County councillor explains reasons behind town's traffic changes

* The new one-way sign at the junction of Church Street and the A5. 

Specially for llanblogger Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms has explained the thinking behind the Covid-19 traffic changes which are currently being put in place around the town. 

* Wider pavement on one side of Castle Street.

Why has the parking been removed from Castle Street?

Whilst businesses need all the custom that they can get in these difficult times, it is essential that everyone feels safe and welcome on our streets. 

Many local residents felt that the crowds and lack of space made them nervous about going into the centre. 

It was impossible to observe social distancing on the very narrow pavements on both sides of Castle Street. 

In August and September and on fine weekends the pavements were much too crowded and something had to be done to make Llangollen safe for residents and visitors. 

Removing the parking provides extra room for this. A more relaxed pedestrian experience will encourage more time (and money) to be spent in the shops in the town centre.

Why use lane defenders?

We asked if the street could be separated from the pavement using wooden planters instead. 

Unfortunately there are strict rules about this - it’s about safety for pedestrians. Planters would be dangerous if a vehicle collides with them as they would slide, possibly causing injury. 

The lane defenders offer much more protection even though they don’t look anywhere near as nice.

Why has all the extra space been added to one side of Castle Street?

In an ideal world the space would have been added equally to both sides of the street. Unfortunately this would have left a very narrow strip of ground at street level on both sides with a curb up onto the original pavement. This would have made the likelihood of tripping on the curb much more likely.

So why was the east side of Castle Street chosen?

The pavement on the west side of the street has much more width by Y Capel and down past the Town Hall. It was decided to add the extra space to the east side for this reason. ‘Llangollen 2020’ plans will have the extra width divided between both sides and the whole pavement will be raised to the same level.

Is there any free parking in car parks?

Yes. To mitigate the loss of parking on Castle Street Denbighshire have provided free parking for two hours during normal shop opening hours until the end of December. We asked for a free half hour in all car parks to allow residents to ‘pop and shop’ but we were told that the concession would be the same for each town.

Will free parking continue next year?

We’ve asked for some free parking next year too, but no decision has been made just yet. We’re pushing for the free half hour in all car parks rather than the current two hours in East Street only.

* No entry signs at the junction of Bridge Street and Church Street.

Church Street - Why does reversing the one-way system help to improve road safety for parents and children on their way to school?

Church Street is used by many parents and children on their journey to and from school. Walking and cycling is being encouraged, but many other parents in cars also use this route as a short cut (illegally) which makes the route much more dangerous. 

If the one-way system is reversed the traffic on Church Street will then travel towards the town from the Sun Inn. 

On reaching the Hand Hotel all traffic will have to turn left, as Bridge Street will keep its original direction of traffic flow.  

Chapel Street and Oak Street will have to be followed to get to Castle Street. It now takes longer to follow the new Church Street route than using Regent Street (the A5). 

One way from Castle Street into Market Street. Why? 

Traffic surveys show that there are more pedestrians crossing Castle Street at the Market Street and Oak Street junction than anywhere else. 

Preventing traffic from leaving Market Street here will make the junction safer. Pedestrians crossing from the Market Street Car Park will only have traffic in one direction to contend with. 

It will also help with traffic flow as this junction often becomes blocked at busy times. The new route from Market Street onto Castle Street will follow the current one-way system along East Street and Parade Street.

* The short link road between M'Eating Point and Stans.

What is the point in closing the small link road between M’Eating Point and Stan’s Garage?

Traffic using this small link road often creates a hazard on the A5 right by the traffic lights. Visibility is also very poor when vehicles travel onto Hall Street. Alternative routes are much safer. 

Many pedestrians also cross the A5 at this point on their way to and from Stan’s Garage and Post Office. Closing this small link road removes an extra hazard for pedestrians at this point.

Is it possible to please everyone by making these changes?

Unfortunately, no.

Bags of good wishes delivered for Remembrance Day

* The Remembrance gift bags delivered across town.

Various organisations in Llangollen have  teamed up to provide and deliver Remembrance gift bags to deserving people across the town.  

The bags were put together by Kirsty Wild along with volunteers Stephanie Mitchell and Jen Davies from Llangollen Food Share.  

Town Hall facilitator Charlie Jones assisted in sourcing poppies to go with the bags.  

Cat Meade  from Wingetts plus volunteers Cath, Barrie and Karen distributed them to Llangollen's four care homes and to eight different sheltered/modified accommodation settings.  

Some of the bags are still available for people to collect for friends, neighbours and family members.  

Kirsty said: "Big thanks to Town Clerk Gareth Thomas for securing funding for the bags, Sharon Jones for the Welsh cakes and all the children of Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Y Gwernant for their fantastic poppy pictures.  

"Feedback in person and on Facebook has been fantastic, with several recipients reduced to tears." 

* Poppy messages which went inside the bags.

 

* Welsh cakes also went inside.

Inner Wheel members lay wreath on war memorial

 

* Earlier today Val Cartwright, President of Llangollen Inner Wheel, laid a wreath on behalf of members at the war memorial in Centenary Square.

Council leaders discuss Covid-19 joint recovery

 

The Welsh Government and partners across North Wales are continuing to work together to support the region in dealing with the immediate impact of the pandemic and planning for the future, Economy and North Wales Minister Ken Skates said today.

The Minister was speaking following a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on North Wales which included the leaders of the region’s six local authorities.           Ken Skates said: “There is strong partnership working across North Wales and that relationship is now more important than ever as we face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, and the end of the EU transition period.  Together at the Cabinet Committee meeting we discussed how we can jointly deliver sustainable recovery for the region.           “Without doubt the situation is grave with manufacturing particularly affected in the North East and the tourism industry more to the West.  At the Welsh Government we will continue to do all we can to support businesses at this very difficult time.           “We unanimously agreed to continue to work together and to take every opportunity to boost confidence and reaffirm our genuine commitment to the region.  There is much already underway including progress on the North Wales Growth deal, which has the potential to transform the region, and investments in transport and our town centres.”           Chair of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board and leader of Gwynedd Council Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn said: “Leaders from across the region were pleased to meet with Welsh Government Ministers during the Cabinet Committee on North Wales.           “The meeting offered an opportunity to highlight a number of challenges facing the six counties of the north, including a real concern regarding unemployment which has been felt more keenly since the pandemic struck. It was reassuring that Ministers were eager to discuss potential projects that could help to provide new skills for workers and to support young people as they enter the work environment in what is undoubtedly a difficult period. I hope we see progress in this important area in the coming months.           “Council Leaders also highlighted the importance of capital infrastructure to boost the north Wales economy in the short-term as we work together to rebuild our economy and we hope to see further commitment.           “Of course, Brexit is still very much on our agenda and the impact a no-deal exit from the European Union would have on exports for companies across the region was highlighted, as well as the concerning impacts on the rural economy and the agriculture sector which is such an important aspect of our economy.”

Welsh Government outlines its approach to qualifications

 Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today (Tuesday, November 10) confirmed Wales’ approach for qualifications in 2021 and her decision that there will be no end of year exams for learners taking GCSEs, AS levels or A levels.

The Minister outlined:

• that in place of exams, the Welsh Government intended to work with schools and colleges to take forward teacher-managed assessments,
• that this should include assessments that will be externally set and marked but delivered within a classroom environment under teacher supervision.
• her expectation this work will form the basis for centre-based outcomes which will be linked to an agreed national approach to provide consistency across Wales.

The announcement has been made after considering detailed advice published by Qualifications Wales on the delivery options available as well as the interim findings of an independent review into this year’s exams process.

The Minister also discussed options with a range of people including learners and their families, head teachers, college leaders, the Children’s Commissioner and universities across the UK.

Confirming her policy decision, Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “The well-being of learners and ensuring fairness across the system is central in our decision making process.

“In line with the recommendations of both Qualifications Wales and the Independent Review, there will be no exams for GCSE or AS level learners next year. A-level students will also not be required to sit exams.

“We remain optimistic that the public heath situation will improve, but the primary reason for my decision is down to fairness; the time learners will spend in schools and colleges will vary hugely and, in this situation, it is impossible to guarantee a level playing field for exams to take place.

“We have consulted with universities across the UK and they have confirmed that they are used to accepting many different types of qualifications.

“They expect a transparent and robust approach which provides evidence of a learner’s knowledge and ability. 

“Our intended approach does just that, as it is designed to maximise the time for teaching and learning. 

“Cancelling exams provides time for teaching and learning to continue throughout the summer term, to build the knowledge, skills and confidence in our learners to progress in whatever they decide to do next.”

The Minister said Welsh Government would work with teachers to take forward teacher-managed assessments and that they should include assessments that will be externally set and marked, but delivered within a classroom environment under teacher supervision.

Teachers would have flexibility when it is best to undertake them, in the context of results timelines

The Minister said: “The full approach to this will be developed by school and college leaders, supported by Welsh Government and advised by Qualifications Wales and WJEC.

“My policy intention is that this will form the basis for centre-based outcomes which will be linked to an agreed national approach to provide consistency across Wales to assure universities and colleges of our approach. 

 “This work will be completed in the autumn term to provide time for implementation from January and we envisage that the first assessment activities will not commence until the latter half of the spring term.”

The Minister also reiterated that a £50 million package of support has been put in place to support learners in exam years to develop the skills and knowledge they need to confidently progress.

The Minister added: “This remains a highly challenging year and what I have announced today sets a course which removes pressures from learners and provides clear time for teaching and learning. 

“I now look to our schools, colleges, qualifications bodies, and the wider education sector to work cooperatively and collaboratively through the year to support our learners and enable them to progress with confidence.”

The situation for Vocational Qualifications is more complex and will require extra work.

The Minister confirmed Welsh Government officials would continue to support Qualifications Wales as they work closely with other regulators to ensure a ‘pragmatic approach that works in learners’ interests and gives them clarity about the way forward.’

* Denbighshire County Council has welcomed the decision from the Welsh Government Education Minister about GCSEs and A Levels arrangements for  2021.

Kirsty Williams MS announced today (Tuesday) that GCSE and A Level students would not be sitting examinations in May/ June 2021, but will receive grades based on assessments carried out in schools. 

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Cabinet Lead Member for Children, Education and Public Engagement, said: “ It is great news that a decision has finally been made which means  that our young people are not being left in limbo and facing a lot of uncertainty.  I hope the Minister’s announcement really provides some peace of mind to students, schools and families about the arrangements for next year.  It has been such an uncertain period for them all but it means that schools can now get on with the task of continuing to provide the right level of support that students need.

 

“Coronavirus has had such an impact on the school timetable this year that going down the route of no examinations was absolutely the fairest outcome for our young people. 

 

“We will be working with schools, as well as at regional and national level to ensure that the process is followed and provides fairness to everyone”.

 

Government cash available for innovative businesses

* Minister for Economy, Transport, and North Wales, Ken Skates.

The Welsh Government is making funding available to support businesses with innovative products and services that will help communities and the public sector adapt to the challenges of coronavirus. 

The Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI), which can offer up to £50,000 to promising projects able to start in January 2021 and complete by the end of March, will also be important for schemes that can support the public sector after the EU Transition period. 

The focus will be on creating better lives closer to home, by delivering against three key objectives that support the Welsh Government’s Economic Action Plan. These are to: 

• Build Back Green - enabling businesses and communities to adapt to the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 with a focus on a healthier, cleaner and more sustainable Wales. We are looking for solutions that enable people to continue to work closer to home, considering accessibility and safety whilst maintaining a sense of community and connection.
• Create sustainability and security in supply chains - supporting place-based and needs-led driven business supply chains to secure jobs for the future and to safeguard against further supply chain disruptions so that communities have access to healthy food sources.
• Support mental and physical wellbeing for all generations - developing new products and services to address mental health, improve access to care, and support the resilience of communities throughout the pandemic and beyond.

Solutions could include ways to use emerging digital and smart technology to support the mental wellbeing of people within communities; reduce the impact of emissions on health; tackle the impacts of food poverty; or reduce unemployment and the need to commute.

Minister for Economy, Transport, and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest public health emergency this country has ever faced. We need people with expertise, entrepreneurship and innovative thinking to work with us and help deliver sustainable solutions to the challenges it poses to the long term wellbeing of our communities and economy.

"I am incredibly proud of the ingenuity and sense of community Wales has demonstrated in dealing with the impacts of coronavirus virus, but there is much more to be done as we continue to adapt to the ever changing landscape in which we live and work.

"The Small Business Research Initiative provides important funding for firms to link with the public sector and deliver important solutions to specific challenges. I encourage those with an interest to get involved."

Lynda Jones, SBRI Centre of Excellence manager, said: "COVID 19 has affected us all, and for this challenge we are seeking innovations that will help support long term health and wellbeing whilst supporting communities and the economy.

"Successful applicants will have the unique opportunity to collaborate and work closely with a team of experts from the relevant sectors to help develop their solutions.

"The Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) has a total of £250,000 available to offer successful projects."

Businesses have until 12pm on November 27, 2020 to submit their ideas.

* For more information, e-mail: SBRI.COE@wales.nhs.uk. For more information and to submit a project for consideration, visit: sdi.click/betterlives.

Former councillor receives letter of thanks from MP

 

* Former councillor George Hughes.

Following his recent resignation from Llangollen Town Council former mayor George Hughes has received a letter of thanks and wishes from the area’s MP.

As revealed by llanblogger, Mr Hughes, 81, quit the council last week saying only that he had found himself disagreeing with the direction it was taking.

He had served three terms on the council and was town mayor from 2007-2009.

Born, bred and educated in Llangollen, he worked for 25 years as a plant operator at the Monsanto chemical plant in Acrefair.

Later he spent 10 years as a retained firefighter based in the town. He retired about 20 years ago.

Mr Hughes said he would continue to be a member of Shape My Llangollen, the group of volunteers which has been tasked by the Town Council to produce Llangollen’s official input into the emerging Denbighshire Local Development Plan.   

The letter sent to him by Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes says: “I would like to say thank you for your work on Llangollen Town Council.

“You work on the Town Council and as town mayor have been an invaluable contribution to community in Llangollen.

“I am also very pleased to hear that you are continuing on Shape My Llangollen.

“Once again I thank you for all the work you have put into the Llangollen area and it is greatly appreciated.

“I wish you all the best for the future.”

Mr Hughes said: “I feel very glad and pleased to have received the letter from the local MP.

“It’s nice to be appreciated and to see him taking an interest in the town.”   

Railway's urgent bridge appeal half way to £15,000 target

* The bridge over the River Dee which needs urgent repairs to its timbers. 

The appeal launched by Llangollen Railway to repair a Victorian bridge vital to its running of trains is already half way to its target.

As llanblogger revealed, the railway put out the urgent call to its supporters during the last week of October for £15,000 to revive Dee Bridge, built in 1865 and now in desperate need of new timbers if it is to continue services next year.

In a Facebook post fundraiser officer Paul Bailey said: "If we are to run trains over the Dee Bridge next year we first have to renew the timbers on the bridge.

"This work, including purchasing the timbers, is costing £15,000 - monies the railway currently has not got.

"We have therefore launched an appeal to raise these monies without which we will not be able to carry out the necessary repairs to run train services in 2021."

Mr Bailey now reports "a fantastic response from our supporters."

And he said: "We have already reached half this amount in just one week but still require another £7.5k before we can order the timbers for this work to be done.

"Thank you to everyone that has donated to this appeal."

A railway spokesperson explained: "The bridge dates from 1865 when the line opened but is a remarkable survivor as the scrapman didn't demolish it in 1968 when the line was closed by Beeching.

"Without it remaining in situ the infant Llangollen Railway would never have got beyond Pentrefelin.

"The LR society, as it was, renovated it in 1984 with some grant aid as part of the extension to Berwyn.

"The need for renewal now is for the timbers which support the rails across the steel structure - a regular maintenance job.

"It is made more complex this time by the lack of income when no trains are running, with the appeal to members and supporters for cash to allow the expensive new timbers to be purchased ahead of replacement work in 2021.

"If anyone wishes to contribute to this appeal please contact me on 01490 450271, or email paulbaileywincham@yahoo.co.uk for payment methods."

Roadworks alert for Church Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:  

Church Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

11 November — 12 November

 

Delays possible - Traffic control (multi-way signals)

 

Works location: Church St, Llangollen...

 

Works description: Highway improvement works as part of Welsh Government COVID 

scheme....

 

Responsibility for works: Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: QR007S000000000400

Veterans take part in live-streamed Remembrance service

 

* Veterans take part in the remembrance service in Centenary Square.

* Father Lee Taylor leads the service.

This morning a film crew from Llangollen company Orb Sound & Lighting filmed and live-streamed on Facebook a small group of local forces veterans taking part in the traditional service of Remembrance in Centenary Square.

The service, which included the traditional wreath-laying on the war memorial, was led by Llangollen Vicar, Father Lee Taylor.

This followed Llangollen Town Council’s decision, announced recently, that due to coronanvirus restrictions it would not be staging the usual public ceremony.

In advance of the screening Orb specifically asked members of the public not to gather at the square to watch the event.

These pictures of the service were taken remotely by llanblogger.

The service was watched live by around 40 people.

* The area's two county councillors, Melvyn Mile (left) and Graham Timms laid their own wreath on the war memorial.

Hospice team gets Dai walking again

* Dai Davies being put through his paces during a 

physio session at Nightingale House with Leah Evans. 

Former Wales, Everton and Wrexham goalkeeper Dai Davies, of Llangollen, has spoken about how physios at Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham got him walking again after 10 weeks of hospitalisation.

Dai, who has terminal pancreatic cancer, had been a patient at the Royal Liverpool Hospital for almost two months during the summer, where he was unable to see family loved-ones due to the Covid-19 restrictions. In August he was transferred to Nightingale House.

The move meant Dai could be reunited with his wife Judy, and his three children Gareth, Rhian and Bethan, whilst receiving palliative care and rehabilitation, following his decision not to opt for chemotherapy treatment.

Dai said: “Coincidentally, my consultant Dr Grace Ting at the Royal Liverpool, knew about Nightingale House as she’d done a placement here during the early part of her career. She decided it would be the best move for me and my family and she was right. It was close to home and their visiting policy meant such a difference as I was able to see my wife and family.”

The hospice team facilitated Dai’s transportation from Liverpool to Wrexham and so began his palliative care journey to Nightingale House. 

This wasn’t his first experience of hospice care as Dai had been a Bowen Technique* mentor for lymphoedema nurse specialist Eilish Lund back in the early noughties, so he was familiar with the surroundings, although he admits it has transformed quite a bit since then.

He said: “I hadn’t been on my feet for ten weeks as I’d been lying down in hospital looking out of the window at a concrete wall. When I came to Nightingale House the brilliant physio team had me up and about very quickly. I’m no stranger to gyms but their powers of observation are excellent, as they will tell me when I’ve done enough for one session.

“There is such an air of peace and calm around the hospice and you can leave your worries behind you when you step inside. It was wonderful that I was able to have the option to come here as the choice gave me back control of my treatment.”

Dai and Judy, who have been together for nearly 30 years, have been extremely impressed by the new modernisation facilities at Nightingale House, that were completed during the summer lockdown. Dai visits the hospice for weekly physio sessions and said he has been inspired by the team caring for him.

Judy said: “Sometimes people hear the word ‘hospice’ and only assume that it is just a supportive place for someone to leave this life however a hospice is so much more than that. We are both extremely grateful that the care and rehabilitation that Dai has received in Nightingale House has also enabled him to come back home so much sooner after such a long stay in hospital.

“All the staff are angels and their care and kindness has been endless. On Dai’s arrival someone had even put a small vase of fresh sweet peas from the beautiful hospice garden on his bedside table and it is thoughtful little touches such as this that can make such a difference to one’s overall wellbeing.”

Dai said the entire experience had been wonderful and added: “There is such team work here - it is as if everybody working here is born to do the job; like their calling. Nightingale House is above and beyond what we expected, with exceptional food, facilities and gardens.

“I would say to anyone who is reading of my experience in the hospice that if you find solace in this then please do reach out to the team in Nightingale House. There is pure unconditional love here that will take away any fear that you may have.”

People will flock to Wales to escape lockdown, says police boss

 

A police boss fears there will be an influx people flocking across the border into North Wales on shopping trips and days out in an attempt to escape the national lockdown in England.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones (pictured) blames Boris Johnson for ignoring the clear advice of scientific advisors to impose an earlier circuit-breaker lockdown which would have coincided with 17-day firebreak in Wales.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, is concerned that the UK Prime Minister’s decision to snub expert scientific advice will encourage people from the North West to head to places like Broughton Shopping Park which is just 400 metres inside the Welsh border.

Relaxing the restrictions in Wales meant shops selling non-essential goods and pubs and restaurants would once again be able to trade while they were closed in England.

The upshot of Mr Johnson’s “cavalier and irresponsible” approach was that it was going to make life unnecessarily more difficult for North Wales Police after the end of the firebreak in Wales.

The commissioner said: “It’s going to have implications for policing in North Wales because I think people will be tempted to cross the border to  pop into Wrexham for a drink or go to retail centres like Broughton Shopping Park.

“As always, North Wales Police will be stepping up to the plate with high visibility policing similar to when the first national lockdown was imposed in March.

“We’ll be carrying on doing the four Es – encourage educate, engage and finally enforce if people continue to flout the rule.

“This is all about stopping the spread of this deadly virus and we expect everybody to take personal responsibility and comply with the rules like most people in Wales have been doing for the last seventeen days.

“We policed the first lockdown quite successfully and we’ll continue to do so but its’ an additional burden that we could do without but we are where we are.

“My message to anybody tempted to cross the border into Wales without a legitimate reason is to stay home so we can keep people safe and save lives.

“This situation where we have two sets of different rules either side of the border could and should have been avoided because it’s making life more complicated for everybody.

“If Boris Johnson had followed SAGE’s advice on September 21 like Mark Drakeford did, we would have had a lockdown at the same time. 

“The Welsh Government in fairness seem to have been doing the right thing and Boris seems to have been ignoring the scientific advice which is irresponsible.

“With some notable exceptions, the Welsh Government played a blinder although the shambles around essential or non-essential shopping was not their finest moment.

“Boris and the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak have put the economy first while here in Wales we’ve put health first and that absolutely the right order of priority in my book.

“Many people have made huge sacrifices to live within the rules, both before and during the firebreak.

“We now need to make sure that the effort we have made together is not wasted, and we do not have to undergo a further firebreak later in the year.”

Cash available to improve open space areas

Funding totalling £161,000 is available to improve open spaces and play areas in Denbighshire.

Denbighshire County Council’s Open Spaces Commuted Sums is now open to communities across the county.

The fund is open to town or community councils, community or voluntary groups.

The closing date for funding applications is Friday, January 29, 2021.

For more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/commuted-sums

If you would like support to develop a community project or idea please get in touch with our Community Development Team via email: communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk

The county council services due to re-open on Monday

* Llangollen Library is amongst the services to re-open on Monday.

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents about services which will restart at the end of the firebreak lockdown.

The lockdown in Wales comes to an end on Monday, November 9 and a number of services which have been closed in recent weeks, will re-open.

They include waste and recycling centres and libraries while years 9 and above will return to school. 

• Waste and Recycling – household waste recycling centres will re-open on Monday, November 9 and bookings are now open for the three fixed sites at Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin. Bookings for the Llangollen pop-up site will reopen from 8.30am on November 9 for the service on the morning of Saturday, November 14. You will be able to book a slot for the Corwen pop-up recycling event on the morning of Saturday, November 21, from 8.30am on Monday, November 16. Residents are reminded that on Welsh Government guidance, visits to household waste recycling centres should only be made if the journey is essential. You can make bookings for the household waste recycling centres and pop-up sites by visiting www.denbighshire.gov.uk/recycling 

• Libraries – Denbighshire’s eight libraries will re-open on Monday, November 9. Customers can access their local library for browsing and collecting books as well as using the available computer and One Stop Shop services by appointment by phoning their local library. The home library service will also re-start while a wide range of digital books, magazines and newspapers remain available through Denbighshire’s online library service. For more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/libraries 

• Schools - From Monday, November 9, schools will be open to all pupils. Any pupils who have been contacted by the school or the Test, Trace and Protect team, and told to self-isolate must continue to do so. Those advised to self-isolate 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

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

A new or continuous cough

A high temperature

A loss of or change to sense of smell or taste

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, and Protect can be found here https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-coronavirus 

• North East Wales Archives - The Ruthin branch of the North East Wales Archives will reopen on Thursday, 12 November. The branch will be open Thursdays and Fridays by appointment only. For more information or to book, visit www.newa.wales/visit-us/planning-your-visit-2/what-to-expect-at-ruthin-branch/

Travel between Wales and England still restricted, says Minister

Travel between Wales and England will continue to be restricted as Wales’ firebreak ends and England’s month-long lockdown gets underway, Minister for Economy and North Wales Ken Skates said today.

There will be no restrictions on travel within Wales from next Monday, November 9 but the new national measures, which will come into force will mean travel will only be possible across the Wales-England border with a reasonable excuse.

Examples of a reasonable excuse include travelling for work, education, a medical appointment, legal requirement or compassionate grounds.

The English lockdown also means cross-border travel is not allowed unless one of the exceptions in the English regulations applies. 

Mr Skates said: “As the firebreak in Wales ends on November 9, communities in England are just beginning a four-week lockdown. 

“This means cross-border travel between Wales and England will not be permitted without a reasonable excuse. It’s really important that as we open up, Wales doesn’t become an escape for people seeking to circumvent the new tighter restrictions in England.”

The end of the firebreak will also see businesses reopen in Wales. There will be new covid-safety measures in place in the hospitality sector, including advance booking, time-limited slots and verified identification.

Ken Skates added: “It will not be a reasonable excuse for people to come into Wales for non-essential purposes such as going to a pub or restaurant.

“We are coming out of the firebreak carefully and cautiously, with measures in place to ensure we do not lose what we have gained over the past two weeks.

“I am very aware that not being able to travel across the border between Wales and England will be difficult for some, but we are dealing with a public health emergency and we must all do what is right to protect our families and our communities wherever we live.

 “We look forward to welcoming visitors back to Wales, and for the normal day to day life in our cross-border communities to return, but for now we need to keep Wales safe and keep the UK safe."

* Denbighshire County Council has issued a heartfelt thanks to the county’s residents for their efforts during the fire break that was put in place to try and halt the increase in coronavirus cases across Wales.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire said: “This has been another challenging time for people, with many people continuing to make sacrifices in the on-going fight against covid  and I would like to thank Denbighshire residents for their tremendous efforts over the past two weeks. 

“We fully recognised that some people may have found it difficult and unsettling, but  covid remains a real threat and compliance with regulations is essential if the county is to continue to play its part to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.

“The fire break will come to an end on Monday, with new, national regulations due to take their place.  We must continue with our efforts now and in the future and the focus is now on people taking ownership by taking steps to protect themselves and others.  We also should continue to follow the social distancing measures, as well as wearing face masks to visit shops and travel on public transport. We also need to be following stringent hygiene measures that have been advised."

Electric waste collection vehicle trialled in Denbighshire

* The electric vehicle which has been trialled in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Ruthin with staff from the Waste and Recycling team and Cllr Brian Jones.

Residents in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Ruthin have had their bins emptied by an electric waste collection vehicle for the first time.

Denbighshire County Council’s Waste and Recycling team has been trialling a new waste collection vehicle which runs solely on electric.

The trial of the Dennis Eagle e-Collect, on loan through Dennis Eagle, a well-established supplier of waste collection vehicles, is part of the Council’s work to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. 

Cllr Brian Jones, Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “The council is serious about tackling the climate and ecological change emergency.

“As part of that work we are asking residents to recycle as much of their waste as possible and we must also reduce the carbon emissions generated through collecting our waste, and keep pace with the new developments in technology. 

“The waste collection crews involved in the trial have been very positive about the electric vehicle and are confident it is up to the job.

“The trial has shown plenty of battery capacity left at the end of shifts and without exhaust fumes and a reduction in noise, the vehicle is safer and more comfortable to operate for staff.”

The council will use evidence from the trial to determine how many electric vehicles it could introduce to its fleet in the next two years, as its existing fleet comes up for replacement.

The council will assess which areas of the county can be serviced by this particular model of vehicle as a range of sizes of refuse collection vehicles are currently used across the county.

The council’s new waste depot development in Denbigh, due to be completed in 2022, is being designed to accommodate electric vehicles, as well as other ultra-low emission vehicles.

Health centre says it is working under "extreme pressure"

* Llangollen Health Centre.

Llangollen Health Centre has highlighted the seriousness of the coronavirus situation locally and explained what its team are doing about it.

On Facebook it says: "We are seeing a distinct rise in the number of Covid-19 positive cases in our practice area.

"As a result, we are currently working under extreme pressure and we are also striving to ensure that we keep everyone – both patients and staff - safe.

"Before you pick up the phone please consider whether you really need to phone us or whether you can get advice from an alternative source such as a community pharmacy.

"Our website also offers a host of advice on various ailments under the 'I want health and wellbeing advice' section and the Appointments section gives guidance on whether you need to see a doctor or whether your condition can be managed at home with help from a pharmacist.

"Please visit www.llangollenhealth.com

"Please be assured that we are still here and we are still working but we do need to make sure that access to our doctors is available for those that really need it. 

"If you do need to phone us and you are put on triage please be aware that we may not always be able to get back to you the same day."