Local roadworks updates

Latest local roadworks updates from one.network are:

Greenfield, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 February - 27 February   Delays likely - Diversion route   Name: Diversion 1   Location: Greenfield   Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks   Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Planned       Greenfield, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 February - 27 February   Delays likely - Diversion route   Name: Diversion   Location: Market Street   Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks   Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Planned       Greenfield, Llangollen, Denbighshire 27 February - 27 February   Delays likely - Road closure   Name: Greenfield, Llangollen   Location: Greenfield   Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks   Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Planned

Bridge Street, Denbighshire 27 February - 28 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: Laying duct across FW and CW...   Works location: 2 CHAPEL STREET LLANGOLLEN LL20 8NW...   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 Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: BC005OP1W00000WD9WLL5HRC       Bridge Street, Denbighshire 27 February - 28 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: Laying duct across FW and CW...   Works location: 2 CHAPEL STREET LLANGOLLEN LL20 8NW...   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 Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: BC005OP1W00000WD9WLL5HRC       Bridge Street, Denbighshire 27 February - 28 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: Laying duct across FW and CW...   Works location: 2 CHAPEL STREET LLANGOLLEN LL20 8NW...   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 Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: BC005OP1W00000WD9WLL5HRC       Greenfield, Denbighshire 27 February - 27 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: WORKS TO RECTIFY DEFECTIVE REINSTATEMENT IN THE CARRIAGEWAY...   Works location: OUTSIDE 6   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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.   Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: GY004461824R       Greenfield, Denbighshire 27 February - 27 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: WORKS TO RECTIFY DEFECTIVE REINSTATEMENT IN THE CARRIAGEWAY...   Works location: OUTSIDE 6   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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.   Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: GY004461824R       Greenfield, Denbighshire 27 February - 27 February   Roadworks, Delays likely   Traffic management: Road closure   Description: WORKS TO RECTIFY DEFECTIVE REINSTATEMENT IN THE CARRIAGEWAY...   Works location: OUTSIDE 6   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 Scottish Power Renewable Energy.   Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: GY004461824R

Old Time Sailors are back in port for the Fringe this April

* The Old Time Sailors will be shipping in for a gig at St Collen's in April.

A musical group with a real difference which made a big splash when it last appeared in Llangollen is to return as a taster to this year's Fringe Festival.

The Old Time Sailors was a hit when it performed for the Fringe at Ysgol Dinas Bran a year ago.

And on Saturday April 22 at 7pm it will be at St Collen's Church.

The Old Time Sailors is a flashmob musical show designed to take the audience back in time through an unforgettable trip to the 19th century.

Every member of the audience receives a copy of the Sunday Sailor, the group own newspaper-shaped programme which includes the lyrics to all their songs so they can sing along.

Making up the crew are 17 musicians playing fully unplugged to ensure the most authentic experience.

Their repertoire includes over 30 songs and tunes encouraging the audience to sing and dance along.

Fringe chair Paul Keddie said: "The Old Time Sailors are a big group that sing and dance with a great deal of energy – a first for the church, I believe.

"We have had a few gigs at St Collen's in the past, and it has proved to be a great venue, especially for acoustic sets, as the sound reverberates well in the building."

* For tickets, go to: https://llangollenfringe.co.uk/index.php/en/what-s-on/lmain-events?fbclid=IwAR1f2yt78LrYq6eIc3zbszcVqJirtY30sAKaxjBMaikkLlYkM7rBsDKg8fY

Chris rocks it to the audience on TV talent show The Piano

* Chris Sims on the keyboard at Leeds station.

A well-known musician with strong links to Llangollen enjoyed his moment of glory when he played on the new Channel 4 talent show The Piano earlier this week.

The show features talented amateur pianists performing on the instrument in public at selected train stations across Britain.

Chris Sims, an entertainer, pianist, piano tutor and composer affectionately known as “Lord Corwen” after the place where he lives, joined the other unexpected keyboard stars on the second programme in the series shot on Leeds station.

Unbeknown to the contestants it's not just a documentary for which they are being filmed, it's also a competition.

The contestants are secretly being judged and the four best of them - one from each station - will perform at the Royal Festival Hall to an audience of thousands in the final episode.

The Piano's main host is Claudia Winkleman. She is joined by two judges - Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who has performed with leading orchestras all over the world, and popular singer songwriter Mika whose hits include ‘Grace Kelly’. 

At the piano in Leeds apart from Chris Sims were players young and old who performed everything from classical music to pop pieces.

Chris himself hammered out a fast-paced rock ‘n roll selection which prompted judge Mika, hidden behind the scenes, to declare he was performing like the legendary Little Richard while Lang Lang said of him: “He’s a virtuoso.”

But despite Chris’s stylish playing it was 13-year-old Lucy, who is blind and neurodivergent, who took the honours with her captivating performance of Chopin’s Nocturne in B flat minor which had some of the onlookers on the station concourse in tears. She will go on to an appearance at the Royal Festival Hall concert.

Later Chris, who has also had lead stage roles with Llangollen Operatic Society and the Twenty Club, described the experience as “surreal, incredibly absorbing and a privilege to be a part of.”

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council, are: 

Chapel Street CHAPEL STREET 09/01/2023 09/03/2023 Gwaith Gwelliant/ Improvement Works DCC WORKS UNIT / One Way

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

A542 NEAR TRACK LEADING TO PEN Y BRYN FARM, BRYN DETHOL ROAD FROM A5 TO MAE BRYN DETHOL ROAD FROM A5 TO MAESMAWR ROAD 01/03/2023 01/03/2023 Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Hall street Llangollen HALL STREET 09/01/2023 09/03/2023 Gwaith Gwelliant/ Improvement Works DCC WORKS UNIT Parking Suspension Un Ffordd/ One Way

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

BRYN MELYN RTW SUN BANK 17/04/2023 28/04/2023 Gwaith Ar Wal Gynnal/ Retaining Wall Works DCC BRIDGES AND STRUCTURE LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

Nr Haulwen Abbey Road ABBEY ROAD 22/03/2023 22/03/2023 Adferiad/ Reinstatement

Hall St Link Road HALL STREET LINK ROAD 09/01/2023 09/03/2023 Gwaith Gwelliant/ Improvement Works DCC WORKS UNIT fordd 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

Pengwern Community Hub unveils programme for March

Pengwern Hub has announced its what's on programme for March.

From March Wellbeing Wednesdays start, with weekly sessions which include Creative activities, advice services, informative talks and wellbeing  activities. 

Task force aims to prevent fires like on Llantysilio Mountain

Operation Dawns Glaw, a multi-agency task force of specialists from key agencies across Wales has reformed to reduce, and where possible eliminate the impact of grass fires across Wales.

The aim is to prevent future outbreaks such as the blaze in 2018 which ripped through moorlands at Llantysilio Mountain and the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen and smouldered for weeks with firefighters from across North Wales and Shropshire involved in a massive operation to bring it to an end.

The task force, which was initially established in 2016 by the all Wales Strategic Arson Reduction Board to tackle incidents of deliberately set grass fires across Wales, will also be turning its attention to the increase in accidental fires, often caused by our own careless behaviour when out enjoying the countryside.  

In 2022 the fire services across Wales attended 3,269 grassfire incidents – this was an increase of 62% on the previous year with deliberate grass fires increasing by 1542 (47%) to 2263. 

The increase was mainly due to hot dry weather in July and Aug which resulted in a second spike of incidents in addition to the Mar/Apr activity.

Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of hectares of countryside, open space, and wildlife habitats.  

Peter Greenslade, Corporate Head of Prevention and Protection for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Chair of Operation Dawns Glaw, said: “As with previous years, we launch our Operation Dawns Glaw campaign as the weather starts to improve, the nights become lighter and our use of the landscape, countryside and grassland of Wales begins to increase.

“It is vitally important that we all continue to work together to build a healthier, more resilient and increasingly biodiverse landscape here in Wales, doing what we can to protect this precious resource for the future.

“We want to work with our communities, farmers, and landowners to share our knowledge and understanding of the effect that both deliberate and accidental fires have on our communities.  We understand that controlled burns can have a positive effect on the environment, creating biodiversity and a sustainable ecosystem and we are available for free advice on how to do this safely.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to reinforce our messages that while accidents can happen, there are some within our communities who are deliberately setting fire to our countryside – not only is this a crime, for which they will be prosecuted, but it also places unnecessary pressure on front line services and puts our communities in harm’s way. I would encourage anyone with information relating to such crimes to call 101, or to report anonymously to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111." 

The Operation is also continuing its work with farmers and landowners across Wales, reminding them that while they may burn heather, grass, bracken and gorse up until the 15 March (up to 31 March in Upland areas), they must have a Burn Plan in place to ensure they are burning safely. It is against the law to burn outside of the burning season and can result in penalties of up to £1000.

* Find out more about #DawnsGlaw 2023 via Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s website www.mawwfire.gov.uk/DawnsGlaw, where you can also access some simple safety tips and download the campaign’s safety messages for use on your own social media channels. Together we held stop grass fires and protect our countryside and our country.

Remember - If are out enjoying the countryside and you do come across any suspicious activity, please call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or ring 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

Roadworks planned for A542 near Britannia Inn next month

A local roadworks alert from Denbighshire County Council warns that resurfacing work is due to take place on the A542 near the Britannia Inn in Llangollen from March 20-24.

A convoy traffic system around the works will be put in place, it adds.  

MS urges people to oppose new 20mph speed limit

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is urging people to sign a petition against the Welsh Labour Government’s plans to impose 20mph on restricted roads. 

Mr Rowlands, Shadow Minister for Local Government and a harsh critic of the proposals said: “For the past 12 months I have been supporting campaigners in Buckley, who are totally against the implementation of such a scheme in their town. Despite public opinion Welsh Government decided to impose this across the whole of the country.

“Like most people I am not against 20mph speed limit outside schools, hospitals and other areas where evidence shows it’s a benefit, but a blanket 20mph speed limit across urban roads in Wales is just not right. 

“New research reveals that cutting speed limits on urban roads to 20mph does not significantly improve safety and according to the government analysis, the new law will cost the Welsh economy £4.5bn and £32.5m to implement.

“Instead of slowing Wales down, Labour should grip the wheel and get Wales moving again with a pro-growth, pro-business, pro-worker programme that works for those who need to drive.

“I would urge everyone who feels strongly about this issue to sign the petition as I have done and let us try to see this scheme kicked into touch.”

He says the petition is available at: change.org/p/stop-the-welsh-govt-imposing-blanket-20mph-speed-limits-across-the-whole-of-wales-by-2023

 

Government earmarks further £5.45m for football museum in Wrexham

The Welsh Government is providing a further £5.45m for the new Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham.

The funding is part of an agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden (pictured) made the announcement on a visit to the city and comes at a time when interest in Welsh football is at an all-time high.

The museum, which will be within Wrexham Museum and see a substantial redevelopment of the building, will celebrate Wales’ football heritage and help build a legacy from the nation’s involvement in the men’s FIFA World Cup 2022, ensuring its history is valued and stories are recorded for future generations of players and supporters.

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden said: “Wrexham is the birthplace of Welsh football so it’s the ideal location to celebrate the sport’s heritage.

“We have seen many successes, especially in recent years, in men’s and women’s football, and ensuring the dramatic and emotive events on the international stage, the history and development of club football in Wales and the spirit and diversity of the Welsh football community is told in one place will be vital for present and future generations.

“The new museum will become a key venue in the city as well as for North Wales’ tourist and visitor offer. It also comes at an exciting time for Wrexham AFC as they aim to get back into the Football League.

“Today’s announcement is a great example of the Welsh Government’s commitment to Wrexham and North Wales, especially following the recent disappointing news from the UK Government about the failed levelling-up fund bid.”

Many themes will be showcased at the Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham including Welsh language communities, fan culture, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and LGBTQ+ experiences.

Since 2020, more than £800,000 in Welsh Government funding has already ensured the appointment of a dedicated Football Curator and Engagement Officers, the progression of designs, and a pan-Wales public engagement and community consultation to develop proposed plans and content. 

Protecting and promoting Wales’ culture and heritage forms part of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

Designated Member Siân Gwenllian said: “Yma o Hyd fever spread across Wales and across the world last year with our national team reaching the world cup. It showed the pride and joy football has brought us in recent years and how important it is to Wales.

“This redeveloped museum will celebrate our nation’s contribution to the game and the heritage and legacy it provides for us all. Wrexham, a city steeped in football history, is a fitting home for this exciting project and I am delighted we are working together to make it happen.”

Lead Member for Partnerships and Community Safety at Wrexham County Borough Council, Councillor Paul Roberts, said:

“I’d like to thank the Welsh Government for their continued support for Wrexham, the spiritual home of football, to continue to develop the Football Museum for Wales."

Skates raises concerns children refused school meals due to debts

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates has raised concerns that schoolchildren are being refused lunches and turned away at the till because of debts already owed. 

The Clwyd South MS said ‘no child should be humiliated in this way’ – and he has taken the matter up with the local education authority. 

Mr Skates said: “I was contacted by a constituent whose child, a high school student, told her that pupils at her school had been refused a meal and turned away at the canteen till in front of their friends and peers because they already owed money. No child should be humiliated in this way.” 

He also highlighted the incident during First Minister’s Questions and asked Lesley Griffiths MS – standing in for Mark Drakeford – how the Welsh Government is helping. 

Mr Skates said: “I've heard of instances of high schoolchildren who’ve been turned away at the canteen till because their hard-working parents haven’t been able to clear the dinner money debts that they’ve incurred. 

“Would you agree that schools should act with the utmost compassion during these times of financial hardship, and not put young people through such humiliating ordeals? And can you outline what support the Welsh Government is giving to young people to avoid school-time hunger?” 

Ms Griffiths responded: “Yes, I would absolutely agree with you. We know that no child should go hungry, and local authorities and schools should work in partnership with families who are experiencing difficulties with payment of school meals to try and find a solution to ensure that no child goes without a meal at lunchtime. 

“There should be a system in place where parents are reminded in a timely fashion if the balance on their child's account is low, for instance, so that parents can obviously take the action needed. In the case of non-payment, every effort should be made to contact the parent to find a solution, and that might include setting up a payment plan.” 

Ms Griffiths said the Education Minister, Jeremy Miles, has written to councils to remind them of their discretionary powers to provide free meals or implement variable pricing structures. 

She added: “And we've also reminded them of our expectation that no child should be denied an offer of a meal if they turn up to school hungry, because we know that children concentrate far better when they're not hungry.” 

Last year the Welsh Government announced it was rolling out universal free primary school meals, starting with the youngest pupils from September. Ministers are working closely with councils to meet the commitment for every primary pupil to receive free school meals by 2024. 

The Welsh Government also committed £11m to extend holiday food provision for pupils eligible for a free school meal to help low income families and ensure children don’t go hungry in the holidays. 

Traffic alert for Church Street

Latest local traffic alert from one.network is:

Church Street, Llangollen

February 20 - February 22

Roadworks, Delays likely

Traffic management: Road closure

Description: New service required at property. Excavation of a joint bay in footway outside 5a Church Street and.

Works location: Outside 5

Responsibility for works: Scottish Power Renewable Energy

 

Current status: Advanced planning

Spring job fair planned for Town Hall

A spring job fair is to be held at Llangollen Town Hall on Wednesday March 8, from 11am-2pm.

The aim is to have job seekers come and meet local and national employers face-to-face, and discuss job opportunities.

The Working Denbighshire Job Fair is open to anyone and is part of the Working Denbighshire Programme which is being delivered by Denbighshire County Council in partnership with Llangollen Town Council. 

This event is also part of the council's March for Business month and there is no need to book in advance. 

Working with local businesses and organisations, the programme is committed to supporting Denbighshire residents, with support to gain a place in education or training and help to get into work or become self-employed.

* For more details of the programme, see: 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Denbighshire-Youth-Employment-Hub/100086348418969/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/WrkDenbighshire
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingdenbighshire/
• DENjobs: https://www.denjobs.org/2022/10/14/careers-event/

 

Steam returns to railway with Berwyn Shuttles

* The engine which pushes the train up the gradient for a 15 minute stopover. Picture by George Jones.

A series of Berwyn Shuttles, hauled by steam locomotive 68067, are running at Llangollen Railway this month.

Departure times are on the poster above.

Tickets can be booked online in advance. 

All online advance bookings for the shuttles will be entered into a draw to win one ‘Full Line Return Family Ticket for 4’ to be used later this season. 

The winner can use the ticket on A & B timetables only but it can’t be used for galas or special events. Full terms and conditions will be provided with the winning ticket. 

The draw will take place on 1st March 2023.

Activities at Pengwern Community Hub

Details have been announced about forthcoming Pengwern Community Hub's Meet, Make and Create sessions:

Hill Street junction work to take three weeks longer than planned

Llanblogger has learned that work to upgrade the junction of the A5, Hill Street and Castle Street will take three weeks longer than originally planned. 

Early in the New Year it was announced that the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agent (NMWRTA) – an arm of the Welsh Government – would be starting a project to upgrade traffic signals to provide a pedestrian crossing phase and realign the Hill Street junction. 

Contractors moved in on January 9 and it was announced that work would take six weeks to be completed by today, Friday February 17. 

An elaborate network of barriers and traffic signals has since been in operation along with ‘one way’ systems on Chapel Street and also at the junction of Hill Street with the A5 - access from the A5 into Hill Street only. 

There has also been a warning from a concerned local resident that the new junction which will be created will be dangerous to pedestrians. The Welsh Government has declined to comment on this.

But now llanblogger has been shown a document by local county councillor Karen Edwards which reveals the work is not now due to be finished until March 9 – three weeks from now.   

llanblogger has requested an explanation for the extension of the work from the county council, which has so far not been given. 

However, Cllr Edwards has now shown us a copy of another notification she received from the county council this afternoon which says: "Due to changes to the original NMWTRA scheme with the addition of Puffin Crossings, along with other unforeseen changes, the anticipated end date for these works is now 09/03/23. The main contractor will do all they can to help keep disruption to a minimum during the works and return to usual operation for the community as soon as possible."

Ysgol Bryn Collen is to close due to industrial action on March 2

Ysgol Bryn Collen (Primary) will be closed due to industrial action on Thursday March 2, Denbighshire County Council has announced. 

Cat and team aim to get generator for earthquake zone

Llangollen community champion Cat Meade has launched another appeal to help the people whose lives have been devastated by the recent massive earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

She and her support team are asking local businesses to donate a voucher or gift of their choice for them to run a raffle with all funds going to @uareuk who are aiming to purchase a generator for Syria.

Cat, who is based at Wingetts estate agents in Castle Street, said: "It will be used to assist humanitarian and relief efforts.

"The charity Hope and Aid have the right people on the ground there to ensure it reaches the area needed.

"We also have a donation box at Wingetts should anyone wish to donate."

Cat, who has been collecting other supplies for earthquake victims for the past couple of weeks, added: "We are also still taking clothes, such as men's and ladies new underwear, and blankets. We also need nappies/wipes, toiletries, Flash torches and batteries.

"Our collection will go on until February 24 and donations can be dropped off at Wingetts."

Skates goes out and about with local PCSO

 

* PCSO Karl Joseph with Ken Skates MS in Riverside Park.

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates praised the ‘vital’ link between Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and residents after meeting Llangollen’s Karl Joseph. 

The Clwyd South MS took a walk around the town with Karl recently to discuss local issues. 

Mr Skates said: “It was great to catch up with Karl and find out about what’s been happening locally. We discussed several areas of concern and a number of issues police have acted upon recently following crucial information from the community.” 

He added: “PCSOs provide a vital link between local communities and police forces, and it was really interesting to have a walk around the town with him and visit local businesses.” 

Mr Skates also said he had written to Denbighshire Council to raise constituents’ concerns over the condition of the old brewery building overlooking the A5 opposite Riverside Park. 

In 2021 the Welsh Government announced an extra £3.7m for more PCSOs across Wales, bringing the total funded by Welsh Ministers to 600. 

PCSO Karl said: “It was a pleasure to spend some time with Ken, and the fact that he has taken the issues on board shows that he actually cares about them.” 

Latest roadworks alerts from county council

Latest roadworks bulletin from Denbighshire County Council is:

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

A539 Chapel Street CHAPEL STREET 09/01/2023 17/02/2023 Gwaith Gwelliant/ Improvement Works DCC WORKS UNIT LLANGOLLEN Un Ffordd/ One Way

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

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

MILL ST CAR PARK MILL STREET 24/02/2023 24/02/2023 Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works MORRISON UTILITY  LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights

A539 Wrth / Nr GLASFRYN ABBEY ROAD 20/02/2023 22/02/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY LLANGOLLEN

A542 Wrth / Nr Haulwen ABBEY ROAD 02/03/2023 02/03/2023 Gwaith Carthffosiaeth/ Sewer Works LLANGOLLEN

NEAR TRACK LEADING TO PEN Y BRYN FARM, BRYN DETHOL ROAD FROM A5 TO MAE BRYN DETHOL ROAD FROM A5 TO MAESMAWR ROAD 01/03/2023 01/03/2023 Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole MJ QUINN (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

Former Llangollen Railway Footpath A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 23/02/2023 23/02/2023 Torri Coed / Tree Cutting KTL CONTRACTING LTD LLANGOLLEN

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

Family fun sessions planned for half term

Details have been announced of February Half Term Family Play sessions.  

Previously these sessions have been titled Let’s Play Out and have ran at Pengwern Schools Field or Llangollen Youth Centre field, but for February Half Term will be running at Llangollen Leisure Centre.   

Eisteddfod launches new-look festival passes

* Alfie Boe is one of the stars of Eisteddfod 2023.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has released a limited number of exclusive 2023 Festival Passes, following the priority booking period for previous pass holders.

The Eisteddfod says benefits include:

·        The complete, immersive Eisteddfod experience

·        Great value for money

·        Discover incredible new experiences you may not otherwise have tried

·        Access to the best available seats, reserved for Festival Pass holders

·        Join the priority booking list for future years 

For 2023 two types of pass are available - Day Festival Pass and Full Festival Pass.

 

The Day Festival Pass is described as "an affordable way to dip your toes into the Eisteddfod programme."

WED 5 – SAT 8 JULY (£55)

Eisteddfod Maes – Access to the new improved field area, featuring a vibrant programme of bands, dance, talks, workshops, stalls and street food with a focus on Welsh culture, internationalism and the concept of peace in a modern world.

Competitions – A reserved seat in the Pavilion for daytime competitions, an opportunity to see some of the world's best folk, classical and contemporary music and dance, and experience the roots of the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

Refreshments – complimentary tea and coffee.

Discounts –16% off full price entry, no booking fee, 10% off in Eisteddfod shop when spending £5+.

 

Full Festival Pass (£230)

 

As above, plus the best available seats at five distinct, one-off evening concerts in the Pavilion:

Tues 4 July – A musical theatre extravaganza featuring superstar Alfie Boe and Welsh of the West End.

Wed 5 July – A classical choral and orchestral concert, The White Flower, honouring the Eisteddfod's commitment to international peace.

Thurs 6 July – An incredible theatrical experience blending artforms and genres, and celebrating the natural world, by visionary artists Propellor Ensemble.

Fri 7 July – A formidable power-house of top-drawer jazz playersguaranteed to raise the roof withGuy Barker’s Big Band.

Sat 8 July – High-profile competition finals: Choir of the World, Dance Champions & International Voice of the Future.

 

Also available is a car Parking Pass and Sun 9 July day and/or evening ticket.

Full details: www. international-eisteddfod.co.uk/whats-on/season-tickets/ 

* To book a Festival Pass, email: info@llangollen.net or call our box office on: 01978 862 001. Please note that festival passes cannot currently be booked online.

Holy Cross Church special events for Lent

Holy Cross Church in Oak Street, Llangollen has a number of special events coming up.

Starting from February 24 it is hosting a series of Lenten soup kitchens at Holy Cross Rooms each Friday throughout Lent, with the exception of Good Friday, from 12noon-1.30pm.

All are welcome and entrance is through the church or along the alleyway next to the butchers.

All proceeds will go to the Turkey and Syria disaster fund.

World Day of Prayer will be held at Holy Cross Church on Friday March 3.

Again, all are welcome and soup will be served afterwards in the Church Rooms.

Holy Cross members are also taking part in the serving of pancakes at St Collen's Community Hall for Cytun - Churches Together on Tuesday February 21. All are welcome.

SUV or not, CX-30 is 'Mazda's best car'

Mazda CX-30 drive by Steve Rogers

With the best will in the world you would not describe the Mazda CX-30 as an SUV, yet that is what it’s there for.

It took over from CX-3, a proper SUV, but Mazda took a different styling route making the 30 sleek and curvaceous and nothing like its rivals. A risky move? Hardly because it quickly became the company’s best seller, something the CX-3 failed to achieve.

Is the 30 an SUV fraud? It is basically a pumped up Mazda3 hatchback but with a slightly higher driving position. It doesn’t offer the commanding view of some of its rivals and the sloping roof line means passengers have to stoop to avoid banging a head.

But people like it and I think it is Mazda’s best car. That Maz3 connection has its advantages because here we have a car that is a lot of fun to drive which is the Mazda way. Handling and steering precision are spot on for guiding the car through twists and big turns while the six speed gearbox is as slick as they come. The suspension is firm so be prepared to feel a good old thump if you catch a pothole or get caught out by a speed hump.

If the styling is radical then so is the choice of engine. While the opposition have gone for smaller, turbo charged engines Mazda has taken a different route with a non aspirated 2-litre petrol with a kick of its own. The Skyactiv X engine has compression controlled spark ignition that brings on the power sooner than a conventional petrol but still not as quickly as a turbo.

It means more gear changing to get things moving but the response is reasonable and the engine purrs strongly right up to the red line.

What would help is a full hybrid system. Mazda has been slow on this front and it is only now that a hybrid engine is on stream with the new CX-60. The CX-30 has an electric motor which gives a small lift in torque while the key beneficiaries are lower emissions and better economy.

I clocked up nearly 700 miles with an average of 46mpg and got into the mid 50s on long runs which is pretty impressive for a car pumping out 183bhp and a better return than the 120bhp option.

Does it come up to scratch as a medium sized family SUV? More conventional rivals offer a little more boot space and a tad more legroom for back seat passengers so it comes down to individual needs.

Where CX-30 stands out is the build quality and layout of the cabin. Mazda’s mission was to break into the premium sector and achieved it years ago. Here is the perfect example with superb levels of trim across the board. The driver’s binnacle is partially digital and would benefit from going the whole hog as information is a bit scattered but it is largely neat and there is an excellent head up display.

The infotainment centre was upgraded last year and is the most user friendly I have come across and a lot of that is down to Mazda sticking with a rotary controller positioned between the front seats for selecting the menus. Use the 8.8in display as a touchscreen if you like but the little controller is far less fiddly and safer for the driver on the move.

The level of kit across the five model range is generous from entry level and once you reach GT Sport it is pamper time with a long list of goodies including keyless entry, heated front seats, powered driver seat adjustment, power tailgate and a 12 speaker Bose sound system, along with an extensive suite of safety features. The adaptive LED headlights give out a fantastic breadth of light.

Back to the question of whether CX-30 is a SUV fraud. Not really. It loses out on outright space against most rivals and in the end it comes down to whether you prefer style over outright practicality.

Fast Facts

CX-30 GT Sport

£31,415 (starts £24,645)

0-62mph 8.3secs; 127mph

49.6mpg combined

128g/km. 1st road tax £245

Insurance group 20

Boot: 422/1398 litres