point, particularly on social media.

It started when llanblogger carried a picture last Friday sent by former town mayor and councillor Stuart Davies showing his yacht moored in Portugal decorated with the flags of Wales, England and Scotland to celebrate Britain’s official departure from Europe.

,

This prompted a response on Saturday from the town’s present county councillor, Graham Timms, in which he said: "It’s a pity that one of our former county councillors thinks that it’s a good idea to send pictures of his private yacht in Portugal to celebrate the split between Europe and the UK.

"We need to remember that 48% of the population (and rather more than that in Llangollen) are disappointed about the split."

And he went on to stress Llangollen’s long history of welcoming people from across Europe and the rest of the world.

The two stories, shared to social media, sparked a lively response from people on both sides of the argument yesterday.

Since then Stuart Davies has been back hit back at Cllr Timms’ contribution with: “Typical comments from a Remoaner, it shows the Labour Party of which he is representative, still haven’t got it!

“We live in a Democracy, the People Voted! His MP lost her seat because she didn’t listen to what the people voted for. I predict that his AM will lose his seat in the coming Welsh Assembly elections.”

Ramblers stride out for a sunny Chester walk

Llangollen Ramblers took a sunny riverside walk through Chester last week. 

A spokdesperson for the group said: "We're not always off up the hills - we truly have walks to suit all capabilities. And we are always keen to welcome new walkers. 

"If you are interested, email Judy at smithdinbren@gmail.com for more information."

Llan councillor hits out over Brexit celebration picture

Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms (pictured) has criticised his predecessor for celebrating Britain's departure from Europe.

Yesterday (Friday) llanblogger featured a picture sent by former county councillor and town mayor Stuart Davies of his yacht, which is moored in Portugal, dressed in the national flags of Wales, England and Scotland to mark Brexit, of which he was a keen supporter.

In response Cllr Timms says: "It’s a pity that one of our former county councillors thinks that it’s a good idea to send pictures of his private yacht in Portugal to celebrate the split between Europe and the UK.

"We need to remember that 48% of the population (and rather more than that in Llangollen) are disappointed about the split."

* Stuart Davies's boat dressed to mark Brexit.

On Britain's first post-Brexit day Cllr Timms added: "I will not be celebrating today, but I will continue to work to bring our community together, whether they voted to leave or to remain.

"This town has a long history of welcoming people from across Europe and the rest of the world and it is my hope and belief that our community will continue to do that.

"We also need to make sure that we give our support the organisations in our town that foster these relationships, particularly the International Eisteddfod, ECTARC and our schools." 

Meanwhile, Stuart Davies has sent in a picture of his welcome to Portugal by a local government official as part of his temporary residence in the country ...

Former Llangollen mayor celebrates Brexit Day

Former Llangollen mayor and county councillor Stuart Davies (pictured) has sent in this picture of his boat, which he keeps in Portugal, "dressed for Brexit Day" with the national flags of Wales, England and Scotland.

Mr Davies has been a keen supporter of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.

Police boss: Don't prosecute people using medical cannabis

A police boss is calling for assurances that people using cannabis for medicinal purposes will not be prosecuted.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones (pictured) has written to the head of the Crown Prosecution Service in Wales asking for a guarantee that sick people will not be hauled before the courts for trying to alleviate their conditions.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, is a long term advocate of drug reform.

He was deeply touched by the recent death of Phil James, a young father from North Wales who took cannabis oil to prolong his life after being diagnosed with a brain tumour at the aged of 33.

Mr James’ case made global headlines after he advocated for the use of CBD which contains banned Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The father-of-one from Oakenholt, near Flint, said the oil shrunk his tumour and staved off seizures allowing him to spend longer with his wife Nicola and their 15-month-old daughter, Phoebe.

He was diagnosed with a grade three tumour at the end of 2015 and it dramatically reduced in size after taking the drug.  

But Mr James then suffered a minor stroke and a CAT scan revealed a secondary tumour, causing him to suffer a series of falls, in February 2018.   

He died at Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham on January 5. 

According to Mr Jones, the case of Phil James was a perfect example of why it was necessary to ensure that people who took medicinal cannabis should not have the additional worry of being threatened with the possibility of prosecution.

It was, he said, “cruel and inhumane” for people to be criminalised for being seriously ill.

In his letter to Chief Crown Prosecutor Barry Hughes, the police and crime commissioner wrote: “I am writing to you to request your support in preventing the prosecution of those using cannabis for medical purposes.

“On the 1st November 2018 the UK Government announced that cannabis products can be legally prescribed to individuals who could benefit from the medicine. “Cannabis based products have been proven to help those suffering with a number of issues including MS, Parkinson disease and epilepsy.

“Since the legalisation of medical cannabis there have only been two individuals that have received an NHS prescription for the drug.

“Unfortunately there are hundreds of individuals in the UK that need medical cannabis to continue to live without pain and enable them to lead a normal life.

“To those who don’t have an NHS prescription they are left with two options, the first is to pay for a private prescription and the second is to cultivate cannabis with a risk of receiving a criminal record. The cost of a private prescription for medical cannabis can be up to £3,000 a month. This is a cost which is impossible to sustain yet these individuals are increasing their debts and using their savings just to live a pain free life and prevent prosecution.

“In October 2019 MPs hosted a Cross Parliamentary meeting on Drug Reform called ‘forced to break the law: how should police respond to medical cannabis users’. 

“During this meeting we heard from individuals who use cannabis to relieve their symptoms yet spend their days worrying that they will be prosecuted for their cannabis use.

“During the meeting we heard about Lesley Gibson an MS patient who has spent the last year awaiting prosecution for the cultivation of cannabis.

“In January 2019 Lesley’s home in Carlisle was raided by Cumbria Police and her cannabis plants were removed. Lesley could not afford a private prescription and was left with no option but to medicate herself for her MS and grow her own cannabis plants. Her local Crown Prosecution Service decided to take the case to where she was acquitted. The Crown decided that it was not in the public interest to prosecute an individual who cultivated cannabis for medical purposes only.

“Is this now National CPS Policy that it is not in the public interest to prosecute users of medical cannabis? If so I welcome this progressive policy change and I agree that it is not in the public interest to prosecute users of medicinal cannabis.

“Individuals are forced to cultivate medicinal cannabis because the UK Government will not support widespread prescribing of pharmaceutical cannabis by the NHS.

I look forward to receiving clarification from the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

Choral concert for St David's Day

Firework crackdown backed by councillors

Denbighshire County Council has supported a raft of recommendations to regulate the use of fireworks in the county.

A Notice of Motion, put forward by Councillors Brian Blakeley, Gwyneth Kensler and Julian Thompson-Hill and supported by councillors meeting in Ruthin, means that:

• Organisers of all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries will be encouraged to advertise in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people
• The Council will actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks;
• The Council will write to the Welsh Government urging them to utilise any levers at their disposal to mitigate any negative impacts on animals and vulnerable people of the hosting of fireworks displays;
• The authority will also write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90 decibels for those sold to the public for private displays;
• All local suppliers of fireworks will be encouraged to stock “quieter” fireworks for public display.
• Further work will take place with the Council’s public protection team to see what other action can be taken.

MP signs holocaust book of commitment

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes this week signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment in the Houses of Parliament, marking Holocaust Memorial Day 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

After signing he said: "May we never forget the persecution of the Jewish people. I know my constituents in Clwyd South will join me in pledging to honour those who died in the concentration camps of Europe during the Holocaust, paying tribute to the survivors and ensuring that anti-semitism is eradicated from our lives.”

Police appeal follows serious A5 collision

Two people sustained serious injuries following a road traffic collision on the A5 in Glyndyfrdwy near Corwen yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, January 29th).

North Wales Police were called shortly before 3:30pm to a report of a two vehicle collision involving a Honda Civic and a Ford Ka.

The driver of the Honda was initially taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital but he has since been transferred to hospital in Stoke.

The female driver of the Ford Ka was airlifted by the Air Ambulance to hospital in Stoke.

Both have sustained serious but not life threatening injuries.

PC Anja Macleod of the Roads Policing Unit is appealing for any potential witnesses to come forward. She said: “The black Honda was travelling towards Corwen from Llangollen with the Ford Ka travelling in the opposite direction and I am appealing to anybody who saw either vehicle prior to the collision, or anybody who may have been travelling in the area and who may have dash cam footage to contact us.”

Anybody with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact officers at the Roads Policing Unit on 101 or via the live web chat quoting incident number Y012719.

Tory MPs voice concern about Welsh NHS

The seven Conservative MPs across North Wales have expressed concern over the latest set of A&E waiting time figures released this week by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB).

A spokesperson said: "These figures are the latest in a very long sequence of under-performance by the BCUHB.

"The delivery of health services in Wales is the responsibility of the Labour Welsh Government. The BCUHB has been in special measures for almost five years. Health matters are top of the list of complaints we receive in our post bags and performance in key areas such as waiting times has been below what residents expect.

“We are meeting with the chairman of the BCUHB early in February. We will be seeking assurances that the right leadership is in place to turn around this performance and that the funding provided by the Conservative UK government for health is finding its way to residents."