More checks done before railway re-opens on Saturday

* The single line token is handed over by the Llangollen signalman to the railcar driver prior to test departure.

The heritage diesel railcar ran down the line to Carrog yesterday morning with operational volunteers on board to check things out prior to the reopening of Llangollen Railway on August 1.

This was part of a series of 'shakedown' trips required to prepare for passenger services when social distancing will apply in trains.

Those wishing to travel will need to book in advance.

Full details are available on the railway’s website.

Meanwhile, The Cornmill has announced details of its own re-opening on Facebook.

It posted: “We are delighted to announce that we will be reopening from 12 noon on Monday 3rd August.

“We’ve obviously had to make a few changes and we would welcome your help with some of them, so please visit our website here to take a look: https://www.brunningandprice.co.uk/cornmill/keeping-everyone-safe/

“Whilst we find our feet we are encouraging bookings only inside the pub. Looking forward to seeing you!”

Face coverings must be worn on public transport from today

From today (Monday) people travelling on public transport must wear face coverings in Wales. 

The law will also apply to taxis.

The change was announced by the First Minister on 13^th July as part of ongoing efforts to protect people from coronavirus.

Under the new law, people aged 11 and over will be required to wear face coverings on public transport. There will be exemptions for people with certain health conditions, including respiratory diseases.

People are advised to wear a face covering made up of three layers of the same close knit, or close woven material.

Drivers, guards and other operators of public transport may ask people not to board if they are not wearing face coverings. If necessary fixed penalty notices may be issued by the police, with a fine of £60 in the first instance subsequently doubling in the event of repeated offences.

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, said: "From today the vast majority of our public transport users in Wales will be required to wear a face covering while travelling on our buses, our trains and in taxis. The law has been introduced to help reduce the risk of public transmission of coronavirus and to protect the health of our public transport users.

“We know it may not always be possible to maintain a 2m physical distance on public transport and the requirement to wear a face covering is in addition to other guidance we have issued to our transport providers in order to encourage safe travel.”

The move to make face coverings on public transport compulsory will help operators to increase capacity on trains and buses as demand rises following the ongoing process of gradually easing the coronavirus restrictions in Wales.

At the moment the Welsh Government is still asking people to consider their reasons for using public transport in order to ensure capacity for critical workers and those with no alternative transport.

Tai Chi session at Plas Newydd this Thursday

Mike Gleed is running a Tai Chi/Chi Kung revision and/or re-union session in the open air at Plas Newydd this Thursday at 10am.

He said: "There won't be a charge as it is simply a self-help type of session and at people's own risk.

"I feel that the fitter we are and the better our lung capacity, the better chance we have of survival if we contract Covid."

He added: "If you can't or don't wish to attend please take deep breaths daily, concentrating and breathing into your abdomen. 

"We 'unlearn' how to breath as we did as children but as we grow older we think that a deep breath only involves our chest. 

"We will be socially distancing at the science- advised distance of two metres and masks would be good if you want a chat stay safe."

Roadworks planned for Berwyn Street on Wednesday

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is: Berwyn Street, Llangollen,  29 July — 30 July Delays unlikely - No carriageway incursion Works location: Near Chapel Works description: CSO Cover Repairs Responsibility for works: WELSH WATER Current status: Planned work about to start Works reference: PE13774001400

Ex-councillor slams suspension of Castle Street parking bays

* The parking bays along Castle Street.

A former Llangollen county councillor has criticised plans to suspend parking bays on Castle Street which he brands as “silly in the extreme”.

The proposed move comes as part of a package of measures by Denbighshire County Council to promote active travel in the centre of Llangollen in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

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. 

Similar schemes are in mind for Llangollen, Denbigh, Ruthin and Rhyl.

The council says that as part of the plan intended for Llangollen it aims to use Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to suspend the parking bays on Castle Street.

However, it has reassured local people they will be consulted before any scheme is put in place.

But the idea has run into criticism from former county councillor Stuart Davies who says in a press release issued this morning: “The idea that we should take away parking in Castle Street and create wider pavements, using C-19 distancing as an excuse, is silly in the extreme.

“Parking is well controlled there with over 300,000 movements a year.

“Parking, as explained to me by Denbighshire County Council highway engineers, is a natural traffic calming feature.”

He adds: “If parking there is stopped then speeds will increase, the impact on shops there will be extreme.

“No-one will be able to park and pop in. This will also impact our only bank and if that closes it will hasten the death of businesses in Llangollen.

“The Telegraph today (Sunday) reinforces my points and I urge the leaders of our council to put a stop to this nonsense.”

Wharf to resume motorised boat trips

Llangollen Wharf has been on Facebook to announce the resumption of a popular service following lockdown.

They posted: "We are pleased to say we are starting to run Thomas Telford, our motorised trip boat, from the 3rd of August.

"This will be for a minimum of 10 people in a Covid-secure bubble.

"Trips can be 2 hours or 31/2 hour duration at times to suit you.

"There is a bar on board and we can offer Afternoon Teas, Buffets, Ploughman’s and Welsh Cream Teas etc.

"Bookings will not be available online as each trip will be tailored to your individual requirements.

"Please contact the Wharf on 01978 860702 to discuss all the options available."

MP thanked for supporting Local Electricity Bill

Campaign group Power for People has thanked Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) for supporting a new Bill in Parliament that it says would help rebuild local economies whilst increasing clean energy generation.

The proposed new law, known as the Local Electricity Bill, is supported by 187 MPs. 

If made law, it would create a new Right to Local Supply of energy that would empower communities to sell locally generated electricity directly to local households and businesses.

Currently customers can only purchase electricity from nationally licensed utilities. 

The Bill’s supporters say this means money people use to pay their energy bills is not helping to rebuild local economies and local clean energy infrastructure.

Power for People is calling for MPs and the UK Government to make the Bill law and is leading a supportive coalition of organisations including Community Energy England, Community Energy Wales, Community Energy Scotland, WWF, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and the RSPB. 

Forty-four local authorities have also pledged their support.

Power for People’s director Steve Shaw said: “We thank Simon Baynes for supporting the Local Electricity Bill. 

"If made law, the Bill would unleash the huge potential for new community-owned clean energy infrastructure and for this to boost local economies, jobs, services, and facilities in communities across the country.”

Simon Baynes said: “The Local Electricity Bill will empower and enable new community energy companies to sell energy that they generate directly to local people which will help strengthen local economies. 

"This is urgently needed given the economic shock of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"The Bill will also help accelerate our transition to clean energy, which is critical in avoiding the potential economic and ecological devastation of climate change. I will do all I can to ensure it becomes law.”

Flu jabs on offer and mask wearing necessary in one place

Gareth Baines, the town councillor from Chirk who has done much to help in the local battle against coronavirus has put out a message on Facebook about flu jabs. 

It says: “Important: Flu Vaccination update: 

“Flu vaccines in Wales will now be available to those in the existing eligible groups (including those aged over 65 years, pregnant women and people with medical conditions) who will be vaccinated first.

“Those who will also now be eligible for a free flu vaccine will include:

Households of people in the shielded group

Lowering the eligibility age from 65 to over 50 year olds – who will be vaccinated in a phased approach

Additional supplies of the nasal spray flu vaccine offered to children will be used to maximise uptake in the vaccination programme offered to 2 and 3 year olds, and to all children in primary schools.

Increasing uptake in health and social care workers will also be a key priority this season.

“The NHS will get in contact with those who are eligible.”

On behalf of the team at Rowlands Pharmacy is Llangollen Sadye Chesworth posted: “Rowlands Pharmacy Notice.

“From the 24th July, it will be compulsory for any member of the public entering our premises to wear a face covering. The company has made the decision to implement this across all countries including Wales, in line with government guidance and for the protection of all our colleagues and patients.”

And latest major hospitality business to announce its forthcoming re-opening following lockdown was The Three Eagles.

"It posted: “We're back in the ring.

Now taking bookings inside and out.

#feedyourfire

“*for outside reservations, please email team@thethreeeagles.co.uk”

Get silly with this year’s summer reading challenge

Children are being invited to get silly with this year’s Summer Reading Challenge which takes place over the summer holidays at Denbighshire’s libraries.

It’s looking a bit different this year but still gives children a great reason to read over the summer as well as feeding the imagination, helping kids stay kids and embrace the fun just when we need it the most.

This year’s challenge sees a shift to a new bilingual digital platform, supported by library e-lending services, online events and links to existing digital resources.

Children can also choose to collect a pack and some books from their local library in Denbighshire.

To sign up online for the digital challenge go to www.sillysquad.org.uk, download e-books from the Borrowbox app or use the books you have at home.

Or you can order and collect a printed Silly Squad pack and books from your local library by phoning your local library to order and arrange an appointment to come and collect them. Children can do both if they want too. The challenge will run until the end of September.

Denbighshire libraries are not yet open for browsing – but you can access books via the Order and Collect service and using the digital library to download e-books and e-audiobooks for free via the Borrowbox app, and comics and magazines via the RBDigital app.

Anyone who’s not already a library member can join online too, go to www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries for further information.

There’s going to be lots on social media this summer too—follow on Facebook Denbighshire Libraries or Twitter @DenbsLibs and the hashtags #SummerReadingChallenge2020 and #SillySquad2020.

Developed by charity The Reading Agency, along with the UK public library network, it is now the UK’s biggest annual reading promotion for primary aged children. In Wales the Summer Reading Challenge is support by Welsh Government and the Books Council for Wales.

Last year 2,918 children in Denbighshire took part.

County's waste and recycling parks appointment system is here to stay

* The Ruthin waste recycling centre.

The online booking system for use of Denbighshire's waste and recycling parks has proved to be extremely popular by site users and staff, and is here to stay, says the county council. 

They say drivers must bring their booking reference number and proof of residency.  

And anyone turning up without an appointment will not allowed to use the site.

The council is advising visitors to the waste and recycling parks of the following:

•             You must not visit the waste and recycling park if you or anyone you are living with is in self-isolation or showing COVID-19 symptoms.

•             No twin-axle trailers will be allowed entry (car-derived vans/4x4s and single-axle trailers are able to enter). 

•             There is a permit system in place for vans or similar commercial vehicles. The Council are processing requests for new permits as usual.  If you drive a van or similar commercial vehicle, please do not make a booking until you have a valid permit.

•             Please segregate your waste before coming to site to speed up your visit.

•             The number of vehicles allowed on site is restricted. Where possible vehicles should only include the driver as only one person will be allowed to unload their vehicles. Visitors must remain in their car whilst queuing.

•             Social distancing measures must be adhered to at all times by both staff and visitors.

•             Black bags/refuse sacks should only contain non-recyclable waste.  

The council are collecting food, cans, plastics, paper, cardboard and glass at the kerbside so residents should use these collections for these materials.  They will not accept black bag waste that contains food and recyclables.

Opening hours for the sites are: 

Ruthin : Monday – Thursday 10am-6pm; Closed Friday; Sat & Sun 9am – 5pm

Denbigh: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri – 10am – 6pm; Closed Thursday; Sat & Sun 9am – 5pm

Rhyl : Monday – Sunday 10am – 6pm

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We would like to thank the public for the fantastic support that we have received for the booking appointment system. 

"It has been a great success and the arrangements at the waste and recycling parks have run like clockwork.  That is down to the arrangements put in place to ensure social distancing, but also the way that residents have really engaged with the process.

“That is why we have decided to run with this system indefinitely.  Many residents have asked us to keep the system in place. It reduces any queueing of traffic, the visits to the waste and recycling parks are quicker and more efficient, and it is generally a safer way to operate the sites.

“As ever we will monitor future performance of the new way of working to evaluate and implement any process modifications as required.”

Work underway to prepare railway for re-opening

Work is underway at Llangollen Railway to prepare the station for the return of passengers from August 1.

The re-opening will be within the strict guidelines for social distancing both on the platform and on the trains.

Here volunteer Kate Alston, right, disinfects one of the carriage tables helped by general manager Liz McGuinness.

This type of cleaning will be the requirement for each train between journeys to and from Carrog once services resume.

Latest pandemic update from Welsh Government

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

Local Government Minister Julie James has published a written statement about the use of powers under the Coronavirus Act 2020: https://gov.wales/written-statement-use-powers-under-coronavirus-act-2020

• Wales has seen a growing sense of community spirit since the start of the pandemic according to new Covid-19 research published today.
• 
  
• The new monthly telephone version of the National Survey for Wales asked 1,400 people from across Wales questions on wellbeing, loneliness, employment, finances, food poverty, GP appointments, social care, and education to find out the how the pandemic has affected their lives.
• https://gov.wales/wales-community-spirit-shines-through-despite-challenges-of-covid-19
• More than £50m will be made available to support universities and colleges, Education Minister Kirsty Williams has announced.
• 
  
• The support is part of the Welsh Government’s actions to support students and Wales’ major education institutions and provide the skills and learning in response to the economic impact of the coronavirus.
• £27m will be provided to higher education institutions and £23m to support students in FE colleges and sixth forms.
• https://gov.wales/over-50-million-support-welsh-universities-colleges-and-students

• 21-day review of measures to manage coronavirus – equality impact assessment: https://gov.wales/21-day-reviews-measures-manage-covid-19-16-july-review-equality-impact-assessment
• NHS activity and statistics https://gov.wales/nhs-activity-and-capacity-during-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-23-july-2020

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales show there are a total of 17,030 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales – the real number will be much higher.
• Public Health Wales has reported a total of 1,548 deaths from coronavirus.

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 regular 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. They are live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel and are broadcast live on BBC One Wales and S4C.

• From the week beginning July 20, the Welsh Government press conference will be held every Tuesday and on the Fridays following the 21-day review of the coronavirus regulations.

Deputy mayor quits her council seat

* Former deputy mayor Issy Richards. 

The deputy mayor has resigned her seat on Llangollen Town Council.

Isobel Richards quit after last Tuesday’s online council meeting and says the reason for her leaving is that she found herself disagreeing with the direction the council was taking.

Isobel, or Issy, Richards was elected to the council is May 2017 and became deputy mayor in 2018.

She served as chair of the council’s Asset Management Committee and oversaw a number of improvements to the Town Hall.

She also chaired the Remembrance Sunday Working Group which was responsible for the VE Day 75^th anniversary celebrations in early May. This was an online commemoration and celebration of the historical landmark, known in Welsh as Parti Aros Gartref.

The former senior executive officer with the Legal Aid Board (Law Society), who was born in Llangollen and attended Ysgol Dinas Bran, was also a member of the council’s HR and Budget Planning Group and the council’s representative on the governing body of Ysgol Y Gwernant.

She is known as a strong supporter of Welsh language and culture and organised the Sing for Wales event during lockdown and an earlier tribute to poet Hedd Wyn at a remembrance concert staged by the council in the Town Hall.

Another of her achievements was, along with former councillor Karen Edwards, helping to secure funding for the metal poppies along the rear planted area of Centenary Square.

She is the third town councillor to resign within 12 months, following the departures of Andrew Beech and Karen Edwards.

Ms Richards said: “I have resigned as a councillor as I found myself disagreeing with the direction being taken by the council but it's been a pleasure representing the people of Llangollen.

“I would like to thank Charlie Jones, the Town Hall Facilities Officer, for her enthusiasm, the Town Clerk Gareth Thomas for his guidance and support, and my many volunteer friends in the area.

“I will continue to be a member of Shape My Llangollen, the town team preparing the official response to Denbighshire County Council’s new Local Development Plan on behalf of the Town Council.”

She added: “I would like to pay tribute to the people of Llangollen who have pulled together over the past four months and helped each other in the very difficult circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown.”    

Plas Newydd cafe opens again today

* The outdoor seating arrangement at Plas Newydd.

The cafe at Plas Newydd re-opends today following the lockdown.

On Facebook it posted yesterday: "We are pleased to announce that Plas Newydd will be opening our tearooms to visitors from Thursday 23rd July! Our daily opening hours will be 10AM - 4PM.

We will be moving the tearooms to our large outdoor space and will be providing table service for our customers on a reduced menu.

Social distancing measures will be in place across the grounds and a sanitising station will be available for our visitors to use near the entrance. We kindly ask for card payments only, to reduce any unnecessary contact.

Unfortunately, Plas Newydd house will remain closed for the foreseeable future, but any updates will be posted on our social media pages as soon as we have them.

We can't wait to welcome you back to the grounds and look forward to seeing your smiling faces again soon! "

Town centre car parks stay free until end of month

* Market Street car park is among those which will stay free 

until the end of the month. 

Denbighshire County Council is continuing to offer free parking at its town centre car parks throughout July.

The majority of the council’s public car parks in the main town centres have remained open during the lockdown period and continue to be free of charge for the remainder of the month.

The free parking is to encourage residents and visitors to use the county’s town centres for shopping and for doing business.  

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We wish to remind residents that free car parking in our main town car parks will continue in July, as we recognise that we need to support town centres through encouraging people to come and shop and spend their money locally. 

“Many of our town centre businesses are now open and have done so safely, offering locals and visitors a wide range of services and shoppers can take advantage of free parking to support local businesses.

“We made an early decision to drop the charges during the lockdown, however that position is under regular review.”

Signs have been placed at all car parks that are free and residents are reminded that charges do apply to car parks not located in town centres. You can find more information on the Council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/car-parks

Council car parks which currently have charges are a number in Prestatyn, Rhyl, Loggerheads, Moel Famau and Llantysilio Green.