First Minister’s business announcement a “step in the right direction” says county chief

The Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE has issued a statement in response to the announcement by First Minister Mark Drakeford MS that non-essential retail businesses can re-open from Monday, hailing the announcement as a “step in the right direction”.

This comes as the Council sets up a Task Group to look at ways of assisting town centres to continue operating during these times.

Councillor Evans said: “This is welcome news, not only for the businesses concerned, but also for the local economy.

“The lockdown has had a significant impact on businesses locally and in every other region of the country and many had called on Welsh Government to relax the regulations, to allow the non-essential retail businesses to re-open and start that journey of recovery.

“This is only the beginning for businesses and we would urge them to implement social distancing and hygiene measures, protect the well-being of their customers and play their part in reducing the spread of coronavirus in our communities.

“Today’s announcement is very much a step in the right direction and the Council will work together with businesses and communities to make this work and assist our towns and villages.

“The Council’s Task Group has been set up specifically to assist town centres as they respond to the easing of the lockdown restrictions.  Staff will be working in the main towns to provide help and advice to residents and businesses; they will identify where posters and signage are needed and will look at what support is needed for businesses to comply with the current social distancing and hygiene regulations”.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for  Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We fully recognise that businesses in our town centres have suffered during the covid-19 outbreak and the Council wants to support businesses in any way it can, to help them get back on their feet during these very difficult times.  We will be talking and listening to businesses and residents and see what kind of help is needed in terms of advice and support, as well as more practical measures such as posters and signage. 

“We look forward to getting the staff out into these communities and start a real dialogue with people, so that we can assist town centres to settle into the new ways of working and assisting the efforts to protect our communities”.

The Welsh Government has produced guidance and templates for businesses:

https://gov.wales/workplace-guidance-employers-and-employees-covid19

Drakeford: Five-mile rule set to be lifted on July 6, says story

FIRST Minister Mark Drakeford has this morning confirmed that the "stay local" five-mile rule is set to be lifted on July 6, according to the Denbighshire Free Press.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/18528122.wales-lockdown-update-five-mile-rule-lifted-july-6/?fbclid=IwAR0XoT4A1ok-PYgKlYfvN3VsmTTBpnriIcKcPYZ3rFdvan-VCKYTV-wW2E4

County boss sends open letter to parents and guardians

Denbighshire County Council has issued an open letter to parents and guardians about the re-opening of schools later this month.

This follows the Welsh Government’s announcement that schools will re-open on June 29 following the Covid-19 lockdown

The letter, from Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement (pictrured), says: 

"First of all, I’d like to thank parents and guardians across the county for their continued support during these unprecedented times.  Over the last twelve weeks, many parents/ guardians have been supporting schools to ensure that children and young people can continue learning at home – a great example of partnership working. We also recognise that many parents/ guardians will have changed working patterns to accommodate children and young people being at home. This has been a tough time for all and we are extremely grateful for the on-going support.

"I am immensely proud of our teaching and support staff across the county who have worked tirelessly to put a programme of activities and lessons in place during lockdown and also the staff have worked in hub schools to provide childcare for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.  The last three months have been challenging, but our teams have shown great commitment and professionalism to get their work done in very difficult circumstances.

"I would also like to recognise the efforts of our children and young people in their efforts to learn at home.   This has been a challenging and unsettling time for them, uncertainty about examinations, working away from their friends and needing to work to a brand new routine.   As a parent, I fully empathise with our children and young people, but their resilience and ability to adapt has been superb.

"The announcement that schools will re-open on June 29^th has inevitably generated plenty of questions and some concern.   

"I wish to reassure you that the Council and schools had already started work on planning for the re-opening of schools. However, the guidelines issued by Welsh Government have given us a framework to follow and we must ensure our plans are fit for purpose.   This is a major challenge, practically and logistically.  I cannot emphasise enough the size of the challenges we face. It means more than just re-arranging classrooms -  there are many issues to consider, such as catering, buildings, curriculum, transport, free school meals, re-writing policies – to name but a few.

"Most of all, I wish to reassure you that the safety of our children, young people and our staff is paramount and their health and safety and mental health and well-being is at the forefront of our minds and everything that we do.

"Each school will decide its own arrangements for how they will re-open, but they have the full support of the local authority.   We have been told that the school capacity will be a third of pupils at any one time and we’ll adhere to that. We also recognise that some children may not return until September, if that is the wish of the parents/ guardians. We fully respect that this is a tough call for many parents and guardians and we respect their decision, either way.

"The period from June 29^th until the end of the school term will allow opportunity to slowly re-introduce pupils back into the classroom and to really test our arrangements.   Schools will not return to normal, there will be new arrangements and new ways of doing things, but together we will make it work. 

"Meanwhile, we need to inform you that there will be a change in arrangements for the childcare provision in our hub schools.  As of Monday, 22^nd of June, parents and guardians will be asked to send their child(ren) to their normal school for childcare provision, rather than the hubs.  This will allow the schools used as hubs to prepare to welcome back their children when all schools re-open. Those currently registered need not re-apply, the information will be passed to your child’s school. Parents are asked to contact their child(ren)’s normal school to make these arrangements directly in future.

"We recognise many of you will have questions and over the coming days and weeks and in time, we hope you will have answers to these.   Colleagues in education are working closely with Welsh Government and with other councils across North Wales to comply with the national guidance and to offer reassurance that everything is being done to minimise any risk of covid-19, to manage social distancing and to protect everyone’s health and safety.

"Schools will be contacting parents /guardians directly to talk about the local arrangements and how they affect their child(ren). School’s will make decisions regarding their re-opening arrangement, based on a wide range of factors e.g. staffing levels, this is therefore likely to vary from school to school.  Schools are unable to offer nursery ‘check-in and catch –up’ but will be able to continue to provide key worker and vulnerable learner childcare if the child is registered at the school. Your on-going support is very much appreciated as we overcome any hurdles over the coming few weeks and months.  Key to all of this is getting your child(ren) back into education and to make sure they have the best start in life."

Survey predicts lockdown will cost tourism thousands of jobs

* Jim Jones, chief executive of North Wales Tourism.

Around 10,500 jobs will be lost in the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales even if it’s allowed to start trading again on July 1 – with another 2,000 at risk if it’s a month later.

That’s the stark conclusion of a survey conducted by North Wales Tourism with support from the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council.

More than 320 businesses from across the region responded to the survey this week about the dire impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.

The analysis showed that when they’re allowed to open, 60 per cent of them will be trading at 50 per cent or less capacity with the current social distancing guidelines.

The study looked at the impact of two different scenarios, reopening on July 1 and August 1, assuming the two meter social distancing rule was in place, that there were no domestic travel restrictions within the UK and that the UK Government furlough scheme would end in October.

According to Jim Jones, the chief executive of North Wales Tourism, the survey had underlined the “cataclysmic” impact the pandemic was having on the sector.

He said: “If businesses are allowed to open on 1^st July, average turnover loss for the year will be 58% and the forecast is for 10,500 job losses which represents 25 per cent of those currently employed in the sector in North Wales.

“If the opening date is delayed to August 1, the number of job losses increases by approximately 500 a week to 12,500 for the year, or around 30 per cent of the people employed in the sector.

“These job loss forecasts do not include job losses in the businesses supplying into the tourism sector.

“Not surprisingly, nearly half of businesses are very concerned about their financial viability opening under current social distancing rules which would mean additional costs and reduced capacity.

“The results of the survey present a very stark picture of the impacts on the tourism sector, even if businesses are free to open.

“The figures suggest that reviews of both a continuation of the furlough scheme beyond October for the tourism sector and the two metre social distancing rule are carried out, if these major job losses are to be avoided.”

It was a sentiment echoed by Ashley Rogers, the commercial director of the North Wales Business Council.

He said: “The tourism sector responded with incredible speed to this call for live feedback on what is likely to happen in North Wales and should be applauded for their support.

“We will now work with North Wales Tourism, Business Council members and partners in the public sector to see how we can use this valuable data, to best support the region.”

Continuum Attractions CEO, Juliana Delaney said “If the closed sign is not removed from the Tourism sector in Wales, it will jeopardise both this and next year’s season. That would be an economic car crash for Wales”.

Sean Taylor, President at Zip World UK said "I appreciate there is a lot of pressure on the First Minister at the moment from different opinions throughout Wales. I’m hopeful that the First Minister has the confidence to lift the 5 mile restriction on Friday and allow the Welsh Visitor economy to avoid a catastrophic economic depression. This will be based on consumer, community and staff confidence."

Coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government are: 

• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has published a written statement update about face coverings, the NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect service, mortality rates across UK nations and screening services: https://gov.wales/written-statement-covid-19-update

• Education Minister Kirsty Williams has launched the updated School and Community-Based Counselling Operating Toolkit
• The toolkit is available at https://gov.wales/school-and-community-based-counselling-operating-toolkit
• More information: https://gov.wales/written-statement-school-and-community-based-counselling-operating-toolkit-revised-2020
• All care homes in Wales have been offered coronavirus testing: https://gov.wales/written-statement-covid-19-testing-care-homes
• The winners of the annual St David Awards have been announced https://gov.wales/heroes-recognised-in-st-david-awards-2020

• Grant funding of £150,000 has been announced to help strengthen cyber resilience skills across the public sector by Finance Minister Rebecca Evans today: https://gov.wales/new-cyber-training-grant-for-welsh-public-services
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• Public Health Wales confirmed 48 new cases of coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number to 14,970, although the actual number will be higher.

o   Sadly, there were five deaths of people with confirmed coronavirus reported by Public Health Wales, bringing the total reported by Public Health Wales to 1,471.

Where to find the latest information

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-novel-coronavirus-outbreak/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Queries about support for businesses, including about eligibility for the Economic Resilience Fund? Visit the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe
• Want to know when and where to wear a face mask? https://gov.wales/face-coverings-frequently-asked-questions
• Want to make your own face covering? https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-06/how-to-make-a-3-layer-face-covering.pdf
• The Welsh Government holds a daily media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and routinely supported by a BSL translator. They will be held at 12.30pm every week day. They are live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel and are broadcast live on BBC One Wales and S4C.
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• Health Minister Vaughan Gething held yesterday's press conference – you can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1273578094859743232

Campaign to combat fly-tipping starts today

The Welsh Government Duty of Care campaign to encourage people to help tackle fly-tipping relaunches today. 

The aim is to remind householders in Wales that they must always use a registered waste carrier to remove unwanted household items and excess rubbish from their homes.

With over 70% of fly-tipping incidents in Wales containing household rubbish, the campaign, in partnership with Fly Tipping Action Wales, calls on people to take responsibility for their excess rubbish, keep their local area clean and avoid fines and prosecution by using their duty of care to ensure they know where their waste is going and not put it in the hands of fly-tippers.

Although Wales has led the way when it comes to the amount of waste being recycled, there has been concern over an increase in individuals posing as legitimate waste disposal businesses on social media; during the temporary closure of waste and recycling centres due to the Covid pandemic.

These individuals often use social media and low prices to dupe people into believing they are legitimate rubbish collection services, when in reality the collected waste is later fly-tipped in fields, along country lines and on the roadside.

The Welsh Government campaign urges everyone to use their duty of care and ensure all waste is disposed of legally by a registered waste carrier and to report any fly-tipping to their local authority. A list of registered waste carriers can be found on the Natural Resources Wales Website.

Other recommendations include asking waste collectors where their rubbish is going, requesting a receipt and to record details of the vehicle involved. These small steps will not only protect households from fines and prosecution but will help to combat fly-tipping in the long run.

As recycling centres across Wales reopen the Welsh Government urges people to check with their local authority to find out what restrictions or booking systems are in place alongside information on what items are being collected.

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: “Everyone in Wales has a duty of care to dispose of their household waste responsibly and to know where their rubbish is going. By working together we can combat fly-tipping and keep Wales clean.

"I encourage everyone in Wales only use registered waste carriers and not put their household waste into the hand of fly-tippers, by being aware of potential scammers and adverts promoting cheap waste collection services.

"Local Authorities are working hard on this issue and I don’t want to see any households duped or potentially fined as a result of trusting these unscrupulous collectors to dispose of their waste legally.”

Latest coronavirus update from Welsh Government

Latest Covid-19 updates from the Welsh Government are:

• Public Health Wales has announced that screening programmes in Wales will resume sending invitations and reminders to people eligible for screening for cervical, breast and bowel cancer, starting with Cervical Screening Wales from the end of June.
• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has also urged people not to ignore symptoms which may be cancer, saying the NHS is continuing to provide urgent treatment and diagnostics for suspected cancer.
• https://gov.wales/essential-cancer-services-and-support-campaign-urges-patients-dont-wait-dont-leave-it-too-late
• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has published a written statement about dexamethasone https://gov.wales/written-statement-dexamethasone-covid-19

• The Chief Statistician for Wales’ latest blog article is about coronavirus mortality statistics and how Wales compares with the rest of the UK: https://digitalanddata.blog.gov.wales/2020/06/16/chief-statisticians-update-how-does-covid-19-mortality-in-wales-compare-with-the-rest-of-the-uk-and-how-does-it-vary-within-wales/
• The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism has published a written statement about the return of professional sport in Wales, including the return of Championship football behind closed doors in Wales https://gov.wales/written-statement-return-professional-competitive-sport
• Updated guidance for taxis and private hire vehicles https://gov.wales/taxi-and-private-hire-vehicle-guidance

• Public Health Wales has today confirmed 53 new cases of coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number to 14,922, although the actual number will be higher.

o   Sadly, there were 10 deaths of people with confirmed coronavirus reported by Public Health Wales today, bringing the total reported by Public Health Wales to 1,466. 

Where to find the latest information

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-novel-coronavirus-outbreak/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Queries about support for businesses, including about eligibility for the Economic Resilience Fund? Visit the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe
• Want to know when and where to wear a face mask? https://gov.wales/face-coverings-frequently-asked-questions
• Want to make your own face covering? https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-06/how-to-make-a-3-layer-face-covering.pdf
• 
  
• The Welsh Government holds a daily media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and routinely supported by a BSL translator. They will be held at 12.30pm every week day. They are live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel and are broadcast live on BBC One Wales and S4C.
• 
  
• Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language Eluned Morgan held today’s press conference – you can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1273215556041052162

County's urgent message for parents about schooling changes

* Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Denbighshire County Council is informing parents and guardians that school hubs, created to provide childcare for criticial workers and vulnerable children during the coronavirus crisis, will close on Friday, June 19. 

But it says those youngsters will be able to access the childcare in the normal school they are enrolled at as of Monday, June 22.

The council advises that parents and guardians will not need to re-register for the service, as the local authority will forward the information to each school about those children who are already on the childcare register.     

The schools will then liaise directly with families about the childcare arrangements at the individual locations.

If the current hub building happens to be the child’s usual school, they will return to the same location from Monday, June 22.

The council says the reason for the change is to prepare the hub school buildings to re-open their doors when the new arrangements for schools comes into effect at the end of the month. 

Parents are asked to note that whilst all concerned are working very hard to put the necessary arrangements in place and share necessary information, arrangements may change  and they will be kept fully informed.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “The hubs were set up to provide childcare for children of critical workers and vulnerable children. 

“I would like to thank all the staff involved in working at the hub schools over recent weeks for providing such a valuable service at a really crucial time. This has allowed parents/ guardians to carry out their critical roles in the fight against covid-19.

“As our focus turns to the preparation for schools to re-open across the county later this month, the children attending the hubs will be asked to relocate to their usual schools from June 22 where the childcare provision will continue. We would like to thank parents and guardians for their co-operation in advance."

Work to start on major A55 junction

Work to improve junction 19 of the A55, to make it safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, will begin today (Wednesday), says the Welsh Government.

The junction, known as the Black Cat roundabout, is a busy intersection where the A470 meets the A55 near Llandudno Junction.  The work will include widening the junction, the construction of safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, the installation of traffic signals at key locations and an upgrade from the current street lighting to an energy-efficient LED alternative. The routes for cyclists and pedestrians will also link with the current path on the A470 to encourage active travel in the area.  Traffic signals will help manage congestion on the off slips, reducing the length of queues and the traffic speed to improve safety on the roundabout. The work would originally have been carried out after the summer embargo. But traffic levels on the A55 are almost half their normal level as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, providing a window to complete the work earlier than intended with minimal disruption to the public.  Construction workers will follow strict social distancing at all times. Transport and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said: “This is an important scheme on a very busy junction where two of our major roads meet. The scheme will encourage walking and cycling by making the junction safer. Traffic speeds will also be lowered as a result of the improvements, helping reduce the number of accidents. “This is the first of our pinch point schemes to go ahead and it will deliver a real difference to all forms of transport once completed.” The first phase of works is scheduled to begin on June 17 and will continue until the end of September, depending on weather conditions, but every effort will be made to finish ahead of schedule if possible, says the Welsh Government. If the coronavirus restrictions are eased and traffic increases, the contractors will modify their way of working to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. Works which are likely to cause more disruption have been prioritised to take place during the first phase  while traffic levels remain lower than usual. The works will require the narrowing of the lane on the junction 19 circulatory and there will be a single lane closure on the A55 eastbound and westbound off slip in addition to the installation of discrete areas of traffic management as the project progresses to accommodate some installation works. Work will be carried out during extended daytime shifts.

Help group to deliver face masks to over-70s

Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group says it is about to deliver a large stock of face masks to certain local residents.

On Facebook yesterday evening co-ordinator Cat Meade posted: "The group and Llangollen Town Council have generated funding to purchase 500 face masks  for our residents.

"We are currently aiming to gift to those over 70 years of age. If there is any left or requirement for more we will do our best to raise further funds.

"The masks have been made by a local resident Rose Brown who is merely covering her material costs to assist us with this huge donation to our community. Thank you Rose.

"I have general apartment blocks on my list, however should you, your parents, grandparents, neighbour require one of the masks and are over 70 please email me at catherine@wingetts.co.uk with name and address, or inbox me on here, to be added to delivery.

"Once again our fantastic volunteers and I will begin delivering at the end of this week.

"We want to ensure our residents are safe when preparing to leave their homes to shop etc.
#llangollenfamily" 

MP backs community power generation schemes Bill

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has signed up to support the Local Electricity Bill in Parliament.

The Bill seeks to enable small, community-scale generators to become local electricity suppliers and sell their energy directly to local people.

Currently, a community that generates its own energy - for example, a housing estate with solar panels – cannot sell the energy they generate directly to local people, but must sell it to a utility which then sells it on to customers. 

The Local Electricity Bill would give small-scale suppliers the right to sell their energy directly to local people and make it financially viable to do so.

Simon Baynes said: “Corwen is a good example of a community that would benefit in terms of additional income. They are already at the forefront, having launched their own renewable energy project pooling power from a local hydro scheme and domestic solar panels.

“I think this Bill has real potential to boost renewable energy projects, like we see in Corwen, and provide more environmentally-friendly, potentially cheaper energy for people in communities across Clwyd South.”

Compensation arrangements for garden waste service

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents of the arrangements in place for compensating for the temporary stoppage in the garden waste service, as a result of the covid-19 restrictions.

The service was suspended on 20^th March following restrictions by Welsh Government, as they meant that staff needed to either self-isolate or some staff became unwell and the Council needed to make the difficult decision to suspend the service. The paid- for service resumed officially on June 1^st. 

Residents who had a valid subscription for the entire 10 week stoppage will have their subscription extended by those 10 weeks.  

Where subscriptions had lapsed part way through the suspension,  extensions will be added on a pro rata basis, for example, a resident who had paid for 6 out of the 10 weeks, will have their subscription extended by 6 weeks.

Customers who are already paying for their garden waste service by Direct Debit will not need to contact the Council. The Council will put back the date of all future annual invoices to account for the stoppage.

Residents who have allowed their subscriptions to lapse and not yet renewed them at all should contact the Council so that any additional collection entitlement can be agreed.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways, Planning and Environment, said: “The Council fully understood the frustration faced by some residents of not having a garden waste collection service and the Council worked tirelessly to restore the service as quickly as possible.

“We are pleased at the response by the general public and the service is now operating as normal.  We’re also grateful for the opportunity to explain how people who missed collections during the lockdown will be compensated. No one will miss out financially, as we will simply extend the subscription by the number of weeks collection missed”.

Denbighshire Leisure supports Welsh Mountain Zoo

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd is helping to raise funds for the Welsh Mountain Zoo during the pandemic by giving Ninja TAG games with every donation to the official zoo recovery fund.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo, National Zoo of Wales in Colwyn Bay, faces an uncertain future if it can’t keep vital funds coming in during the pandemic.

As well as sharing the same North Wales Coast as the Welsh Mountain Zoo, SC2 and Ninja TAG in Rhyl is also part of the North Wales TenTop Attractions group. 

Ninja TAG in SC2 Rhyl, is giving free offers to every person who donates £20 or more to the official recovery fund and the attraction hopes that working together they can get through this uncertain time.

Jim Jones CEO of North Wales Tourism said: “It’s heart-warming to see this level of support between attraction businesses in North Wales. Great initiative from Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, and proof that when we work together everybody benefits.”

Marcia Azevedo Moreira, Marketing & Sales Manager, at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: “We are extremely grateful that Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, one of our partners in the North Wales TopTen Attractions group, are supporting us during this difficult time. 

"It is incredible to see another popular attraction in the area putting something together that will help us push our plight further whilst giving our wonderful supporters a little treat that they can enjoy once restrictions have been lifted. On behalf of us all here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, and of course all of the animals, we thanks Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and SC2 Rhyl for their support.”

Ninja TAG is an adrenaline fuelled obstacle course within SC2 Rhyl on the promenade. Players of the game must hit electronic targets throughout the course to gain points and beat the clock and their friends.

Suitable for the whole family, Ninja TAG is the first in Wales with Junior Ninja TAG being the first of its kind created.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure Ltd said: “We are living in difficult times and North Wales attractions need to support each other to get through. We firmly believe that ‘together we will beat this’. We have said from the inception of SC2 Rhyl that we want to encourage tourists to come to North Wales and stay in the region, we’re partners not competitors with other attractions, so it only seemed right to help our local zoo during this difficult time.”

Libraries prepare to go live with order and collect service

Libraries across Denbighshire will be offering an order and collect service for books from today (Monday) as part of on-going efforts to re-introduce elements of the service in the county.

The Home Library Service is also being re-introduced at the same time and library staff will be contacting customers of that service to offer them a new delivery.

Library members can order books using the online catalogue, using the Order and Collect order form on the Council’s website https ://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/order-and-collect-library-books or phoning their local library. 

Staff at libraries will select up to 10 books according to the customer’s preferences and contact the customer to arrange an appointment to come and collect them.

Customers can ask a friend to collect on their behalf, and home delivery will be available for people who are shielding and do not have the means to collect the books.  

People may also use their appointment to return books to libraries. Those customers wishing only to return their books should contact the library to arrange an appointment.

All books currently on loan and new loans will be automatically renewed and no late fines will be incurred. The range of stock will be limited to what is available in Denbighshire and until new stock arrives from suppliers.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We are delighted to be re-introducing an element of the library service, providing access to the wealth of books we have on offer.

“The safety of our staff and customers is the priority and our libraries are following Welsh Government guidance on how to handle library books, to help protect people’s safety and well-being.  All books will be quarantined for 72 hours when they are returned.

“Customers are reminded that when collecting, returning, or receiving books at a library or at  home, they must follow the social distancing guidance set out by the Welsh Government. Library buildings remain closed to the public at the moment."

* Full details of the new Order and Collect service are available on the Council’s website https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/order-and-collect-library-books

Young 'Uns performers pay tribute to their friend Janette Williams

* The film pays tribute to the Operatic Society's Janette Williams.

Talented young singers from Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section have put together a moving tribute to one of the leading figures from their group who died recently.

Janette Williams was one of a number of adult members of the society who have worked with the Young ‘Uns over many years, performing various roles to make sure their annual productions are a success. Her speciality was costumes.

* Shea Ferron performs in and edited the film.

Janette’s funeral is due to take place later today and to mark the sad occasion seven members of the Young ‘Uns have created a video tribute which has just been posted on YouTube.

The 25-minute film features a medley of some of their favourite songs from recent shows and includes contributions from Shea Ferron, who also edited the video, Celyn Orton Jones, Aled Morris, Sophie Roberts, Heledd Edwards, Ethan Le-Cheminant and Grace Roberts.

There are also pictures of Jan on her own and with other members of the society taken over the years.

* Celyn Orton Jones also sings on the video.

A pre-amble to the film written by 17-year-old Shea says: “On behalf of the Llangollen Operatic Society’s Young ‘Uns section, I have been busy these past few days in editing a video to pay tribute to the late Janette Williams who was a huge member of our family.

“Today (15/06/20), Jan’s family and close friends say goodbye to her and sadly due to the current circumstances, we all cannot be there.

“This video is a medley of our favourite songs as our way of saying goodbye and paying tribute to Jan.”

Shea has been asked to perform at Jan's funeral later today at Pentrebychan Crematorium. 

He will sing Green Green Grass of Home and Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

To watch the video, go to: https://youtu.be/1l9dIqLM4yw

Father Lee streams his hymns and music hall songs session

* Father Lee at the vicarage piano for the hymns and music hall songs session.

Llangollen vicar Father Lee Taylor held the first in a series of musical sessions streamed live on Facebook yesterday evening in which he mixed hymns with numbers from the days of music hall, of which he is a major fan.

A number of people contacted him in advance to sponsor both types of song, with the money going towards church funds.

Father Lee explained that finances for the four local churches he runs,including St Collen's, had been hard hit by the lockdown which means that congregations are unable to attend.

This had meant, he said, that a total of 21 weddings had been cancelled so far and he gave shout-outs to a number of couples affected.

* A raffle staged by Cat Meade, co-ordinator of the Lllangollen Coronaviris Group, on Saturday evening raised £635 for facilities for the children soon to return to Ysgol Bryn Collen.

Thirteen valuable prizes were donated by local businesses.