Well-being calls to Denbighshire residents expanded

Denbighshire County Council has expanded its wellbeing checks to residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

With the support of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, the council is contacting everybody receiving shielding letters from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales and is now expanding calls to residents over 70.

So far more than 5,000 residents have been contacted and support has included referrals to community groups or local charities for help with, for example, advice about finances, grocery shopping or dog walking.

Denbighshire Leisure’s Active Communities team has visited over 300 residents, with another 200 to be visited within the next few weeks.

The team has visited people who have received a shielding letter and had previously been uncontactable by phone and checked in on them to ensure they were being supported during this difficult time.

Overall, the project has involved more than 80 staff members from a range of council departments as well as Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and external partners including Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), the British Red Cross, and elected members have been recruited to support by becoming telephone befrienders.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “Thanks to the hard work and adaptability of staff, we have been in touch with more than 5,000 people, and are in regular contact with a majority of those.  

"We have referred more than 250 people for Welsh Government food boxes, and more than 300 people to DVSC to find help with shopping and collecting medications.  

"We have identified a number of safeguarding and wellbeing concerns and referred these for a quick professional response.  This has meant that many officers have had to work in a completely different way and I would again like to thank staff for their dedication and hard work during this process.”

A number of residents have contacted the council to offer their thanks to staff as well as posting on social media.

Feedback from a resident in Ruthin said it was very reassuring to have the Denbighshire Leisure Active Communities team call by and he said it was a great comfort for him and his wife who feel like they are being supported and are not alone.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, said: “The team has gone above and beyond over the last month and it’s fantastic to hear the amazing feedback from the local community, who feel supported by the team during this difficult time. 

"They were happy to step up to the task and felt it was a great way to stay connected with our residents and service users at this time. Fortunately most residents were safe and well and enjoyed chatting to the team, at a safe distance.”

Ex-councillor on why he's against 40mph limit on Horseshoe Pass

* Former county councillor Stuart Davies.

The plan to introduce a 40mph speed limit on the Horseshoe Pass, revealed by llanblogger in a story last week, drew some criticism when it was shared on social media.

Here former Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies gives his view of the proposal:

"At the end of my term in 2012 – 2017 maybe 2016, the Welsh Government came out with an initiative for all councils to review their speed limits. So it started.

"A few residents up the Horseshoe Pass (HSP) started going on about motorcycles speeding and making a noise. Their argument was, stop speeding and the noise would stop.

"The council officers meanwhile, in conjunction with North Wales Police, went off on putting speed limits everywhere on A roads. You can see the result on the Llandegla roads and the road to Corwen from Llandegla. It's 40 mph everywhere and average speed cams.

"The residents from the HSP were very vociferous and so I had put in a speed checker for a week. The results were surprising, no speeding as such, with IIRC an average speed of 48 mph.

"So people weren’t speeding BUT when I told the residents they refused to believe it! I said that they should concentrate their efforts on the noise-making by bikers with illegal exhausts.

"I as a Cllr always used to base decisions on the facts. I asked the police how many tickets had been issued in the 5 years previous to this initiative for breaking the 60mph limit. They refused to give me the information and I was told to do an FOI (Freedom of Information) request. 

"A quick email to the chief executive officer of Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and the Chief Constable gave them straight away. It was 1 in 5 years, so no speeding, according to their stats!

"I also learned that NWP didn’t have the resources to police a speed limit.

"I got the accident stats from DCC for the area and realised that this initiative was being driven by things other than road safety based on stats.

"I stopped them doing it. I argued that if they were concerned about road safety then putting in guard rails would be a better option and that they should approach the Welsh Government and our local AM, Ken Skates.

"The issue of the noisy exhausts? I liaised with NWP and they started a re-education initiative with the bikers visiting the Ponderosa backed up with tickets for illegal exhausts.

"Now it has come back. The local councillors appear to be backing this 40 mph limit from the Britannia to the other side, nearly to the Llandegla roundabout. 

"This will impact on commuters travelling from here to Ruthin, on disabled children being taxied from here to that end of the county etc etc. 

"I had lots of emails from concerned residents ref this. There is also the issue that people would try to use the Old Horseshoe Pass to try and beat the system causing speeding in Pentredwr.

"I have looked at the statutory notice, the only “evidence” produced, as far as I could see, was the words 'To improve road safety'. No stats, no evidence, nothing.

"So I want to know, what has prompted this? Give me the evidence to prove it isn’t safe! Where are the stats for the public to make up their minds?

"I believe this is being driven by the dislike of noise from bikes, the mistaken belief that bikers are speeding. It wasn’t correct then and I don’t believe it is now. 

"The belief that putting in a speed limit the noise goes away is wrong. The issue is about illegal and 'fruity' after-market exhausts. Address that and you address the issue of the noise. That also then stops the issue of affecting the lives of commuters.

"One more point, if they are thinking of putting in average speed cams, I would ask the question, if DCC can't afford to put in a civic recycling site in Llangollen, as told by the local councillors, how can they afford to pay for this scheme?"

* Maggie Smith, chairman of Llantysilio Community Council said: "It is important that comments are forwarded via the link below to the Denbighshire County Council Consultation.

https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/kms/dmart.aspx?strTab=PublicDMart&fbclid=IwAR0tuCGuWRGKqiMnwQL2ciODM4BLbRgA7wRK-VPEz5LpOKrv4kf96jnxAXU

Roadworks start in Vicarage Road on Monday

Latest local roadworks notified by one.network are:  Vicarage Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire 15 June — 08 August Delays likely - Road closure Works location: From Jtn Hill Street & Vicarage road to Bryn Bedw Vicarage Road in CW and FW... Works description: Trial Holes. Install new reinforcement Water main and Transfer all existing water services and ab... Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water Current status: Advanced planning Works reference: LB501H6W/00038011A

Cat's big raffle today will benefit Ysgol Bryn Collen

Cat Meade, co-ordinator of the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group, has announced that the next big raffle, to benefit Ysgol Bryn Collen, will be this afternoon (Saturday).

On the group's Facebook site last night, she posted: "Join us at Llangollen Raffles at 3PM for the raffle to support Ysgol Bryn Collen to assist with outdoor supplies to ensure the children have a SAFE environment to allow them to return to school.

"We have been overwhelmed with support from local businesses and Residents with donations in support of Bryn Collen."

Thirteen prizes have been donated on this, the 13th of June, and they include:

* £100 Voucher Llangollen Railway
* A case of Prosecco Tyn Dwr Hall & The Three Eagles
* Football Tickets for Everton (when back in play)
* £30 cash and alcohol hamper
* £25 Amazon Voucher
* £20 Jades Hair
* £40 Blue Bay Launderette,Llangollen
* £20 Llangollen kebab pizza palace
* Hamper Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods
* Bracelet Beady Me
* £20 Abbey Farm Caravan Park bistro
* Handbag @jenni's llangollen

It's £5 per ticket to enter the raffle in which there will be 120 numbers available.

MP raises step-free access to Ruabon station with Minister

* Simon Baynes MP raises his question about Ruabon station in Parliament.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has raised the issue of funding for step-free access at Ruabon train station in the House of Commons.

His question a Wales Office Minister was part of his campaign on local transport issues in his constituency. 

The station at Ruabon currently has two flights of stairs which passengers must use in order to access the platform. 

It is also the only station on the line that does not meet step-free access needs for passengers.

Wales Office Minister David TC Davies MP said in response to Mr Baynes’ question in the Chamber:

“I’d be delighted to discuss step-free access at Ruabon station with the Hon. Gentleman, and I hope that I will be able to give him news of much greater infrastructure projects to rail and road that will be on offer to Wales as soon as this crisis is over.”

Simon Baynes MP said later: “Many representatives, organisations and residents in Ruabon have been campaigning for step-free access at Ruabon Station for several years and I am very pleased to add my support to their campaign. 

"This project is needed to make sure all passengers can access the jobs and leisure opportunities that will make our community an even greater place to live and work. 

"And I’m looking forward to discussing it with Ministers at the Wales Office and the Treasury to see what can be done for Ruabon residents.”

Gary aims to help people with same crippling condition with castle walk

* From left and properly socially distanced, Gary’s wife Traceyjane and Gary pick up some of the 10 walking poles donated by Tracy and Graeme Smith from the Watkin & Williams DIY store in Llangollen ready for the trek to the castle which is in the background. 

A Llangollen man whose life has been disrupted by a crippling condition is planning a fundraiser next month to support fellow sufferers.

Gary Sutton, 53, has had Cervical Spondylosis Myelopathy for a number of years but wasn’t diagnosed with it until last November.

He is slowly losing his ability to walk and will eventually be disabled, he has been told.

But on Saturday July 18 Gary will be summoning up his remaining stamina to walk from his house in Chapel Street to Castell Dinas Bran with the aim of raising enough cash to set up a charity based in north Wales to provide help and support for others hit by the condition.    

He has won the backing of Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes who will be accompanying him on his walk along a number of local councillors.   

Gary said: “I am trying to set up a charity to support people who suffer from Cervical Spondylosis Myelopathy. I suffer from this condition and can only walk 200 metres without a rest.

“I know I cannot work anymore in the job that I have loved. I work for United Utilities as a leakage engineer and have done for over 20 years.”

Gary added: “I want to raise awareness of this illness and set up a charity. I have businesses and our local MP involved, also local councillors. We have support from ORB Sound and Lighting when we get to the summit.

“We have all the necessary permissions and will be observing all the social distancing rules on the day.”

“I am getting donations in, but we need to get to £20,000, so I can set this up to support others. After three days we had reached nearly £500, my employer will donate £500 as well.

“My wife Traceyjane has been really supportive but it has taken its toll on her. She has to be my carer because I cannot walk properly and do tend to fall over.

“She works at Home Bargains in Llangollen and has to deal with Covid-19 whilst at work and make sure I am OK as well. She never gets the recognition she deserves.

“I just want to help others out as unfortunately the illness has gone too far for myself.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “I am greatly looking forward to joining Gary and others on his walk to Castell Dinas Bran on July 18, with appropriate social distancing, which will do much to raise awareness of his condition and further his plans to set up a charity.”

To support Gary’s fundraising, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dinas-bran-for-cervical-spondylosis-myelopathy?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet. 

MP reveals job protection scheme figures for Clwyd South

Clwyd South Conservative MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has welcomed new figures which show the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) has protected 6,800 jobs in his constituency.

The scheme, which was launchedin April to pay 80% of an employee’s wages through the COVID-19 pandemic, has protected a total of 316,500 jobs across the whole of Wales.

The UK Government also launched a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) which would allow self-employed workers to claim up to 80% of their average monthly profits.

In Wales, more than 102,000 self-employed people have claimed a total £273 million from the scheme. In Clwyd South, there have been 2,600 recipients of the SEISS, with a total value of £7 million paid out.

The UK Government has also made more than £2.2 billion available to the Welsh Government to support the Welsh NHS, charities, local government and businesses through the pandemic.

The CJRS scheme will continue to support jobs until the end of October, with flexible part-time furloughing beginning in July to support businesses as the economy reopens. 

The SEISS scheme has also been extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant in August of up to £6,570.

Simon Baynes said: “The support by the UK Government for Clwyd South workers and businesses has been unprecedented and historic. I’m proud that the UK Government provided this support to support local people and stop the spread of the virus.

“As we start to look beyond COVID-19, businesses can start to plan a return, safe in the knowledge that they have been supported – and continue to be – by the UK Government.

“I’m proud of the take-up of both the CJRS and SEISS and pleased we’ve been able to help almost 11,000 people in Clwyd South. As always, if you live in Clwyd South, and there’s anything I can do to help, I urge you to get in touch with me at simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk.”

Consultation over 40mph limit on Horseshoe Pass begins

* The meeting about the proposed speed limit which took place in 2017 

between, from left, County Councillors Graham Timms, 

Martyn Holland and Melvyn Mile.

The public consultation process about imposing a 40mph speed limit on the Horseshoe Pass has officially begun.

Over the years there have been frequent calls for speed restrictions on the A542 route to help control the number of accidents.

In the summer of 2017 llanblogger reported on a meeting which took place at the Ponderosa Cafe on the summit of the pass between the two Llangollen county councillors, Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile, and their counterpart from Llandegla, Cllr Martyn Holland, to discuss the imposition of a 40mph zone.

As a result of pressure they applied, Denbighshire County Council has now started the process by publishing proposed road traffic order to enable the limit to be applied.  

Cllr Timms said: "I'm pleased that the details and consultation on the 40mph speed limit on the Pass has finally opened. 

"Over the last three years accidents have continued to be a regular occurrence.

"The cause of most of the accidents on the Horseshoe Pass is speed and so I fully support the proposed limit. It will save lives and serious injury if it is introduced.

“Enforcement is also a key part in slowing down the traffic. If it is introduced I will be putting pressure on the police to dedicate time and resources to make sure that it is enforced."

More than £680m reaches businesses in Covid-19 support

Business support grants worth more than £680m have reached businesses across Wales to help them respond to the financial challenges of Covid-19, Ministers have announced.

The latest figures show that more than 56,000 grants have been paid to companies across the retail, leisure and hospitality sector whose property has a rateable value of £51,000 or less. 

These businesses are also benefitting from rates relief through the £1.4bn package announced in March.

New applications to the scheme will close on June 30 and Ministers are urging any businesses that have not already done so, to contact their local authority about this support.

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said: “We understand that businesses have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic, and we have been doing all we can to ensure that businesses have access to the urgent funds they need as quickly as possible.

“It has been a challenge, but thanks to the tireless efforts of local authorities and the WLGA in administrating these grants, tens of thousands of businesses across Wales are already benefitting from this much-needed support.”

Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates added: “Our package of business support is the most comprehensive and generous in the UK, providing vital reassurance to thousands of firms across Wales at a time when they need it most.

“We made a commitment to getting funds out to businesses as quickly as possible and local authorities have played a key role in ensuring that hundreds of millions of pounds has reached them.

“We continue to do all we can to ensure that a good business in 2019, will be a good business in 2021.”

Minister said he would like to see shops re-open on June 22

According to the BBC, Wales' Economy Minister Ken Skates (pictured) said today he would "absolutely" like to see non-essential shops reopen the week of 22 June if coronavirus statistics continue to fall.

* For the full story, see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-52994758

Be considerate to neighbours during lockdown, says council

Denbighshire County Council is asking residents to be considerate to their neighbours during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown.

The council’s Public Protection team has seen an increase in complaints relating to noise nuisance from loud music, televisions and gaming, DIY, dogs barking and other noise.

According to the council, noise nuisance can affect people’s mental health by causing sleep disturbance or being unable to relax in the garden or with windows open while the weather is nice.

Cllr Mark Young, the Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We understand this is a difficult time for our residents which is why we are asking people to be considerate.

“Due to the lockdown many of us are making use of our time to catch up on jobs in the garden or around the house. If you are playing music while enjoying your garden, please don’t leave the speakers in your property on a high volume, try and use a portable device and play the music at a lower volume beside you or use headphones.

“Please also keep an eye on your dogs if you have let them out in the garden, with more people than usual around they may be unnecessarily barking at the unusual noises.

“We would also ask residents to hold onto waste rather than disposing of it by having a bonfire and book an appointment at one of our recycling centres which have now re-opened.”

Chester Zoo to re-open next Monday, says newspaper story

Chester Zoo will re-open on Monday following a massive public campaign, according to a story late last night in the Denbighshire Free Press online.

The campaign has been supported by many people in Lllangollen.

* For the full story, see: 
https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/18506814.chester-zoo-reopen-next-monday-following-dramatic-government-u-turn/?fbclid=IwAR3rrIPCcfsPKCHwZFtaqLph8beUsR7e03N9nOeuT-3EMH7q4rEOywRTwIo

Businesses can check if they are eligible for cash support

Businesses can now find out if they are eligible to apply for financial support from the next phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF).

The online eligibility checker has reopened and businesses will be able to make applications for support from this phase of the fund by the end of the month.

The ERF is designed to support businesses, social enterprises and charities, which are not eligible for other Welsh Government and UK Government support schemes.

The next phase of the fund will enable businesses to access a further £100m of financial support. 

It is being targeted at microbusinesses, small to medium enterprises and large businesses of critical economic importance, which have yet to receive financial assistance from the ERF.

Economy, Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: “Our package of support for Welsh business has been absolutely vital in supporting thousands of firms through these exceptionally difficult times.

“Close to £200m has now been provided to businesses from the Economic Resilience Fund with all applications being processed.

“We are reopening our eligibility checker for the next phase of funding. This will allow companies time to prepare their applications, ahead of the fund reopening for applications at the end of the month.

“The measures we have taken are in addition to the support available from the UK Government, making our package the most comprehensive and generous in the UK.

“This next phase will reach businesses, which have yet to receive funding, but we know it won’t reach all those in need. We are proactively working on further options, but it is clear we need the UK Government to step up and provide the longer-term and additional funding needed to see Welsh business through this pandemic.”

This latest phase will operate in broadly the same way as the first phase but with an update to the eligibility of the micro scheme. This will enable limited companies which are not VAT registered to access the fund, subject to other criteria being met.

Large businesses, which have suffered more than a 60% reduction of turnover since 1 March 2020 may also qualify for funding if they meet other conditions. A further £10m has been available from the ERF to support larger firms.

To date, almost £200m of ERF funding has been distributed to companies across Wales, supporting a wide variety of businesses to deal with the impact of coronavirus.

This includes the Development Bank of Wales’ loan scheme element of the fund which has seen more than £90m offered or invested in 1,300-plus firms.

Work is continuing to develop further options to support those businesses, which have not yet been able to access help, such as start-up firms not eligible for the UK Government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme.

* The eligibility checker for the next phase of the ERF is available at: https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales

Council calls for Information about return to school

* Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Denbighshire County Council is working with governing bodies and headteachers to plan the re-opening of schools from June 29.

And it is now asking for information from parents and guardians on whether they are intending to send their child or children back to school.

Last week, the Education Minister, Kirsty Williams MS  published details of the next phase for schools in Wales. 

She confirmed that schools will plan to start the next phase on June 29, with the summer term extended by a week to end on July 24.

The autumn half-term break will be extended to two weeks.

Further guidance is expected from Welsh Government this week and the council says it has already begun its initial planning and considerations, prioritising the well-being of learners, staff and families supporting schools and governing bodies.

Now the council is sending out a questionnaire to parents/guardians of Reception Year onwards asking whether they intend to send their child(ren) to school from that date and to explain about transport.  

This questionnaire is being circulated through schools and aims to give a clear idea to headteachers of the numbers of pupils expected and how the school can plan and communicate effectively with parents and guardians about details for the re-opening.

The deadline for responses to the survey is tomorrow, Wednesday, June 10. To access the questionnaire, please follow the link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NR7WYXM 

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “The safety of our children and young people is a priority and we are waiting for the detailed guidance that will help us to plan and prepare for this next phase.

“The guidance from Welsh Government is expected to include information about managing facilities and logistical arrangements, including buildings, resources, cleaning, school meals and transport. 

“We would be extremely grateful if parents/ guardians could complete the survey and inform us whether they intend at this stage to send their child(ren) into school.  This information will allow us to plan effectively and make sure that arrangements and plans are put in place to welcome children back to school."

Stay apart to keep us all safe, pleads Cat

* Cat Meade, with her young son Connor, has pleaded with people to observe social distancing.

The woman who has spearheaded Llangollen's fightback against coronavirus has made a heartfelt plea for people to observe social distancing.

Immediately the Covid-19 crisis began back in March Cat Meade, whose day job is at Wingett's estate agents in Castle Street, launched the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group.

Since then she and a team of dedicated volunteers have devoted many unpaid hours to ensuring people isolated in their homes have been supplied with everything from food to daily newspapers.

To finance the organisation and support hard-hit local businesses she has started a series of highly popular daily raffles offering a host of valuable prizes.

There have also be regular updates about the group's work on Facebook.

However, Cat has just taken to social media to put out an urgent plea to local people who she says are not following the Welsh Government's social distancing rules.

Late yesterday she posted: "Social distancing is in place for a reason!

"The amount of kids I have seen out with their mates today is shocking - very close, playing footie, riding bikes, walking side by side.

And she added: "Please do not think they are invincible to this and also could be carriers.

"I know the kids are missing their friends and its hard, but it will much much harder to have your child take this awful virus.

"The R rate has already stopped schools opening over the border in Cheshire.

"Please be responsible and keep your kids and the rest of us in Llan safe."

County thanks people for staying away from beauty spots

* Horseshoe Falls remains closed.

Denbighshire County Council has thanked residents for their "continued patience" during the closure of the county’s country parks.

Beauty spots in Denbighshire, including Horseshoe Fall in Llangollen, Loggerheads Country Park and Moel Famau Country Park remain closed under Welsh Government guidance.

The council monitored the position over the weekend, supported by North Wales Police and Natural Resources Wales, and says very few visitors were reported at these locations.

Cllr Tony Thomas, the council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Again over the weekend very few visitors were reported around our beauty spots and I would like to thank residents for their continued patience.

“We fully understand these areas are important to many people, but in Wales travel is still restricted to journeys generally within five miles from your home and we know a large proportion of our visitors travel significantly more than that.

“Therefore it is crucial these sites remain closed at this time in order to protect our communities from the spread of the virus.

“In the meantime, we are working with our partners to make sure when the time is right we can welcome everyone back to the parks in a way that ensures the safety of our visitors, staff and local communities.”