* The social distancing measures on Castle Street.
Llangollen's mayor, Austin Cheminais, has issued a personal statement about the unanimous decision by the council at its meeting last night (Tuesday) to reaffirm its support for the temporary measures put in place in the town centre last November to aid social distancing.
This statement, which is the text of what he said during the meeting, says: "Way back
in March 2020 Covid had only just arrived.
"In an article in the Wrexham Leader
an ex-County Councillor and Mayor of Llangollen alerted us to the dangers.
"He
described the potential risks posed by the large number of visitors we get in
Llangollen, the risks to the vulnerable, the ill and the elderly, the need for
everyone to follow the rules and the importance of us socially distancing and
lockdown.
"When reflecting on Government advice he stated that 'To not take note
of what people are telling you is just stupidity'. He even went as far as to
state, 'If I do catch it I will die.'
"Since
March 2020 nothing has changed! We are all still just as vulnerable. The virus
has mutated, and newer strains are easier to catch. Social distancing when we
are out and about is as important as ever.
"We need
to resist becoming complacent or dropping our guard. It’s serious! I have lost
friends to Covid and have relatives working in Intensive Care Units, they put
themselves at risk and every day they are watching people die!
"In July
the Town Council considered the measures that Denbighshire County Council
planned to take in response to Covid.
"Denbighshire developed the plan for
reasons of public safety following the pandemic and in accordance with Welsh
Government regulations.
"The only part of the document we disagreed with was the
use of Centenary Square and the area adjacent to the Town Hall where they wanted
place tables and chairs.
"The plan contained a few measures but the temporary
widening of the pavements to help with Social Distancing proved to be the most
controversial.
"The plan
was delayed and delayed because of objections and reviews!
"Throughout
the Summer Llangollen residents asked me and other Councillors when something
was going to be done to help them socially distance.
"With the influx of
visitors when lockdown was eased some residents told some of us that they didn’t
feel safe and were afraid to go out!
"Many residents complained about there
being so many visitors in Town and the lack of any action to address the risks
associated with Covid. The mantra being 'when is somebody going to do
something?'
"The
modifications including bolt-down kerbing weren’t completed till November 2nd,
whilst we were in lockdown.
"Apart from some brief respite we have been in
Lockdown ever since. During the brief periods when we have been allowed out the
response from the Llangollen residents I have spoken to has been largely
positive with people feeling more secure and more able to safely socially
distance if they wish.
"Unfortunately,
the 'bollards' continue to be controversial. As Councillors we have recently
received communications from those that want the barriers to be removed and others
that want the barriers to stay.
"There have been at least 2 surveys that came up
with different results. Both sides have argued the legitimacy of their
particular point of view. We have even received emails from people who live in
other parts of the UK who have a view on the bollards.
"All the discussion that
has taken place recently has been within the bubble of Social Media.
"I believe that to only rely upon Facebook and
other Social Media platforms to seek the view of those who live in the Town disenfranchises
the majority of Llangollen residents who don’t use the internet to communicate.
"Unfortunately, because of current restrictions they don’t have a voice other
than us and when we have had the opportunity to talk to them I believe they
have overwhelmingly been in support of the measures taken.
"The
barriers are not permanent, they are a temporary measure to help residents and
visitors to Socially Distance.
"My reason for bringing this to the council
tonight is that shortly restrictions will be lifted and we will again welcome
hundreds and on some days thousands of visitors into our small town with its
narrow pavements.
"We have duty of care to keep residents and visitors safe and
although not ideal the Denbighshire plan is trying to do that!
"I believe
that it is an appropriate time, in light of the potential lifting of
restrictions, for us to let Denbighshire County Council know that we still
support the temporary measures put in place to make Llangollen more Covid
Secure and I hope that Councillors support me in my Proposal.
"I propose
that Llangollen Town Council reaffirms its support for the temporary widening
of the pavements and other measures undertaken under the Local Sustainable
response to Covid-19 and that the Clerk notify Denbighshire County Council and
our County Councillors accordingly."
Cllr Cheminais explained that, according to the Town Clerk's reports, when the social distancing plan as proposed by Denbighshire County Council, came before the town council last July it
was "proposed, seconded and resolved to agree to these proposals and that the
Town Clerk be instructed to advise the County Council accordingly. Agreed
with one abstention.”
* Cllr Cheminais has asked llanblogger to point out that this statement is issued on behalf of himself and not the town council.
