Llanblogger invited to Downing Street reception

* Phil Robinson, left, with Simon Baynes MP outside 10 Downing Street. On

Llanblogger's Phil Robinson was at 10 Downing Street earlier this week to attend a reception for Local Media Champions hosted by Lucy Frazer MP, Secretary of State for Culture, the Media and Sport, where he was met by Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes, who is her Parliamentary Private Secretary.

Said Phil: "It was a most unexpected but very welcome acknowledgement of my work in local journalism over many years including founding and running Llangollen's news blog since 2012.

"Taking a look inside that amazing building was also a memorable experience.

"There was a large number of members of the local media present from all parts of the country and representing all sections from local weekly newspapers to regional radio station and, of course, news bloggers like myself. 

"The Secretary of State was glowing in her praise of the local media who she said play an essential role in the democratic process of the country by keeping their readers informed of what their respective MPs are doing both in their constituencies and Parliament."   

Prime Minister congratulates volunteers over new Corwen station

The new Corwen station mentioned in Parliament.

Yesterday in Prime Minister’s Questions, Simon Baynes MP for Clwyd South highlighted the upcoming official reopening on 2nd June of Corwen Station on the Llangollen Steam Railway after the station was closed 60 years ago under the Beeching axe.

Mr Baynes asked the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to join him in congratulating the heroic work of volunteers, the local community and funders who have made the reopening possible and also thanked the Prime Minister for awarding the Clwyd South Levelling Up Fund when he was Chancellor that paid for the new roof on Corwen Station which was manufactured by Clwyd South firm Robinson Construction Ltd near Wrexham.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Simon Baynes MP said:

“Would the Prime Minister join me in congratulating the volunteers, the local community and the funders who have made this possible and also take his own share of the credit for granting the Levelling Up Fund to Clwyd South when he was Chancellor, which has paid for the magnificent new roof on Corwen Station?

In response, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP said:

“I am delighted that the Levelling Up Fund has delivered for Corwen Station. It’s a huge boost to local ambitions to see trains returning there and I know that a small team of the project’s volunteers have actually built the majority of the station; they deserve credit, and, indeed, a local company near Wrexham has supplied the new steelwork for the canopy roof, providing a welcome boost to the local economy. I look forward to seeing the station open this summer.”

Emergency services at Riverside Park

The image illustrating the story.

Leaderlive is reporting this evening on an ongoing incident at Llangollen's Riverside Park, involving the emergency services.

For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23461621.llangollen-emergency-services-incident-river-dee/

On Tuesday morning, a fire service spokesman said: "A police negotiator convinced the casualty to cross to the mainland.

"He was led across an inflatable pathway and handed over to North Wales Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

"Ruthin's [NWFRS] boat team and two officers attended, along with one fire engine from Wrexham."

The spokesman confirmed the incident was concluded just after 6.32pm.

llanblogger takes a short break

llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back later in the week

New-look Riverside Park takes shape

* Still under construction: the canal in front with the river and the bridge to the right and Plas Newydd towards the back of the picture.

* Valle Crucis Abbey is being built.

Development work at Llangollen’s Riverside Park appears to be coming along well.

Contractors are working on a raft of new features for the site through the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics funding round for 2022/23 which is available to enhance parks and recreational spaces.

A new nine-hole bespoke mini golf is taking shape with holes representing places and features of interest within Llangollen and the Dee Valley.  

This will include an active travel interpretation map for the area and replaces the old course at the site.

Already you can see models of Valle Crucis Abbey, the famous Castle Street bridge, Plas Newydd, the river and canal.

New play equipment for the 5-12 year old age range is being installed. This will include multi-use climbing frame and basket swing.

Work is also underway at the bandstand to install electricity power points to increase opportunities for entertainment along with seating block created in to the bank area for spectators.

Green infrastructure has been introduced sat the park with trees to create shade, wildflower planting and shrub planting around the park.  

A green space area will be extended by introducing grass up to and around the blocked dragon area.  

Llangollen Fringe along with Llangollen Parks Community group and Llangollen Town Council have provided some of the match funding towards the project. 

Emergency Alert to be tested on April 23

At 3pm, next Sunday April 23 the Government will be testing the new Emergency Alerts system.

The system will warn people when their lives are in danger.

The alert will be a loud, siren-like sound with a message on your mobile phone screen. 

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

O/S GARDD GERRIG TO THE TOWER TOWER ROAD 24/04/2023 19/05/2023 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure .

A539 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.

Orthopaedic hospital to stage biggest ever recruitment day

Clinical and non-clinical roles will be up for grabs when the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital hosts its biggest ever recruitment event Sunday April 16, from 10am to 2pm.

The Oswestry-based hospital ran a similar event in January that saw openings for Registered Nurses, Theatre Practitioners, Operating Department Practitioners (ODPs), Radiographers, and Physiotherapists.

The latest event will offer more of the same – but with additional stands to offer opportunities for Pharmacists, Occupational Therapists, Orthotists, Ward Housekeepers, Cleanliness Technicians and Catering Assistants.

Potential candidates can find out more about working at RJAH, as well as links to how you can apply for some of the roles right now, by visiting www.rjah.nhs.uk/work-with-us.

Attendees at the recruitment day will be greeted at the main entrance before making their way to the hospital’s new £6 million Headley Court Veterans’ Orthopaedic Centre, where they will be able to talk to staff and tour areas of the site.

The event aims to give an insight of what it is like to work in an organisation rated outstanding for care by the Care Quality Commission and delivering the best overall patient experience in the NHS, according to the latest National Adult Inpatient Survey.

Stacey Keegan, Chief Executive at RJAH, said: “This is a fantastic place to work, and I am extremely proud of the incredible feedback we get from our patients, who tell us regularly about the huge impact we make on their quality of life.

“This recruitment day is the second of four we have planned this year. RJAH is a growing hospital and we want to bring in the best people to help us on our journey.

“I was delighted by the numbers we welcomed through the door in January, and we are already seeing many of those taking up roles within our teams.

“This time around the opportunities are even greater, as we are also welcoming Pharmacists and Orthotists, and are looking to fill some non-clinical vacancies too, with some terrific openings in our award-winning Estates and Facilities teams.”

There will be the opportunity for candidates in some professions to interview on the day for a role if they wish, providing they apply via NHS Jobs so that the hospital’s People Services team can make contact in advance. For more information, or to apply, go to www.rjah.nhs.uk/work-with-us.

Candidates are also welcome to drop in and talk to hospital staff at the event about their options. 

The day is open to candidates at all stages of their career, from students in their last year who are looking to secure their first permanent role, to experienced individuals who are looking for a new and exciting challenge. The hospital will also be welcoming Nurses and Allied Health Professionals who would like to return to practice.

Shea joins line-up of all-star charity show

 

* Shea Ferron is amongst those appearing in the special charity show next month.

A young entertainer who became a local celebrity after appearing in a string of hit productions with a junior stage group is amongst the line-up of an all-star charity concert in Llangollen next month.

Shea Ferron, 20, has played leading roles in a host of musicals presented by the Young’ Uns, the junior section of Llangollen Operatic Society, including Half a Sixpence, Honk! the Musical, Bugsy Malone, Joseph, 9 to 5, Grease, Wizard of Oz and Little Shop of Horrors.

He has also been entertaining crowds with his solo performances since he was a tot, raising thousands of pounds for various charities.

And Shea, now away at college, became one of the first to sign up when three of Llangollen’s most popular amateur stage groups decided to join forces for the first time ever to present a glittering variety and music hall show in aid of the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria.

Llangollen Operatic Society, Llangollen Twenty Club and The Collen Players are combining their considerable talents to stage Llangollen on Show for Turkey and Syria at Llangollen Town Hall over two nights on Thursday and Friday May 11 and 12.

All proceeds will go to support the Disaster Emergency Committee in which 15 of the UK’s top charities have come together to supply a lifeline to thousands of survivors of the earthquake which devastated southern and central Turkey and northern and western Syria in February.

Organisers say it will also be the perfect way to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III which will have taken place the previous weekend. 

The Llangollen entertainers have spent months planning for the big show which will see each of the groups involved showcasing their skills to audiences of up 250 on each of the two performances.

The Operatic, an all-singing and dancing outfit, will perform numbers from the smash-hit shows Hamilton, Six, Oliver Les Miserables and Half a Sixpence,  while the Twenty Club drama group will present comedy sketches – some specially written for the occasion – based on their own hilarious past hits such as Blackadder and Absolutely Fabulous.

The Collen Players will provide a taste of the rip-roaring Victorian music hall shows for which they have rapidly become famous, with their founder, Lee Taylor, acting as chairman for the show which starts each night at 7.30pm. 

There will be a bar and prize raffle on both nights and a number of local businesses have pledged their financial support.

Shea Ferron is currently on BA (Hons) Performing Arts course at the ICTheatre College in Manchester and is also a member of the John’s Boys Choir which recently won the male voice choir category of the Derry International Choral Festival in Northern Ireland and was the 2019 Choir of the World winners at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Shea, who will be belting out the songs on this occasion for the Collen Players, said: “The reason I signed up for Llangollen on Show for Turkey and Syria is because it’s a great opportunity to do what I absolutely love and is raising money for a fantastic cause.

“It’s also very exciting that the three main performing arts societies within the town are performing together. It’s going to be one special night indeed.”

Tracey Kempster Jones, one of the show’s organisers, said: “Llangollen is famously bursting with entertainment talent and this show will be a historic occasion because never before have all three of Llangollen’s main stage groups come together to put on such a show.

“Almost as soon as all of us heard about the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria we know we had to do something.

“We’ve had some really dedicated people working on the show, both on stage and behind the scenes, and we’re counting on our respective regular audiences and others to come along to support this fantastic cause and have a great night into the bargain.”

Tickets for the show, priced at £12 (no concessions) are available online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or from Courtyard Books, Llangollen, and the Llangollen Oggie Shop in Caste Street or on the door on the night. Demand is expected to be such that organisers advise on booking early.  

Latest county council roadworks alerts

Latest roadworks alerts from Denbighshire County Council are:

O/S GARDD GERRIG TO THE TOWER TOWER ROAD 24/04/2023 19/05/2023 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST (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

APPROXIMATELY 130M FROM ABBEY FARM A542 HORSESHOE PASS ROAD TO ABBEY DINGLE NURSERY 19/04/2023 19/04/2023 Gwaith Trydanol / Electrical Works AMBERON

Three Eagles named in National Pub & Bar Awards

North Wales Chronicle is reporting that The Three Eagles in Llangollen is one of two hostelries in this region named Best in County in the 2023 National Pub & Bar Awards. 

They are part of a 94 recognised in the best in list and will be up for the regional and national Pub & Bar of the Year accolade at an awards ceremony in London on June 28.

* For the full story, see: https://www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk/news/23448117.best-pubs-bars-wales-revealed-part-2023-awards/ 

Latest Citizens Advice column

Here is the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I recently started a new job where my boss has told me I’ll have to work on bank holidays. This was never the case in my old job. Can my employer really make me work on a public holiday, and should I get paid extra if I do? 

A: Congratulations on the new job and wonderful to hear you’re enjoying the work. 

Unfortunately, when it comes to bank holidays, whether or not staff have to work is up to their employer, and you don’t have to be paid more if you do. The situation will vary from job to job and may depend on a number of factors such as whether your place of work is open on bank holidays, your hours of work and crucially, what your contract says. 

Take a look at your contract, if you have one, to find out what your personal situation is. Your contract might say you will always get bank holidays off but it might say you may sometimes be required to work them or will always be required to work. If your place of work is normally open on a bank holiday you’ll probably be asked to work at least some. But if your contract says you get bank holidays off you shouldn’t be asked to work. 

Your contract might say something like: “In addition to bank and public holidays, your annual entitlement to holidays is X days”. This means you get public holidays off in addition to your annual leave entitlement but it might not mean you’re entitled to take the specific days off. You may be required to work a bank holiday, in which case you should get another day off instead. 

Alternatively, it might say something like: “Your annual holiday entitlement (inclusive of bank and public holidays) is X days” - this means you have to take bank holidays off as part of your annual leave entitlement. Bank holidays will either be deducted from your annual leave allowance (so you’ll have to book all bank holidays as paid time off) or counted as additional holiday days. 

A common misunderstanding around bank holidays is that employers have to pay you extra for working them. This is not the case. Unless your contract says you’ll be paid extra you will just be paid your normal amount. If your contract says you are entitled to bank holidays but you’re asked to work, you should be able to take a different day off in lieu. Your employer has to follow what’s set out in your contract, if they don’t, you should raise this with them. 

If you don’t have a contract, the legal default position is that your employer can tell you when you can or can’t take time off. If you’d like to request a bank holiday off, use the normal method for requesting time off. 

If you find you need to resolve an issue with your employer, first ask for an informal chat, where you can raise your concerns. If this doesn’t get you anywhere, you may need to raise a formal grievance. If you need advice on this contact your local Citizens Advice.

Stretch of A5 closed after vehicle overturns

The Daily Post was reporting just before 2pm today (Tuesday) that A stretch of the A5 has been closed after a vehicle overturned, sparking major traffic jams on the A483. Traffic officers have warned motorists to expect delays.

The crash is affecting traffic between the A483 (Halton Roundabout, Halton) and B5070 Chirk Road (Gledrid Roundabout, Chirk). There is also congestion around Chirk as motorists seek alternative routes.

Skates slams Barclays over Llan branch closure news

* The Castle Street branch is earmarked for closure.

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates has slammed Barclays after the company confirmed that the only surviving bank branch in his constituency will close this summer. 

He has accused the banking giant of not being honest about its future and promised to raise the issue with the Welsh Government as a matter of urgency. 

The Clwyd South MS has previously criticised high street banks and the UK Government for ‘opening the floodgates’ for the raft of closures in Wales – with his constituency among the worst affected. 

And this week Mr Skates accused Barclays of not being honest about its intentions after it announced its Llangollen branch would shut on July 7. 

He said: “The news that yet another high street bank has turned its back on customers in our area is as unsurprising as it is disappointing. 

“Over the years Barclays has repeatedly refused to guarantee the long-term future of the Llangollen branch, so we knew this was coming at some point despite the company’s insistence there were no plans to close it and despite the best efforts of local people. 

“The timing of the announcement was telling, too - just before the Easter weekend when many people go away. People are right to be angry.” 

Mr Skates added: “The floodgates were opened when the UK Government scrapped an agreement with the banking sector which made it compulsory for the last branch in a community to stay open. It has proved to be disastrous for communities like ours, as the big banks wasted little time in cutting costs and shutting down valued local branches in order to maximise profits.” 

During his time as Economy Minister, Mr Skates launched plans for a Community Bank of Wales to bring branches back into local communities.  

This week he said: “It’s becoming clearer every day that people who want to bank in-branch just can’t rely on the high street chains. I will raise this matter urgently with the Welsh Government and urge them to do everything possible to accelerate the rollout of the community bank, which will be the first of its kind anywhere in the UK.” 

New look aims to get Audi SUV ahead of the game

Audi Q5 Sportback drive by Steve Rogers

The SUV has become the nation’s favourite choice of car but the boxy shape can be a bit of a turn off.

Some companies have decided to spice them up, trimming the roof line to give a sharp coupe look.

What do you think of this one? It’s an Audi Q5 Sportback which is a Q5 but with a roof that has had some pretty drastic surgery. Actually the Sportback has been given a new body which is a tiny bit longer and a tiny bit lower at the mid point than its sibling. Face on the cars look identical but there are a couple of subtle changes for Sportback, notably the grille design, which is a sort of mesh effect, along with redesigned air intakes.

The first thing that occurred to me, viewing the car side on, was a serious lack of headroom in the back given that swooping roofline. Not the case at all. I am about average height but still had 13cm of headroom, that’s five inches to us old ‘uns, so unless you need to carry the likes of six foot whatever Peter Crouch (he’s the lanky footballer) then there is no need to fret.

Boot space is compromised but not by much. Ten litres less than Q5 with the back seats up and 40 litres less with the seats down which is no more than a medium sized bag. You will have noticed the use of the word ‘less’ so are we going to be paying less for Sportback? Nope, less is going to cost more to the tune of £2,450. Sorry to burst your bubble.

That aside, Q5 Sportback is a seriously nice car. Let’s look at driving first. It’s an Audi with quattro drive so it is bound to handle well, and this car handles very well, one of the best in its class. Be careful because it gives the feeling of invincibility barely putting a tyre tread out of line in the tightest of quick corners and that is before switching to the sports setting.

This holds on to the revs under hard acceleration, weights up the steering and stiffens the dampers but not by a lot, and at any rate the car feels so secure in the standard setting it is hardly worth the bother.

Performance is brisk  thanks to the S tronic seven speed automatic gearbox where changes are super fast although Audi has missed a trick by going for a 12 volt hybrid electric motor rather than a 48 volt which is becoming the norm and provides more punch when accelerating in the mid range.

Running costs are likely to be heavy because drivers will be luck to get more than 30mpg and that is with a fairly light foot on the fast pedal.

Let’s get back to an area where Audi always excels. I have been saying for decades that no one in the premium class trims a car to Audi standard and I stand by that but the finishes are all very dark and although everything looks neat and orderly it is not as plush as the Genesis GV70 reviewed last month.

Nearly a decade ago Audi raised eyebrows with a radical dashboard layout. Instead of the traditional two clock binnacle the driver looks at a 12.3in high resolution LCD colour screen that can display a number of combinations and with Google Earth sat nav filling the whole screen.

It started a trend that others followed and is still a standout feature. The wide screen infotainment centre dominates the dashboard but it is a shame Audi has ditched the rotary controller although the touchscreen responds instantly and the definition is as good as it gets. At least the heating controls are arranged in a neat strip with good old fashioned switches.

So to the big question. Is it worth spending an extra two and a half grand for a sloping roof? You could put the money to a couple of worthwhile packages to spec up your Q5, or you could spend it on a holiday. I’d go for the holiday.

Fast facts

Q5 Sportback 45 Edition 1 TFSI quattro

£56,705 (starts £47,875)

2-litre; 250bhp

0-62mph 6.1secs; 149mph

32.5mpg combined

197g/km. 1st year tax £1,565

Boot: 510-1480 litres

Insurance group 40

Towing capacity 2,400kg

 

Camilla King gives update on Eisteddfod motto debate

              * The motto as it appears on the Eisteddfod's famous shield.

Llangollen International Eisteddfod's executive producer Camilla King has given an update on the debate which has been going on about its motto.

The motto "byd gwyn" comes from the first part of a verse composed by Welsh language poet, T. Gwynn Jones.

In the verse, the "byd gwyn" refers to "blessed world" but the literal translation in English is "white world". 

When it was revealed the Eisteddfod was considering changing this for fear it might be misinterpreted as racist, a storm blew up amongst some of the festival's supporters which has raged on for weeks, with many writing to the Board expressing either their opposition or support for any change. 

But in an email to Eisteddfod supporters sent out last night Ms King says: "Having considered the public response at length, the Board has voted to continue using T. Gwynn Jones’ motto. 

"However, we are committed to a public discussion in the future, to ensure that the Eisteddfod motto is reflective of the world we live in today and the world we want to live in tomorrow. 

"In discussing our approach to language as an organisation, and developing a new Welsh Language Policy, which we will be sharing soon, we believe it is only right to consider many different voices, and to question how language continues to evolve.

"We would like to thank those who have contributed constructively to this meaningful discussion; arguments have been made very powerfully both for keeping the Eisteddfod’s motto, and for commissioning new poetry. 

"To ensure clarity of meaning to our audiences across the globe, the Welsh and English language versions of the motto will appear alongside each other wherever possible.

"Our focus now is on delivering an Eisteddfod which will bring together communities from around the world, in a joyful celebration of the power of music and dance to create understanding and harmony." 

llanblogger wishes you a Happy Easter

 

Skates praises volunteers helping Ukrainian refugees

* Ken Skates MS chats with Ukrainian mum and daughter Natali and Alise about some of the issues they have faced since fleeing Kharkiv.  

A Member of the Senedd said he was proud of the 'magnificent' efforts of volunteers to welcome Ukrainian refugees to the Ceiriog Valley.

Ken Skates, MS for Clwyd South, met some of those who had fled their homeland and settled in rural Wrexham at Glyn Ceiriog’s Christian Centre last week, where they have their weekly English classes.

He said: “It was a pleasure to meet our guests, and incredibly humbling. It’s fantastic to see how they have settled into life in the Ceiriog Valley and the efforts of the local volunteers have been magnificent. It makes me extremely proud to represent our area.”

The class Mr Skates joined has been run by volunteer tutors since last summer to supplement the refugees’ ESOL lessons (English for Speakers of Other Languages) at Coleg Cambria. 

He said: “The network of help which has been created in the valley is amazing. The guests have not only been given a very warm welcome, but crucial, tangible and practical support too. So many people have helped, and residents have also donated their own time, expertise and a great deal of furniture and household items to refurbish and fully furnish a neglected empty property in Dolywern for one of the families to live in.” 

Local businesswoman Jools Payne, who started the volunteer group, said: “The amazing support our Ukrainian friends have received stretches the length and breadth of the Ceiriog Valley. From hosts who have opened their homes, to local hospitality venues offering employment opportunities, to countless small acts of kindness that have helped them navigate their new life and language. 

“It has been heart-warming. A volunteer described the valley as providing our guests with ‘a soft landing pad and a warm cwtch’. Equally, they have given us much in return, enriching our lives with their culture, warmth and humour.” 

Earlier in the week, Mr Skates asked Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt how the Welsh Government is helping refugees from Ukraine to seek sanctuary in Wales. He was told the ‘Team Wales’ approach – working in partnership with councils and third sector organisations – has led to more than 6,500 being welcomed so far. 

The Minister added: “As part of our 2023-24 budget, we're investing a further £40m in our humanitarian response.” 

Mr Skates also expressed his concerns that cuts by the UK Government could have an impact. 

Mr Skates said: “We know that local services are essential in ensuring that our guests feel welcome and secure here in Wales. I was pleased to see the additional money that the Welsh Government is providing for local authorities to deliver these essential public services including, of course, the continuation of free public transport. 

“Have you any updates at all from UK Government Ministers providing clarity on what funding they will now be providing to support Ukrainian people here in Wales?” 

Ms Hutt told the Senedd: “It is important that we made that commitment, that £40m package of funding. We made that commitment in consultation with our local authority partners, who have been so crucial – and the third sector – in delivering support for Ukrainian refugees in Wales.  

“We're awaiting clarity from the UK Government in relation to funding. They’ve announced a £150m homelessness prevention fund, but we haven't heard what the allocation for Wales will be. I have written to seek urgent clarity on this. We need to see what our share will be, because the UK Government has cut the Year 2 integration tariff. So we lost £29m in that decision alone.” 

The Welsh Government has also extended hosting payments into refugees’ second year after arrival and increased ‘thank you’ payments to hosts to £500.

Universal primary free meals to be rolled out to year 2 pupils

Universal Primary Free School Meals are to be rolled out to Year 2 pupils in Denbighshire, following the Easter break. 

In December 2021 Welsh Government (WG) announced plans to offer free meals to all primary school pupils. The phased delivery approach will see all primary pupils offered free school meals by 2024. 

Since September 2022, the Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) offer in Denbighshire has been successfully rolled out to Reception and Year 1. The UPFSM offer will be rolled out to Year 2 pupils in Denbighshire from the 17th of April, 2023. 

The authority recently gathered feedback from parents and carers of Reception and Year 1 pupils on their experiences of the UPFSM offer in Denbighshire. The results were extremely positive, with 70% of feedback received being comments of support and highlighting the benefits of the scheme for Denbighshire families. 

A second allocation of £1.2 million of funding has been received from Welsh Government to support the roll out of UPFSM across Denbighshire. Further refurbishment works have been undertaken within school kitchens during the Christmas break and February half term. More refurbishment works are scheduled for the Easter break in preparation for the next stage of the rollout. 

From the start of the Summer term, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils in Denbighshire schools will be asked on a daily basis whether or not they would like to access a school meal. They will be able to opt in or out without having to pre book and the meal will be provided free of charge.

Further information will be available on the Denbighshire website www.denbighshire.gov.uk/education. If pupils are already in receipt of free school meals and/or any other associated benefits, these will not be affected. 

Gill German, Lead member for Education Children and Families said: “I am hugely supportive of the introduction of Universal Free School Meals for primary age pupils in Wales and I am so pleased that our rollout in Denbighshire is progressing so well. 

"Every child of Reception age in Denbighshire has been able to enjoy a free school meal since September, and back in January, we were delighted to also be able to offer a free meal to every child in Year 1 ahead of our original schedule.

"A nutritious meal at lunchtime is essential to a child’s learning and development and ensures that every child can be well fed throughout the school day. It is fantastic news that the Authority will be able to extend the rollout of the Universal Primary Free School Meal offer."

Significant further refurbishment works to both kitchen and dining facilities are scheduled for completion throughout the Summer break, with a focus on ensuring that all Denbighshire Primary schools are able to deliver UPFSM to years 3 & 4 from September 2023.

Llangollen’s picturesque bus route back in action

A bus service providing the best access to see key destinations around Llangollen is back.

The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus has started its third season providing access to some of the key destinations in this beautiful and historic landscape.

It runs a circular route running every Saturday until November 4 2023, linking Llangollen and the surrounding villages to popular local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, Horseshoe Falls, Valle Crucis Abbey, Plas Newydd Historic House and the Horseshoe Pass.

The service will enable visitors and residents to visit and explore these locations without the need of having to constantly find car parking spaces at the sites.

It also makes it easier for those without their own vehicle to access these places, all helping to reduce congestion at some of the busiest sites in the Dee Valley.

The bus offers a hop on/hop off facility with a 1Bws ticket price allowing unlimited travel on the service through the day, making it ideal for getting off to visit a site and then back on the bus later.

Stops include Llangollen Pavilion where there is ample parking to leave vehicles for the day to enjou the bus transport provided.

The service also provides free travel for Welsh Bus Pass Holders through Transport for Wales.

Cllr Win-Mullen James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus offers the perfect chance to explore the Dee Valley in comfort without the stress of having to plan to park at these fantastic locations around Llangollen.

The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus Service 199 will operate Saturdays only from Saturday April 1st – Saturday November 4th 2023.

The bus is part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is part of the Our Picturesque Landscape Project.

For the full timetable and ticket prices for the Picturesque Bus service please see Denbighshire County Council’s bus timetables webpage and 1Bws webpage, or pick up a leaflet from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre.

Barclays responds to Castle Street branch closure news

* The Castle Street branch will close on July 7.

Barclays says it plans to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site – in Llangollen to help customers after it closes its local branch this summer.

It says it will also be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital ways of banking.

The banking giant was responding to request from llanblogger to explain why it is shutting its Castle Street branch on July 7, as revealed in our story earlier today.

In an official response a Barclays spokesperson said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking. 

“This is reflected at Llangollen branch, and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.

“In Llangollen we plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel. We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”

Later in its response, the company says: “We will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally.

“We will be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking.”

In its notification of the closure to Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates – seen by llanblogger - Barclays talks about the ongoing change in banking behaviour which has led to the closure.

And it reveals: “This ongoing change in behaviour means we are seeing a sustained fall in customer transactions across our network and this is reflected at the Llangollen branch where there has been a 58 per cent reduction in counter transactions in the last twelve months, compared to the twelve months to March 2020. In addition, we can identify that 87 per cent of our customers at the branch are using alternative ways in which to undertake their banking, including via the telephone, online and mobile app.”

It adds: “Despite the branch closure, we are confident that access to banking remains sufficient in the local community; everyday transactions can be completed at any Post Office, with the closest located at Berwyn Street, Llangollen, a short distance away. There are 2 free-to-use ATMs within one kilometre, the nearest located at the NatWest Bank, 38 Castle Street, Llangollen while the closest Barclays branches are located at Wrexham and Chester.

“We appreciate that not all of our customers will adopt change at the same pace, and we would like to underline our commitment to supporting our vulnerable customers through this change. We have identified that in total 12 regular customers use this branch exclusively for their banking and do not interact with us in other ways. We will be making personal contact with our regular and vulnerable branch users to discuss their options and guide them through alternative ways to bank.”

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes commented: "The announcement by Barclays that they are closing their branch in Llangollen on 7th July is very sad and will inconvenience many people, businesses and organisations locally.

"I have been working hard to keep the branch open alongside other elected representatives and members of the community in Llangollen so I feel very disappointed by this announcement.

"In the letter I received from Barclays today about their decision they asked for my views on the following three questions and I would be grateful for feedback from local residents on thee points which you can send to me by email on simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk:

"What do you believe will be the biggest impact of the closure of the Llangollen branch on the local community?

"What do you believe will be the biggest impact of the closure of the Llangollen branch on customers of the branch?

"What alternative ways to bank do you believe need to be provided to help customers and the community adapt to this change?"

Customer letter tells of Barclays bank branch closure

* The customer letter posted on Facebook.

Barclays is to close Llangollen’s last traditional bank branch on July 7, according to a letter to a customer which has been shared on social media.

The letter says: “We’ll be closing out Llangollen branch on Friday 7 July 2023 at 12.00pm.

“The decision to close a branch is never easy and we appreciate this might not be welcome news but we’ll make sure you and your local community continue to have access to our banking services when you need them.

“We’ll still be part of your community in Llangollen, we’re just finalising details of when and where we’ll be based to support you with your banking.”

The letter starts by describing how many customers are choosing to bank in different ways which it says means that fewer of them were visiting branches.

And it goes on to say ask customers for their comments about the closure.

“We want to hear what you think. We’ll be speaking with customers, the local MP, council members, charities, community groups and local businesses to gain feedback,” it goes on.

“Two weeks before the closure we’ll share a summary of this feedback.”

If this closure happens it will mean all three of the town’s three traditional bank branches will have been lost with just the Post Office left to provide basic banking facilities.

The Facebook post about the latest closure had attracted over 50 comments by earlier this morning.

One points out that the closure will come during Eisteddfod week while another says that some elderly people do not use computers to do their banking and are unable to travel other areas to use branches still open.

Llanblogger has sought comments from Barclays and local politicians.      

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said this morning: “While I’m afraid this unwelcome move has been suspected for some time, it is still a shock to learn that it is now actually happening.

“The closure is bound to have an adverse effect upon residents – especially the elderly – and our smaller local businesses which rely heavily on the branch’s services.

“This is, of course, a major tourist town and visitors are also likely to be affected by this decision.

“The letter mentions that Barclays will still have some sort of presence in the town and I sincerely hope this will be the case.”

According to the letter, details of the closure are available online at home.barclays/ukbranchclosures - although this doesn't mention Llangollen - and in the branch.

Llangollen man encourages others to have breast cancer check

* Jim Allen's story appears in the Mirror.

According to a story in the Mirror, a Llangollen man who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer is now encouraging others to check their bodies.

* Fort the full story, see: Man given breast cancer diagnosis wants others to know the signs and check their bodies - Mirror Online

Weeks of roadworks planned for A525 Nant y Garth Pass

Roadworks are due to commence on the A525 at Nant y Garth later this month.

These comprise carriageway patching,  road cleansing, gully emptying and the reconstruction of a damaged section of wall supporting the carriageway.

The works will take place from B5429 Llysfasi to B5431 to Llanarmon Yn Ial.

Work is due to start on Monday April 17 and is expected to take up to six weeks to complete.

Initially, the road will be closed for vehicular traffic and pedestrians from Monday April 17 to Wednesday  April 19 and thereafter, two-way temporary traffic signals will be in place for a further five weeks to undertake the retaining wall works. Public Transport will operate as normal.

Access to residential and business premises which are located on Nant y Garth will be available although some delay and disruption maybe experienced and residents are encouraged to keep journeys to a minimum to reduce traffic congestion.

The alternative diversion route will be signed accordingly. Normal working hours shall apply to the works.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Denbighshire County Council apologise for any inconvenience that these essential works may cause, and we are grateful for local cooperation and patience during this time to ensure that the works are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.”