Anger over plans to take X94 bus away from Parade Street

 

* Parade Street where the X94 will no longer calling from later this year.

A Llangollen county councillor has blasted plans by Arriva to stop using the Parade Street bus terminal for one of its local services.

Stuart Davies has been officially informed that the company is changing the route of the X94 bus to leave out Parade Street from when its new timetable begins on August 18.  

And in an angry response, he said: “They are ceasing to use the Parade Street terminal which was created a few years ago, turning a quiet leafy street into a yellow, barren, pole-strewn urban catastrophe.

“People will remember the furore generated when, overnight, the trees in Parade Street were slaughtered to make way for the bus terminal.

“Thousands of pounds were spent turning this part of the town in to a one way system to pander to these companies and now they are saying that they are cutting services and ceasing to use this monstrosity of a system.

“What a waste of money and vandalism it was.”

A spokesperson for Arriva Buses Wales said: “It is true that we are changing the route of the X94 to omit Parade  Street later in the year. 

“We have taken this decision, together with a number of changes along the X94 route, in order to improve the punctuality of the service.

“At this particular location, buses are often delayed when attempting to make the right turn from Parade Street Street on to Castle Street. 

“The parking bays on Castle Street effectively turn it into one lane street for vehicles as large as a bus, and when, as is often the case, delivery wagons or other vehicles block the street, it has a detrimental effect on our timetable. 

“We know from recent correspondence from our customers, local council and Bus Users UK, that punctuality and reliability of a service are a priority for our customers, and we need to take reasonable steps to ensure that the routes we use  allow us to run to timetable.

“In order to improve punctuality and maintain the existing route, we would need to put more resource in to operating the service.  This service is operated on a commercial basis with no public subsidy in this area and we are not in the position provide the additional resource required. However, we would be willing to work with the local authority if they were able to offer support in maintaining the current route.”

Cllr Davies responded: "This is an example of arrogant companies riding roughshod over local concerns."

He has asked Denbighshire County Council officials to make formal representations to Arriva about the bypassing of Parade Street.

He believes that under new timetable arrangements the X94 will stop in Mill Street, and the Arriva spokesperson confirmed this by saying: “I have been told that the X94 will stop at the bus stop near the bridge."

Police confirm skimming devices found on Llan cashpoints

llanblogger has just had the following message from local county councillor Stuart Davies:

"Sketchy details care coming in that skimming devices have been used in Llan cash machines today. I will update when I find out more."

Since Cllr Davies' warning, North Wales Police has now issued the following press release about the "skimming" which has taken place locally:

Cash machine users in the Llangollen area are being urged to check the machines before they use them.

 

The warning is being made following a recent spate of fraud offences whereby skimming devices have been placed on cashpoints in the area.

 

Once the 'skimmer’ device is in place, it will fail to eject your card and will record your card details.

 

For this reason, officers are urging people who use such machines to check the card slot to ensure that there is nothing unusual about its appearance.

 

The ‘skimmers’ are usually attached over the slot where you enter your card and spray painted to match - making the devices hard to spot.

 

Cash machine users are also urged to check for any scratches on the machine, sticky residue, tape or other signs of tamper as well as any part of the machine that looks like it's more new, or made from a different material than the rest. Missing LED lights above the card slot machine can also be a giveaway - if the ATM you're using usually has them.

 

Anyone who suspects anything untoward is urged to contact police on 101 or the ATM operator immediately - ideally using your mobile from in front of the ATM.

"Don't tinker with S4C" says Labour duo

Clwyd South Labour duo Susan Elan Jones and Ken Skates have warned the UK Government not to tinker with S4C’s funding, saying that any change could seriously jeopardise the broadcasters independence.

 

On the eve of the UK Government’s Spending Review on Wednesday the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has refused to quash speculation it will end the £6.7m grant the Welsh channel receives each year directly from the department. 

 

Any such move could leave it entirely funded by the BBC Licence Fee. 

 

Last week the Department for Culture Media and Sport agreed an 8% cut to its budget as part of the Spending Review due to be announced by the Chancellor this week.

 

The Labour pair said S4C was key to a strong and independent media in Wales and that the channel’s funding shouldn’t be cut back any further.

 

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones said: "It is worrying if the UK Government chooses to end entirely its direct funding of S4C.  The channel has seen its budget cut back significantly in recent years and its fragile funding formula shouldn’t be tinkered with any further during this or any other spending review.

 

“The funding it receives from DCMS gives it a direct channel into the heart of government and a vital dialogue with the Secretary of State on broadcasting issues impacting on Wales, S4C and the Welsh language.

 

“S4C is only just getting back on its feet after the trauma of the last funding changes.  Only this year it had its long-term funding outlined in a new relationship with the BBC, so more change would only further destabilise the channel and impact negatively on its independence.”

 

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates said: “Under no circumstances would it be either fair or sensible for the UK Government to visit even more pain on S4C during the upcoming Spending Review.  The Government have had their pound of flesh from S4C over the last few years and it shouldn’t be returning for more cuts given the fragile position the channel is in. 

 

“I recently met with other AMs and the Chief Executive of S4C who warned us very clearly that cutting back S4C’s funding any further would negatively impact on the channel and its excellent body of work.  S4C helps generate nearly £125m for Wales’ creative economy, so any further cuts would be bad for the whole sector, not just the channel.

 

“Broadcasting in Wales is in a weak enough position as it is without more pain being visited upon it.  The delicate ecology of our Welsh media needs to be better protected and not become an easy target for cuts every time the Treasury needs to bring in more cash.”

 

S4C received £6.7m from DCMS in 2013, down from £101m in 2010.

 

The BBC will contribute £76.3m from the licence fee in 2013-14, falling to £74.5m by 2016/17.

 

Earlier this year a new partnership was agreed following public consultation over plans to fund most of S4C's activities from the BBC licence fee meaning S4C will remain independent, also receiving UK government funding and generating its own revenue. 

Scrapyard escapee runs for last time at Llan Railway

* No.6430 at Llangollen on its final day in service.

 

 

* Members of the train crew as they prepare for the final

departure. From left are driver Ben Jackson, guard

Wayne Ronneback, ticket inspector Martyn Amys and signalman Paul Reynolds.

Llangollen Railway's annual Railcar Gala saw one the regular steam engines based there operating its final passenger trains on Sunday.

No.6430 has now completed 10 years in service since restoration to working order after being rescued from the scrapyard.

 

The popular Great Western Pannier Tank engine is now withdrawn for a major overhaul after its boiler certificate expired.

 

On its last day in service it ran with the Great Western Auto coach owned by the group based in Oswestry as the steam train option on a day when other train services on the Dee Valley line were provided by the heritage diesel railcars.

 

George Jones for Llangollen Railway said: " No.6430 is a brave little engine having been restored at Llangollen from a very basic kit of parts after it had survived a visit to a scrapyard when originally withdrawn by British Railways.

 

"It is the only mainline engine to have escaped from a scrapyard other than the famous one at Barry Island, South Wales from which many steam locomotives were rescued.

 

"After it has donated various parts to keep an other Pannier tank in service, a lot of the missing parts were made at Llangollen to allow the engine to be restored to working order by 2003. Since then it has achieved fame as part of the two-coach Great Western branch line auto-train.

 

"It has been a worthy ambassador for the Llangollen Railway during its visits other heritage railways in Britain during its ten years in service. We hope that a fast track overhaul of the boiler and mechanical parts will allow for an early return to service.

 

"Operating on this final occasion the steam train made an historic contrast with the heritage railcars and, in particular, the two visiting single unit Bubble cars. These attracted a lot of attention and interest from rail fans keen to sample a ride on these two unusual visitors to the line."

County's Advice Network wins praise from Welsh Government

The success of the Denbighshire Advice Network in securing over £100 million in extra social security benefits and tax credits during its lifetime has been praised as an example of best practice in a report issued by the Welsh Government.

The Denbighshire Advice Network was set up following local government reorganisation in 1996 and network members work together to ensure that both specialist and generalist advice is available throughout the county meeting the needs of a diverse range of clients.

Members meet on a quarterly basis to discuss new legislation and polity, to discuss good practice, access free training, undertake joint campaigns and share information about new projects.

Now it has been cited as example of best practice in the Welsh Government document, ‘Advice Services Review: Final Research Report’.

Membership of the Network ranges from Age Concern to Youth Inclusion Programme, Shelter Cymru to Denbighshire’s Family Information Service, Mental Health Advocacy Service to the Voluntary Services Council, working to ensure that all advice providers across the age and specialism spectrum are engaged and as many local people as possible have access to effective information and advice services.

In 2012 Network members lead a successful project bid to the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund, supported by the joint Conwy and Denbighshire Local Service Board, to deliver a financial inclusion and anti-poverty project across Conwy and Denbighshire.

Some of the successes from last year include:

• £10.8m in confirmed State Benefit and Tax Credit gains, a 31% increase on last year and a record high since Denbighshire County Council started in 1996.

• 246 people have been represented at appeal tribunals with a 66% success rate, mainly overturning decisions to disentitled people from Employment and Support Allowance.

• Lifting 567  children  and  997 adults above the UK and Welsh Government's 60% median income poverty lines, in total this is a 52% increase on last year and a record high.

• Raising 419 households out of fuel poverty, a 68% increase on last year and a record high.

• CAB resolved £18m of personal debt for 1761 people,  a 5% increase on last year.

Richard Jones Abbas, Denbighshire’s Welfare Rights Manager, said: “We are delighted that the Welsh Government has recognised the tremendous amount of good work going on in Denbighshire to reduce poverty and to make sure people know what they are entitled to claim.

“In this current economic climate, it is vital that people have access to lots of advice and information of where there are funds available and how to access them in times of need".

People wanting welfare rights advice can contact a number of organisations for information and support.

■ Denbighshire’s Welfare Rights team
Freephone 0800 169 6625
(Weekdays 10am -4pm)
■ Denbighshire CAB
01745 334568 or 814336.

AM calls for caravan park legislation

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood is calling for  proposed new holiday caravan park legislation to address concerns raised by the industry in North Wales.

 

Speaking in the Assembly Debate ‘Seeking the Assembly’s Agreement to Introduce a Member Proposed Bill on Holiday Caravan Park (Wales)’, Mr Isherwood called for the Bill to address the concerns of holiday park representatives in North Wales, deal with the problem of people living on holiday caravan parks all year around and protect caravan owners who are threatened with unfair eviction.

 

He said: “The industry states that, if inappropriately drafted, legislation would give rise to the increased cost and red-tape burden on an industry that is a mainstay of Welsh tourism, at a time of an extremely hard market. The industry wants to see abuses in holiday parks eradicated. However, it says that local authorities already have the powers to enforce.

 

"The industry says that the history of poor enforcement could be best addressed through giving local authorities a duty to enforce. However, the issues that are highlighted by the Bill’s proposal address the planning and site licensing of a park business, and, since the position for each park will be different in both these respects, they say that it is essential that enforcement is addressed on a case-by-case basis.”

 

Mr Isherwood asked for the Bill to tackle the problem of caravan owners living on sites all year around by calling on local authorities to make checks to ascertain that a site licence applicant is not seeking to circumvent the home park legislation by applying to license a home park site as a holiday site.

 

“The terms of Tree Tops caravan park state that the park is not a residential caravan park, and that neither Flintshire County Council, nor the park directors will allow customers to make their mobile holiday home their permanent home. This means that you will need to be able to prove that you are using your caravan holiday home within the terms of the park licence."

 

He also called for the new legislation to be designed to help caravan owners who are unfairly evicted, stating that caravan owners had complained that park owners used terms and conditions that allowed park owners to treat them arbitrarily. The Assembly agreed that the Bill's proposer, Welsh Conservative AM for Clwyd West, Darren Millar, could introduce a Bill on Holiday Caravan Parks in Wales.

 

 Mr MrMr

 

 

Musical theatre workshops to be staged in Llan

Professional dance tutor Julie Thomas is staging a two-day musical theatre workshop for children at Llangollen Town Hall during the school summer holidays on July 23 and 24.

Entitled Matilda, the workshops, which run from 10am-4pm each day, take as their theme the popular Roald Dahl book of that name. Cost is £38.

For more details, ring 07944 402474, or 07814 661165.

Shuttle bus idea aired at council meeting

A call for a shuttle bus to serve various parts of the town was made at Llangollen Town Council meeting on Tuesday night.

Town Clerk Gareth Thomas had told members he had received a number of requests from members of the public for the number 64 bus to be re-routed to take in the Maesmawr area.

Cllr Sheena Burrell said: “I think that’s a good idea because we have a bus which already takes in Pengwern, so why not other areas?

“I think it would be wonderful if we could have a shuttle bus service going round all parts of Llangollen, perhaps running once an hour.”

Cllr Phil Thane said it would be a good idea to contact the bus company to ask if they could station a small bus locally to run a service from the town centre to various estates.

Members agreed with a suggestion from the Town Clerk that a representative from the bus company be invited to attend a future council meeting to discuss various aspects of the local service.

X-Files release sheds new light on local UFO mystery

* Llandrillo where the alleged UFO incident took place in 1974.

 

The release yesterday (Friday) of official Ministry of Defence documents dealing with alleged UFO sightings has thrown fresh light on an a famous incident which took place not too far from Llangollen almost 40 years ago.

The documents, until now subject to government secrecy, have been published on the National Archives website. 

The incident, near Llandrillo between Corwen and Bala, took place on the evening of January 23, 1974, and is said by some to be an “extremely compelling UFO event”. 

According to UFO writer Billy Booth, it began many of the residents of the village heard an extremely loud noise.  

In an account published on the website About.com, he says: “Most of the citizens thought that an explosion had occurred - possibly a plane crash.  

“Those who ventured outside on this cold night were astonished to see blue and orange lights near the Cader Bronwen mountain. 

“There would be many eyewitness accounts of what was seen. The press immediately investigated the occurrence, and interviewed those close to the scene of the lights on the mountain. The first newspaper accounts made this statement: "There was a huge explosion a few minutes after 8:30 PM. From various accounts, this preceded, some say, by up to two or three minutes, a violent shaking of the ground, like a medium-sized earthquake-objects inside houses were knocked off shelves."

“Local police would arrive at the scene first, soon followed by the Royal Air Force. The area in and around the crash site was zoned off, with no one allowed to enter. A search and rescue effort would be ongoing for several days, with no information being related to interested bystanders or press personnel.

“An employee of a hotel in nearby Bala would come forward with a very interesting story. He stated that a group of men had checked into the hotel, and stayed during the search of the mountains.

“They did admit that they were involved in the mission, but could not talk about what they had seen or found at the site.

“Another account was given by a nurse who lived in Llanderfel, also close to the scene of the crash. Local police had asked for the assistance of the nurse at the crash site. She was told a plane had gone down in the area. 

“Being rushed to the scene, and not being able to get a sitter for her teenage daughters, she was forced to take them along. Driving on B4391, at 10:00 PM, the road was deserted. As she reached the foot of the mountain chain, she was shocked at what she saw... a glowing UFO.  

“She and her daughters would later relate their story to the press. They saw a UFO, which was almost intact. It was a large, circular object, and glowed an orange color.  

“They were within a couple of hundred yards of the object, and were certain of what they saw. They also saw emergency personnel, local police and military, close to the object. The nurse was instructed to immediately leave the area. She told the authorities that she was ordered to the site, but was quickly escorted from the area. 

“For several days, all roads leading to the crash area were closed to everyone but authorized personnel. The nurse was told by local shepherds that they were not allowed to tend their flocks during the operation at the mountain.

“Most of the citizens that lived near the area of the mountain crash were convinced by what they saw that a military cover-up was being conducted.

“It is still a mystery as what exactly happened on January 23, 1974 near the Berwyn Mountains of Wales.”

According to a story in the Daily Post on Friday (http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-ufo-files-really-4694422) the Ministry of Defence UFO files just released include a request from a film and TV company to the ministry to answer claims it was a spacecraft that crashed with the military removing the wreckage and two aliens, who later died, being taken to the Porton Down research centre.

The MoD is said to have turned down the company’s request.

See the MoD files at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/news/850.htm

See article by Billy Booth at: http://ufos.about.com/od/bestufocrashcases/p/wales1974.htm

Praises of Llan Eisteddfod sung in the Commons

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was yesterday (Thursday) praised in the House of Commons Chamber during a parliamentary debate on the arts and creative industries.

Local MP Susan Elan Jones spoke of the importance of the arts for international and community cohesion.

"The Llangollen international musical eisteddfod in my constituency was set up at the end of the second world war, to bring nations and cultures together," said Ms Jones.

The Eisteddfod was also praised by Labour Deputy Leader Harriet Harman MP who commented in the same debate: "One of the things that is so distinctive and admirable about Wales is its people’s love of culture and the eisteddfod tradition. I pay tribute to that."

Speaking after the debate, Susan Elan Jones MP said: "The vision and the dream that led to the creation of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod was an extraordinary one.

"And what is even more amazing is how the Eisteddfod continues and thrives today.

"As a former steward at the Eisteddfod, I am very honoured to have been invited to be a Day President on the Friday of this year's International Eisteddfod.
 
FOR HANSARD LINK, SEE:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/cmhansrd/cm130619/debtext/130619-0002.htm#130619-0002.htm_spnew111

"Worrying" rise in Welsh bus fares highlighted

According to a story on the BBC Wales news site this morning, bus fares have risen more sharply in Wales than other parts of the UK, amid warnings it could lead to people unable to pay to travel.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22999531

Town council agrees on CCTV upgrade

Llangollen Town Council has agreed to spend around £5,000 on upgrading its inefficient CCTV system.

The network of cameras helps keep a watchful eye on the streets around the town centre.

But the ageing system has become increasingly unreliable and is said to be badly in need of an upgrade.

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Town Clerk Gareth Thomas told members two of the cameras had completely broken down while others were faulty – one due to interference from a third party wi-fi system – and another was “on the cusp” of  a breakdown.

Mr Thomas revealed that the entire system had failed completely the previous Friday due to a software problem, leaving the town temporarily without its eye-in-the-sky protection until an emergency repair was made.

He said the system’s existing provider had quoted a figure of £8,000 to get the system up and running with an additional figure to upgrade it to a more modern standard. Quotations from other companies had been higher.

He told members: “I suggest we move forward with the current provider to upgrade the system. I am confident that if we go down that road we will have a system that will monitor the town.”

Mr Thomas pointed out that the total cost of an upgrade would be £500 to £600 more than had originally been budgeted for and suggested this amount should be taken from reserves.

He also suggested next year’s budget should make provision for adding “a couple more cameras” to the system.

Cllr Phil Thane asked about the initial cost of installing the cameras some years ago and what benefits the system had brought.

Mr Thomas said he believed it had originally cost around £56,000 but that only the police could say exactly how effective it had been.

However, he added: “The police say it has been a very good deterrent.”

Last year’s mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, said the cameras had initially helped cut down on an anti-social behaviour problem and that the council was still committed to the original expenditure it had made on the system.

Members agreed to take a small amount of cash from reserves to help pay for the repair and upgrade of the system.   

New cafe opens upstairs at Honey Pots

 

* Guests at the official opening of the Usual Place at Honey Pots.

An array of delicious Portuguese-style foods was laid out for guests at the official opening of a new café in the heart of Llangollen on Thursday evening.

Following a major refurbishment at Honey Pots in Castle Street, a café called the Usual Place is now in business on the first floor, run by a gentleman named Jorge.

Llanblogger, who was at the launch party, would like to wish the new venture every success.

Latest local roadworks information

Latest local roadworks information from Denbighshire County Council is:

A542 Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights until June 26 to allow installation of anti-skid measures.

Outside former Jenny Jones pub, Abbey Road, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights until June 26 to facilitate scaffolding.

Birch Hill, Llangollen, road closure until September 20 to allow water works by Welsh Water.

 

New Sainsbury's wants to be "part of the town"

* An impression of how the new Sainsbury's store will look from the air.

LLANGOLLEN’S new Sainsbury store wants to be part of the town when it opens sometime early in 2015

That was the message from one of the supermarket giant’s top managers when she gave an update on the controversial development to members of Llangollen Town Council on Tuesday night.

Jaime Powell, the company’s regional town planning manager, said: “We don’t want to come here and build a store in total isolation. We want to integrate ourselves and be part of the town.”

And referring to fears the new 20,000 square foot store, to be built alongside the River Dee on a site just off the main A5 road, would kill off trade for small shops and cafes in the town, she added:  “I think there will be benefits to both sides if we work together.”

Richard Brown, of the public relations firm JBP, which is working on behalf of developers J B Ross on the scheme and who accompanied Ms Powell at the briefing, began the hour-long session by explaining that the developers would continue to own the site and lease it to Sainsbury’s.

The basis of the whole project, he said, was that the store would be built on land currently occupied by the Dobson & Crowther printworks once the factory was demolished and the operation moves to a new purpose-built factory just across the road on farmland at Cilmedw.

He said it looked likely the new printworks would be ready later next year with work starting on the supermarket in the middle to late summer of 2015.

Mr Brown explained the new store was at “the small end” of the supermarket scale but of the “golden size” to keep customers coming back for their weekly shop

Benefits it would bring to the area, he pointed out, included up to 130 jobs – about 70 per cent part-time – which he described as “high value” ones due to Sainsbury’s comprehensive training scheme.

It would also aim to involve itself in the community by its staff taking part in local fundraising.

Mr Brown said local traders would be invited into the store’s foyer to advertise and sell their products and that Sainsbury’s bosses aimed to work with the town’s chamber of trade.

In answer to a question from Cllr Mike Pugh about where staff would be recruited from, Ms Powell replied that 90 per cent were expected to live within just one or two miles of the store.

Asked by Cllr Sheena Burrell if Sainsbury’s would be going ahead with the inclusion of a café in the store – a move opposed by town centre cafes on the grounds it will hit their trade – Ms Powell said the one proposed would be “pretty small” and not have a massive impact on existing cafes which were aimed more at tourists.

Last year’s mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, questioned whether the Dobson & Crowther site switch would ever go ahead – meaning the store could not be built.

He also asked the two representatives if they were confident that if the store does open whether it would be sustainable.

Ms Powell answered: “We are confident there is enough trade to sustain it.”

Later, she added: “Our planners think it will be worthwhile. If they didn’t think so we would be opening a smaller convenience store instead.”

Cllr Phil Thane asked if the store could be linked to the town centre through measures to encourage people to walk there from its free car park, possibly along a river pathway.

Mr Brown said this was something which could be looked into.

In answer to further questions, Ms Powell said jobs at the store would be advertised in local papers and signs on the site.

A “recruitment hub” might also be set up at the Town Hall, she added. 

Edinburgh Woollen Mill is welcomed to the town

 

* At the store opening are, from left, County Cllr Stuart Davies with the Mayor and Mayoress.

 

Denbighshire County Councillor Stuart Davies has welcomed the opening of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Shop in Llangollen earlier today (Wednesday).

 

He was invited, along with the Town Mayor, Cllr Bob Lube and the Mayoress Mrs Lube, to the grand opening.

 

Cllr Davies said he was impressed with the professionalism of the company and swift preparation of the shop.

 

He added: “It is nice to see that we are bucking the trend and am also pleased to see that people from the local area are employed here. It bodes well for the future.

 

“It goes to show that national companies are not fazed by the competition from supermarkets and even in these dire times are not afraid to open a new store, knowing full well that a supermarket will also be opening shortly.”

 

Cllr Davies said he will be assisting the management and has invited them to join in the local community groups supported by the council.

Skates hits out at planned Legal Aid cuts

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates says proposed cuts to Legal Aid by the UK Government will ‘erode the fair access to justice’ for lower income groups in North Wales.

 

The UK Government recently closed a consultation on reforming Legal Aid with plans to cut criminal legal fees by nearly 20 per cent.  Around 400 legal aid contracts will be split up around England and Wales – replacing the 1,600 firms currently accredited at present.

 

Currently 29 firms serve North Wales with Legal Aid work, with seven firms serving the Wrexham area.  This will be cut to four for the whole of North Wales under the UK Government’s plans.

 

Mr Skates said: “Unfortunately these devastating proposals will only serve to restrict access to justice for vulnerable and low-income groups in North Wales.

 

“The number of firms doing Legal Aid work will be cut to just four in North Wales, leaving many of the most vulnerable of my constituents without the specialist legal advice and representation they desperately need.

 

“By removing crucial services such as legal aid for family law and social welfare law services, it will only increase the pressure and demand being placed on other areas, such as local social services. This will mean that these plan will end up costing more money, not saving it as the Justice Minister says it will.

“Perhaps what I worry about most is that these changes could result in dangerous miscarriages of justice not to mention lead to significant job losses in the legal profession here in North Wales.”

 

The UK Government plans to award 21 contracts to provide legal aid in criminal cases in Wales – nine in South Wales and four each in Dyfed-Powys, Gwent and North Wales.  This compares to 37 being planned in the Greater Manchester area alone.

 

The AM added: “There has always been a problem in access to legal aid in some parts of Wales, with significant gaps in areas outside the major urban centres of Cardiff and Swansea.  The planned cuts will only make the situation even worse in rural areas of North Wales in particular.

 

“All that will be achieved with these cuts is to erode the fair access to justice for lower income groups and vulnerable people in North Wales.  This is completely unacceptable and the UK Government needs to think again.”

Council goes ahead with filling vacancy

Llangollen Town Council is going ahead with the process of filling a vacancy in its ranks left by the recent resignation of Tim Palmer.

Mr Palmer announced at the May meeting he and his family were leaving the UK to begin a new life abroad.

At the latest council meeting on Tuesday night, Town Clerk Gareth Thomas told members the first part of the legal process of finding a replacement was to sound out the desire for a bye-election.

This requires ten electors to sign a petition calling for a ballot but Mr Thomas said that as no such petition had been submitted by the deadline of the previous day, the second part of the process had begun.

This means co-opting a new councillor without the need for a bye-election.

Candidates for co-option need to submit a formal application by a certain date and members agreed with Mr Thomas’s suggestion this should be set at Friday, July 12.

Once all applications have been received, said Mr Thomas, it will then be up to councillors to elect their chosen candidate.

Members agreed that if more than two people put their names forward for the vacancy a special meeting council meeting will be called when the decision will be made.

If two of fewer people apply the decision will be taken during a regular council meeting. 

Bubble Car to run at Llangollen Railway this weekend

* Evan Green-Hughes in the driver’s cab

of the Bubble Car after it was delivered

to Llangollen Railway on Monday, June 17.

A single unit diesel railcar has been delivered to the Llangollen Railway for a final public appearance at its Railcar Gala weekend due to be held on June 22-23 June.

The visitor is a class 121 railcar, popularly known as a ‘Bubble Car’, which was built in 1961 by the Pressed Steel Company for use on suburban lines.

 

It has a driving position at each end of the coach and seats 65 passengers.

 

Until recently it was used by Arriva Trains Wales on the short shuttle service run between Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.

For this final appearance in service at the Llangollen gala event the railcar has been loaned by Chiltern Railways after it was withdrawn from service and delivered to the depot at Tyseley, Birmingham.

It will be joined at the gala by a similar single car unit, the class 122, as built by the Gloucester Carriage & Wagon Works in 1958, and now preserved on the Battlefield line in Leicestershire.

Evan Green-Hughes, chairman of Llangollen Railcars Group, said: “Having two Bubble Cars together on the Llangollen line will be a unique occasion and they will make an interesting contrast alongside our home based fleet of two car units.

 

"We are very grateful to Chiltern Railways for releasing the class 121 unit to us for this final appearance.

 

"The opportunity to be able to operate two of the type at our gala event has attracted a lot of interest from rail fans and we expect a big attendance from those wishing the sample the 121 for a final time.”

George Jones for Llangollen Railway added: “The visit of the single unit railcar is of interest in the 50^th anniversary of the infamous Beeching Report which led to the closure of the line from Ruabon to Barmouth.

 

"When objections were made to the closure plan in 1964, one idea promoted was the use of the railcar to maintain the service at reduced cost.

 

"However, British Rail management at the time declared that the revenue earning potential of a single unit railcar would be insufficient to cover the maintenance costs of the 52 mile line and the idea was not adopted.

 

"Ruabon to Barmouth remained a steam train operation to the end in January 1965 and no attempt was made to rationalise the railway or to introduce diesel trains.

“This weekend visitors will have the opportunity to see how the line might have operated post Dr Beeching if it has been reprieved from closure.

 

"With a near half hourly service on the 7.5 mile route between Llangollen and Carrog, the railcars will provide the opportunity to sit behind the driver and see the way ahead, something travellers can not do on the national network."

"Certain trains during the gala event will run on to the Railway’s line extension towards Corwen, which means visitors can see what has been achieved so far at the railhead at Bonwm and learn about the plan to reach Corwen East in 2013."

 

He added: “Sadly, the gala will also see the last working of the popular Great Western Auto train as the steam locomotive, Pannier Tank No.6430, is due to be withdrawn from service for its ten year overhaul.

 

"Since it was rebuilt from a kit of parts at Llangollen and returned to service in 2003, the engine has operated with two restored Great Western auto-coaches and provided an opportunity to sample a real branch line train of the 1940s.

 

"No.6430 has been much travelled during its ten year career visiting many other heritage lines in Britain and becoming a splendid representative for the Llangollen Railway. It is hoped the overhaul can be fast tracked to ensure an early return of this popular engine.”

Details of the special timetable for the weekend can be viewed on the Llangollen Railway’s website at: Llangollen-Railway.co.uk

Operatic stars honoured at annual meeting

On Tuesday 4^th June, Llangollen Operatic Society held its Annual General Meeting in the studio.

During the course of the meeting the new Committee was elected and two awards were presented: the John Evans Memorial Trophy, awarded to the member judged to have given the best performance in the recent production of Anything Goes, and the Diana Gay Rose Bowl, presented to the member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Society over the year.

President, Phyllis Reeves, had a difficult task in choosing the winner of the John Evans Trophy this year as there was a real abundance of talent.

However, she made a great decision in selecting Louisa Jones, who played Reno Sweeney and newcomer Paul Bailey, who played Billy Crocker, as the joint recipients.

The winners were announced by Ann Evans, widow of John and mother of longstanding member, Nia.

Unfortunately, neither Louisa nor Paul could be present at the meeting to receive the award in person but both said they were delighted and honoured to have been chosen.

The winner of the Diana Gay Bowl was Pamela Williams. This award was voted for by the membership and was presented by Paul Gay in memory of his late wife who was a talented wardrobe mistress and treasured member and friend for many years.

Members nominated Pamela for her creativity, skills and enormous patience in choreographing the main dance numbers in the annual production and for the Troupe, both this year and in previous years.

Another highlight of the meeting was unanimous decision to confer life membership on Jean Evans. Jean has been a member of the operatic for many years and during that time has made an enormous contribution both on stage and off.

Most recently, Jean has been responsible for the wonderful hairstyles, wigs and fascinators that are always completely appropriate to the period of the show and never fail to add a touch of glamour!

Thanks to all who attended the meeting, to Ann Evans and Paul Gay for presenting the awards and best wishes to the new Committee for the coming year!

Helen Belton and We believe this is a very good deal and in addition to getting an evening of great entertainment you will be making a valued contribution towards the cost of putting on what is guaranteed to be a fantastic show. If you or your company would be interested or you know of someone who would be, please inbox me or call me on 07989 985644. eople, a drink each from the bar, programmes, prominent display of your/ your company's name and the chance to display and distribute your marketing material during the evening.Louisa Jones

Publicity@llangollen-operatic.co.uk

Chain Bridge gets £50,000 facelift boost

 

* The Chain Bridge has been awarded £50,000 towards its facelift.

 

The world-famous Chain Bridge has been awarded £50,000 for restoration  and refurbishment.

 

The project will see the bridge re-opened to pedestrians using chains from the original bridge.

 

This will open up the access route between the Llangollen Canal and Berwyn Halt railway station for the first time in 30 years.

 

The grant award has been given by WREN, a not for profit business which awards grants to community, environmental and heritage projects across the UK from funds donated by FCC Environment to the Landfill Communities Fund.

 

In addition to the physical restoration works an interpretive and education plan will be prepared to ensure that the history of the bridge is well-documented and interpreted to a wide audience which will raise awareness about the bridge and its importance.

 

Meleri Jones, Grant Manager for WREN, said: “We are pleased to support the restoration of the Chain Bridge which is of historical importance for the area. We look forward to it being restored and for local residents and tourists alike to be able to cross the bridge once again."

 

The project will positively enhance the visual appearance of a structure that is currently dilapidated and unsightly and be more in keeping with the World Heritage site and other proposed improvements in the area.

 

Gareth Thomas, Clerk to Llangollen Town Council, said: "We are delighted with the grant award and this takes us a step closer to being able to re-open the bridge.

 

"We are now crossing our fingers for a positive response to an application made to the Heritage Lottery for a further £300,000 grant.”

 

Ambulances take twice target time to arrive, say reports

The BBC and other media are reporting today that ambulances took over twice the target time of eight minutes to respond to 11,000 emergency calls in Wales last year, according to latest figures.

For the full story see: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22922211

Town's food festival makes national top 10

 

* Rob Price from Cadwyn Clwyd with food festival chair Colin Loughlin and Llangollen butcher Gwyn Davies.

 

Hamper Llangollen was named in the Top 10 food festivals in Britain by a national newspaper.

 

The accolade has delighted the organisers of the popular event that will be celebrating its 16th anniversary when it's held on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20.

 

More good news came when it was revealed the festival won a special award from Llangollen Town Council for its contribution to the commercial life of the town.

 

It's estimated the event pumps nearly £400,000 into the local economy every year with £156,000 being spent at the event and a further £234,000 being spent in the town and the surrounding area.

 

Among the first to applaud the festival was Alun Davies, Minister for Natural Resources and Food.

 

He said: “I would like to congratulate Llangollen Food Festival in their excellent achievement in The Independent's Top 10 Food Festivals in Britain, as well as gaining a special award from Llangollen Town Council for its contribution to the commercial life of the town. 

 

"Food festivals are an excellent way of showcasing the very best of Welsh produce and, I know from my visit to the Llangollen Food Festival last year, that it is a great example of this."

 

Colin Loughlin, chair of the local committee that runs the festival was also delighted.

He HehEhsaid: "I am extremely proud that Hamper Llangollen has received this fantastic recognition of being acknowledged as a top 10 food festival in the whole of the UK.

 

"We are the only North Wales festival to be honoured by the Independent.

 

"The  festival has gone from strength to strength since it was taken over by a local committee in 2011.

 

"The success of Hamper Llangollen is a mark of the quality of the people we have on the committee. Everybody is pulling their weight and the way it has come together is very rewarding.

 

"I think the magic ingredient in the success of the festival is the location, the town of Llangollen and the people who live here.

 

"One of our priorities has been to integrate better with the town by involving the school, the Llangollen Silver Band and local choirs.

 

"We're making a positive contribution the local economy. After last year's event, local traders told us they were delighted with the amount of business we brought to the town. They had a very, very business weekend.

 

"This year Graham Tinsley, the star of ITV's Taste the Nation and a former captain of the Welsh Culinary Team, will be joined in the show kitchen at the festival by the ever popular Dai Chef.

 

"They have done a great deal to raise the profile of real, honest to goodness food and their crusade chimes perfectly with our mission to promote the value of our indigenous producers who bring great taste and traceability to the table.

 

"We have a wonderful array of fantastic food producers clustered in the area and the festival is the perfect shop window for them.

 

"A food festival is so much better and more interesting than going to the supermarket because here you can sample the food and talk to the producers.

 

"Hamper Llangollen is celebrating its 16th anniversary this year and is firmly and rightly established as a major highlight in the UK's culinary calendar."

 

Robert Price, Cadwyn Clwyd's agri-food project officer, said: "In addition to many favourites, we have lots of new food producers wanting to come this year.

 

"The location of the Pavilion is absolutely  spectacular - I can't imagine that any other food festival in the UK has a more beautiful setting.

 

"It's also brilliant news for the local economy. If you buy from a local producer, all that money is recycled through the local economy and that sustains employment in our rural areas."

 

For more information about Hamper Llangollen 2013 go to: www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

Make cancer a priority, say Welsh Conservatives

Welsh Conservatives have called on the Welsh Government to make cancer a priority and improve services and treatments for patients across Wales.

 

Summing up their Assembly Debate on the Cancer Delivery Plan this week, North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood emphasised the need for Local Health Boards to publish their cancer delivery plans and ensure that cancer services are timely, person-centred and that people’s clinical and wider non-clinical needs, including access to financial advice and support, are met.

 

Mr Isherwood said: “As Shadow Health Minister Darren Millar AM (Clwyd West) stated, cancer is still the leading cause of death in Wales, and it must be a priority for Welsh Government and NHS, but the process is far from working well.

 

“It is not right that Wales has a higher proportion of people dying from cancer than the rest of the UK or that cancer survival rates in Wales are well below the European average.”

 

He added: “ As Janet Finch-Saunders AM (Aberconwy) stated, there has been a 70% improvement in cancer survival rates since 1992. One of those cancer survivors is one of my own daughters, who is now living a full and happy life, after having been diagnosed as a teenager. However, there are concerns about the implementation of the cancer delivery plan, especially with regard to early intervention, public awareness and inconsistency across Wales.”

 

Mr Isherwood also referred to the points raised in the debate by fellow North Wales AM Antoinette Sandbach AM.

 

He said: “Antoinette expressed alarm that more than 8,000 people are dying as a result of cancer in Wales every year and that cancer patients in England are five times more likely to have access to new cancer drugs than patients in Wales, while the NHS spends millions on free paracetamol, which is available for 20p at local supermarkets.”

 

Mr Isherwood welcomed the Health Minister’s statement that he will be supporting the motion and that he shares concerns over waiting times and publication of the LHB plans.

He added: “I hope that his words will now become proven actions, and that, in future, people - practitioners, patients and politicians - will all have full access to all of the information that they need and deserve.”

Latest roadworks information ...

Latest roadworks notified by Denbighshire County Council are:

A542 Horseeshoe Pass, June 17-26, temporary traffic lights to allow installation of anti-skid measures.

Outside former Jenny Jones pub, Abbey Road, Llangollen, until June 26, temporary traffic lights to facilitate scaffolding.

Birch Hill, Llangollen, until September 4, road closure to allow work by Welsh Water.