VW tees off with a new Golf model

* The all-new VW Golf.

* The futuristic-looking dashboard.

Volkswagen Golf road test by Steve Rogers

This is a Golf the like of which you have never seen before.

There is no doubting its design pedigree, the Golf DNA is as clear as day even after 45 years. The roof line is lower and it's a little less boxy than the seventies original but once a Golf always a Golf.

No, the big difference with Volkswagen's eighth iteration of its iconic hatchback is inside where the designers have torn up the rule book and embraced 21st century technology which is moving at a frantic pace.

So the driver is faced with what is best described as a miniature version of a wide screen TV. There are no switches, everything is controlled by sliders and touch panel or voice control although VW has work to do there. More on that later.

Not that Volkswagen is the first to take high tech to the next level, in fact they have been lagging behind mainstream rivals Peugeot and Volvo, while cousins Audi first dabbled with the virtual cockpit concept six or seven years ago.

The advantage of coming up on the rails is that you can learn from the mistakes of others and VW seems to have nailed its high tech cockpit with the Golf. 

Using technology similar to the best smart phones the car offers a myriad of functions and a mass of information all of which can be accessed either from the steering wheel or a comprehensive menu in the 10 inch touchscreen.

It is as well to spend time learning how to use everything on offer, and trust me, there is a lot to learn. Although it looks like one wide unit it is split in two with an interchangeable driver's binnacle controlled from touch pads on the steering wheel and the central touchscreen. 

That's the business end, the infotainment centre where you will find all manner of functions relating to the car's safety features, checking mechanisms, navigation, radio and simple things like changing the colour of the ambient lighting.

An interesting feature is a text style message telling you to lift off the accelerator when approaching a junction to help with economy so here is a car where you can't put a foot wrong.

I mastered the systems after about three days but the likelihood is you will only need to select radio or navigation from the menu on a regular basis. Changing the instrument binnacle becomes second nature and is picked up in no time.

Then there is voice control although this did not work so well. Choosing a destination is pretty straight forward but I had no success in changing or selecting a radio station and adjusting the heating was not available. The Volvo system is far superior so improvements need to be made.

Wisely VW provide a couple of options for the heating controls. There is nothing worse than having to go through the rigmarole of the touchscreen menu just to adjust the temperature or fan speed so the basic controls are separate touch pads in the centre console with a quick key giving access to the full works on screen.

For now Volkswagen is offering three trim levels, Life, Style and R-Line with three petrol and two diesel options. A few years ago I would have pointed people in the direction of diesel but not anymore. Petrol is now the favourite, and rightly so. There is a three-cylinder one litre which is stunningly good, and a 1.5 litre with 128 or 147bhp.

My test car came with the 147 version and that too is brilliant. You would not expect to get such strong performance from a relatively small engine but this is a gem with sharp pick up and long power delivery. Yet my lasting memory is the Golf's economy.

It is rare to beat the official fuel consumption figures but I just didn't beat them, I trashed them. A cross country 110 mile trip to the Cotswolds returned 56.6mpg and my return, mainly on motorway, yielded 57mpg cruising for long periods at 70mph. My week's motoring averaged 54mpg.

Golf has been battling for years with Ford Focus for the best hatchback crown. I think it is a bit of nonsense as there are any number of first class models out there and in the majority of cases it is personal choice.

I thought the Golf excellent and was mightily impressed with the new cockpit but still prefer the Mazda3, not because it is any better but is my choice.

Fast facts

Golf Life 6sp manual

£23,635 (£31,295 tested)

1.5 litre TSI; 147bhp

0-62mph 8.5secs; 139mph

51.4mpg combined

125g/km. 1st year tax £170

Insurance group 19

Boot 381 litres

Ysgol Dinas Bran students celebrate their A Level success

* Wynne Jones from Glyn Ceidiog raises a glass to his success.

Students at Ysgol Dinas Bran have been celebrating their A Level results today.

This year the school has not supplied the usual statement listing its overall performance and outstanding successes. 

In its statement it says: "It was lovely to see students from the school celebrating their A Level results earlier. We wish them every success in the future."

Denbighshire County Council has paid tribute to the "hard work and commitment" of A Level students as they pick up their results today (Thursday).

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “This has been an unprecedented year for our A Level students and staff and they have dealt with a lot of uncertainty over recent months.  

"The students have shown great resilience, maturity and courage in the way they have handled this very unique set of circumstances.

“I would like to commend each and every student for their efforts, commitment and dedication throughout their A Level courses.  I must also pay tribute to the support shown by both teachers and parents/ guardians. They have been a real backbone to students over recent months, keeping a clear focus and positivity.

“Whatever the outcome and whichever paths they will be taking in the next step of their lives, I would like to wish them the very best of luck and every success on their future journey.

“Our focus from September will be on ensuring that the new generation of A Level students get the best possible start to their studies and to overcome any further hurdles and challenges the new term may bring.”

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: "I want to send my very best wishes to everyone who received their A-level, AS, Welsh Bacc and vocational qualification grades today.

“Due to the many changes we’ve had to make this year in exceptional circumstances, you’ve had to make many sacrifices. “But you have every reason to be proud of all the work you’ve done, which will serve you well, and proud of the determination you have shown to overcome this challenging time.   “As announced yesterday, we have guaranteed that a learner’s final A Level grade cannot be lower than their AS grade. Students in Wales, and prospective employers and universities across the UK, can be assured that their A Level grades reflect their work and externally assessed exams. “I hope you got the grades you’d hoped for, and you can continue with your educational journey in the autumn. Although many of you will be pleased with your results and excited for your next step, if you didn’t get what you’d hoped, there’s plenty of options & advice on Working Wales. “Best of luck, and best wishes for the future.”

Flooding delays re-opening of Plas Madoc Leisure Centre

* The mopping-up operation at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

Flooding caused by last night's heavy rain has delayed the re-opening of the Plas Madoc Leisure Centre following lockdown.
On its Facebook page earlier today it posted: "This morning we opened up to some devastating news that our Gym and a number of other areas in the building had flooded during last nights storm. "The area had been cleaned and made ready for reopening on Monday which is now no longer possible.
"We are now considering options for how we handle the clean up and reopening of this area and will update our users as we know more.
"The Pool will reopen as normal Monday (please book in advance)."

Section of canal closed by police incident

Due to a police incident the canal and towpath are currently closed between Bridges 36W and 38W.

The closure starts at Bridge 36W, Bryn-Ceirch Bridge and ends at Bridge 38W, Bryn-Howell Bridge.

In a statement on its website the Canal & River Trust says: "We will post an update as soon as we have any further information.

"For the latest information regarding Covid-19 and any restrictions or impact it may be having on our waterways please visit
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/safety-on-our-waterways/coronavirus"

Musician Leonie solves radio mystery voice teaser

* Leonie Kirby on the guitar.

A Llangollen musician was bang in tune with the mystery voice which listeners were asked to name in a national radio competition.

After correctly identifying the dulcet tones of Oscar-nominated British actress Helena Bonham Carter, Leonie Kirby ended up solving the riddle which has been baffling listeners to the Wynne Evans morning show on BBC Radio Wales for months.

Leonie was born and raised in Liverpool, where she studied singing at college and played percussion in the Merseyside Youth Orchestra in the 1970s, including playing The Rite of Spring under Sir Simon Rattle.

She taught as a primary school music specialist, and moved to Llangollen 30 years ago, where she stayed at home with her children, Dafydd, Bethan and Ifan.

Over the years Leonie has sung in many genres, as well as writing musicals and conducting choirs, including setting up the ladies’ singing group The Melodics in Llangollen.

Of her mystery voice triumph earlier this week she said: “I started listening to Radio Wales at the beginning of lockdown, when I was staying in Cardiff with my youngest and his wife, and I’ve been listening ever since.

“It was the same mystery voice from before lockdown, a long time!

“I thought it sounded like Helena Bonham Carter, but I’d got so used to hearing ‘wrong’ that I was fully expecting to be wrong too. So it was fab to guess right.

“Wynne was very mysterious after I gave my answer, and then played a snippet of music, but I couldn’t make it out over the phone, so I was none the wiser.

“It was only after that I heard it, it was the 1812 overture. Back to my cymbal clashing days!

“But Wynne was so lovely to chat with, so guessing correctly was just the icing on the cake.

“Hopefully, he’ll be back in Llangollen at the eisteddfod, when everything is up and running again.”

Leonie only came to writing and performing her own material, with the guitar, in 2013.

She plays at the folk club in The Ponsonby Arms and the open mic nights in The Sun, as well as being a regular on the eisteddfod outside stages.

She said: “This year has been so hard for anyone wanting to make and listen to live music. We’re lucky to have performance spaces online, but it’s not the same.

“I set up a group on Facebook at the beginning of lockdown, The Ponsonby Players, and we ‘meet’ twice a week and take turns to play songs. Anyone can request to join, to play and/or listen, we’re a lovely, friendly mob.”

School meals service to resume on September 3

Denbighshire County Council is re-launching its school meal catering service next month.

With pupils starting to return to school full-time from September 3, the catering service will resume.

During school closures the School Meals Service provided freshly prepared food for children of key workers and children deemed to be vulnerable while the Council also provided direct payments to those eligible for free school meals with money provided to parents or guardians instead of a school meal.

More than 3,500 children (1,900 families) were eligible for this scheme and these pupils will now return to being provided with free school meals and the last direct payment will be made on September 1.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Education and Public Engagement, said: “We are pleased to be welcoming children back to our schools full time after what has been a difficult period during lockdown.

“With pupils back in school, we have re-started our school meals service which provides a healthy and nutritious meal to students every day.

“All meals are cooked fresh every day and are nutritionally balanced to improve learning and development and all schools cater for special or restricted dietary requirements. I would also like to reassure parents that the highest hygiene standards are being employed by staff in the catering service.”

The menu varies every day and more than 7,600 school meals are served to pupils in Denbighshire each day.

Cllr Hilditch-Roberts added: “We would like to remind parents who have been in receipt of a direct payment instead of a free school meal that the final payment will be made on September 1 and will cover the previous week. Children will then return to receiving their free school meals in the same way as before lockdown.

“I would like to pay tribute to the education, catering, benefit and finance teams for setting up and managing the direct payment system during this period, ensuring children in Denbighshire continued to have access a school meal equivalent during lockdown.”

Childcare providers grant launched by government

The Welsh Government has announced the launch of a Childcare Providers Grant. 

Part of a package of support for businesses across Wales affected by coronavirus, the new grant aims to provide dedicated support for the childcare sector in Wales.

In a written statement issued this morning the government says: "Since March many of our childcare providers have faced significant challenges as a consequence of the coronavirus.  

"To control the spread of the virus it was necessary to keep the numbers of children in attendance low. We recognise that this came at a cost.

"While the numbers of people using their services fell, providers still had bills to pay including staff salaries.  

"While many providers stayed open to care for the children of our critical workers and our more vulnerable children, and we are very grateful to them for doing so, others had to close.

"The Childcare Provider Grant will provide a much-needed financial lifeline to childcare providers who have not been able to access other government support packages, and help ensure that formal childcare places are available to parents as schools re-open in September.  This is an important part of ensuring there is sufficient capacity in the sector which is key to supporting working families. 

"The scheme is available to those settings which have been unable to access the other business support schemes offered by the UK and Welsh Governments and most providers will be eligible for a grant of £2,500. 

"Ensuring the availability of formal childcare places is instrumental to our recovery and we are pleased we are able to offer this vital lifeline to those in the sector who have fallen through the other support measures. 

"More than 95% of the early years workforce are women and any closures, with resulting job losses, would disproportionately affect women who provide a vital service to parents across Wales. 

"The loss of formal childcare places also disproportionately affected women, as mothers will be most likely to reduce their hours or leave employment.

"We are acutely aware of the challenges the childcare sector has faced and want to thank all childcare providers for their perseverance and professionalism during these difficult times. 

"Welsh Government recognises the important role childcare plays as part of the foundational economy and we are determined to support the sector as the economy reopens.

"Since 22 June, childcare providers have been able to care for more children and increase their operations or re-open fully. This scheme will help ensure more providers re-open as the schools re-open in September.

"The scheme will be a one-off grant to help providers meet the additional financial burdens they have faced since March, with many settings experiencing a reduction in income whilst continuing to meet costs such as rent, utilities and unmet wage costs.

"The scheme also aims to help make the childcare sector more resilient for the future by requiring unincorporated settings to register as a company limited by guarantee, a private limited company, a Community Interest Company or a Charitable Incorporated Organisation."

Applications for the scheme will open on 24 August and the scheme will close on 31 October 2020. The first payments will be made to providers in September via their local authority.

ORB team sees red to highlight their pandemic losses

* The OEB team lights up Llangollen's Royal International Pavilion. 

As a follow on from last month's Light It In Red campaign, the team from Llangollen's ORB Sound and Lighting Ltd were out again yesterday evening highlighting the struggle the Events Industry is still facing due to the pandemic.

Over the last four evenings they have visited 15 venues in which they were booked to work in this year before COVID-19 struck. 

Each venue was lit up in Emergency Red to try to highlight the worsening situation of their industry.

Since March Orb have lost 37 separate events which equates to over 100 days of work. 

Eleven of these events were festivals, nine were fundraising events for local charities and eight were projects involving talented youngsters.

To conclude their efforts in obtaining more support from the government, last evening they teamed up with all their local colleagues to light up the Royal international Pavilion in Llangollen.

* Here is a link to Orb's montage video of the other venues lit up https://youtu.be/ux0IjHaeBK8

Town Council seeks funds for mobile sharing shed scheme

Llangollen Town Council has led a three-town submission to the Welsh Government for funding to support a mobile Library of Things.

The idea is for an electric van that would travel between Llangollen, Mold and Ruthin offering households the chance to borrow rarely used household and garden equipment, rather than needing to buy it. 

The application for funding falls under the Circular Economy Strategy that was launched in Llangollen last year in recognition of the town’s commitments to a sustainable future through its Cittaslow status and Plastic Free Town award.

The Library of Things would contain items such as pressure washers, lawnmowers, electric drills, tents, strimmers, ladders, travel cots, a projector and more. 

It is also hoped it could include new technology items that would help promote a circular economy such as plastic recycling granulators and possibly a 3D printer so interested residents in the three towns can build expertise using such items.

If the Welsh Government funding is approved and matched funds are secured, the aim is for the project to help Llangollen households reduce spending on rarely-used items, try equipment for new hobbies or sports before purchase, and build valuable skills for the 21^st century economy. 

It also hopes to link with repair cafes operating or being developed in each town, loaning tools to trainee “fixperts” to help repair and reuse broken equipment.

The Library of Things idea was initially raised with the Town Council during the Cittaslow Networking events last year, attended by over 50 town groups, and is said to have seemed a good fit when the Welsh Government funding was announced. 

Making the library mobile and sharing it across the three towns is said to reduce overheads such as rent and rates, maximises items available and hopefully supports a growing network of “fixperts” across the region. 

The idea builds on a similar approach piloted in Devon and represents an opportunity for Llangollen to show further leadership in the Circular Economy by piloting the idea for Wales,p according to Councillor Robyn Lovelock, chair of the Cittaslow Committee of the Town Council.

She said:  “The project is clearly in line with our Cittaslow status, which aims for a more sustainable future, by reducing the need for people to buy items they could instead borrow, saving money and storage space in their homes – as well as reducing the environmental impact of making and transporting those items.”

Cllr Lovelock says she will work over the coming months with Llangollen Town Council and local community groups to submit matched funding applications to ensure the project can proceed if offered the capital funds by Welsh Government.

Warren Davies, co-ordinator of Friends of the Earth Llangollen, said: “The scheme will overcome some of the barriers faced by our group when looking to continue our very popular repair cafe events.

"The localbenefits to sharing and repairing are significant [with] increased resilience through skill sharing, less reliance on imported goods and financial savings through not needing to buy new items."

Heulwen Wright, chair of Friends of Pengwern, said: "The group would be happy to consider hosting the van at Pengwern Community Centre in the future.

"The idea could work well alongside our plans for a community workshop at the Pengwern Centre."

Tara Dumas, waste and recycling officer for Denbighshire County Council, said: “This is exactly the type of initiative that will help to reduce waste through increasing reuse-the first two steps in the waste hierarchy. 

"It will also support in getting people to think differently about their consumption and purchasing habits.

"Denbighshire County Council endorse the application and can confirm it is complementary with our current waste strategy goals and objectives.”

Llangollen Town Council will hear in October if it has been successful in its application. 

Cllr Lovelock said the cost to the town council hasn’t been decided yet as discussions are on-going with the county council and other town councils.

In the meantime, the Cittaslow Committee are asking for ideas of items people would like to see available for hire and also for people interested in donating items to get in touch.  

* Click hereto suggest an item for hire and contact CllrLovelock@LlangollenTownCouncil.gov.uk if you would like to discuss donating items.

Rescue team called to help find lost mum and daughter

Leader live was reporting this evening that a rescue team was called to help find a mother and daughter lost on the hills near Llangollen.

* For the full story, see:

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/18644164.rescue-team-called-help-police-find-lost-mother-daughter-near-llangollen/

Well-known businessman congratulated by MP on award

* Owner Reza Noori, left, and Simon Baynes MP outside Castle Bistro in Chirk.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially-distanced visit to Castle Bistro in Chirk to meet owner Reza Noori and congratulate him and his staff on receiving the Travellers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor.

Mr Noori is well known in Llangollen and runs businesses in the town.

He established Castle Bistro in 2016 and received the award for consistently earning great reviews from travellers and for being ranked within the top 10% of hospitality businesses on Tripadvisor.

Mr Noori said: “We’ve been incredibly proud to receive this award. And it’s great recognition of how hard all our staff have worked to make Castle Bistro an excellent place to come and enjoy a meal. 

"I was very glad to catch up with Simon and tell him about some of our exciting plans going forward. And I want to thank all of our incredibly loyal customers for helping us get where we are.”

Simon Baynes said: “Reza and the whole team at Castle Bistro do an incredible job welcoming visitors to Chirk and making amazing meals. 

"This award is very well deserved. And it’s great to see one of our local Chirk businesses doing so well. I look forward to returning soon for a meal with my family.”

Legion set to mark VJ Day on Saturday morning

* The traditional poppy wreath will be laid on the war memorial. 

Llangollen Royal British Legion has given details of how it will be marking the 75th anniversary of VJ - Victory over Japan - Day next Saturday, August 15.

The ceremony to commemorate the end of the Secon World War in the Far East will be curtailed due to the coronavirus situation and there will be not be the usual march through town led by a band. 

Branch chair Phil Stroud said: "We will form up at the war memorial in Centenary Square for 10,50am and will be joined by 15 of the Legion's riders.

"The Service of Remembrance will start at 10.55am. 

"There are likely to be approximately 30 people on parade and, wearing masks, we will be arm's distance to meet the two-metre rule.

"There will be no march nor a band but the traditional Last Post and Reveille will be played through the PA system.

"A poppy wreath will be laid at the war memorial."

The tenor bell (the heaviest of the eight bells) at St. Collen's will be tolled 75 times at 11.10 a.m.on VJ Day 75 to mark the 75 years since VJ Day 1945.

As a matter of interest, the bell weighs over 16cwt.

* The war memorial inside St Collen's Church.

Reminder to take part in Test, Trace, Protect strategy

Denbighshire County Council is reminding customers and businesses about the importance of the Test, Trace, Protect strategy.

It says the strategy is key in controlling the spread of new outbreaks, particularly as public spaces start to re-open and customers are being assured it is safe to provide contact information and it is vital to help isolate an outbreak.

The strategy applies to hospitality businesses including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes as well as tourism and leisure facilities, including theme parks, museums and cinemas, and close contact services including hairdressers, barbers, beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “Certain businesses should now be collecting names and contact details of all their customers and this is really important. 

"We are asking customers to co-operate with the request. Along with social distancing and good hygiene, the Test, Trace, Protect strategy is key to helping to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19.

“Businesses have been working hard to ensure they are re-opening safely and we urge them to ensure these regulations are adhered to.”

Businesses are required to take the names of customers or visitors, or if it is a group of people, the name of one member of the group – the ‘lead member’ as well as a contact telephone number for each customer or visitor, or for the lead member of a group of people and the date of visit and arrival and departure time.

If you have recently been to one of these businesses and have not been asked for your contact name and number then the council would like to know. Please email envhealth@denbighshire.gov.uk with the name of that business.

County should monitor removal of parking bays, says MP

* Simon Baynes MP, left, on a socially-distanced picture with Hwyn Davies of the butcher's shop.

* ... and with Jan Deeprose of Lily Rose Interiors.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes says he hopes the county council will monitor the effects of the planned temporary parking suspension in Castle Street and reinstate it or modify their plans if necessary.

Mr Baynes made the comment after visiting a number of businesses along Llangollen's busy main street on Saturday.

The county council has been consulting on its controversial plan to temporarily remove parking bays along the street as part of its planned measures to allow better social distancing in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the idea has met with opposition from some traders and local residents.

After his Saturday visit, Mr Baynes posted on his Facebook page: "Very good to visit some shops and hospitality businesses yesterday on Castle Street in Llangollen and hear about the recovery since lockdown and also their concerns about Denbighshire County Council’s plans to suspend the parking bays on Castle Street in order to benefit social distancing and improve traffic, cyclist and pedestrian flows."While I understand and respect the council’s objectives, the businesses I met said the short stay parking is very important for quick purchases by customers, takeaways and stock deliveries.
"Having had a town centre second-hand bookshop myself some years ago, I fully understand the importance of a judicious mix of long and short term parking in town centres.
"I hope very much that Denbighshire County Council will carefully monitor the effects of the planned parking suspension during the temporary period and reinstate it or modify their plans in the future if local businesses in Castle Street are badly affected given that the prosperity of the shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants is vital for the long term future of Llangollen, particularly in terms of ensuring a diversity of independent shops and hospitality businesses."

Helicopter rescue drama near Sun Bank

SEE UPDATE AT FOOT OF STORY

More than one helicopter is thought to have was involved in the rescue of what is believed to have been a walker from the Panorama near Sun Bank earlier today.

This picture is taken from a short video film posted on Facebook by local dance instructor Julie Kirk Thomas who lives nearby.

Julie, who runs the weekly Strictly Fun Dancing sessions in Centenary Square at 10.30am on Mondays, told llanblogger: "It's been very busy here with helicopters and I was filming from our garden.

"We noticed climbers on the old quarry behind us this morning whilst dog walking.

"It all went quiet just after 3pm today."

The Daily Post online reported later this afternoon:

"A woman has been flown to hospital after falling at a former quarry now used by climbers.

"Emergency services were called to the Trevor Quarry site at Panorama Walk near Llangollen just after 12.30pm on Saturday after reports that a woman had fallen.

"The Wales Air Ambulance and coastguard helicopter were both required to attend."

Isherwood raises concerns over care home funding during pandemic

Shadow Minister for North Wales Mark Isherwood has expressed concern over the £22.7 million support package announced recently by the Welsh Government for local authorities to help adult social care providers meet the additional costs associated with the pandemic.  

Although it is now August, this funding covers the period from July 1^st, and leading figures in the care sector have claimed it discriminates against care providers in North Wales in favour of those in the south of the country.

Mr Isherwood has been calling for more support for care homes in North Wales since June and has challenged the Health Minister over the matter on a number of occasions during virtual Plenary meetings of the Welsh Parliament in recent months.  

Therefore, whilst welcoming the additional support package, he is disappointed that care home providers in North Wales will receive substantially less than those in South Wales.  

He said: “Once again, care home providers in the North are the poor relations. 

"As Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales has stated: 'Funding is allocated via local councils and health boards which means we essentially have 29 variations on a theme which is an absolute nonsense. The vast majority of care home residents are publicly funded and providers have been forced to dance to the varying tunes of local councils for a generation. The absurdity of the situation was recently highlighted by the Cheapskate Awards handed out by Care Forum Wales which illustrated the unfair post code lottery plaguing the sector in Wales.'

“Five North Wales Local Authorities were presented with Cheapskate Awards for paying amongst the lowest care home fees in Wales amid the coronavirus crisis, with an inbuilt North-South divide.

“Sadly, care homes in North Wales are being left behind when it comes to funding, despite calls from myself, other politicians and the sector, for North Wales to be treated fairly.  

“As Care Forum Wales have said, the overwhelming priority now must be ‘to devise a national action plan to implement long-term structural change to mend a system that’s broken and fragmented’.”

Mr Isherwood added: “Aside from the unfairness of the system, Care Forum Wales have also warned that this additional funding will serve only as a ‘temporary sticking plaster’. 

"The Health Minister has said he will review the situation in September, but the majority of care home providers cannot wait until then. They need action now from the Minister to balance the system and alleviate as far as possible the likely impacts of any second wave of Covid-19 infections, and the routine seasonal flus and other pressures that the latter part of the year will bring, so that care homes and nursing homes can support NHS Wales through this coming winter.”

County explains why car park can't be used by permit holders

The county council has explained why a sign which has appeared outside the East Street car park in Llangollen saying it can no longer be used by parking permit holders.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “The sign relates to the free two-hour parking offer in six of the county’s car parks which runs up until December 31. 

The car parks chosen for this offer are predominantly short stay car parks where permits are not valid. This is to ensure spaces are kept free for shoppers and visitors, generating a higher turnover of visits to help support our town centre businesses.

“However, in Llangollen because permits are valid in the town’s short stay and long stay car parks, we chose East Street Car Park for the offer to ensure spaces are kept free for shoppers and visitors, while still allowing permit holders to use Market Street, Mill Street or Hall Street car parks.”