Project team outlines Four Highways scheme to online audience

* A map of the areas involved in the project.

The team behind the scheme to improve links between the four famous ‘highways’ that run through the heart of the town explained the £1.25m plan to an online local audience yesterday (Thursday) evening.

Following a successful application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Denbighshire County Council aims to enhance the public spaces that connect Llangollen Canal, the old Ruabon to Barmouth Railway line, the River Dee and A5 Holyhead Road. 

As the first phase of a public consultation exercise four members of the project team – the council’s project managers Sian Lloyd Price and Kimberley Mason along with design expert Daniel Smith and landscape specialist Chris Brinnington from consultancy firm Burroughs & The Urbanists - held three separate half-hour Microsoft Teams sessions yesterday.

The first for local residents attracted around 10 participants, about four businesses were at the second and the third, for everyone else, was attended solely by llanblogger’s Phil Robinson.

The aims of the sessions, according to the team, were to Introduce themselves, give an update on what had been done so far and detail the next steps.

Total budget for the project, which has received substantial help from Levelling Up, is around £1.25m and work is expected to be completed by March of 2024, they said.

They also pointed out that this was a new project and not an extension of the Castle Street works or any other on-going developments in Llangollen.

It is based on an initial concept design developed several years ago, which includes lots of ideas but is not a final design or plan, giving flexibility around what its final appearance.

Although no work has yet started, site information gathering has commenced, including conversations with landowners and technical specialists to understand what may be possible at each of the sites involved.

The team explained that there will be public realm improvements covering a total of 960 square meters within the area around the Wharf, the Railway and Lower Dee Mill Park.

Improvements near the Wharf will include seating and signage along with aiming for better access, which might mean improvements to the steep flight of steps up from the Abbey Road side.

At Lower Dee Mill Park, which the team said feedback from the public has shown to be an under-used natural asset, the proposal is to provide new seating with, potentially, “other activities such as play,” they explained. There will also be new signage.

Another aim is to improve signage around the station area.

The team stressed that details of the project’s design have not yet been finalised, adding that “nothing is off the table”.  

Residents, businesses and other interested parties are being invited to share their ideas, either online, in person or in writing

A face-to-face meeting in the town centre with project managers is due to be confirmed in the next couple of weeks for those unable to attend the online sessions.

A questionnaire will be launched on Denbighshire’s engagement portal, County Conversations, and will also be available from Llangollen Library from next week. This will be promoted on our social media and information regarding the consultation will be also displayed on a poster to be distributed around Llangollen from next week.

* Anyone with further questions, comments or concerns are asked to email Kimberley Mason and Sian Lloyd Price, Project Managers, at: fourgreathighways@denbighshire.gov.uk

Latest local roadworks alert from county council

Latest roadworks alert from the county council are:

OUTSIDE NUMBER 11 & 9 WILLOW STREET until 18/01/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure 

Outside 5 CHURCH STREET 20/02/2023 22/02/2023 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works QUARTZELEC (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure 

MS blasts Welsh Government for closing cottage hospital

* North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd.

A Plaid Cymru MS has taken aim at the Welsh Government for axing a community hospital in Llangollen.

Llyr Gruffydd, who represents North Wales in the Senedd, told Health Minister Eluned Morgan that the controversial closure of a network of community hospitals in the region is “contributing” to the acute crisis in the NHS.

The Minister has come under fire after the Welsh Government told health boards that some patients may need be sent home from hospital without care packages in place as demand for bed space soared.

In response to intense pressure to get to grips with the crisis, which has resulted in ambulances sitting outside of A&E for hours and incredibly low morale among staff, she announced that the Welsh Government has secured an additional 500 community beds for step-down care.

In a speech on the floor of the Senedd, Llyr Gruffydd criticised the Welsh Government for closing community hospitals in Flint, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Prestatyn, and Llangollen and argued that it was now trying to “recreate and rebuild” capacity that it had lost.

He told Senedd members that the Welsh Government had been “warned” that it would “regret” closing the hospitals, and asked if the Minister accepted that doing so was a “mistake”.

The closures, which were part of a shake up by Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, were fiercely protested by local communities at the time.

In response Eluned Morgan said that the community hospitals were “very expensive to run”.

Llyr Gruffydd MS said: “You say in your statement, Minister, that 12% of bed capacity in the NHS is now full as a result of delayed discharges, and in response to that, of course, you say that you've secured an additional 500 community beds for step-down care. Clearly, that is to be welcomed. It would be good to hear where they are.

“As a Member in north Wales, I would be interested in hearing how many of those are in north Wales. But of course, we had a network of community hospitals that used to provide exactly this step-down service across Wales. That capacity was lost—the capacity that you are now trying to recreate and rebuild—when community hospitals were closed in Flint, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Prestatyn, Llangollen, and so on.

“A number of us warned you at the time that you would regret doing that, because there's always a need for that step-down provision within the system, or—as we're currently seeing—the system is going to have blockages and we're going to end up with a situation where 12% of the bed capacity has suffered as a result of delayed discharges.

“So, do you accept that it was a mistake to close those community hospitals, particularly those across north Wales? Do you regret that that happened? Because there's no doubt that that's contributing at least in part to the crisis that general hospitals are now facing.”

Royal Mail answers on future of public counter at sorting office

* The future of the public counter at the Llangollen sorting office has been questioned.

The area's Senedd Member has questioned Royal Mail about the future of the public counter at its Llangollen sorting office.  

And an official of the organisation has admitted the counter is part of a general review of similar facilities which follows a drop in footfall.

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates recently received a query from a constituent which said: "It has been brought to my attention (in confidence ) that there is a possibility that the Royal Mail plan on closing the Caller Office Facility based in the sorting office in Berwyn Street, Llangollen.

"Obviously if this is indeed the case then that in effect would mean that the residents having received a ‘non delivery' would no longer be able to collect their parcels and would be expected to travel to Wrexham. This would include the Ceiriog Valley, Llangollen Rural, Llantysilio and Pentredwr.

"Could I please ask that you make enquiries with the Royal Mail for clarification as to what their intentions are."   

In response to an enquiry from Mr Skates, a senior Royal Mail official replied: "Royal Mail has commenced a review of the Customer Service Points (CSPs) to determine the right number of sites as it steps up its drive to ensure more first-time deliveries with higher level of convenience for customers.

"The review comes as customer footfall has fallen by around 47% at Royal Mail CSPs compared to pre-pandemic levels. This drop reflects customers' growing reluctance to travel to CSPs to collect missed parcels, as well as their growing preference for free redeliveries to their doorstep.

"Royal Mail has additionally introduced a range of new delivery options designed to further improve its first-time delivery rates.

"These initiatives include a scheme where postmen and postwomen are able to leave parcels in what they consider to be a safe place, as well as 'in-flight' redirections through either the Royal Mail app or www.royalmail.com.

"Research suggests 90% of customers prefer delivery to a safe place or neighbour, or a redelivery option if they are not home to accept a delivery." 

Police operation targets illegal off-roaders

The Denbighshire Free Press has a story about a police operation to target illegal off-road driving in the Llangollen and Corwen areas.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/23239776.police-target-off-road-drivers-corwen-llangollen/ 

Fron Bache closed for urgent repairs

One.Network reports that Fron Bache, Llangollen, has been closed to facilitate urgent works to restore the supply of water to a property by Hafren Dyfrdwy.

 

Views sought on town's Four Major Highways project

 * Please note: Because of a problem with the email link provided by the county council to join the online consultation meeting a fresh link has been provided within the story below and here: levellingup@denbighshire.gov.uk

* A plan of the Four Great Highways project.

The views of Llangollen residents and businesses are being invited on a scheme to improve links between the four famous ‘highways’ that run through the heart of the town.

And a local county councillor is urging as many people as possible to get involved.

Following a successful application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Denbighshire County Council wants to enhance the public spaces that connect Llangollen Canal, the old Ruabon to Barmouth Railway line, the River Dee and A5 Holyhead Road. 

Some key priorities of the Four Great Highways project, as it is known, are improved accessibility, signage and better materials with the aim of improving the visitor experience and increasing the amount of time they spend here. 

Proposals include:

* Better access between the Llangollen Canal, River Dee and town centre

* Inclusive and safe access for a range of users

* Opportunities to incorporate play and exercise

* Strengthened biodiversity and climate resistance

* Enhanced views and rest points

As part of the consultation process three separate online engagement sessions are planned for next week when the contracted designers, Burroughs & The Urbanists, will invite residents, businesses and visitors of Llangollen to discuss the project.

The county council says views and comments shared during the event will inform the design now being worked on. 

The meetings, being held via Microsoft Teams, are all on Thursday January 12 - for Llangollen businesses between 6 and 6.30pm, for residents between 6.30 and 7pm and for everyone else between 7 and 7.30pm.

* To arrange to attend one of the sessions, or for further information, e-mail: levellingup@denbighshire.gov.uk

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: “This is part of the South Clwyd Levelling Up Fund project. Wrexham are the leading authority and the Four Great Highways project is Llangollen's share of the pot. 

“County Councillor Paul Keddie and myself are due to have a Teams meeting next week with the designers, so we will have a  comprehensive discussion with them.” 

She added: “This is the start of the wider consultation process, so let's hope that the residents and businesses are interested because it's their voices that matter and certainly from my perspective it's important that there's thorough engagement with everyone who has a vested interest and that they  have an opportunity to input into the scheme in order to have an acceptable outcome.” 

Landslide affects A5 between Llan and Corwen

The Denbighshire Free Press is this morning (Tuesday) reporting that a landslide has partially blocked the A5 between Llangollen and Corwen.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/23239546.landslide-partially-blocks-a5-llangollen-corwen/

First Responders send vital medical supplies for Ukraine

* Clive Knowles and Alice-Rose Langford of the British Ironwork Company, Terry Brownlow and Effie Cadwallader of Wrexham Rural Community First Responders. 

Members of Wrexham Rural Community First Responders recently visited the drop-off point run by the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry which sponsors the collection and onward transportation of medical consumables to Ukraine.

This is the Wrexham Rural CFRs` second donation, with additional kit contributed by other CFR teams across North Wales. 

The first load was transported directly to the front line in Ukraine earlier in the year by British military veterans based on the Wirral. 

The Wrexham Rural CFR Team has donated a significant amount of specialist resuscitation and trauma kit, plus associated response bags which will help to keep medical equipment in a clean and serviceable condition, providing much needed support to both civilian and army medics. 

British Ironwork Centre is gathering donations together ready for transport to Ukraine early in the new year.

Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is: 

Q: As the weather has turned colder, I’ve noticed mould and damp in our flat. It’s mainly
in our bedroom, including some black mould on the carpet. I’ve been chasing our
letting agency, who say they’ll speak to our landlord. I’m really worried about how this
might affect our health. Our tenancy agreement isn’t up for eight months, what can I
do?

A: It’s good that you’ve already raised the issue with your letting agency. Unfortunately, it isn’t
always easy to work out the cause of mould or damp This can make it difficult to work out if your landlord is responsible, unless there’s an obvious cause, like a leaking roof.

There are many causes of damp that properties can get. The most common are rising,
penetrating, construction and condensation damp. On our website there is information that
may help you work out what type of damp you have, who is responsible and what you can
do. Check your tenancy agreement too for mentions of repairs and damp, and reach out to Citizens Advice on anything you’re unsure about.

A landlord will have to act in relation to damp if it makes the property unsafe for someone to live in. This could be for example, if it is making the tenant or a member of their family ill. The landlord will also be responsible if the damp is related to repairs they should have carried out, like if heaters are broken. If the damp has damaged items that the landlord is
responsible for, such as carpets and window frames, they’ll likely have to cover the cost of
repairs.

One of the most common causes of damp is condensation. To prevent this, it’s important to keep homes well-heated and well-ventilated, but for a lot of people this will be trickier to do given the colder weather and higher heating costs. You may be eligible for help to insulate and heat your home, and should visit our website to find out more.

On our website we also have advice on things that can make damp worse and may impact the landlord taking responsibility for repairs. These include drying clothes on heaters or blocking air vents.

If your landlord is responsible for the damp in your property but doesn’t act, there are steps you can take, such as reporting them to the local authority. If you’re in social housing you might also be able to use the landlord’s formal complaints procedure. There is more information about this on our website. If it reaches the point where you want to get out of a fixed term tenancy agreement early, do speak to an adviser first, as there might be better ways to approach the issue.

* Contact your local Citizens Advice or call our Adviceline on 0800 144 8848 for personalised support. 

Re-branding for property firm's Llangollen branch

* The re-branded Bowen branch in Castle Street.

The Bowen Son & Watson office in Castle Street, Llangollen, has a new brand name.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the property firm says:  "As one of the region’s most established firms of estate agents, valuers and chartered surveyors, covering North Shropshire, Mid and North Wales, we have rebranded in a move that continues the firm's evolution since our inception in 1862.

"Bowen Son & Watson, with offices in Ellesmere, Oswestry, Wrexham, Llangollen and Chirk, will now simply be known as Bowen, a name synonymous with property sales and lettings across the region.

"Bowen began trading as Messers Whitfield & Son, opening its first office in Oswestry. In our long and illustrious history - bookending three separate centuries - Bowen has seen a number of name changes, reflecting several generations of partners and strategic acquisitions. Our longest-serving current Partner, Eddie Bowen, joined his late father’s firm in 1994.

"Since its original incarnation, Bowen has grown to become one of the most knowledgeable and respected estate agents in the region, with five offices and 34 staff covering six counties."

Eddie Bowen said: “The way in which property is marketed has advanced significantly with the expansion of 21st century digital tools and technologies.

“As we enter 2023, we wanted to communicate to clients, both established and new, that our ultra-sophisticated data-driven marketing techniques puts their property in front of many more eyeballs than those simply passing the For Sale board outside their property.

“A strong new brand identity, focusing on the name behind our reputation and highlighting the wide range of professional services we offer will help us do that. This region is a great place to live, and for Bowen, in all its incarnations, it’s been a wonderful place to do business since 1862.”

The Bowen rebranding work and website design was executed by Shrewsbury-based creative agency, The Curious. All five Bowen offices feature the new branding and Bowen has already begun the roll out of its new For Sale boards and rebranded marketing collateral to launch its fresh look as the New Year begins.

MP elected chair of Parliamentary woods and trees group

* Dr James Cooper (Woodland Trust), Baroness Young of Old Scone (Chair, Woodland Trust & Vice Chair APPG Woods and Trees) and Simon Baynes MP. 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has been elected as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Woods and Trees.

The group of MPs and Members of the House of Lords meets regularly to discuss the important role of woods and trees in tackling the nature and climate crises, as well as the importance of woods and trees to our local communities across the UK. 

The APPG is supported by the Woodland Trust – the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity – who were celebrating their 50-year anniversary during 2022. 

Dr James Cooper of the Woodland Trust said: “We warmly welcome Simon as Chair. He takes over at a time of increasing political awareness of the vital importance of woods and trees in delivering on some of the great policy challenges of our age. We look forward to working with Simon to help ensure that we have the best policies possible in place."

Mr Baynes said: “I am delighted to have been elected as Chair of the APPG on Woods and Trees. I have supported the group and the Woodland Trust for many years in championing the role of woods and trees in society, and particularly the importance of protecting our oldest and most precious ancient woods and trees. 

"I look forward to working with my colleagues in Parliament, the Woodland Trust and other stakeholders to continue to improve protections for our most precious habitats, support our farmers to make best use of trees on farms to support food security and nature, and emphasise the vital role of access to nature near to where people live.” 

Ramblers kick off the year in damp Ceiriog Valley

Llangollen Ramblers kicked off the new year with a rather damp walk in the Ceiriog Valley. 

But despite the conditions, they managed to smile for the camera.

If you could be interested in joining them, e-mail Judy on smithdinbren@gmail.com for details and a programme. She says: "You would be very welcome."

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks updates from one.network and the county council are:

Berwyn Street, Denbighshire 09 January - 17 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Traffic control (multi-way signals)   Description: This scheme is for the upgrade of the existing traffic signals at the A5 Castle Street junction. The upgrade will also include the relocation of the eastern signal head such that it is closer to the Hill Street junction. The Hill Street junction will be remodeled to accommodate this aspect of the works.   Works location: A5 - Berwyn Street Junction   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Welsh Government.   Responsibility for works: Welsh Government   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: PD50122112145151217   Hall Street Link Road, Denbighshire 09 January - 17 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: Reconfiguring the junctions of Hill Street/Hall Street/A5...   Works location: Hall St Link Road   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Denbighshire County Council.   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001855   Chapel Street, Denbighshire 09 January - 17 February   Roadworks, Delays possible   Traffic management: Lane closure   Description: Reconfiguring junctions of Hall Street, Hill Street and A5...   Works location: Chapel Street   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Denbighshire County Council.   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001856     Hall Street, Denbighshire 09 January - 17 February   Roadworks, Delays possible   Traffic management: Lane closure   Description: Reconfiguration of Hill street/Hall Street and A5 entrances...   Works location: Hall street Llangollen...   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Denbighshire County Council.   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001858 A539 OPPOSITE JUNCTION BISHOP'S WALK, TO JUNCTION OF BRYN HOWEL ROAD FROM A A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) A539 JUNCTION A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS ACCESS ROAD SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS ACCESS ROAD 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) JUNCTION A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, SUN BANK SUN BANK 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM)

Your views sought on Llan's Four Great Highways scheme

* Please note: Because of a problem with the email link to join the online consultation meeting a fresh link has been provided within the story below and here: levellingup@denbighshire.gov.uk

* A plan of the Four Great Highways project.

The views of Llangollen residents and businesses are being invited on a scheme to improve links between the four famous ‘highways’ that run through the heart of the town.

And a local county councillor is urging as many people as possible to get involved.

Following a successful application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Denbighshire County Council wants to enhance the public spaces that connect Llangollen Canal, the old Ruabon to Barmouth Railway line, the River Dee and A5 Holyhead Road. 

Some key priorities of the Four Great Highways project, as it is known, are improved accessibility, signage and better materials with the aim of improving the visitor experience and increasing the amount of time they spend here. 

Proposals include:

* Better access between the Llangollen Canal, River Dee and town centre

* Inclusive and safe access for a range of users

* Opportunities to incorporate play and exercise

* Strengthened biodiversity and climate resistance

* Enhanced views and rest points

As part of the consultation process three separate online engagement sessions are planned for next week when the contracted designers, Burroughs & The Urbanists, will invite residents, businesses and visitors of Llangollen to discuss the project.

The county council says views and comments shared during the event will inform the design now being worked on. 

The meetings, being held via Microsoft Teams, are all on Thursday January 12 - for Llangollen businesses between 6 and 6.30pm, for residents between 6.30 and 7pm and for everyone else between 7 and 7.30pm.

* To arrange to attend one of the sessions, or for further information, e-mail: levellingup@denbighshire.gov.uk

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: “This is part of the South Clwyd Levelling Up Fund project. Wrexham are the leading authority and the Four Great Highways project is Llangollen's share of the pot. 

“County Councillor Paul Keddie and myself are due to have a Teams meeting next week with the designers, so we will have a  comprehensive discussion with them.” 

She added: “This is the start of the wider consultation process, so let's hope that the residents and businesses are interested because it's their voices that matter and certainly from my perspective it's important that there's thorough engagement with everyone who has a vested interest and that they  have an opportunity to input into the scheme in order to have an acceptable outcome.” 

Can you give Elvis (and some sheep) a new home?

* Elvis and the sheep are looking for a new forever home.

Elvis may have left the (outside of) the building on Abbey Road but he's still available for someone to take home with them.

A lifelike recreation of the King of Rock 'n' Roll starred as one of the Three Kings of nativity fame in the Christmas tableau at the gateway of Tan Y Ddol and attracted a huge following of fans.

It's creators, who come up with a similar ingenious display each festive season, have just taken down Elvis, along with a band of realistic-looking shepherds who had been been watching their flock by night, at the end of their smash-hit run.

But they're now hoping find the immaculately-attired Mr Presley and the six sheep - named EweAnn, Mary, Shaun, Ramsay, Baabara and EweJean -   some appreciative new homes in exchange for a contribution to a good cause.

A spokesperson for the Tan Y Dol team said: "We're stripping down the tableaux, and it occurred to me that we might be missing a trick.

"I thought it might be worth offering people the opportunity to have one of the figures in exchange for a donation to Tenovus. 

"Unfortunately we'd already stripped down all the others before the idea dawned on me - only Elvis and the sheep are left - but fortunately they're the ones I think people would be more likely to be interested in."

* If you're interested in adopting Elvis or the sheep just pop into the Tenovus charity shop in Castle Street, Llangollen and make a donation.