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Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Coronavirus update from the Welsh Government


Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government, published yesterday, is:






  • The latest information published by Public Health Wales shows have been a further 11 confirmed cases of coronavirus bringing the total to 15,973 in Wales, although the actual number will be higher.
o   Public Health Wales has reported a total of 1,541 deaths in Wales – this is the same figure as on Sunday.

 Where to find the latest information
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Monday, July 13, 2020

"Grim" death toll in care homes points to need for urgent reforms, says industry boss



* Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales.

Catastrophic failings that led to the “grim an unnecessary” death toll from Covid-19 in care homes have highlighted the need for urgent reforms, according to a social care leader.

Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, spoke out in the wake of a damning report from the Senedd’s Health Committee which concluded care homes had been badly let down during the coronavirus crisis.

Among the issues flagged up were the bad decision-making around testing, PPE and discharging people from hospital into care homes without confirmation they were not infected.

Up until June 26, a total of 725 of the most vulnerable people had died with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 after it got inside Welsh care homes.

The report blasted the complete lack of clarity over testing with uncertainty over who was leading, managing and coordinating the work.

The dire shortage of PPE had caused huge problems in the early part of the pandemic and the fact that decisions took “too long” came at “great cost to the social care sector”.

The committee concluded that a number of care homes faced closure because of acute funding problems and they said there was a pressing need for “systemic reform” to recognise the people working in social care.

According to Mr Kreft, social care was a Cinderella service that had always been pushed to the back of the queue when it should be “placed on a pedestal” alongside the NHS.

He said: “This report is essentially confirming what we knew already and what Care Forum Wales has been saying for months that essentially care homes, their residents and staff inadvertently became collateral damage in a drive to protect the NHS from being overrrun.

“Back in February Care Forum Wales launched a campaign to Shield Social Care and Save Lives.

“As part of the campaign, we were calling for an early lockdown of care homes, a rigorous testing regime, along with an adequate supply of PPE and proper financial support to safeguard care homes from a double whammy of soaring costs and falling occupancy levels.

“Unfortunately, Care Forum Wales and our sister organisations in the other UK nations were not part of the very early decision making process in formulating a strategy to tackle the pandemic.

“A survey conducted by Care Forum Wales showed that 42 per cent of care homes felt they were being put under pressure to admit hospital patients who were Covid-19 positive or without being tested. Where this occurred, it  turned safe havens into coronavirus war zones.

“All these themes are now being flagged up in the report from the health committee.

“Worryingly, the message we are getting from our members is that the testing regime is patchy at best and utterly shambolic at worst.

“Equally patchy and shambolic has been distribution by local councils of the £40 million of emergency funding announced by the Welsh Government.

“It was supposed to be the first tranche of funding to help the sector through the crisis but there is still no sign of the additional financial support that was promised.

“We now need to look at the recommendations in this important report learn lessons for the future, particularly in case there is a second wave of Covid-19.

“We need a national action plan that includes an immediate policy shift to put social care on a par with the NHS, creating a national service that is properly funded because it is, as the First Minister pointed out, the scaffold that supports the NHS.

“The sector is fragile as a result of the market being managed by local government for the past 25 years.

“The evidence is starkly illustrated in the league table of care home fees which highlights the unfair post code lottery which means providers in Cardiff get £12,000 a year more per resident than care homes in Powys for exactly the same service.

“Five of counties named and shamed in the bottom 10 worst payers are in North Wales.

“A glaring example of the way the sector has been mismanaged is the toolkit used by North Wales councils to calculate the fees which means that half the people on the front line are condemned to being paid the national living wage and no more.

“We need less talk and more action, with radical reform to ensure fairness and equality.

“I would concur with Sir Sjmon Stevens, head of the NHS in England, who said that this should be done within a year because this must be an absolute priority both in Wales and across the UK.

“The Welsh Government have designated social care as a sector of national strategic importance and a pillar of the foundation economy which can provide the jobs and income that can help regenerate Wales in the recession that’s looming.

“The shambolic way in which local government has been distribute the £40 million in emergency funding for care homes is the perfect illustration of why we need to take stock and create a new national plan within 12 months.

“Hopefully, one positive legacy of this pandemic will be that the value of the social care sector and the wonderful people who work in it is finally being recognised.

“What we have learned from this global pandemic is that we cannot continue to treat and manage the social care market as we have done for the past generation and expect a different outcome.

“We need a system that is fair and equitable instead of the post code lottery which means we have 29 variations on a theme – with 22 local authorities and seven health boards – when it comes to setting fees.

“The misplaced mindset in the UK has been focused on ensuring the NHS was not overrun without recognising the catastrophic damage and the high level of deaths in care homes.

“It ultimately created a vicious circle which actually also caused more damage to the NHS as well.

“We need strategic, radical reform so we can get this right once and for all.

“There are many deserving causes  but there is nothing more deserving than social care which should be put on a pedestal along with the NHS because it is the scaffold that supports  it.

“This is not a blame game. This is about setting a plan that will meet the needs of future generations by learning some important lessons from the mistakes made during the pandemic and the past generation, so that history does not repeat itself.” 
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Some eateries and pubs re-open as town continues to unlock


* The Cottage Tearoom & Bistro was looking busy by mid-morning.

Cottage Tearoom & Bistro in Castle was one of the local restaurants which opened for business for the first time in months today thanks to the outdoor seating area it has.

By mid-morning business appeared to be brisk with many of the tables being taken.  


* Finley's displayed its
menu on Facebook. 
Finley’s Newsagents, Sandwich Bat & General store re-opened today.
It posted on Facebook: “We are very excited to welcome back all our wonderful customers!
“Protective screens have been installed. Social distancing signage inside and outside the shop.

Only 2 customers in the shop at any one time. Touchless antibacterial sanitising spray for all customers to please use when entering the shop.
“Phone ahead with your order on 01978447979
“Finley’s no longer sell newspapers!”


* Newly-installed  tables outside the Wharf cafe.

Llangollen Wharf posted: “We have tables, hooray, you can now come and sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful Llangollen canal side, take in the views across town and enjoy our great food and drink at your leisure.

“At the moment it is all outside seating and takeaway at the window but we do have a bit of shelter, the rain has passed over us now and we are all GOOD TO GO and as COVID 19 compliant as we can be, we look forward to seeing you all soon.”


Julie Thomas ran her first outdoor zumba dance class in Centenary Square (pictured) this morning.

She will return for her next class tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10.30am.
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Face masks to become compulsory on public transport


Face masks are to become compulsory on public transport in Wales, the First Minister has announced at the daily press conference in Cathays Park today (Monday, July 13).
The First Minister was speaking as lockdown changes came into force including the reopening of pubs, restaurants, and cafes outdoors only. Hairdressers and barbers will also reopen their doors for the first time since March. 
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Care home residents say cheers to their own on-site pub



* The sort of cosy pub The Old Vicarage care home aims to create in its garden.


* Residents and staff have fun on the beach they created in the garden,

Cheery residents and staff at the Old Vicarage Care Home in Llangollen are looking for items that will help them create their own lockdown pub. 

Owner Bethan Mascarenhas said: “We’ve been shielding now for months which means we can’t get to the pub and as this situation could go on for some time we decided to bring the pub to us. 

“We’re planning to build our very own hostelry in the garden of the home which residents can visit to have a tipple and some nibbles. 

“We would also put on events like pub quizzes and it would mean families would be able to visit us safely in a more comfortable and fun environment.

“We’d be really grateful for any donations of items some as a pub bar, tables and chairs, beer pumps or spirits optics. 

“Hopefully, someone might know of a pub or club that wants to get rid of stuff. Any help would be massively appreciated.”

Bethan added: “We’ve had a few suggestions for what we could call our pub.

“As we’re sometimes known just as the Old Vic maybe it could be named after the  Queen Vic in Eastenders.

“People have already been doing impressions of Barbara Windsor with her famous ‘get outta my pub!’ line.

“Someone also suggested that Barbara could be the patron of the pub. Her, or maybe a famous actor would be great, we thought.

“We’ve had quite a bit of support for the idea so far but if anyone would like to get in touch with an offer of help could they please Facebook message direct to our Old Vicarage page as we can’t see the comments after it’s been shared.”

Bethan has introduced quite a number of novel ideas to help stave off boredom for residents during the long lockdown.

These have included creating a beach complete with “boats” in the garden and regular online quizzes.  
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Roadworks to start on Berwyn Street



Latest roadworks alert from one.network is:



14 July — 17 July

Delays likely - Traffic control (multi-way signals)

Works location: CUTTING OFF EXISTING SUPPLY AND LAYING NEW FROM MAIN IN C/W OUTSIDE M'EATING POINT...

Works description: SERVICE CUT OFF AND LAY NEW - 3M PUBLIC...

Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Limited

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: XY254004000161179
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Sunday, July 12, 2020

More businesses announce their re-opening after lockdown


* A re-opening announcement has come from Llangollen Railway.

A number of Llangollen businesses have announced on Facebook details of their re-opening following the coronavirus lockdown.

Llangollen Railway said briefly yesterday: “The volunteers were hard at work today preparing for our opening on the 1st August. More details to follow this week.”


* The Facebook post from Finley's.
Finley’s Newsagents, Sandwich Bar and General Store in Abbey Road posted: “Finley’s is pleased to announce WE ARE OPENING ON MONDAY 13th JULY.

“Our new opening hours will be 8am - 2.30pm Monday - Saturday.
“ ** PLEASE NOTE ** Finley’s will no longer be selling newspapers.
“We look forward to seeing all our loyal and valued customers once again. Thank you so much for your continued support!”

Witzend Gallery in Regent Street posted: “Hello to all our customers old and new, we hope this finds you all safe and well.

“Just to let you know we are back up and running again in Llangollen with new, revised times and systems in place.

“We're open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10am - 5pm and Saturdays 10am - 4pm and we're operating on an appointment only system for new jobs coming into the shop to ensure social distancing and keep everyone safe.

“We've also fitted screens and provide hand gel for your use when in the shop.
“If you'd like to book in with us please ring 07415 844758. We can't wait to see you all again. Take good care - Louise & Dave at Witzend Framers.” 

The Bridge End Hotel posted: “To all our lovely customers. We would firstly like to say a huge thank you for all your support these last few months - we can't tell you how much we have appreciated it.
“Secondly, we understand you are all as eager as we are for reopening and we have missed you all so much. However, it is with great regret that we tell you we will not be opening our doors on Monday, 13th July. This has not been an easy decision to make, but we feel it is the right one for us.
“This does not mean at all that we will be waiting until August to open, just that we need a little more time. We will let you know as soon as we have decided on an opening date.
“Please bear with us and stay safe.”
And Nikki Brown of Barnardos charity shop in Castle Street posted: “Barnardos in Llan will be reopening on the 15th July @10am!!
“We can't wait to open & see you all! We will be accepting donations from opening day but we will have to limit the amount we take daily so are asking everyone to 'book in' your donation before you arrive in the store.
“You can do this by either sending me a message on Facebook or calling the store from Monday on 01978861410.”
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MP elected vice-chair of powerful hospitality and tourism group



The Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes, has been elected a vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospitality and Tourism.

This is a cross-party group of MPs which examines key issues, opportunities and challenges facing the hospitality and tourism sector across the UK.

The group, which was originally founded in November 2018, is currently holding an inquiry into the UK’s Coasts and Waters, which includes waterways like the Llangollen Canal, with the aim of producing a report on key issues impacting waterways and coastal areas.

Mr Baynes, who first entered Parliament in 2019, was elected by other APPG members at the group’s recent EGM.

Mr Baynes said: “It’s great to be able to support tourism and hospitality businesses by becoming involved with the APPG. 

"Growing up in the hotel business in Wales when my father ran Lake Vyrnwy Hotel means that I take a strong interest in tourism and the hospitality industries which are vital to Clwyd South, providing many jobs for local people.

“There are a number of challenges ahead as we make our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, so I look forward to working with the APPG and members across the House of Commons to help secure the future of UK tourism and hospitality businesses.”

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Saturday, July 11, 2020

County unveils full details of its pandemic movement plan for town


* The front cover of the consultation document.

The county council has revealed more details of its plan to promote active travel in the centre of Llangollen in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.


And it says that as part of the scheme it aims to use Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to suspend the parking bays on Castle Street.

However, the council has moved to reassure local people they will be consulted before any scheme is put in place.

The Welsh Government has provided funding for local authorities to introduce measures aimed at helping people to maintain social distancing in public places, and to encourage residents to walk and cycle safely. 

The funding allows councils to bring in temporary measures to support this. 

Schemes are in mind for Llangollen, Denbigh, Ruthin and Rhyl

Following criticism that it was not giving enough details of the schemes, the council has now issued a consultation document detailing what is in mind in each case.

Entitled Local Sustainable Transport Response to Covid-19: Proposals for Llangollen, this says: “We are proposing to create improved shared space for pedestrians and cyclists in key areas of Llangollen.

“This will be through the installation of temporary ‘Lane Defender’ systems in the following locations:

• Abbey Road, from the area outside Llangollen Railway Station to the Castle Street bridge

• Castle Street, from Parade Street to Market Street

• Castle Street, approximately 70% of the length from the Market Street junction to the A5 (Berwyn Street)

Additional proposals include:

• The closure of the link road between Hall Street and Berwyn Street (A5)

• Reversing the direction of flow of vehicles on Church Street

The proposals will allow us to:

• Widen pavements in areas where they are narrow, to facilitate social distancing

• Create shared space for pedestrians and cyclists

• Prevent the use of a key pedestrian route (Bridge Street and Church Street) as a ‘rat run’

• Support some pubs, cafes and restaurants on Castle Street and Abbey Road to create outside seating areas for their customers

• Encourage and support commuters, residents and tourists to choose active travel (walking or cycling) as their main means of getting around town.”

The document adds: “The pavements in Llangollen are narrow and the volume of traffic means that pedestrians and road users can be in almost constant conflict during the high season.

“With the requirement to ensure that social distancing can be maintained, it is an unacceptable risk to require pedestrians to step into a busy A-road.

“Comments received both directly to the council and circulated locally on social media groups have highlighted comments from within the Llangollen community that the existing parking bays cause traffic flow issues as pedestrians and cyclists are forced around the cars and into the road at peak times.

“We would like to take this opportunity to see if the social distancing measures can actually improve traffic, cyclist and pedestrian flows through the town centre.

“We are also aware that there is an increased emphasis on providing safe and welcoming outdoor spaces for people to spend time.

“Llangollen has a number of pubs, cafes and restaurants along the route of the proposed changes who may like to provide outside seating for their customers.

“Where it is practicable to do so, we would like to work with and support these businesses to make these changes."

And on the controversial issue of removing parking spaces along Castle Street, it says: “We will be using Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to suspend the parking bays, and we will be using temporary “lane defender” equipment to make the new widened shared use space for pedestrians and cyclists.

“This equipment will be bolted down and can be installed quickly, and easily removed in the future.

“If the scheme (or a modified version of it) goes ahead, we will be monitoring the impact of the temporary measures in close detail over the next 18 months.

“This will include using some technology to monitor things like traffic flows, speeds, pedestrian flows and air pollution.

“We will also be collecting feedback from the community of Llangollen and reviewing this on a regular basis to monitor how residents, businesses and visitors feel about the ongoing impact of the temporary measures.

“Once we have considered the feedback we receive, we will discuss this with the Llangollen County Councillors and make a final decision on whether to proceed with the scheme.”


In a statement issued late yesterday evening, the council says: "Denbighshire County Council wishes to reassure residents and businesses in Denbigh, Llangollen, Ruthin and Rhyl that no final decision has been taken on draft proposals to encourage active travel in these towns during the Covid-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, and that residents and businesses are warmly invited to have their say.

"Plans have been drawn up for four of the county’s towns and many people have shared their views on social media and other platforms about the proposals.  

"The council will be consulting with town businesses and residents on the proposals before making a final decision."  

* Further information on the Llangollen scheme can be found by visiting https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/ where there is also a link to an online survey.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Keeping people safe is a key priority for the council and the council believes the proposed measures will help people feel safe when visiting our town centres and encourage them to stay longer. I would therefore encourage business and residents to take part in the consultation period that is now underway."
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Eisteddfod premieres Global Peace Message



* Terry Waite giving his online peace address as part of the Global Peace Message.


* Mererid Hopwood reading her poem Harmoni a Heddwch for the Eisteddfod’s first Global Peace Message


 *  Jools Holland performing lines from Harmoni a Heddwch as part of the Global Peace Message.


* Floella Benjamin reading lines from Harmoni a Heddwch as part of the Global Peace Message.


* Elan Catrin Parry performing in the Global Peace Message.


* Sir Bryn Terfel.


* Online Mixed Choirs Competition Winners 2020: Stellenbosch University Choir, South Africa, performing Christopher Tin’s Baba Yetu in 2018 at Llangollen.

Thursday is traditionally Peace Day at Llangollen which culminates in the Rotary International Peace Award and Parade of Nations on stage. 

This provided the inspiration for the online premiere of what is the Eisteddfod’s first ever Global Peace Message,which  included a specially commissioned poem Harmoni a Heddwch, by Mererid Hopwood and a peace address from the Eisteddfod’s President, Terry Waite.  

The poem was spoken by Hopwood and special guests Jools Holland, Floella Benjamin and Bryn Terfel.

It also featured children from YsgolRhostyllen, St Giles School Wrexham and YsgolDinas Bran, and the first performance of a new piece of music, sung by Wrexham soprano, Elan Catrin Parry.

The Welsh Centre for International Affairs’ Young Peacemakers Awards celebrates young people who have contributed to peace and global citizenship in their school, local community or overseas. 

Due to Covid-19, this year’s competition was moved online.  The winners of the six categories were announced on Thursday during a virtual ceremony where Year 6 pupils from Ysgol Acrefair came second place in the Young Peacemakers category.

The Llangollen.TV online 2020 Mixed Choirs winner was South Africa’s Stellenbosch University Choir, who swept the board in 2018 coming 1st place in the Mixed, Youth and Open Choir categories.  

Their winning performance of Christopher Tin’s Baba Yetu in an arrangement by André van der Merwe, can be viewed on Llangollen.TV.

To catch up on these performances visit https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/llangollen-online/daily-programme/thursday-9th-july/

As Llangollen Online moves into the weekend Saturday will celebrate the usual finale to the Eisteddfod competitions with a special feature on the last 25 years of Choir of the World.

Throughout the weekend the winners of the Llangollen TV online categories for Folk Choirs, More Choirs and the Best Moment will also be announced.

Finally on Sunday evening viewers can enjoy two items of TV coverage. BBC 2 Wales will be showing highlights of the 2019 event at 6.30pm, followed by a new documentary at 7.30pm on S4C which featuring best moments from Eisteddfod concerts and competitions.

* For more information visit www.llangollen.net

* Global Peace Message https://youtu.be/3uokLPXInxs
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