Senedd elections to go ahead on May 6, despite pandemic

 

Plans to ensure the people of Wales can vote safely at the 2021 Senedd elections, and that they take place as planned on 6 May 2021, have been set out by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford (pictured).

The 2021 Senedd elections are already set to be historic - they are the first elections to be subject to laws made in Wales, and for the first time, 16 and 17 year olds as well as qualifying foreign citizens, will have the democratic right to vote.

However, the Coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges to maintaining the safety and integrity of the election.

The First Minister established the Elections Planning Group in June to consider the impact of Coronavirus and in particular, what legislative adjustments might need to be made as a result.

The group has agreed on a number of measures to increase flexibility and resilience of election operations, reflecting public health advice on how best to protect the safety and wellbeing of all involved.

These include:

• Measures to encourage vulnerable voters and others to consider applying for a postal vote and to apply early if possible;
• To provide greater flexibility around the nomination of candidates, as well as postal and proxy voting;
• Measures to ensure the safe operation of polling stations and count venues. The Welsh Government will do everything that it is appropriate to support Returning Officers to make the necessary arrangements;
• Ensuring Coronavirus regulations do not inhibit voting.

The Welsh Government is also making contingency plans in the event that the Coronavirus pandemic presents such a serious threat to public health that it is not safe to hold the election in May next year.

Preparations are underway for a draft Bill to enable the Llywydd, the Senedd’s Presiding Officer, to postpone the election for up to six months, if that becomes necessary. This would enable Ministers to introduce the required legislation before the Senedd in January, if the situation after Christmas indicates that this is likely to be needed as a last resort.

Addressing the Senedd, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Let me take this opportunity to once again state that this Government’s clear intention is that the next Senedd election should be held on 6 May 2021. We are also determined to do everything in our power to ensure people can vote when the election takes place.

“I believe we must pursue every option for enabling people to exercise their democratic right in the face of Coronavirus.

“Much communications activity is planned to encourage postal voting, and everything will be done to make polling stations covid secure.”

The First Minister added: “I would like to thank the members of the Elections Planning Group for their work to help us prepare for next year’s Senedd elections.

“This has been a remarkable year and a remarkable Fifth Senedd. Let us work together to ensure that the people of Wales, including those newly enfranchised, can exercise their democratic right safely.”

 

Ysgol Y Gwernant celebrates renewal of Platinum Flag Award

* Ysgol Y Gwernant pupils celebrate their success.

Pupils at Ysgol y Gwernant, Llangollen  have proven their green credentials after being awarded a top eco award. 

The school have succeeded renewing the prestigious Platinum Flag Award for the third time as part of the environmental education programme Eco-Schools.

Eco-Schools is an international programme run in Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy and funded by the Welsh Government. 

Over 90% of schools in Wales are registered on the programme.

The Eco-Schools programme inspires and empowers pupils to be leaders of change in their community, helping them learn about sustainable living and global citizenship while giving them the information and support they need to make changes that will benefit their school, local environment and wider community, such as reducing waste, energy consumption, transport, biodiversity, healthy living and litter issues.

As part of their Eco-Schools Platinum assessment, Ysgol Y Gwernant continue to recycle various materials, complete litter picks, reduce the use of plastic, monitor taps, computer screens and lighting daily to reduce energy and water within the school. 

They also complete regular nature tasks in the outdoor / wild garden and ensure that eco issues are implemented in the school lessons/themes.

Catrin Hughes, Education Officer for Keep Wales Tidy, said:  "We understand that this is a unique and challenging time and therefore it’s great that you are continuing to fulfil your long term action plans as well as your plans to proceed with your new targets. The school, teachers and pupils should feel proud of their hard work and commitment."

                    YSGOL Y GWERNANT YN DATHLU ADNEWYDDU EU STATWS PLATINWM ECO

Mae disgyblion Ysgol y Gwernant , Llangollen wedi profi eu nodweddion gwyrdd ar ôl llwyddo i ennill gwobr amgylcheddol arbennig.Mae’r ysgol wedi llwyddo i adnewyddu y  Wobr Baner Blatinwm am y trydydd gwaith  yn rhan o’r  rhaglen addysg amgylcheddol, Eco-Sgolion.

Mae Eco-Sgolion yn raglen ryngwladol sy’n cael ei chynnal yng Nghymru gan yr elusen amgylcheddol Cadwch Gymru'n Daclus, ac mae’n cael ei hariannu gan Lywodraeth Cymru.Mae dros 90% o ysgolion Cymru wedi cofrestru â’r rhaglen.

Mae Eco-Sgolion yn ysbrydoli ac yn grymuso disgyblion i arwain newid yn eu cymunedau, ac yn eu helpu i ddysgu am fyw’n gynaliadwy a dinasyddiaeth fyd-eang. Mae hefyd yn rhoi’r wybodaeth a’r gefnogaeth sydd eu hangen arnyn nhw i wneud newidiadau a fydd o fudd i’w hysgol, yr amgylchedd lleol a’r gymuned ehangach – fel lleihau gwastraff, defnyddio ynni, trafnidiaeth, bioamrywiaeth, byw’n iach a phroblemau sbwriel.

Fel rhan o asesiad Platinwm Eco-Sgolion, mae Ysgol y Gwernant yn parhau i hybu ailgylchu o bob math , casglu sbwriel  , lleihau gwastraff plastig ,monitro dyddiol i arbed ynni a dŵr o fewn yr ysgol , gweithgareddau natur yn yr awyr agored , integreiddio gweithgareddau Eco i’r gwersi a llawer mwy . Dywedodd Catrin Hughes Swyddog Addysg Cadwch Gymru’n Daclus:

“Rydym yn deall ei fod yn amser arbennig a heriol ac felly mae’n wych bod eich gweithredoedd hirdymor yn parhau yn ogystal a’ch bwriad i fwrw ymlaen gyda eich targedau newydd. Dylai’r ysgol , staff a disgyblion deimlo’n falch o’u gwaith caled a’u hymrwymiad.”

Local roadworks update

 

Latest local roadworks update from one.network is:

Horseshoe Pass View, Llangollen,  Denbighshire 20 November — 26 November   Delays unlikely - Some carriageway incursion   Works location: OUTSIDE 11   Works description: EXCAVATE TO INSTALL LINKBOX...   Responsibility for works: MANWEB   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: GY1143100722959

Latest coronavirus update from Welsh Government

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

• Updated: frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance
• Updated: Test Trace Protect – your questions: https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-your-questions
• NHS admissions and hospitalisations during the pandemic https://gov.wales/nhs-beds-admissions-and-hospitalisations-during-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-13-15-november-2020
• Survey of people’s views about coronavirus: https://gov.wales/survey-public-views-coronavirus-covid-19-6-9-november-2020

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 892 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 67,106 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Sadly, there were two further deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 2,209.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 
• Public Health Wales is publishing the bi-weekly local authority review of coronavirus cases, which includes details of infection rates in people under 25 and over 60 – the report is available under the local authority tab on the surveillance dashboard: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance  

• 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 interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Health Minister Vaughan Gething held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1328310687462871041

 

Financial support possible following Test and Trace contact

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents that have been contacted by NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect service (TTP) and told to self-isolate that they may be entitled to financial support from a package announced by Welsh Government.

The Self-Isolation Support payment is being administered by local authorities and the application process has now been implemented.

People are entitled to a Self-Isolation Payment of £500 if they meet all of the following criteria:

• They have been told to self-isolate by NHS Wales, Test, Trace, Protect service (TTP) on or after 23 October 2020
• They are employed or self-employed
• They cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
• They or your partner are currently receiving at least one of the following benefits:
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit

A discretionary payment of £500 may be available if people meet all of the following criteria:

• You have been told to self-isolate by NHS Wales, Test, Trace, Protect service (TTP) on or after 23 October 2020
• You are employed or self-employed
• You cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
• You or your partner do not currently receive:
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit
• You will face financial hardship as a result of not being able to work while you are self- isolating.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Assets, said: “We fully recognise that some people will have suffered financial hardship as a result of the covid restrictions and worrying about finances only adds to people’s concerns.

“The Isolation Payment has been made available by Welsh Government to assist those that have suffered financially.  

"The council is responsible for administering the scheme in Denbighshire and information on the criteria, as well as how to apply and the application forms themselves are available on the Council’s website and we would encourage people to take a look and consider whether they are eligible for the payments."

* To apply, visit the council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Ambulance service champions ground-breaking app

Welsh Ambulance Service Trust is backing national Road Safety Week 2020 and championing the use of a ground-breaking app.

Launched back in 2013 the What3Words app can help emergency and recovery services locate you to within a three square metre radius should an accident or breakdown occur on the highways – or in fact any situation.

The app creators have mapped the entire planet and sectioned it into three metre squares and each square has a unique three word sequence attached to it.

Once activated, the app will source your exact location and give you a three word sequence, ‘Wild – Coffee – Bike’ for example, and even if you’re lost, quoting this to the emergency or recovery services will allow them to pinpoint you and send help to exactly the right spot.

Kate Blackmore, Clinical Contact Centre Area Manager for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “This Road Safety Week we would urge people to download the What3Words app to their phones and always ensure they travel with it.

“Should the worst happen out on the roads, especially with Wales’ rural terrain, the app can help us and other emergency services identify your location as quickly as possible through an easy to use phrase. 

“The app works anywhere in the world and in multiple languages including Welsh, you can even find your current location without a data connection, eliminating the panic of describing your location in an emergency situation.”

Road Safety Week was founded in 1997 by Brake, the road safety charity to promote steps everybody can take to stop needless accidents and injuries on the UK’s roads.

This year’s theme is ‘No Need To Speed’ and someone who knows all too well about the dangers of excessively fast motoring is Welsh Ambulance Service paramedic and Clinical Team Leader, Dermot O’Leary.

Dermot runs the highly successful Deadly Impacts road safety campaign in North Wales along with Police and Fire colleagues and regularly visits schools and colleges to educate young people about the dangers of speeding via workshops and lectures.

He said: “We are fully behind the 2020 Road Safety Week message as excessive speed is number one in what we call the Fatal Five: Excessive speed, anti-social driving, no seatbelts, drink or drug-driving and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

“As the nights and weather close in, driving conditions inevitably worsen and the risk of accidents increases.

“We are always here, but we don’t want to be seeing you in an unnecessary road accident, so stay below the speed limit, keep your distance and check your vehicle is winter ready.”

* For more information on Road Safety Week click here and to download What3Words visit your App Store.

Rural residents urged to apply for faster broadband funding

Rural residents and businesses in Denbighshire are being remind to apply for funding towards the cost of installing gigabit broadband.

The Welsh and UK governments are now working together on the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme which covers part of the cost of installing new gigabit-capable internet connections.

Under the new partnership £7,000 is available for small-to-medium sized businesses and up to £3,000 is available for residential premises.

Gigabit-capable broadband connections offer the fastest and most reliable speeds available, and the scheme is open to rural premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “This scheme will help ensure more people and businesses have access to reliable broadband speeds. I urge all those Denbighshire residents in rural locations without decent broadband to check to see if they are eligible for these vouchers.

“Connecting communities is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and improved internet connections ensure our communities have access to goods and services and help the county’s businesses provide services online.

“It is possible for residents or community groups to work together on applications and the Council is working to advise and assist them with their applications.”         

The Council has also employed a digital officer to assist residents with their connectivity issues free of charge as part of its work to create connected communities.

As well as offering the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme, the Welsh Government funded Fibre Roll-out will see a total of 1,862 extra premises in Denbighshire enabled for Fibre To The Premise (FTTP) connection by June 2022 and Openreach has already enabled 201 premises in the county.  

If you are concerned about your internet connection or would like to discuss the options available, you can contact the Council’s digital officer via communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk and to check eligibility for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher visit https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk

County launches winter shopping campaign

A campaign highlighting the wealth of businesses, goods and services available in Denbighshire is being launched as the county appeals for people to shop local and buy local this winter.

This new Winter Shopping campaign is an extension of the #lovelivelocal initiative, with a push to encourage people to spend their money in the county, to encourage businesses to showcase their products or services and to entice old and new customers to town centres.

This campaign also looks at capitalising on the free parking offer available in selected car parks across the county and the initiative to make our town centres a safe place to visit and do business during Covid.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, who is also the Lead Member for the Economy, said: “Local companies need our support during these very difficult financial times. 

“Times were already hard financially before Covid affected communities and some businesses have struggled to stay afloat. That’s why we think it’s more important than ever to push the #lovelivelocal message.

“There are many shops in our towns and villages that offer a wide range of products, from food and drink to beauty and fashion, from arts and crafts to professional services. 

“A walk into the towns and villages will surprise you. We really have some hidden retail gems in our county and we want to help businesses to showcase their products, to encourage people to visit and to surprise and excite the consumer about what’s on offer.

“Give Denbighshire businesses a go and help support local businesses.”

Christmas quiz papers will be ready soon

Organisers have sent out a message about the 2020 Cancer Research UK Christmas Quiz in Llangollen.

It says: "Unfortunately, Llangollen Tourist Information is still closed, but you can pick up your Christmas Quiz as usual from Pro-Adventure. For those who don’t know the town so well, it’s near the traffic lights at the top of Castle Street.  

"The quiz will be available from Saturday, November 28.  

"After being so badly compromised by Covid this year Cancer Research UK will more than ever appreciate all the support you can offer to put its valuable work back on track." 

Collen Players to livestream their Christmas variety show

* Cast members from one of the Collen Players' shows last year.

The Collen Players are to stage a special Christmas Variety show later this month.

But because they’re not yet allowed to perform for a live Llangollen audience due to social distancing rules, they will be bringing some roistering seasonal cheer through the airwaves.

The group was founded a couple of years ago by Father Lee Taylor, priest-in-charge of St Collen’s Church and a music hall enthusiast.

He said: “Collen Players have now done a number of very successful shows which attracted large and appreciative audiences.

“Unfortunately, we had to cancel one of the shows soon after the pandemic began but we were determined to go ahead with our Christmas special.

“We’ll be streaming it live on our own Facebook page observing the very strictest social distancing rules.”

He added: “Like so many other entertainers we’re having to adapt to this new way of performing but we can’t wait to be involved in the show.

“People have had such a very bad time over most of this year and we think they deserve a little cheering up in time for Christmas.

“We hope as many people as possible will watch the show which starts online at 6.30pm on Friday November 27^th.”

Father Lee will as usual be the evening’s chairman and the performers will be Shea Ferron, Julie and Dyfed Thomas, Mike Connolly, Phil Robinson, Neil Barratt and Dave Lyne.

Accompanying them on the piano will be Owen Roberts.

* To see the show being livestreamed at 6.30pm on Friday November 27^th, go to the Collen Players Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/collenplayers      

Llangollen Railway is seeking medical help

Llangollen Railway is searching for a doctor.

On its Facebook page it says: "Are you, or do you know of a registered medical professional - doctor or nurse with either occupational health, practice nurse or health assessment experience? 

"Our staff/volunteers in safety-critical roles require medical assessments to conform with Heritage Rail Requirements. 

"Could you help Llangollen Railway either in a voluntary capacity or expenses agreed? 

"For further information please contact : generalmanager@llangollen-railway.co.uk"

County plans consultation on climate change

Members of the public can have their say on plans by Denbighshire County Council to tackle climate and ecological change.

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.

A public engagement event was held earlier this year asking for the public’s views and now they can have their say on the council’s draft Climate and Ecological Change Strategy which covers the years 2021/22 – 2029/30.

Cllr Graham Timms, the council’s Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Working Group chair, said: “This is a draft document for our strategy and we want members of the public to read it and let us know what they think.

“The document explains what we mean by the goals net carbon zero and ecologically positive council, how the council is currently performing on both, what we hope 2030 will look like for the council having achieved our goals and the changes and actions we hope to deliver over the next nine years.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and help contribute.”

The council is holding an online public meeting on November 23 at 6.30pm for people to have the chance to learn more about the strategy and to provide verbal feedback and ask any questions.

Members of the public can also complete an online survey to give their feedback between November 13 and December 7.

Cllr Brian Jones the council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We are encouraging people to have their say on this document by completing the online survey and by attending the meeting and giving their views.

“Protecting the environment is a priority for the council and we are committed to continuing to reduce our carbon footprint and increasing biodiversity.

“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.”

* Applications to attend the public meeting close at midday on Friday, November 20, and you can sign up and take part in the online consultation at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/560

Latest local roadworks

Latest local roadworks notifications from one.network are:

Willow Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

16 November — 18 November

 

Delays likely - Road closure

 

Works location: BETWEEN MAES HELYG AND HALL STREET...

 

Works description: RESURFACING WORKS

 

Responsibility for works: Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: QR001S000000013229

 

Hall Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

16 November — 18 November

 

Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)

 

Works location: OUTSIDE WILLOW HOUSE

 

Works description: FS Hydrant Renew Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )...

 

Responsibility for works: Dee Valley Water

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: ZU0028102/000012423477

Traffic changes spark petition - and councillors address the issues

* The Change.org petition as it was on Friday morning.

As an online petition began to circulate criticising some of the moves, Llangollen's two county councillors have given their reaction to changes recently made to the town's traffic system aimed at making it for easier social distancing during the pandemic.

These changes include widening pavements in Castle Street - removing its on-street parking bays - and  on Abbey Road, reversing the one-way traffic flow in Church Street and making Market Street partially one-way. 

The petition, run through Change.org and intended to be sent to Denbighshire County Council, was started on Thursday by Jenni Lloyd who runs Jenni's shop in Market.

At 12.30pm today (Friday) the petition had attracted 85 of its 100 target signatures.

In the preface she says: "Having the loading bay placed outside my shop in Market Street, it seems clear that a lot of the local community are not happy with some of the recent changes in Llangollen.

"Have your say, let them sit up and take notice of us, not lie or ignore us as they are at present."

She says: "The lorries are 5ft from my window and it's fairly constant as the bay is servicing the whole of Castle Street.

"It is also to service the Town Hall so when they are putting up scenery or dismantling it for the shows its one heck of a trek.

"I know my business will not survive with the loading bay where it is and I'm very sad about that.

"None of us where contacted by the council at any point."

In a joint statement the two Llangollen county councillors, Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile, said today: "In answer to the furore that’s setting Llangollen Noticeboard on fire, we are still in the grip of the Covid -19 pandemic, these measures have been put in place to make Llangollen safer, for both its residents and its visitors.

"Many of our older residents were in fear of their lives during the national lockdown. They chose to remain at home even when it was lifted, rather than venture onto Castle St and face the crowds of visitors. A petition in support of the changes to Castle St was signed by over 140 people and sent to DCC on 6th August.

"The purpose of these measures is to ease the pressure on pedestrians in Castle Street.

"At the moment, due to the lockdown in England, our streets are empty and these measures appear not to be needed. That can change come December 2.

"There have been some cavalier comments re the scheme, please remember that it’s only in place to keep us safer."

Cllr Timms and Cllr Mile said they had met with county officers on Thursday to discuss a number of issues regarding the introduction of the Covid changes in Llangollen.

Here they take the issues raised point by point:

"Will the temporary signs stay by the Hand Hotel?

"There are still a few vehicles that have been travelling down Church Street in the wrong direction, having not noticed the reversing of the traffic direction even with the extra signage. It is a genuine safety concern and needs to be aggressively signposted during the first few days and weeks of the scheme. The extra signage by the Hand Hotel is temporary and will eventually be removed.

"Will all signs be bilingual?

"By the end of next week, all signage in the town will be bilingual, as required by the Welsh Language Act. The carriageway signs on Bridge Street pose a problem because if they were bilingual the writing would have to start a few more metres before the junction. As a result, we have agreed that the white arrow indicating the right turn will stay, but the text will be removed. This change will also help to reduce the visual impact on the conservation area.

"Is Church Street still "Access only"?

"Yes. Signs indicating this will be added to the current signage next week. It has been delayed because of temporary scaffolding on the Sun Inn on one side of the road. On the opposite side, the pole is not long enough to display the additional sign. A longer pole will be in place by the end of next week.

"What about the loading bay on Market Street?

"We are continuing our discussions next week  with the Denbighshire Road Safety team about the position of this bay to see if there is a better solution that can be reached for all."

The councillors added: "Please get in touch with us if you have comments or suggestions about the changes. We listen and pass on your views on to the council on your behalf. Email us at the addresses below.

graham.timms@denbighshire.gov.uk and melvyn.mile@denbighshire.gov.uk

Masterplan produced for Trevor Basin area

* Plan by Arcadis Consultancy.

Wrexham County Borough Council, Solutia UK and the Canal and River Trust in Wales have published a masterplan for the Trevor Basin and surrounding area, which forms part of the World Heritage Site at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

The sets out a vision for the area which aims to protect the heritage on site, enhance the visitor attraction and brings economic and social benefits to the region.

It includes a new visitor hub welcoming people to the site, improvements and expansion of car parking and commercial ventures such as a tree top walk, camping and glamping.  

Subject to funding and commercial interest, the plan could be delivered in stages over short, medium and longer term.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct at Trevor Basin is a historically significant site that attracts over 300,000 visitors per year to the local area. 

The organisations involved says it its current amenity offer is limited and consequently the site does not deliver to its full potential in terms of encouraging longer dwell times and leveraging visitor expenditure to the wider area.

The next stage will see the partners engage with Welsh and English governments to help deliver the funding required to bring forward the proposals.

Ian Bancroft, Chair of the World Heritage Site Board and Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economy, have said “It will be hugely important to the future management of the World Heritage Site and catalyst for transformation by creating a world class destination, in keeping with its status, to deliver a positive social and economic impact both locally and within the north Wales region.”

Solutia UK, the owners of the site which housed the former factory and makes up a significant part of the masterplan area, said: “We were very happy to work with Wrexham Council and the Canal and Rivers Trust in the development of the masterplan. 

"The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a stunning piece of industrial architecture and this masterplan includes some exciting developments around it and in the surrounding communities."

The masterplan has been developed over the past three years with Arcadis Consultancy and Stantec and has involved engagement with local residents, businesses and environment and community groups.

It is said to have the potential to generate approximately £75.7m (present value) of additional benefits for the Welsh economy over the next 30 years and generate £24.6 million in social value impacts from recreational users.  

It has the potential to significantly improve the quality and variety of the site’s visitor offer driving new visitors spend, creating jobs close to an area of high deprivation and helping to put Wrexham’s tourism sector onto a more even footing with other areas of North Wales.

Denbighshire planning guide now available

A definitive guide to complying with the planning process in Denbighshire has been produced.

The Denbighshire Planning Compliance Charter sets out how the planning process works in the county and includes a wide range of information, including details of the pre-planning service;  submitting planning applications; advice for complainants; how to report a breach of planning control; enforcement notices and planning investigations.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection, Safer Communities and Domestic Abuse said: “I welcome the production and use of this very useful charter. This has been developed in consultation with our many City, Town and Community Councils across the county and aims to guide those involved in the planning compliance process.

“It is vitally important that the Council continues to take a proportionate approach to regulation, aiming to balance environmental protection with business support and growth. This charter provides helpful advice to those making complaints about potential breaches of planning control and to those who may have breached planning control. The planning compliance process is a complex and often time-consuming one. We hope that this charter guides those involved and manages expectations of the Council’s role.

“Not everyone applies for planning consent when they should. This is where the planning compliance function comes in. This charter sets out how the Council seeks to deal with the harmful effects of unauthorised works by ensuring that planning policies are applied proportionately but robustly.

“The charter’s primary purpose is to help complainants, alleged contraveners and other interested parties understand how the planning compliance function operates. The Council wishes to work alongside people to remedy unauthorised works, in the knowledge that working together is the most effective approach to dealing with breaches of planning control.

“We hope people getting involved in the planning process find this a useful and informative guide."

* The document can be found at: https: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/planning-and-building-regulations

Mayor lays wreath for Armistice Day

The Town Mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, laid a wreath on the war memorial in Centenary Square yesterday to mark the day of the First World War Armistice on November 11, 1918. 

Railway decides to cancel its special Christmas trains

Llangollen Railway has decided to cancel its special Christmas season trains.

On its Facebook page it is says: "It is with a very heavy heart that we have taken the decision to cancel the Santa and Mince Pie Specials for 2020.

"With the uncertainty surrounding further local area lockdown restrictions, there is no guarantee the majority of our passengers will be able to travel with us throughout December.

"Everyone who has made a booking will be contacted during the next week via email regarding their booking. 

"We are asking customers to not telephone the office but to respond to the email they receive. Due to furlough we are running the office with a skeleton staff. 

"Facebook messages will not be responded to at the current time, emails will be answered but it will take a little longer than usual to respond.

"Please bear with us during this unprecedented period. Your help and support during this difficult time is very much appreciated.

"Again, our apologies, we hope to see you at Llangollen Railway in 2021"

A railway spokesperson added: "We will be offering a full refund, a voucher for an alternative event next year (including Santa Specials) or people may wish to donate the ticket money to the railway in this time of need."

 

We will be offering a full refund, a voucher for an alternative event next year (including Santa Specials) or that they can donate the ticket money to the Railway. (!),,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, in this time of need,