Local roadworks alert

The following local roadworks alerts have been issued by one.network:

Castle Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 28 April — 05 May   Delays likely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Castle Street   Works description: 26/4/21-30/4/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001729   Market Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 28 April — 05 May   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Market Street   Works description: 26/4/21-30/4/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001730   Oak Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 28 April — 05 May   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Oak Street   Works description: 26/4/21-30/4/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001729

Over 1,100 get second Pfizer jabs at health centre

Over 1,100 people aged over 70 received their second jabs during a Covid-19 vaccination clinic which ran throughout yesterday and today (Sunday) at Llangollen Health Centre.

As a full team of medics administered the second doses of the Pfizer injection indoors, volunteers from Llangollen Tidy Town Team once again took care of the car park stewarding.

  

MP elected vice-chair of Parliament woods and trees group

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has been elected a vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Woods and Trees.

The group meets to discuss ways in which woods and trees can be preserved, protected, expanded and the impact of climate change.

During the meeting at which Mr Baynes was elected members of the APPG also received a presentation of The Woodland Trust report entitled State of UK Woods and Trees.

Mr Baynes said: “I’m delighted to be elected vice-cChair of the APPG for Woods and Trees. 

"This is an extremely important group and places woods and trees at the forefront of the agenda, ensuring they are protected at a critical time for our environment. 

"I look forward to working with the group, to ensure that the vital role they play in safeguarding our eco-systems is recognised and that we can prevent further damage to our precious Welsh and other UK woods and trees.”

Pandemic forces eisteddfod to make staff redundancies

* Happier times - a scene from the eisteddfod parade in 2019.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has blamed the pandemic for having to make four staff redundant.

However, as part of a restructuring exercise, two roles have been created and filled by existing staff from the team of six, with a further one due to be advertised shortly.

Due to the pandemic the 2020 eisteddfod had to be cancelled and replaced with a series of online events.

This year’s festival has also fallen victim to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and has been postponed until next year. A similar programme of alternative events is being planned.

In a statement about the staffing cuts the eisteddfod management says: “The impact of the pandemic has been devastating for us as an organisation.

“We had no other option but to review our costs and re-structure to safeguard the future of the eisteddfod. 

“It must be emphasised that the cuts are in no way a reflection of the standard of work or dedication of our staff. It follows the financial situation that has arisen following the Covid-19 pandemic.  

“Our board have been cautious in our discussions, ensuring that we have looked at every possible source of funding to safeguard as much of the workforce as possible. 

“We have managed to maintain a core staff team to oversee key areas of work over the next year until we’re in a position to rebuild.”

In a further comment to llanblogger, they add: “The redundancy process involved the restructuring of the staff team of six. To confirm, four people have been made redundant.

“Following a consultation, two new posts were created and two of the six staff members were successful in securing these positions. A further post will be advertised next week.

“The changes reflect the current needs of the organisation in light of the reduced workload and changing circumstances.”

In an announcement back in January the eisteddfod said: “It is with deep regret that after careful consideration, we have to announce the postponement of our usual eisteddfod until 2022. 

“We are working hard to create an alternative format for 2021 involving digital and hybrid options - details will be confirmed in late spring.” 

Update given on household waste campaign

* Phil Jones is campaigning to secure access for local people to Plas Madoc tip.

The man behind the on-going campaign to provide Llangollen people with a convenient waste recycling facility has given his latest update on how it is going:

Phil Jones says: "It has been six months since Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) confirmed that it was in discussion with Denbighshire County Council (DCC) to negotiate an access agreement to the Plas Madoc Recycling facility for residents of the Dee Valley.

"I contacted our County Councillors recently to enquire as to the state of progress in these discussions.

"Cost information has been provided by WCBC and although it has been implied that the possible charges will put added financial pressure on DCC, the quantity of waste has not changed. 

"So if DCC is no longer processing it, then there should be cost savings to our council. 

"I trust our councillors will be able to get a thorough financial appraisal from officers to identify costs and savings associated with any possible change in service.

"I was informed that this matter will be considered at the next meeting of the Dee Valley MAG which is due to take place on May 17. 

"You may not have heard of the MAG (Member Area Groups), so here is a link to their purpose: https://www.audit.wales/publication/member-area-groups-denbighshire-county-council

"In summary these local groups of County Councillors, served by senior officers, are intended to 'provide on-going engagement and dialogue with communities at grass roots level'

"We have had a massive response to our campaign. Over 800 residents have signed the petition submitted to DCC last January, so I hope that our County Councillors will be in no doubt that access to the Plas Madoc site is THE highest priority for their electors. 

"So we will have to wait a bit longer to find out whether our County Council has listened to their rate-payers and responded effectively to our request for full-time access to a modern recycling facility. Watch this space."  

Outdoor hospitality will re-open on Monday

Outdoor hospitality will re-open on Monday with customers able to enjoy outside beer gardens, cafes and coffee houses.

Denbighshire County Council says it is working with businesses to ensure they are able to re-open safely to help customers enjoy themselves while protecting communities.

It adds that customers can also play their part by following guidance:

• There may be some queueing at premises so you will be expected to remain socially distanced from anyone not in your household.

• All premises must take your contact details for Test, Trace and Protect should they need to contact you.

• You will not be able to stand in a seating area to consume your drink.

• Please treat all staff with respect. They've missed you and want you to enjoy yourselves but abusive behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.

•  If you use public transport or need a taxi you will need to wear a face mask. Drivers, including taxi drivers, have the right not to take you if you do not wear a mask.

• Proprietors and landlords must stick to the rules as well so if you’re concerned about any premises contact covidppadmin@denbighshire.gov.uk

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside, said: "Re-opening outdoor hospitality is a major step in the easing of lockdown and businesses have been working hard to ensure they are providing a safe space for customers to enjoy themselves.

"Covid-19 hasn't gone away and we still have to take every precaution to ensure it doesn't return. We are asking customers to please do their bit so we can continue to keep levels low and help protect our communities.”

Welsh Government confirms further easing of Covid rules

* First Minister Mark Drakeford.

The Welsh Government has confirmed further relaxations will be brought forward from 17 May to 3 May – including the resumption of indoor supervised activities for children, indoor organised activities for up to 15 adults, such as exercise classes, and the re-opening of community centres.

This means Wales will have completed the move to Alert Level 3 by Monday 3 May.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has also indicated that the hospitality sector – bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes – will be able to open indoors from May 17.

From Saturday 24 April, the rule of 6 will allow for up to 6 people from 6 households to meet outdoors, not including children under 11 years of age or carers from those households.

The Welsh Government has also confirmed the relaxations that will take place on Monday 26 April. Outdoor attractions, including outdoor swimming pools, funfairs and theme parks, will be allowed to reopen, while outdoor hospitality can also resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people will be able to take place and weddings receptions can begin again outdoors for up to 30 people.

Wales has the lowest coronavirus rates of the UK nations. The successful vaccine programme continues with a higher proportion of people vaccinated in Wales than other nations of the UK for both first and second doses.

Changes from Monday 3 May:

• Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities being able to reopen
• People will also again be able to form extended households with one other household.

Relaxations planned for 17 May will be brought forward to the 3 May, including:

• The resumption of indoor supervised activities for children
• Indoor organised activities for up to 15 adults (such as exercise classes and swimming lessons)
• And the re-opening of community centres.

The First Minister said:

"The sacrifices we have made continue to show results. By us all working together and sticking to the rules, combined with our vaccination programme, mean we continue to make progress. Rates of the virus continue to fall and the public health situation is improving.

"Due to these efforts we are able confirm more easing of the restrictions from 26 April and for early May we are again able to bring forward some of our plans. However, this progress is dependent on all of us continuing to work together to keep Wales safe.

"At the last three-week review, I set out a forward-look of how the restrictions could continue to be lifted in the weeks ahead, if the public health situation remains stable.

"It will be for the incoming Welsh Government to confirm these arrangements at the next three-week review, which will be held on May 13 – a week after the election. It is my assessment that the hospitality sector – bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes – will be able to open indoors from May 17, together with all other tourist accommodation, indoor entertainment and attractions."

Further possible easements are subject to the public health situation remaining favourable.

Former landfill site becomes new pocket park

* The entrance to the new pocket park.

* One of the trails within the park.

* A tree-lined walkway with the nature reserve.

A former landfill site at Wenffrwd on the outskirts of Llangollen has taken on a new lease of life.

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team have worked together with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and European Rural Development Fund, to create a new nature reserve - or pocket park - on the former landfill site at Wenffrwd – just outside Llangollen.

Visitors are now able to use a small car park at the nature reserve and explore the new site by following the 0.5 miles of new surfaced path which winds through a variety of habitats and offers views of the River Dee and across the valley.

Huw Rees, Countryside and Heritage Services Manager, said: “It’s hard to imagine now that this whole mound of land is the result of several decades of tipping household waste from the Llangollen area. 

"Up to 75,000 tonnes were dumped each year until it stopped receiving rubbish in the 1980s, although the transfer station was available for the local population until 2008.

“Nature has done an excellent job at reclaiming the site. The wildflower meadows provide food for pollinators and yellow meadow ants which make the anthills that you will see. The thick bramble offers safe areas for birds and mammals. 

“This is still a work in progress and in the coming year we will continue to work on creating links from this site to the canal and back to the Health Centre in Llangollen along the old railway line.  We will also be adding diversity to the site through tree planting and the creation of new wildflower areas.” 

Welsh Secretary visits businesses in Chirk

* From left, the owner of the Hand Hotel Paul Rodgers, candidate Barbara Hughes, Simon Hart MP and Simon Baynes MP at the Hand Hotel beer garden in Chirk.

While Labour's two leaders, Sir Kier Starmer and Mark Drakeford, were on the campaign trail in Llangollen this morning, Conservatives were out and about in neighbouring Chirk earlier this week.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes welcomed the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP, to the area following the launch of the Welsh Conservative manifesto for the 2021 Senedd elections in May.

Along with the Welsh Conservative candidate for Clwyd South, Barbara Hughes, they visited a number of different businesses, including Castle Bistro where they met the owner Reza Noori, the Hand Hotel with owner Paul Rodgers, Jamie Ward’s Traditional Family Butchers, M.G. Hughes Fruit & Veg and Manford’s Little Lambs with its owner Vicki Mitchell.

Simon Hart said: “I much enjoyed meeting businesses in Chirk and hearing about how they have served the community throughout the Covid crisis. 

"I congratulate them on their hard work and wish them all the very best as we gradually come out of the pandemic.”

Simon Baynes said: “It was a great pleasure to be joined by the Secretary of State for Wales and to have the opportunity to show him some of excellent Clwyd South local businesses, many of whom have gone above and beyond during the Covid crisis to meet the needs of customers and give back to the community." 

First Minister pledges to help keep railway running

llanblogger exclusive

* Mark Drakeford on the bridge looking over at the crisis-hit railway.

* The Labour team on walk-about in Castle Street.

* Mark Drakeford and Ken Skates chat to a constituent outside the bank.

* Sir Keir Starmer, left, Ken Skates and Mark Drakeford, far right, speak to practice manager Tessa Orton-Jones outside the health centre.

If it wins next month’s Senedd election a new Labour-controlled Welsh Government would work with local people to help get crisis-hit Llangollen Railway back up and running.

That was the pledge from Welsh Labour leader and First Minister Mark Drakeford when he and UK Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer had an election walk-about in the town this morning (Thursday) to support the campaign of the party's candidate Ken Skates to be returned as Senedd Member for the local Clwyd South constituency on May 6.

Arriving in the Market Street car park the two leaders, accompanied by Mr Skates, strolled down Castle Street where they met and chatted to a small number of shoppers and at least one business owner.

Later they drove across town to Llangollen Health Centre where they spoke at some length to the clinical team who have been carrying out the busy Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Sir Keir told them he found their hard work “uplifting”. There was also praise for their efforts from Mr Drakeford, who is a former Welsh Health Minister.

llanblogger asked the First Minister whether Llangollen’s world-famous heritage railway, which recently went into receivership with debts of £350,000 and now faces the auctioning off online of its assets, could look forward to any assistance from a returning Labour government.

He said: “We obviously realise the importance of Llangollen Railway and the way it has helped to bring people to this part of Wales and we think there is a successful future for it.

“But that will depend upon there being a credible plan for the future of the railway with people who are confident in the running of it.

“In the end Ken Skates and I deal with public money, so when we are making investments in things like the railway we have got to know that the money is going to achieve all that we want it to achieve.”

He added: “I’m not wanting to suggest for a moment that there is going to be some sort of blank cheque from the next Labour government.

“What there will be is a very positive determination to work with local people to come up with a plan that would allow us to be part of the help that they will need to get the railway back up and running.”

Before leaving Sir Keir said he thought Ken Skates had “a good chance” of holding Clwyd South for Labour.

And Mr Skates himself said he was confident of victory after some “very positive” canvassing over the past few weeks.    

Health centre's latest vaccinations update

Llangollen Health Centre has sent out an update on Covid-19 vaccinations, which says:

"Pfizer Vaccine - second doses.

"All patients who had a first dose Pfizer vaccine at the Health Centre during 5-7 February should have received a reminder that their second dose is due this weekend.

"The date and time of your second dose appointment is shown on the vaccine record card that you received when you attended your appointment in February.

"It is really important that you attend this appointment as we will not be getting any more Pfizer vaccine at the Health Centre.

"Please remember:

• to bring your vaccine record with you so that it can be updated

• to park in the same car park as you were asked last time

• that you will need to sit in the waiting room for 15 minutes after your vaccination

We will have an update on first doses for the 40-49 age group early next week."

Webinars aim to help businesses come out of lockdown

Flintshire County Council has joined forces with local company Outwrite PR to help local businesses prepare to reopen as we ease out of lockdown. 

The past year has been difficult for everyone and particularly town centre businesses, local food and drink producers and the hospitality and tourism sectors. 

To help businesses get back on track, two free webinars will be held and local businesses are being invited to sign up and join in. 

Both webinars will run for 30 minutes and aim to be a useful addition to local business owners’ plans already being put in place.

 

Dates and times are as follows and will take place via ZOOM:

 

• Tuesday 4 May 10am

• Tuesday 11 May 10am

 

The first will feature Laurence Edwards from Black Mountain Honey and will focus on how to generate content for social media beyond simply publishing sales messages and offers or discounts. 

It also aims to help build relationships and trust with key audiences and customers

 

Webinar two will take place a week later and focus the entire digital footprint and how to build engaging content for cost-effective results. 

This webinar will help ensure there is a consistently high-quality brand image across all forms of marketing. 

Business owner Stephen Thorp from A Pesto will be there to talk about his experiences and highlight what has worked well for his business.

* To book go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-marketing-webinar-for-flintshire-businesses-tickets-149688356905

Have your say on how local woodlands are managed

Those who enjoy visiting woodlands in the Vale of Llangollen and the wider Dee Valley are invited to have their say on how the woodlands are managed for the future.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) – which manages the Welsh Government Woodland Estate across Wales – has developed a 25-year management plan in order to improve their biodiversity and long-term resilience to climate change, so that future generations will also be able to enjoy the benefits they provide.

The Llangollen Forest Resources Plan (FRP) consists of seven different forest blocks; Corwen, Cynwyd, Carrog, Nantyr (Ceiriog forest), Coed Foel, Craig-y-Dduallt and Halton Wood, which are located in the Dee and Ceiriog Valleys.

These woodlands collectively have a total area of 1,400 ha and have a mixture of conifer and broadleaved tree species.

The plan sets out long term objectives and proposals for the future management of the woodlands and the trees within them.

This week NRW published the plan as it begins a public consultation to give people an opportunity to feedback on the proposals.

The consultation will be open until 9 May 2021. People can read the plans in detail and leave feedback via NRW’s online consultation.

Aidan Cooke, Senior Forest Operations Officer from NRW said: “Our forests offer so many benefits to the natural world and to our communities. They help us in the fight against climate and nature emergencies, provide good quality timber for us to use, and wonderful places for us all to spend time in and enjoy.

“Over the last year during the pandemic, these spaces have been more important than ever, providing much needed opportunities for exercise, for family time and for moments of calm.

“We know how valued our woodlands are, and we want to make sure the people who use them have the opportunity to feedback on the plans. This will help us to ensure these areas can continue to meet the needs of the local communities for years to come.”

The consultation will be open until 9 May 2021. People can read the plans in detail and leave feedback via NRW’s online consultation.

Anyone wishing to participate but unable to view the proposal on NRW’s online consultation can contact 03000 65 3000 and request a hard copy.

* Residents who wish to send feedback by post can send it to:Aidan Cooke

Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales

Clawdd Newydd

Rhuthun

Sir Ddinbych

LL15 2NL

All feedback and questions will need to be returned by 9 May 2021 at the latest.

Covid-19 testing centre back on Market Street car park

The mobile Covid-19 testing unit (MTU) is now back on the Market Street car park in Llangollen.

According to the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board website, the walk-in and drive-in centre is open from 9.30am-3.30pm seven days a week with no appointment needed. 

Valley Girls WI goes into suspension

 

* WI members are briefed on the Coppafeel breast cancer campaign in 2019.

* Above and below: Outdoor activities Valley Girls members have enjoyed.

After seven years in operation the Valley Girls WI has announced that it has gone into suspension.

Since its formation its members have taken part in a wide range of activities, from fundraising for good causes to archery and canoeing. 

The statement it has issued says: "This is official notice of us suspending ourselves as a WI. 

"This decision was made at an online meeting held on Thursday 26th March.

"We have tried to contact all current members as well as past members, attendees and supporters of Valley Girls WI with this news. 

"But for any we have missed off the email list we would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your involvement, attendance and support you have given the WI at various times in our seven year history.

"The term suspend is used because we now have a three year window in which we could either reform ourselves or a new group or individuals could come forward to restart/reform this WI.

"If anybody is interested in taking the WI forward either to reform Valley Girls WI or make a new one for this area then please contact us here and we can put you in touch with a WI Advisor for this area.

"We would also be happy to share any information and offer support to any individuals or a new team who want to take this on."

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column for Denbighshire Citizens Advice:   

Q: My energy bill really shot up last month. I don’t feel like I’ve been using any more heating or electricity than usual, so I’m worried I’m being overcharged. I’ve tried to contact my energy supplier for support, but no one ever seems to answer the phone or respond to my emails. I’ve waited on hold for nearly an hour several times before giving up. What should I do? 

A: It’s normal for your energy bills to change depending on the time of year and how much gas and electricity you’re using. But if your bills seem strangely high, then it’s important to investigate why. 

Firstly, check your meter is working properly and your usage has definitely not gone up, even accidently. Also check what heaters you have and whether you’re using them correctly. Night storage radiators and immersion heaters in particular can cause very high bills if used incorrectly. 

There are a few things worth looking into. It could be that your bill is an estimate, in which case you need to give your supplier a new meter reading. If it’s not an estimate, check your last meter reading to see if it matches the one on your bill. If you still don’t have an answer, your supplier might have raised their prices. In any case, you’re doing the right thing to contact them. 

Customer service varies between suppliers and unfortunately we hear of many bad experiences similar to yours. We also know the problem has worsened during the pandemic. If you’re struggling to get through to them, you could make a formal complaint. We offer advice on how to do this and things to consider first. 

We publish a comparison table every three months which rates suppliers’ customer service, based on things like telephone wait time, email response time and the accuracy of their bills. Have a look for yours to see how they fare against others. If they’re low on the list, consider switching to a different one.

* If you’d like to talk it through with someone, get in touch with your nearest Citizens Advice for support or contact the consumer helpline. 

Enterprising pair aim to give more power to old bikes

* Beth Ward and Robin Hughes are opening a community bike workshop in Llangollen.

A pair of cycling enthusiasts are aiming to put new power into old bikes with their latest enterprise in Llangollen. 

Beth Ward and Robin Hughes were on a four-month cycling holiday through Turkey when they came up with the idea of making bikes a more vital part of daily lives in the UK.

 

And they realised that this means equipping more machines with electric power.

 

Back home they gave up their day-jobs to concentrate on launching their new social enterprise company, called Drosi Bikes, in Ruthin specialising in fitting unwanted older bikes with electric power.

Robin used to work in the fishing industry as a marine surveyor while Beth had trained as a product designer but for the last few years had been working in the social enterprise/charity sector as a project manager.

They started out in the garage at their home but are now about to open a new, fully equipped community bike workshop in the former Fringe theatre building in Parade Street.

Their aim is to encourage new riders to get fitter for a fraction of the cost of buying a new e-bike. 

Recalling how their new venture was inspired by their foreign holiday, Beth said: "Cycling through Europe, we soon became aware of how bikes are used so much more in daily life to do things like taking the kids to school or to go shopping. 

"We realised that the UK really lags behind in this respect and still sees cycling as a hobby rather than a mode of transport. 

"As our holiday progressed, we became more and more convinced that we could do something to make a change." 

Robin said: “After a year of planning, Drosi was launched just as the Covid pandemic hit its first peak and Wales was in its first full lockdown. 

"We could see people were cycling more. They had the time, the roads were quieter and people were beginning to dust off their old bikes, which they probably hadn't used for years. 

"People are beginning to learn that the great thing about e-bikes is that you can cycle further for longer. You can choose to pedal or use the motor. 

"Either way, you are being more active yourself and you will be using the car less."

Drosi is a play on the Welsh word trosi, for convert, and the pair say they will carry out the e-bike conversions at an affordable price compared with off the shelf e-bikes and that all people have to do is supply the bike.

The cost of an e-bike conversion is £860. This includes the motor, battery, fitting and a basic service.

During the Welsh Government’s Wales Climate Week last year a number of individuals and organisations across the country were recognised as 'low carbon heroes' via a panel of government representatives. This acknowledged their work to tackle Climate Change and amongst them was Drosi Bikes.

The pair are hoping their new Llangollen workshop will be opening in mid May.

Alongside converting and repairing bikes they will be taking bike donations for recycling, running volunteer activities and offering a number of donation-based activities to support people in the local community to cycle including a DIY workshop where people can come and use the tools and e-bike rental (full price for people living outside the LL20 postcode).

* For more information, go to: Drosi Bikes | United Kingdom

Honda's unsung hero gets a new lease of life

Honda Jazz road test by Steve Rogers

For nigh on 20 years the Honda Jazz has held the unofficial title of most practical supermini on the planet.

Yet even this enviable accolade has not been enough to make it the first car on the supermini shopping list, never enjoying the sales, or adoration, of the likes of Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa or Volkswagen Polo.

There are a couple of theories, one that it is a bit pricey and the other that it's a car for older folk lacking the pizzaz of a Fiesta, Seat Ibiza or Peugeot 208. Whatever, Honda has tried to put it right with the latest fourth generation model, jazzing up the design (excuse the pun) but here's the thing, it is even more practical.

They have really gone to town with sharper styling but maintaining its unique identity, fashioning a new dashboard, using plusher materials, and making it a tad longer so it is even more of a tardis than before.

The first thing to notice is the terrific all round vision. Styling trends dictate less glass, more metal but Honda has taken a different tack with a big windscreen and a wafer thin front pillar, half as thick as before, so nothing blocks the driver's view, and it is the same in the back with light flooding in for passengers.

In fact the back is probably the most interesting part of the Jazz. First up the doors open wide, so great for parking the kids, then there is all this legroom, cars this size should not have this much space, or head room, but Jazz does.

Then we have the pièce de résistance, the cinema style pop up seat cushions. Why no one has copied this is beyond me because it is simple yet so clever and great for carrying those tall garden centre plants, you can even wheel in a youngster's bike.

Talking of youngsters they will like the little top pocket in the back of the front seats which is ideal for storing a mobile phone and watching whatever it is they watch. Storage slots are aplenty on Jazz and as well as the standard glove box there is another on top of the dashboard.

Honestly, just call this car Mr Practical because the back could be a model for all small cars. There is a wide opening tailgate with low loading height taking you into a big boot which almost turns into a mini van with the back seats folded. It really is a outstanding space.

From day one I have found the ride a tad hard and although Jazz has improved down the years it can't match the likes of Peugeot 208 and Citroen C3 for comfort. It is fine on smooth roads but disappoints on poorer surfaces. And if you want a more dynamic drive pick a Fiesta or Ibiza.

No complaints on performance, there is only one engine option - 1.5 litre petrol harnessed to two electric motors so it is particularly quick to 40mph and hits sixty in nine seconds. Driven through a CTV automatic gearbox the engine sounds strained when pushed and because of the nature of CTV sometimes feels if it holds on to the gear for too long but that is quickly forgotten when you see how much it is doing to the gallon.

I never went below 58mpg and got 70mpg on a 100 mile saunter to Manchester airport, which is better than good. The electric motor helps a lot and the car jumps from petrol to electric power as and when although on the open road the engine does the majority of the work.

The redesigned dashboard is functional and simply laid out with a nine inch touchscreen for the technical functions and a neat panel of chunky switches for the heating controls, just the way I like it.

I was also impressed by the steering wheel controls which are cream enamel and stand out for easy use. Small details mean a lot.

So new Jazz ticks all the main boxes and I have recommended it to my son who wants a small car with lots of room, big economy and low emissions. I would give Jazz 10 out 10 but have to knock it back to a nine because it is pricey - put a battery pack, electric motor and automatic box on any car and the price will go up.

The price drawback with Jazz is one engine size fits all and when choosing a spec I would ignore the base SE even though it has a decent amount of kit and look at the SR but if you want to be pampered the EX is the one to go for.

Fast facts

Honda Jazz EX

£21,385 (starts £18,985)

1.5 litre+electric motor 107bhp

0-62mph 9.5secs; 108mph

61.4mpg combined

83g/km. 1st VED £110

Insurance group 20

Boot 304 - 1205 litres

Residents to get free short-stay parking at Market Street

* The Market Street car park where there will be a free short-stay parking for residents. 

Denbighshire County Council is to provide free short-stay parking for local residents in the Market Street car park.

The move was agreed on Thursday and came as the result of a request from the area's two county councillors, Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile.

They have been asking for the concession since last year when 12 on-street parking places on Castle Street were removed to provide extra space for social distancing and active travel in the centre of the town.

In a joint statement they say: "We are delighted that Denbighshire have agreed to our request for free parking places  in the Market Street car park for local shoppers. 

"We heard on Thursday that around a dozen free places would be provided for short-stay parking for local shoppers in the central Market Street car park.

"This is great news for local pop- and-shop residents who live on the outskirts of the town and the local traders whose customers  will find it easier to support them.

"The extra free parking is likely to begin during May to support people who shop locally throughout the busy summer tourist season." 

Perfect morning for a balloon flight

* The balloon appears over the Bridge End.

* Silhouetted against the trees by the canal as it begins its descent. 

* Touching down in a field off the A539.

* The back-up vehicle arrives to pick up the passengers.

In the crisp, blue sky a lone balloon appeared over Llangollen early this morning and llanblogger followed its progress.

The black, blue and green inflatable carrying a basketful of passengers was first visible above the Bridge End and then slowly made its way eastwards along the line of the canal.

It eventually began its descent and finally came to rest in a field just off the A539 road not far away from the new pocket park.

Soon afterwards its back-up vehicle arrived to pick up the passengers and the crew quickly deflated the airbag.