Prime Minister Boris Johnson has encouraged members of the public to clap for Captain Sir Tom Moore at 6pm this evening (Wednesday), according to the BBC.
The 100-year-old, who raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden, died with coronavirus in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday.
Mr Johnson said the clap would also be for "all those health workers for whom he raised money".
He added Capt Sir Tom's life was "a long life lived well".
A Llangollen resident is asking the area's two county councillors to consider temporarily closing parking areas in a local beaut spots to prevent their use by lockdown rule-breakers.
On Tuesday llanblogger highlighted the story about Clwyd West Senedd Member Darren Millar and two Denbighshire County Councillors, Martyn Holland and Huw Williams, who were asking for lay-bys on the main A494 to be temporarily closed.
They were concerned that people are parking in them to access nearby fields to go walking and sledging during lockdown, despite Welsh Government Covid rules stating that people should not travel for exercise.
A concerned local resident has now written to Llangollen county councillors Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile asking them to consider similar measures in this area.
In his email to them, he says: "Having read the article in llanblogger, I just want to let you know of an issue up on the Panorama.
"I was up there yesterday afternoon on my mountain bike, exercising from home back to home in accordance with the current Welsh Covid Regulations.
"I was disappointed therefore to see cars parked in informal parking spaces as you go from by the castle along as far the junctions at the top of Garth.
"Some people are clearly breaching the regulations and disregarding public safety in relation to the pandemic which is very regrettable. I saw about nine vehicles including a chap who was getting a drone out of the boot of his car to fly in this beautiful location.
"You therefore might like to consider asking for these lay-bys to be closed similarly to the request of your fellow councillors in Denbighshire.
"I would also mention that there was considerable rubbish dumped in the parking space as you come up the hill from the Sun Trevor, turn right and the informal parking area is on the left at the top of a rise."
If the vacancy is contested, a by-election for the seat of former Cllr George Hughes on Llangollen Town Council will be held on Thursday, March 18.
Mr Hughes resigned from the council last October.
In Wales, any by-election scheduled to take place after March 16, 2020,
or was due to a vacancy that occurred during the pandemic, could not take place
before March 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 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, February 19.
Latest local roadworks notification from one.network is:
|
Regent
Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 04
February — 04 February Delays
likely - Traffic control (Stop/Go boards) Works
location: The Grapes, Regent Street,
Llangollen Works
description: Cherry picker Permit Responsibility
for works: Welsh Government Current
status: Planned work about to start Works
reference: PD510212110734619 |
Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is:
Coronavirus in numbers
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving Covid-19, for the week ending 22 January.
What
to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus
Where
to find the latest information
llanblogger recently highlighted the number of deep holes along Llangollen's main street by sending a series of pictures of some of the worst ones to the county council.
As a result a council spokesperson said an officer would be sent to inspect the holes to see if they were a safety hazard.
Yesterday llanblogger revealed how a number of the deepest holes had been filled in - sparking a flurry of comments about the quality of the repairs.
Today workmen were back to give attention to the remaining holes and were still in the area at the time of posting this story.
Possibly the deepest of all the holes on the bridge has now been filled along with a number of others further along the street.
llanblogger will be checking again to see if all the potholes have been filled.
Clwyd West MS Darren Millar and two County Councillors are calling for a number of lay-bys in Denbighshire to be temporarily closed to deter people from breaking Covid-19 rules
Mr Millar and councillors Martyn Holland and Huw Williams are concerned that people are parking in lay-bys along the A494 to access nearby fields to go walking and sledging during lockdown, despite Welsh Government Covid rules stating that people should not travel for exercise.
The MS said: "In between Christmas and New Year, Denbighshire Council rightly took the decision to close the car parks at Loggerheads and Moel Famau following reports of large numbers gathering there over the festive break.
“Whilst such action has had the desired effect, unfortunately people have now taken to parking along the A494 and in lay-bys along this stretch to access nearby fields for walks and sledging.
“North Wales Police are patrolling the area, but even this does not seem to be deterring people and I think the only way to put an end to it is to temporarily close off the lay-bys.”
Cllr Holland, who represents Llanarmon-yn-Iâl and Llandegla, said: “I would particularly like to see the Plymog layby in my constituency temporarily closed off to discourage people from coming here.
“As a county councillor, I always dread it when it snows as people flock here to sledge. But given all the terrible news on the television in recent weeks regarding the pandemic, I’ve been shocked that people are still travelling here.
“The Welsh Government rules clearly state that you should not be travelling for exercise.
“My constituents are very concerned that they are being put at risk and I’m therefore calling for these lay-bys to be temporarily closed to prevent people coming here during lockdown.”
Cllr Williams said: “I’m disappointed with the Welsh Government for not closing the lay-bys which has resulted in people parking and abusing the Covid-19 rules. Something needs to be done about it and soon.”
Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is:
Coronavirus
in numbers
What
to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus
Where
to find the latest information
o Eluned Morgan, Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1356214630897512451
The Betsi Cadwaladr Heath Board has this afternoon posted an update on its Facebook page about vaccinations for the over-80s, which says:
"We have now vaccinated the majority of people aged 80 years or over in north Wales. If you are aged 80 years or over, or know of someone who is, and have not had a first COVID-19 vaccination or an appointment to have it, please call the vaccinations booking centre and we will arrange an appointment.
"The opening hours are 8am to 8pm. The lines are very busy, the best time to call is late afternoon, or evening before 8pm. This message is for the over 80s only who do not have a first appointment, please do not use the telephone number provided above to enquire about new appointments unless you are over 80 or information about the vaccine as the call handlers are not medically trained.
"Please only use this vaccinations booking centre number for the above reasons. We are sending invites out for vaccination in order of priority, according to national recommendations. We will repeat this process for different priority groups in due course to make sure everyone has had an opportunity to be vaccinated at the correct time.
"Telephone number for the vaccinations booking centre: 03000 840004
"Information on eligibility is also available on our website: https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/eligibility/"
People asked to self-isolate via the NHS Covid-19 app will now be eligible to apply for the £500 self-isolation support payment, Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James has announced.
From today app users who have been notified as being exposed to the virus, are on low income and at risk of financial hardship are eligible alongside those who have been asked to self-isolate by Test, Trace, Protect or parents whose child has been asked to self-isolate by their education setting.
To be eligible to apply, app users will need to meet the criteria of the main scheme and be:
To allow as many people notified by the app to apply as soon as possible, a temporary workaround has been created until a digital solution is available. Users can apply for the payment by contacting their local authority.
However until the app is updated to verify individuals who has been asked to self-isolate, users will need to show evidence that the app has asked them to self-isolate in addition to evidence of reduced income when applying. Local authorities will be able to accept and process applications for payments from Friday 5 February and applicants will be able to apply up to three weeks from their last date of isolation.
The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James said: “The Welsh Government is committed to protecting people’s health and wellbeing and we will continue to support the people of Wales during this difficult time. The £500 payment has already provided financial security to those asked to self-isolate, helping to break the cycle of transmission and ensure no one has to choose between feeding their family or going to work and potentially spreading the virus.”
“Local Authorities have once again risen to the challenge of ensuring all those who need financial support throughout this pandemic receive it whilst we finalising work to allow people to apply directly through the app. They have already been working tirelessly I once again thank them for their hard work and dedication.”
“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.”
Denbighshire County Council has secured £71,000 of funding for a community project in Pengwern,
The Rural
Futures Lottery funding, which is being match funded by the Council, will focus
on making a positive impact within the community of Llangollen by increasing
opportunities to raise skills and aspirations, provide additional space at a
community centre as well as resources to deliver activities and services to
support people.
The funding
will allow the Council, working with partners South Denbighshire Community
Partnership, Friends of Pengwern and Severn Wye, to create three bespoke units
to provide a confidential meeting space and a community workshop space to
address rural poverty, isolation and the overall wellbeing of the community.
A part time
centre co-ordinator will be employed by South Denbighshire Community
Partnership to increase uptake and usage of the centre to deliver services that
address isolation, improve access to services and activities, to develop skills
and provide training.
Cllr Tony
Thomas, the Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We are
delighted to have secured this funding, as well as providing match funding,
which will make a positive impact in the community.
“I would like
to thank local members, the community and all the partner organisations that
worked with us to help secure this funding.
“The new
community space will allow residents to engage with a host of activities to
increase the overall wellbeing of the community.
“Supporting
connected communities is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan
and projects like this help us achieve that ambition.”
Denbighshire County Council’s Community Housing team worked in closed partnership with South Denbighshire Community Partnership, Friends of Pengwern and Severn Wye on the development of this project.
* Top and bottom: The potholes on the bridge which have been repaired.
Some of the deep potholes which litter Castle Street in Llangollen have been repaired.
Two of the more extensive holes on the bridge - on the left-hand carriageway heading towards the A5 - have been filled in what appear to be temporary repairs.
One of the deeper holes on nearby Abbey Road also appears to have been filled.
However, a number of other deep cavities in the roadway, such as the one on the right-hand bridge carriageway and another at the junction of Castle Street and Parade Street, have not yet been attended to.
The worsening state of the Castle Street potholes was pointed put to Denbighshire County Council, which is responsible for local road maintenance, by llanblogger a couple of weeks ago.
Shortly afterwards a spokesperson said an officer would be sent out to examine the holes and advise on whether they were a safety hazard.
This morning llanblogger has asked the county council if and when the remaining potholes will be dealt with.
* Two holes still unrepaired: On the bridge (top) and at the junction of Castle Street and Parade Street (below).
Businesses in Denbighshire are being reminded of the rules around trading during the current lockdown by the county council.
Welsh
Government regulations state all businesses still operating must take all
reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus for both
customers and staff.
Businesses
must complete a risk assessment in relation to coronavirus while retail
premises, including takeaways, must control numbers entering and provide hand
sanitisers as well as signs and announcements to remind customers of the need
to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
Cllr Mark
Young, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public
Protection and Safer Communities, said: “Businesses in Denbighshire have worked
hard during the last year to follow regulations from the Welsh Government. They
have played a vital role in keeping Denbighshire safe and protecting the most
vulnerable in our communities.
“It is
important, with the more transmittable variant of the virus, that businesses
continue to follow the regulations. This includes taking all reasonable
measures to ensure social distancing is followed.”
* To read the
Welsh Government guidance visit https://gov.wales/business-closures-alert-level-4
A £17.7m funding package to help spectator sports severely impacted by the pandemic has been announced by the Welsh Government.
It has been designed to provide immediate financial support for spectator sports through the remainder of the winter period to ensure that sports will be ready for the beginning of the new season in September.
Support will be provided to rugby union, football, cricket and ice hockey. Rugby league, netball and horseracing are also in line to benefit. The funding will ensure the short-to-medium term survival of sports organisations and clubs who have been financially impacted by the restrictions on spectators at sporting events.
The revenue funding package will be allocated to the sports’ national governing bodies directly from Welsh Government.
Young people from schools, faith and community groups across North East Wales have created a resource and award for secondary schools to improve mental wellbeing in their school communities.
Young leaders from TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru/Together Creating Communities) met with Karen Evans, Chief Officer for Education & Early Intervention at Wrexham County Borough Council, who supported the Healthy Minds Haven resource and award and agreed to encourage local schools to use it.
TCC brings together local groups so they can take action on issues and improve their communities. TCC’s Youth in Action group, with support and training from the charity, explores issues affecting young people and their communities.
The group has been campaigning to improve mental health support in schools across North Wales because they passionately believe that school plays a vital role in supporting students, given half of lifetime mental health problems start by the age of 14.
In a survey carried out by TCC leaders from Hawarden High School, 92% of the school community felt more should be done to support young people around mental health. Healthy Minds Haven is unique as it has been designed by young people who are experts by experience, as a resource and checklist of practical things schools can do to improve mental health support for their students.
Schools can work towards achieving the Healthy Minds Haven Award by completing all of the actions if they wish, or they can use the checklist as a resource and still benefit from time invested in creating a learning community that feels positive and confident around the subject of mental health.
In January the young leaders held an online meeting with Karen Evans, gaining her support for the campaign and commitment to sharing the Healthy Minds Haven resource with schools in the area.
The Chief Officer also agreed to share the toolkit with local authority counterparts in Flintshire and Denbighshire County Councils and to take forward a request for the resource to be added to the Hwb resource platform for schools in North Wales.
Secondary schools are invited to sign up and show their commitment to improving mental health. The group chose to focus on schools as the environment that most young people spend time in, and where the issue of mental health difficulties seems to be on the rise.
Schools will benefit and learn from lived experience of school pupils in their area. A 2020 Barnardo’s report said 85% of school staff worried that lockdown has affected pupils’ mental health and over 70% called for additional staff training.
Schools are invited to register for Healthy Minds Haven and use the checklist which they can download at www.tcc-wales.org.uk/hmh. Any schools interested in finding out more can also get in touch by contacting youthorganiser@tcc-wales.org.uk
As forecast, snow began to fall in Llangollen and across Denbighshire at around 8.30am this morning (Saturday).
Such was the intensity of the fall that the view of the castle was obscured and it was easier to see spire the tower of St Collen's Church.
A mixture of snow and rain is due to continue for the rest of the day.
Doctors in North Wales are urging people to not delay seeking support if they are worried about their health during the latest COVID-19 lockdown.
The plea is being made after some GPs reported a drop in the number of people with health concerns contacting them for consultations during the latest lockdown, leading to fears that the opportunity for successful early treatment could be lost.
Despite the stay-at-home restrictions and GP involvement in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout, GP appointments continue to be available, with telephone, video and face-to-face consultations offered.
Mold based GP Dr Jim McGuigan, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s East Area Assistant Medical Director, said its vital that people don’t delay seeking advice or support if they have any health concerns. He also appealed for people to be patient when attempting to book appointments.
“We have a clear message for the public that they should continue to contact their GP surgery if they have any concerns about their health,” he said.
“This is particularly important for people who have persisting worrying symptoms. You are not wasting your GP’s time by getting your symptoms checked and contacting us in a timely manner makes it much more likely that you will be offered successful early treatment.
“Telephone, video and face to face appointments are still being offered, where needed, and all GP practices have introduced appropriate infection prevention measures to keep patients and staff safe.
“If you are contacting your GP to make an appointment for any health concerns we ask you to please be patient. Reception staff are working incredibly hard, as they have done throughout the pandemic, and will answer your call and offer you a consultation as soon as one is available.”
All 98 GP surgeries in the region are playing their part in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, which is set to ramp up significantly in the coming weeks, as vaccine supplies increase.
People are being invited to vaccination centres and GP practices to receive their vaccine in order of the priority groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Dr McGuigan says people can help reduce pressures on GP surgeries by not contacting them to try and book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
“Please do not contact your GP practice directly unless you have been contacted and given a vaccination appointment. We won’t be able to offer you the vaccine any sooner, but you may cause delays for people who are trying to book general appointments.”
The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board website contains a range of helpful information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme and how to access appropriate local health services.
* For further information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in North Wales please visit: COVID-19 Vaccination Information - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)
For further information on choosing the most appropriate health service for your needs, visit: Where Do I Go? - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)
For information and resources to help you access support for your mental health and wellbeing, visit BCUHB’s Mental Health Hub: Mental Health Hub - Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)
