Businesses and organisations get ready for latest lockdown

* Llangollen Wharf is one of the local businesses preparing

 for the two-week lockdown.

Llangollen businesses and organisations have reacted to yesterday’s Welsh Government announcement of a two-week circuit breaker lo lockdown to begin this Friday.

On Facebook the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group posted: “As we move into another, hopefully temporary, lockdown and in preparation for what could be some difficult months ahead the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group plans to resume its work and set up a new network of support in Llangollen for those who need help, are isolated, or are vulnerable during these difficult times.

“We hope to provide regular contact and support with shopping.

“If you need support or know of anyone who you think we could help please contact:

Austin Cheminais (Chem)07813 761766, chemshouts@gmail.com; John Palmer

07515 051696, palmerjc28@gmail.com. If you need help collecting prescriptions contact Sheena Grindley, 07592 018533.

Llangollen Group of Anglican Churches posted: “Following the announcement from the First Minister of Wales today, there will be no Sunday services until the National Lockdown has ended.

“A service will be live-streamed on this page at 11am on Sunday morning.

Please pray for each other during this challenging time.”

The message from the Ponderosa Cafe was: “Good afternoon everyone. I hope this message finds you all well amidst these strange times we again find ourselves and our livelihoods in.

“For the time being the Cafe will remain closed following Mark Drakeford’s recent announcement placing Wales into a circuit break national lockdown (from Friday 23rd October).

“Furthermore there will be another road closure week commencing October 26th, the main Horseshoe Pass road A542 will close for three weeks for essential maintenance works.

“At this moment in time the prospect of opening the Ponderosa Cafe before November is looking very bleak, hopefully we can get the Cafe open for December in time for our Christmas lunches, a bit of snow wouldn’t go amiss.

“I believe it would bring a bit of much needed Christmas cheer to children and adults alike.

“To all our wonderful customers I thank you once again the support we have received has been truly overwhelming and it honestly keeps us moving forward in these uncertain times.

“An update regarding the Cafe will coincide with the Welsh assembly’s update in two weeks time on the 9th of November. Kindest regards Simon Clemence.”

Llangollen Wharf posted: “You will all now know that we will be closed from 6pm Friday. So as a last farewell before the boys go on their winter holidays we are going to be running horsedrawn boat trips on Thursday 22nd at 11am 12.30 and 2pm.

“Our Tea Room will be open every day also from 9am till 4.30pm for eating at the Wharf or Take Away. You can book the trips on our website or phone the Wharf on 01978 860702.”

Posting from the Bridge End Hotel was: “Update: Following today's announcement, we will sadly be closing our doors again on Friday, 23rd October at 6 pm until Monday, 9th November.

“But we need your help... to clear our stock over the next 4 days, we've got Robinsons Smooth at £2.00 per pint and Unicorn at £2.50 per pint. So please pop by and have a drink in your local... When the beer has gone, it's gone!

“Thanks for your amazing support over the last few months and we can't wait to welcome you back on the 9th!”

And Dee Valley Produce posted: “HERE WE GO AGAIN........

“So just to keep you all up to date, I thought we would just put up a little reminder-

We are still going to be open as usual Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sunday 10-3.30pm.

“We are still doing free home deliveries and collections. To place an order call us on 01978861805. We can take payment over the phone and except cash.”

Llangollen Pizza & Kebab said on Facebook: "Dear customers,

"We find ourselves In the midst of uncertainty yet again. It’s like March all over.

"Well. At least we know now what we didn’t know before and rest assured, you will have your favourite takeaway ready to break the monotony of lock down life!

"We will still be open as usual. Visit our website https://llangollenkebabpizzapalace.co.uk

to order a delivery or a collection from our array of delicious, authentic kebabs and stone baked pizzas!

"From all our team here, we wanted to wish everyone good health in these difficult times and hope that all of us can support each other through this! "

 

County responds to circuit breaker announcement

Denbighshire County Council says the announcement made by First Minister Mark Drakeford this afternoon (Monday) regarding the circuit breaker does provide some clarity for residents and the authority says it will work with communities in the on-going fight against covid-19.

Last week, the council provided feedback to the Welsh Government via the Welsh Local Government Association, calling for guidance to be provided to the public and councils on the conditions of the lockdown; which businesses, premises and council services would be allowed to remain open and clarification on individual movement and households mixing.

Cabinet also called for a clear commitment and description of the support package that will be available to businesses and the self- employed and robust guidance to local authorities on eligibility, administration and funding arrangements and also asked for a commitment to fully reimburse local authorities for income loss and additional costs incurred resulting from implementing Welsh Government’s lockdown.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “The fact that the announcement has been made will end a lot of speculation that has taken place in recent days and will provide some clarity of what’s expected of communities right across Wales in terms of the timings of the circuit breaker.  We would like some answers to how this will all work and the devil is in the fine detail.

"There are still many unanswered questions around business and the support for businesses that will be affected by the new restrictions.

“Doing nothing is simply not an option and we do recognise that something needs to be done.  That is why we will work with Welsh Government, our partners and communities right across Denbighshire to implement these measures.

“We will now be considering the effect of the circuit breaker on the services that we provide in Denbighshire and will be making announcements in the coming days on which services will be affected and how people may access services in a different way."

*Details of the circuit breaker restrictions can be found on the Welsh Government website: www.gov.wales

Wales goes into "short sharp" national lockdown from Friday

* First Minister Mark Drakeford announces the new lockdown.

Wales will go into a "short, sharp" national lockdown from Friday until Monday, 9 November, the BBC says.

People will be told to stay at home, while pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops will shut.

Primary schools will reopen after the half-term break, but only Years 7 and 8 in secondary schools will return at that time under new "firebreak" rules.

Gatherings indoors and outdoors with people not in your household will also be banned.

Leisure businesses, community centres, libraries and recycling centres will shut. Places of worship will be closed for normal services, except for funerals and weddings.

The announcement follows rising case numbers in Wales and increasing hospital admissions, and replaces the 17 local lockdowns that had been in place.

Figures now stand at 130 coronavirus cases per 100,000 over seven days - there were 4,127 cases recorded between 9 and 15 October.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said the "time-limited 'firebreak'" will be "a short, sharp, shock to turn back the clock, slow down the virus and buy us more time".

Halloween and Bonfire Night gatherings will not be allowed under the restrictions, which begin on Friday at 18:00 BST.

But there will be an exception for small Remembrance Sunday commemoration services on 8 November.

Universities in Wales will continue to provide "a blend of in-person and online learning".

If students have reading weeks or half-term they will also need to stay at home in their university accommodation, the first minister said.

The Welsh Government has provided a package of almost £300m to support businesses.

According to the BusinessLive website, this will include:

• Extra Economic Resilience Fund of £300m.
• £150m into Phase 3 of the ERF to support those businesses directly affected by the fire break.
• Every business covered by Small Business Rate Relief will get a £1,000 payment.
• Small and medium sized retail, leisure and hospitality businesses which have to close will receive one-off payment of up to £5,000. They will come to businesses automatically.
• Additional discretionary grant and support for smaller businesses who are struggling because of restrictions.
• £80 ERF fund announced recently increase to £100m. £20m ringfenced for tourism and hospitality.
• Businesses will also be able to access the support available through the existing Job Retention Scheme or the new expanded Job Support Scheme.

County recognised by RSPCA for its work with animals

Denbighshire County Council is celebrating receiving national accreditation from the RSPCA for its work in dealing with stray dogs and animal activity licensing.

For this it has been awarded a gold and bronze standard.

The RSPA runs Paw Prints, its animal activity recognition programme, each year and recognises authorities which demonstrate they have met the relevant standards to be awarded. 

The honours awards those who work tirelessly to improve animal welfare, campaign on behalf of animals or show true bravery.

The council has been honoured with the Gold Footprint standard for its work with stray dogs, whilst it received the Bronze Footprint for its animal licensing activity.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “The fact that Denbighshire picked up two awards is great news and is a testament to the team’s hard work.

“There is a strong partnership between the Public Protection team and the North Clwyd Animal Rescue Centre, as well as specialist vets who support the animal licensing process. Every effort is made to try and reunite dogs with their owners before they are taken to an animal rescue centre.

"Local authorities have a key role to play in protecting the welfare of animals and it’s great that Denbighshire’s commitment has been recognised at a national level."

Four pupils out of 1,102 test positive to Covid-19 at Ysgol Dinas Bran

The school has said that as of this evening (Sunday) four pupils out of a total of 1,102 at Ysgol Dinas Bran have tested positive for Covid-19.

All parents and carers have been informed and both the Local Authority and the school have consulted with Public Health Wales. 

The school will remain open and the Council is working closely with it, Public Health Wales as well as NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect pupils, staff and the wider community.

Parents/guardians have been advised to remain alert for the main symptoms of coronavirus:

• A new or continuous cough
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

Those advised to self-isolated should book a coronavirus test if they develop any of these symptoms, even if they are mild. A test can be booked by phoning 119 or online: www.gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

Advice requires those self-isolating to stay at home, not to go outdoors to exercise, to visit shops, family or friends, or to other public spaces. Please do not invite people to your house.

Further formation on Test, Trace, Protect can be found here https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

MP raises local transport upgrades with Prime Minister

* Simon Baynes MP at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has raised the need for an upgrade to the A483/A5 with the Prime Minister.

During Prime Minister's Questions with Boris Johnson in the House of Commons he also called for an improvement in railway journey times in North Wales.

Mr Baynes praised the recently-announced Union Connectivity Review, chaired by Sir Peter Hendy, which was commissioned by the Prime Minister and will review transport connections across the UK. 

He said that his constituents in Clwyd South would welcome improvements to railway journey times in North Wales and an upgrade to the A483/A5, before asking the Prime Minister if he agreed that the review demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to building back better in a strong United Kingdom.

In response, the Prime Minister said: “I thank my Hon. Friend, who represents a constituency that I once fought for.

"He represents it well, but I do not think I fought for it very well. I know the A483/A5 connection well, and Sir Peter [Hendy CBE, who is leading the review] will certainly look at that scheme and many others in his Union connectivity review.”

Speaking later, Mr Baynes said: “The Prime Minister knows our area and Clwyd South very well, not least from his time as the former Parliamentary Candidate for Clwyd South. 

"I am pleased that my mention of the need for a cut in railway journey times in North Wales and an upgrade to the A483/A5 received such a positive response and I look forward to seeing how the Union Connectivity Review progresses in the coming months.”

Corsa-e gives more power to the electric car circuit

* The Vauxhall Corsa-e.

Vauxhall Corsa-e road test by Steve Rogers

Who is ready to take the plunge and drive electric?

You would be joining a growing band - sales have almost doubled every year since 2018 and could reach 70,000 this year. But for the pandemic -rippling car sales that figure would have been even higher.

The surge in sales, particularly this year, is being driven by greater choice with just about every car company offering one or more electric models, the majority based on existing names but watch out for a flurry of bespoke electric cars. Volkswagen has just launched the ID 3 with a maximum range of 263 miles and a starting price just under £30k.

Interestingly the best selling electric car is the Tesla Model 3 which costs a lofty £56k but that is likely to change as the big players ramp up their electric portfolio.

So apart from doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions why switch to electric? 

The simple answer is cheaper motoring. An independent survey by Lease Plan showed that an electric car would cost £132 less per month than a similarly priced petrol and that survey examined every conceivable cost of ownership.

I've just spent a week with the new electric powered Vauxhall Corsa, a car I predict will do well on the 'e' circuit. The starting price of £27,665 is competitive but you can see why some buyers will shy away when a basic Corsa is just over £16,000.

We have to you have to look at the bigger picture and the fact that politicians want a huge shift in favour of electric vehicles by the end of the decade.

The Corsa-e price comparison is not a true reflection because there are only two to choose from and the equipment level on the entry model is heaps ahead of the 16 grand Corsa, plus it costs more to build an electric car.

For the Corsa-e Vauxhall increased the wheelbase to accommodate the 50kW battery pick positioned under the front and back seats but there is no compromise on space either for passengers or luggage.

Likewise there is very little difference in driving characteristics unless you pass through a series of B road curves when the car wallows a little with the extra weight of the battery pack but nothing to trouble the majority of drivers.

The biggest surprise, and a very nice one, is the performance which is phenomenal. Unlike a conventional motor the electric car gives max power the instant the accelerator is pressed and the Corsa-e will knock off 60mph in 7.6 seconds the sort of figure you get from a GTI but without the boy racer noise. Top speed is a more than adequate 93mph.

What was it like to live with? Pretty normal because the majority of my trips were short so there was never any stress of running out of charge, Remember, if you do it is a recovery job because there is no popping to the nearest garage for can of petrol!

Charging is best done via a wall box at your home which Vauxhall will charge £300 to fit. A full charge takes seven and a half hours but as you are always likely to have miles left in the 'tank'  three to four hours will do the job.

Surveys show the average journey is no more than 30 miles so there is no reason to get worked up about switching to an electric car.... until you want to take a long trip.

That is when planning comes into play and for some this is going to be a real faff. My experience with Corsa-e showed that if I wanted to drive 300 miles a top up point would need to be found no more than 150 miles into the journey. Finding a point for a 30 minute 85 per cent charge is not a problem using a mobile phone app, it is whether it's conveniently situated on the route.

The route throws up all sorts of variables for battery range, a hilly route will use up more charge, driving at 70mph on the motorway will quickly reduce the range, so best to stick just below 65mph and use the regenerative braking setting which gives the longest range by harvesting energy when braking and decelerating to put miles back into the battery and it is surprising how effective this is at increasing the range.

My top of the range Elite Nav proved a friendly partner and wants for nothing, heated seats, heated steering wheel, LED automatic dipping headlights, some of the luxury bits while navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connection via a 7inch touchscreen and numerous safety features contribute to a long spec list.

Am I ready to go electric? No, but I am struggling to come up with a good enough reason why. My main issue is concern about long trips because the current charging structure does not satisfy demand.

Ted Gunning, the boss of LeasePlan, hit the nail on the head saying 'policy makers need to step up' when it comes to providing enough EV charging stations.

Sort that out and we will be fine.

Need to know

Corsa-e Elite Nav

£31,160

Electric motor 134bhp

Range 209 miles

0-60mph 7.6secs; 93mph

Battery warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles

Car tax: Zero

Insurance group 25

Boot: 309-1118 litres

Llangollen Railway appoints new board members

* Platform paving at the new Corwen station. Picture by Paul Reynolds.

Llangollen Railway is pleased to announce the new members of the railway’s management boards.

llanblogger reported last week that there had been a number of resignations from the two boards.

According to the railway, the arose from major differences of opinion with the board’s heritage policy as being applied to the Corwen project.

Following a meeting on October 3, prospective new boards were formed for Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd and Llangollen Railway plc. 

The composition of the boards is:

Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd:

Bob Gordon, Chairman
Phil Coles, Vice Chairman
Phil Freeth, Finance Manager
Paul Bailey, Revenue and Fund Raising
Maureen, Theobald Volunteer Liaison Officer
Bob Creasey, Secretary
Andy Maxwell, Engineering
Pete Edwards, Diesel Group

Llangollen Railway plc:

Bob Gordon, Chairman
Phil Coles Vice, Chairman
Andy Maxwell, Engineering Director
Mike Williams, Operations Director
John Bearne, Health and Safety Director
Paul Bailey, Finance Director
Maureen Theobald, HR
Bob Creasey, Acting Secretary

The directors were all co-opted by the chairman, Bob Gordon, and have been registered at Companies House/Charity Commission.

The new directors will remain in office until the forthcoming AGM and beyond, subject to members' approval.

In a statement the railway says: "The new members bring a wealth of experience from their business careers, as well as being active railway volunteers, to inject new ideas and fresh impetus to the business. 

"They look for the continued support of all members and shareholders in seeing the way through the present difficult circumstances to secure the future of the Llangollen Railway."

Chairman Bob Gordon said, “Other volunteers have already offered to help the new board in many capacities and again the board wishes to thank them for offering their services. 

"Engaging and valuing volunteers and representing the wishes of the Trust members will be a policy priority of the new Board.

“The board fully supports the work of the project team at Corwen and applauds the completion of the platform paving which has produced a magnificent surface that has been greatly admired.

“As a consequence of the Covid-19 travel restrictions in North East Wales, we have reluctantly cancelled the running of trains during half term from 24 October, but are continuing with plans for the festive season with Santa trains and Mince Pie Specials in December.”

County calls for urgent information ahead of circuit breaker announcement

Denbighshire County Council has called on Welsh Government to provide urgent information to local authorities before a public announcement on the circuit breaker is made early next week.

The council’s cabinet has provided feedback to the Welsh Government via the Welsh Local Government Association, calling for guidance to be provided to the public and councils on the conditions of the lockdown - which businesses, premises and council services would be allowed to remain open and clarification on individual movement and households mixing.

Cabinet had also called for a clear commitment and description of the support package that will be available to businesses and the self- employed and "robust" guidance to local authorities on eligibility, administration and funding arrangements.  

This, they say, should include a furlough scheme at least equivalent to the ‘flexible furlough’ scheme due to cease at the end of this month 

The council had also asked for a commitment to fully reimburse local authorities for income loss and additional costs incurred resulting from implementing Welsh Government’s lockdown, with the ability to negotiate on the nature and level of these additional costs as they are determined.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire, said: “It’s extremely important that Welsh Government provide clear information to the public on how they come to their decision on the proposed circuit breaker and to justify the actions being proposed.  

"Residents rightly want to know the facts and figures behind the decision, what has driven the Welsh Government into making this decision. They also need clarify on how it will work and when it will end.

“We believe that the measures we have highlighted are essential to ensuring public support and business and service sustainability, not just over the lockdown period, but over the winter and in to the New Year.

“We fully recognise that something needs to be done. Doing nothing is not an option. However, we are not convinced that this is the right measure at the right time,  and are concerned that the long term damage to the economy and to the mental health of residents are not being given due weight in decision making. 

“We maintain our call for greater information to help convince the public that this action is the right approach and the sensible way of trying to halt the increase in coronavirus cases."

Police statement on enforcing lockdown rules

On behalf of the four Welsh Police Forces, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Harrison, North Wales Police said: “As we move into a critical stage of the virus progression, policing across Wales will continue to support the Welsh Government to help limit the spread of the virus.   

“We absolutely recognise the great strain on people and the sacrifices that we are all making to get through this difficult time. Throughout the pandemic we’ve worked closely with our partners to ensure that measures are in place to help communities and prevent the spread of COVID-19. This will continue as we respond to the current situation.

“You will see increased visibility across our force areas where we will be trying to help our communities do the right thing and protect themselves and others.

“Our focus continues to be to reassure, inform and engage with people – explaining the regulations and encouraging compliance. We all have a personal responsibility to comply to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities from this virus.

“However we are now at a time where we will robustly enforce the regulations where there are blatant breaches, we will not allow the selfish minority to risk the health of the vast majority who have sacrificed so much over the last few months.   

“We intend to focus our activity on areas and behaviours that pose the greatest risk to our communities and we will be proactive in targeting those that are not sticking to the gathering rules, whether that be indoors or outdoors. 

“People should not be travelling between the areas facing local restrictions without defined reasonable excuses. This will include those that travel from other parts of the UK with high transmission rates.

“If you live in Wales in a non-restricted area you must not leave Wales to travel to other areas of the UK with high transmission rates - again without a reasonable excuse.

“All the actions we take and the effort we put in will be focussed towards limiting the spread of the virus, helping us all protect our loved ones, our communities and our vital health service.  

“The demand on North Wales Police has returned to pre-Covid level. And as a result, it is essential that people comply with the restrictions to reduce the number of breaches which officers have to respond to. We need people to recognise that wilfully flouting the guidance places unnecessary strain on already stretched resources.

“The weeks and months ahead will be difficult but we all need to work together to get the best result we can for our families.   

“We all have a shared responsibility to protect the NHS, please use your common sense and help us together to protect our communities and save lives."

Further details regarding the restrictions are available via the Welsh Government website.

Welsh Government considering 'circuit breaker' lockdown

Hospitality and non-essential retail would close under proposals under consideration for a 'circuit breaker' in Wales, BusinessLive is reporting this afternoon.

The story says: "Welsh Government is currently considering whether to bring in much tougher short-term measures to stem the rising tide of coronavirus cases.

"Mark Drakeford this afternoon confirmed they were looking at this "fire break" for "weeks and not months".

"They have held briefings with council leaders and chief executives in Wales as well as business group leaders.

"Sources have given more details about the proposals on the table.

"It includes a shutdown for stores, restaurants and pubs, which comes on the back of an incredibly difficult 2020 so far.

"No final decisions have been made but the sources said these were the measures being considered: 

• Two/three week circuit breaker coming into force on Friday, October 23.
 
• Stay at home message (similar to spring lockdown) - apart from essential work and medical.
 
• All hospitality and non-essential retail to close.
 
• Indoor activities to stop - including closure of leisure centres.
 
• Parks and cemeteries to stay open
 

• Primary schools to return after half term BUT secondary schools to remain closed for two/three period with remote learning for pupils. This will include the one week of half term and then an additional week or two, depending on the length of the circuit breaker."

Clwyd South receives £30,774,732 in Government Covid loans

Businesses across Clwyd South have benefitted from £30,774,732 worth of loans since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak. 

This includes 961 Bounce Back Loans (100 per cent Government-backed loans which are interest-free for the first 12 months) worth £24,874,029. 

The scheme ensures that small firms who need vital cash injections to keep operating can get finance in a matter of days, with no repayments due during the first 12 months.

In addition, 26 loans have been made in Clwyd South at a value of £5,900,703 through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme. This scheme has helped small and medium-sized businesses to access loans and other kinds of finance up to £5 million.

Across Wales, a total of 48,893 Bounce Back Loans, worth £1,347,011,281, and 1,691 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, worth £373,795,012 have been provided to support businesses across all sectors, protecting jobs and livelihoods.

The Chancellor also announced last week that the government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses required to close their doors as a result of Coronavirus restrictions, alongside increasing the cash grants to businesses in England required to shut in local lockdowns to support with fixed costs–worth up to £3,000 per month.

Commenting, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: “So far, the Government has provided over £200 billion throughout its economic response to coronavirus to support jobs and businesses in the UK.

“This year has been hugely challenging for businesses in Clwyd South, but these latest figures demonstrate the scale of support that the Conservative Government has put in place to protect livelihoods and businesses.

“Never has the Conservatives’ agenda to level up the whole county been so important–and we will continue to focus on supporting hardworking families across Clwyd South.”

Climate change plan for county council decision-making approved

Denbighshire County Council has made climate change a guiding principle in its decision making process.

Last year the council declared a climate change and ecological emergency which included a commitment to make the authority net carbon zero by 2030, enhance biodiversity across the county and call on the Welsh and UK governments to provide assistance and resources to enable the council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Full council voted unanimously today (October 13) to amend its constitution so all decisions made ‘have regard to tackling climate and ecological change’.

Cllr Graham Timms, the council’s Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Working Group Chair, said: “This decision shows the commitment Denbighshire County Council has made to tackling climate and ecological change. By making climate and ecological change a part of our decision making we hope to limit the Council’s impact on further exacerbating climate and ecological change and to maximise opportunities to make a positive contribution.  

“We believe we are the first Council in Wales to take such a step.”

Cllr Brian Jones the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “This is a positive step for the Council and we are continuing to work on ensuring the Council is reducing its carbon footprint and increasing biodiversity in the county.

“We have already achieved a lot, we have reduced carbon emissions from our buildings and fleet by 15 per cent since 2017, the Council now only uses renewable electricity for its own buildings after switching to a renewable only energy provider for its schools, leisure centres, libraries, council offices and depots and we are over halfway to reaching our target of planting 18,000 trees by 2022.

“Our Climate and Ecological Change Strategy and Action Plan to get the Council to net carbon zero and ecologically positive by 2030 which we engaged with the public on earlier this year will be ready early next year. We intend to consult with the public on the draft strategy in November.”

188 pupils plus staff member at Ysgol Dinas Bran isolate after confirmed Covid case

Breaking news ...

Denbighshire County Council has confirmed that 188 pupils and one member of staff at Ysgol Dinas Bran have been asked to self-isolate until 23 October due to a confirmed Covid 19 case associated with the school.

All parents and guardians have been informed and both the Local Authority and the schools have consulted with Public Health Wales.

The schools remain open and the council is working closely with the schools affected, Public Health Wales as well as NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect to ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect pupils, staff and the wider community.

Parents/guardians have been advised to remain alert for the main symptoms of coronavirus:

• A new or continuous cough
• A high temperature
• A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

Those advised to self-isolated should book a coronavirus test if they develop any of these symptoms, even if they are mild. A test can be booked by phoning 119 or online: www.gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

Advice requires those self-isolating to stay at home, not to go outdoors to exercise, to visit shops, family or friends, or to other public spaces. Please do not invite people to your house.

* Further formation on Test, Trace, Protect can be found here https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus

Free schools meals for holidays pledged by Welsh Government

* Marcus Rashford.

The Welsh Government has guaranteed free school meal provision for all school holidays up to and including Easter 2021, thanks to £11m confirmed today by Education Minister Kirsty Williams.

The move has been backed by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford saying he welcomed ‘the Welsh Government's swift response to this urgent need in protecting the most vulnerable children across the country.’

Making the announcement ahead of the October half term through a video released on her Twitter channel, the Minister said she hoped the confirmation would provide ‘some reassurance in these times of uncertainty’. 

The Minister also confirmed that more than £700k had also been allocated to support colleges with the equivalent provision for eligible learners.

Speaking today, the Minister said: “We have worked tirelessly this year to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and the countless challenges it has presented but we have not, and will not, forget those for who school is about far more than education.

“I am pleased to confirm that we have today made £11m available to provide free school meal provisions over every school holiday up to and including Easter 2021.

“I really hope this provides some reassurance in these times of uncertainty.”

Marcus Rashford MBE added: "Holiday provision is vital to stabilising households during the school closures, given the devastating effects of COVID-19.

“Having this framework in place for the foreseeable future will have a significantly positive impact on children who are struggling to engage in learning due to anxiety and fear, not to mention the noise of their rumbling stomachs.

“No child in 2020 should be sat in a classroom worried about how they are going to access food during the holidays, and the impact that will have on their parents when matched with unemployment, ill health and, in some cases, personal loss.

“There is still so much more work to be done to protect this next generation but I welcome the Welsh Government's swift response to this urgent need in protecting the most vulnerable children across the country. Our children and their welfare should never not be the priority."

Ensuring the continuation of free school meal provision has been a key priority for the Welsh Government as it has responded to the coronavirus pandemic - it had already allocated £41.7m before today’s announcement bringing the total now to £52.7m.

When the Minister announced she would close schools on Wednesday, March 18 she quickly confirmed that £7 million would be made available to local authorities to put in place measures to ensure that children eligible for free school meals would continue to benefit from this scheme.

Then on April 22 Wales became the first country in the UK to guarantee ongoing funding for children to continue to benefit from free school meal provision up to and including the end of the summer holidays

On September 20, after schools had reopened, the Minister confirmed at least £420,000 had been made available to ensure all pupils entitled to free school meals would continue to receive provisions if they were shielding or had to self-isolate.

County council repeats #Keepyourdistance message

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents of the importance of social distancing, to help the fight against covid-19.

The county is preparing to enter the third week of local restrictions, and the council says that whilst the vast majority of Denbighshire residents have been adhering to social distancing guidelines, now is the time to keep up the good work and encourage everyone to continue to follow the health and hygiene guidelines.

The council, working with its partners across North Wales, has been running its #keepyourdistance campaign over recent weeks, with messages being shared on social media, in the press and in communities.  

Many organisations across North Wales have supported the campaign by sharing the information, to reach as wide an audience as possible.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, who are co-ordinating the campaign, said: “We are proud of the efforts of communities in Denbighshire. They have really played their part in trying to stop the spread of covid-19 across our region but we are asking everyone to step up and think about the health and well-being of friends, family and the wider community.

“It’s more important now than ever to continue to social distance. We have been seeing increases in the number of cases across Wales and we are concerned that the position will continue to escalate unless we all play our part and follow the stringent social distancing and hygiene measures.

“We have seen anecdotal evidence of people not social distancing. This is an issue facing all areas of Wales and all we can do is continue to remind people of the social distancing regulations and hope they take notice.

“Our #Keepyourdistance campaign has been gathering momentum, with organisations and individuals sharing the messages on social media.  

"We thank people for their support and hope that people take notice of the message.  We must continue in our efforts to try and halt the increase in the cases in Denbighshire."

Local MP explains his voting position on Agriculture Bill

Clwyd South Conservative MP Simon Baynes explains why he voted the way he did on the Agriculture Bill earlier this week.

"Recently, a number of constituents have contacted me with concerns about the recent vote on the Agriculture Bill. I have responded to each one, but I also want to share my thoughts publicly, so that people can make up their own minds about the Bill. 

"In short, the quality of food imported into the UK cannot and will not change as a result of the Agriculture Bill. 

"The purpose of the Bill is to set agricultural policy in England only, with agriculture policy in Wales being the responsibility of the Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay. 

"Food from abroad comes in through specific bilateral trade deals. And I will never vote for a deal that allows produce into our country which undercuts our Clwyd South farmers and food producers.

"This means that our food standards, healthcare standards and all other standards cannot be undercut by any trade deal we make with any other nation. Domestic standards can only be changed by a vote in Parliament, which neither I nor the Conservative Party will not vote in favour of or support. 

"For example, chlorinated chicken and hormone injected beef are already illegal to import – and to produce – in this country and will always remain so unless a new law is introduced in Parliament – which neither I nor my colleagues will ever vote in favour of.

"The UK Government has listened to concerns from farmers and those working in the agricultural community. This has resulted in the establishment of an independent Trade Standards Committee will ensure that trade deals are independently scrutinised. 

"As an MP, I have many opportunities to raise concerns about trade deals on behalf of constituents with Government Ministers. Time and time again, Ministers have said on record that they will not lower standards in any trade deals and I remain confident that this will continue to be the case.

"Again, it would take a separate vote in Parliament to lower any food standards and I will not vote in favour of it. 

"I speak regularly with people in the agricultural community, both across Clwyd South and in the rest of North Wales, all of whom are proud of the goods they produce and are looking forward to exporting our high-quality produce across the world. 

"I will continue to fight in Parliament for our farmers and food producers and will not support any measure that lowers our food standards or harms the livelihoods of our farmers."

Wales introduces inward travel ban from Friday

* Now with comments at foot of story from Clwyd South MS Ken Skates

* First Minister Mark Drakeford.

The BBC is reporting this afternoon that people from parts of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland that have high rates of coronavirus will be banned from travelling to Wales from Friday.

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said the move was needed "to prevent the spread of infection within Wales" and elsewhere in the UK. 

It follows a row with the prime minister over whether parts of England should have travel restrictions. 

Mr Drakeford had written twice in recent weeks to Boris Johnson asking for travel to be restricted in and out of areas with high levels of transmission in England. 

The UK government has refused to do so, instead asking people in the worst affected areas to avoid non-essential travel.

Mr Drakeford said he had had no "formal response" from the prime minister.

He said: "Evidence from public health professionals suggests coronavirus is moving from east to west across the UK and across Wales. 

"As a general rule, it is concentrating in urban areas and then spreading to more sparsely populated areas as a result of people travelling." 

The rules will come into force on Friday at 18:00 BST.

Local Member of the Senedd has welcomed action by the Welsh Government to stop people from areas with high coronavirus infection rates elsewhere in the UK from travelling to Wales. 

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates said: “I have received a number of emails and calls from constituents who are rightly frustrated that while they are continuing to make sacrifices to keep Wales safe people from parts of England with much higher infection rates have been able to travel over the border into North Wales. 

“People in Llangollen have reported their concerns to me about this since the temporary restrictions were introduced in Denbighshire. 

"The First Minister has repeatedly called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to follow Wales’ lead by introducing urgent travel restrictions in English areas with high infection rates – which was echoed this week by the Plaid Cymru Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales. Sadly, the Prime Minister has repeatedly refused to take action despite increasing calls from neighbouring English councils for similar measures. 

“This could have been dealt with much earlier by the UK Government taking responsibility rather than delaying matters by forcing the Welsh Government to undertake complex legal discussions. I am glad the First Minister has continued to prioritise the safety of the people of Wales and I’m sure many others will welcome this decisive action.”