What the county council is doing to help during the lockdown

Denbighshire County Council is calling on the county’s residents to comply with the ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown introduced yesterday in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus cases across Wales.

Its leader Councillor Hugh Evans said: “Over recent weeks we have seen a significant increase in the number of cases of coronavirus across the whole of Wales and the Welsh Government has made it clear that urgent measures need to be taken to try and avoid going into a full lockdown.

“Now that we have clarity on the circuit breaker, we now need to make sure that we all play our part in working through the restrictions. 

“We fully recognise that some people may find the idea difficult, especially given the sacrifices made by people earlier in the year, but compliance is essential. We really need to do this to try and protect our most vulnerable in our communities.

“On top of the new restrictions, we must also continue to adhere to the social distancing measures, as well as wearing face masks to visit the essential shops and following stringent hygiene measures.

“The council and its partners will continue to remind people of the restrictions being introduced through local media, websites and social media feeds."

Information about the restrictions can be found on: www.gov.wales

* The council says it is resuming its wellbeing checks on vulnerable residents during this new lockdown.

It will begin contacting people on the shielding patients' list from Monday, October 26.

Staff from the library service will be making calls to check on people’s wellbeing, to see if they need any help, and to check that they will be keeping warm over the winter. 

Any residents who are concerned about the legitimacy of these calls should hang up and call the Council back direct on 01824 706000. 

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the Council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “We want to reassure vulnerable residents that we will be resuming the wellbeing checks we carried out during the first lockdown.

“These calls will provide a service to those members of our community who need extra support during this difficult time.  

"During the first lockdown we contacted more than 5,000 people and were in regular contact with a majority of those. 

The council’s telephone befriending service, which is staffed by council employees and volunteers, including a number of county councillors, continues during this period.

* Work has been carried out by Denbighshire County Council officers with input from county councillors and town and community councils to map out a list of resources available during the Covid-19 outbreak across Denbighshire.

You can find the list at https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/coronavirus/community-resources.aspx

The list contains information about local emerging groups and businesses across Denbighshire offering support including information about food deliveries, grocery services and support services. 

As well as community based information it also contains links to a variety of support agencies and networks which operate locally, regionally and nationally.

This list of key information will be updated on a regular basis and should you have any information or links that you feel would be useful to residents please email to: communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk

Chancellor’s statement doesn’t go far enough says Finance Minister

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans (pictured) says the job support measures set out by the Chancellor yesterday are ‘a step in the right direction’, but warns that the level of support does not go far enough to guarantee a decent income for workers.

The Minister also expressed her disappointed at the news of a one-year spending review and called on the UK Government to put an end to its "stop-start approach" to handling public finances.

Rebecca Evans said: “Whilst the Chancellor's announcement is a step in the right direction, I am calling on the UK Government to ensure that under this new scheme employers will not be any worse off than they were under the Job Retention Scheme. 

“Throughout the Covid crisis, the package of support we have provided to businesses in Wales has been more generous than that in any other part of the UK. We are still working through the details of the announcement, but we anticipate that the support we will be providing to businesses who have to close as a result of the two week firebreak will still be more generous than that provided in England.”

The Minister continued: “We also need to see an end to the UK Government’s stop-start approach to handling public finances. This approach, coupled with a lack of multi-year investment, is deeply unhelpful and makes the task of managing our budgets an extremely difficult one.

“We need long term spending commitments from the UK Government to enable us to continue to protect the people of Wales from the worst impacts of the pandemic, and to help us better manage our public services and start to lay the foundations for our recovery.”

Fresh roadworks to start on Horseshoe Pass on Monday

Denbighshire County Council is advising motorists and residents in the south of the county about planned roadworks on the A542 at the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen.

The road will be closed from Monday, 26^th October for preparatory works, ahead of essential road surfacing works to take place. 

The road is expected to be closed for three weeks, but will be open for traffic over the weekends whenever possible.  

The area affected is between the quarry and the lay-by near the summit of the Horseshoe Pass.

Diversions are in place and will be signposted.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We have previously undertaken some works along the Pass to carry out some drainage works ahead of the main surfacing project.

“This work due to be carried out over the next few weeks is essential, as it will provide some quality improvement to the road surface.  

"We will try and minimise the disruption and we would like to thank motorists in advance for their co-operation and understanding."

Residents asked to exercise in local areas during lockdown

Denbighshire residents are being encouraged to exercise in their local areas during the upcoming lockdown.

As part of the Welsh Government’s ‘firebreak’ lockdown which starts at 6pm today (Friday) residents are asked not to travel to exercise or visit beauty spots in the county such as Loggerheads and Moel Famau country parks. 

People are advised to take exercise from their homes and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB will be posting ideas for local walks throughout the lockdown period on its social media account. 

Cllr Tony Thomas, the council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “During the lockdown residents are asked not to travel to exercise so we are encouraging residents to take advantage of their local areas.

“Exercise is vitally important for everyone’s wellbeing and from the coastal areas with their beaches to the rural areas of the county there are a wealth of local walks and opportunities for exercise.

“We are encouraging residents to take advantage of their local area, to exercise from home and to continue to practice social distancing and good hygiene to stop the spread of the virus and protect our communities.”

Residents are advised that the Countryside Centre at Loggerheads Country Park will be closed during the lockdown.

 

MP explains why he voted against free school meals extension

* Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes.

Clwyd South Conservative MP Simon Baynes has sent a statement to llanblogger explaining why he voted against the move by Marcus Rashford to extend free school meals over the half term break during a House of Commons debate yesterday evening.

The footballer, who is leading a campaign on child hunger, urged MPs to "unite" and stop being influenced by "political affiliation".

MPs eventually rejected the Labour motion for an extension by 322 votes to 261.

Amongst them was Simon Baynes who has told llanblogger: "Yesterday there was an Opposition Day debate on extending the provision of school meals in England over the school holidays. 

"It did not relate to Wales as this is a devolved responsibility of the Welsh Government. The vote was not binding, nor was it a proposed law.

"The reason for my vote was because Free School Meals have always been a school provision while students are in school. 

"In England it was rightly extended back in March 2020 to the start of September 2020 as the overwhelming majority of students were told not to come into school. 

"Therefore it was appropriate that Free School Meals via vouchers were given to students. In total £380m of vouchers were redeemed in supermarkets and elsewhere over that time.

"Students, though, are now back in school and those eligible for Free School Meals in England are getting that provision once again in their school setting. 

"This is a really positive policy which has my full support. I do not feel, however, that extending Free School Meals over the school holidays is the proper long term solution to tackling food inequality and food poverty in this country and I am working with colleagues across the House of Commons for a long term, sustainable solution. 

"The best long term approach lies in measures such as the UK government’s recent increase in funding to Universal Credit of £9.3bn or an average increase per household of £1,040 per year and the additional £63m given by the government to English Local Authorities in funding to get food, essentials and meals to those most in need, both young and old, which was praised by the Trussell Trust."

Reminder to parents/guardians of schools arrangements

Parents and guardians are being reminded of the arrangements for the next two weeks, following the Welsh Government’s decision of a fire break to try and halt the increase in the number of coronavirus cases across Wales.

Schools are closing on Friday, 23 October for half term.    Primary and special schools, together with years 7 and 8 at secondary schools will re-open the week commencing Monday, 2 November.  Parents and guardians are urged to check messages from their schools for any local arrangements that may differ).

Those students in secondary schools sitting examinations will be able to go into school for the examinations themselves.  All other pupils at secondary level will be learning from home for that week.

All schools are due to fully  re-open as normal on Monday, 9 November.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Children, Education and Public Engagement, said: “We would like to thank parents and guardians for their continued support.

“We recognise that the fire break or circuit breaker being implemented by Welsh Government may cause concerns and practical difficulties and people have already made big sacrifices during the previous lockdown. However, it’s essential that we all play our part in trying to stop the increase in cases in Denbighshire. That is down every one of us in Denbighshire communities working together.

“We will be issuing messages on social media during half term to remind parents and guardians of the arrangements for the following week and when we expect pupils to attend.  This will be supported by communications messages from individual schools.  

"School children up to and including year 8 will be returning after the half term. Other pupils from year 9 onwards will work remotely from home and will receive work packages that will be arranged through their school." 

Welsh Government brings rail franchise under public control

In the face of dramatic falls in passenger numbers the Welsh Government has decided to bring the Wales and Borders rail franchise under public control.

Transport Minister Ken Skates said the move will help secure the future of passenger services, protect jobs and maintain the Welsh Government’s ambitious plans for Metro.

The move comes after a challenging period in which Covid-19 has significantly impacted passenger numbers and rail revenue across Wales.

The new arrangements will see day to day rail services become the responsibility of a new publicly owned subsidiary of Transport for Wales, which includes a new partnership between Transport for Wales, Keolis and Amey.

Ken Skates said: “The last few months have been extremely challenging for public transport in Wales and across the UK.  Covid has significantly impacted passenger revenues and the Welsh Government has had to step in with significant support to stabilise the network and keep it running.

“We have decided to transfer of day to day rail services to a new publicly owned subsidiary of Transport for Wales”.

The decision follows the collapse of rail franchises across England as the privatised model comes under strain from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

“In Wales we continue a partnership approach between TfW and Keolis Amey as we work together to protect services for the Welsh public, safeguard jobs and secure the important Metro projects we have been working so hard on over the last few years.” Ken Skates added.

RMT union General Secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT welcomes this decision by the Welsh government and believes this is the best way to protect rail services in Wales. We will also be  seeking urgent assurances that railway workers jobs and conditions will be fully protected and the railway will be properly funded.

“RMT is also seeking reassurance that rail infrastructure maintenance will also continue to be provided by the public sector as it was under Network Rail.

“There is huge public support for public ownership because privatisation and profiteering has never been an efficient way to provide value for money, and  this is even more the case when extra funding has been needed during the Coronavirus pandemic.   

"So as well as supporting this decision we are calling on the UK government to give the Welsh Government the necessary powers and support to ensure the railways in Wales have a  safe, secure and sustainable future in public ownership.”

St Collen's reveals its plans for the church's future

* A raised platform for worship and performance would be built at the front of 

the nave after four rows of pews are removed.

llanblogger special report

Urgent action is needed to preserve St Collen’s Church for the future use of the people of Llangollen.

That was the strong message from priest-in-charge Father Lee Taylor as he showcased plans to upgrade the historic building with the aim of making it a hub for a wider range of religious and social use.

Father Lee used a Zoom meeting last night (Wednesday) to give full details of the Community Vision proposals.

These include:

* The removal of pews at the front of the nave to allow a raised platform stage to be built for worship and performance events    

* The provision of a folding kitchen to provide refreshments at cafe-style social gatherings

* Repositioning of the font to a more practical location      

* The installation of modern LED lights in the roof to highlight its historic beauty

* Fitting glass doors at entrances to allow the heavy oak front door to be left open to make the building feel more welcoming

* A new chapel for private worship where the current vestry is sited

* Replacing the traditional pipe organ with a digital version

Around 20 people interested in the future of St Collen’s were invited by Father Lee to join the Zoom meeting, including the architect in charge of the project Duncan Sanderson and members of the church’s task force group dealing with the project.

Father Lee started by drawing a comparison between Coronation Street – his favourite TV soap – and the Church generally.

“Throughout its 60 years’ history Coronation Street has never stopped changing because its producers realised that if it didn’t keep evolving it would die,” he said.

“The same can be said of the Church and the time has come for St Collen’s to change, to adapt our building so that we can better serve our community in a new, exciting and challenging ways.”

He said the call to change was more urgent than it had ever been, in the face of dwindling Sunday morning congregations across the whole of the Church in Wales, the lack of younger people joining and fewer priests being available to serve communities.

And he stressed: “The fact is that we must adapt or die. In 10 or 20 years if we don’t do something there will be no parish church. It will close.”

* An explanation of part of the Community Vision plan.

In a bid to make St Collen’s “more inclusive and accessible” the church has come up with the Community Vision blueprint which includes “both spiritual and social” elements.

Central to the plan would be the raised platform stage envisaged for the front of the church to make it easier for the congregation to see and hear what is happening. This could be used for worship and performance events.

This, explained Father Lee, would mean the removal of the front four rows of pews back behind the pillars, with ramp access to the stage on the north side.

He showed pictures from previous churches where he had worked in the south of England which had similar raised areas.

In Southwark Cathedral, for instance, a high platform had enables it to host scores of performances and concerts alongside its traditional services.         

To enable St Collen’s to host more social events where refreshments are served the plan proposes a folding kitchen is installed in the north west corner of the church where the choir vestry and font currently are.

The font is in this position because it was where the original church entrance was sited but Father Lee said it would make sense to move it for practical reasons.

The kitchen – constructed to look like a piece of furniture when folded – would, he said, allow St Collen’s to offer food and drinks not necessarily in the context of worship, such as candle-lit tours of the church, storytelling and bereavement cafes and exhibitions.

Describing the ornate roof with its medieval beams and carvings as the St Collen’s "crowning glory", Father Lee said the idea was to install LED lighting to enhance these features.

The new lighting would be flexible, capable of complementing worship, concerts and other events. 

Another aspect of the plan is for the south porch entrance and west doors under the tower to have glass doors fitted inside to both mitigate drafts and enable the original wooden doors to be left open when the church is in use, creating a visual link to the inside of the church to draw in passing pedestrians.

Father Lee said he knew the heavy oak doors at the south porch made some visitors hesitant about entering the church.

The rear three rows of pews would also be removed to increase space for visitor information and enable after-event and service mingling.

Other proposals include a new small chapel for private meditation and worship where the current vestry is, the replacement of the pipe organ with a much more compact digital instrument and better wheelchair access.

Architect Duncan Sanderson assured that none of the interventions would disturb the numerous memorials inside the church.

Father Lee said: “All the alterations and changes will be done with the utmost care and sensitivity to the historic building.”

He added that there was no time-frame for when these changes would happen.

“The plans are still being discussed and the Diocesan Advisory Committee must approve them before we make bids for funding. I think it’s a very exciting project,” he said.

People who attended the Zoom meeting gave a general thumbs-up to the proposals and Father Lee said later: “We are still in discussions about the costs.”

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I've just had my hours cut at work. I'd like to take on a second job, but there's nothing around. It sounds ridiculous to talk about Christmas now, but I'm already worrying! I usually start buying the kids a few presents really early to spread the cost - but that's going to be impossible this year. How can I make less go further, without going into debt?

A: I'm sorry to hear about the cut in your hours, and what it means for you.

One way to stretch household finances is to shop around for the best deals on your mobile phone and broadband (depending on the details of your price plan), and on utilities, such as electricity. Installing a water meter can also sometimes bring savings.

It’s worth checking your insurances and subscriptions - cancel any you don’t need and shop around for the others. It’s normally cheaper if you don’t leave it until just before the renewal date.

If your children are school age there may be help available with uniforms, technology and free school meals. Our website has more details.

A fall in income may mean you’re eligible for benefits, especially if you’re a parent or carer. The Turn 2 Us benefits checker is very useful.

It sounds like you’re normally very organised, and I’m sure this will stand you in good stead.

Make a list of the cost of your priority outgoings - such as housekeeping and essential travel - against your new income.

It’s easy to slip into overdraft, or miss a payment, and it can then become more and more expensive - and stressful - to get on the right track and out of debt. Likewise, think carefully about any ‘buy now pay later’ deals - they’re not always the best option long term.

If you are worried about debt, here at Citizens Advice we have specially trained advisors available to help, so please do get in touch.

Lockdown closes libraries again

 Library users in Denbighshire are being reminded that online services will continue during the upcoming lockdown.

Denbighshire libraries will close on October 23 after the Welsh Government announced a ‘firebreak’ lockdown.

The online digital library for downloadable books, newspapers and magazines will continue to operate through the coming weeks, and orders for books can be placed online for collection or delivery once that is allowed.

Cllr Tony Thomas, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Following the announcement from the Welsh Government, libraries in the county will close in line with the new regulations.

“We would like to thank residents for their patience during this time and remind customers that there are a wealth of books, newspapers and magazines available through our website.

“New customers can still sign up to join the service for free on the Denbighshire Libraries website.

“Customers are encouraged to contact their library before Friday if they want to have a supply of books to read over the next few weeks or if they need to access the library computers.”

All books currently on loan are being automatically renewed and members are asked to keep their books at home until they can be returned to the library.

Further information at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries

Household waste recycling centres to close again on Friday

* The Pavilion car park "pop-up" recycling facility is to close again during the latest lockdown. 

Household waste recycling centres in Denbighshire will close on Friday (October 23) as part of the Welsh Government ‘firebreak’ lockdown.

The Llangollen and Corwen pop-up recycling centres will also close during the lockdown. 

Denbighshire residents with a valid booking will be able to access the recycling parks until the end of the day on Friday but all bookings made after that date will be cancelled.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Following the announcement by Welsh Government all household waste recycling centres will close at the end of the day on October 23.

“We urge residents not to turn up at the recycling parks this week without a valid booking.  

"The booking system has been working well and helped to keep staff and residents safe, enabling us to operate with social distancing measures in place.  Vehicles without a valid booking will be turned away.

“We would like to thank residents for their co-operation and once we are given the all clear to reopen the sites, we will let residents know and resume the booking system.”

At this time, the council’s bulky waste service and all kerbside services, including garden waste are running as normal. 

If residents are unable to store bulky waste items safely during the lockdown period, they can book a bulky waste collection online via www.denbighshire.gov.uk/bulkyitems There is a small collection charge for bulky waste items.

Free school meals announcement welcomed by county

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed news that Welsh Government funding for free school meals will be provided to parents and guardians during all school holidays up to and including Easter 2021. 

The funding announcement was made by Education Minister Kirsty Williams MS last week.

The council says it will now be making plans to make payments  into the bank or building society accounts of those eligible for free school meals, with the initial payment due to be made at the start of the half term holidays, the week commencing Monday, October 26^th.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Children’s Services, Education and Public Engagement, said: “We welcome this funding as it provides some security for parents and guardians that they will have funds to continue providing meals during the school holidays.

“Our education, catering, benefits and finance teams set up a direct payment system during the initial lockdown period, with payments continuing until the schools re-opened in September.  That system worked extremely well and we will be using the same system to make the new payments.

“It’s really important that we have the most  up to date information from parents/ guardians that are eligible, to ensure that we can make the payment without any delays.

* If parents/ guardians believe the Council does not hold the most up to date information on the free school meal claim, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/free-school-meals

Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus updates from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, are: 

·         A new fund of more than £1m to help Wales’ unpaid carers cope with the financial pressures of COVID-19 has been announced today by the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services.

o   Open to carers across Wales, the Carers Support Fund will see grants of up to £300 made available for a range of essentials, including; food, household items such as furniture or white goods, or electronics such as a laptop for access to support and services.

o   A public consultation about a new national plan for carers, setting out how Welsh Government’s proposes to work with a range of partners to strengthen its priorities to better reflect every aspect of a carers’ life has also been published.

o   https://gov.wales/ps1-million-fund-carers-mark-launch-public-consultation

·         A quick guide to changes to benefits appointment, assessments and claims: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-changes-benefits-appointment-assessments-and-claims

·         Updated guidance which explains who is exempt from the requirement to self-isolate (quarantine) if travelling to Wales from overseas https://gov.wales/exemptions-self-isolation-coronavirus-covid-19-html 

Coronavirus in numbers

·         The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 1,148 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 37,400 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.

o   Sadly, another 10 deaths were reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 1,722.

o   These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 

·         The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving COVID-19, for the week ending 9 October.

o   The cumulative number of deaths involving COVID-19 in Welsh residents up to 9 October was 2,671.

o   Of the deaths registered in the week ending 9 October, there were provisionally 37 deaths involving COVID-19 – this was 12 more than the previous week. This is the fourth successive week numbers have increased.

o   The numbers reported by ONS are different from those from Public Health Wales because of different reporting methods and timing.

o   https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/latest

 

Where to find the latest information

·        Information about local restrictions in Bangor, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly borough, Cardiff, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Llanelli, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham areas: https://gov.wales/local-lockdown  

·         Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/

·         Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws

·         Information about support for businesses is available at 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

·         The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL translator. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Economy Minister Ken Skates held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1318511230923939840 

Welsh Government doubles Economic Resilience Fund to nearly £300

The Welsh Government is doubling the third phase of its Economic Resilience Fund, making nearly £300m available to support businesses that continue to be affected by Covid-19.

In September, the Economy Minister Ken Skates announced £140m would be made available under the third phase of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund.

However, as a result of the “fire-break”, which will begin on Friday 23 October and continue until Monday 9 November and will require a range of businesses to temporarily close their doors or reduce their operations, the latest round of the fund will be more than doubled to ensure further help for businesses across Wales.

The Economic Resilience Fund, which complements support schemes available from the UK Government, is part of the Welsh Government’s £1.7bn plus support package for businesses to help deal with the economic impacts of Coronvirus.

Economy Minister Ken Skates said: “As a Welsh Government we are having to make important decisions to help slow the spread of coronavirus and protect both the stability of our NHS and the health of our people. However we absolutely recognise that these decisions do have a knock on effect on our economy and our businesses during what has already been an incredibly difficult year for them.

“We’ve been speaking at length and in depth with our business partners about the ongoing impact of coronavirus and the effect of the restrictions we are having to implement to slow its spread.

“One of the messages we have received loud and clear is that businesses want certainty so that they can plan and prepare, and that they need a clear package of support to help them through this difficult time.

“This enhanced package of support, which will see us doubling the third phase of our Economic Resilience Fund and quickly getting money out to our businesses to support them through this firebreak and beyond, is designed to provide just that.”

The new and bolstered economic package will see:

• Payments of £1,000 for businesses that are eligible for Small Business Rates relief and occupy a property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less.
• Payments of up to £5,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses that are required to close and which occupy a property with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £50,000.
• A discretionary £2,000 top-up grant for businesses closed or materially affected by the firebreak lockdown.
• A further discretionary £1,000 grant for businesses that were materially affected by local lockdown measures for 21 days or more prior to the start of the firebreak.

The Welsh Government is also providing a further £20m towards Business Grants meaning £100m will be available for this purpose. Previously, companies were required to provide a percentage of the funding to access these grants, but the Welsh Government has now confirmed it will provide 100% funding for businesses forced to close during the firebreak.

The Minister added: “By doubling the value of this phase of the fund, we are making almost £300m available to provide more financial assistance to our small and medium employers and to businesses in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector that must close their doors during the firebreak.

“This means an additional £150m going direct to Welsh firms to help them cover their bills and increase their resilience to help them through the challenging weeks and months ahead.

“The Economic Resilience Fund, which has been designed to plug the gaps in the UK Government’s support package, has already been crucial in protecting companies across Wales from the severe impacts of coronavirus, safeguarding more than 100,000 jobs.

“This announcement, which is again in addition to the offer from UK Government, will help ensure that many Welsh businesses can keep their heads above water, plan for the future and protect the jobs on which our communities rely.

“The funds will open next week and we will work hard to get money out to businesses as quickly as we can.”

* More information, which will be regularly updated during this week, can be found at: https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice

New testing centre opens in Corwen - but it's appointments only

A new testing station has opened in Corwen to make it easier for people in the area to get an appointment for a COVID-19 test closer to home. 

This service for individuals who believe they have COVID-19 symptoms, and you should only attend if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

•    a high temperature 
•    a new, continuous cough 
•    a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste 

The drive-through facility has been set up in the Green Lane Car Park and will be in operation for the next two to three weeks.

This is not a walk-in service and people will need to make an appointment to have a test. 

Details about how to apply for a test can be found on the Welsh Government website here.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has worked in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, Public Health Wales and the UK Government Department of Health and Social Care to set this testing station up.

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! "