Business is booming for Llangollen hotel after pandemic

* The Wild Pheasant is welcoming more brides than ever before, it says. 

* The spa is now open again following the pandemic.

A Llangollen hotel is reporting record business in the wake of the pandemic. 

The Wild Pheasant on the A5 stayed open throughout the Covid-19 crisis to accommodate key workers and is now rapidly getting back to normal. 

Fresh from its caring role The Wild Pheasant is once again welcoming the more usual kind of guest to its 47 bedrooms, restaurant and spa and the weddings side of the operation is booming. 

It was back in 2016 that the hotel was acquired by the Evenbright company which in its stable of hotels also numbers Rossett Hall, two in Lake District, Stonecross Manor and The George, as well a new one in Llandudno. 

Wild Pheasant guest accommodation includes standard double/twin rooms, executive king rooms, the Dinas Bran & Berwyn Suite and the Dee Valley Penthouse with private hot tub on the balcony. 

When it comes to dining there’s the Courtyard Restaurant and The Glasshouse with the Glanrafon Suite catering specifically for weddings.

 

A hotel spokesperson said: “The Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa has always been a popular choice for weddings in North Wales.

 

“Our Glanafon Suite is ideal for weddings up to 100 people and boasts its own private bar area.

 

“In 2020 we were awarded the title of best countryside wedding venue regionally and nationally That was a fantastic achievement for all the team, which includes over 40 full and part-time staff.”

 

Following the pandemic the hotel’s Llangollen Spa is now open for access to its hydrotherapy pool and treatments.

 

The hotel says the sauna and steam room will be open at a later date once it is felt safe to do so.

 

A spokesperson said: “The Wild Pheasant and its team are delighted to welcome people back after the easing of Covid restrictions, although we remained open throughout to accommodate key workers. 

“The recent pandemic took the world of hospitality from one extreme to the other. But since the easing of lockdown restrictions all Everbright Hotels have enjoyed incredible levels of business and it seems as though the trend is set to continue. 

“Both The Wild Pheasant and Rossett Hall have seen levels across every area of their business exceed any previous record. 

“By the end of the year each hotel will have welcomed more brides and grooms than ever before, having rescheduled some weddings as many as three times during the pandemic. 

“The two hotels have also experienced unprecedented numbers of leisure guests coming into the area for their holidays and short breaks. 

“Restaurant and bars have been constantly busy with many passers-by and locals calling in to eat and drink. This has resulted in record numbers of enquiries from the local community already getting in early with their Christmas bookings.”

Politicians call for Universal Credit increase to go ahead

North Wales politicians are calling on the UK Government to abandon plans to halt increases to Universal Credit after it emerged their constituencies would be among the hardest hit in Wales. 

Ken Skates and Lesley Griffiths have urged MPs to ‘show some humility’ and fight for their constituents by opposing Westminster’s plans to withdraw a proposed £20-a-week rise in payments – equivalent to £1,040 a year – from October 6.   

Both Members of the Senedd say they have received emails and telephone calls from ‘extremely anxious’ constituents about the UK Government’s plans, but as benefits are not devolved to Wales it is incumbent on Members of Parliament to vote against the cut.   

“We continue to hear daily soundbites from the Tories at Westminster about ‘levelling up’, which all sound pretty hollow when they’re complicit in plunging low-income families into further financial problems,” said Mr Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South.   

“I would implore Members of Parliament to stand up and be counted. People have long memories and they won’t forget it if their MP supports the Tory Government taking this much-needed money away from them. It’s time for them to show some humility.”  

Figures recently published by the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation revealed that all but four Welsh constituencies will see over a third of working-age families with children hit by the cut – including all six won by the Tories from Labour at the 2019 General Election.   

In Clwyd South, which includes Llangollen, 42% will be affected, it says.  

Ms Griffiths, Member of the Senedd for Wrexham, said: “In just a few weeks, the UK Government will impose the largest reduction to the basic rate of social security since World War Two. It’s impossible to over-state how hard this will hit local families, and it’s heart-breaking.   

“As we cautiously emerge on the other side of the pandemic, governments should be aiding social and economic recovery, but the statistics prove significantly reducing the support offered by Universal Credit will have a detrimental effect on many Wrexham residents.”  

It is estimated that 22% of all working-age families in Wales will see a £1,040-a-year cut to their incomes from October 6. A huge 42% of families with children in Wales will be affected.   

Across the UK, more than a third (38%) of those who will see their income reduced are in employment – while one in six (16%) are under 25.   

The Welsh Labour Government, along with the UK's other devolved administrations, has written to the Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, expressing ‘grave concerns regarding upcoming plans to withdraw support to the poorest in our society’.  

Use our service wisely, says Welsh Ambulance

The Welsh Ambulance Service is appealing to the public to use its services wisely as it recovers from a busy Bank Holiday weekend.

More than 4,200 calls were made to 999 over the three-day weekend, up three per cent from the same weekend last year but down six per cent from the spring Bank Holiday weekend in May.

More than 370 calls (nine per cent) were immediately life-threatening ‘Red’ calls – but almost a fifth (19 per cent) were non-urgent ‘Green’ calls.

Among them was someone who said they had lost a toenail, someone who had gashed their shin by kicking a bike and someone who claimed they were on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles before hanging up.

The top three reasons people called the ambulance service this weekend were for breathing problems, falls and chest pains.

In the face of continued high demand, the Trust has set out how it prioritises 999 calls so that the public can make an informed choice about what to do if someone is ill or injured.

Lee Brooks, the Trust’s Director of Operations, said: “We rightly prioritise patients that are the sickest or most severely injured.

“A Red call is when someone is in imminent danger of death, like if they are in cardiac arrest or choking – we try and respond to these immediately life-threatening calls in eight minutes.

“An Amber call is serious but not immediately life-threatening, like chest pain or fractures – we’ll still send the nearest resource as fast as possible.

“A Green call is neither serious nor life-threatening, like earache or minor injuries – Green calls are often passed to NHS 111 Wales for a clinical telephone assessment.

“If you’re not in imminent danger of death, you could wait longer for our help in periods of high demand – potentially several hours – and you could also be directed to help without an ambulance being sent.

“If you’re unwell but it’s not a serious emergency, the best thing to do is take one of our online symptom checkers on the NHS 111 Wales website.

“You’ll answer a set of questions which will help you decide what to do next, be that to visit a pharmacy or GP, administer self-care at home, visit the Emergency Department or call 111 or 999.

“Taking some ownership and using our service responsibly will mean that more of our precious resources are available for those who need us most.”

Ahead of the start of a new school year, the Trust is also asking the public to continue to take precautions to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Lee said: “We look around the rest of the UK to assess how Covid-19 is spreading as this could provide signals about potentially what might unfold in Wales.

“There has been a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in Scotland, and whilst that could be for a number of reasons, schools restart in Scotland much sooner than here in Wales.

“With the re-opening of schools comes increased interactions, so it’s important that the public continue to play their part to halt a further spread, particularly now as we edge toward winter which is usually very busy for the NHS.

“The Covid-19 vaccine remains the best line of defence to protect yourself and others and also helps to reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from Covid-19.”

Welsh Government is asking families and learners to continue to follow guidance on isolating, testing and vaccination to minimise the risk of the spread of Covid-19 in education settings –

1. Get the vaccine if it’s offered to you.
2. Maintain regular handwashing.
3. Any staff or learner with symptoms of Covid-19 – however mild – should stay at home and book a PCR test at their closest test site.
4. Staff in primary schools – and staff and learners in secondary schools and colleges – without symptoms should take two lateral flow tests three days apart during the week leading up to their first day back. If the test is positive they should self-isolate and book a PCR test.
5. Going into the new term, staff in primary schools and staff and learners in secondary schools and colleges not showing symptoms should continue to take regular rapid lateral flow tests twice a week and report the results online.
6. Learners in Year 7 and above should continue to wear face coverings on school and college transport.

* For up-to-date Covid-19 guidance, visit the Welsh Government website.

Stylish Spaniard more than pulls its weight

Seat Tarraco drive by Steve Rogers

Hauling my 24ft caravan 250 miles to the New Forest seemed a straight forward enough task for a seven seat SUV until I read the pre delivery spec for the Seat Tarraco.

Surely a three-cylinder 1.5 petrol was a mistake? Towbars are always matched with a diesel and Seat has an able 2-litre in its armoury. A call to Katie in the Seat press office confirmed I was getting the petrol model...and to stop worrying!

I know this engine well from various Seat, Volkswagen and Skoda test cars but didn't figure it as a capable tow car. Did I need to be bothered? Of course not it towed like a dream, cruising effortlessly and with a good punch of acceleration on climbs. Humble pie eaten.

Modern day automatics are the best solution for towing taking away the drudgery of constant gear changing and tricky hill starts and the Tarraco's seven speed DSG was always in the right gear at the right time.

Most of the drive was dual carriageway and motorway and Tarraco was always stable in crosswinds and while overtaking big artics when you can be troubled with sway. Oh I did like towing with this car.

If there was a downside it was economy. For a while we were ticking over at around 24mpg but a check at journeys end showed just over 22mpg. The 2-litre diesel would probably have managed 27-28mpg but then diesel costs more so the difference is marginal.

That's towing done and dusted but how does Tarraco measure up in everyday life? Seven seats tells you it is a big car but it does not drive like a big car. Seat has always been the sporty arm in the VAG group so it drives a little firmer than its Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace cousins although they share the same platform and mechanicals.

This is good because Tarraco stays tight through twisting and undulating roads and we came across plenty driving around the New Forest. It does not absorb bumps quite as well as Kodiaq or the seven seat Peugeot 5008 but is only a minor point.

Inside is practical rather than eye catching with a clear digital driver's binnacle which includes a central block for information or a small navigation screen all easily selected from steering wheel buttons.

The central 8in touchscreen sits high so is in the driver's eye line and although there are lots of menus and sub menus they are easy to fathom and helped by short cut buttons. The graphics are sharp and quick to respond.

Tarraco has been thoughtfully designed as a big family car with sensible touches like door bins big enough to take things like a litre bottle, pop up tables on the front seat backs so children can do what they do to while away the time on long journeys. There are Isofix points on the front passsenger seat and the outer seats on the middle row but not in the third row where children are likely to sit.

That third row is best suited for children because space is tight for an adult and headroom is not that great although a grown up could cope with a short journey. The only car in the class that can take adults comfortably is the Kia Sorento.

Tarraco does well for load space with the third row folded and even has room for a couple of carry on cases with all seats in play. Try Kodiaq if more space is needed for family holiday clutter.

The Spaniard does well when it comes to value for money although it would do even better if it was offered as a five seater which it is not. There are six trim levels with entry SE good for LED headlights, 8in touchscreen, digital cockpit and smartphone integration among the highlights.  Moving up to SE Technology gives navigation but push the boat out to Xcellence Lux and you will want for nothing in luxury or safety.

If you are wondering about the name it is not just a jumble of letters. Seat is proud of its Spanish heritage and has named its cars accordingly since birth - Marbella, Toledo, Alhambra, Ibiza and so it goes on. Tarraco is the original name for Tarragona, a beautiful city I know well with its ancient amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean.

Fast facts

Tarraco Xcellance Lux

£35,970 to £29,155 

1.5 litre TSI turbo; 148bhp

0-62mph 9.5secs; 124mph

37.7mpg combined

171g/km. 1st VED £870

Boot: 230; 700; 1775 litres

Towing capacity 2000kg

Insurance group 21

Story reveals anti-social behaviour in Dee Valley

* The picture with the story on Deeside.com

Deeside.com is reporting that police are calling for people to act responsibly after issues with anti-social behaviour at a beauty spot near Llangollen.

Officers said evidence of wild camping and littering had been discovered in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

* For the full story, see: https://www.deeside.com/police-call-for-people-to-act-responsibly-after-anti-social-behaviour-issues-in-clwydian-range/

Llangollen Ramblers' latest steps along coast path

* Llangollen Ramblers walking down into Aberystwyth last week.

Llangollen Ramblers have been walking the Wales Coast Path for some six years and have now covered all the coast between Chester and Aberystwyth - including a circuit of Anglesey.  

They now have only another 450 miles to go to Chepstow.

Spray paint attack was planned in advance, says railway

* Owner of the diesel unit George Fletcher and driver John Joyce are seen cleaning some left over blemishes off the carriage window whilst the train was stopped at Carrog. Pictures by George Jones.

* Driver John Joyce prepares to take the railcar away from Carrog.

Llangollen Railway believes that the recent spray-painting of its historic diesel railcar was part of a well-planned attack by a group of vandals who came prepared for their handiwork.

And it says police are currently examining CCTV footage in a bid to track down the culprits.

As llanblogger revealed last week, the 1960s-style British Railways diesel carriages had their smart green livery over-sprayed by multi-coloured aerosol paints between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

But thanks to the hard work of a team of volunteers to clean off the paint was able to get back on track carrying passengers this weekend.    

* The carriages pictured just after the vandal attack.

A press release from the railway says: "Llangollen Railway is pleased to announce the heritage diesel railcar which was paint-sprayed by vandals last week was back in use in time for the Bank Holiday weekend train services.

"The two-car diesel unit was again working resplendent in its 1960s style British Railways green livery after hard work by volunteers removed the multi-coloured spray paint applied by vandals in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

"It is evident the incident was not a spontaneous action by an individual, but rather a well-co-ordinated attack by a group which had specifically identified a target for their handy work and came to the railway well prepared for their night-time activity. 

"The police are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering forensic evidence to identify the perpetrators of this damage. 

"If their intention was the railcar would have to run displaying their so-called artistic endeavours then it has been frustrated by some hard work by the volunteers using a lot of elbow grease to remove it." 

Reviewing the paintwork whilst the unit was at Carrog station on Saturday, head of the railcars department John Joyce said: "Following the discovery of the mindless vandalism on Wednesday morning, volunteers set about removing the graffiti the same day. 

"Experimentation with different methods revealed that it could be removed with relatively little damage to the paintwork underneath, although some repairs will be needed once the running season is finished.

“We have been heartened by all the support shown to both the railcar department, and the railway as a whole, including some very generous offers of assistance and donations. 

"Visitors to the railway who rode on the railcar were pleased to learn that the paint had been removed and the affected bodywork was none the worse for the damage.” 

Owner of the railcar, George Fletcher, came over from Derby to inspect his vehicles and was relieved to see the unit back in action. 

He said, “As a 60-year-old train set it is of some historic importance and has been in preservation since the early 1990s.

“I like to see it is well looked after by the Llangollen railcars group. It looks the part when seen in operation on the Llangollen line and I am pleased visitors like riding in it as a memory of earlier rail travel. 

“After all that the railway has been through over the last 18 months, a few cans of cheap spray paint couldn't be allowed to hold us back." 

The railcars affected are once more available for passengers to enjoy the panoramic views of the Dee Valley scenery as summer turns into autumn over the coming weeks.

* A post of the railcars group's Facebook page says: "Many people have asked us how they can help defer the cost of the recent damage to our units caused by vandals.

"Contributions can now be made using one of the railway Trust's donation systems for which the details are:

Account no 79532454

Sort Code 53-81-03

Account Name Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd

Reference (important) - Railcar Fund." 

Best of region's food and drink to be showcased online

* Lord Newborough, owner of the Rhug Estate.

A virtual celebration of the best food and drink produced in North East Wales is going online.

Organised by Llangollen and Dee Valley Food and Drink as well as Clwydian Range Food and Drink, it comprises a series of 29 videos encapsulating the work that goes on behind the scenes to produce the award-winning fare.

The Meet the Producers videos also have support from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB and the local authorities of Flintshire, Wrexham and Denbighshire.

Kirsty Wild from Llangollen and Dee Food and Drink said: “The series of videos we have created are an opportunity for consumers outside the area to meet our amazing food and drink producers and have an insight in to how they create their amazing products.

"Local businesses like Rhug Estate have shown how crucial they are to their communities during the past 18 months stepping up to meet online demand and providing the people of North East Wales with incredible customer service and locally-sourced food and drink. We want to pay tribute and provide a platform for them to showcase their products.”

Many of the local products featured in the videos are available to buy from Rhug Estate’s farmshop which is located near Corwen. The shop is one of the biggest in Wales and is a showcase for the very best local, artisan food, drink and gifts.

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate said: “As a member of Llangollen and Dee Food and Drink for many years we welcome this opportunity to be able to showcase Rhug Estate’s organic meat and skincare range to a wider online audience. 

"The last 18 months or so have not been easy for us, or any business in this region which relies on tourists and the hospitality sector. The immediate shift to online shopping last year certainly tested our website and our staff.

"We had to act fast to meet the increased online shopper demands. We are delighted to be able to welcome our customers back to visit Rhug Estate but appreciate that the increased demand for shopping with Rhug ‘virtually’ is here to stay and initiatives like this one that directs new customers our way are always appreciated.”

The Meet the Producers videos will be available to view on Llangollen and Dee Food and Drink website and will be shared on their social media over the coming weeks. Click here to view the video that features Rhug Estate: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=365199641809228

Fringe pays tribute to reggae legend Lee "Scratch" Perry

* Lee "Scratch" Perry appeared twice at the Llangollen Fringe Festival.

Llangollen Fringe has paid tribute to a reggae music legend who appeared twice at the festival and has died at the age of 85.

Lee "Scratch" Perry, the legendary producer, provocateur and dub pioneer, first headlined at the Fringe in 2017 and came back again the following year.

Yesterday it was announced he had died at home in Jamaica.

Grammy award-winning Perry was highly influential in the development of reggae and dub music world wide.

Working under many names - as well as in many capacities including disc jockey, producer, record businessman, songwriter, singer - he was a guiding force in the development of reggae.

In addition to his own trailblazing music, Perry produced hits for the Wailers, Junior Byles, Max Romeo, the Heptones, Gregory Isaacs, Junior Murvin, and the Clash.

Known for his bizarre behaviour and stream-of-consciousness interviews, he often donned costumes and headdresses made of found objects such as feathers, toys, playing cards, and coins. 

A spokesperson for the Fringe team said: "What a character he was, still touring and starring in the Fringe well into his 70s.

"His lovely son looked after him throughout making sure his special microphone was alight as he went on stage.

"We at the Fringe feined ignorance as both were so sweet and beautifully eccentric.

 "We feel proud that the Fringe could bring such a renowned international performer to Llangollen."

Views sought on using taxes to tackle 2nd homes issue

Views are being sought on potential changes to local taxes which could be used by local authorities to tackle the effects that large numbers of second homes and commercial holiday lets can have in some parts of Wales.

The Welsh Government consultation on council tax and non-domestic rates is part of a summer of action launched by Climate Change Minister Julie James last month to address the impact of second home ownership seen in some of Wales’ communities.

The government says: "While second home owners and people who stay in holiday lets can make an important contribution to our local economies, we want to ensure all homeowners and businesses make a fair contribution to the communities in which they own or let property."

The consultation will seek views on the maximum level at which local authorities can set council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties and the criteria for a property to be defined as non‑domestic, self-catering accommodation.

Wales is still the only UK nation to give local authorities the power to introduce a 100 per cent council tax premium on both second homes and long-term empty homes (empty for more than a year).

This additional income can be used to address issues affecting the supply of affordable housing or for the provision of public services and other facilities such as public transport.

The consultation also seeks views on the circumstances in which properties are classed as self-catering businesses and are listed for non-domestic rates.

Currently all occupied small business properties below a specified rateable value, including self-catering units, are eligible for Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR), subject to a limit of two properties per business per local authority.

This consultation considers the criteria for defining properties as non-domestic self‑catering accommodation and whether different thresholds are needed.

Finance and Local Government Minister Rebecca Evans said: “We want to hear from people living in communities affected by these issues as well as owners of second homes and holiday lets, trade representatives of the self-catering and tourism industry, and local authorities.

“We anticipate receiving a wide range of responses which will all inform our future policies on potential changes to local taxes so that we have a fairer system for everyone.”

Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “We cherish our reputation in Wales as a welcoming, bilingual society in which tourism and current second home owners have a contribution to make.

“However we also recognise the impact that higher numbers of second homes and self-catered holiday lets can have on local housing and rental markets and on the sustainability of local communities. In some areas they may compromise the sustainability of Welsh as a community language."

Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and the Welsh Language said: “Ensuring that local people can live in the communities in which they grew up and maintaining the health and vitality of Welsh as a thriving community language, are top priorities for the Welsh Government.”

Pupils urged to take Covid-19 tests ahead of new term

Pupils and school staff in Denbighshire are being reminded to take Covid-19 tests before returning to school in September. 

With the start of the new term imminent, all secondary age pupils and staff not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms are being encouraged to take Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests before returning to school.

Anyone experiencing any of the main symptoms of Covid-19, a new continuous cough; a high temperature; loss of or change to sense of smell or taste, should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead member for Education, Children and Young People, said: “The regular testing of pupils and staff was a key tool in mitigating against the spread of the virus in schools during the last school term by identifying infectious individuals.

“We are urging pupils and staff to take two LFD tests before returning to school, ideally one over the weekend and a second on the evening before returning to school. This will help reduce the spread of the virus.

“LFD test kits can be collected from Denbighshire libraries and One Stop Shops as well as from pharmacies.

“I want to thank pupils, staff and parents for their efforts last term and wish all our students the best for the new school year.”

LFD tests are available for collection at the following Denbighshire libraries for all residents not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms:

Denbigh (LL16 3NU); Corwen (LL210DG); Llangollen (LL20 8NU); Prestatyn (LL19 9AA); Rhuddlan (LL18 2UE); Rhyl (LL18 3AA) ; Ruthin (LL15 1DS); St Asaph (LL17 0LU), please check opening times.

Those with symptoms can book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Police boss calls for end to 'ridiculous' 999 calls

 * Control Room manager Paul Shea, right, and Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Andy Dunbobbin.

An aspiring police officer rang 999 to check on the progress of his application to join North Wales Police, it’s been revealed.

The region’s police and crime commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, heard it was one of a string of “ridiculous” emergency calls dealt with by the force’s control room.

It was said, Mr Dunbobbin, a “serious and flagrant” waste of police time that diverted resources away from real emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk.

On another occasion a women dialled 999 to ask for police assistance to move her sofa which had become jammed in her hallway after she tried to shift it from her lounge to another room.

Another example came when a woman stood outside the police station in Rhyl called the emergency line asking for a lift home after she had failed to book a taxi.

According to Mr Dunbobbin, staff at the control room in St Asaph are incredibly busy and don’t have time to deal with ludicrous calls.

The centre already handles an average of 80,000 emergency 999 calls a year and on average they’re answered in just 3.1 seconds.

On top of that they deal with 250,000 non-emergency calls, 18,000 webchats and nearly 60,000 emails which all translates into an average of more than 1,100 contacts every day.

The force is now urging people to report non-urgent matters to them via the website www.northwales.police.uk so that the 999 line can be kept free for emergencies.

Control room manager Paul Shea said: “Unfortunately, we still get too many silly calls like the one from the lady who got the couch stuck in the hall.

“Another call that sticks in the memory was the one from the lady with the spider on the bed. She was scared and wanted a police officer to come to move the spider.

“They’re just not policing matters and it takes valuable resources from people who are in real trouble.

“The flip side of that is that there are other people who should have phoned 999 who called the non-emergency line 101 instead because they didn’t want to bother us.

“I would like to stress that people should always ring 999 if they are suffering a proper emergency.”

Mr Dunbobbin has just signed a £5.8 million cheque to buy a new system for the control room that’s an upgrade of the force’s current command and control technology.

It will be introduced in phases and has been designed to dovetail with the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) that’s due to rolled out in the UK.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “Even with the new system, we will have not have the time to deal with the really silly, time-wasting calls which divert precious police resources and potentially put lives at risk.

“Making prank calls or phoning 999 inappropriately is inexcusable and is not fair.  It’s as simple as that.

“Clearly though, if somebody is in the middle of a proper emergency they should always ring 999.”

It was a message echoed by Chief Inspector Mark Williams, the Senior Force Incident Manager.

He said: “The control room is the front door to policing for most people. Members of the public who need to contact the police invariably come through this room in one form or another.

“Nuisance calls are annoying but there are occasions when people make genuine mistakes.

“What might be an emergency for some people might not be for somebody else and I would say use us if you need to, but we do get some really ridiculous calls.

“There was absolutely no excuse for a prospective police officer to call the emergency number to check on his job application. He clearly was not cut out for the job.

“But time is of the essence when there is a real emergency. We aim to answer 999 calls within 10 second so doing it in under four seconds is pretty impressive.

“Clearly these are life threatening emergencies most of the time so it’s absolutely essential that we get the right person on the end of the phone very quickly so we can start getting officers going to the locations if they’re needed.”

Launch of North Wales-wide bus ticket

* Cllr Brian Jones at the launch of the new 1Bws ticket in Rhyl.

A one-purchase ticket valid on buses across North Wales has been officially launched.

The launch of the 1Bws ticket was held at the Events Arena in Rhyl, and was attended by bus operators from across North Wales as well as invited guests from Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and Wrexham councils, Senedd members and officers from Transport for Wales.

An adult ticket costs £5.70, a child will pay £3.70 and holders of English and Scottish concessionary bus passes will also pay £3.70.

A family ticket is available for just £12.

One ticket is valid all day on busses in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and 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 and 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 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 North Wales in a way that protects the environment.

“This ticket is a great example of the strong partnership that exists between bus operators and local authorities. It has been possible to introduce this ticket because public and private sector, bus operators large and small, have all worked together.”

Richard Hoare, Arriva’s Regional Commercial Director, said: “The introduction of the 1Bws ticket is a result of the close working partnership in North Wales between operators and local authorities. “This is an important development for existing customers and potential new users, as the new product will make travel by bus more convenient and easier to use.

“Buses are an important contributor to the North Wales economy and will be key in encouraging a green and sustainable recovery from the pandemic.”

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 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.

Your chance to have your say on county council services

Residents are being invited to have their say on how they would like to be involved in shaping county council services.

Denbighshire says it is hoping to improve its approach to engagement and consultation to ensure that residents understand how and when they can get involved in the council’s decision-making.

Residents have previously told the council they would like to be more involved in the decisions that affect them.

It is now asking residents about how often they’d like to be approached to have their say and the best way for them to get involved.

This year, the council is also focussing on whether the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has brought about any changes to the way it communicates that residents would like to be made permanent.

To get involved, it is inviting residents to sign up to one of two online workshops on September 7 and 8 and/or to complete a short survey.

* To find out more visit: https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/524

To request a paper copy of the survey, telephone 01824 708027 or write to: Public Engagement Officer, Communities and Customers, County Hall, Ruthin LL15 1YN.

Llangollen Railway hit by vandalism costing thousands

 

* A picture from Facebook of the vandalised trains.

Just as it is making a good recovery from the pandemic and its own financial crisis Llangollen Railway has been targeted by vandals who have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to its rolling stock.

On its Facebook page earlier today the railway revealed that the wreckers had struck at two trains parked in the sidings, spraying them both heavily with coloured paint.

And railway officials are now urging anyone with information about the attack to ring them in confidence.

The railway’s post says: “Devasted to report that last night Llangollen Railway was targeted by vandals.

“Two DMUs (diesel multiple units) were spray painted and will cost thousands of pounds to repair.

“If you really care and have any information that may help to identify the criminals, please telephone 01978 860979 for a confidential chat.”

Being subjected to this kind of wanton attack is the last thing the railway needs as it tries its best to get back on track following the deep financial crisis of last spring which plunged it into receivership and months of closure due to Covid restrictions.

Despite its troubles the heritage attraction has fought its way back into the financial black and has once again started to run the train services, including steam, which are its life’s blood.

John Joyce, head of railcars department, said: "We were shocked and saddened to discover this senseless vandalism when our crew turned up on Wednesday morning to operate the day's railcar service to Carrog. 

"Fortunately, we were able to operate the day's services as scheduled with another railcar, but the damage will need considerable time and expense to put right. Both the time and money could have been put to far more productive uses than removing this mindless damage."

He added: "After all that the Llangollen Railway has overcome during the last 18 months, enabling it to reopen in stages since July, this is one more setback that was totally unnecessary.

"Many thousands of visitors have enjoyed their visits to the line since that reopening, helping to bring back much-needed tourism to the area and its local businesses."

News of the vandalism prompted a torrent of anger against the culprits on Facebook.      

Comments on the story include:

No words!!! all the time and effort gone into reopening

All that time and effort they spent ...bloody awful

A number of heritage railways have been subject to similar vandalism in the past year. Volunteer night watchmen might help but I don't think Llangollen Police station is open all night so police would send either a mobile traffic team or officers from Wrexham

Disgusting behaviour 

This is dreadful. Is there anywhere one can donate towards the cost of the repaint?

Why absolute idiots

Absolutely unbelievable. After so many people have worked so hard to get the railway going again.

Devastating

Absolutely disgusting 

 

Lateral Flow Device test available at Denbighshire libraries

Everyone over the age of 11 living, working or studying in Denbighshire not experiencing Covid-19 symptoms can now collect free Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests from the county’s libraries.

And that includes Llangollen Library in Castle Street.

About one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still infect others.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We are encouraging residents to take advantage of having tests available for collection and to take regular LFD tests.

“Getting tested regularly is the only way to know if you have the virus and if people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading.

“Welsh Government is also encouraging school staff and secondary school age learners to undertake LFD tests just before they return to school.”

Free LFD tests are also available to collect at pharmacies.

The council adds: "Please do not use an LFD test if you are experiencing any of the main symptoms of Covid-19, a new continuous cough; a high temperature; loss of or change to sense of smell or taste, self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test