Last-ditch case made for vital A483 improvements

Labour representatives have made a final-hour plea to the Welsh Government not to ditch crucial junction improvements on the A483.

Ahead of an imminent decision over road improvements across Wales, Clwyd South MS Ken Skates has met the Minister responsible for transport, Lee Waters, to press for ‘vital’ work to go ahead.

“The Welsh Government paused work on improvements to the A483 in order to consider them in the context of the climate emergency,” said Mr Skates.

“I’ve consistently argued that the improvements are vital in reducing emissions, safeguarding pedestrian safety on nearby roads and in ensuring buses can operate reliably.

“I have met the Deputy Minister again this week to call on him and Welsh Government to do what is right for the people of Wrexham County Borough and for the environment. It is vital that junction improvements along the A483 are progressed.”

He added: “This decision will impact on the lives of people living in local villages, towns and the city of Wrexham for years to come – a green light for the improvements is essential.”

It is hoped that the go-ahead for improvements at junctions 3-6 on the A483 would open the door for further work to improve junction 1 at Ruabon – and the Halton roundabout.

Cllr Frank Hemmings, who represents Chirk North, said: “I have written to the Minister in the past regarding the A483 improvements. This road is the heartbeat of North East Wales, linking to Mid Wales and the North West of England. We are seeing long delays between Ruabon and Halton on a daily basis, with traffic queueing for some distance either way and creating even more pollution.”

Cefn Mawr councillor Derek Wright said: “I fully support Ken on demanding urgent improvements to the A483. It’s simply unable to cope with the volume of traffic now using it. When you look at the money spent on the junction of the A483-A5 just south of Oswestry, why do we have to put up with the daily congestion in both directions all the way to the Post House roundabout south of Chester?”

Cllr Gary Brown (Brymbo) added: "These improvements – especially for junction 4 – are long overdue, and remain key to unlocking the potential for sustainable growth in our communities to the west of the city centre. It’s vital that the Welsh Government plays its part in directing investment for a better future here in North Wales.”

Cllr Dana Davies, who represents Ruabon, is leader of the Wrexham Labour Group. She said: “Ken has argued all along that these improvements should go ahead, and we are 100% supportive.

“Improving junction 5 is extremely important to the delivery of the Wrexham Gateway project. Given the UK Government’s refusal to support the bid, any infrastructure improvements which can be delivered by the Welsh Government become even more vital.”

Cllr Davies added: “Not only would this project significantly enhance junctions 3-6 and alleviate the near-gridlock we see at peak times, it could then lead to work to improve junction 1 at Ruabon and the Halton roundabout. It’s crucial for our area and we are praying our pleas will be listened to.”

Llan Ramblers enjoy morning hike around Erddig

Llangollen Ramblers enjoyed the sunshine on a morning hike around Erddig last week.

* If you're interested in joining them  - and they say you'd be very welcome - contact Judy Smith on smithdinbren@gmail.com

Lexus could be hybrid for you - if you can afford it

Lexus NX 450+ drive by Steve Rogers

Car sales for the last year show we are starting to warm to hybrid and all electric power.

There is more choice and there are a few electric cars for under £30,000, still a lot of money, but it is progress. People tell me owning an electric car is appealing but are still anxious about charging away from home and that is a genuine concern

Who knows whether we will be ready for the switch over in 2030 but if I was changing cars now I would be looking at hybrid or, better still, plug-in hybrid and the car attracting the attention of those with enough money in the bank is the new Lexus NX 450+.

This is the first plug-in hybrid from Lexus and has left the motoring world asking why it has taken so long when parent company Toyota has more experience of alternative power than any other car company. Mitsubishi came up with a plug-in hybrid SUV eight years ago.

It’s here now and as far as electric range goes it is a world beater. With a light foot on the accelerator the NX has a range of up to 43 miles on the open road and could rise to more than 50 trundling around town. That is better than anyone, and the car self charges when the electric juice has run out. Another first.

NX quickly became the company’s best seller after its launch in 2014 but was always behind rivals like Audi Q5 and BMW X3 when it came to driving dynamics and technology. Well watch out boys because the new model is a belter and a half. The hybrid side is one thing but Lexus has gone to town on everything, vastly improving driving pleasure while the tech upgrade outguns its rivals.

The centre piece is a 14 inch touchscreen with clear graphics and razor sharp response. Cloud navigation gives live traffic updates and is the way to go given the challenge of navigation apps on smart phones.

The number of buttons has been reduced from 78 to 45 but there are still nice tactile switches for controlling the heating or changing the radio volume. The bit I needed more time to master are the touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Hover over the switch and a graphic for a particular function appears in the head up display but is so fiddly to operate I gave up.

For pure ease try the voice control which is excellent for choosing a radio station, changing the heating, selecting a navigation destination or asking for a window to be opened.

One word describes the cabin - fabulous. You are spoilt rotten in every way, even the doors release electronically but pushing a button instead of pulling a lever actually takes a little time to master.

Volvo has been my benchmark for the most comfortable seats but the NX matches the Swede here and on the safety front. The Lexus cabin feels like a fortress with so many safety features detecting potential accidents, and with sensors and cameras surrounding the car you should never be at risk of scraping any part of the body.

They have even managed to sort out lane assist which I always turn off. It is now less sensitive and will not tug the car back when moving to overtake or driving close to a verge.

NX 450 is a powerful all wheel drive five door SUV with ridiculously high economy because of its electric range but when depleted do not expect to achieve more than high thirties on petrol power.

Ok the NX 450+ is out of reach of the majority but for those who can pay this sort of money it is good value against its premium rivals and with its low emissions an absolute tax steal for the company driver.

Fast Facts

NX 450+ Takumi

£62,050

2.5 litre petrol; 305bhp

0-62mph 6.3secs; 124mph

256-313mpg combined

26g/km. 1st tax £155

Insurance group 41

Boot 545-1436 litres

Upgrade proposed for rail line through Chirk/Ruabon

* Chirk rail station.

A main rail line used regularly by Llangollen travellers could be in line for an upgrade.

Today (Friday) sub-national transport body Midlands Connect releases its Marches Road and Rail blueprint at a virtual conference.

It says the aim is to help ‘unlock the full economic potential of the Marches and Mid and West Wales.

The proposals are for a suite of upgrades for rail improvements in Herefordshire; Shropshire; and Telford & Wrekin as well as counties in Mid and West Wales. The plans have been created in conjunction with the Welsh Government.

For the Chester to Shrewsbury line, which stops at Wrexham, Ruabon, Chirk and Gobowen, Midlands Connect is proposing:

• Secure faster and a higher frequency of trains, with greater direct connectivity between Telford and Chester
• Reviews of accessibility to train stations, identifying any barriers people may have in using them for the “first and last mile” of their journey.

Midlands Connect also proposes the government support upgrades on the Birmingham – Black Country – Shrewsbury rail line as the ‘gateway’ to the Marches and Mid and West Wales.

It also recommends road upgrades for the A5 not just to improve local safety, but to enhance the longer distance role played by the A5 in connecting England to Holyhead and beyond.

It also suggests delivery of the Pant – Llanymynech bypass as soon as possible as well as the A49 corridor given its role in moving people and freight in and out of Wales.

Midlands Connect will take this blueprint to Government to ask for funding, specifically for the rail schemes as part of the Union Connectivity Review, in conjunction with the Welsh Government. Funding was set aside to progress key projects in the report, released in November 2021.

Maria Machancoses, CEO of Midlands Connect said: “This document outlines a series of road and rail projects that we believe could unlock the full economic potential of the Marches and Mid and West Wales.

“Midlands Connect has been working closely with the Welsh Government to create a plan that we will take to government in Westminster.

“All these improvements would help bind the union together but help Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin get the rail and road improvements they need.”

 

Newbridge road may be shut for another year, says BBC story

According to a story on the BBC online service, the B5605 in Newbridge may be shut another year.

* For the full story see: Wrexham: B5605 in Newbridge may be shut another year - BBC News

 

Local roadworks notified by county council

Latest local roadworks notified by Denbighshire County Council are:

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

O/S TOWER FARM COTTAGE TOWER ROAD 14/02/2023 16/02/2023 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

From Dee Cottage to Bishop's Walk MILL STREET 03/03/2023 05/03/2023 Torri Coed / Tree Cutting SHIFT TRAFFIC EVENTS LTD. LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A539 OUTSIDE NUMBER 2, QUINTA BIRCH HILL 20/02/2023 22/02/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

OUTSIDE 6 GREENFIELD 27/02/2023 27/02/2023 Adferiad/ Reinstatement O'CONNOR UTILITIES (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Nr GLASFRYN ABBEY ROAD 20/02/2023 22/02/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY LLANGOLLEN

A542 Hall St Link Road HALL STREET LINK ROAD 09/01/2023 17/02/2023 Gwaith Gwelliant/ Improvement Works DCC WORKS UNIT (PHILIP BI LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Nr Haulwen ABBEY ROAD 02/03/2023 02/03/2023 Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works ALUN GRIFFITHS LLANGOLLEN

CHAPEL STREET 09/01/2023 17/02/2023 Gwaith Gwelliant/ Improvement Works DCC WORKS UNIT (PHILIP BI LLANGOLLEN Un Ffordd/ One Way

Hall street Llangollen HALL STREET 09/01/2023 17/02/2023 Gwaith Gwelliant/ Improvement Works DCC WORKS UNIT (PHILIP BI LLANGOLLEN Atal Parcio / Parking Suspension Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

A539 MILL STREET 27/02/2023 01/03/2023 NMWTRA (LISA BILTON) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 21:00 - 06:00

Rotary briefs cubs on its worldwide aid projects

Mike Lade (pictured above) from the Vale of Llangollen Rotary visited the Ist Llangollen Cubs to talk about his organisation's two humanitarian projects which cope with natural or man-made disasters around the world.

Shelterbox and AquaBox both began as Rotary projects, in Helston, Cornwall and Winksworth, Derbyshire respectively.

Shelter Box is more often than not one of the first non-government organisation’s into any natural, man-made disaster or conflict.

And AquaBox provides a crate filled with humanitarian aid as well as a family-sized water filtration system that will process polluted and contaminated water to make it safe for drinking.

Mike Lade said: “The cubs were very attentive and seemed to really enjoy working the demonstration AquaBox to turn the filthiest water into clear water fit to drink.

"We were very grateful for the presentation of a cheque that will be put to good use on one of our community projects."

More information on Shelterbox and how you can contribute can be found at www.shelterbox.org and for AquaBox details visit www.aquabox.org.

The Vale of Llangollen Rotary welcomes individuals and couples of 18+ from the local community who want to be “people of action”.  

The club normally meets face-to-face, at Liberty Tavern in Market Street, Llangollen on Monday evenings at 7.30pm. Alternatively, people can join the meeting from wherever they are via the club's Zoom account connection.

* For more information on the club, contact Mike Lade on 07803 038858, valeofllangollenrotary@gmail.com, or see www.valeofllangollenrotary.com. 

Work on new woodland area near cemetery almost complete

* Jeanette Robinson and Mike Gleed of the Tidy Town Team plant a tree in the woodland area.

* David Davies, left, of the Tidy Town Team and John Gambles of the Mission Area get stuck into the tree planting. 

Work to transform an area of under-used woodland near St John’s Church off Abbey Road into a 'tranquil' outdoor area should be finished by the end of this month.

That's according to the man in charge of the Green Space project to sympathetically redevelop a 1.5-acre triangular-shaped piece of land between the river, the railway and the cemetery into what he described as a “tranquil area where people can find peace with themselves ... where they can sit, relax and contemplate.”

John Gambles leads the Valle Crucis Mission Area, the body which co-ordinates the work of 15 parish churches in the Dee Valley area and has led the project with cash from the Green Communities Project match-funded by St Collen’s Church.

Yesterday (Friday) volunteers from Llangollen's Tidy Town Team, who have been closely involved with the work since it began last year, were back on site to add the final touches to the woodland area in the shape of 20 new trees.

Mr Gambles said: "Work on the tranquil area will be finished by the end of this month with the pathways in place and the land cleared and tidied, and then it's a case of doing a little more work around the cemetery.

"Also included in the scheme is extending the existed limited car parking area for graveyard visitors by the removal of a privet hedge and the planting of a line of ornamental trees to screen it from the consecrated land set aside for the extension of the burial area, the creation of a small wildflower meadow plus the fixing of posts and chestnut palings along the rider side of the site."

He added: "The Tidy Town Team has done more good work for us by planting the trees in the woodland area.

"The 20 they have put in are a mixture of apple and quince trees, which have all been sourced in either north Wales or the border counties of England - the apples are from Bardsey Island off the Lyn Peninsula, so hopefully we will soon have an edible forest here. 

"Some trees, a number of which were diseased, were removed from the woodland area but logs from the healthy ones have been left on the ground to create a habitat for small mammals.

"Wildlife will also benefit from the 20 bird nesting boxes created for us by the technical department at Ysgol Dinas Bran and put in place ready for this year's breeding season.

"Everything that's been done will soon be turning green, so hopefully this will be a lore more pleasant place."  

Choir's St David's Day concert announced

 

Safety concerns expressed about new-look Hill Street/A5 junction

                               

The resident's picture of the way the junction is currently.

* Their interpretation of the many ways pedestrians and drivers will have to assess the re-modelled junction before negotiating it.

A Llangollen resident has voiced concerns that the work currently being carried out to re-shape the junction of Hill Street and the A5 could be “very dangerous” for pedestrians.

Contractors for the county council and working on behalf of the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent moved in on January 9 to begin a six-week programme at the busy junction.

This will include the creation of three new signalised crossings.

Two of these will be on the A5, one from the front of number 4 Berwyn Street to the side of the Armoury, and the second from the front of M’Eating Point to the front of the Welsh Methodist Chapel.

The third crossing will be on Castle Street, near the A5 junction, running from the side of the chapel to the front of the shop opposite.

The priority of the junction of Hall Street and Hill Street will be amended, with the existing island there being removed. A new uncontrolled crossing will run between the Armoury and the Grapes.

There will be a new stop-line position marked on the A5 in front of the junction.

The concerned resident, after a long study of the issue but does not wish to be named, says they have expressed their fears about the work to the county council and the Welsh Government.   

They explained: “I've been trying to raise concerns for over a year. I have just been passed around. I was told the plans would be revised. They haven't been. 

“I have now been forwarded to the Welsh Government but they won't be back for comment for 15 days. It's too late then. Plans need to be changed now.  

“Pedestrians crossing from bottom of Hill Street will have to look for traffic coming from five directions at any one time from a 315-degree radius, on a very busy junction.  

“As it is at the moment it can be dangerous to cross to the island, having to assess for traffic from three directions, the other two being on other side of island as the current layout is now. 

“People are limited to concentrate on only a few things at any one time. Putting this fact in a scenario for pedestrians to cross the road is very dangerous.  

“It is dangerous because not only will the pedestrians have to assess dangers from five possible directions but also and a driver will have to assess vehicles and pedestrians from five possible directions. Drivers will fail to see pedestrians crossing if they are concentrating on traffic from four directions.  

“To add, the crossing will be longer than what it currently is now.”

The resident added: "The 'keep clear' area will get blocked as there is only space for one car in front of the traffic lights (which already partially blokes the exit from Hill St). 

"With a flow of traffic, I doubt very much that vehicles will wait for the space in front of lights to clear before they proceed to it. It is inevitable that when the lights turn red that at least one car will be in the 'keep clear' area, blocking off exit and entrance. 

"In the new plans there will be no space for vehicles caught in the 'keep clear' area to move to, in turn completely blocking the junction every time the lights are red. I think there should be a box junction instead of 'keep clear'. 

"I also think it is vital that a pedestrian refuge island is placed halfway across the crossing at bottom of Hill St crossing." 

* Llanblogger has asked the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent to comment. A spokesperson said: "The correspondent will receive a reply to his letter/e-mail very soon. We won’t be providing a separate response."

Entertainer Shea vows to keep on singing Delilah despite rugby ban

* Shea belting out Delilah for a local audience a couple of years ago.

A young entertainer with strong links to Llangollen says he's determined to go on singing the Sir Tom Jones hit Delilah despite its ban by the Welsh Rugby Union.

The sport’s ruling body has ordered the 1968 blockbuster to be removed from its Principality Stadium choirs’ song list on the eve of the 2023 Six Nations.

The song about a jealous lover stabbing his unfaithful paramour has been lustily sung by Welsh fans and become something of an alternative sporting anthem.

But with the WRU facing allegations of a “toxic” culture and misogyny the governing body has responded to claims that it promotes violence against women by banning it.

The song includes the lyric: “She stood there laughing/I felt the knife in my hand and she laughed no more.”

But  20-year-old Shea Ferron, who has been entertaining crowds with his solo performances since he was a tot and raised thousands of pounds for charity, has vowed to keep on belting out Delilah for his own fans.

Shea made history as the youngest councillor in the history of Llangollen Town Council is currently on BA (Hons) Performing Arts course at the ICTheatre College in Manchester.

He  said: “I do think it’s a bit over the top to have banned it.

“At the end of the day, it’s possibly one of Tom Jones’s most iconic songs that on match day is sung all around the stadium.

“It’s a song that I always have in my concert set list, a song that everyone loves and sings.

“Yes there may be a violent twist in the song but I feel it’s an iconic Welsh hit, that creates a huge atmosphere on match day in Cardiff, both in the stadium and in the pubs!

“Next time I’m front of an audience I plan to sing it for them.”   

People encouraged to join the big Llangollen Canal Walk

* Jane Williams is encouraging people to join the canal walk in aid of the children's hospices.

People are being encouraged to pull on their walking boots to support Hope House and Ty Gobaith Children’s Hospices by taking part in its ever-popular Llangollen Canal Walk. 

The 12^th annual walk, sponsored by Principality Building Society, will take place on Sunday, March 12, and will see walkers join a special 10-mile walk taking in the stunning scenery, including the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. 

Encouraging people to sign up for this year’s event is Jane Williams whose son Evan died suddenly in his sleep weeks before his 13^th birthday in 2013.  

Jane and the family, from Wrexham, have been supported by Hope House ever since and she has been walking the Llangollen Canal Walk for many years to support the hospices. 

“Evan had no illness at all. He was fit and healthy and he simply went to bed and died in his sleep,” she said.  

“I found him when I went to wake him in the morning. It was a huge shock for us all. I can honestly say if we hadn’t had Hope House I don’t know what we would have done. 

“By walking the Llangollen Canal Walk and supporting the hospices you’ll be making sure families like mine continue get the support when they need it the most.” 

Starting at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct walkers will follow a marshalled five miles along the canal to The Poachers at Chirk.  

After a comfort stop and goody bag, everyone will return along the same route to cross the aqueduct for the second time where they will get their hands on a colourful limited edition 2023 medal. 

Fundraiser Cat Dowdeswell said: “This wonderful event is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step this March. Bring along friends, family, colleagues and those four-legged friends and embrace the great outdoors. 

“We have already sold more than half the places for the canal walk, which is absolutely incredible.  

“This event is extremely popular and has always been a sell-out, so make sure you sign up and get your tickets via the Hope House website to avoid disappointment.” 

* Tickets for the walk are £10 for adults and £5 for children and you can sign up today at www.hopehouse.org.uk/canal 

Skates calls for swimming pools to get help with power bills

* The pool at Plas Madoc.

An MS has renewed his calls for increased support for swimming pools. 

Ken Skates wants pools like Plas Madoc to be designated by the UK Government as ‘energy-intensive’ enterprises – meaning they would get more help to subsidise their electricity bills. 

He first raised the issue in October and has now written to the UK Government after the plight of pools was discussed in the Senedd this week. 

Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “Swim Wales recently warned that nearly a third of the 500 public swimming pools in Wales could close because of the ever-increasing costs they’re facing. Not only are their energy bills spiralling, but they also face the twin challenges of the rising cost of essential chemicals – and the delays in their delivery – as a consequence of Brexit. 

“Many swimming pools in Wales are owned and maintained by local councils, who have received a very good settlement from the Welsh Government for the next financial year. But some, like Plas Madoc in my constituency, don’t get council funding and have to make ends meet in other ways. 

“Being classified as energy-intensive would give these vital community facilities a real shot in the arm. I have written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Grant Shapps, to make this case and I know the Welsh Government continues to press him on this as well.” 

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething previously said the Welsh Government would work with the UK Government – which is responsible for regulating the energy industry – to find a resolution. 

This week in the Senedd, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden said: “Local authorities have had the best financial settlement in a long time, much higher than they had anticipated, and how they utilise that budget is a matter for them. I hope that the decisions that they come to, following their deliberations and their consultations, will be that they take things like leisure centres and realise that they are part of the wider well-being agenda for their population. 

“But one of the things that I remain concerned about is the UK Government's relief scheme that has still excluded swimming pools from their proposals, and we do continue to press the UK Government to utilise their powers to support swimming pools.”

MP impressed by visit to Tyn Dwr Hall

* Simon Baynes MP with Tracey Owen at Tyn Dwr Hall.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes visited Tyn Dwr Hall in Llangollen to learn more about the business and its contribution to the local economy.

He met with general manager Tracey Owen to learn more about the venue, which hosts weddings, conferences and team events and has on-site accommodation for 66 people. 

Tracey Owen’s family bought Tyn Dwr Hall in 2016 and since then have renovated the house and seven acres of gardens and grounds building a successful weddings business which recently had two open days.

Mr Baynes leerned that with 80% of its clients from England, Tyn Dwr Hall is making a major contribution to the local economy in Clwyd South, helping local businesses and employing a significant number of people locally, particularly young people. 

He was also told that after a difficult two years due to the Covid pandemic, its wedding business bounced back strongly last year and is looking very favourable for 2023.

Mr Baynes said: “It was a pleasure to visit Tyn Dwr Hall and meet with Tracey Owen to find out about this beautiful venue near Llangollen. 

"I was impressed to hear that the venue can offer not only weddings but also conferences and team events and how it is playing a key role in contributing to the local economy and helping local businesses and people in the area. 

"I was particularly impressed to learn about the training they provide for their staff, particularly young staff members. 

“I would like to thank Tracey and the team at Tyn Dwr Hall for a fantastic visit and would like to wish them all the very best for 2023.”

Denbighshire approves 3.8% council tax rise

Denbighshire County Council has approved the draft budget for the 2023/24 financial year.

At a Full Council meeting on January 31, the draft budget which includes raising Council Tax by 3.8%, was put forward for recommendation from members. Full Council approved the final report.

As part of the budget process the Council’s draft settlement announced by Welsh Government indicates Denbighshire’s funding from Welsh Government will increase by 8.2% for the 2032/24 financial year, compared to the Welsh average of 7.9%.

The draft settlement includes a slightly increased indicative average settlement increases of 3.0% for 2024/25. 

The Final Settlement is expected in early March but Welsh Government have indicated that there should be very few changes. 

The funding comes with a number of responsibilities the Council are required to fund, including pay increases and ensuring the Real Living Wage for social care workers. 

Although the funding announcement is welcome the Council is having to fund £25.116m of pressures including the impact of price and energy inflation and cost pressures in key areas such as social care. 

The Council therefore still had a funding gap of £10.885m to fill for the coming financial year.

Proposals to fill this gap include savings in the Capital Financing Budget amounting to £1.067m and an increase in Council Tax of 3.8%. 

The proposed Council Tax increase level is at the lower end of indicative increases across Wales. It is also lower than the average of 4.35% over the last four years.

Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “The Council has come to the end of the budget process for the 2023/24 financial year.

“It comes after a difficult year dealing with the cost of living impact and energy price rises, which has put an additional strain on resources. 

“We have taken a balanced approach to this year’s budget which aimed to recognise and remedy service pressures in order to build resilience, to make sure services were challenged to deliver efficient services and to minimise the impact of proposals on services users while keeping the proposed Council Tax increases as low as practicable. 

“The Council in this current climate is extremely committed to supporting our residents by protecting the services they value and expect as much as possible. 

“We have worked hard to be efficient and effective as possible, reducing our budgets and making savings by adapting better ways of working.”

Skates highlights Newbridge Road issue in Senedd

* Ken Skates (centre) with campaigners Frank Hemmings (left) and Derek Wright at the Newbridge site last April.

Transport issues in the area have been highlighted again in the Senedd by local MS Ken Skates.  

The Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South raised the urgent need for improvements to the A483 in November, calling for an update on the Welsh Government’s review of the key local route and saying work to make Junction 1 at Ruabon safer was vital. 

 

Mr Skates, the former Transport Minister, followed up on the ‘crucial’ local issues by writing to Minister Lee Waters, who is now in charge of transport matters in Wales. 

 

He also pointed out the increased traffic on local roads because of A483 congestion and delays to repairing the B5605 at Newbridge, which Wrexham Council is still to announce a start date for almost 10 months after the Welsh Government announced funding had been awarded.

 

The Minister has now responded saying: “I am sorry to hear about the continuing problems your constituents are experiencing at Ruabon. As advised in the Siambr, we believe the closure of Newbridge Road (B5605) is contributing to the increased traffic volumes in this area as motorists look to take alternative routes.  

 

“We awarded funding of £2.805m to Wrexham County Borough Council from the Resilient Roads Fund for the remedial works at Newbridge Road. The council will be best placed to advise on when works will be completed, which should alleviate congestion in and around junction 1 of the A483. 

 

“My officials contacted GoSafe on the back of your concerns regarding the B5907 near St Mary’s Church in Wales School and they have confirmed that they will undertake enforcement.” 

 

In 2018, while Economy and Transport Minister, Mr Skates announced funding for work to improve junctions 3 to 6 on the A483. The Welsh Government, however, later paused all new road projects and said they would be reviewed. 

In his letter to Mr Skates last week, Lee Waters said: “The final report of the independent Roads Review Panel has now been received. On November 30, I published a written statement setting out that our decision-making has been extended by the impact of the UK Government budget situation and we will publish a way forward shortly. 

 

“With respect to Junctions 3 to 6 on the A483, officials have progressed procurement of technical advisors so that the next stage of developing proposals can proceed at pace if a decision is made to continue to support this work.” 

 

This week, Mr Skates said: “These are crucial local issues for our area and they need urgent attention. I’m grateful for the Minister’s commitment to helping resolve them. 

 

“I now eagerly await an announcement from the Welsh Government that the long-awaited improvements to the A483 will go ahead. In the meantime, we urgently need positive news from Wrexham Council about Newbridge and when the work to reopen the road will get under way.” 

Latest Pengwern Community Hub what’s on guide

Pengwern Community Hub What’s On Guide for February 2023 is:

Details of tomorrow's school strikes from county council

Two of Llangollen's three schools will stay open during tomorrow (Wednesday's) strike by an education union, according to a list produced by Denbighshire County Council. 

Both Ysgol Y Gwernant and Ysgol Dinas Bran will remain open while Ysgol Bryn Collen is shut for the day due to the action.

In a statement on the way strike action will impact on the county's schools the council says: "We have been notified of national strike action by members of the National Education Union (NEU)  on Wednesday 1^st February and 14^th February 2023 which may impact on the operation of schools within the County. Additional days are also planned on the 15^th and 16^th March 2023.

"This is anticipated to result in a significant reduction in staffing levels within schools and will affect all areas of Wales.

"All schools have assessed whether they can remain open or partially open on these days and if not whether the sites will need to be closed to learners on these days.

"Schools will communicate directly with parents and carers regarding individual decisions and information.

"In addition, the National Association of Headteachers have notified Denbighshire that their members will commence action short of strike action as of the 1^st February 2023. 

"We appreciate that this industrial action has the potential to cause significant disruption to the learning of children and young people, and that alternative arrangements may need to be in place during these days should schools close/partial close.

"You will have received individual notifications as each school decides on the impact of this action however a full list is attached below that summarises the information.

"Schools will need to risk assess each day of industrial action separately and decide if a closure or partial closure is required.  We will keep you informed prior to the other proposed days of action."

MS urges people to have a say on Four Great Highways scheme

* Lower Dee Mill Park (above) and the ramp up to the Wharf (below) are included in the Four Great Highways project, currently out to public consultation.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is urging people to have their say on plans to promote Llangollen.

He said: “I think it is an excellent idea to let people who live, work and visit the town to have their say on its future plans. 

“I am delighted to see the project, in the Clwyd South constituency, coming to fruition thanks to funding from Round 1 of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund and a joint application for money from Denbighshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council.

 

“It is great to see investment in this popular tourist destination which can only enhance and improve the area for local people and visitors alike. It is also good to see how the Levelling Up Fund is delivering for people in North Wales.”

Llangollen's residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to share their views on a project aimed at promoting and enhancing the four great ‘highways’ of Llangollen: the Llangollen Canal and World Heritage Site, the former Ruabon to Barmouth railway line, the River Dee and Thomas Telford’s historic route, the A5 Holyhead Road.

The aim is to improve the visitor experience and increase the amount of time people choose to spend in the area. Proposed works include providing landscape and engineering improvement works to enhance accessibility and biodiversity, as well as making it easier for visitors to understand what is available in the area and how to find it.

The four key areas which have been identified are: Wharf; Access points to the Wharf, Railway and Lower Dee Mill Park; Lower Dee Mill Park and Signage & Wayfinding (including visitor information in car parks)

The Levelling Up Fund is intended to invest in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK. The fund supports town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, and cultural and heritage assets.

The Levelling Up funding allocated to Denbighshire in Round 1 amounts to £3.8m and will benefit the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

* To take part in this consultation, please get in touch with us in one of the following ways: Email: fourgreathighways@denbighshire.gov.uk, Online: Complete the online feedback form on Denbighshire's County Conversation: https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/709

Complete a paper questionnaire: Llangollen Library, Castle Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NU or write to: Corporate Programme Office, Business Improvement & Modernisation, PO Box 62, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 9AZ. Responses must be received by Sunday February 12 2023.

MP swings in to meet golf club team

* Simon Baynes MP with Hayley Henson and Steve Cooke at the Vale of Llangollen Golf Club. 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes recently visited the Vale of Llangollen Golf Club to meet with staff and learn more about the organisation.

He met with manager Hayley Henson and marketing director Steve Cooke and heard about the important role the club plays for the local area. 

It has over 500 members and employs seven people, including five green staff, and attracts over 5,000 visitors to the Llangollen area to play golf, many of whom stay in the area to the benefit of the local economy. 

Mr Baynes praised the club for being very active in raising money for charities including Nightingale House Hospice, Vale of Llangollen Canal Boat Trust and the Wales Air Ambulance Charity. 

The club is also very focused on preserving and improving the environment and ecology on and around its beautiful course as can be seen on its website - https://www.vlgc.co.uk/environment-ecology/

Steve Cooke said: “We are glad to play a role in attracting visitors to the region and always happy to meet with local representatives to share our current activities and future plans."

Mr Baynes said: “I had a very enjoyable visit to the Vale of Llangollen Golf Club and it was fantastic to meet with both Hayley Henson and Steve Cooke.

“It was great to hear about the club’s role in bringing visitors to the area and how this benefits the local area and I was particularly impressed to hear about their continuous hard work in raising money for incredible charities and caring for the environment and ecology on and around the golf course."