Government earmarks extra £110m for covid-hit businesses

The Welsh Government is making an extra £110m available to support businesses affected by the alert level four restrictions which will come into force from the end of trading on Christmas Eve.

The new restrictions will mean all non-essential retail, including close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres, will close from end of trading on Christmas Eve, with hospitality businesses following at 6pm on Christmas Day.

The new support package – which is addition to the £340 million already available to businesses under alert level three – will help 35,500 firms.

Businesses in the hospitality and non-essential retail sector, which are impacted by the new restrictions, receive small business rates relief and have a rateable value of £12,000 or less will be eligible for a £3,000 payment.

Hospitality and non-essential retail businesses with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £150,000 will be eligible for a £5,000 payment.

Tourism, leisure, retail and supply chain businesses in the same rateable value bracket will also be eligible for this support if their turnover has fallen by 40% or more during the restriction period.

Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language Eluned Morgan made the announcement at today’s Welsh Government press conference. 

She said: "We are making incredibly difficult but necessary decisions to protect the health and lives of our people.

"We recognise these decisions have a knock-on effect on our economy and this will be another blow to many businesses who have had to deal with so much during this incredibly challenging year.

"To support businesses affected by these latest restrictions we are making a further £110 million available. We expect around 35,500 businesses in Wales will benefit from this support.

Economy Minister Ken Skates said: "This latest package is in addition to the £340 million for businesses we announced at the end of November, taking our total package of business support during this pandemic to more than £2 billion.

"Our financial assistance has already helped protect thousands of companies and safeguarded 125,000 jobs. We are working hard to get funds out to businesses quickly as possible and in the last two weeks alone, almost £20 million has landed in the bank accounts of our businesses.

"The vital additional support being announced today will be administered by local authorities and the Welsh Local Government Association and I want to thank them for their ongoing hard work and efforts to ensure money reaches businesses quickly.

"Sadly rising coronavirus cases mean we must take action now to drive the virus down. We recognise this is hugely challenging for businesses, but as a government, we will continue to do all that we can to protect them, our people and our communities through these difficult days.

"Eligible hospitality and non-essential retail businesses, which registered for non-domestic rate support during the firebreak will be paid directly through their local authority. All other eligible businesses and those businesses, which did not register during the firebreak, will need to do so with their local authority in January with payment following soon after.

"Businesses not eligible for non-domestic rates will be able to continue to apply to local authorities for a Lockdown Discretionary Grant of up to £2,000."

* More information about the package of business support is available on the Business Wales website.

Latest Toyota Rav4 is an impressive all-rounder

Toyota Rav4 road test by Steve Rogers

The hybrid story part two.

In the first episode the little Yaris popped in a driving score of 86 so what could the Rav4, its much bigger SUV brother do? I don't want to brag but I reached the dizzy height of 90 after a 70 mile drive and even hit 93 for a good part of the trip.

If it sounds that I was puddling around at 40mph just to boost the score I was not. This is driving to the speed limits, so that is up to 70mph occasionally, but doing everything gently so that the batteries can be recharged on the move and give as much electric driving power as possible.

The average for the trip was 47.3mpg but the most telling figure is 46.2mpg at the end of a week's driving which is impressive for a petrol SUV.

In fact fifth generation Rav4 was impressive all round which came as a bit of a surprise. Not a car I have ever taken to, dull to look at, dull to drive, although am clearly in the minority because it is the world's best selling SUV.

Like Yaris the Toyota designers have gone back to the drawing board and with the help of a spanking new platform have created a totally different animal. And this one is roaring!

We shouldn't be surprised by the dynamic styling of Rav4. For years Toyota design has been far too cautious but everything changed with the daring CH-R crossover and things have been on the up ever since.

The new platform has boosted two important elements: space and handling. New Rav is a tad shorter than its predecessor but has more cabin space with loads of rear legroom and a big boot. And with a lower centre of gravity the car's handling has been transformed.

Not that you can go rallying. The car has been set up for comfort but because its sits closer to the tarmac there is far less body roll. Some will prefer rivals with even sharper handling but I think the compromise between comfort and driving dynamics is spot on.

The cabin has been designed to make another powerful statement with better quality trim and typical bullish SUV design. Compared to the minimalist look of a Volvo XC60 or Peugeot 3008 the Rav is far busier. It has a large central touch screen where you can see navigation directions, radio stations and the like, but heating controls are conventional with a couple of oversized switches which are easy to see and easy to use so eyes are fixed firmly on the road and not searching for the fan or temperature control.

Move to the driver's binnacle and things are a bit too busy with the focus on everything hybrid, so much so that I didn't spot the digital speedo for a while because it is stuck at the top like an afterthought.  I spent a while pressing buttons in the hope of changing the display but without success. I suppose the readouts are important because hybrid is the only Rav4 on offer although that does not phase me.

The encouraging mix of performance, economy and low emissions is becoming a real tonic. Stab the fast pedal and Rav4 is off the line in a flash. There is no worry about balancing the clutch and getting the right revs for a quick getaway, it is handed to you on a plate and the power surge goes on and on. Be warned, too much of that will seriously hurt economy but it is good to have a blast now and again.

The all wheel drive Dynamic model comes with all the bells and whistles, which is reflected in the price, but one piece of good news is that this is a hybrid with a reasonable towing capacity.  The Rav will pull 1650kg which is a family sized single axle caravan.

So a lot going for the new Toyota whether you want a big family car, a tow car, or a company motor because here it is like living in a tax haven with a very low benefit in kind penalty.

There is just one irritation that Toyota should sort out and that is the painfully slow and noisy powered tailgate... but it was still difficult giving this car back.

Need to know

RAV4 Dynamic AWD

£37,555

2.5 litre petrol; 219bhp

0-62mph 8.1secs; 112mph

47.8mpg combined

Transmission: Electric CVT

101g/km. 1st tax £140

Insurance group 30

Boot: 580 litres

Schools to provide remote learning for first week of new term

Pupils in Denbighshire are set to return to face-to-face learning after the Christmas break on Monday, January 11.

Following guidance from the Welsh Government and discussions with schools, Denbighshire County Council is informing parents that remote learning will be in place during the first week of the new term, the week beginning January 4.  

All Denbighshire schools have a pre-arranged INSET day on January 4 and many schools have a second INSET day on January 5.

However, in circumstances where there is a clear public health and safety reason, individual schools may continue with remote learning for one extra week.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “There is an expectation from the Welsh Government that cases of coronavirus will increase over the Christmas period.

“Despite confirmed cases associated with Denbighshire schools being low they are increasing and we have taken the difficult decision to follow Welsh Government guidance for schools to provide remote learning at the start of term, with the expectation that face-to-face learning will resume on Monday, January 11.

“Any children who test positive for coronavirus or are asked to self-isolate through the Test, Trace and Protect system must complete their self-isolation period before returning to school.

“We take any change to pupils’ education very seriously and have not taken this decision lightly. We have acted now to provide clarity to parents and guardians as early as possible as well as allowing us to manage the return to education after the Christmas period as safely as possible.

“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.”

Face to face learning will be offered to the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils and schools will inform parents and guardians with their individual arrangements. 

Reminder of Free After Three parking for festive period

* Market Street is one of those offering Free After Three parking until December 31.

Residents are being reminded that Denbighshire County Council’s festive free parking scheme continues until December 31.

To encourage more people to use their local high street for shopping in the run up to Christmas, free parking is available in council-run town centre car parks from 3pm every day.

The Free After Three initiative will be available in the following car parks:

Llangollen: Hall Street; Market Street; Mill Street

Corwen: Green Lane

Denbigh: Multi-Storey; Crown Lane; Factory Ward; Post Office Lane,

Prestatyn: Lower High Street; Railway station

Rhuddlan: Parliament Street

Rhyl: Central; Morley Road; Queen Street; Sky Tower; West Kinmel Street, Rhyl Railway; Rhyl Library (disabled bays only)

Ruthin: Crispin Yard; Dog Lane; Park Road; Rhos Street; St Peter's Square; Troed y Rhiw

Morfa Hall private car park, Rhyl, is not included in the initiative.

As well as the Free After Three scheme, the council continues to offer two hours free parking at any time during the day until December 31 at the following car parks:

East Street Llangollen; Vale Street, Denbigh; King’s Avenue, Prestatyn; Market Street, Ruthin; Bowling Green, St Asaph and Town Hall Car Park, Rhyl.

Cllr Brian Jones, the council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said, said: “The Free After Three parking initiative has been established now for a number of years and complements our #LoveLiveLocal campaign to encourage more people to use our high streets for their festive shopping. 

"We understand it has been a difficult time for businesses and we are encouraging shoppers to use this opportunity. There are a wealth of independent shops and businesses county-wide that offer a wide range of goods and services.

“We also want to remind residents of the two hour free parking scheme we introduced in the summer to help businesses struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak. With our two free parking initiatives, we hope more people will come into our towns to see what they have to offer. I’m sure they won’t be disappointed.”

Terry Waite stands down as eisteddfod president

* Terry Waite at the official opening of Llangollen's Centenary Square in summer 2018. He is flanked by the then-mayor and deputy mayor Jon Haddy and Issy Richards.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s long-time president Terry Waite has stood down from the position. 

The news comes in an update on the past year’s tumultuous events, which included the cancellation of this year’s festival due to the pandemic, by eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies. 

The famous human rights campaigner, who was held hostage in the Lebanon from 1987-91, became the festival’s popular ceremonial head a number of years ago. 

Dr Davies says in his message to the network of eisteddfod volunteers: “Terry Waite has stood down as our President after many years of support. 

“Terry had originally indicated he would be retiring in 2020 and unfortunately events over the summer deprived us of an opportunity to share a final eisteddfod with him. 

“We will be inviting him back to a future eisteddfod when we can thank him publicly and possibly hold a concert in his honour.

“His commitment to the Eisteddfod has been exemplary forever promoting our festival and extending the hand of friendship.”

Elsewhere in the update Dr Davies talks of plans for the next eisteddfod.

He says: “When the Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to postpone Llangollen 2020 little did we know then about the impact that Covid-19 would have on our communities – locally, nationally and internationally.

“Months later and we are now fortunately able to start looking to the future, whilst considering carefully how the public health situation may unfold.

“It is currently uncertain whether mass events will be able to be held in Wales by the summer 2021 and the Board is working on flexible scenarios that will ensure that the Eisteddfod has a presence next year that is fitting for the profile and ethos of the event that we all know and love.”

Dr Davies goes on refer to the financial help the eisteddfod has received during the year.

He explains: “Having received vital financial support from Welsh Government in the immediate aftermath of the postponement decision, I am pleased to advise that we have also been successful in our application to the Cultural Recovery Fund.

“These funds will help to sustain the organisation over the next three months as we plan for 2021. 

“We have also secured funding for a new community engagement programme from the Arts Council of Wales, under their Connect and Flourish funding strand.” 

Referring to the running of the eisteddfod, Dr Davies details changes in the board and says that Betsan Moses has joined as interim CEO “providing valuable management assistance as we navigate this challenging time”. 

The chairman has a special word of thanks for the volunteers, adding: “Throughout this period volunteers have shown their commitment and enthusiasm for our event, and a determination that we will continue and return from this even bigger and better.” 

Terry Waite, who is known and revered by many people around Llangollen, has been awarded the MBE and CBE for his humanitarian work.

He was serving as special international peace envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury when in 1987 he journeyed to Lebanon – then one of the world’s most dangerous place – in a bid to secure the release of four hostages, including the journalist John McCarthy, being held by an Islamic jihad organisation.

During the tense negotiations he was himself taken hostage on January 20, which was the start of his journey into the hell of four years of captivity in a Beirut dungeon.

For most of the time Terry was kept in solitary confinement in a room without any natural light, chained to the wall and forced to sleep on the floor. He was beaten and subjected to mock executions.

He recalls of how every day he did his best to hold himself together spiritually, mentally and physically.

In the final stage of his captivity, his robust health began to deteriorate when he contracted a severe lung infection.

His torment eventually ended in November 1991 after 1,763 days as a hostage.

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I want to take advantage of the deals coming up this Black Friday, but as we’re in lockdown the shops are closed. I’m a bit concerned about buying goods without seeing them first. What happens if something goes wrong, or if I change my mind after seeing something in reality? I don’t have money to lose right now. 

A: You’re not alone being cautious about shopping online. Over the last year Citizens Advice Consumer Service has dealt with just under 123,000 cases in relation to online shopping.   

Most of the time, when you buy something online you automatically get a 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ which starts the day after you receive your order. There doesn’t need to be anything wrong with the item for you to get a refund. Many online sellers may offer more time, so make sure you check the terms and conditions before purchasing. 

There are some exceptions, like buying something bespoke or perishable, like flowers or chocolates. There are also exceptions if the product is sealed, like face masks or CDs. 

If you do decide to return your item, you need to tell the seller you don’t want the item within 14 days of receiving it. Once you’ve told the seller, you’ve got 14 days to send it back. The seller has to pay you the refund within 14 days from when they receive the item. 

You may have to pay the cost of posting something back to the seller but you don't have to return the item in its original packaging as long as you’ve wrapped it safely. If you don’t wrap it safely and the item gets damaged, the seller can reduce your refund. 

It’s a good idea to get a certificate of posting from Royal Mail when you post the item. You can use this to prove to the seller that you posted the item. 

If you buy something online and the product is faulty (i.e. it’s broken, unusable or doesn’t match what was advertised), you have 30 days to ask for a refund from when you receive it. However, you can choose to accept a replacement or repair. After 30 days (and before six months) the seller must offer you a repair within a reasonable timeframe. If this isn’t possible, they must offer you a replacement or a refund. Ask the seller for the easiest way to send the item back. You shouldn’t have to pay. 

If you order something and it doesn’t arrive, it’s the seller’s responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you. If the seller used a courier, they should chase the courier to find out what’s happened to your order - it’s not your responsibility. 

Check the delivery address you gave the seller. Then contact them and ask where your order is. If the seller claims they've delivered it or don't know where it is, you can ask for a redelivery. You might also be able to get a refund in some circumstances. 

* Check out the Citizens Advice website or contact the Consumer Service helpline on 0808 223 1133 if you need more help.

A5 blocked by "serious collision"

Denbighshire Free Press is reporting this afternoon that the main road between Llangollen and Corwen has been blocked in both directions following a "serious collision".

The story says: "Traffic Wales says the A5 is currently closed in directions closed between Llidiart-y-Parc and Glyndyfrdwy due to what it describes as a serious collision.

"The traffic reports state that it's a two vehicle collision." 

A further report in the Daily Post says that two air ambulances are in attendance.

Denbighshire Free Press has just added: "North Wales Police says the collision occurred shortly before 2.30pm and involves a Mini Cooper and Vauxhall. 

"A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We were called at approximately 2.32pm  this afternoon, Thursday, December 17 to Glyndyfrdy, Denbighshire, to reports of a road traffic accident.

"We sent one urgent care doctor, three emergency ambulances, one rapid response vehicle with advanced paramedic practitioner and the Wales Air Ambulance. We remain on scene.

"One patient was taken by air to University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool and a further patient to Wrexham's Maelor Hospital by road.”

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that crews from Wrexham and Chirk were called to the scene of the collision. 

Local testing centre reminder from county council

* The Covid testing centre on Market Street car park.

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents in Llangollen and surrounding areas that a Covid-19 testing centre opened in the town last Saturday.

The centre based at County Hall, Ruthin, has now closed and has moved to the Market Street car park in Llangollen and is open between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

No appointments are necessary but the walk in/drive through session is open to those with symptoms that need a test.

The centres have been operated in partnership between Public Health Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Denbighshire County Council.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “These testing centres are extremely important facilities in the fight against coronavirus in the county.  They are so convenient and will provide some peace of mind to residents that they can access treatment if necessary.

“The centres at Rhyl and Ruthin have worked extremely well, with many residents taking the opportunity to come and have a test.  We look forward to working with our partners on the new centre in Llangollen and would encourage anyone displaying symptoms to come and take advantage of the services offered at the testing centre.”

Residents who are displaying symptoms and have been given self-isolation advice are asked to stay at home until the end of the self-isolation period.

MP becomes ambassador for small business

* Simon Baynes MP meets Siân Glyn-Jones from Courtyard Books. 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has been appointed Small Business Ambassador for Wales by Conservative Party Chairman Amanda Milling.

In every region of the UK, a Conservative representative has been chosen to champion local firms. 

And on Small Business Saturday 12 Conservative MPs were chosen to as voices to represent businesses and help shape crucial government policy.

Mr Baynes said he was honoured and delighted to take on the new role. 

He said: "Since being elected in December last year, I’ve tried my very best to champion our small businesses in Clwyd South, and, along with my team, have been supporting many of them through the ongoing pandemic.

"This new role will enable me to better stand up for our local business leaders in Clwyd South and the rest of Wales, and to represent their voices to the UK Government as we rebuild our high streets and local economies post-Covid.”

Former Llan resident Peter Lingard dies in Thailand

 

* Peter Lingard, second from left, with members of his family.

A well-known character in Llangollen for many years, Peter Lingard, has died in Thailand at the age of 69.

Peter came to live in Llangollen over 30 years ago and soon developed many ties to local stage organisations, including the Operatic Society and the society’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, of which he was a founder and director.

He was perhaps best known as the director and star of the St Collen’s annual pantomime.

For a number of years he ran the Welsh Love Spoon Centre gift shop at the corner of Market Street and East Street.

He moved from Llangollen and eventually went to live in Thailand where latterly he had been running a country club in Pattaya.

Peter leaves a family in this country.

Paying tribute to him, one of his sons, Nick Lingard, said: “He was a man of great character and had the power to light up the room within seconds! I’m sure a lot of you hold many happy memories with him from his many ventures down the years! He is going to be truly missed all over the world.”

Search is on for pet heroes of the pandemic

Pet charity Blue Cross, in collaboration with North Wales MS Mark Isherwood, are searching for Wales’ most loyal pet which has supported its owner or the wider community during the coronavirus pandemic. 

With research showcasing the positive impact between pet ownership and improved mental health, the competition seeks to celebrate pets who have been a positive influence on the mental health of its owners or wider community during the course of the pandemic.

Launching the competition in North Wales, Mr Isherwood said: “2020 has been a difficult year for us all, and we know pets have helped so many with their mental health and wellbeing. 

"I am delighted to be working with leading pet charity Blue Cross to acknowledge and celebrate this contribution and we’re calling on people across North Wales to nominate their covid hero – in order to find Wales’ most loyal pet.

“At a time when there is so much uncertainty in all of our lives and pressure on our wellbeing, this competition presents an excellent opportunity to recognise the applaud our pets for the positivity and happiness they bring into our lives.”

ITV Wales Weather Presenter Kelsey Redmore, one of the competition judges added: “As a pet lover I’m pleased to be supporting Blue Cross in trying to find Wales’ most loyal pet. I know of so many individuals who have found much needed companionship and support from their pets in this most difficult year. They have been a lifeline for many, and we look forward to celebrating the benefits of pet ownership in this special way.”

Speaking on behalf of Blue Cross, Head of Public Affairs Becky Thwaites said: “We are encouraging nominations from pet owners and friends of pets from across Wales. Submissions are to be sent to your regional or constituency MSs or MPs.

"You should include a summary of why your pet should be considered “Wales Most Loyal Pet of 2020”, highlighting how it has had a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing over the course of the pandemic, you can also include a picture.”

Please email your submissions to Mark.Isherwood@senedd.wales or post to his office in Mold: 8 Chester Street, Mold, CH7 1EG. The competition closes on January 11.

Shortlisted nominees will be published on February 1 and winner announced on February 5. The winner will receive amongst other things, a six-month subscription to Love Louie’s personalised pet boxes and vouchers for Pets at Home.

Rhug Estate owner wins top agriculture award

* Lord Newborough is presented the Dafydd Jones Memorial Award Cup, at a covid19 safe distance, by NFU Cymru Clwyd County Chairman, Dewi Jones. 

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate near Corwen, has been announced as the winner of NFU Cymru Clwyd Branch’s Dafydd Jones Memorial Award.

The award winner was announced last night at the NFU Cymru Clwyd County Conference which was held virtually. 

The Award Cup is presented annually to the NFU Cymru Clwyd member who has made a great contribution and a lasting, positive impact on agriculture in the county.

Dewi Jones, NFU Cymru Clwyd County Chairman, said: “Congratulations to Lord Newborough on winning this year’s award. He has made an enormous contribution to the local economy and the organic farming industry over many years. 

"His endeavour and dedication to his work sees him frequently travelling between Corwen, London, the middle and far east to meet customers face to face to explain the virtues of buying their meat from Wales.”

The Dafydd Jones Memorial Award was created in 2019 in memory of Dafydd Jones, from Pencoed Ucha, Pwllglas, who was the Clwyd County Chairman in 2019 but suddenly passed away after he courageously battled with Myeloma throughout the previous 18 months. Dafydd had represented his county on NFU Cymru’s Rural Affairs Board for eight years.

Lord Newborough said: “I am truly honoured to have been chosen for this award by my fellow local NFU Cymru members. It is particularly special this year as we have just celebrated our 20th anniversary of the farm being certified organic. This has been a tough year for the business but work on the farm has continued regardless of the pandemic as we, like all farmers, have continued to produce food for the nation.”

At the heart of Rhug is Lord Newborough’s commitment to an organic lifestyle. Rhug Farm is self-contained and a true ‘field to plate’ operation applying the highest standard of sustainability. Using the most sustainable farming practices Rhug prides itself on superior tasting meat products. 

The organic farming enterprise extends to two farms and has grown over the past 20 years to nearly 8,000 acres. Organic beef, lamb, chicken, deer, bison, turkey, goose, and game when in season, are reared on the farms. Rhug Farm Shop stocks almost 3,000 products from local suppliers and small businesses.

Café Rhug is located just next to the farm shop and creates dishes that are made with seasonal produce using Rhug’s own products where possible. For those who are on a much needed pit-stop, Rhug has the On The Hoof takeaway service. 

This takeaway isn't your average roadside burger van, it uses organic meat from the farm to create an unforgettable experience on-the-go. There is also the Drive Thru, which opened in 2018, the first opened on a farm in the UK for those that don’t have time to stop there is a wide selection of meals on the go.

Lord Newborough is adding value wherever he can, by utilising natural ingredients and wild forage off the Estate he has recently created a luxury, organic and sustainable skin care range to sell into the global market further putting north Wales on the world map as well as creating valuable employment into this rural part of the country where employment is hard to come by.

Latest schemes to help covid-hit businesses

Denbighshire County Council is informing tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses about the latest tranche of funding to support those affected by covid-19 and how to apply for assistance.

The First Minister announced earlier this month that additional grant schemes to support local businesses would be implemented. 

The two headline schemes are known as the Restrictions Business Rates Fund and the Restrictions Fund Discretionary payments.   

The Restrictions Business Rates Fund will be available for businesses within the Tourism, Hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of £12,000 or less and which are materially impacted as a result of the restrictions will receive a payment of £3,000. 

The maximum number of awards for the £3,000 grant is two, which is in line with the Small Business Rates Scheme.

Tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses and their supply chains with a rateable value of between £12,001 and £150,000 and materially impacted by the restrictions will receive a payment of £5,000, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.  

There is no maximum number of awards under the retail, hospitality and leisure scheme.

Direct payments totalling £1.42 million will be made to 415  businesses  in the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors  that applied for the firebreak grant funding and who meet the criteria.  

There will be no need to apply as the council will be making these payments directly, on behalf of Welsh Government by the end of this week.

Those businesses that did not previously apply for the firebreak funding, or who believe they may now meet the eligibility criteria can apply online, at: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/coronavirus from Wednesday, 16 December at 3pm onwards.  

The Restrictions Discretionary Fund scheme will be put in place to support businesses that do not have a Business Rates liability.   

Discretionary grants of up to £2,000 will be available for those not on the non-domestic rating list. This scheme will be opened on Tuesday, 15^th December at 10.00 am at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/coronavirus 

Applications will be dealt with on a first come first served basis. This may lead to applications not being appraised after they have been submitted if the fund is fully committed.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “We have heard from businesses across Denbighshire that have suffered financially as a result of covid-19 and some are dependent on national funding  like this to bridge the gap and remain in operation.

“These latest funding packages will hopefully provide some financial assistance to alleviate some of the financial pressures and concerns facing businesses during these times."

MP shares call for enforced 20mph limit on Brook Street

* Jean Briffett and her guide dog Wendy with Simon Baynes MP outside her home on Brook Street.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially distanced visit to meet Jean Briffett and her guide dog Wendy in Llangollen and to learn more about the concerns of visually-impaired people navigating outdoor spaces in the town.

They stopped off in Brook Street where the lack of pavement outside Jean’s home means she has to step out of her gate and directly onto the road – potentially into oncoming traffic.

She said: “Visually-impaired people, and particularly guide dog and long cane users, rely on the kerb as a way of navigating the streets. 

"It’s extremely worrying for me when I have to go to the shops with Wendy – and I think it’s an issue that needs looking at.”

Mr Baynes said: “Having visited and seen Jean and Wendy cross the road outside her home, and the obstacles they face simply by walking down the road, I fully support her call for an enforced 20mph speed restriction on Brook Street, with clear signage and road markings so that motorists understand the importance of sticking to the speed limit.”

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.