Road safety concerns raised over Post Office move

* The Castle Street./A5 junction.

A Llangollen resident has contacted a top roads official to raise concerns about road safety when the town’s Post Office switches from its present location to Stan’s supermarket next month.

Martin Crumpton wrote to Andy Stewart, route manager for North & Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, which works on behalf of the Welsh Govrnment, to say: “On July 22, Llangollen's Post Office moves from Castle to the other side of the traffic lights on the A5, some 20-25m further.

“The three-way traffic lights are timed solely for cars and the junction is already hazardous for pedestrians.

“After the move, more elderly and people with poor mobility will need to cross the busy A5.

“Please investigate as a matter of urgency.”

Mr Stewart replied: “With regard to your enquiry about the traffic signal junction of the A5 Trunk Road and Castle Street, it would not be possible to introduce a pedestrian phase without causing significant delays to traffic on both the trunk and county roads both of which now exist at peak times. 

“Denbighshire CC have looked at providing a pedestrian crossing phase within the signal timings, however recent collision data does not highlight a pedestrian accident problem and this would be required to support changes.”

Mr Crumpton responded to him: “I have to say I am not only disappointed but deeply offended that there has to be a body count, or at least a significant number of A&E admissions with all their human costs, before such an obvious danger can be made safe.  

“Perhaps I’m naive in thinking that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Perhaps I just don’t feel I have the right to place a monetary value on a human life.”

Llan to benefit from major cycling event

* Wiggle Etape Cymru entrants will register for the event in Llangollen.

 

Up to 1,200 cyclists will be heading into Llangollen in early September to register for one of the largest events in their annual calendar.

 

Wiggle Etape Cymru will take place on Sunday , September 8, starting from Bangor on Dee Racecourse and travelling through parts of Wrexham County Borough before entering Denbighshire through the Dee Valley.
 

Cyclists will be travelling through the Llantysilio, Pentredwr, Horseshoe Pass, Bryneglwys, Llandegla and Graigfechan areas, before returning to Wrexham county and heading for the finishing line back at Bangor on Dee.
 

But to enable Llangollen to benefit directly from the event, local county councillor Stuart Davies has successfully campaigned to have the registration process take place at Llangollen Pavilion.
 

He said: “This means that up to 1,200 entrants plus their entourage will be coming to Llangollen to sign up on the Friday and Saturday.
 

“The plan is that hopefully they will stay in Llangollen for the weekend and also eat out and do some shopping here.”
 

Cllr Davies is also aiming to arrange at special event – perhaps a fun day with a range of entertainment - at the pavilion on the Saturday where local people and visitors can be entertained and also informed about the attractions on offer in Llangollen.
 

Local businesses are also being invited to participate at the Pavilion on the Saturday to showcase their offerings, all to be organised by Denbighshire County Council.
 

Cllr Davies said he will be visiting businesses next week with county council officer Vicki Shenton Morris to give further details.

Meanwhile, he can be contacted on 07967 313792, or by e-mail at stuart.a.davies@denbighshire.gov.uk

As a result of the cycling event, roads in the affected areas will be closed.

Organisers Human Race, as well as Denbighshire and Wrexham Councils, are thanking people in advance for their co-operation and understanding.
 

Residents and businesses along the route will receive more information in the coming weeks, including details of road closures and timings.
 

Further details will be advertised in the local press and on the council's website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk. 

It's Buy Local Day today

Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) has the latest of its Buy Local days today (Friday).

Shops in the town - indicated by a poster on the premises - will be offering discounts and special offers to local people.

"The idea is for Llangollen money to be spent in Llangollen supporting our excellent local businesses," said KLS chair Mike Edwards. 

Today's event brings the Buy Local campaign into its second successful year as the first day was staged in June, 2012.  

Two Llan schoolgirls to deliver Eisteddfod Peace Message

 

* Milly Orton-Jones, 11, left and Hannah Hughes, 10 at the Eisteddfod Pavilion in Llangollen. The girls are reading out the traditional Peace

Message on the first day of the festival.

Two talented schoolgirls have been given the honour of sending out the traditional Peace Message to the world from this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Since 1952, the young people of Llangollen have presented a Message of Peace and Goodwill from the stage of the Eisteddfod at concerts on the opening day.

At this year’s 67^th annual Eisteddfod, which runs from July 9-14, two versions of the Message, one in the Welsh language and the other in English, will be movingly read out at separate concert performances in the Llangollen Pavilion on Children’s Day, Tuesday, July 9.

Both orations, at 10.30am and 12.30pm, will have audiences of around 2,000 primary school youngsters from across north Wales, and be accompanied by specially composed background music from the National Orchestra of Wales.

The poignant Message, part of which tells how “peace radiates like rays of sunshine touching people’s hearts”, has been specially written for the occasion by two year six pupils from Llangollen’s primary schools. 

They are 11-year-old Millie Orton Jones from Ysgol Gwernant, who will read out the Message in the Welsh language, while the English translation will be proclaimed by 10-year-old Hannah Hughes from Ysgol Bryn Collen.

Mike Law, who is co-ordinator for outside stages at the Eisteddfod, said: “The original idea for this year’s Peace Message came after Llangollen Rotary Club held its own local version of a national Rotary competition, called Young Writer, which invited local children to pen a letter on the theme of peace.

“Millie and Hannah were the competition winners and it was agreed that their two separate entries – in Welsh and English – should be used in some way during the Peace Message concerts at the 2013 Eisteddfod.

“As the two pieces did not fit easily into the Peace Message format, the two girls were asked to write a second piece, specifically about Llangollen, the Eisteddfod and the theme of peace.

“The two pupils will read out their work live on stage as part of the Peace Message concerts.

“The National Orchestra of Wales will play specially chosen accompaniments as a background."

Millie Orton Jones, who will read out the Welsh language version, said: “I am looking forward very much to the concert and reading out the Peace Message which says how much the Eisteddfod means to the people of Llangollen.

“I have been a member of the Young ‘Uns, the local junior theatre group, for a few years and I am used to doing things in front of an audience so I don’t think I will be too nervous.

“I’m not worried about speaking the message in Welsh because I go to a Welsh medium school and am quite fluent in the language.” 

Millie’s mum, Tessa Orton Jones, said: “We are very proud of her for being chosen for this honour and she is very excited about appearing in the concert.

“Llangollen Pavilion is a big stage but I don’t think Millie is too nervous about reading out the Peace Message as she is a seasoned performer with local stage group.”  

Hannah Hughes, who will read the Peace Message in English, said: “I am very proud to have been chosen to read out the Peace Message.

“I have been in plays before at my school but never done anything in front of so many people as will be in the pavilion that day.

“I’m a little bit nervous I might get some of the words wrong but I’m sure we will be doing plenty of rehearsals before the concert to make sure we know the message as well as possible.” 

Hannah’s mum, Jane Hughes, said: “We are really proud of her because this is a fantastic achievement.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a girl who lives in Llangollen to put herself and her school at the front of the Peace Message.”

Mike added: “Later in the Peace Message concert, pupils from Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham will work in song and music from prompts in the writing, plus there will be a new poem written specially for the occasion by Aled Lewis Evans.”

He added: “The two girls will be guests of the Eisteddfod and will be introduced to senior officials, including our President Terry Waites, and well-known visitors.

“They will be performing before an audience of approximately 2,000 children at each concert, and the centre-piece of the Peace Message is a musical story about space exploration played by the National Orchestra of Wales.

“Using work by young children carries on the old tradition of broadcasting Welsh language children’s messages to the world which goes back to the early 1920s.”

Mr Law explained this was the first time this particular format for the Peace Message concert had been used and said: “The whole concept is exciting and different and the opportunity it provides for these two young girls to perform before an audience of 2,000 is exceptional.”

Health centre "fatally flawed" says campaign group

 

* An artist's impression of the proposed new health centre.

 

Plans for a new £5.5m health centre in Llangollen are fatally flawed because they don’t include inpatient beds, campaigners say.

 

Keep Llangollen Health Services spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor said the proposals promised a great deal but did not deliver on key elements for people living in the Vale of Llangollen.

 

He said: “Throughout the consultation period last year we called for beds to be retained in Llangollen and warned that there would be a downgrading of services if the health board’s plans went through.

 

"We also warned that Llangollen would be left without any services if the hospital was closed before home care and the health centre had been approved.

 

“It’s been nearly five months since they closed the hospital. Before closing they promised all sorts of things including a Home Enhanced Care Scheme and beds at local care homes, none of which have materialised. It’s not surprising that local people are sceptical about other promises being made by the health board.

 

“We want to see an improved local health service and that’s why we welcome, in principle, a health centre. But it needs to be safe and sustainable. The site under consideration is difficult to access for pedestrians from the town centre, especially for people with pushchairs, the elderly and disabled – precisely the people who need to use a health centre. It also lacks the one key element, which is hospital beds, which as we know is needed for this area."

 

He also expressed concern that the health board was rushing through the plans without the necessary checks and balances needed for such a large project.

 

Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “It’s important that the Health Board follows the standard procedures instead of trying to cut corners.” 

 

He also called for local representatives of patients to be represented on the stakeholder group during the development stages, adding: “Keep Llangollen Health Services were promised on numerous occasions that we would be invited but never were.

 

"The Health Board says that patients are represented by the Community Health Council, yet the CHC’s representative comes from Ruthin and not Llangollen or the Dee Valley. This shows complete contempt for the people of this area.”

* The full consultation document can be viewed via the Keep Llangollen Special website at http://en.keepllangollenspecial.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Llangollen-Health-Centre-Public-Consultation.pdf

Public briefed on plan for new health centre

* A plan shows how the proposed new health centre would extend along the River Dee.

 

 

* Members of the public discuss details of the health centre plan.

 

 

* Interested members of the public gather around the display boards.

A STEADY stream of people turned up at Llangollen Town Hall late on Tuesday afternoon to be briefed on plans for the area’s new health centre.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which controversially axed the town’s cottage hospital earlier this year, recently announced it intends to build a new multi-purpose health facility on land on the A539 currently owned by the Welsh Government and occupied by the derelict former River Lodge hotel.

After unveiling an artist’s impression of the proposed new centre in May, the board took over the Town Hall from 3-6.30pm on Tuesday to provide further details of the scheme ahead of submitting a planning application to Denbighshire County Council.

Members of the public gathered around a series of display panels giving details of various aspects of the plan.

Staff from the health board and Llangollen GP Practice were also hand to answer questions.

Visitors learned that the new centre would be shared between the GPs, the health board, the county council’s social care department and the voluntary sector.

Among the services it would provide are midwifery, outpatients, mental health and social care services.

It was also revealed that discussions were taking place about relocating Rowlands Pharmacy, currently opposite the GP practice in Regent Street, to the new centre.

According to the health board’s proposals, the new centre would be located within the World Heritage Buffer Zone and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The site it would occupy extends along the River Dee, bordered on the eastern side by the old railway line and mature woodland and a residential area on the western side.

It is proposed that the GP practice would relocate to the new centre after it is completed in 2015.

The board also proposes that during August and September this year the practice becomes responsible for the local minor injuries service.

Generally, the board says the new centre will become a “focal point for health care in the community” and would also provide extra space in which a range of clinics can be offered.

It would also, said the board, be “designed to blend in with and enhance the historical character” of the local townscape.

Among those at the briefing session was Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies who said: “It will be a better facility than we had before, albeit without the beds. But it would be wrong to think that particular fight had been lost.”

On the question of ease of access to the proposed centre, he said he understood talks were going on with a local bus company with a view to having one of its services stop there.

Cllr Davies said he was also continuing to explore the possibility of a new bridge being built over the River Dee from the new centre to a point near the playing field on the opposite bank.

Urging people to make use of the minor injuries unit when it was at the GP practice in August and September, he said: “If the health board see it not being used there is a danger they might take it away, so it’s a case of use it or lose it.”

Also at the briefing session was Shaolin Monk Pol Wong whose own plan for his Powys Fadog organisation to open a community centre in the River Lodge was thwarted by its Welsh Government owners.

This drew criticism from the Welsh Audit Office and the Welsh Assembly’s public accounts committee, which accused the government of wasting £1.6 on the affair.

Mr Wong was distributing copies of documentation supporting his case to members of the public. 

Skates welcomes rising number of Welsh rail users

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed news that the numbers of people using North Wales railway stations is on the rise.

 

Figures released by the Welsh Government show the numbers using railway stations on the North Wales Coast Line, the Conwy Valley Line, the Borderlands line and on routes from Wrexham all increased in 2011/12.

 

Shotton station saw a 12.8% increase in use while Conwy numbers jumped by 18.6%.  Wrexham General saw 622,148 ‘entries and exits’ during 2011/12.

 

Across Wales the numbers of people using railway stations last year rose by 2.6%.  In 2011/12 there were over 47million ‘entries and exits’ from Wales’ 218 railway stations.  Station use across Wales has increased in every year since 2004-05.

 

The AM said the figures showed more lines in North Wales lost under the Beeching axe could be re-opened and made financially viable.

 

Mr Skates said: “The rise in the numbers of people using North Wales railway stations shows very clearly that the appetite for rail travel in the region is growing.  The numbers have been rising consistently over the last decade with evidence of a growth in station use across all parts of North Wales.

 

“The figures show that with the right kind of investment, our North Wales railways do have a very bright future.  Quite a few stations across the region have seen large increases in their use over the last year.

 

“It raises the possibility, as we mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Beeching report, that more disused lines could be re-opened here in North Wales and given a viable future in our communities.  We’ve seen the success of the re-opened Cardiff to Ebbw Vale line, now more routes, such as the Amlwch line in North Wales, could be next.

 

“Half a century ago large parts of rural Wales in particular was almost cut off by Dr Beeching’s axe.  These figures only go to highlight there may be valid economic grounds to re-open some of them as the monopoly of the car continues to be challenged.

 

“The figures show Wales still punches below its weight in terms of rail.  We have around five per cent of the UK population, but account for just two per cent of train station use.  The statistics show there is the hunger out there amongst rail passengers for more capacity.

 

“What is important is that we examine these figures carefully and identify a sensible way forward for Welsh rail, which responds to both the passenger and economic demand and keeps fares reasonable in the long-term.”

 

For the majority of the busiest 20 stations across Wales the numbers of entries/exits remained relatively stable, with a small rise overall. The remaining Welsh stations showed stronger growth as a whole into 2011-12.

Police clamp down on Llan canoe thefts

 

 

A specific operation is underway in Llangollen targeting the theft of canoes and kayaks.

 

With tourists already flocking into the area, local officers have been working to ensure that visits by canoeists and Kayakers aren’t ruined by thieves taking their property.

 

“The issue began to come to the forefront last summer, when we had a couple of canoes / kayaks taken from the town” said local PCSO Karl Joseph.

 

“The items were taken in broad daylight and in the past 12 months we have had seven similar thefts reported to us. It is very possible however that more have been taken but for whatever reason haven’t been reported to us.”

 

In a determined effort to curb the thefts, a multi-pronged operation has started which combines pro-active patrols, crime prevention work and liaison with key partners in the community. Kayakers and canoe owners are also being urged to play their part by ensuring their property is left secure at all times.

 

To date, members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team have been undertaking pro-active patrols along the riverbank and speaking to local hoteliers and those who provide accommodation in the area about security measures and the operation. Officers have also been speaking to local kayak / canoe centres making them aware of police activity and speaking to the kayakers themselves – informing them of the operation and urging them that if they see anything suspicious to call police immediately.

 

PCSO Joseph added: “As a result of a patrol along the river recently we were able to re-unite one kayaker with his property after we found a couple of kayaks floating on the river and a car roof rack near the Chain Bridge.  

 

“The kayaks and canoes are not cheap to buy and it is essential that we have the support of the public to help us stamp out this kind of theft. In some cases we’ve see kayaks and canoes left on cars and vans secured by just string or bungee cords  - this could prove to be an open invite to thieves who will seize on any opportunity to get away with the goods. ”

 

As part of their duty, patrolling officers are also identifying vulnerable vehicles that have items poorly secured or valuable items on display within the vehicle.

 

Furthermore, officers are also using the Online Watch Link (OWL) to alert individuals to key messages and appeals for information.  Individuals, particularly working in the tourism industry in the vicinity are also being encouraged to pass on the crime prevention advice.

 

Inspector Siobhan Edwards, the local District Inspector for the area, said: “We are determined to tackle this kind of theft which not only impacts on visitors to the area but also our local businesses and community. We want to keep south Denbighshire a safe place and one that people want to visit and spend time here without the fear of becoming a victim of crime. That is why we are involving partners in our work and calling on people to assist us in our objectives by ensuring that their items are kept secure and that any suspicious activity seen during the day or night is reported to police immediately.”

 

Keep your Kayak /Canoe safe

 

Kayak / canoe enthusiasts are urged to keep their property secure when left unattended day or night. Local police are issuing the following top tips to help individuals avoid becoming a victim of crime:

 

•             Ensure that kayaks / canoes are not left on your vehicle overnight, however if this is not possible:

•             Ensure you park your vehicle off a main road but within your view

•             If you are staying overnight, inform the hotel manager / accommodation owners that you have a kayak on your vehicle and ask if they have any secure storage you could use.

•             Ensure the car park / hotel where you leave your vehicle has fitted and working CCTV or security. If they have suitable secure overnight storage facility – use it.

•             Obtain a working lock to secure your kayaks to the vehicle

•             Take pictures of your property and make a note of the 12 digit Hull Identification Number (HUN) and keep this safe.

 

Finally, if you see any suspicious activity contact police immediately on 101.  Anyone with information regarding the theft of canoes / kayaks in the area can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Campaigners ask how hospital closures have affected you

Campaigners fighting for local health services in North Wales are compiling a dossier of evidence to take to the Older People's Commissioner on the closure of community hospitals and the spread of superbugs.

North Wales Health Alliance has issued an urgent call for evidence from anyone affected by the recent outbreak of C Difficile, a hospital superbug.

The Alliance, which is made of up nine local groups fighting for better healthcare locally, believes the increase in superbugs in general hospitals has been made worse by the closure of community hospitals in the region.

They also want to hear from patients and their families generally affected by the closure of hospitals in their community.

NWHA spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor said: "The recent superbug outbreak in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is now the subject of an investigation by Public Health Wales. We are also compiling a dossier of evidence for the Older People's Commissioner, who is investigating the closure of community hospitals.

 "The superbug outbreak and the way Betsi Cadwaladr's management is dealing with it is just the latest episode in a catalogue of failures. There is a growing sense of crisis about the way NHS bosses are managing our local health services.

 "Individual cases of patients unable to leave general hospitals despite being well enough highlight the need for community-based services. Our case is that the promises made to ensure those services were in place before any closures took place have been broken quite cynically by bureaucrats more interested in penny pinching than improving people's health."

He said health professionals were also contacting the alliance with worrying examples that were being investigated. He urged any patient , their families or health workers to contact the North Wales Health Alliance in confidence on northwaleshealthalliance@gmail.com or 07747 792 441.

Local areas benefit from £2.25 million roads programme

Llangollen, Carrog and Rhewl feature in a  major investment of over £2.25 million being ploughed into improving roads across Denbighshire over the next 12 months.

The programme of work has been announced following extensive consultation with town and community councils and county councillors.

Of the total £1.15 million is being made available by the Welsh Government through the Local Government Borrowing Initiative for new resurfacing schemes. The remainder, £1.19 million, is being invested by Denbighshire County Council.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: “This is a major investment to improve the condition of the county’s roads.  People in communities across Denbighshire tell us that they want to see work carried out on our roads and we have listened and have drafted a programme of activities.

"Recent harsh winters have had an impact on the quality of road surfaces and the Council has already made a commitment to improving roads by identifying it as one of the Council's key priorities. This investment, through the Council and the Welsh Government will allow us to build on the tremendous amount of road improvements already carried out across the county.This funding really will make a difference."

Work will take place on the following roads:

Resurfacing
	B5381 Glascoed Road
	B5119 Dyserth Road/Pendyffryn Road Rhyl
	B5428 Nr Pen Cae Du
	Fedw Road, Carrog
	H' Bridge, Rhyl
	Clwyd Street Rhyl
	Winnard Avenue Rhyl
	Fforddisa Prestatyn
	Glasfryn Meliden
	Tan yr Allt Meliden
	Lower Street St Asaph
	Station Road Denbigh
	Myddleton Avenue Denbigh
	Myddleton Park Estate
	Plas Nantglyn
	Bryn y Gwynt Lane, Denbigh
	Saron Hill (Bottom Section)
	London Bridge, Llangwyfan
	Black Lane, Ruthin
	Plas yr Esgob to Llanuchan Church junction
	Gwernant Road, Llangollen
	Derwen Llanerch jct - Llidiart Fawr jct. Pentrecelyn
	Pant Du to Eryrys crossroads
	Meiarth Hall Road, Bryn SM
	Bryn Gwenallt, Gwyddelwern
	Erw Fawr, Llandegla
	Ty'n Llan, Llanferres
	Bodheulog Rd, Corwen
	Rhydglaves, Llandrillo
	Garthiaen Rd, Llandrillo

Denbighshire County Council Funded Works

Drainage
	Cwttir Lane, St. Asaph
	Caer Hafod to Pennant, Clocaenog
	Nr Sun Inn, Rhewl, Llantysilio
	Bontuchel to Wern Shed, Bontuchel
Microasphalt
	Carrog Village
	Bryntirion Avenue, Prestatyn
	Seven Sisters Road, Prestatyn
	Highbury Crescent, Prestatyn
	Beach Avenue, Prestatyn
	Highbury Close, Prestatyn
	Linden Drive, Prestatyn
	Gwelfor Park, Dyserth
	Maes Hyfryd/ Maes Glas, Dyserth
	Seymour Drive/ Conwy Avenue, Rhuddlan
	Rhodfa Clwyd, Trefnant
	Rhodfa Gwilym, Trefnant
	Cae Shon, Trefnant
	Hillside, St. Asaph
	Gemig Street, St. Asaph
	Meredith Crescent, Rhyl
	Russell Court, Rhyl
	Stanley Park Avenue, Rhyl
	Bryn Coed Park, Rhyl
	Elm Grove, Rhyl
	Carlisle Avenue, Rhyl
	Knowles Avenue, Rhyl
	Eaton Avenue, Rhyl
	Golden Grove, Rhyl
	Ellis/ Garnett Avenue, Rhyl
	Bull Lane, Denbigh
	Bryn Y Garn Rd/ Ffordd Meifod, Henllan
	Mill Street, Ruthin
Surface Dressing
	Denbigh to Henllan
	Tyn Llanfair to Glan Hespin x rds, Pentrecelyn
	Marian Bach Road, Cwm
	Marian Cwm Road, Cwm
	Bryn Glas Road, Cwm
	Bwlch to Bondlanfa Road, Cwm
	Bodlonfa to Bryn Glan Road, Cwm
	Plas Mawr Road, Cwm
	Bryn Hedydd Road, Cwm
	Pant Y Dulaith Road, Cwm
	Dyffryn Aur Road, Cwm
	Bodlonfa to A55, Cwm
	Rhyd Farm to B5119, Dyserth
	Marli Hill, Glascoed
	Tan Y Graig Road,
	Accarr Road
	Plas Nantglyn (top of road)
	Llety Road, Gwyddelwern
	Betws GG Village to County Boundary
	Cefn Coch Road, Llanelidan
	Pen Cae, Llanelidan
	Betws GG Village
	Rhewl Wen, Llanelidan
	Rhoslydan to Bryn-rhedyn, Bryneglwys

North Wales Police launch specialist rape investigation team

From today, North Wales Police will bring together specialist staff from across North Wales to form one team dedicated to investigating rape.

  

This team will work closely with partners in the Crown Prosecution Service of Wales, Betsi Calwalder Health Board and third sector colleagues to form a cohort of rape specialists to be known as Amethyst Team. 

The team will be based throughout north Wales but make use of the SARC building in Old Colwyn to interview, gather evidence and support victims. 

 

It will work closely with partners in the Crown Prosecution Service of Wales, Betsi Calwalder Health Board and third sector colleagues.

 

Comprising a Detective Inspector, three Detective Sergeants, twelve Detective Constables, six Specially Trained officers and an analyst, Amethyst will also utilise its analytical capability to better understand offences of rape in North Wales and provide a proactive response to preventing rape and safeguarding those vulnerable to rape offences.

 

Any victim of rape aged under thirteen years and those under eighteen years offended against by family members will be assisted by specialist child abuse investigators within public protection units. 

 

Victims over thirteen years for non-interfamilial offences and all offences where the victim is over eighteen years will be assisted by Amethyst Team staff.

 

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Pritchard said: “Over many years we have striven to improve the service we provide victims of serious sexual offences and the Amethyst Team is just part of that on-going holistic approach. 

 

"Improving the well-established relationship we have with our partners in CPS, Health and the Voluntary Sector we are determined to ensure victims receive our full support and guidance through every stage of the Criminal Justice System. 

 

"Our five objectives are in setting up this dedicated team are:to provide a good quality of service to victims, to improve the investigations carried out by specially trained officers and dedicated detectives, to improve the Criminal Justice outcomes,to work smarter and more efficiently with our partners and finally to improve the confidence and trust the community have in the way serious sexual offences are investigated.

 

“Sexual Offences are under reported and I’d encourage any victims to come forward, you will be taken seriously, your complaint will be investigated professionally and you will receive the support of trained Police Officers, Crown Prosecution Lawyers and dedicated Counsellors from the Health Service all whom are core to the Amethyst Team.”

 

Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick said:  “First and foremost we hope that victims will feel sufficiently confident to make a complaint to the police.  They may feel that they are criminals themselves or they may feel afraid to make a complaint, but unless they take that first step of making the complaint against the criminal, then the police cannot begin to solve the problem.”

Horseshoe Pass trip inspires sci-fi novel

A cycling trip up the Horseshoe Pass near Llangollen was the inspiration for a new science fiction book by a Chester author.

Geoff Nelder’s latest work, ARIA Left Luggage, tells the story of how astronauts bring back to Earth a case they find floating in space.

Inside it is a virus which when unknowingly unleashed spreads an amnesia virus which goes around the world like wildfire bringing the planet to the edge of disaster.

In the prologue to the book, the author writes: “This novel would not have been possible without a Dawes Super Galaxy allowing me to cycle up the Welsh slope of Horseshoe Pass, North Wales, making my heart thump so fast my brain – freshly oxygenated – buzzed with the original idea in ARIA.”

Originally from the south of England and now living with his wife and children, Nelder taught IT and geography in the local high school.

He has post-grad researched and written about climatic change, run computer clubs and was editor of a computer magazine.

Nelder has published a couple of climate books and has short stories used in a variety of literary
magazines.


His first novel, a humour thriller, Escaping Reality, was published in 2005.

Left Luggage  is part of a sci-fi trilogy entitled which is published by LL-Publications.

The bug at the centre of the book he calls Alien Retrograde Infectious Amnesia.

It causes everyone who catches it to regress, seemingly slowly at first, but it soon becomes apparent that years of lives are being lost memory-wise, and fast.

Enter the hero Ryder, who has been on to the thing from the start and has the brainpower – and contacts – to stay away and eventually find like-minded uninfected people to try to help him to stay alive and to come up with a solution to the huge threat to  humanity.
 

Throughout, Ryder tries his best, first of all persuading uninfected friends and colleagues to barricade themselves in a remote Welsh valley.
 

But then as his leadership is tested time and again even his morals start to slip and the lines between what is right and wrong according to everything he was taught and believes in start to blur.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ARIA-Left-Luggage-ebook/dp/B008RADGYC#_

Patients' Trust plans sponsored walk

Llangollen and District Patients’ Trust has organised a sponsored walk on Saturday, June 22. 

Those wishing to take part are asked to meet at Siamber Wen in Wern Road, Llangollen, for registration from 9.30am that day, with the walk starting at 10am. 

Light refreshments will be available at Siamber Wen on particpants’ return. 

Sponsor forms are available from Llangollen Health Centre and also from the  Glyn Ceiriog and Plas Madoc surgeries. 

Dogs on leads are welcome, say organisers. 

All money raised by the event will go to the Patients Trust, which finances “extras” for patients such as comfy chairs for the waiting room to ambulatory blood pressure monitors.

For further information, contact Llangollen Health Centre on 01978 860625.

New police "Specials" sought

Being a North Wales Police volunteer helps you to improve your skills and gain new experiences – whether it’s on the front line as a Special Constable or Police Support Volunteer.

 

North Wales Police are supporting this year’s Volunteers’ Week - a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering which takes place from 1^st to 7^th June each year with the aim of recognising, rewarding and recruiting volunteers.

 

Volunteers make up an important part of the North Wales Police family by playing a vital role in building important links between the police and local communities.

 

The role of the Special Constable is to assist and support the regular force in meeting local policing needs. They are an important part of the police service and have a vital role to play in the future of policing.

 

Special Constables undertake valuable work and form a vital link between the regular force and the local community. Special Constables are volunteers, from all walks of life, who want to do something positive for their communities.

 

With North Wales Police you would be expected to carry out a variety of tasks. Duties could include assisting regulars on patrol, crime prevention work and community liaison projects. Special Constables have the same powers of arrest as a regular Police Officer.

 

Police Support Volunteers are members of the community who give their time freely to undertake additional duties and activities to those currently performed by the extended policing family, adding great value to the services we already provide.

 

Volunteers build important links between the police and communities, providing opportunities for individuals to make a positive contribution to their local area.

 

We are looking for people aged 16 upwards from a wide range of backgrounds and sections of the community.

 

To find out more about how to join North Wales Police as a Special Constable or Police Support Volunteer please visit the Recruitment section of our website.

 

To find out what is happening in Volunteers Week where you live, or about volunteering opportunities available, contact your local volunteer centre via their website.

Treat Dad to a Bikesafe course

Struggling to find a suitable gift for this year’s Father’s Day?

 

Why not book a *free Bikesafe workshop which is being held in Porthmadog on Sunday 16^th June.

 

Bikesafe is a police-led motorcycle project that is run by most forces in the UK with the main aim being to reduce the number of bikers being hurt on the roads.

 

          

Sponsored by the North Wales Partnerships and Taith, the workshops, which are held at various locations across North Wales including Porthmadog, Rhyl, Broughton and St Asaph, offer practical advice about road safety and educate riders by passing on knowledge and skills to try and help motorcyclists become safer riders.

 

The Father’s Day workshop is being held at Porthmadog’s Fire Station on Sunday 16^th June.

 

Part of the morning will be spent in the classroom and then there is then an enjoyable practical road element over approximately 60 miles taking you round the roads of North Wales and the Snowdonia National Park.

 

North Wales Police Bikesafe Co-ordinator, Paul Cheshire MBE said: "Bikesafe is about starting on the right path to development as it "Bridges the Gap". Riders should continue to train throughout their riding years and not just stop once they have passed their bike test. 

 

“You will find at Bikesafe workshops that you are sitting alongside like-minded biking enthusiasts with a wide range of experience, skills and different machines.  Whether you are on a commuter bike, scooter or a sports bike, you are equally welcome and will benefit from one of our workshops.”

 

The BikeSafe workshop explores the main issues facing today’s bikers. It also explores the principles of advanced riding through the on-road element. The BikeSafe Observer will give assessment and feedback which will highlight areas where the rider needs to develop.

 

Paul Cheshire added: “Whether you passed your bike test six months ago, six years ago or, indeed, twenty-six years ago, you can always improve your level of skill to make your riding not only safer but also more enjoyable.”

 

In addition North Wales Police will provide a free day’s training of first aid for bikers licensed by Medic Skills from FBoS ( First Bike on Scene – North West NHS). Upon completion you will be issued a Certificate of Approval from the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh and a safety pack.

 

If you would like to participate in a *free Bikesafe workshop please visit the Bikesafe website or contact the booking line via 08444 151206 or email info@bikesafeadmin.co.uk

 

Godspell takes to Town Hall stage tonight

Skates hits out over union blacklists

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has called on the Welsh Government and local councils to ban companies holding union blacklists from being awarded public sector contracts in North Wales.

Earlier this year an investigation by the GMB into the construction industry revealed at least 111 workers from Wales on an illegal ‘blacklist’ of employees that belonged to a trade union.  The list was being used by some construction firms to prevent them from getting work.

 

It is believed 39 of those workers were from North Wales, with the majority unaware their personal data was being collated and used against them.

 

The Labour AM (pictured right) is calling on the Welsh Government and local councils not to award public sector contracts to any firm known to blacklist workers.

 

Mr Skates said: “It is shocking that some companies have chosen to illegally blacklist some workers because they are a member of a trade union.  This is the kind of spiteful practice that we all thought had died out many years ago.

 

“There were a lot of workers identified from North Wales on the construction list uncovered recently by the GMB, something that is very concerning indeed.  Construction is an important industry in North Wales and many families rely on it for their household income.

 

“The use of blacklists is totally unacceptable.  Construction is an industry that is heavily contract based, making workers in this sector a particular target for these kinds of practices. 

 

“I believe the Welsh Government and local councils should now work together to use their significant procurement powers to prevent any company that is known to have held a blacklist from winning public sector contracts in North Wales.

“Any that have held lists in the past should compensate workers they have discriminated against and take clear steps to demonstrate they do not blacklist workers known to a member of a trade union.

 

“Why should taxpayers money be used to subsidise companies that flout the law and blacklist hard-working people in the construction trade, or any other industry, that is a member of a trade union?

“We need to work together to stamp out this unscrupulous practice which is bad for local workers and bad for the local economy too.”

 

The Welsh Government has said its officials are currently considering the measures available to strengthen procurement policy and eradicate the unacceptable practice of blacklisting.  

 

They will shortly be issuing new guidance to all public bodies in Wales in relation to selecting suppliers, setting contract conditions and managing delivery of procurement.

 

Blacklisting was revealed in 2009 when the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) seized a database of 3,213 names of construction workers and environmental activists used by over 40 companies.

Skates calls for law change to help small pubs

Clwyd South Assembly Member Kern Skates has called for a change in the law to help out small pubs in his constituency.

 

The AM is calling on the UK Government to reform the ‘tied model’ operated by large pub owning companies.

 

Around 1/3 of pubs in the UK are owned by large pub companies who then lease the pubs out to tenants to run as their own businesses. These pubs are contractually obliged to buy their beer only from the pub company, preventing pub licensees buying on the open market. 

 

This is known as ‘the tie’.

 

The AM said the fundamental problem is that large pub companies take too much of a pub’s profits and is calling for legislation to ensure fair rents and fair beer prices to help local pubs in his constituency.

 

Mr Skates said: “The traditional local pub is going through a very difficult time at the moment.  Unreasonably high beer prices and inflated rents have caused the closure of hundreds of pubs right across North Wales.  Drinking habits are also changing and the competition of local supermarkets is very intense. 

 

“Nevertheless there can be a bright future for the village pub, but we need the help of the UK Government and large pub companies to help achieve this.

 

“We need the UK Government to introduce a new statutory code of practice for large companies that will enshrine in law the long accepted but largely ignored principle that the tied licensee should not be worse off than a free of tie licensee when it came to issues such as beer pricing.  This would allow them to pay a price for beer and drinks that would help them make a sustainable profit.

 

“Rents need to change, too.  It would be much easier for small pubs tied to big chains if their tenants were allowed to pay a reasonable market rent.  For those renting from companies with 500 or more pubs on their books they should be allowed to pay a fair, independently assessed market rent.

 

“Such a system is simple and cheap to administer and would give tied licensees the choice as to whether to pay fair rent only or a lower rent and higher beer prices.”

 

The latest Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers Benchmarking Survey showed that tied rents are actually higher than rents for free of tie pubs. So many tied tenants are effectively being charged double.

 

The AM added: “We’ve got some fantastic pubs in my constituency, from the recently re-opened Tyn-Y-Capel co-operative pub in Minera to the Buck House Hotel in Bangor-on-Dee, which has now started re-selling Wrexham Lager for the first time in over a decade.

 

“We now need sensible reform of the tied system to ensure those local pubs linked to a big brewery can continue to turn a profit and have a fair chance of staying open in the next few years.”

 

Mr Skates is backing the ‘Fair Deal for Your Local’ campaign led by CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale.