Skoda Karoq is clever contender for top of the SUVs

Skoda Karoq drive by Steve Rogers

Decisions, decisions, decisions, and if it concerns choosing a family SUV then you are in for a hard time.

Why? Because there are around 20 to choose from and they are all good. Make that very good.

But I am going to take a punt on the Skoda Karoq making the top three for a lot of buyers. 

Yes a Skoda, once the butt of all jokes so much so that Skoda joined in the fun happy to take the mickey out of themselves in some brilliant TV adverts. That is ancient history although there are still people of a certain age who will not give the badge garage space, like my neighbour’s wife. 

He has come to like them having looked at many on my drive down the years but got short shrift from his wife when he suggested taking a look around a Skoda showroom.

So what is it that makes Karoq so appealing? For me it is a well thought out family SUV, making good use of space and packed with thoughtful odds and sods. Simple things like elasticated straps in door bins and boot wall pockets to stop things rolling around, sliding hooks for shopping bags and the like, a reversible boot mat, rubber one side, carpet the other, chilled glovebox, ice scraper in the fuel filler cap and, of course, the now famous umbrella secreted under the passenger seat.

Children, and no doubt adults, will appreciate the mobile phone holder that slots into the front seat head rests along with the flip up trays in the seat backs, all part of the company’s Simply Clever philosophy. Rivals could take a leaf out of that book.

It is no surprise that Karoq is the third best seller in the range, or that SUVs account for 50 per cent of Skoda sales. Yet it is not a car that stands out. It’s not bad looking but nowhere near as eye catching as a Peugeot 3008 or the latest Kia Sportage. Inside is pretty ordinary as well although everything flows seemlessly and now has high end tech and infotainment upgrades in this second generation model.

The line up is simple, just three models SE Drive, tested here, SE L and Sportline with a choice of two diesel and three petrol engines. Some will think the three cylinder one litre engine too small for a car this size, well think again.

It is no flyer but has a satisfying amount of pull at low revs so you are not dropping a gear for every overtake, and it scoots along sweetly at motorway speed. Small three cylinder engines have been the stars of the 21st century surprising everyone with their performance and economy and Karoq’s tiddler is a another fine example.

It is no class leader on economy but mid forties should be a ball park for most drivers. I managed 47mpg over 450 miles of mixed driving with a best of 48mpg on a 120 mile round trip. It would do a lot better with hybrid power, look what it does for Toyota and Honda hybrids, but Skoda has no plans to go down that road. If Karoq has an Achilles heel that is it.

The entry SE Drive has a reasonable amount of equipment with a fast response touchscreen for radio, navigation and other bits of car info, LED headlights, front parking sensors (go up a level for a rear camera) electronic parking brake, and pleasing physical buttons for heating controls.

It has a speed limiter and cruise control, but working out how to use it took a bit more time than usual.

There good adult size space all round and at SEL level the back seats can be removed providing even more carrying space although Karoq is up there with the best for boot space even with the seats in place.

A hybrid engine option would certainly widen the Karoq’s appeal but it still stays in my top three for a family SUV.

Fast facts

Karoq SE Drive

£27,470

1.0 litre TSI 109bhp

0-62mph 11.3secs; 118mph

46-48mpg combined

132g/km. 1st tax £255

Boot: 521-1630 litres

Insurance group 10

MP meets two of the area's youngest councillors

* From left, Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam, Simon Baynes MP and Cllr Will Martin. 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has met with two new councillors from his constituency.

Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam was co-opted on to Llangollen Town Council in June, making him one of the youngest councillors in Denbighshire. 

Since becoming a councillor he has been assigned to the council's Climate, Ecology and Cittaslow Committee. 

He is one of 11 members of the council, which meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 6pm in the Council Chambers in Llangollen. 

Cllr Damon Richards-Gwilliam said: “I would like to thank Mr Baynes for taking the time to meet with me. I am determined to serve the people of Llangollen where I live and delivering for them.”

Further details of Llangollen Town Council can be found on its website at: https://llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk/

Mr Baynes also met Cllr Will Martin who was co-opted on to Brymbo Community Council on July 6, making him one of the youngest elected officials within Wrexham County Borough. 

Cllr Will Martin said: “It is an honour to be able to represent my community of Brymbo on our Community Council. 

"Going forward, my main priorities will be to focus on ensuring the development in Brymbo is completed and that the people of the village have their voice heard.”

 

Brymbo Community Council represents the Brymbo, Bwlchgwyn and Tanyfron communities and is comprised of 11 members in total. 

They meet once per month on Tuesdays, with the dates of their meetings available on their website: https://www.brymbo.org/

Mr Baynes said: “It was a pleasure to meet with two of our newest councillors and learn about their ambitious plans for their local communities. 

"Both Damon and Will are two of the youngest councillors in Denbighshire and Wrexham respectively and it is great to see young people coming forward to serve their communities. I look forward to working with them.”

Police warn over fraud on WhatsApp groups

Large community and religious WhatsApp groups are being targeted by scammers who infiltrate them to try and deceive their members into sending them money.  The warning has come from North Wales Community Alert who say that since January of this year, 268 people have reported falling victim to this scam.  The fraud often begins when a member of the group receives a WhatsApp audio call from the fraudster, pretending, or claiming, to be a member of the group.  This is done in order to gain the individual’s trust, and often the scammer will use a false profile picture and/or display name, so at first glance it would appear to be a genuine member of the group. The fraudster will then call the victim and say they are sending a one-time passcode which will allow them to join an upcoming video call for group members.  The scammer then asks the victim to share this passcode with them so they can be “registered” for the video call. What’s really happening is that the scammer is asking for a registration code to register the victim’s WhatsApp account to a new device where they then “port” their WhatsApp profile over. Once the fraudster has access to the victim’s WhatsApp account, they will enable two-step verification which makes it impossible for the victim to access their account.  The scammer will then message other members of the group, or friends and family in the victim’s contacts, asking them to transfer money urgently as they are in desperate need of help. Oliver Shaw, Detective Chief Superintendent and Head of Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) said: “WhatsApp continues to be a popular platform for community and religious groups, but sadly also for fraudsters. Here, the scammers rely on the goodwill of group members and their intrinsic desire to help others in distress. “We urge people always to be wary when receiving contact via WhatsApp or other messaging platforms. This is particularly the case when being asked to provide account information – despite the fact that you may recognise the individual’s profile picture and / or name. “Never share your account information with anyone, and if you think it’s a fraudulent approach, report the message and block the sender within WhatsApp. To make your account more secure, we advise setting up two-step verification to provide an extra layer of protection. This makes it increasingly more difficult for fraudsters to gain access to somebody else’s WhatsApp account." Analysis of Action Fraud reports indicate that victims targeted by this scam are often part of large WhatsApp community, alumni and academic, work groups, and religious groups (such as church or prayer groups). What can you do to avoid being a victim? ·  Never share your account’s two-factor authentication (2FA) code (that’s the six digit code you receive via SMS). ·  Set up two-step verification to give an extra layer of protection to your account. Tap Settings > Account >Two-step verification > Enable. ·  THINK. CALL. If a family member or friend makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, always call the person to confirm their identity. ·  You can report spam messages or block a sender within WhatsApp. Press and hold on the message bubble, select ‘Report’ and then follow the instructions.  If you have been a victim of fraud or cybercrime, report it  at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, victims of fraud and cybercrime should report to Police Scotland on 101.

Tendering begins for town's 4 Great Highways project

* Artist's impression of how Lower Dee mill Park could look. 

Llangollen’s 4 Great Highways project has begun its tendering process to find a contractor to undertake the work.

The Denbighshire County Council scheme aims to enhance the landscape and improve accessibility, interpretation and signage in the town.

The project is part of investment by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund that was secured through a joint application between Denbighshire County Council and Wrexham County Borough Council for the Clwyd South Constituency. The application was supported by Simon Baynes MP. 

£3.8 million was allocated to Denbighshire to invest in the communities of Llangollen, Llantysilio, Corwen and surrounding areas.

In recent months, the council has undertaken a number of consultation activities to gather feedback from the public about what improvements they would like to see as part of this project. 

These have included walkabouts in the project area to hear from residents about their thoughts on the plans, opportunities to submit feedback via County Conversation, the council’s online consultation portal, a drop-in session at Llangollen Town Hall and an opportunity to express views on preliminary designs through a public display of the artwork at the library.

* How the Wharf area could look.

Based on this feedback, the council has finalised designs and published the artist’s impressions for what the area will look like once the project is complete. The detailed plans will be available on the council’s dedicated 4 Great Highways webpage shortly.

The council says it hopes to appoint a contractor to undertake the works by early to mid-September, which the tendering process is currently underway for.

A further public consultation will also be held soon to gather feedback on people’s preferred design options for the new signage that is due to be installed as part of the project.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Following a comprehensive public consultation process to ensure that the final plans for Llangollen’s 4 Great Highways project reflect local thinking, we are pleased to now have initiated the tendering process to find a contractor to complete the works.

“We look forward to appointing a suitable candidate to bring these plans in to fruition. Once completed, we hope that these improvements enhance the resident and visitor experience and help to encourage people to spend more time in the town.”

* The latest information about Denbighshire County Council’s 4 Great Highways project can be found here: https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/four-great-highways

Dee Valley art exhibition coming to Dory Gallery

* One the pictures to be featured in the new exhibition.

A new exhibition is opening at the Dory Gallery in Llangollen this September, which invites you to take a fresh look at the Dee Valley and the works of art it inspires.

The Dee Valley landscape has been a source of inspiration to artists, poets and tourists for centuries, drawn to the area in search of the sublime. 

It became a hub for artistic activity in the 18th century, captured on canvas by renowned painters such as Richard Wilson, Paul Sandby and JMW Turner, and beautifully described in words and poetry by writers including George Borrow, Thomas Pennant and William Wordsworth.

Following this tradition, the Our Picturesque Landscape project is to present an exhibition of over 60 contemporary works of art inspired by the scenery of the Dee Valley.

Through thoughtfully commissioned paintings, poems, installations, photography, drawings, textiles and even a myriorama, the exhibition will explore our connections with the landscape, and highlight the unique balance between the stunning natural beauty and important industrial heritage of the area.

The exhibition will be open at the Dory Gallery from Saturday September 16 until Sunday October 8 accompanied by a full programme of events, art workshops and family friendly activities. For up to date details go to: www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyAONB.org.uk

The exhibition is part of the Our Picturesque Landscape project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Hannah Marubbi, Partnership Officer for Our Picturesque Landscape project, said; “There is strong artistic heritage in the Dee Valley, and the picturesque qualities of the landscape continue to inspire creatives today. 

"We are really looking forward to celebrating the fantastic and diverse works of art that have been created throughout the Our Picturesque Landscape project, and sharing them with the community through a programme of free, interactive events.  We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the £1,382,400 funding which has made our project and this exhibition possible.”

Cllr Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to experience and learn about the rich heritage of scenery the Dee Valley has to offer. I would encourage everyone to visit the exhibition to enjoy this amazing artwork that visits the culture of the landscape with the history of the industry found in the area.”

Roadworks alert for Willow Street

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is: 

Willow Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 08 August - 09 August   Roadworks, Delays unlikely   Traffic management: Some carriageway incursion   Description: MJ QUINN TO CARRY OUT THE FOLLOWING: RECOVER POLE VERGE FOOTWAY   Works location: SIDE OF 7 WILLOW STREET   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: BC006MQONSAWN0POWF4GR78L

St Collen's hosts successful summer fayre

 

St Collen's held its annual summer fayre in aid of church funds at the Community Hall yesterday. 

Despite the rain, it was well supported and featured stalls packed with bric-a-brac, home-made cakes, raffles and prize games.

Freshly-cooked burgers were available along with tea and coffee. 

Chainbridge Hotel takes a top spot in Sunday Times list

A Llangollen hotel has been named as one of the best places to stay by the water, in the UK, the Daily Post reports.

The story says that The Chainbridge Hotel has bagged the number six spot for its Victorian history and location, in a list compiled by The Sunday Times.

* For the full story, see: North Wales hotel ranked one of UK's best places to stay by the water - North Wales Live (dailypost.co.uk)

Pengwern Community Hub's August programme

Pengwern Hub has unveiled its What’s On guide for August.  

On Saturday 19^th August, we will be having a Summer Fiesta Street Party with a Mexican theme inspired by a Llangollen local, to which you are welcome – more information to follow.

Follow the link below to see information with Half Term activities and other group information.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f0bjqT_h6iXk6FOSlwhyskIai1rXbRfr/view?usp=sharing

 

Campaign promotes 'hidden gem' of tourism near Llangollen

* Go Below Underground Adventures near Betws y Coed.

A major drive has been launched to promote a “hidden gem” of Welsh tourism close to Llangollen that includes the world’s deepest hotel, beautiful ospreys and husky and go-kart racing.

The aim of the campaign to raise the profile of the Hiraethog area of North Wales  is to boost the local economy by attracting more UK and international visitors whilst at the same time relieving pressure on the tourism hotspots in Eryri (Snowdonia).

The push is being mounted by North Wales Tourism, which represents the region’s tourism and hospitality industry, thanks to funding from the Clocaenog Wind Farm Fund.

The area encompasses more than 230 square miles, running from Betws y Coed in the west, including Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen, and reaching within a mile or two of Llangollen in the east, with Mynydd Hiraethog (Hiraethog Mountain) or the Denbigh Moors at its heart.

* Llyn Brenig where you can enjoy a host of water sports.

According to North Wales Tourism Commercial Director Eirlys Jones, the majority of tourists currently by-pass Hiraethog and head for the traditional honeypots like Wales and England’s highest mountain, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), leading to queues of 45 minutes at the top at peak periods with visitors wanting selfies to show they’ve reached the summit.

It’s hoped the  bilingual campaign will persuade many of them to stop off and explore Hiraethog instead – whether they’re coming into North Wales via the A5 or the A55.

As well as being featured on the www.gonorthwales.co.uk website, Hiraethog is being flagged up as a must-visit destination with blogs, newsletters and leaflets.

North Wales Tourism have also drawn up a range of itineraries – everything from a day visit to three days - pointing visitors in the right direction to find out what they’ve been missing.

Meanwhile, the attractions are being highlighted in a podcast, www.gonorthwales.co.uk/explore/regions/hiraethog produced in conjunction with Heart FM and fronted by presenter Megan Llŷn who investigates what the area has to offer.

Among the newest attractions is the world’s deepest overnight glamping accommodation at Go Below Underground Adventures near Betws y Coed, where guests can bed down in heated log cabin or sleep in a “romantic grotto”.

* Husky sled dog rides at Mynydd Sleddog Adventures near Llansannan.

Back at ground level, those with a need for speed can have a go at go-karting at the UK’s second longest track, at GYG Karting in Cerrigydrudion which has some of the fastest go karts in Wales.

Slightly slower, but just as exciting, is the opportunity to try husky sled dog rides at Mynydd Sleddog Adventures near Llansannan.

Just a few miles away is the Llyn Brenig where you can enjoy a host of water sports, do some fishing, walk or cycle around the lake and then refuel at the shoreside café before going to see the area’s latest inhabitants, a breeding pair of Ospreys, who arrived there from Scotland in 2021.

Nearby is the highest pub in Wales, the Bryntrillyn, also known as the Sportsman’s Arms, which is overlooked by the ruins of a once-magnificent wooden hunting lodge, Gwylfa Hiraethog, frequented in its heyday by luminaries likes of the legendary “Welsh wizard” himself, Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

Visitors en route to their break in North Wales or on the return journey home, can enjoy a pitstop at the farm shop and restaurant of the award-winning Rhug Estate alongside the A5 on the outskirts of Corwen.

Eirlys Jones said: “Unfortunately, most visitors to North Wales just aren’t aware of the delights Hiraethog has to offer and we’re on a mission to change that.

“It’s a really beautiful area with such a rich and diverse range of things to see and do and our strap line is ‘open sky, open space, open mind’ as the place to come for transformational experiences.

“It’s got something for everybody, including opportunities for an adrenaline rush with go-karting and dog sledding, some beautiful walks and wildlife and a fantastic range of accommodation with hotels, B&Bs and various caravan, camping and glamping sites, most of which are above ground but with one where you can literally enjoy a deep sleep.

“As part of the campaign, we’re also encouraging businesses to come together and collaborate, bringing communities together so we can create a sense of place and pride in the area.

“It’s about fostering a strong sense of local identity, celebrating the culture and heritage of Hiraethog.

“It is truly a gem that’s hidden in plain sight and our aim is to ensure that visitors discover the joys the area has to offer by stopping and staying and spending their money locally, helping to create employment and prosperity.

“Rather than have the visitors just heading for the well-known and often busy hotspots, we want to spread the love around and there’s plenty to love in Hiraethog.” 

* To find out more about Hiraethog go to the  www.gonorthwales.co.uk  website and to listen to the podcast go to www.gonorthwales.co.uk/explore/regions/hiraethog 

Join defibrillator awareness event at Plas Madoc

Members of the public are being invited take part in a defibrillator awareness event which could help them save a life. 

The session at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre has been organised by Member of the Senedd Ken Skates and St John Ambulance. 

It will take place from 1-3pm on Wednesday, August 16. Places need to be booked in advance and there are only a handful left.

The Clwyd South MS said: “St John Ambulance offers free first aid-related courses to community groups, youth groups and schools as part of its goal to put a first aider on every street in Wales. This is a great opportunity for me to work with them to offer my constituents the lifesaving skills of using a defibrillator and performing CPR. 

“We are limited on numbers, so I’d urge any of my constituents who are interested to book their place as soon as possible.” 

A spokesperson for St John Ambulance said: “These skills really make a difference in saving lives and the support of our politicians is vital to this important work.” 

* To book your place email ken.skates@senedd.wales or call 01978 869058. 

Beehives and thousands of bees stolen from near Llan

 * A police picture of the site from where the hives were stolen.

BBC North East Wales News is reporting on the theft of 14 beehives and thousands of bees from a property near Llangollen.

The story says North Wales Police believe they were probably taken at night by someone with knowledge of beekeeping from Mynydd y Garth.

The number of bees taken has not been disclosed, but officers are appealing for information about anyone with a "sudden influx" of hives, or who is selling them or colonies.

 

·       For the full story, see: Fourteen hives, thousands of bees stolen near Llangollen - BBC News

Gardening club says farewell by helping local organisations

Three local organisations have benefitted from the generosity of Llangollen and District Gardening Club, which has been wound up after about 40 years in existence.

Club chair Jude Williams (centre of the picture in yellow) this morning (Friday) handed over cheques totalling £1,500 - £500 each - to representatives of Llangollen Food Share, the RAFA Club and the Tidy Town Team.

She explained that officials of the gardening club - originally known as Llangollen and District Horticultural Society - had decided to close due to falling membership numbers, which had been made worse by the effects of the Covid pandemic. 

It had also been agreed to hand over what was left of club funds to three good local causes.       

Species identification walk planned for Panorama

The Our Picturesque Landscape team has organised a species recording walk for this Sunday, August 6, from 10am-noon.

A spokesperson for the team said: "Join us for a leisurely amble around our protected landscape to record some of the special plant and animal species of the Panorama. 

"Using identification guides for a range of species, we will record data to submit to Cofnod, the Local Environmental Records Centre for North Wales.

"The walk will be over uneven ground, sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing is recommended. Suitable for all ages."

* Park at layby between Panorama Walk and Blackwood Rd, approx. 200m north from Panorama Walk cattle grid towards Prospect Place. What 3 Words location: opera.chose.delighted

To book, please email our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk

August Citizens Advice column

Here is this month's column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: My children are starting new schools in September, one is in primary school and the other secondary. Between uniforms, PE kit and knowing they’ll need to catch the bus each day the costs are adding up. I’m already pretty stretched, so I’m not sure how to cover these extra outgoings. Is there any help I can get?

A: A new school year can put pressure on lots of people’s budgets, so you’re not alone in your worries. But there is help available. 

A good place to start is the Citizens Advice website where you’ll find lots of information on the support you might be entitled to for school-related costs. 

The help you can get to cover school lunches will vary depending on how old your children are and if you claim benefits. Children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 automatically get free school meals. You can apply for free school meals for older children if you claim certain types of benefits, including Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Income Support. The full list is available on the Citizens Advice website.

You mentioned concerns about travel costs. If your child can't walk to school because of special educational needs or disabilities they should get free school transport. You may be able to get help with transport costs from your Local Education Authority if your children can’t walk because it's dangerous or too far. Your Local Education Authority is part of your local council that deals with education in your area, you can find yours on GOV.UK. Contact it directly to find out exactly what support it offers.

If you’re on a low income, your Local Education Authority may also be able to help you with activity and school uniform costs. You’re likely to be considered to be on a low income if you get means-tested benefits like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit. In some places there are also local charitable schemes that can help. A good place to find out about these is the school itself or Parent Teacher Association (PTA) both will usually know if these kinds of schemes exist. 

A lot of people are feeling the squeeze at the moment, but it’s important to remember that help is available with starting school costs and you’re not alone. For more information visit the Citizens Advice website.

Libraries offer free kids' sports equipment for summer holidays

Denbighshire’s Libraries now offer free sports equipment for young people to loan out during the summer holidays, to ensure that sport and outdoor games can be enjoyed throughout the summer break. 

All eight of the libraries host this offer, with equipment provided by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL). 

This equipment includes skipping ropes, hockey sticks, cricket bats, tennis racquets hula hoops and balls, and can be loaned out at the same time as books. 

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is named ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ and is a games and sports themed challenge. In conjunction with this, Denbighshire Libraries want to celebrate play and participation and encourage children to engage in games and sports in any way that best suits them. 

Children and young people can access the equipment by visiting their local library. 

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said: “It is brilliant that our libraries can offer a chance for children and young people to enjoy sports and outdoor games throughout the summer break. 

"It is important for children to continue their physical activity during the break, as this helps with both fitness levels and brain development."

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL said: "We are absolutely delighted to help launch the free equipment loan programme at Denbighshire Libraries. Our Active Communities team have worked closely with the Denbighshire libraries to bring this programme to life, and seeing its early success is fantastic, with almost all of the equipment already out on loan."

Parents call for 'full evaluation' of day nursery's closure

* Llangollen Day Nursery in East Street is due to close later this month. 

More than 40 parents of Llangollen Day Nursery children have written to local politicians, the county council and the town’s two primary school headteachers calling for a review of the reasons behind its closure in less than a fortnight’s time.

Llanblogger revealed recently how parents were sent a letter by the manager of the East Street nursery on July 17 informing them that, “following an economic viability consultation” it was due to close for good on Monday August 14.    

Now  they have co-signed an email, written by Chelsea Robinson, the mother of a three-year-old girl who attends the nursery, and sent to the area’s MP Simon Baynes, its two county councillors, the heads of Ysgol Y Gwernant and Ysgol Bry Collen and the Senedd which sets out their case for a "full evaluation" of the situation.  

It also goes into great detail about how the closure will affect them.

The email says: “The closure has had a significant impact on the work commitments of many parents, including myself, and has caused great inconvenience and uncertainty in our lives while we strive to achieve the now impossible balance against our professional commitments and the care of our children.

“As responsible parents, we understand and appreciate the importance of quality childcare services in our community.

“The Llangollen Day Nursery has been a pillar of support for working parents, providing a safe and nurturing environment for our children. Due to limited childcare available in Llangollen, its closure has left us without alternative options, significantly disrupting our professional lives and creating undue stress and hardship.”

The parents claim the effects include:

·      * Involuntary changes to working patterns and pay;

·       * Unemployment;

·       * Childcare Fee increases for alternative care;

·       * Relocation away from Llangollen;

·       * Parents having to drive 1hr long round trips to do multiple childcare drops;

·       * Potential unenrollment of children from Ysgol Y Gwernant/Ysgol Bryn Collen and the local Cylch Meithrin/Llangollen Playgroup;

·       * Disruption of friendship groups and communities and;

·       * Job losses for Nursery staff.

The email goes on: “A letter from Rhiannon Wyn Hughes, Chair ofLlangollen Day Nursery Board, cites the ‘large grant ... awarded to both primary schools in Llangollen to build new on-site nursery for aged 2 years + available from 2025’ as one of the reasons behind the closure. 

“Understanding that the council plays a crucial role in supporting early years provision, I kindly request a thorough investigation into this matter. While I acknowledge the council's responsibility to develop and adequately fund childcare services, such actions must be conducted in a manner that safeguards the interests of the wider community, particularly those directly impacted by the closure of the Llangollen Day Nursery. 

“It is simply unacceptable in modern society that there is now no available childcare in the Llangollen vicinity that caters for traditional 9-5 working day with appropriate links to Ysgol Y Gwernant, Ysgol Bryn Collen and Cylch Meithrin Llangollen. The absence of such basic services is no less than a form of discrimination to working families.” 

The parents who signed the email call for a “prompt and detailed evaluation of the circumstances leading to the closure of the Llangollen Day Nursery, including an assessment of the impact on parents' work commitments and the extent to which the council funding allocation played a role.” 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has acknowledged the email and told the parents he will discuss the closure with Denbighshire County Council and get back to them.

Rhiannon Wyn Hughes, chair of Llangollen Day Nursery Board, told llanblogger last week: “This has been an upsetting decision for all of us.

“The decision to close was not taken lightly. We have tried to explain to parents the reasons for closure, sadly we know we are not on our own with other nurseries closing every day.”

And in an earlier message to Chelsea Robinson, Ms Wyn Hughes went further into the reasons behind the closure, explaining:  “As trustees, we have been monitoring the development of the nursery on a regular basis, hoping for an improvement in the financial viability moving forward. Unfortunately the challenges of Covid and more recently the cost of living crisis and the increase in costs have worked against what we have tried to achieve.”

* The Facebook group set up for the parents of those affected by the closure is at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/220715008050894/permalink/6261287533993581/

Council makes temporary traffic order for Brook Street

 

TV costume designer's work on show at Oak Street Gallery

Oak Street Gallery in Llangollen is currently presenting an exhibition of John Peackock's costume designs.

On show are his original drawings of costume designs for BBC TV's The Good Old Days, Pennies From Heaven and The Singing Detective, Shakespeare plays, theatrical productions, opera, and original drawings of sample pages for his published books on the history of costume and related subjects.

The exhibition runs until August 19 and the gallery is open for viewing on most days between 11am and 5pm.

The gallery is at 12 Oak Street, Llangollen LL20 8NR. Facebook:12OakStreetGallery.

llanblogger takes a short break

 llanblogger is taking a short break and will be back in a couple of days.