New art project showcases Dee Valley

* The scenery of the Dee Valley.

North East Wales' beautiful and historic landscape is the subject of a new art project aimed at connecting the local community with its rich natural heritage.

The Our Picturesque Landscape project is a partnership scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund that centres on the Dee Valley, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Canal World Heritage Site. 

The picturesque beauty of the Dee Valley has been a source of inspiration to artists, poets and writers for centuries.  

To continue with this tradition, the Our Picturesque Landscape project is hosting four literary themed Artist Residencies in 2021. These are:

Hywel Griffiths is a poet and geographer in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University. 

He has won the chair and crown competitions in the National Eisteddfod and his most recent collection - LlifCochAwst - won the Wales Book of the Year Poetry category. His academic interests include the relationships between people and landscape, flooding and river processes and art-science collaborations. 

Jessica and Philip Hatcher-Moore are a husband and wife team based in the Dee Valley. Jessica is an award-winning journalist, author and travel writer who worked for the Guardian in East Africa for five years before making a home in North Wales. 

Her storytelling is characterised by unheard voices and improbable things. Jessica's first book, After Birth, about postnatal recovery, will be published by Profile in May 2021.  

Philip is a photographer living on a hillside in North Wales. His work, which has been recognised by several international awards and exhibitions, explores society's relationship with the landscape and environment, and spans more than a decade of reportage from across the globe.

James Hudson is a visual artist working on semi-fictional projects that combine original photography, text and collage. His projects are usually commissions or residencies for cultural organisations and brands.

Sian Northey is a poet, author, translator and workshop leader. She writes for children and adults. 

Her latest volume is Circles (Y Bwthyn Press, 2020), a collection of short stories with pictures by photographer Iestyn Hughes.

The residencies will explore the connections between people and place, past and present. 

Throughout the year the artists will be spending time in the landscapes of the Dee Valley and meeting the people that live and work within it. 

Their work - including poetry, writing, spoken word and visual art - will be created in response to these experiences and shared with local residents and visitors to the area through exhibition, performance, in print and digitally. 

Updates on the residencies will be posted throughout the year, so follow the #OurPicturesqueLandscape project on social media (@Clwyd_Dee_AONB) to keep up to date with any events and activities that are happening.

Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, said: “The Dee Valley – with its stunning scenery, rich industrial architecture and history, is not only an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site, it is also a national treasure.

“For the last two years, we have supported the Our Picturesque Landscape project to connect people with this inspiring landscape and improve access to it. This latest stage of the project which has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, is continuing this important work."

Welsh NHS and care workers to get cash bonus

The Welsh Government will fund a bonus payment for NHS and social care staff to recognise their "extraordinary" contribution during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Health Minister has announced today. 

The one-off payment is equivalent to £735 per person, to cover the basic rate of tax and national insurance contributions incurred. After deductions most people will receive £500.

It is estimated the payment will benefit 221,945 people in Wales including 103,600 social care staff, 90,000 NHS Wales staff, 2,345 deployed students and 26,000 primary care staff (including pharmacy, GP, dental and optometry staff).

Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething said: "Over the last year, Wales’ NHS staff and social care staff have shown a remarkable amount of commitment and courage from the initial outbreak of the pandemic right through to the current second wave.

"They will have suffered the impacts of the pandemic on their physical and mental health wellbeing in both their personal and professional lives.

"This payment expresses our gratitude to our NHS and social care workforce for their extraordinary contribution in keeping Wales safe."

The Welsh Government is working with local authorities and with trade unions to finalise details of the scheme.

The bonus is further to the £500 special payment for care home and domiciliary care workers announced in May 2020 to recognise their work through the first wave of the pandemic. 

This bonus will be made to a wider group of social care workers including local authority social services staff.

Business grants process underway in Denbighshire

Denbighshire County Council has started the process of administering the latest business grant on behalf of Welsh Government.

On March 12 the First Minister announced a new grant for those within the hospitality, tourism, leisure sector, and related supply chain, as part of the ongoing support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Businesses within these sectors, such as pubs, restaurants, self-catering accommodation, hotels and cafes are to be given an automatic payment, where they are still in operation and have previously received a restrictions fund grant.

This grant is only for businesses who are on the Rating List and liable to pay Business Rates to the Council.

Organisations that have not previously applied, must complete an application form by 5pm on March 31, 2021.

For further details of the funding available or to apply for grants visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “We are again encouraging businesses to apply for the funding being made available by Welsh Government.

“It is vital businesses in the county apply for this funding to ensure they are getting all the support that is available to them which helps protect jobs and the economy in Denbighshire.”

Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “Following the announcement from Welsh Government, the revenues and benefits team have already started work to identify and set up a significant number of automatic payments to be with customers by Friday, March 19. We hope to have all automatic payments complete by March 22, subject to final guidance and approval from Welsh Government.”

Town council agrees motion on bridge weight restriction

Llangollen Town Council last night passed a notice of motion from new councillor Stuart Davies seeking support for his plan for an environmental weight restriction on the town bridge.

In his speech he claimed residents of the town were supportive of the measure and had been asking the question about it for many years.

He said: "From a structural perspective, in 2017 a report was presented to the local members by the Denbighshire County Council bridges engineer identifying issues to a varying degree with the Llangollen Town Bridge and the Kings Bridge at Berwyn. 

"Subsequently in 2018, a weight limit of 18 Tonnes was imposed on Kings Bridge whilst Llangollen Railway were requested to cease using the Town Bridge for movement and handling of heavy rolling stock.

"Politically the landscape is changing. In written and verbal communications, I raised the possibility of an EWR on the Town Bridge with Ken Skates on February 18 this year. 

"In our discussions it was agreed there was an issue that could be investigated locally at county level and at the Welsh Government level. Simon Baynes, the MP for Clwyd South, has publicly offered his support to the initiative."

He added: "These weight limits prevent large vehicles from using inappropriate roads, routes, and areas to prevent damage to buildings, roads, and bridges; preserve the character, amenity, and environment of an area; reduce and manage congestion on the roads; and reduce danger to pedestrians and other road users.

"Viable technology now exists for an Environmental Weight Restriction EWR to be policed/managed through Automatic Number Plate Recognition Technology (ANPR). There is documented evidence of  existing schemes in operation on bridges with EWR’s in force in several counties in the UK." 

He gave examples of other areas where weight restrictions were being enforced by cameras including Oxfordshire and Maidenhead and Windsor. 

After the meeting Cllr Davies said he would now be looking further into the technicalities of implementing an environmental weight restriction in Llangollen. 

Police commissioner's advice to help keep women safe

* North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones.

A police boss and two abuse charities are urging men in North Wales to do more to help women feel safe in the wake of the abduction and murder of Sarah Everard.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones, the Domestic Abuse Safety Unit North Wales and the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) North Wales were frustrated the onus appeared to be on women to keep themselves safe rather than men changing their behaviour.

The  disappearance of 33-year-old Sarah while walking home in London became national news followed by millions and it highlighted the dangers women can face when they are out alone.

Sarah’s body was found in a Kent woodland and serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with her murder.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, said women had posted helpful tips on social media, most of which were small gestures that could make a big difference to how safe women feel walking alone at night.

 

According to the commissioner, there were several key points that recurred in the replies which he wanted to share with men in North Wales. 

Mr Jones said: “As the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, I work tirelessly to ensure that North Wales Police and its partners effectively tackles all violence against women and that perpetrators are brought to justice. We do not, and will not, tolerate such behaviour in North Wales.

“Women are not  attacked because they park in the wrong place, or because they aren’t paying attention to their surroundings when out in public.

“Women get attacked because men attack them.

“Sarah's disappearance has rightly prompted people to think how men can help women to feel safer on the streets, especially at night time.

“Many women have taken to social media to explain what men can do to make women feel safer when they’re out on their own.

 

“This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s based on the real experiences of multiple women.”

Keep your distance

When walking behind a girl or woman at night, remember that the closer you are, the more threatening you seem. So make sure to leave a good amount of distance between yourself and her.”

Alert women to their presence – but not by engaging in conversation

Approaching a woman in silence can provoke fear and panic. If you’re behind a woman and she cannot see you, try to make some noise to let them know you aren’t sneaking up behind them – call a friend, jingle keys – basically make any noise to draw attention to yourself

Offer to walk friends home

A stranger wouldn’t appreciate an offer from an unknown man to walk her home. But a friend might. Whilst you might think a route is safe or it’s only a short walk, having a male presence is sadly a valuable tool in warding off unwanted attention.

Talk to other men

Whilst staying away from women and being helpful to your female friends is all well and good, violence towards and harassment of women is a problem that is ingrained in our society. The true solution is changing the way that men treat women – and this means calling out your friends and other men when they’re crossing the line. If you want to make a true and meaningful change, bring up the fact that 97 per cent of young women have experience sexual harassment next time you’re with your male friends. The resulting conversation might surprise you.

Don’t run up from behind

Having someone run up behind you at night can give anyone a fright, but for a girl or woman it can be terrifying. Next time you’re out for an evening jog and see a woman walking ahead… cross the road or make sure to leave a good amount of space while passing.

Don’t stare

If you’re by yourself, being stared at is intimidating and unsettling. Taking out your phone and focusing on something else can go a long way to showing you’re not a threat. Look out the window to focus on something else, or call a friend to have a chat.

Keep comments to yourself

What you might see as just a bit of fun, or even flattering, is actually harassment and can be terrifying to lone women and girls.”

Keep your mates in line

You may not harass women, but if you stay quiet while your mates do then you’re part of the problem.

Be an active bystander

If you notice a woman is uncomfortable with someone’s behaviour, show your support by being an active bystander. It can be as simple as standing between a woman and her harasser to block their line of sight. Ask her if she is OK, and back up anyone else who is intervening

Gaynor Mckeown, chief executive of DASU North Wales, said:: “We work closely with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and North Wales Police to support and offer advice to women who may be subject of harassment or abuse.

“We welcome the commissioner’s  comments on the need to establish that it is every women's right to walk safely in our streets, at whatever time she chooses wearing exactly what she wishes.

“Women do not ask to be harassed, stalked or assaulted and we have a collective responsibility to hold perpetrators of such abuse to account. 

“It is not acceptable to make comments, follow either on foot or in a vehicle, beep at, call to or whistle at women or girls.

“As a mother of two teenage daughters who are regularly made uncomfortable and scared by this type of behaviour. We need to educate our sons, friends, colleagues and others who do this, explaining that it is not acceptable it is not appropriate, and it causes fear, and distress." 

RASASC operations manager Fflur Emlyn said: “Women have a right to not only feel safe but BE safe – in public, at home, at work – everywhere. 

“Sarah Everard was walking home, everyone of us can identify with this horrific incident, it could’ve been anyone of us: 97% of women in Britain have been sexually harassed at some point during their lives. 

“We welcome the Police and Crime Commissioners statement and advice, women are not to blame for being attacked and/or assaulted.  There is and should be no shame, blame or guilt for any women who has been attacked/assaulted, it is always the perpetrators fault. 

“Let’s talk about this, educate your male friends and family members and don’t be a bystander, all of us in society has a responsibility to hold such perpetrators to account.”

Mr Jones added: “If men follow these common sense guidelines it will make a real difference in making women feel safer when they are out on their own.

“Horrific crimes like this are rare and North Wales remains one of the safest places in the UK to live and work but these simple measures can do a great deal to address the fear of crime.”

Health centre's jabs update

Llangollen Health Centre has this evening issued its latest vaccination update. it says:

Vaccine supply improved significantly last week and we are currently busy booking patients into the three clinics we have set up this week.

We will be running clinics every Thursday and every weekend in Llangollen until mid-April, plus additional clinics in Glyn Ceiriog as required, to enable us to meet the Welsh Government’s target of offering a vaccine appointment to everyone in groups 1-9.

We are currently about one quarter of a way through vaccinating Group 6 (please refer to my previous posts regarding eligibility for this group) and, depending on take up from Group 6, we should be moving to Group 7 by the end of next week. Therefore we will be starting to contact patients in Group 7 (those aged 60-64 years) next week. We will also be starting to contact the first group of patients who are due their second doses.  

Once again we are asking for your patience. We realise how frustrating the situation is and that in England younger groups of patients are now being vaccinated but we are in Wales and we are working to the Welsh Government’s targets. We are being told by the Health Board that we will receive the number of vaccines that we need to meet the target and as long as that happens we are on track to achieve that.

County's public toilets to open tomorrow

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents it is re-opening public conveniences on Wednesday, March 17.

The Council made the decision to close public toilets in January to keep public convenience staff and residents safe.

The Council has undertaken an extensive clean and maintenance check of the county’s 21 public convenience facilities during the closure.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “We are re-opening our public conveniences following a period of closure which included an extensive clean.

“We would like to thank residents for their understanding during this period of closure.

“The Council would like to remind residents that Welsh Government regulations state you should continue to stay local when exercising as well as following social distancing guidelines.”

All public conveniences that normally remain open during the winter will re-open from March 17. Those only open during the summer season, will re-open on April 1. 

Details of opening hours and locations can be found at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/community-and-living/public-toilets.aspx

 

North Wales to get Covid commemorative woodland

First Minister Mark Drakeford (pictured) has announced the creation of commemorative woodlands in memory of those who have died from coronavirus. 

Two new woodlands will be planted – one in north Wales and one in south Wales – as a symbol of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic and one of regeneration and renewal as the new woodlands grow. 

It is hoped they will be places of commemoration where families and friends can remember lost loved ones. The woodlands will also be locations where the public will be able to reflect on the pandemic and the huge impact it has had on all our lives.

The woodlands will be planted with a range of tree species, making them resilient to a changing environment; a fitting symbol of the strength the people of Wales have shown over the past year.

The First Minister said: “Today, we mark a deeply sad anniversary as we remember the first person in Wales to die from coronavirus.

“Since that day too many people have been taken too soon. We remember them today and keep them in our hearts and our minds.

“Today I am announcing the creation of two commemorative woodlands - one in north Wales and one in south Wales – as permanent living memorials to all those who have died.

“These woodlands will grow into natural spaces of reflection, where families and others can come to remember all those we have lost. 

“The pandemic has cast a long shadow on all our lives over the last year, but we can also look to the future with hope.”

The locations of the two sites will be announced shortly and Natural Resources Wales will engage with local communities to plan and design the woodlands.

Clare Pillman, CEO Natural Resources Wales said: “Our woodlands play a vital role in our environment and communities and are powerful, poignant symbols of life and memory.

“The new commemorative woodlands will provide a living, growing memorial that will honour the memory of all of those who have sadly lost their lives to coronavirus.

“In addition to being a symbolic representation of Wales’ resilience during the pandemic, the woodlands will also provide a safe, quiet and accessible place where families can come to visit and remember their loved ones.”

The First Minister also announced there will be a National Coronavirus Commemorative Event broadcast on BBC One Wales and S4C at 5pm on the 23rd of March.

Railway Trust looks to the future in positive new statement

UPDATE .... UPDATE ....

* See statement about the PLC's administration just added at the foot of story 

Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd has issued its first public statement since the railway's quite separate Public Limited Company (PLC) called in the receiver on March 1. 

It looks positively to the future of the world-famous heritage attraction, suggesting that trains could possibly start to run again later in the year. 

Issued in the name of trust finance director Phil Freeth, it says: 

"The directors of Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd have greatly appreciated the extensive and sensitive support of the media when the impending demise of the PLC was announced.  

"The coverage engendered much support from the general public for which the directors would like to express their gratitude. 

"We have also received much support from local MP, Simon Baynes and AM, Mark Isherwood, Denbighshire County Council and Llangollen Town Council, all of which is much appreciated too.

"Whilst the PLC will go into administration or liquidation shortly, the Trust remains fully solvent and debt-free, and the directors will be considering the options over the next few days and weeks. 

"The first task is to preserve the line and then to bid for such assets of the PLC as limited resources will permit. Directors and key volunteers are compiling a list of assets they consider essential for the continued running of the railway.

"The Trust does own 3 locomotives as well as passenger rolling stock which, together with the Railcar and Diesel Groups, will be able to operate after regulatory, legal and licensing matters have been resolved.

"The assets of the PLC are now effectively available for sale to the highest bidder. Consequently the Trust needs to raise as much money as possible for this purpose in 3 ways: 

●     Donations - the easiest way to donate is perhaps online at https://llangollenrailway.enthuse.com and click the Donate button, or via our Facebook page. For taxpayers, the Railway can apply for 25% Gift Aid.Alternatively, supporters are invited to send cheques payable to Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd to The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen LL20 8SN.  

Contrary to some comments in social media, every donation will be for the benefit of the Trust. 

●     Opportunity to acquire heritage assets - by bidding for the assets, such as rolling stock, individuals or groups have a unique opportunity to acquire heritage coaches and other items.  It is hoped that, following sale, the items would remain on the Railway. 

●     Thirdly, the opportunity to purchase one or more of the Trust’s steam locomotives - the Trust does not have the income or resources to own and maintain them. Sale of one or more, if completed quickly, would enable the Trust to be a more competitive bidder for the assets of the PLC.  Again, it is hoped that the locomotives would remain on the Railway. 

"We hope to be able to run trains again later this year but placing a timescale on that would be purely speculative at the moment. 

"The volunteers building Corwen station have made excellent progress, albeit necessarily slowed by lockdown, and we do anticipate being able to run to Corwen when the Railway reopens. 

"Shareholders of the PLC are reminded that any annual ticket allocation entitlements and lifetime passes will continue to be honoured.  Shareholders would need to join the Trust if they are not members already. 

"The directors would like to take this opportunity to appeal for members and volunteers to join what is one of the most scenic lines in the heritage movement. 

“'It is the aim of the directors to refocus the Trust as an outward looking organisation centred on delivery of a high quality visitor experience, and strengthen partnerships with external agencies to help develop our business plan and articulate what is unique about our railway, its situation and how it complements Llangollen, Corwen and the Dee Valley,'” commented new chairman, Pete Edwards. 

“This will require a significant culture change at board level as well as elsewhere, as we look at how we tie in with the cultural life of of the Dee Valley and how we can enhance the events and locations for which Llangollen and the surrounding area are already well known.” 

* Anyone wishing to contact the Railway, please do so by e-mail at trustllanrail@gmail.com and details will be passed on as appropriate."

* New PLC statement

A statement has been issued this afternoon on the railways website related to the PLC's receivership.

It says: "Alan Coleman and Jason Mark Elliott of Cowgill Holloway Business Recovery LLP have been formally engaged to assist the Directors with placing Llangollen Railway Plc into Administration.

The operating and engineering assets, together with the business potential, are currently being marketed for sale and should you have any interest in purchasing the business and / or assets,  please contact;

Michael Booth or James Hanson of Lambert Smith Hampton by email on mbooth@lsh.co.uk or jhanson@lsh.co.uk

Full details of the assets as being advertised by Lambert Smith Hampton can be accessed using the following link : https://www.lsh.co.uk/assetadvisory/business-sales/llangollen-railway-plc

If you believe that you are owed money by the Llangollen Railway Plc, please send full details of your claim including your full name, postal address and email address and full details of the amount that you are owed, to Ben Gray at ben.gray@cowgills.co.uk or 0161 827 1200.

If you are a shareholder of Llangollen Railway Plc please direct any queries to Ben Gray at ben.gray@cowgills.co.uk or 0161 827 1200.

* Stuart Davies, Llangollen Town Cllr, says he is heartened to hear that the Llangollen Railway Trust have a recovery plan and wishes them all success in moving forward. 

He stated that he was always impressed with their apprenticeship scheme and hopes that they will be able to continue it. He adds that, like many other supporters, he has made a small donation to help them with their plans.

Police investing illegal metal detecting near Castell Dinas Bran

People have been metal detecting illegally on the grounds of a historic North Wales castle, police say.

According to a story in the Denbighshire Free Press, North Wales Police's Rural Crime team says its officers have been informed of the issue at Castell Dinas Brân in Llangollen.

* For the full story, see:  https://www.facebook.com/150777091689187/posts/3407494026017461/

Government launches new young carers ID card today

* An example of the new Young Carers ID card.

ID cards for young carers to help easily identify themselves as having a caring role are launching across 11 local authorities - including Denbighshire - today to coincide with Young Carers’ Action Day. 

The ID card will give young carers a quick way to inform teachers, pharmacists and GPs, staff in supermarkets, and community services such as leisure centres and local transport, that they look after someone.

It will also help them access their rights under the Social Services and Well-being Wales Act 2014, including their right to a carers’ needs assessment.

As well as a physical card other formats of ID are being tested, for example an app in Anglesey and Gwynedd or a wristband. With engagement with young carers, a national logo has also been created.

As part of the north Wales activity, local young carers have been involved with designing the ID card, including Joshua Hughes, 15, from Colwyn Bay. He said: “I help look after my brother. I have enjoyed being part of the group designing the young carers ID card.”

Hannah Mushrow, 11, from Flintshire, cares for her older brother. She said: "I help care for my 17 year old brother, he has Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Although he is 17 years old he is really like a 3 year old in lots of things he does, but looks 17. I call him my big, little brother."

In November, Ceredigion was the first local authority to launch a card under the Welsh Government’s national ID card project, with Torfaen local authority and young carers’ service launching their card yesterday.

Welsh Government will make £150,000 of funding available for local authorities in 2021 to 2022 to further support the roll-out of the national ID card scheme, with the aim of ensuring every local authority area of Wales has a scheme in place by 2022.

Carers Trust Wales have been awarded £36,000 to produce information resources and provide training to health and education professionals to help them better understand the issues which affect young carers.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services Julie Morgan said: “Too often the ability of a young carer to achieve and progress in their studies or have a life alongside caring is hindered because schools, health professionals and others don’t know who or what a young carer is, or how to help them. I want young carers to be able to identify themselves to others in a quick and easy way, so they can get the right help and support they need."

This year’s Young Carers’ Action Day is focussing on the theme of ‘protecting young carers’ futures’ and in north Wales, Wrexham AFC is sponsoring the day and joint launch for six local authorities.

Disability Liaison Officer at Wrexham AFC, Kerry Evans, said: “We at Wrexham AFC are very proud to be celebrating and highlighting Young Carers Action Day 2021 by dedicating our match day today.

“Our club is very dedicated to raising awareness of the outstanding work young carers do within our local community. The more awareness raised of these unsung heroes the better.”

New campaign aims to help re-opening of visitor economy

As the latest Coronavirus restrictions ask people in Wales to stay local, Visit Wales will be relaunching its Addo campaign, asking people to make a promise as they start exploring their local communities once again to care for each other, for our land and for our communities.

Addo means to promise and the campaign is about people working together,making a collective promise to care for each other and our country. 

The virtual pledge can be signed on visitwales.com/promise

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “As we all prepare to explore a little further again, it’s important that we stay local, and that we all play a part to keep Wales safe by not venturing further.  

"This is the time to make a promise together, to do the little things that will make a big difference and to protect the beauty that’s around us and to respect our communities.

“We all need to stay safe for Wales to stay open and to allow us to move together towards a more normal life. This is within the gift of all of us. No one wants us to have to reintroduce restrictions, to retreat from the progress we have made. Only by working together, can we help keep Wales safe.”

The activity will initially be rolled out within Wales and will include a mix of digital, PR and out of home advertising.  

The second phase will include TV, radio and will be extended to target visitors in key markets once restrictions are lifted further.   

The Welsh Government has offered financial support to local authorities to prepare for the re-opening of the visitor economy.

WLGA Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Huw Thomas said, “The visitor economy is vital to the economy of Wales. 

"Local authorities are supportive of re-opening it safely on a phased and careful basis. Government funding for Councils and National Parks is warmly welcomed. 

"It will enable us to plan and manage the visitor economy to be safe over a busy summer. We will be able to give re-assurance to local communities and benefit the economy, and by working together we can maintain public health and re-open the economy.”

Visit Wales is also working in partnership with the industry on a reconstruction and resilience plan for the future of the visitor economy in Wales.                          

* The pledge can be signed on the website www.visitwales.com/promise

Care homes should 'proceed with caution' as they re-open to visitors says leader

* Mary Wimbury, the chief executive of Care Forum Wales.

A social care leader says many care homes are in an “impossible position” after indoor visits by family and friends were given the go-ahead.

Mary Wimbury, the chief executive of Care Forum Wales, praised the Welsh Government for their cautious approach to the issue.

However, expectations were sky high after the easing of the rules that means that residents may be allowed one designated indoor visitor.

Ms Wimbury stressed that while indoor visits were being permitted again, beyond exceptional circumstances, care homes would need to undertake a rigorous risk assessment before judging visits could safely take place

Many care homes were “terrified" amid concerns a vaccine-resistant variant of the virus could appear at a time when health experts are convinced a third wave of the disease is inevitable.

Another problem that had emerged was the wildly fluctuating rate of second doses of the vaccine being given to people aged over 80, many of whom lived in care homes.

She said: “Whilst it is excellent news that we are now able to begin the process of reopening care homes to visitors, it will be a phased approach and it is imperative that we proceed with caution.

“It will not be like pressing a button and everybody returning immediately to the normality that existed before the pandemic struck.

“We are looking forward to welcoming some sort of normality in the weeks and months ahead.

“Quite rightly, the Welsh Government has said the decision about visiting will be left to individual care homes who will carry out careful risk assessments.

“As the Welsh Government  have said, in many cases it will be about preparing for the reintroduction of visiting rather than it happening straight away.

“Infection and community transmission rates still vary in different parts of Wales and the Kent variant and other mutant strains are a real cause for concern.

“What we don’t know is how effective the vaccine is against some of the newer variants of Covid, particularly with what’s going on in Brazil.

“Health experts are warning that the new strain that’s causing such devastation in Brazil could sweep across the world. It’s absolutely raging.

“As the First Minister pointed out, we are facing an inevitable third wave of coronavirus and we have to take great care to protect our residents and our staff.

“Clearly, we want to get people back together again but we need to get more data on the vaccinations.

“The rate at which people aged over 80 in Wales – many of whom are in care homes - are receiving their second doses of vaccine fluctuates wildly, depending on where you are in Wales -from 0.1 per cent in Pembrokeshire to 48.4 per cent in Torfaen.

“In North Wales, the lowest percentage of second doses for the over 80s is in Wrexham which stands at 1.4 per cent while the highest is Conwy at 21.4 per cent.

“The vaccine roll-out in Wales has hitherto been a real success story so these new figures are baffling and a cause for concern.

“Whilst the first dose will provide a good degree of immunity, it is important that people are able to have the second jab to provide better protection, particularly in the case of people aged over 80 who are more likely to be frail and therefore more vulnerable.

“We will be contacting Public Health Wales to ask for an explanation and an assurance that, if these figures are correct, there are not these extreme fluctuations in future so that the distribution is fairer and more even across Wales.

“The other factor is that care homes that have recorded positive cases during the routine weekly testing will be flagged as red and the whole home will be closed down for 20 days.

“They are often false positive results but they can still close you down for 20 days. That means no visiting.

“Anyone that thinks we’re out of the woods needs to think again because the resumption of indoor visiting must be done extremely carefully.

“We’re all doing our utmost to bring back some normality but everybody needs to understand the fluidity of the situation.

“If you have a 50-bed care home that’s full and potentially 50 relatives coming in, the home will not know if they’ve been vaccinated or who they have been mixing with.

“Everyone understand that we have come through the most hideous 12 months since the pandemic was declared and there is now light at the end of that very dark tunnel.

“Care Forum Wales wants to see family members and care home residents united again but we would certainly support care homes in adopting a cautious approach. Some of these care homes are in an impossible situation because they are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

“In fairness though, the Welsh Government has been far more sensible than their counterparts across the border and they deserve a great deal of credit for their understanding and cautious approach. You can’t press a button and it’s all happy days.”

Tidy Town Team couple's special fencing project

* As part of a special project by Nick and Liz Dilley of Llangollen Tidy Town Team and Jamie Roberts of Ysgol Dinas Bran a length of traditional wattle fencing has been erected beside the footpath leading up to the castle near to the cadet hut.  

Candidates for North Wales police commissioner

llanblogger features two more candidates in next May's election for North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

* Andrew Dunbobbin.

Andrew Dunbobbin Labour candidate

A Flintshire county councillor, he says: "Having, lived, studied and worked in North Wales my whole life, I have a deep understanding of the challenges we all currently face in our communities.  

"There are some who I listen to saying that they feel left behind and their voices aren’t getting heard. I hear you and I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I want to be your voice and the bridge linking North Wales Police to our communities. 

"As a proactive county councillor for many years, and with the last six years being Armed Forces Champion,  I have used my vast experience to lead - and achieve - the Gold award of Governments’ Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) throughout a period of significant cuts and changes.

"Despite the many challenges, and by working closely with many Chief Officers and their teams, I have built a strong network across many public services. 

"I work constructively with others across the six Local Authorities of North Wales along with third sector and other voluntary/community groups. I have delivered in making our Armed Forces community of North Wales as an inspiration for others to follow.  This is also widely recognised as I’m elected as North Wales Armed Forces Strategic Group Vice-chair.  

"Whilst employed previously as a Social Innovation Outreach Worker, I was involved in developing and sustaining positive relationships with a wide range of local people including community leaders, council officers, local groups and third sector organisations.  I pride myself on engagement, listening and strategising. This has played a huge part in my successes to date. 

 

"My deeply-embedded partnership approach has always paid dividends for all parts of our community so that we all benefit.  I have solid knowledge and experience within Local Government, third sector and other public services – vital attributes needed as a Police Crime Commissioner. I am also an ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign. 

 

"I have five pledges which are outlined below:

 

1. To champion local neighbourhood policing - giving communities a real say in policing for their areas and increasing Police visibility. We all want to feel safe and secure. 

 

2. To adopt a ‘victim first’ approach to policing, putting victims of crime first and ensure that their rights are protected.  

 

3. Keep up our fight against violence against women and girls and all forms of domestic violence. As a White Ribbon Ambassador I promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. 

 

4. Ensure North Wales Police is fully equipped to deal with the future of online threats, working with colleagues across Wales.

 

5. Ensuring a value for money in police budgets, and prioritising local policing teams. It is public money for public services."

* Ann Griffith.

Ann Griffith is the Plaid Cymru candidate.

Born in Wrexham, she spent her formative years in Barmouth.  

She trained as a mental health social worker and for 40 years has progressed her professional career to senior management, always focused on protecting the most vulnerable adults and children across north Wales. 

For over 10 years she was a Ministry of Justice Public Appointee working for the Court of Protection.

She has lived on Anglesey since 1984 where she raised her family. 

She served as county councillor, taking on challenging portfolios, Adult and Children Services and Planning and Chair of the Planning Committee. 

Ms Griffith says she honed her chairing and scrutiny skills which equipped her for the role as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for north Wales.

If elected, she says she will consult widely with diverse communities to understand their crime concerns, on which her policing plan will be based. 

She adds that she will use her leadership skills to ensure good governance, essential to deliver an effective and efficient police service, and hold the Chief Constable to account. 

She promises to be innovative in preventing and reducing crime and work in collaboration with other key agencies to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system.