Wrexham schools closed today

In case anyone from this area attends them, we are letting you know that there are currently 27 school(s) closed or partially closed within Wrexham County Borough.

St Mary's Aided, Brymbo - Closed

Further Information: After very careful consideration, strong advice of many weather alerts not to travel plus our hilly position- the decision to close has been made. This decision has not been taken lightly, safety of all concerned is our priority.

Last Updated: 06:50AM 18/01/13

Bwlchgwyn CP - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Insufficient staff cover
• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Regretfully, conditions are worsening as I write, and in the interests of the health and safety of all pupils and staff, the decision to close has been taken.

Last Updated: 07:24AM 18/01/13

Pentre Voluntary Controlled, Chirk - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Insufficient staff cover
• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The school is closed due to the heavy snow. Sincere apologies for the delay in updating the school status- we have not been able to access the council website.

Last Updated: 09:26AM 18/01/13

Ysgol Bryn Tabor, Coedpoeth - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: School closed. Apologies for not updating the site earlier but the website had crashed.

Last Updated: 09:32AM 18/01/13

Cyfle Pupil Referral Unit - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Due to forecast severe weather and for the safety of our pupils and their babies, Cyfle will be closed today

Last Updated: 07:14AM 18/01/13

Froncysyllte CP - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Insufficient staff cover
• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The school is closed due to the heavy snow and conditions of the roads leading to school. Sincere apologies for the delay in updating the school status- we have not been able to access the council website.

Last Updated: 09:28AM 18/01/13

Garth CP - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: After a lot of careful consideration and following the advice of many weather alerts not to travel due to weather conditions plus our very hilly position- the decision to close has been made. This decision has not been taken lightly, safety of all concerned is of a high priority.

Last Updated: 07:14AM 18/01/13

Ysgol Cynddelw CP, Glynceiriog - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Sorry for any inconvenience

Last Updated: 07:27AM 18/01/13

Gwersyllt - Support Centre PRU - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The Centre will be closed today to ensure the safety of both pupils and staff.The taxi company which transports pupils has been informed accordingly.

Last Updated: 07:08AM 18/01/13

Bryn Alyn High School, Gwersyllt - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Last Updated: 07:24AM 18/01/13

Holt CP - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather it has been necessary to close the school for today. Thank you for support and understanding. Kate Goodwin

Last Updated: 07:15AM 18/01/13

Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog CP - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Heating system is not functioning
• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: We are sorry for any inconvenience caused

Last Updated: 07:33AM 18/01/13

Park Community Primary School, Llay - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Due to a change in the weather since 7.00 this morning, we have now decided to close the school.

Last Updated: 08:08AM 18/01/13

Minera Voluntary Aided School - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: As predicted it is already snowing in Minera so school is closed today. Hopefully we'll be open on Monday. Enjoy the weekend and keep safe.

Last Updated: 07:28AM 18/01/13

Maelor School, Penley - Partially Closed

Further Information: The Maelor School is closed today except for A level students taking their exams. There is a significant risk that transport to and from the school later in the day will be disrupted. I have therefore made the decision to close the school to pupils. A level students with exams today should attend school only if they have a safe journey to and from the site. These students should report to reception on arrival at school.

Last Updated: 07:09AM 18/01/13

Penycae Community Primary - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Following inspections of both sites and the connecting road betweeen 6.30 and 7.30 this morning, I have unfortunately decided to close the school today. A considerable amount of snow fell during this time, covering paths we had cleared. As the forecast is for continued snow throughout the day, the situation can only get worse. Apologies for the inconvenience this will cause. Apologies too for late updating of website, due to connection problems. T Newbould

Last Updated: 09:40AM 18/01/13

Pontfadog CP - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: School closed sorry for any inconvenience

Last Updated: 09:26AM 18/01/13

Ysgol y Grango, Rhos - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Due to the likely impact of the heavy band of snow which is moving across Wales, I have taken the decision to close the school today on health and safety grounds. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Mr S Garthwaite

Last Updated: 07:22AM 18/01/13

Darland High School, Rossett - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Due to the likely impact of the forecast snow on school transport later in the day, I have taken the decision to close the school for pupils today on health and safety grounds. Work for students can be accessed on the VLE (follow link on school website). Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. Mr Agnew.

Last Updated: 06:37AM 18/01/13

St Mary's Church in Wales, Ruabon - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Due to current conditions and severe weather warning we are closed today.

Last Updated: 09:36AM 18/01/13

Ysgol Maes y Llan CP, Ruabon - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Due to the change in the change in the road conditions within a very short period of time and the heavy band of snow forecast today it was decided to close the school to keep everyone safe. Kind Regards Mrs Magee

Last Updated: 09:40AM 18/01/13

Ysgol Rhiwabon High School, Ruabon - Partially Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The school will be closed on Friday January 18th 2013 to all students and staff due to the risk of severe weather and the potential travel disruption. This decision has been taken under advice from the Met office and travel organisations and is to ensure the safety of our students and staff, many of whom travel some distance. The school will be open for those students who have an external English Literature and Maths exam. tomorrow. The school anticipates being open on Monday as normal but please check the Wrexham Council and school website for further updates over the weekend. Thank you all for your assistance and support Alun Harding Headteacher

Last Updated: 06:50AM 18/01/13

Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, Wrecsam - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Due to the forecast weather conditions and the transport issues later today the school will be closed to all pupils. Thank you for your cooperation

Last Updated: 07:09AM 18/01/13

St Christopher's School, Wrexham - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather it has been necessary to close the school for today. Closed today for all pupils and staff. Thank you all for your assistance and support - Maxine Pittaway Headteacher,

Last Updated: 07:27AM 18/01/13

St Josephs Catholic & Anglican High Sch, Wrexham - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The school is closed today, Friday 18th January. Our decision is based on the Met.Office forecast of adverse weather, including blizzard conditions. Our school’s priority is young people’s safety. The school is fully closed and so no pupil should attempt to travel to school, even if their individual journey seems straightforward. We have sent all parents and carers a letter and advised each Year Group about work they can undertake, and we thank you for your support in this. Please refer to our letter home for details about how you can further monitor the situation over the weekend. Thank you so much for your support and understanding as Parents and Carers.

Last Updated: 06:50AM 18/01/13

St Mary's Catholic Primary, Wrexham - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: It seemed advisable due to the forecast and the distance pupils travel to make an early decision to close.

Last Updated: 07:22AM 18/01/13

Ymlaen / Dodds Lane, Gwersyllt - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: Due to the snow and difficulties with transport we have decided to close the Centre. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Last Updated: 09:38AM 18/01/13 

 

24 Wrexham schools remain open today.

School closures at 9am ...

Latest list of school closures in Denbighshire, updated at 9am by the county council, is:

Updated at 9am.
Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen
Ysgol Bryn Collen, Llangollen
Ysgol Pentrecelyn

Ysgol Brynhyfryd (to open to exam students and teachers only)
Ysgol Gymraeg y Gwernant, Llangollen
Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh
Ysgol Bro Famau (Llanarmon and Llanferres)
Ysgol Dyffryn Ial (Bryneglwys and Llandegla)
Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy (Cynwyd and Llandrillo)
Project 10 & 11.

The following school buses are not operating (GHA Coaches)

Llansannan to Ysgol Glan Clwyd
Betws GG to Ysgol Brynhyfryd
Nantglyn to Denbigh High & Ysgol Glan Clwyd
Cerrig & Llanfihangel to Ysgol Brynhyfryd
Clawdd Poncen to Ysgol Brynhyfryd

A few centimetres and still falling ...

* Looking down Regent Street towards the lights at 8.40am today (Friday).

Llangollen was covered by a few centimetres of snow this morning, and the Met Office says there's more on the way during the course of the day.

If you have any nice snow pictures you would like to share with our band of readers, please send them to us at llanblogger@gmail.com

Two Llan schools closed today due to snow

Snow has started to fall across Denbighshire, with some disruptions to schools. As a result of the snow and freezing temperatures, the following schools have decided to close for the day: Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen.  Ysgol Bryn Collen, Llangollen.  The Council's Highways teams have been out and about gritting routes across the county out and continue to be out and about dealing with the wintry weather. For full details of the routes gritted, click on the linkGet winter weather advice, and updates on the current situation. In the meantime, the council is urging people to monitor the weather bulletins for the most up to date information. Further information will appear on here and on the council's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Some Wrexham schools closed tomorrow

Ahead of tomorrow's predicted heavy snow, Wrexham Council has announced three of its schools - which may be attended by pupils from this area - will be either closed or partially closed tomorrow (Friday):

Ysgol Rhiwabon High School, Ruabon - Partially Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Insufficient staff cover
• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The school will be closed on Friday January 18th 2013 to all students and staff due to the risk of severe weather and the potential travel disruption. This decision has been taken under advice from the Met office and travel organisations and is to ensure the safety of our students and staff, many of whom travel some distance. The school will be open for those students who have an external English Literature and Maths exam. tomorrow. The school anticipates being open on Monday as normal but please check the Wrexham Council and school website for further updates over the weekend. Thank you all for your assistance and support Alun Harding Headteacher

Last Updated: 03:32PM 17/01/13

St Christopher's School, Wrexham - Closed

Further Information: In view of the high possibility that the weather tomorrow will be extremely poor I have no alternative than on Health and Safety grounds to close St Christopher’s. As you are aware many of our students and staff live along way from school. I can not guarantee tomorrow that taxies, buses etc will be able to get to school safely. As it has already started to snow this afternoon I have no alternative than to close the school tomorrow. I am extremely sorry to have to close the school but the weather predictions for tomorrow are grave for this area. Yours sincerely Maxine Pittaway Head Teacher

Last Updated: 03:09PM 17/01/13

St Josephs Catholic & Anglican High Sch, Wrexham - Closed

The school is closed for the following reason(s):

• Complications as a result of inclement weather

Further Information: The school is closed fully tomorrow, Friday 18th January. Our decision is based on the Met.Office forecast of adverse weather, including blizzard conditions. Our school’s priority is young people’s safety. The school is fully closed and so no pupil should attempt to travel to school, even if their individual journey seems straightforward. We have sent all parents and carers a letter and advised each Year Group about work they can undertake, and we thank you for your support in this. Please refer to our letter home for details about how you can further monitor the situation over the weekend. Thank you so much for your support and understanding as Parents and Carers

Last Updated: 03:48PM 17/01/13

Currently, 31 Wrexham schools are set to open tomorrow.

For more information, see the Wrexham Council website at http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/english/education/school_status.cfm

Snow - the opening event ...

* The canal towpath was already under a light covering of snow this afternoon (Thursday).

The heavy stuff isn't officially due to get here until the early hours of tomorrow (Friday) morning, but light snow has been falling on Llangollen for most of the today.

This left a number of places with a light covering, including the canal towpath.

The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning and emergency services and other agencies are warning people to take care especially when travelling on the roads. 

Visitors get their teeth into new campaign

 

* Food, glorious food ... Carole Startin (right) with Tansy Rogerson.
 

The Hamper Llangollen food festival and a host of award-winning Denbighshire producers are to star in a campaign to transform North Wales into a foodie heaven for visitors.

 

The aim is to give tourists a taste for the area so they have an appetite to come back again - and again.

 

It's all part of the drive by Tourism Partnership North Wales to make the region a top five UK destination for visitors.

 

The renown of Welsh lamb has already travelled far and wide with the likes of American President Barack Obama and the Pope tucking in.

 

But organisers say the Food North Wales campaign is about more than just lamb, beef and pork.

 

Apart from the award-winning butchers there are bakers and brewers, buffalo herders and bee-keepers, fudge, paté and cheesemakers, and even a purveyor of garlic products.

 

They will be showcased on the new Food North Wales website that's being hailed as a gateway to gastronomic delight.

 

The campaign was launched at the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre in the Conwy Valley.

 

Carole Startin, Marketing and Events Executive with Tourism Partnership North Wales, explained: "Food North Wales is all about bringing together for the consumer under one umbrella.

 

"We have wonderful food and drink that’s produced locally. As well as our marvellous meat, there are our fantastic vegetables and heavenly bread, exquisite liqueurs and fine ales - they are part of the wonderful taste of North Wales.

 

"The website will also include information about where to eat and drink and the latest news stories about the fine food available in North Wales.

 

"We are what we eat and food is an integral part of our identity, it helps embed our unique sense of place.

 

"It therefore makes perfect sense for the food sector and the tourism industry to work more closely together than ever to make it easier for the tourist to find some quality food and drink while they’re here on holiday in Wales - and also help with their research before they come."

 

"As a perfect complement to our fine produce and truly exceptional restaurants, we have some fantastic food festivals across North Wales such as Conwy Feast, Mold Food and Drink Festival, Hamper Llangollen and the 700-year-old Conwy Honey Fair.

 

"We also have the newly established Clwydian Range Food Trail and we'd like to see more trails like this developed."

 

It was a sentiment echoed by Tansy Rogerson, the Marketing Manager of the £6.5 million Bodnant Welsh Food Centre that was officially opened by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall last summer.

 

Ms Rogerson said: "We’ve got so many fantastic artisan producers on our doorstep as well as nationally in Wales that we need to shout about them.

 

"The purpose of this campaign is to tell people outside Wales about the fantastic food on offer and to signpost them to where they can find it.

 

"Increasingly people want to know where their food comes from and we have 100 per cent traceability with our meat.

 

"By supporting local producers, we are keeping the economy going as well as keeping and creating jobs in rural North Wales."

 

Dewi Davies, the Regional Strategy Director of Tourism Partnership North Wales, is a passionate advocate of the economic benefits of promoting the food sector.

 

He said: "Our vision is to make North Wales a top five UK visitor destination and our strategy is geared up to achieve this goal.

 

"To be successful we have to provide brilliant visitor experiences and food is a central part of these experiences.

 

"There were already a number of good food initiatives in different corners of North Wales but we felt it was important to have an all-encompassing campaign highlighting all the great food stories that we have across the whole of the region.

 

"We have some fantastic producers - like Llaeth y Llan Village Dairy, Snowdonia Cheese, Patchwork Paté and Halen Môn - and we need to make information about them available in an interesting way to our visitors.

 

"As part of the campaign, we will identify those places where you can actually buy all this wonderful food - whether it is the Blas ar Fwyd delicatessen in Llanrwst, Edwards the butcher in Conwy, the Bison Grill at the Rhug estate, Hawarden Farm Shop or indeed Bodnant Welsh Food where the launch is taking place.

 

"All this fantastic food gives people another reason to come to North Wales, another reason to dwell - and another reason to make a return visit."

 

For more information go to www.foodnorthwales.co.uk

AM calls for Welsh Government statement on health shake-up

Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has called for a Welsh Government statement on the consultation on controversial NHS shake-up plans for North Wales following accusations from campaigners that it is flawed and that petitions have been ignored.

 

Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board has been consulting on plans to close minor injuries units along with some community hospitals - including Llangollen - while specialist care for very ill newborn babies could be moved from Denbighshire's Glan Clwyd Hospital to Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral.

The board is due to discuss the proposals at its meeting this Friday, which is open to the public.

* Mark Isherwood AM. 

Mr Isherwood has been contacted by campaigners throughout North Wales who claim that interpretation by independent analysts of the data generated during the public consultation does not reflect the true feelings of people in the region.

Llangollen campaigners have expressed fury that the analysis seems to dismiss those thousands who signed petitions out of their own free will.

 

In this week’s Business Statement Mr Isherwood asked the Welsh Government to respond to the concerns and for an Assembly debate on these in Government time.

He said: “Widespread concern has been expressed by campaigners throughout the region regarding Opinion Research Services, which carried out the consultation on behalf of the Health Board, with one constituent quoted as saying that “it strains all sense of credulity in its blatant manipulation of numbers in order to arrive at the result that it sets out to achieve.

 

“There has been widespread concern from Flint, Prestatyn, Llangollen and across north Wales about the fact that thousands of signatures on petitions have been ignored.

 

"Also, the largest responses, which came from the wider consultation, have been completely ignored; the majority of people were opposed, but you would not know that from the consultation report. We therefore need a statement, hopefully before this goes to the board on Friday, and we certainly need time in this Assembly to debate the concerns now being raised.”

The Minister for Finance and Leader of the House, Jane Hutt, told Mr Isherwood his request for a statement “is premature because it pre-empts the report and response from Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board, which are forthcoming.”

Vehicles stopped in safety clampdown

Over 100 vehicles were stopped as part of an operation to ensure the safety of schoolchildren in Denbighshire and Flintshire.
 

On Tuesday, 15^th January officers from North Wales Police, Denbighshire and Flintshire County Councils and VOSA worked in partnership on Operation Coachman – a national operation aimed at checking the roadworthiness of vehicles used to transport children to and from school.
 

The vehicles stopped included taxis, minibuses, coaches, buses as well as ordinary vehicles belonging to members of the public.
 

During the operation whereby a total of 106 vehicles were stopped, two immediate suspensions, six deferred warning notices, four immediate prohibitions and one delayed prohibition were given. These were for a variety of offences including the general maintenance of the vehicles, health and safety requirements, fuel leak, defective tyres and a hazardous step on a double-decker bus.
 

Fixed Penalty Notices were also given regarding mobile phone and seatbelt offences and ten bylaw offences for vehicle general maintenance matters.
 

Sergeant Emlyn Hughes said: “It is disappointing that drivers with the responsibility for transporting children don’t spend their time checking their vehicles are roadworthy before use.
 

“We want to ensure that children have a safe journey to and from school and I would urge all drivers to carry out simple checks ahead of their journey, such as checks on lights, brakes and tyres.”
 

Further checks across the region’s counties will continue.


Watch the video with this story:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-wDqmo9E54&feature=player_embedded

Concern voiced over Llan Pavilion's finances

* Llangollen Pavilion.

A Llangollen resident says Denbighshire County Council should consider changing the way it manages the town’s Pavilion arena and concert hall.

Alan Found has contacted llanblogger to say: “In April last year I made a Freedom of Information request in relation to the financial situation of The Pavilion. I thought it was about time I made these shocking numbers more widely known.

“The numbers are for the 11 months of the year when the facility is run by Denbighshire County Council. This does not include the one month a year when it is run extremely successfully by the Eisteddfod.

“In essence, from April 2011 to 2012 they projected a loss (or subsidy) of  £183,611 and for 2012 to 2013 a loss (or subsidy) of £159,611.

“Surely this facility should be a major contributor to the economy not a burden. We have the Town Hall for community usage – that is where subsidies should go.

“Every weekend of the year should see the Pavilion full and buzzing, providing jobs and making a major contribution to the Llangollen economy through hotel room, restaurant and shopping sales.

“The food festival is a fine example of what is possible - it made thousands of pounds for the town.

“How long will this scandal of such an expensive but underused asset be allowed to continue?

“It must be time for a fundamental change in how it is managed.”

Mr Found added: "This asset could undoubtedly be a major contributor to the local economy, and if the way DCC are managing the Pavilion isn't delivering this, they need to change their approach - no excuses."

Mr Found says the figures he obtained are:

Llangollen Pavilion Accounts
	Budget 2011/12 £	Forecasted Outrun £	Forecasted Variance £	Budget 2012/13
Costs
Staff costs	132,580	128,430	4,150	130,156
Premises	95,939	92,661	3, 278	89,096
Travelling	1,090	606	484	526
Supplies	36,934	34,563	2,731	8,474
Income	82,932	72,649	10,283	68,641
Loss (or subsidy)	- 183,611	- 183,611		- 159,611

 A spokeswoman for Denbighshire County Council said: "The council subsidises the pavilion as they do many other important assets. The subsidy to the pavilion has been reduced for the last two years.

“The venue was in a precarious position two years ago, until our department intervened, and improved the performance significantly, turning around a significant deficit position.

“The council net subsidy, as highlighted in the table below, has reduced by almost 30K and will continue to reduce in 2013 /14 by a further 25k.

“The programme continues to grow and develop, and has done for the last two financial years under our management.”

Row over overseas tourism cash

Of interest to people involved in the tourism in Llangollen will be the fact that the BBC news website is reporting on a row over the amount of Welsh Government cash spent to attract overseas visitors to Wales.

See the story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-20989259

AM slams cuts in police starting pay

Plans to cut the starting pay of police constables in Wales have been condemned by Clywd South Assembly Member Ken Skates.

The Home Secretary has announced that the starting salary for PCs in England and Wales is to be cut by £4,000 to £19,000.

The move comes following the Winsor review last year which proposed changes to police pay, conditions and allowances.

 

Mr Skates said: "It is particularly disappointing that the starting salary of a police officer will be cut in Wales, but will not be cut in Scotland. This seems very unfair and may only serve to undermine morale of officers here in Wales.

“We are at an all time low in terms of police numbers and putting a further restraint on recruitment will only exacerbate the problem. My own force in North Wales is already facing a 20% cut in funding over the next couple of years and now they will have this on top.

“Trying to penny-pinch when it comes to crime and anti-social behaviour will go down very badly in communities across Wales. I’m worried that this move will impact on the diversity of people coming into the force and put people off joining the police.

“The worry is that this will be the start of a bigger suite of changes to police officers terms and conditions. Plans are already circulating about allowing forces to make officers redundant.

“This not the time to be cutting back on police officers and the essential work that they do. These changes represent a false economy because figures released only last week show the number of young police officers in England and Wales had fallen by nearly 50% in two years.”

Major NHS reform goes ahead elsewhere in Wales

Welsh Conservatives have condemned a decision to push ahead with major NHS reform in mid and west Wales.
 

They say that in a Hywel Dda health board meeting today (Tuesday), proposals to downgrade services, cut bed numbers, close minor injury units and make significant changes to paediatrics were rubber-stamped.
 

The decisions follow significant opposition to the plans in a statutory consultation and previous assurances from the Health Minister that no hospital would be downgraded.
 

On Friday, members of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board will consider plans for a major shake-up of services in north Wales - including the closure of Llangollen Cottage Hospital and its replacenment with a new haelth centre in the town.
 

Meanwhile, the public engagement process on health changes in the Hywel Dda area has been questioned by Welsh Conservatives.
 

Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said: “These unwanted plans have been steamrollered through despite strong opposition across the region.
 

“An axe has fallen on community services and beds, patients will be forced to travel further for treatment, and the health minister’s promises on hospital downgrading now stand shamefully broken.
 

“I urge her to condemn these decisions and face up to the fact that Labour’s record-breaking budget cuts have forced this reform agenda.

“The consultation – which included deep-seated disagreement with these plans – appears to have been disregarded by NHS management and the entire public engagement process called into question.”
 

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Assembly Member Angela Burns said: “Following many months of constant worry, the worst fears of thousands have come true.
 

“The consultation has been thrown to the dogs and one final chance to use some common sense has been ignored."

Pam's gripping talk on Victorian crime

* Pam Hughes-Williams spoke about Victorian crime to church members.

A fascinating talk on crime in the Victorian era was given to members of Llangollen English Methodist Church’s This and That group on Monday evening.

It was delivered by local resident Pam Williams-Hughes, who was featured by llanblogger  last summer when at the age of 69 she gained a 2:1 BA Honours in History at Glyndwr University after battling against a brain tumour and lifelong dyslexia.

Victorian crime has become her specialist area and during her 90-minute talk she kept audience members spellbound with her vivid descriptions of wrong-doing in London, north Wales’s possible links with the infamous Jack the Ripper, one of Llangollen’s first resident policemen, a drunken 19^th century Chester PC, the criminal justice system and what happened to children caught up in it.

After owning up to the fact that one of her own London ancestors was a criminal hanged at Tyburn, she gave the audience a start when she donned a hat and shawl to present a colourful portrayal of a Victorian “lady of the night”.

She did this to illustrate the fact that Mary Nicholls, one of Jack the Ripper’s prostitute victims, was charging clients just four old pence each simply to earn money for an overnight stay at a common lodging house.

Pam then related how her researches had suggested that the Ripper himself, who was never caught after his horrific crimes, may have come to live in the Anglesey village of Aberffraw where he later committed suicide and is now buried in the local cemetery.

In Llangollen, she said the 1841 census had revealed that one of the town’s first police officers, Richard Edwards, was at that time living in Church Street, aged 35, with his wife and children.

Later, the first police officer to “live over the shop” at the town’s new police station was a man with the memorable name of Humphrey Humphrey.

Another local connection with the law and crime was that Llangollen was at that time home to a large number of solicitors and barristers.

Pam then turned her attention to Chester where her researches had thrown up the intriguing character of John Hughes, who kept his job as a local bobby despite committing a lengthy catalogue of minor crimes during the 1850s and 1860s – following the 21^st of which he was quietly allowed to resign.

Though not strictly a crime, Pam recounted how in the summer of 1870 the Berwyn hills near Llangollen were “alive with the sound of a serpent hunt”.

A reputedly monster-sized snake had been reported in that area and search parties were sent out to try and catch it.

As an aside, Pam suggested: “If our tourist trade ever drops off maybe we could start a monster hunt too.”

She then spoke of Llangollen’s link with an infamous murder – four-year-old Francis Saville Kent, whose body was found with the throat cut at his family’s home on the Somerset/Wiltshire border in 1860.

The boy's nursemaid was initially arrested for the crime but was released.

Five years later the victim's 16-year old half-sister, Constance Kent, confessed to the killing and was convicted and sentenced to death, but this was later commuted to life in prison.

The scandal forced his family to leave the area and move to Llangollen, where both the dead boy's parents are buried in the local churchyard.

The case has gained publicity recently due to Kate Summerscale's prize-winning book, The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, which was also made into a TV drama.

However, after her own researches, Pam said she believes Constance was innocent and that, in fact, her brother was the murderer.

Pam also aired her suspicions about the case of Abraham Thomas, a young man originally from Henllan, near Denbigh, who was hanged in Manchester at the age of 24 after being found guilty of the murder of his employer’s housekeeper in 1883.

Pam is so firmly convinced of his innocence that she is now seeking to obtain a posthumous pardon for Abraham.

Anyone convicted of a crime in Victorian times faced a very grim fate, either a date with the hangman’s noose – in public until the 1860s – for a wide variety of offences, or a term in prison, where they were forced to remain silent, exercise in a hood from which they could only look at the ground and work on tarred ship’s rope to earn their keep.    

Penalties for convicted criminals were also harsh – including children, as Pam illustrated, by giving details of a 14-year-old boy who was handed a sentence of three days hard labour and a whipping for stealing two pairs of boots.

Pam was thanked warmly for her talk by This and That group members.

Jordan takes band's young player honour

* Jordan Biggs with the Young Player of the Year shield.

 

Sixteen-year-old Jordan Biggs from Halton in Chirk has won Llangollen Silver Band’s Young Player of the Year Shield for 2012.

 

Jordan, who is a Year 11 pupil at Ysgol Dinas Bran in Llangollen, has been a trombonist in both the Youth and Senior Band at Llangollen for five years.

 

He is also a keen keyboard and bass guitar player.

 

Jordan says music is his main hobby and interest, but he also has a keen interest in transportation vehicles and their drive units and hopes to further his education by qualifying in HGV mechanical engineering after finishing school.

£40 million boost for school broadband

Teaching and learning in Welsh schools will be transformed by nearly £40m worth of investment in faster broadband services, First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, announced today Monday).

 

 

The new Learning in Digital Wales Grant will ensure that learners are able to access faster, high-quality broadband services which are both robust and reliable.

 

The new Learning in Digital Wales Grant will ensure that learners are able to access faster, high-quality broadband services which are both robust and reliable.

The investment will initially comprise of £27m of targeted capital funding for local authorities to upgrade internet connections in their schools.

Where needed, local authorities will also be able to provide their primary and special schools with £10,000 and their secondary schools with £20,000 to improve ICT infrastructure and purchase ICT hardware to support teaching and learning.

Today’s announcement follows the launch in December of Hwb, a digital learning platform for all learners aged 3-19 in Wales. Hwb will allow teachers and learners to access online resources anywhere, at anytime and from any internet enabled device.

The new grant scheme will ensure that learners in Wales can have equal access to the tools and resources provided by Hwb, providing an equal educational experience for learners across the country and establishing a level playing field for broadband connectivity.

The First Minister said: "We want Wales to be a world leader in digital learning, therefore we need to be able to offer our schools fast, consistent and reliable broadband services.

“This investment will ensure that, by 2014, primary and secondary schools in Wales will have access to safe and secure world-class broadband services needed to deliver a world-class digital education.

“The grant funding represents a major step forward in changing the way schools use digital technologies, widening access and driving up standards of performance across the board.”

Education Minister, Leighton Andrews said: “Schools across Wales have told us of the difficulties they have experienced in accessing online resources due to varying degrees of broadband connectivity.

“This is even more frustrating considering that many schools have the plans, equipment and enthusiasm to offer a high standard of digital education to their pupils.

“This new funding will allow pupils and teachers to make full use of the online tools and resources provided by Hwb, our new digital learning platform for all learners aged 3-19 in Wales, and also create and host their own local secure learning platforms.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to create world-class resources for Welsh schools.”

Why not try extreme gardening in Llan?

* Llan Community Garden members work on their plot. 

Looking for a new New Year's resolution yet tired of the gym?

Then why not try extreme gardening at Llangollen Community Garden?

Various activities are available, as Warren from the garden explained: "We're still taming wild growth in some areas, this means digging, cutting, chopping and carrying.

"In other areas we are getting ready to plant, with raking and light digging going on. We're also laying natural fences, building steps and marking out pathways."

Warren emphasised that all ages are welcome at the garden, saying: "It's free, something different and great fun! We want everyone in Llangollen to be able to enjoy this space."

The garden is located near Plas Newydd in Llangollen. The site is bounded by a wall on one side and a mountain stream on the other.

One gardener commented: "It's a wonderful location for a garden, it feels like an oasis amongst the houses."

Just get in touch if you'd like to come along - text/call: 07525 016503.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LlangollenCommunityGarden
Web: www.llangollengarden.co.uk

Fire service's cold weather safety advice

With temperatures dropping across the country, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service has issued a timely warning to residents to stay warm but safe as the colder weather takes hold.

Gary Brandrick, Senior Fire Safety Manager said: "As it gets colder it's inevitable that we all spend more time indoors.

"You might take additional measures to keep warm such as using heaters, open fires and wood burning stoves but these can bring an increased risk of fire into the home.

"By following some simple rules you can ensure you stay safe and warm.

"We are here to help and offer advice. If you are in any doubt over any fire safety issues, please do get in touch. We all want to be warm in winter, but we must avoid putting ourselves at increased risk."

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service provides the following advice to help you reduce your fire risk this winter:

- Always use a fire guard to protect an open fire against flying sparks and hot embers and make sure embers are under control and properly put out before you go out or go to bed.

- Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Always unplug electric heaters when you go out and go to bed.

- Ensure that wood burning stoves are in good order with all doors and guards closing correctly.

When fitting a new stove it is imperative that a qualified installer carries out the work. Make sure that chimneys are regularly swept to avoid the build up of carbon deposits within that can easily ignite and create problems in the future.

Electric blankets can help you keep warm during the cold nights, but fires can be devastating with 440 injuries resulting from every 1000 fires started by an electric blanket. Therefore, there are fire safety issues to consider:

- Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if the blanket is switched off.

- Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a thermostat control for safe all-night use.

- Do not leave electric blankets folded as this damages the internal wiring. Store them flat or rolled up instead.

A number of people are using wheat bags to keep warm at the moment and we are giving the following advice on this.

- Do buy wheat bags with clear heating instructions and manufactures' contact details.

- Only use as a heat pack for direct application to the body.

- Watch for overuse - a smell of burning or charring.

- Always leave them to cool in a safe area on a non-combustible surface like a kitchen sink.

- Never use wheat bags as bed warmers.

- Do not overheat the bags. (The recommended maximum is three minutes for most manufacturers.)

- Do not reheat the bag until it has completely cooled (which may be two hours).

- Do not leave the microwave unattended when heating.

- Do not store the bag until it is cold.

- Do not use the bag if you see any evidence of problems.

Gary added: "Make it one of your New Year resolutions to test your smoke alarm weekly and change the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions. Working smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire and can mean the difference between life and death."

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks for all residents in the region.

During a check, a member of the Service will visit your home, give fire safety hints and tips, help you to formulate a fire escape plan, and if necessary, fit new smoke alarms in your home.

To register, or for more information on fire safety in the home, please visit www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk , or call our 24 hour hotline free on 0800 169 1234.

People urged to stride into the New Year

* Walking offers a range of health benefits.

Denbighshire and Flintshire County Councils are urging people to put their best foot forward and walk their way to better health in the New Year.

They say there are tremendous health benefits from regular walking in tyhat it helps to keep your heart strong, manage and control weight loss, improves your breathing, reduces stress, helps you to sleep better, improves strength and flexibility, reduces the risk of certain diseases and above all makes you feel good.

Across Wales there is an active band of volunteer walk leaders who lead short walks every week. 

Anyone who is interested in improving their health and making new friends by regular walking are welcome to join them.

Neville Howell, a volunteer walk leader, said: "I have been involved in the scheme for over 10 years now and have felt the benefit of regular myself and seen the benefit other people have had.

"It is amazing to see people’s health improving, weight loss and making new friends. As well as the walks there is a calendar of social events that are held which bring people together to do different things." K

Katrina Day, Troedio Clwyd Coordinator, said: "Walking is one of the best ways to improve your health, it's free and just makes you feel generally good about yourself.

"Regular walking will keep people active, reducing the risk of many diseases, therefore saving the NHS money by keeping people out of hospital.

"We are really grateful for all of the work of the volunteers who lead these walks, which make such a difference to many people’s lives." 

Walks are held in St Asaph, Mold, Gwaenysgor, Flint, Bwcle, Denbigh, Talacre, Dyserth, Caerwys, Halkyn, Rhuddlan, Lixwm and Llanasa.

For details of the walks available across Denbighshire and Flintshire, call Loggerheads Country Park on 01352 810614, or visit the following websites, www.walkaboutflintshire.com, www.denbighshirecountryside.org.uk/lets_walk/.

If you think you would be interested in becoming a walk leader then give the office a call or send an email to katrina.day@denbighshire.gov.uk