Pilot of Covid-19 jab roll-out to care homes begins

A pilot for the roll-out of the COVID-19 Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine to Welsh care homes is to begin on Wednesday, just over a week after the first jab was administered in the UK, the Health Minister has announced.

A designated care home in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will be the first in Wales to receive the vaccine, with teams in additional Health Boards taking the vaccine to care homes later this week.

The initial roll-out of the vaccine to care home staff, health and social care workers and those aged 80 and over began on Tuesday 8^th across the UK, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Wales and other UK administrations are guided by these recommendations.

There had been concerns about maintaining the stability of the Pfizer / BioNtech vaccine outside hospital vaccination centres as it usually needs to be stored at minus 70 degrees centigrade.

The Welsh Government has discussed at length with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the vaccine’s manufacturer how to repackage and transport the vaccine without compromising the standards of safety and efficacy patients rightly expect. This meant that until now it had not been efficient to take the vaccine to care home residents.

This will mean Health Boards can take the vaccine to settings with at least five residents, rather than using it only in static vaccination centres. It will take a number of days to train staff and ensure standard procedures are drawn up and validated.

At first the vaccine will be issued to care homes in proximity to hospital pharmacies, but it is planned for the vaccine to be available in other settings in coming weeks, once learnings from the care home pilot has been captured.

The effects of the vaccine may not be seen nationally for many months and the advice on keeping Wales safe remains the same for everyone; keep contacts with other people to a minimum, keep a 2 metre distance from others, wash hands regularly, wear a face covering where required and avoid touching surfaces others have touched, wherever possible.

The Health Minister, Vaughan Gething, said: “Following Wales' successful roll-out of the first COVID vaccine last week, we are starting the care home resident phase of the programme carefully; however we need to continue to make sure we can safely transport the vaccine to people who can’t come to clinics.

“If all goes well this week, we will roll out care home vaccination ahead of Christmas, bringing a new level of protection to some of our most vulnerable people.

“Our NHS staff have done a fantastic job to get this first vaccine out in a safe and timely manner. I’m extremely grateful for their hard work on this and across the course of the pandemic.”

Dr Gill Richardson, Chair of Wales’ COVID-19 Vaccine Programme, said: “The delivery of a COVID-19 vaccine to care home staff and residents has always been a priority for the Welsh Government. We have been working for months to meet the challenges of distribution and believe we have a feasible solution which we will deploy at pilot sites from Wednesday. Care home staff have been offered immunisation at Health Board centres whilst awaiting the mobile model to commence.”

“We are now very confident NHS hospitals can safely repackage and transport vaccine to care home without compromising its stability.”

As further supplies become available and additional vaccines receive MHRA approval, a staged approach will see other groups be offered the vaccine, based on risk of serious complications and deaths.

People are urged to wait to be invited, which will happen through NHS systems. Please do not ask your pharmacist or GP.

Council chief hears complaints about traffic changes first hand

* A problem with unloading outside 

Barnardos charity shop.

* Difficult cash servicing at Spar with 

the new double yellow lines.

Businesses in the town centre don’t feel their views were properly listened to before the county council made a series of major changes to Llangollen’s traffic system, according to the man who is acting as their spokesman.

But former Chamber of Tourism and Trade chairman David Davies says that after taking him on a guided tour of the area and meeting some of the traders this morning (Monday) the county councillor who authorised the moves had “definitely been listening” to what they told him.  

The changes, which are aimed at making for easier social distancing, 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. 

Just  after the moves were brought in an online petition to the county council gathered scores of signatures from people who were opposed to the changes.

And Mr Davies issued an invitation to County Councillor Brian Jones, Denbighshire’s lead member for waste, transport and the environment, to come to the town and speak to traders who say their businesses have been adversely affected by the package.

This morning Cllr Jones, accompanied by Ben Wilcox-Jones, the senior engineer who oversaw the changes, and Llangollen county councillor Melvyn Mile, was taken on a tour of the town centre by Mr Davies.

Mr Davies said: “I asked for the meeting with Cllr Jones because people with businesses in the area didn’t feel sufficient weight was given to their opinions about how the new scheme would operate.

“They didn’t feel they were listened to.

“We met the people involved in various businesses affected, including the book shop, cafe and gift shop in the courtyard off Castle Street, the Barnardos charity shop, Trespass, the butchers, the jewellers and The Bull public house.

“They all told him in detail about how they are being affected by the changes and many of the complaints concerned the lack of adequate loading and unloading facilities in Castle Street and Market Street.

“There were also complaints about the loss of the ability for people to leave their vehicles for a few minutes to ‘pop and shop’ and the lack of suitable disabled access.”

Mr Davies added: “I thought it was a very worthwhile meeting and I’d like to thank Cllr Jones for agreeing to meet us.

“I got the impression that he was listening to what he was being told and he said he would now discuss the issues raised with Mr Wilcox-Jones.

“I was asked to be the co-ordinating point for any further feedback from the local business community.”

Councillor Jones said: “We were pleased to take up the opportunity to meet up with some of the traders in Llangollen.  The main issues of concern they raised were  around the loading and unloading restrictions, enforcement and some traffic flow issues on Castle Street. 

“We thought it was a very constructive meeting and we welcomed the opportunity to discuss the changes directly with them and to listen to their concerns.

"We have made a commitment from the beginning of the scheme to continue to monitor the position and review the changes on a regular basis."

Serial testing in schools and colleges from January

The Welsh Government has announced plans to roll out serial testing in schools and colleges from January.

Under this process, pupils and staff identified as close contacts would be asked to either self-isolate as normal or to take a lateral flow test at the start of the school day for the duration of the self-isolation period.  

Those who test negative would continue attending school as normal, those who test positive would be required to self-isolate and book a confirmatory test.

Schools and colleges will be offered support, equipment and training.  All staff working in special schools will be offered weekly testing.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “Throughout this pandemic our priority has been to deliver maximum learning with as minimal disruption as possible.

“The plans we are announcing today will play an integral role in delivering on that priority.

“We recognise that it has not been easy for pupils and staff who have been required to self-isolate as a result of having been identified as a ‘close contact’ and we recognise the impact it has had on face-to-face teaching.

“Earlier this month we announced the reduction in the period of time for which a person needs to self-isolate from 14 days to 10 days.

“Following discussions with Public Health Wales and the Children and Schools Technical Advisory Cell, we are pleased to confirm that we will introduce a serial testing programme in schools and further education settings in the new year.”

Lateral flow testing detects the presence of the Covid-19 viral antigen from a swab sample.

LFTs are handheld devices which produce results within 20 to 30 minutes, with the potential to be self-administered.

Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething added: “The lessons we have learnt from using LFTs in pilots in higher education institutions across Wales and secondary schools in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf will help inform how we can successfully deliver lateral flow testing in schools and other education settings in the future.

“It is vital everyone understands that testing alone cannot eradicate the risks associated with contracting and transmitting Covid-19. 

“Testing helps to mitigate the risk but it needs to be taken alongside other infection prevention control measures, including appropriate social distancing and hand hygiene measures.

“We are grateful to everyone in the sector who has worked hard to make sure these measures are in place.”

The Welsh Government intends to roll out testing to all schools and further education settings, including primary and childcare staff.

However, in order to ensure there is a model that works and is safe, the roll out will be phased on levels of risk starting with secondary schools and further education settings.

Couple's custom-made decorations hand-crafted with love

* Wendy and Andy Radley outside their Flower Studio near Llanarmon yn Ial. 

* An example of their work.

A wreath on the front door or a floral centrepiece for the Christmas lunch table may be part of a romantic festive scene and for one Denbighshire business couple the beautiful countryside surrounding their home provides inspiration for their artistic creations, all hand crafted with love with incredibly realistic and long-lasting artificial flowers. 

Making an Entrance is a company run by Wendy and Andy Radley from their home in the Clwydian Range near Llanarmon yn Ial. 

Everything is made to order in a log cabin-style Flower Studio which they converted from a stables at the bottom of their garden.

Making door wreaths and centrepieces all year round which reflect each new season, their company motto is ‘A wreath isn’t just for Christmas’

Originally from Warrington, the couple moved to Llanarmon at the end of October 2019 and have got actively involved in community life, including volunteering in the local shop and singing in the community choir. 

They have also been busy with their online shop: www.makinganentranceuk.co.uk, an Etsy Shop and have a combined total of 8000+ active followers on their Making An Entrance U.K. Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Making An Entrance has received nothing less than a 5 star rating from hundreds of genuine customers for the quality of their products and exceptional customer service, these are proudly displayed at their online shop, Etsy shop, Facebook and Google pages and is perhaps why they have attracted so many social media followers and loyal customers in Denbighshire, throughout Wales and the rest of the U.K. even as far afield as the U.S, Canada, Australia and Europe. 

The company is one of a number of businesses across Denbighshire supporting the Winter Shopping campaign, co-ordinated by Denbighshire County Council, which encourages residents in the county to support local businesses this winter.

Wendy said: “We moved to Wales a year ago from Warrington to start our new ‘chapter‘ as ‘Empty Nesters’ as our two boys have ‘flown the nest’ and it’s the best thing we’ve ever done. The move here has allowed us to build a lovely flower studio with inspiring country views where I can create seasonal floral decor for my lovely clients all year round”. 

“Unfortunately during the lockdown Andy was made redundant from his management position with a national construction company so we have worked really hard together to create new business opportunities, generate increased sales and to grow our company reputation, particularly here in Wales. 

"Andy is now working for the business full time we make a good team: he has taken over many of the (non-creative) tasks which I previously did myself including delivering orders to local clients (following Covid safety guidelines) which allows me to fulfil more orders and therefor increase our sales revenue. 

“As a small business we have a limited budget for advertising so we rely on word of mouth and promoting our business with local Facebook groups. The support we’ve received has been incredible. I’m delighted to say my sales figures have increased week on week even during the pandemic for which Andy and I are incredibly grateful."

Wendy added: "Clients often share with me the ‘stories’ behind their Making An Entrance purchases. I find it both humbling and heart-warming to have such an insight into the love between families and friends separated by Covid and to be able to facilitate their acts of kindness by making the floral gifts they’ve ordered and delivering them to their loved ones‘ doors on their behalf.   

"I have clients who purchase wreaths for the gravesides of loved ones, others order door / wall wreaths to brighten their surroundings and to cheer themselves up, particularly those who are now working from home who have often described feelings of loneliness and feeling imprisoned in their own homes.

“I’ve made heart-shaped floral wreaths to be delivered to elderly relatives in care homes to show them they are loved by those on the outside and to remind them they will be together again soon. I’ve created flower wreaths for brides and grooms whose wedding plans have been changed and numbers reduced and yet they remain determined to say ‘I Do’. I’ve made wreaths to be sent as gifts from my clients to nurses and teachers to show their gratitude for the amazing work they do.

“And recently, in response to client demand I’ve created a personalised, heart-shaped door / wall wreath with a heart pendant at the centre inscribed with the words ‘A Hug In A Heart’ for my clients who are wanting to show family and friends how much they miss seeing them due to local travel restrictions and social distancing measures. These are just a few examples of why every single order is hand-made with love.

“I am incredibly proud of our small business and extremely grateful to our loyal clients, particularly during these difficult economic times.   I feel blessed to do what I love for a living for clients who truly appreciate the effort my husband and I put in to offer quality hand-made products and exceptional customer service." 

Hundreds turn up for drive-through flu jab session

* Cars queue for the drive-through flu jab session at the Pavilion.

Hundreds of eligible people in the 50 to 64 year old age group turned up at a rain-swept Llangollen Pavilion for their flu jabs this morning (Sunday).

Those receiving the injections in the busy drive-through session, which has now finished, had to pre-book their places. 

The jabs were given by a team from Llangollen Health Centre while volunteers from the Tidy Town Team took care of traffic management.

Campaigner puts case for convenient recycling facility

The Llangollen resident leading the campaign, backed by a petition, to have a permanent recycling facility people from this area can use has explained why he thinks a conveniently located centre is so important.

Phil Jones said:  "Can you guess what the picture above is?

"It's an example of fly tipping. Why do people do such things you may wonder? Well, one reason is that they value their own convenience over and above the environment and the countryside in which they live.

"When all convenience is effectively removed from our ability to recycle, then more people will choose the easy option and throw their rubbish over the nearest convenient embankment.

"It happens on the Gwernant and on the Panorama, and it's the council, - you the ratepayer - who picks up the bill for clearing up the mess.

"The example pictured was found in Denbighshire this week and thankfully not in the Dee Valley AONB.

"In the Dee Valley we have been deprived of convenient access to a proper recycling facility for nearly a year now, and that’s why we have launched our campaign for access to the Plas Madoc recycling site.

"You may have already signed our petition, but we need as many people to sign it as possible. So, we urge you to get like-minded friends and family to sign it too.

"You can sign the online petition by clicking this link:

https://www.change.org/p/denbighshire-county-council-return-of-recycling-in-llangollen-and-the-dee-valley 

"We are now up to 443 signatories and still growing. Paper petitions are available as an alternative in Watkin & Williams, Gwyn the Butcher , Lilly Rose and Fouzi’s."

Roadworks alert for Regent Street

Latest roadworks from one.network is:

Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

15 December — 18 December

 

Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)

 

Works location: OUTSIDE 36.

 

Works description: NEW SERVICE LAYING - 3 PUBLIC OUTSIDE OF 36 REGENT STREET...

 

Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Limited

 

Current status: Planned work about to start

 

Works reference: XY254004000165215

 

Covid-19 testing centre opens on Market Street car park

* The testing centre at Market Street car park.

The Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has set up a temporary Covid-19 testing centre on the Market Street car park, which opens at 9.30am this morning (Saturday).

The walk-in and drive-in centre, which will stay open until 3.30pm and remain there until Monday December 28, is located in the coach parking area of the car park.

The health board says the aim is to make it easier for people in the area to get tested for Covid-19 closer to home.

The board adds that no appointment is needed for a test. Anybody with symptoms of COVID-19 can attend for testing.

The temporary testing unit in Ruthin has now closed.

* For more details about testing, go to: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/book-a-covid-19-test/

Hospitality firms can check on level of government support

Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism businesses impacted by latest coronavirus restrictions can now find out how much they can expect to receive from the latest round of the Welsh Government’s business support package.

The government recently announced £340m to assist businesses affected by coronavirus restrictions which came into force on 4 December.

The latest package includes a £160m Restrictions Business Fund, predominantly for businesses paying non domestic rates, and a £180m grant fund specifically for impacted businesses in the tourism, leisure and hospitality sectors.

Under this latest round of Welsh Government support a typical hospitality business in Wales with the equivalent of six fulltime staff could be eligible to receive between £12,000 and £14,000 to help them through this period of restrictions and into the New Year.

The £160m Restrictions Business Fund will see impacted businesses that pay non-domestic rates within the hospitality, tourism, leisure, retail sectors and their supply chain qualifying for a one-off payment of between £3,000 and £5,000.

Hospitality businesses that received non-domestic rates funding under the previous firebreak restrictions can expect this payment before Christmas. However, all other eligible businesses will need to register in the New Year to receive their payment.

Impacted firms, including those not paying business rates, can also apply for a share of the £180m Sector Specific Fund. This part of the package, which is calculated on a business’ staff count and turnover, is expected to support up to 8,000 businesses in sectors impacted by the restrictions and potentially a further 2,000 in related supply chains.

A new eligibility checker and calculator is now live on the Business Wales website to help businesses work out what support they can expect to qualify for.  Guidance will also be available for firms to help them through the application process for the Sector Specific Fund which will open during the week of 11 January.

Minister for the Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “We know how difficult the latest restrictions are for our hospitality businesses, particularly at this time of year, but accelerating coronavirus rates have meant we have had to make difficult decisions to protect people’s health and save lives.

“Available evidence, including a recent paper by the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) tells us that measures in Scotland’s level three and England’s tier three are effective in reducing virus spread. We have introduced this latest round of restrictions to bring us in line with Scotland level three and England tier 3.

“Through this £340m package of support we are working to directly assist hospitality businesses and to get financial support to them as quickly as possible. Many will receive between £3K and £5K this side of Christmas, and in addition can apply for a sector specific grant that will follow in the New Year.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “We are fully aware, not least from our hospitality stakeholder group, of the impact of the restrictions that we have had to bring in. This is not the Christmas period that any of us wanted but I would urge businesses to take advantage of the help available and to use the calculator to find out how much help they can expect to receive so they can plan accordingly.

“We will continue to do everything we can to support our firms and our people through to the other side of this dreadful pandemic.”

This latest in Welsh Government funding is in addition to other UK Government support, such as the Job Retention Scheme, making it the most generous business support offer in the UK.

Primary schools to close in Denbighshire

Following discussion with all of its schools, Denbighshire County Council has taken the decision to close all of its primary schools, special schools and pupil referral units from Wednesday (December 16) for face to face learning.

This follows the Welsh Government decision to move all secondary schools and colleges in Wales to online learning from Monday (December 14).

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “We have reluctantly taken the decision to close our primary schools for face to face learning early. Confirmed cases associated with Denbighshire schools continue to be in single figures owing to the hard work of pupils, parents and staff.

“With primary schools closing across North Wales, the Council felt it had no choice but to take the decision to provide continuity with other areas, giving parents and guardians sufficient notice to prepare and to further ensure the safety of children and staff in the run up to Christmas.

“Primary schools will remain open for vulnerable learners and the children of key workers until Friday, December 18.”

The Welsh Government announced the decision to move all secondary schools and colleges in Wales to online learning as part of a ‘national effort to reduce transmission of coronavirus’ following advice from Wales’s Chief Medical Officer.

Cllr Hilditch-Roberts added: “As we approach Christmas and the end of term I want to thank all pupils, staff and families for their support and their effort in the fight against COVID-19.  

“Primary schools, special schools, pupil referral units and secondary schools in the county will be arranging remote learning for pupils until December 18 and to echo the words of the Education Minister, this period is not an early Christmas holiday.

“Christmas is a time of great excitement and joy for our students but it is also a time when the temptation to stray from the strict rules we have been asked to follow may be higher than ever. It is important for everyone who has worked tirelessly to enjoy a happy Christmas holiday that we continue to observe the rules as I know so many of you have.

“I would again like to thank pupils, parents and staff for their support during what has been a hugely challenging term for all of our schools and the communities they support and work in.”

The final day of face to face learning for primary schools will be Wednesday, December 16 with remote learning for pupils taking place on December 17 and 18.

 

Latest Covid control plan to be published next week, says Drakeford

* First Minister Mark Drakeford.

An updated version of Wales’s covid control plan will be published next week, the First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

The plan sets out in detail how national measures will be introduced in a more uniform and predictable way, depending on a range of indicators, including the level of the virus in Wales and the risk of infection.

It updates the approach to changing restrictions set out in Leading Wales out of the Coronavirus Pandemic and Unlocking Our Society and Economy. 

And it aims to provide greater certainty for people and businesses about the restrictions, which are needed to protect people’s health and slow the spread of the virus.

Wales is currently at alert level three. The national measures were strengthened on December 4 in response to rapidly accelerating levels of coronavirus across Wales.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “This has been a truly challenging year. The impact of coronavirus on us all – on all aspects of our lives – cannot be underestimated. Like almost every country in the world, we have put restrictions in place to control the spread of this deadly virus.

“This updated plan shows how the national measures will be introduced in a more uniform way as we move through the pandemic, providing greater certainty for people and businesses.”

The updated plan has been informed by latest analysis from our scientific and medical experts and the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). It has also been informed by the experience in other parts of the UK.

The plan sets out four alert levels – from alert level one to alert level four:

• Alert level one (low-risk) – this represents the closest to normality we are likely to have before the summer and the widespread take-up of vaccinations.

• Alert level two (medium-risk) – additional, targeted controls are put in place to maintain infection rates at lower levels. These may be complemented by more targeted local restrictions to manage specific incidents and outbreaks.

• Alert level three (high-risk) – these are the strictest package of restrictions, short of a firebreak or lockdown.

• Alert level four (very high risk) – restrictions at this level are equivalent to a lockdown and reflect the seriousness of the situation.

The First Minister said that if the strengthened national measures, together with the efforts everyone is making, do not succeed in reducing the rates of coronavirus, Wales will need to move to alert level four after the five-day Christmas period. But this move is not a foregone conclusion.

He added: “The most important thing we can all do to control the spread of coronavirus is to reduce the number of people are in contact with. This virus thrives on human behaviour – whenever and wherever we come together and spend time together, the virus can be transmitted from person to person.”

The national measures will continue to be reviewed every three weeks, whatever alert level Wales is currently in.

MP congratulates team repairing historic rail bridge

* Simon Baynes MP, right, and Robert Gordon, chairman Llangollen Railway Trust, at the Dee Valley Bridge.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a visit to Llangollen Railway to learn more about how the team are progressing with repairs and renewal of the Dee Bridge.

To run trains over the bridge next year the railway has had to replace its worn-out timbers. 

New woodwork cost £15,000 and an appeal was launched in November by Llangollen Railway Trust to raise the required funds.

The appeal has proven a major success with members of the public and the trust together raising the entire amount.

During his visit Mr Baynes met trust chairman Robert Gordon who said: “I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to our appeal in helping to raise the money to enable these works to take place and also the volunteers and staff of Llangollen Railway who are undertaking these critical works to enable services to continue to run next year.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “Everyone at the Llangollen Railway Trust is doing an excellent job of carrying out the necessary repairs to run train services in 2021. 

"I was really impressed to hear more about their plans for the forthcoming year despite the challenges posed by Covid, with new services being planned for the restored Corwen station.”

Secondary schools and colleges to begin online learning from Monday

Secondary schools and colleges in Wales will move to online learning from Monday, December 14 as part of a national effort to reduce transmission of coronavirus, Education Minister Kirsty Williams confirmed today.

The Minister made it clear that, thanks to the efforts of education staff across the country, schools and colleges are "safe and secure environments", with almost half of all Welsh schools having had zero covid cases since September.

However, it is also recognised that education settings being open can contribute to wider social mixing outside the school and college environment.

By making this decision, the Minister felt it was important to make a ‘clear, national direction’ to take pressure off individual schools, colleges, local authorities, parents and carers.

The Minister said her decision followed expert advice from Wales’s Chief Medical Officer showing that the public health situation in Wales was deteriorating.

The latest TTP data shows that rates of Covid-19 have further increased across Wales and have now exceeded 370/100k with a test positivity of 17%.

The R rate in Wales has increased to 1.27 with a doubling time of just 11.7 days.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “Every day, we are seeing more and more people admitted to hospital with coronavirus symptoms.

“The virus is putting our health service under significant and sustained pressure and it is important we all make a contribution to reduce its transmission.

“In his advice to me today, the CMO recommends that a move to online learning should be implemented for secondary school pupils as soon as is practicable.

“I can therefore confirm that a move to online learning should be implemented for secondary school pupils and college students from Monday next week.

“We recognise, as we did during the firebreak, that it is more difficult for primary and special school age children to undertake self-directed learning.

“That is why we are encouraging primary and special schools to continue to stay open.

“Having spoken to local education leaders, I am confident that schools and colleges have online learning provision in place.

“This will also be important in ensuring that students are at home during this time, learning and staying safe.

“Critically, and this is very important, children should be at home.

“This is not an early Christmas holiday, please do everything you can to minimise your contact with others.”

“The education family in Wales has pulled together so many times this year to make a real difference to the course of this virus and ultimately to save lives and I know we can do the same again.

“Together we will keep Wales safe.” 

Eviction protection extended for Covid-hit businesses

Retailers, pubs, restaurants and other businesses affected by coronavirus will now be protected  from eviction until the end of March 2021, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales Ken Skates (pictured) has announced.

As part of the action Welsh Government is taking to support the business community from the impact of Covid-19 the moratorium against forfeiture for the non-payment of rent, which was due to end on 31 December, will now be extended until 31 March 2021.

While businesses should continue to pay rent wherever possible, the latest measure will ensure no business is forced out of its premises if it misses a payment between now and the end of March 2021. The move will help ease the burden on a range of sectors, including retail and hospitality, at what continues to be a time of immense challenge.

Since the start of the pandemic Welsh Government has put together the most generous package of support for business anywhere in the UK, worth nearly £2bn. This includes £340m that is available through the latest round of the Economic Resilience Fund to support businesses affected by restrictions that came into force on 4th December.

Ken Skates, said: “Despite all of our ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of coronavirus, instances of the virus remain worryingly high. We recognise that the ongoing restrictions and wider behaviour changes are putting significant pressure on many of our businesses and we are working hard to quickly support our businesses with the most generous support offer for business anywhere in the UK.

“As part of that package of support, I am pleased that we are also able to extend measures to prevent forfeiture for the non-payment of rent. This will protect many businesses from eviction and help to secure jobs, safeguard businesses and shield our economy over the critical months to come.

“We will continue to put pressure on the UK Government to provide further support as we progress towards a prosperous post-pandemic Wales.”

The Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: “Supporting Welsh businesses whilst balancing the need to protect our most vulnerable and stop the spread of the virus has not been an easy task. Ensuring retailers, pubs, restaurants and other businesses will be protected from eviction until the end of March 2021 is just one of the ways we helping our town centres to not just get by but come back better as they safely continue to trade during this challenging time.

“Giving our towns a sense of place is more important than ever, and in line with our Transforming Towns agenda we will continue to work collaboratively with partners to build sustainable town centres for the future where businesses can thrive.”

"Brilliant" response to Christmas scarecrow competition

Organisers say the response to the Christmas Scarecrow trail has been "absolutely brilliant". 

The contest, which has seen a large number of creative and colourful entries across the town, is being run by the Christmas Festival Committee to help keep up seasonal spirits after this year's event fell victim to the pandemic.

The Town Mayor Austin "Chem" Cheminais, who chairs the festival committee, said: "I estimate well over 50 scarecrows all over Llangollen.

"I know of  40 locations that are on the list above and think there are a lot more out there that I don't know about.

"They all look amazing, people in Llangollen are so creative and imaginative.

"I hope people have fun finding them to see for themselves how fantastic they are."

He added: "Santa and his elves will judge the competition in the week leading up to Christmas, and there are two prizes of £25.

"If anyone wants to help choose the winner they can send a picture of their favourite to santa@btinternet.com."

Parents and carers of self-isolating children eligible for £500

Parents and carers on low incomes with children who are self-isolating will be eligible for a £500 support payment.

The Self-Isolation Support Scheme was launched last month to provide financial support to people on low incomes or facing financial hardship when they were asked to self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect service.

It will now be extended to help parents and carers who have to take time off work to look after their children when they have to self-isolate because of a coronavirus outbreak in their school or childcare setting.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Working from home is not an option for everyone so when a child has to self-isolate, this can be a stressful period for parents and carers.

“A significant number of people are losing income because they are unable to work while looking after children who cannot go to school or their normal childcare setting because of coronavirus. 

“Extending this scheme will help ease the financial hardship some parents and are facing, helping them care for their children.”

The Self-Isolation Support Scheme will be extended to parents and carers on low incomes who meet the criteria for the main scheme. To qualify, they must have a child attending a school or childcare setting up to and including in year eight – or up to age 25 if the learner has multiple and complex additional needs – and who has received a formal notification to self-isolate from Test Trace Protect or their education or childcare setting.

Minister for Housing and Local Government Julie James said: “We are committed to doing everything we can to support people and protect people’s health and wellbeing.

“The £500 self-isolation payment will help us give people the financial security they need to stay-at-home and break the cycle of transmission. As well as support the wider efforts of schools and other services to control the spread of the virus

“Local authorities have been working hard throughout the pandemic to support their communities and I thank them for their hard work. I will continue to keep the scheme under review to ensure that those most in need receive the support they need to self-isolate and reduce transmission.”

Parents or carers who are not on benefits but meet the other criteria and are at risk of financial hardship can apply to the scheme under the discretionary element to support.

People will be able to apply for the self-isolation payment via their local authority website from 14 December and payments will be backdated to 23 October.

Covid-19 testing centre for Market Street car park

* A testing centre will be located on Market Street car park.

The Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has just announced on its Facebook page that a walk-in and drive-in testing centre will open in Llangollen this Saturday, December 12.

They say the aim is to make it easier for people in the area to get tested for Covid-19 closer to home.

The testing centre will be located on the Market Street car park and will be open from 9.30am until 3.30pm.

The board says no appointment is needed for a test. Anybody with symptoms of COVID-19 can attend for testing.

From 4.30pm today (Wednesday) the testing unit in Ruthin will close.

* For more details about testing, go to: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/book-a-covid-19-test/

Date set aside for possible town council by-election

* Former town councillor George Hughes.

A by-election could be held in February to fill the vacancy on Llangollen Town Council left by the recent resignation of Cllr George Hughes if the seat is contested.

The Returning Officer at Denbighshire County Council has issued this information.

In Wales, any by-election that was scheduled to take place after March 16, 2020, or was due to a vacancy that occurred during the pandemic could not take place before February 2021. 

Any person wishing to stand as a candidate at the by-election should contact the Returning Officer at Denbighshire County Council on 01824 706114 or 706118, or email elections@denbighshire.gov.uk<mailto:elections@denbighshire.gov.uk> to obtain nomination papers. 

Completed nomination papers must be presented in person by appointment with the Returning Officer or her Deputy at County Hall, Ruthin no later than 4pm Friday, January 22, 2021. 

Should the election be contested polling will take place on Thursday February 18, 2021.

Changes being made to self-isolation payments

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents of amendments to the Self-Isolation Covid Support Scheme launched by Welsh Government last month.

The Self-Isolation Support Scheme was set up by Welsh Government to provide financial support to people on low incomes or facing financial hardship when they were asked to self-isolate by the NHS Wales Test Trace Protect service.

This will now be extended to help parents and carers who have to take time off work to look after their children when they have to self-isolate because of a coronavirus outbreak in their school or childcare setting.

Parents and carers on low incomes with children who are self-isolating will be eligible for a £500 support payment. To qualify, they must have a child attending a school or childcare setting up to and including in year eight – or up to age 19 if the learner has multiple and complex additional needs – and who has received a formal notification to self-isolate from Test Trace Protect or their education or childcare setting.

Denbighshire County Council will be administering the payments on behalf of Welsh Government and application forms will be available on www.denbighshire.gov.uk from 3pm Monday, 14 December.  

The council says it will update residents when the application process opens and provide information on how to apply.

Call for relatives to be allowed to visit care homes by Christmas

With family members in England allowed to visit relatives in care homes if they test negative, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood (pictured) has called for the same programme to be rolled out in Wales in time for Christmas.

Mr Isherwood raised the matter in the Welsh Parliament after being contacted by families who are desperate to see loved ones in care homes over the festive period.

He said: “On 23 November, the Welsh Government announced a pilot programme for supporting visitors to care homes in Wales, and I call for a Welsh Government statement on provision for families to visit loved ones in care homes this Christmas.

“The Welsh Government statement then said you were offering testing to care home visitors across a small number of care homes, intended to pave the way for a wider roll-out to more Welsh care homes starting on 14 December. 

"Last week, the UK Government announced that care home residents in England will receive indoor visits from family and friends this Christmas if they test negative for COVID-19, unless there is an outbreak in the care home, with over one million rapid Lateral Flow Tests sent to homes as the first phase of an English national roll-out to enable visiting by Christmas. 

“As a constituent then e-mailed, and I'll quote them: 'Testing of relatives in England, and more and more people going into the care homes and holding their loved ones is beautiful, but what about Wales? Why are we always last in the queue? For God's sake, just roll it out and let the Welsh residents be granted the same lifeline as England’.

“I call for a statement and update accordingly.”

In her response, the Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans MS, said they are working to strike the balance of keeping residents in care homes safe from Covid, but also recognising that they have important well-being and mental health needs as well.

Mr Isherwood added: “As my constituent also stated, ‘We are once again let down by the Welsh Government, it's no good saying they are starting pilot testing. I am heartbroken that we are getting  nowhere, please speak for us in Wales , this situation  is disgusting and so, so unfair’.”