2020 plan is recommended for approval - with amendments

 

* An artist's impression of the finished 2020 scheme.

Members of Denbighshire County Council's powerful cabinet have been advised to approve the £1.7 million plan to re-shape Llangollen town centre's road system.

The 2020 scheme is due to be considered by the cabinet next Tuesday and agenda papers for the meeting show that officers have recommended it goes ahead with some amendments to the original proposals.   

The scheme is intended to improve the public realm along Castle Street by replacing the existing kerbs and footway paving with high-quality materials.

Also proposed was the removal of on-street parking from Castle Street and from the Abbey Road/Castle Street junction to enable the adjacent pavements to be widened and reduce parking-related congestion on Castle Street. 

Other proposals included introducing a number of pedestrian dropped kerbs along Castle Street and to reduce traffic speeds by raising the road surface at some side road junctions as well as providing two loading bays for businesses on Castle Street, together with two disabled parking spaces near to Castle Street. 

It was also proposed to make Market Street one-way in a westerly direction between Castle Street and East Street and introduce a loading bay on the south side of Market Street where the temporary loading bay is currently located. 

The Castle Street improvement is part of a phased-approach to improve parking and to improve walking and cycling routes in the town. 

In his report to next week's cabinet Councillor Brian Jones, Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, recommends members approve 2020, including a list of amendments which result from the recent three-week public consultation exercise. 

The report reveals that a total of 507 questionnaire responses were received in response to the recent engagement. 

These were comprised of 322 online questionnaires and 185 paper questionnaires.

Of the 507 responses, 95 were from business owners, 358 were from residents, 32 from visitors, and 16 from people who work in the town but live elsewhere.

The questionnaire asked respondents whether they agreed or disagreed with the main proposals contained within the project.

Of the responses received, the number of people who agreed with the various proposals generally ranged from between 60% and 68%, except for 48% of respondents who agreed that the project would make them more likely to walk or cycle.

The number of people who disagreed with the various proposals generally varied from between 25% and 36%, except for the 22% of respondents who disagreed that the 20 mph speed limit and speed reduction features would make Castle Street safer.

A total of 64% respondents said the project is generally a good idea, with some of those saying the project could be improved further.

A total of 36% of respondents said that the project isn’t generally a good idea.

The report adds that the main issues of concern raised were the proposed width of Castle Street is too narrow; the loss of on-street parking; the proposed loading bays being goods-only; the proposed closure of Short Street; the proposed width of the Bridge Street junction and the proposed Bridge Street loading bay.

It goes on: "The public engagement feedback has been carefully considered and discussed with the Lead Member and local elected members. This has led to some design changes proposed for the project."

The report details the proposed amendments, followed by the council's comments on each one. They are: 

1. Change the two proposed loading bays for Castle Street to general loading bays. This is proposed in response to concerns raised by business owners about them not being able to use their own vehicles to unload goods.  

The council says: "It will also allow customers to move heavier items. Main negative impact of this is that the loading bays will be occupied more frequently which will reduce their availability and result in more interruptions to the flow of traffic. Will also increase need for regular enforcement."

2. Consider placing time limit on Castle Street loading bay from 0930 until 6pm.

The council says: "This would make the bay an unrestricted length of road outside of these hours. This would allow anyone to park prior to 0930 in the morning subject to the availability of a space.

"Negative is that bays could be taken up by overnight resident parking i.e no guarantee that they’d be available."

3. Change the proposed loading bay for Market Street to a general loading bay.

The council says: "This is proposed in response to concerns raised by business owners about them not being able to use their own vehicles to unload goods. It will also allow customers to move heavier items. Main negative impact of this is that the loading bay will be occupied more frequently which will reduce its availability. Will also increase need for regular enforcement."

4. Inset proposed Castle Street loading bays (This means that the existing pavements won’t be widened where they are adjacent to the proposed loading bays).

The council says: "This will mean that the loading bays won’t extend out as far into the road as would have been the case. Only negative impact of this is that the pavements won’t be widened where adjacent to the loading bays."

5. Withdraw proposal to close Short Street.

The council says: "Reconsider options for Short Street as part of Phase 2 including potential for one-way with left turn only restriction In light of opposition to closure of Short Street it is recommended that it is reopened and a traffic camera survey is undertaken to monitor the use of Short Street and any road safety or congestion-related issues."

6. Consider amendments to East Street/Parade Street 90 degree bend Consider scope to improve the existing “pinch-point” issues that have been reported.

7. Consider and, if possible, provide additional short stay parking on Market Street one way section One-way restriction may provide sufficient width to provide 2 no. on-street parking spaces.

The council says: "This needs to be checked to ensure it won’t interfere with the swept-path of large vehicles turning into Market Street off Castle Street." 

8. Undertake traffic assessment and consider options for re-routing of HGV through traffic 

The council says: "Evaluate and quantify HGV through traffic, is it same local hauliers using the route for example."

The cabinet reports can be viewed at: https://moderngov.denbighshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=281&MId=6272&LLL=0

Next Tuesdays' meeting, to be held online, can be viewed on the same web link. 

County seeks more Digital Buddies

An initiative that has helped communities stay digitally connected during the pandemic is looking for more volunteers to support Denbighshire residents. 

In the summer of 2020, Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, Digital Communities Wales and Denbighshire County Council, in collaboration, launched Denbighshire Digital Buddies. 

The scheme helps anyone needing assistance with digital technology and has helped families, friends and loved ones stay connected through the difficult lockdowns of the pandemic. 

Buddies have provided technical support over the phone, helping people become more independent and improving their mental health and wellbeing. 

Gareth Jones of Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, said: “Communities in Denbighshire have come together during this pandemic, and our Digital Buddies scheme has tapped into that positive energy to provide valuable support.

"My role has been to recruit volunteers, ensure they are trained and to match them with people in the community who need digital assistance. We would like to recruit more volunteer Digital Buddies."

Debbie Hughes, a Digital Buddy volunteer from Prestatyn said: “I have recently helped a lady who had no IT skills at all. She was able to access a tablet through some of the work I do and was then able, with my support, to download WhatsApp. The lady now video calls her daughter in New Zealand. 

“I think it’s opened her eyes a lot to other things that technology can do, and she will hopefully sign up to an IT class at her local library in September. 

Debbie added: “Going through the training was very positive and I learned the wide variety of things technology can help with. Being a Digital Buddy volunteer is very rewarding as it is great to support people and see their IT confidence increase.”

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead for Wellbeing and Independence, said: “This is a great volunteer scheme which has made a big and positive difference to people’s lives during the pandemic. Being connected to your friends and loved ones has never been so important and I am grateful to see how much the Denbighshire Digital Buddies have helped communities in the county. 

“It is a very rewarding scheme for volunteers to join, as keeping everyone connected to each other is vital for mental health and wellbeing.

"If you know anyone that has a tablet or smartphone and needs help using it, for example, we would like to hear from you, and the person can be paired with a Digital Buddy." 

* Contact Gareth Jones on 01824 702441 or e-mail office@dvsc.co.uk for further information or if you would like to be a Digital Buddy.

Welsh Ambulance Service under 'extreme' pressure

Extreme pressures on the Welsh Ambulance Service yesterday meant it had to declare a ‘business continuity incident’.

The Trust has been receiving in the region of 2,000 calls per day via 999 for the last three days.

Incidents yesterday were nine per cent higher than predicted, up 11 per cent from last Monday (12 July, 2021) and up 29 per cent from the same Monday last year (20 July, 2020).

Immediately life-threatening ‘RED’ calls were also up by almost 30 per cent compared to last Monday.

Call volume, coupled with lengthy delays at hospitals across Wales, meant that demand on the service exceeded its capacity to respond.

As a result, some patients waited many hours for an ambulance.

The Trust put special arrangements in place to manage demand, including asking some patients to make an alternative arrangement, such as making their own way to hospital.

More than a fifth (21 per cent) of 999 calls yesterday were categorised as low acuity ‘GREEN’ calls and were subsequently assessed by NHS 111 Wales.

Among them was a person with a fish hook in their foot, a person who had caught their finger in a juicer and a person with diarrhoea.

Here are the some of the other headlines from yesterday –

1. Immediately life-threatening ‘RED’ calls were up by 29 per cent from last Monday, and up 175 per cent from the same Monday last year
2. The number one reason people called 999 yesterday was for breathing problems (13.4 per cent) followed by falls (13.3 per cent)
3. Around nine per cent of callers were also experiencing chest pain and seven per cent reported feeling faint
4. Calls to patients with breathing problems were up by 37 per cent when compared to last Monday
5. 516 hours were spent by ambulance crews at hospitals across Wales yesterday waiting to hand over patients

Director of Operations Lee Brooks said: “It’s very rare that we declare a business continuity incident and it’s not a decision that we take lightly – it’s a sign of a serious situation.

“Yesterday’s heat coupled with the delays at hospitals meant we reached a point in the early evening where demand actually overtook our capacity to respond in a safe and timely way.

“For anyone who had an excessive wait for an ambulance yesterday, we are very sorry for your experience and this is not the service we want to provide.

“While we’re in a more stable position today, we’re still experiencing extreme pressures right across Wales, and we need the public’s help.

“Please only call 999 if a life is on the line – that’s a cardiac arrest, chest pain or breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, choking or catastrophic bleeding.

“If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, then it’s important that you use of the many alternatives to 999, starting with the symptom checkers on our NHS 111 Wales website as well as your GP, pharmacist and Minor Injuries Unit.”

Lee added his thanks to staff and volunteers across the service.

He added: “Our staff and volunteers in every corner of Wales and in every part of our service are working flat out to deliver the best service we can to people in Wales in very difficult conditions.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to colleagues for the immense collective effort.”

Click here to read the ambulance service’s top tips for summer safety.

Minister impressed by railway's re-birth during visit today

llanblogger exclusive

* The Deputy Minister with railway board members and volunteers at Llangollen station.

* Board members and volunteers with the Deputy Minister on Berwyn station.

* Ms Bowden chats to railway volunteers on Llangollen station.

* The Deputy Minister is shown pictures of recent developments on the line by railway publicity officer George Jones.

The country cannot afford to lose heritage attractions such as Llangollen Railway, which is an organisation the Welsh Government wants to support, maintain and to see thrive.

That was the message from Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden MS, when she paid a whistle-stop visit to the line this afternoon (Tuesday).

Earlier this month the railway was awarded a grant of £143,290 from the Wales Cultural Recovery Fund, which is controlled by the Welsh Government, to aid its recovery from recent financial problems brought on first by closure due to the pandemic and then when the company which ran it plunged into receivership with debts of £350,000.

But thanks to massive efforts by the separate and solvent Llangollen Railway Trust the railway is now back up and running. 

As the first stage of its salvage operation it is currently running a diesel train between Llangollen and the next station along the line at Berwyn but has firm plans to bring back highly popular steam-hauled services early next month.

During her visit today the Deputy Minister was invited to take a trip aboard the Class 108 heritage diesel railcar and see for herself the progress that has been made since the railway's re-opening on July 9.

She was given a full update by members of the trust board and volunteers along the way.

The Deputy Minister said: "One of our commitments as the Welsh Government is to make sure that our tourism industry is in a position to be able to thrive after the pandemic.

"We want to support our tourist organisations. We have supported them in Llangollen because we recognise the importance that tourism has to this part of north Wales.

"Without the Llangollen Railway we'd be losing a huge asset, to the economy, to tourism and to jobs.

"So the importance of it is literally buying into our strategy for tourism in north Wales."

Asked if it was likely the railway would be getting any further Welsh Government support, the Deputy Minister said: "Where there is a need and where we believe that there is value for money we will continue to support organisations like this.

"We cannot afford to lose this kind of heritage scheme. Llangollen Railway says so much about the area, our railway heritage and it's absolutely something we want to support and maintain and to see thrive.

"That's what our contribution has been, It's been about making sure that the railway can survive and hopefully be a thriving, going concern for the future of the tourism industry and for Llangollen."

Ms Bowden said she had been "very impressed" by what she had been shown, adding: "It wasn't that long ago that the organisation went into administration and the trust has had to turn it around and build a business case.

"They've also had to get a business plan together and they've had to make all this work. It's to their true credit that they've been able to do all that.

"We've been able to help with this but it's these people on the ground that have turned it around."

One of those who greeted the Deputy Minister was trust vice-chairman Phil Coles.

He said: "It was a very successful visit. She was impressed by what she saw and heard and my parting comment to her was, 'don't be surprised if we come back and ask for more support in future,' and she said, 'by all means'.

"She said she was really impressed by what we have been doing but we've still got a long way to go.

"We've got to get the engineering going to get the trains further along the line and the icing on the cake will obviously be next March when we open all the way to Corwen.

"We've also got steam coming in early August, we hope."  

  

 

 

Police launch free community messaging service

Communities of North Wales can now keep up to date with personalised local policing news, following the launch of a brand new free messaging service - North Wales Community Alert.

North Wales Police are the first force in Wales to launch the alert system which has been funded as part of the Home Office Safer Streets Fund. 

The system is currently used by several other police forces in other parts of the UK and has seen positive results and greater engagement with communities.

North Wales Community Alert is quick and simple to sign up to and gives the public a voice in our neighbourhood policing priorities. 

The system includes a messaging service that allows users to tell police what really matters to them.

It is also a platform to gain a insight into police activity in local areas and what we are doing to tackle any issues. 

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: “We are delighted to launch North Wales Community Alert which will form a key part of our Local Policing. 

"It is a free messaging service for people who live and work in North Wales to help our communities to stay informed and up to date with news, alerts, appeals, engagement events and general policing activities from your local police teams.

“What makes North Wales Community Alert so useful is that individuals can choose what information they would like to receive from us and how they would like to receive it whether by email, text or voice message -  so they don't even need an internet connection - the choice is in their hands.

“North Wales Community Alert isn’t just a broadcast channel, where it is just us telling you. It is a two-way messaging system so that we have an additional route to listen to what our communities have to say.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin said: “North Wales Community Alert will give our communities a great opportunity to provide feedback to their local neighbourhood police team on the issues that matter most to them, helping us to work together to make North Wales the safest place in the UK.

“Local Police officers will be raising awareness of the scheme and I encourage residents, businesses and community groups to sign up to the system.

“Please take some time to register with North Wales Community Alert, it is quick, simple and completely free.”

* You can register by visiting North Wales Community Alert

Last chance to help county draft plan for next five years

Denbighshire County Council is developing a new Corporate Plan with the help of local residents who have taken part by providing their feedback.

Every five years the council creates a new Corporate Plan to realign its focus and plan how its services can best work together for up to five years.

The County Conversation consultation process gives residents the chance to provide their feedback. It is split into two key phases: the first phase (happening now) seeks to establish what people feel the council’s priorities should be.

This will then be used to create the new Corporate Plan which reflects the opinions of how local residents want to see Denbighshire improve as a place to live, work and visit. 

The new plan will then be consulted on fully at a later date.

The council is encouraging everyone to get involved in this first phase of the County Conversation before the deadline of July 31.

Topics raised so far in the County Conversation include supporting the community, climate change, education, training and job opportunities and activities for young people.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, the council’s Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “It is great that so many residents have already got involved in the County Conversation.

“This plan is created for everyone in Denbighshire so it is important that as many residents as possible have their say on shaping the Corporate Plan and the priorities for the next five years.

We have already received great feedback from residents which will help us ensure that the plan’s focus represents what is most important to our communities, however I would encourage anyone that hasn’t already to get involved.”

The County Conversation survey is being run online until July 31 2021. Paper copies are also available to collect and return from libraries and being distributed to home library service users until then.

To take part and have your say, visit https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/596 to complete the online survey.

 

Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is: 

Q: I’ve heard that Universal Credit is going to be cut from September. I struggle to get by as it is and I’m really worried that if I lose £20 a week, I’ll get into serious debt. I’m already behind on some of my bills. What can I do to avoid things getting worse? 

A: You’re not alone in this - there is support available. 

Firstly, depending on your situation, you might be able to ask to have your Universal Credit paid differently - these are called ‘alternative payment arrangements’. This might be an option if you’re in debt or rent arrears, among other reasons. To apply for an alternative payment arrangement, call the Universal Credit helpline on: 0800 328 5644/

If you’re behind on some of your bills, the first step is to make a list of how much you owe and add up how much you need to pay each month. 

You now need to prioritise your debts. We have advice on our website to help you do this. Some bills can cause you more problems than others if you don’t pay them. Rent or mortgage arrears, energy bills and council tax are your priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. 

Be sure to get in touch with the organisations you owe money to. Not everyone feels confident to do this, but they might be able to help by letting you pay smaller amounts or taking a break from payments. Many organisations have put in place protections for people who’ve struggled to pay their bills during the pandemic. 

The government-backed Breathing Space scheme could also give you extra time. If you’re eligible, you could get 60 days where your creditors can’t contact you, take action to make you pay, or add interest and charges to your debt. You'll need to get advice from a debt adviser first - they’ll check all your debts to see if they’re covered by the scheme. 

Finally, it’s always a good idea to have a budget - take a look at the budgeting tool on our website and make sure you’re getting all the income you’re entitled to. 

Everyone’s circumstances are different, particularly when it comes to managing personal finances. If you need more specific support or don’t feel able to manage your situation alone, call our debt helpline: 0800 240 4420.

Self-isolating workers 'greater danger than Covid', says care boss

 

* Keri Llewellyn, the vice-chair of Care Forum Wales.

The increasing number of care workers self-isolating is potentially more of a danger to vulnerable people in Wales than the Covid-19 virus, a social care leader has warned.

According to Keri Llewellyn, the vice chair of Care Forum Wales, they were getting reports of care homes and domiciliary care companies where 40 per cent of the staff were at having to quarantine at home.

As a result, a growing number of providers were struggling to give the required level of care  – and the situation was only going to get worse with Covid cases skyrocketing.

Social services departments were being affected by the same problem which meant that there were no staff reinforcements from there available.

Although, thankfully, the number of people falling seriously ill and needing hospital treatment was falling, Care Forum Wales was concerned that some care home residents and people receiving care in their own homes could be at risk.

They were by definition in fragile health and often needed a high level of care.

The situation was already having a knock-on impact on the NHS because the reduced capacity of domiciliary care companies and care homes was making it increasingly difficult to discharge hospital patients back into the community.

The Welsh Government has announced that from August 7 fully-vaccinated people will not need to self-isolate if they come in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

 

Care Forum Wales say they are looking forward to discussing with the Welsh Government what this means for social care and any additional measures for staff working in health and care settings.

 

Ms Llewellyn, who is also managing director of home care provider All-Care which works across South Wales, said: “I’m up to 40 per cent of staff not working at any given time at the moment, which is huge.

“Clearly, we’re in the third wave and the infection rate is rising but it’s not got the same feel because it’s not as bad and the hospitals are not as affected, but capacity has gone right through the floor.

“We can’t carry on providing the same service to everyone in the community while we’ve got that many staff off. 

“They can’t get people out of hospital clearly, so there’s already a backlog to free up hospitals because they can’t move them on to having care because nobody has the capacity.

“We’re facing a perfect storm. As well as the increasing number of people self-isolating.

“Over the past year or so child care has often been provided by partners on furlough but with people back in work that’s not an option either.”

The concern was echoed by Care Forum Wales chief executive Mary Wimbury who said: “Everybody is seeing increased pressure.

“Even though at the height of the pandemic things were very much worse in terms of severe illness, because we are opening up many more people are putting themselves in situations where they’re potentially being exposed to Covid and they’re having to self-isolate.

“As a result the number of people self-isolating is also on a steep upward curve.

“Schools are now open and we know lots of infections are coming through them which means that parents have to self-isolate.

“Even if the child is a contact and not actually infected it can still take some of the workforce out because of child care issues.

“As part of the easing of restrictions, the Welsh Government have said that people who are fully vaccinated will not need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive from August 7 onwards.

“The vast majority of social care staff are fully vaccinated as are the people receiving care.

“We’ve got some positive data on vaccinated people reducing transmission but if you’re caring for vulnerable people the risk is still there, even though it’s reduced.

“According to Professor David John Spiegelhalter, an eminent expert on understanding risk, a vaccinated 80 year old has the same risk as an unvaccinated 50 year old, so the risk has not gone away.

“We will be discussing with the Welsh Government the arrangements they have suggested will need to be in place for those in the care sector who would previously have been required to self-isolate after being in contact with somebody who has Covid.”

“Caution should still be the watchword in Wales but we have also got to be in a position where we can deliver services.

“We are very concerned providers we are going to reach a point where vulnerable people are at risk because there are not enough staff to care for them.

“I think that’s the biggest risk currently for the sector. You can’t function without people to provide care and that potentially is a bigger danger than the virus currently.

“There were staffing issues in social care before the pandemic struck and this is having a massive knock on effect. It’s making things really difficult.

“There needs to be some serious number crunching and working out how to balance all these different pressures to determine the best possible solution.”

Inner Wheel presents cheque to Ysgol Dinas Bran's DoE team

Llangollen Inner Wheel held a fundraising cake and craft stall at the town market.

Members a cheque to students at Ysgol Dinas Bran who are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

The donation will go towards providing equipment for their proposed September expedition.

Children encouraged to become reading heroes

 

Children across Denbighshire are being encouraged to become heroes and join the Summer Reading Challenge through their local library.

This year’s theme is ‘Wild World Heroes’ which aims to inspire children to take action for nature and the environment as they enjoy reading.

The Reading Agency and libraries have partnered with WWF to create an exciting adventure in the fictional town of ‘Wilderville’.

Through reading books, collecting rewards and learning all about our planet, challenge participants will help the heroes make Wilderville a greener place to live.

With exclusive incentives to collect and plenty of brilliant books to enjoy, the challenge is the perfect summer activity to build young readers’ skills and confidence during the long break from school.

Children can take part at their local library or online through the official digital challenge platform https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

The challenge launched on July 10 in your local library and online.

Three Eagles flies to success in trade awards

* The Three Eagles team celebrate their success in the awards.

The Three Eagles Bar & Grill in Llangollen has been named one of the best county venues in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2021, taking top spot for Denbighshire.

The awards aim to put the finest on-trade businesses across the UK in the national spotlight, showcasing just how diverse and creative the hospitality industry really is, as well as how these operations have survived the pandemic. 

A total of 94 pubs and bars received the prestigious honours this year.

The venues, which have been selected on overall best practice across a number of operational categories, will be officially crowned at a red-carpet celebration at 30 Euston Square on Monday September 6. 

At the grand final 15 regional winners will also be announced, as well as the overall national winner.

Three Eagles will go up against seven county competitors in a fight for the regional title and hope to be in the running following its return to service post-pandemic.

Adam Gaunt-Evans, director or restaurants and bars for One Hundred Knights which runs the Three Eagles, said: "It's a true testament of how hard the team have worked to get us back up and running since we re-emerged from lockdown. 

"I'm so proud of everyone involved and we're thrilled to win the County National Pub & Bar Award for Denbighshire. 

"The atmosphere and experience at the Three Eagles is unrivalled and we have a fantastic following of customers, we hope we can go all the way in the final."

“I’ve never been prouder of this industry,” says Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which hosts the event. 

“The entries for this year’s awards demonstrated the undeniable value that communities place on their beloved pubs and bars. 

"To be able to acknowledge the hard work and diligence of venues across 94 UK counties is an absolute privilege. These outstanding venues deserve this recognition now more than ever.”

* View the full list of county winners online at https://nationalpubandbarawards.co.uk/

Visit the Three Eagles website online at https://thethreeeagles.co.uk/

Hardship grant for private tenants in Denbighshire

Private tenants who have fallen behind on their rent are being urged to apply for a hardship grant.

Denbighshire County Council is administering the Welsh Government’s Tenancy Hardship Grant for private tenants who have fallen behind on their rent by more than eight weeks between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The grant, which is paid directly to landlords, coincides with Covid-19 measures being eased which includes enabling landlords to evict tenants from June 30.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the Council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “The grant is intended to prevent people from becoming homeless or being evicted as a result of income loss caused by the pandemic.

“The pandemic has had an impact on all parts of our society and I would urge all those eligible private tenants to apply for this grant.”

The grant will be open to renters not receiving housing-related benefits and could include tenants who have been on furlough, have seen a reduction in their work, or have only been able to claim statutory sick pay while ill with Covid-19.

Applicants will need to provide documents and a statement from the landlord which will be reviewed before payment is made directly to the landlord.

* Anyone wishing to apply for the grant can visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/tenancy-hardship-grant

Covid rule changes in Wales from tomorrow

In Wales, some changes will come into effect on 17 July and these will see up to six people able to meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.

There’ll be no change in the rules around face-masks in Wales for the time-being.

This differs to England, where – from 19 July – there will be no limit on the number of people who can meet indoors and face-masks will no longer be mandatory.

In Wales, organised indoor events will be able to take place for up to 1,000 people seated and up to 200 standing, and ice rinks will be able to reopen.

Nightclubs in Wales will remain closed for the moment.

Proposed changes in Wales from August 7.

If all goes well, Wales will move to Alert Level 0 from August 7, when all premises will be able to open (including nightclubs) and most – but not all – restrictions will be removed.

There will be no limits on the number of people who can meet indoors, including in private homes. However, it will still be a legal requirement to wear a face mask indoors in shops and other indoor public spaces, except for hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants.

Some venues might still have to restrict numbers, based on the risk assessments that all premises will need to undertake.

In a joint statement, Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire councils call on residents to be aware of the differences:

“The changes in restrictions follow the success of the vaccination programme, which has weakened the link between infections, serious illness and hospitalisation in both Wales and England. Thanks to vaccination, the number of people ending up seriously ill or in hospital remains low at the moment.

“However, the Delta variant continues to spread and the virus still poses a serious risk to health. We’re also seeing young, fit people suffering from long-Covid, which is having a major impact on their lives.

“Everyone living, working and visiting Wales is asked to respect the difference in restrictions between England and Wales, and to stick to the regulations in place.

“Visitors to Wales are also asked to respect staff working in tourism, hospitality and leisure industries, who are all continuing to do their utmost to look after the health and welfare of those they work for and with."

 

Railway bosses encouraged by support for re-opening

* The diesel railcar as seen in the station at Llangollen. Photo: LRT

Llangollen Railway Trust (LRT) says it is encouraged by the support given to the resumption of train services last Friday. 

And that included a donation of £153 from the town's Oggie Shop & Fine Foods where customers have been making donations into a collection box in the shop.

Llangollen Railway Trust (LRT) finance director Phil Freeth said: "We really are appreciative of support like this from a business in the town,

"All donations are gratefully received and effectively fed back into the local economy. 

"We're all in this together. Thank you very much Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods and to their customers."

Last weekend a limited service of diesel railcars operated from Llangollen to Berwyn in what was seen as a ‘shakedown exercise’ to ensure the operational arrangements went to plan.

The number of passengers carried on this initial, hourly shuttle service exceeded 450.

Passengers were comfortably accommodated within the social distancing needs of the heritage diesel railcar and produced fares revenue in excess of £3,000 as a useful contribution towards the LRT’s overheads. 

Many of the passengers also made contributions to the revival find.

LRT chairman Peter Edwards said: “Given the short notice available to announce the railway was able to reopen, we are pleased to have welcomed so many people to Llangollen. 

"Many came from within our 50-mile radius catchment area, but others from further afield, all anxious to show their support."

He added: "The ride to Berwyn reminded many passengers of the early years of the restoration of the Llangollen Railway and some had memories of childhood visits on Santa Specials when his grotto was at Berwyn.

“Many recognised the shuttle service as a first step in the reopening of the line through to Glyndyfrwdy when various essential engineering works are completed, hopefully during August when steam engines may return.

“An interesting analysis of the ticket sales indicates that a number of passengers took advantage of Berwyn station to start or end their walks around the area of the Dee Valley Gorge. 

"It is this ability of the Llangollen Railway to provide access to the Dee Valley’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that we wish to encourage people to use when the line is fully open to the new terminus at Corwen.”

Trains continue Fridays to Sundays from today (Friday) with an hourly service from Llangollen starting at 11am through to 4pm.  

Revised Welsh Government Covid restrictions will apply and masks must be worn on the trains. 

A 15-minute stop over at Berwyn allows for a visit to the historic Chain Bridge or  time to ntake a longer walk to the Horseshoe Falls and return on later train.

LRT operations director Mike Williams said: “The success of the first weekend is down to the railway’s team of volunteers. They have pulled out all the stops and made great efforts in all departments to return the stations, trains and track to operational condition after so long a shunt down period.”

Bus travel in North Wales is about to become a lot easier

From this Saturday (July 17) one ticket will be valid on buses all across North Wales.

Once passengers have bought their 1bws ticket from the bus driver on their first journey of the day, the ticket will then be valid for travel on busses across the region.

An adult ticket will cost £5.70, a child (or young person with a My Travel Pass) will pay £3.70 and holders of English and Scottish concessionary bus passes will also pay £3.70. A family ticket is available for £12.

One of the reasons non-bus users are reluctant to give the bus a try is confusion about what ticket to buy. How much does it cost? When can it be used? Who operates the buses? Will my ticket be valid? All these questions put people off using the bus.

With 1bws one ticket, for all day, valid on North Wales busses in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham - and on buses from North Wales to Chester, Whitchurch and Machynlleth.

There are buses covering most of the region and it is possible to explore the North Wales Coast, Snowdonia, the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “I am very pleased we are supporting this initiative, which will help to encourage local people and visitors alike to use our extensive bus network.

“The initiative is a great way to get people back on buses and open up the North Wales countryside for the summer in a way that protects the environment.

“It’s an excellent example of the benefits of partnership working between local authorities, bus operators and Transport for Wales. This is the first time that we have been able to provide and promote a single one-day ticket available on all services and it is thanks to operators large and small for their commitment to improving access by bus.”

Timetable information for all buses in North Wales is available online at http://bustimes.org or www.traveline.cymru ; or by phone on 0800 464 00 00.

1Bws is valid on all local bus services operating in North Wales (the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and Wrexham) with the exception of service 28 between Mold and Flint.

It is also not valid on tourist services operated by open top buses, on National Express coach services and park and ride services.

Clwyd South should be pilot for community bank, says MS

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates says his constituency should be a pilot area for the Welsh Government’s plans to create a Wales-wide community bank. 

The Labour politician’s seat has seen 80% of its high street banks close since 2015 – more than any other area of North Wales – and now has just one surviving branch. 

Mr Skates launched the plans for a community bank during his time as Economy Minister, and this week met Banc Cambria project lead Mark Hooper to put forward the case for the area he represents to be home to one of the 30 branches initially planned. 

He said: “It’s been well documented that Clwyd South is the worst-hit part of North Wales in terms of bank closures thanks to the UK Government abandoning its agreement with the sector that that last branch in each community should remain open. 

“The big banks are equally as culpable and have turned their backs on our communities in much the same way the UK Government has. They have been their profits ahead of their customers’ needs. They might think that keeping a cashpoint, replacing branches with mobile banks or simply asking people to do their banking online is acceptable, but customers don’t see it that way. 

“That’s why the Welsh Government launched the plans for a community bank to provide everyday banking throughout Wales.” 

Mr Skates added: “There isn’t a single community in our area which hasn’t been affected by bank closures. Brymbo, Cefn Mawr, Chirk, Corwen, Rhos, Ruabon … the list goes on. 

“Clwyd South spans around 240 square miles, and with the number of closures we have seen in recent years we have arguably the strongest claim of anywhere in Wales for one of the first community bank branches. 

"I strongly believe we should have at least one branch here of the 30 planned initially. I have put the case forward as robustly as I can and will continue to make it.”

Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said the community bank – the first of its kind in the UK – will be "a mutual owned by, and run for the benefit of, its members". 

The Welsh Government says the move will improve access to bilingual banking services for people and businesses, as well as create jobs.