New team is turning tide of rural crime

* Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Winston Roddick,

with Sergeant Rob Taylor.

A special police taskforce is turning the tide of rural crime in North Wales - and "setting a benchmark" for the UK.

The dedicated team was set up six months ago by North Wales Police at the request of Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick and it has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of countryside offences.

These include such diverse offences as livestock rustling, theft of farm machinery, badger digging and stealing rare birds eggs.

Since the North Wales Police Rural Crime Team was introduced the number of rural incidents has been recorded on a daily basis.

After peaking in October at 116, they have been dropping steadily with 72 in January, a fall of nearly 40 per cent.

Winston Roddick said: “During my campaign for the post of Police and Crime Commissioner I visited livestock markets and met farmers and members of the rural communities and without exception they pointed to how much crime was taking place in the countryside.

“These offences ran into millions of pounds and this reinforced the view expressed to me that we should dedicate more resources to combating rural crime.

“Even though the countryside is sparsely populated it contributes an enormous amount to the Welsh economy so it is entitled to effective policing and when I took that to the Chief Constable it was accepted immediately and acted upon immediately.

"Since then the Rural Crime Team has made an excellent start and they are setting a benchmark for the rest of the UK. Their work is attracting a great deal of interest from other forces.”

The team is headed by Sergeant Rob Taylor who has four full-time police constables distributed across North Wales and they are supported by a network of PCSOs and special constables.

Natural Resources Wales are partnering North Wales Police in the venture and it has been warmly welcomed by the rural community including the farming unions.

Sergeant Taylor said: “There wasn’t a dedicated crime team for the countryside although many years ago there used to be a farm liaison officer and a lot of farmers told me they regretted the loss of the position.

“But now we have a task force and the results speak for themselves and we have had very positive feedback nationally so that we are seen as a benchmark of best practice and have had other forces from England and Wales showing interest in what we do.

“We have a number of offences being dealt with by the courts including a string of stolen quad bikes, one of which we traced to Bolton and the theft of pheasant feeders near Bangor and we’re currently investigating badger baiting offences in the Holywell area while we also work with the RSPCA on cruelty cases.

“We use intelligence-led policing and make use of data which we analyse so that we put resources where they’re needed and when they’re needed.”

FUW Meirionnydd county executive officer Huw Jones said: “Investment in tackling rural crime is a great boost for the farming economy and has enhanced the safety of rural and isolated communities.

“Winston Roddick has consulted closely with the farming community and with us in the FUW, and we appreciate the close liaison.

“He has attended livestock markets such as Dolgellau on several occasions, attended FUW meetings and he has listened carefully to our views and taken our concerns on board.

“We congratulate Mr Roddick and his team on their successful strategy to tackle rural crime in North Wales and are hopeful that they will carry on keeping our rural communities safe.”

Sgt Taylor added: “The drop is encouraging, however these are very early days and there is still a lot of hard work ahead for the team and our partner agencies.

“This isn’t a solo effort and we rely so much on our farming unions for their support and also our colleagues at the NRW for their invaluable assistance.

“We have hit the ground running with the new team and we still have a long way to go, however we have a detailed structure and a plan to work to and we are optimistic that this will pay off and reduce crime in our rural communities and increase public confidence.”

North Wales Police’s Rural Crime Team officers can be contacted via the North Wales Police system by dialling 101 or by e-mailing direct to the team Ruralcrimeteam@north-wales.police.uk

Plas Newydd is open for the new season

* Plas Newydd is open to visitors again.

Llangollen’s own stately home is open for a new season.

Details of Plas Newydd’s latest season were given by its manager Kevin Pennington, heritage team leader for Denbighshire County Council which looks after the attraction, at this week's meeting of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism.

The meeting was held in the small gallery building close to the house, which was once the home of the legendary Ladies of Llangollen.   

He said Plas Newydd was open from April until September 30 and closed only on Tuesdays.

Opening times are 10am until 5pm with last admissions at 4pm.

Entrance fees are £5.50 for adults and £4.50 concessions, with a 10 per cent discount for groups such as coach parties of 15 or more.

Mr Pennington explained that because space inside the house was limited talks on its history are given by guides outside the front entrance leaving people to explore inside at their own pace.

A significant boost to attendance figures had come recently, he said, when parties from cruise ships docking at Liverpool started to be brought over to visit Plas Newydd.

There were also regular groups of visitors from historical societies.

Another feature of Plas Newydd, said Mr Pennington, was the on-site tearoom, which is also open from April-September.

This has 32 covers outside in the courtyard and a further 25 inside and offers a menu including plenty of home-made food.

He told chamber members: “It’s not just about getting people to Plas Newydd but also getting them to return.”

He then invited them to join him on a guided tour of the historic building.  

Details of bus services changes from Sunday

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies has passed on details of bus service revisions affecting Llangollen from Sunday.

The information, from the county council, says:

"Some bus services in Corwen and Llangollen change on and from May 18th, principally owing to decisions by Wrexham County Borough Council to withdraw some of its bus subsidy.

"We have a new timetable book dated May 24th (to coincide with the majority of changes, outside Llangollen).

"Here in the meantime is a summary of the Corwen & Llangollen changes:

Service 5 Llangollen - Wrexham (Mondays to Fridays)

The 0740 Corwen to Llangollen section is withdrawn and this bus will commence from Llangollen at 0800. Corwen passengers may catch the X94 at 0735.

There are additional journeys at 0638 from Vauxhall Industrial Estate to Llangollen and at 0700 from Llangollen to Wrexham at 0700.

Service 5A Wrexham - Llangollen - Chirk (Sundays & Bank Holidays)

The section of route between Llangollen and Chirk is WITHDRAWN. It is replaced by a new Sunday/Bank Holiday timetable for the 5A/C that sees a broadly half-hourly service between Llangollen and Wrexham between 1000 and 1900. There are no services after 1900.

Service X5 Corwen - Ruthin/Denbigh

No change

Service 64 Llangollen to Llanarmon DC

Service revised from 10 to six departures per day Mondays to Saturdays

Service 91/95 Melin y Wig - Corwen - Llangollen/Wrexham

No change

X94 Barmouth - Corwen - Llangollen - Wrexham

No change

Service 97 Llangollen - Pengwern

No change following revision to service on and from April 28th.

98 Llangollen - Rhewl - Pentredŵr

No change

Legend's great-nephew to sing in Sweeney Todd

The great-nephew of one of Wales’s greatest singers is to sing with alongside operatic great Bryn Terfel at this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

 

Thirty years ago Terfel was inspired and helped by the legendary Sir Geraint Evans and now Berwyn Pearce, 26, (pictured right) is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his great-uncle, Sir Geraint Evans and carve out a musical career.

 

His big break comes this July after being called in as a late replacement for one of the starring roles in Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the curtain-raiser to this year’s Eisteddfod in Llangollen on Monday, July 7.

 

Bryn Terfel heads a star-studded cast which also includes Carmarthen tenor Wynne Evans, Gio Compario of the Go Compare TV ads, and top soprano Shan Cothi.

 

And taking the role of the young sailor, Anthony Hope, who falls in love with Todd’s daughter, Johanna, is Berwyn, a Welsh-speaker from Cilfynydd, near Pontypridd, home village of Sir Geraint, a miner’s son who died in 1992.

 

He was a star of the Royal Opera House and, like Bryn Terfel (pictured left), a bass-baritone who performed in the great opera houses of the world in roles such as Falstaff and Figaro.

 

Bryn Terfel, who sang at Sir Geraint’s memorial service, said: “He was an inspiration to young Welsh singers like me and he helped me when I first started out. It’s fantastic that I may now also be able to help Berwyn along the way as well and I’m really looking forward to it.”

 

It had looked a case of so near and yet so far for Berwym, a teacher at Cwmderwen Primary School, in Blackwood, in Gwent, who had been short-listed for the role of Anthony at auditions in Cardiff.

 

He reached the final auditions, attended by Bryn himself, but just missed out to another young tenor, Tom Hier, from Merthyr, who has had to drop out because of final year college commitments at the Guildford School of Acting.

 

Now he’s got his chance and he’s thrilled at the prospect: “I’m over the moon,” he said: “I’ve come off the bench and got my chance.

 

“I got down to the last two and didn’t get the part and that was worse than getting turned down in the first round but then I was told that the part was mine because Tom couldn’t make the main rehearsals.

 

“My family are absolutely thrilled, especially my mum (Jane Pearce) who is the daughter of Sir Geraint’s sister. She’s like all mums, she takes things harder than I do and she’s more excited when things go well.”

 

Berwyn, a graduate of the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, remembers visiting his famous great-uncle at his holiday home in Aberaeron before his death in 1992.

 

He said: “I remember him as an elderly man when we went to visit but I was very close to my Auntie Brenda, Uncle Geraint’s widow, and his family.

 

“I’m so chuffed for them really and one of the first people we rang was Uncle Huw, Geraint’s son and I’m hoping he’ll be coming to see me in the performance.

 

“The school where I teach have been great too. They’ve been checking on my progress and they’re delighted I’ve got this chance.

 

“It’s a brilliant opportunity. I played the part in college and I’d always wanted the chance to do it again because it’s one of the best musicals there is so it’s huge for me.”

 

He will be playing alongside Lauren Morris, from Solihull, as the star-crossed young lovers and he added: “She’s a lovely girl and it will be great to sing with her.

 

“That’s one of the great things about this business. You get to meet and work with so many different and talented people.

 

“It will be incredible to perform with Bryn Terfel, especially because of who my great-uncle was, but that won’t count for anything in the performance.”

 

Terfel himself chose the three young unknowns – 14-year-old Dewi Wykes, from Llangynhafal, near Ruthin, a pupil of Ysgol Brynhyfryd, will play urchin Tobias Ragg – for Sondheim’s acclaimed show which was first performed in 1979.

 

They were whittled down from over 80 hopefuls who took part in auditions at the Wales Millennium Centre, in Cardiff, and the Royal International Pavilion, in Llangollen

Terfel said: “It was a wonderful standard, the standard one would expect for Llangollen, and to have Sir Geraint’s great nephew there is a real bonus.

 

“It’s a one-off performance and I can’t wait. It will be a special day in Llangollen when we perform Sweeney.”

 

Alongside Bryn making the decision was Eisteddfod Musical Director Eilir Owen Griffiths who said: “Tom was obviously desperately disappointed but the main rehearsal coincided with his graduation production at the end of a three year course.

 

“But these things happen and it means a wonderful opportunity for Berwyn and that’s just the magic of the business where an understudy can step in and take the first steps to stardom.

 

“That’s one of our roles at the Eisteddfod, to provide chances for young talent to flourish and there can be no bigger opportunity than to sing alongside a legend like Bryn Terfel.

 

“It was so close between Tom and Berwyn for the part. Berwyn is a class act and a strong, strong contender who will bring a special performance to the role – he is a good looking young man with a real presence.”

 

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by Sondheim is set in 19^th century London and tells the story of the crazed barber who murders his clients and supplies the bodies to his accomplice, piemaker Mrs Lovett.

 

Sondheim’s multi-award winning classic was first performed on Broadway in 1979 and has since been a regular production across the world and on the big screen in 2007 when superstar Johnny Depp played Todd and Helena Bonham Carter was Mrs Lovett.

 

Bryn Terfel, who took the role in 2002 in Chicago, is fresh from a performance of it by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at the Lincoln Center in New York in March when Oscar-winner Emma Thompson played Mrs Lovett.

 

He said: “That was a fair crack of the whip with lots of blood, playing this man driven by revenge.

 

“It was very impressive to have Stephen Sondheim there and telling you what he thought of the performance. It’s his favourite work and has been performed all over the world and made into a Hollywood blockbuster.

 

“It will be special doing it in Llangollen with Gareth Jones there conducting the Sinfonia Cymru and I can’t wait.”

 

It will be the first time he has performed on the International Eisteddfod stage since he opened the 2006 festival, his first appearance at Llangollen in a decade.

 

Sweeney Todd will be the curtain raiser to six tremendous days at Llangollen which begin on Tuesday, July 8, with this year’s concerts featuring Dutch jazz diva Caro Emerald, American tenor star Noah Stewart, a new work by composer Karl Jenkins, the Cape Town Opera, the Choir of the World competition on Saturday night and legendary British rockers Status Quo closing the event on Sunday night.

 

To book tickets and for more information on the 2014 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk                                                                                                                          

 

 

Man dies following Sunday's A5 collision

North Wales Police have confirmed that following a serious road traffic collision on the A5 between Corwen and Llangollen last Sunday 11^th May 2014 a 26 year old local man has, this afternoon (Wednesday) sadly passed away.

 

Senior Investigating Officer Sergeant Gwyndaf Jones of the Roads Policing Unit at St Asaph said: “Shortly after 1.20pm on Sunday 11^th May 2014 North Wales Police and other emergency services responded to the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the A5 between Corwen and Llangollen involving a white Peugeot van and a green VW Passat. 

 

"Sadly, the driver of the Peugeot, 26 year old Corwen man Ieuan Christopher Hearn, has passed away as a result of the injuries he sustained.  The driver of the Passat sustained minor injuries."

 

Speaking on behalf of the family Ieuan’s mother Philomena Hearn said: “Ieuan will be greatly missed by his family and friends and his loss will leave a huge hole in our lives.  We’d also like to add our sincere appreciation to Ambulance and hospital staff who did all they could to save his life and ask that we may be given time and privacy to try and come to terms with this terrible news."

 

Sergeant Jones added: “A full investigation is underway into the cause and we’d like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the collision to contact Police on 101 and quote reference RC14069696.”

Operatic stages a groovy Mikado

* The fab cast of the Mikado.

It’s the Mikado – but not as traditional Gilbert & Sullivan fans know it.

But don’t worry about that because it’s still brilliant.

With a setting that owes more to a classic episode of Top of the Pops than ancient Japan, Llangollen Operatic Society is currently staging an updated interpretation of the evergreen operetta planted firmly in the 1970s, complete with mini-skirts, flared trousers and dodgy hairstyles.

But although the backdrop has been changed the powerful music for which the piece is famous retains the same memorable clarity and quality as the esteemed original.

And, judging by the Wednesday opening night, Llangollen Operatic has rarely made such a beautiful noise, to steal an expression from that seventies song by Neil Diamond.

Every one of the cast gives it all they’ve got, whether singing solo, in close harmony or as a chorus. In fact, some of the chorus work is so powerful that at times you think it might blast you out of your Town Hall seat and right back to the Decade that Time Forgot.

Leading the charge is the professional tenor Christopher Diffey (pictured right) whom the Operatic has had the great good fortune to sign up for the lead role of Nanki-Poo.

He’s the young man who turns out to be much more than the wandering minstrel of his introductory song - in fact, the heir to the throne of  Japan.

His command of the part is total and his vocal contributions simply breathtaking.

But, that said, there’s no way his talents overshadow other members of the cast.

He’s matched note for note by Helen Belton who plays Nanki-Poo’s love interest, Yum Yum.

In strong support as Yum Yum’s two friends – together they make up those legendary Three Little Maids from School – are the magnificent Jo Potts and Karen Davies.        

Producing a fine performance balanced deftly between vocal brilliance and comic genius is Justine Bradey as Katisha, Nanki-Poo’s brassy would-be spouse who struts the stage like a scary Titipu Lily Savage.

The Mikado, whatever version, is notable for its comic characters and they don’t come much better than the fab foursome of Jim Allen as Pooh Bah, the man who holds just about every job in Titipu apart from street sweeper, Richard Mascarenhas as Koko, the Lord High Executioner, whose comic edge is as sharp as his samurai sword, Dave Short, a doddery delight as the Mikado himself, and Kieran Davie as the perfect Pish Tush.

And let’s not forget the members of the choruses – ladies and gents - who bind together the action by making some truly terrific sounds.  

The whole thing is a credit to director Chrissie Ashworth, her co-director/choreographer Pamela Williams and musical director Owen Roberts, who heads up the small but powerful ensemble of musicians.

As Koko might have said in his seventies way of putting things – the Mikado is just groovy, man!  

The show is also on tonight (Thursday), Friday and Saturday evening. Tickets, priced at £9 and £7.50 concessions, are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre in Castle Street (01978 860828), Jades Hair & Beauty in Oak Street and Stella Bond (01978 860441).

Mikado opens tonight at the Town Hall

Don't forget Llangollen Operatic Society's production of The Mikado opens tonight at the Town Hall ...

Wales jobless total falls

Wales Online is reporting that the Welsh unemployment has fallen to 6.8% for the 16-plus age group, according to figures released this morning for the first three months of this year.

The number of unemployed people in Wales fell by 5,000 from the previous quarter to 100,000.

For the full story see: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/unemployment-rate-wales-falls-68-7117143

Chamber discusses its meeting with Sainsburys

* Flashback to last February when chamber members opposed the HSBC bank closure.

Members of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism had their long-awaited meeting with bosses from Sainsbury’s recently.

And details of their discussions were given to chamber members at their latest meeting, which was held at Plas Newydd on Monday evening.

Chamber publicity officer Simon Collinge said himself and three other members met with a number of senior managers from the supermarket chain, which is due to open a new store off the Berwyn Street in Llangollen next year.

Mr Collinge said: “We mainly focused on the issue of the café to be included in the new store.

“Two years ago, the chamber voted quite democratically to support the plan for the store so long as no café or deli was included on the grounds that these would be detrimental to businesses in the town.

“However, when the plan went before Denbighshire planning committee a café was included and the thing went through.

“One of the Sainsbury’s managers at the meeting, who was their development manager for the area, said it would not be possible to withdraw the café as it is their policy that all new stores should have one.

“We did push the issue and asked her to go back to the next level in Sainsburys. We asked her to go back to her boss and see if they will reconsider, after all the Sainbsury’s at Oswestry has no café.”

Chamber chairman David Davies, who was also at the meeting with Sainsbury’s, told members that he had asked the company’s representatives to consider putting in an additional access point to the new store, from the corner of the car park, which would be through an archway and down some steps.

He explained: “We took them out and showed them the site and I think they recognised that the existing footpath is not very attractive. There is a possibility that something might be done, I think.”

Simon Collinge said another thing to come out of the meeting was that Sainsburys wants to engage with the community and would allow the promotion and sale of local products, possibly with a display in the foyer.

Chamber secretary Ian Parry said the issue of recruitment to the store had also been discussed and that the team from Sainsburys had said there would be a total of 130 full and part-time jobs which would be filled from the local area.

The store manager would possibly also be recruited in the area to bring some local knowledge to the job, he added.

David Davies said: “We had been asking them for this meeting for some time because if you have a dialogue with them maybe you can have some influence. I will keep members informed about progress and any feedback.”

Local banking

* Another issue brought up at Monday’s chamber meeting was banking in the town.

Members raised the question of whether other banks in Llangollen had picked up extra business as a result of the closure of HSBC last February, which the chamber strongly opposed.

Adrian Roberts, who was there representing Barclays, said this had been the case.

Questioned by members about the latest redundancies to affect Barclays, he replied: “Our branch is the town will definitely be remaining open. It is the investment part of the bank where the jobs are to go.”        

County council draws up its events calendar

The county council is currently drawing up its calendar of events for Denbighshire.

Officers are asking for details of local events that people would like to see included to be sent to them by this Thursday, May 15.

They say full details should be sent to: vicki.shenton@denbighshire.gov.uk

Once the final calendar has been approved, the aim is to publicise the events on a variety of online websites including the Denbighshire County Council's website, NE Wales website.

Calls for long-term neonatal plan at Glan Clwyd

Baby unit will stay in north Wales

 

First Minister Carwyn Jones has been challenged to provide a long-term plan to develop high-quality neonatal services in North Wales.

 

Plaid Cymru’s North Wales AM Llyr Gruffydd said today’s announcement that a neonatal centre of excellence would be located in Glan Clwyd was an embarrassing u-turn after the government had approved moving neonatal intensive care to Arrowe Park last year.

 

The move across the border was met with huge opposition from parents and the wider community. The decision was made against the recommendation of clinicians.

 

Llyr Gruffydd said:  “Neonatal staff and families have had two years of uncertainty due to poor management from both health board and the Cardiff Labour Government over neonatal care in North Wales. The consultation ignored clinicians, who wanted to retain intensive care for newborn babies in the North, as well as those most directly affected - the parents.

 

“The move to Arrowe Park sparked huge protests and forced the First Minister to commission this review after he had endorsed the original decision. This embarrassing climbdown, which means that a centre of excellence is being established in the North, has only happened because of local campaigning.

 

"This should never have happened and the First Minister owes North Wales an apology for his government’s dithering.

 

“Now we need to end the uncertainty once and for all. There are many caveats in this statement and the First Minister should give assurances on funding to meet the recommendations in this report.

 

“We need a commitment from this government to build the expertise to provide a high-quality neonatal service for the North that takes into consideration our geographical and transport challenges.

 

"That commitment has to be a long-term one – to ensure we have specialist doctors and advanced neonatal nurse practitioners trained up to do the job. This, we were told, will take 10 years and need coordination with the Deanery.

 

 “We also need guarantees that there will be investment in infrastructure, for example improving the ambulance service to transport babies more effectively. "Will the First Minister provide that commitment?"

 

* There was also a response to the announcement from North Wales Lib Dem Assembly Member Aled Roberts.

He said: “Naming the location is one thing, but people in North Wales need assurances regarding both the staffing levels and the timeline for implementation.

 

“Sadly, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has historically failed to provide proper staffing levels within neo-natal units.  Such failings can’t be allowed to continue.  It’s essential that we are shown evidence that staffing levels will finally be addressed.

 

“Having made the decision on a new neonatal intensive care centre the Welsh Labour Government must now ensure the Health Board has robust plans in place to ensure the issue of recruitment is tackled.  The long term aim must be to develop a centre of real excellence so that the most vulnerable infants can be treated in North Wales.”

County commits to age friendly communities

Denbighshire County Council has made a commitment to play its part in creating age friendly communities county-wide.

At its meeting in County Hall, Ruthin today (Tuesday), the council agreed to sign a pledge to take forward work based on the World Health Organisation and the United Nations' principles to make their communities more age friendly.

The pledge,  known as the Dublin Declaration due to Ireland's presidency of the EU, highlights the need to create age friendly places, with a key focus on promoting awareness of older people, their rights, needs and potentials, as well as highlighting the positive social, economic and cultural contribution made by them.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Social Care, Adult and Children's Services, who is also Denbighshire's Older People's Champion, said: "People are living longer in our communities and we need to respond positively to this. It's not just about allowing people to live independently in their own homes. It's about celebrating the ageing population and listening to their views on what kind of opportunities we should explore to keep them fit, active and to participate in local community life.

"Living in a community that is sensitive to individual needs is something we all want to experience.  As the number of people living longer increases it's really important that councils consider ways to adapt surroundings and buildings to reflect the needs of an ageing population.

"Denbighshire is pleased to be signing up to this pledge and to raising awareness of older people issues in the county."

Following the declaration each council in Wales will participate in a national network, facilitated by Ageing Well in Wales, to collaborate on making changes, for example to buildings, homes, parks, leisure , planning, transport in order to help people living in their community to age well and lead positive lives,  irrespective of their age.

The Welsh Government recently announced phase three of their Strategy for Older People – Living Longer, Ageing Well (2013-2023) which sets the challenge to make our shared spaces welcoming, safe and accessible for older people.

Details of road closure near Oswestry

The Shropshire Star today has details of a road closure near Oswestry which may affect anyone from Llangollen travelling through that area.

For full details see: http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2014/05/13/shropshire-drivers-hit-by-another-road-closure/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

AMs hit out over "huge" housing benefits rise

TWO Assembly Members have condemned the UK Government after a “huge” rise in the number of people claiming housing benefits in Denbighshire was revealed.

Labour AMs Ken Skates and Ann Jones hit out at the Conservative-led Westminster coalition after the figures from the Department of Work and Pensions showed an 11% increase in the number of people being forced to rely on state help – the biggest rise anywhere in Wales.

The statistics, which show the surge in claimants from May 2010 to November 2013, also reveal a 60% increase in the number of working people in Denbighshire needing Government support, the second-highest in North Wales behind Wrexham.

Clwyd South AM Mr Skates said: “Since the Tories came into power, the total number of claimants in Denbighshire has gone up from 7,444 to 8,227 – a rise of 11%, which is the biggest in the whole of Wales. The number of working adults requiring state help has also rocketed from 778 to 1,248 – a huge increase of 60%.

“Altogether, across North Wales, more than 7,000 working people are having to claim housing benefit to make ends meet. These figures, caused by the Conservatives’ crippling austerity programme, are frankly disgusting and are a damning reiteration of the fact the Tories’ policies are hurting people here badly.

“The reality is that people are hundreds of pounds a year worse off under this UK Government, and the cost of living crisis they have created cannot be denied when people working hard to provide for their families need help to put a roof over their heads.”

Vale of Clwyd AM, Ms Jones said: “The ideologically driven and spiteful Tory welfare reform agenda has not made an iota of positive impact or indeed made the system fairer. The spiralling housing benefit bill for Denbighshire alone shows that the Tories are doing nothing to tackle the cost of living crisis that so many hard-working families are facing.

“People in Denbighshire are £522 worse off under the UK coalition Government and their tough their pernicious, spiteful policies are punishing those who can least afford it while millionaire mates of Cameron and co get huge tax breaks.”

Department of Work and Pensions figures:
 

                                May 2010                       Nov 2013                                 % Change

                        Employed    Total           Emp.               Total                 Emp          Total

                        Claimants   Claimants     Claimants       Claimants         Claimants  Claimants

Denbighshire        778          7,444           1,248                 8,227             60%               11%

Wales                23,923        236,111        38,003              249,350           59%              6%

Queen's Baton relay heads for county

The countdown has begun ahead of the Queen's Baton Relay's visit to Denbighshire later this month - with last minute arrangements being put in place to numerous events arranged to mark this historic occasion.

The Baton is visiting a handful of counties in Wales as part of its journey to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer, with Denbighshire having the honour of being the final leg of the Baton's journey in Wales.

Residents and visitors to Denbighshire are encouraged to support the Baton's visit and to attend events being held in Rhyl, Ruthin, Moel Famau and the final event at Coed Llandegla (Oneplanet Adventure site).

The baton relay routes and associated events are:

Rhyl Harbour  (9am-4pm)
The baton is welcomed into Denbighshire during the official opening of Rhyl Harbour.  At the beginning of the event, families will be able to enjoy a festival of colour and activities, including face painting, a treasure trail, bouncy castle, food, demonstrations from rescue services, kite surfing, watersports on Marine Lake and so much more.  For further details visit www.loverhyl.co.uk .  The baton  will be present between 9am and 9.30am.


Rhyl Harbour to marsh tracks baton relay (9.30am-10.00am)
Eight local baton bearers, Sioned Terry, Michael Kitchin, Nathan Montgomery, Callum Perrin, Jamie Turley, James Morgan, Tracey Jones and Gerallt Allen will carry the baton between the two Rhyl events. Starting from the harbour at 9.30am, around Marine Lake to promote water sport activities, over the railway footbridge and along the countryside services path at Glan Morfa and into the Marsh tracks cycling centre on Marsh Road.

Marsh Tracks, Rhyl,  (10am-4pm) Free BMX and Road cycling bike hire and coaching, mountain bike track open as usual. Street games activities such as  football, rugby, ultimate frisbee, athletics, dance and more! Test your power against Team GB cyclists scores on the watt bikes leader board and recuperate with FREE drinks supplied by Asda (until stocks last) and food available to buy on- site from the taste academy, Rhyl. The baton will be there between 10am and 11am.


Moel Famau (12 noon – 4pm) The baton arrives on horseback, walking groups will relay the baton to the peak of Moel Famau, come and join in and see the views across the Clwydian Range whilst listening to a live band performance at the summit too! Fell runners will take the baton back down. The baton will be there between 1pm and 3pm.


Ruthin Family FUN day, Cae Ddol and The Centre, LL15 1LE (12-5pm) An afternoon on activities for the whole family. Come down to Cae Ddol and join in and watch the battle of the bands, local sport fixtures, bouncy castles, face painting and sporting taster sessions from local clubs such as rugby league, netball, athletics, football, fun fitness boot camps, tennis, golf and bowls.  The baton will be there between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.


Coed Llandegla Forest (9am – 8pm), Oneplanet Adventure site Fun open day for mountain bike enthusiasts, all mountain bike tracks open as normal. Go-Race events organised by Welsh Cycling throughout the day, test your power against Team GB cyclists scores on the watt bikes leader board. Live music and entertainment from 6pm for the official baton handover event. The baton is there between  5pm and 6pm.

Jamie Groves, Denbighshire's Head of Communication, Marketing and Leisure, said: "We are really looking forward to a memorable day when the Baton finally arrives in the county. Events to mark the occasion have been months in the making and we are encouraging people to get out and support the Baton's visit.

"We hope the event will encourage people to consider getting involved in sports and activities and that it leaves a lasting legacy for people's health and well-being.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase Denbighshire as a county to host major events, as well as promoting Denbighshire's unique mix of coast, country and historic towns."

Story highlights government backing for new health centre

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

The Daily Post is reporting today that the Welsh Government has approved the sale of the former River Lodge Hotel in Llangollen to the local health board as a site for a proposed health centre.

The story says: "The controversial hotel plot had originally been bought by the Welsh Government for £1.6m – above its market value – as part of a proposal to transform it into a martial arts centre.

But the present building – which is expected to be demolished – has been valued at just £500,000 to £600,000.

Almost a year ago, an inquiry by the Wales Audit Office concluded that the decisions to buy the former 25-bedroom River Lodge Hotel in Llangollen for £1.6m in 2007, and to enter into a lease agreement with an organisation known as Powys Fadog, were “flawed and did not represent good value for money”.

The proposal for a kung fu centre at the site finally collapsed in 2011 but a further £200,000 had to be spent maintaining the building between 2007-12.

Now economy minister Edwina Hart has approved the sale of River Lodge, Llangollen to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which plans to demolish it and build a health centre, after Llangollen Community Hospital was closed last year.

The new centre is expected to open in 2015.

Paul Davies, Conservative shadow finance minister, said: “It’s no surprise that Labour quietly want to get rid of this aborted kung fu centre, which cost taxpayers nearly £2m for absolutely no benefit.

“The Wales Audit Office was scathing in its assessment of the unbelievable incompetence of Labour’s purchase of the hotel, which was beset by a major conflict of interest, a lack of risk assessment and no proper valuation.

“The Welsh Government’s earlier estimates suggested that the taxpayer would only get back between a third and a quarter of what the administration originally paid for the hotel.

“At a time when Labour Ministers are imposing record-breaking cuts on the Welsh NHS, evidenced by the recent closure of Llangollen’s community hospital, patients will be angry to see more evidence of millions of pounds thrown down the drain.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said that it had no comment to make on the River Lodge issue further to the confirmation of the sale decision on its website.

A figure of £5.5m had been touted for the new centre but no official cost was officially confirmed.

A Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board spokesperson said: “We look forward to progressing with the next stages of the new Primary Care Resource Centre project for Llangollen.

“The development is planned to provide a light, modern and spacious building to bring together a wide range of integrated services provided by the GP Practice, the Health Board, Denbighshire County Council Social Services and the voluntary sector, delivering as many services as close to patient’s homes as possible and allowing the ability to expand in the future. We are keen for this development to be completed in mid 2015.”

Seek help with energy bills urges AM

Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Aled Roberts is urging people in North Wales to take advantage of free help and support that could save them £140 on their energy bills.

British Gas has announced that their Warm Home Discount Scheme, which helps those in need with £140 towards their energy bills, opened for registration on 1st May.

The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a five-year scheme introduced by UK Government and delivered by the larger energy suppliers. It helps those in need with their winter energy costs by paying a credit onto the energy account of the qualifying account holder.

 

  To be eligible customers must:

Be receiving the Savings or Guarantee & Savings element of the State Pension Credit

Be receiving eligible Means Tested Benefits

Have a household income below £16,190 and have a disability or long term illness

  Or have a household income of below £16,190 and be spending more than 10% on fuel for adequate heating (usually 21 degrees for the main living area).

 

Consumers must apply each year to qualify for the payment, so British Gas is urging customers to get in contact to ensure they receive the Discount.

 

Aled Roberts AM said: “I want all my constituents to understand what help is available. There are a wide range of schemes and services to help people heat their homes. Anyone who’s worried about rising costs can – and should – contact their energy provider or a relevant charity to discuss the help available.”

 

Applications can be made by calling the British Gas Home Energy Care team (for credit meter customers) on 0800 072 8625 or our Here to Help team (for Pay as you Go customers) on 0800 294 8604. Alternatively, customers can apply online at www.britishgaswarmhomediscount.com.

 

Consumers who receive Pension Credit Guarantee or Pension Credit Guarantee and Savings, should automatically qualify for this year’s rebate of £140. The Department of Work and Pensions will send a letter to all those who qualify around September time, confirming their supplier will make the payment.                                                                                     

Latest roadworks bulletin

Latest local roadworks notified by Denbighshire County Council are:

A5, Regent Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights on May 14 to allow water works.

Outside Prince of Wales pub, Regent Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from May 15-19 to allow water works.

Berwyn Road, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from June 2-6 to allow retaining wall works.

A5, Regent Street, Llangollen, temporary traffic lights from June 9-13 to allow retaining wall works.

Casualty airlifted to hospital after A5 collision this afternoon

* The air ambulance takes off with the casualty aboard.

ONE casualty was flown to hospital by air ambulance following what appeared to be a serious collision on the A5 just outside Llangollen earlier this afternoon.

Emergency services dashed to the scene, close to the White Waters Hotel, just before 2pm.

The road was closed in both directions as firefighters appeared to be freeing the casualty.

A number of police cars and paramedic ambulances were also at the scene.

Around 2.15pm the casualty, attended by firefighters and paramedics, was wheeled to a nearby field where the red Wales Air Ambulance was waiting.

Ten minutes later the ambulance took off and headed out over the nearby Dee Valley.

Update from Daily Post just after 5.30pm:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/a5-crash-man-airlifted-hospital-7103806

 

* Emergency services at the scene.

* Traffic backing up on the A5 after the road was temporarily closed.

Time to focus on food poverty, says Isherwood

NORTH Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has said it is time to focus on those in food poverty and to stop politicising the problem.  

 

Mr Isherwood raised the matter with the Minister for Poverty Communities and Tackling Poverty, Jeff Cuthbert AM, in the Assembly this week following a meeting with Trussell Trust, which works with churches and communities to open new foodbanks nationwide.

 

With over 420 foodbanks currently launched across the UK, including several across Wales their goal is for every town to have one.    

   

He said: “I had the pleasure of meeting the admirable Trussell Trust last week. The Trust told me that food banks are an expression of something that has been going on in the churches for ever, namely feeding the hungry, that food poverty has been with us for ever, and it asked that we all work together, putting aside whatever party political differences we may have, to focus on those in need.

 

“They told me that they will be putting this message to all parties and all agents. I pledged my support, and I urge you to do the same.”

 

In his response the Minister said he hopes to meet with Trussell Trust soon to discuss the extent of the problem in Wales, but insisted benefit reform is to blame for more people seeking help from food banks.   

 

Mr Isherwood added: “Given the Trussell Trust’s desire to engage with all spectrums of the political divide and to ensure that there is truly genuine dialogue in Wales, I’m disappointed by the response I received.

 

“In reality, 200,000 households across Wales are expected to be better off when Universal Credit changes have gone through by 2017. Under the last UK Labour Government, the numbers in poverty across the UK rose by nearly 400,000 and the numbers in severe poverty rose by nearly 800,000 – and more than five million people of working age lived in workless households.

 

“However, I genuinely hope that we can all put party bickering aside and heed Trussell Trust’s call.”

Film shows construction of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

On Twitter today, Wrexham Council is drawing attention to an amazing animated film by the People’s Collection Wales about the construction of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It can be seen at:

http://www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk/sites/default/files/item_videos/original/2014/May/Pontcysyllte%20-%20trimmed.mp4

Police issue fraud warning to businesses

North Wales Police are warning Local Government, Corporations, Trades, Companies and Businesses to be on their guard following a recent spate of frauds where attempts have been made to change the bank details of legitimate sub-contractors and suppliers.

Detective Chief Inspector Iestyn Davies at Caernarfon Police Station said “Typically a company or business receive a letter or email purporting to be from a well-established sub-contractor indicating they have changed their bank account details and in some case are using another company name. 

 

"Their intention appears to have invoices settled into the new accounts and make off with the cash.   This scam appears to have been attempted all over the UK and in some cases accounts have been settled into the new and bogus accounts and emptied almost immediately with no trace of the offenders.

 

“My advice is simple, if your company or business receive a letter from a sub-contractor indicating change of name or account please make contact with a known individual in the business to confirm.  If this is not the case please ignore the request and inform Action Fraud immediately.

 

“Unfortunately offences of this nature are becoming more common but by asking a few pertinent questions and making a few enquiries you could prevent yourself from becoming a victim of fraud.  Further information about protecting yourself from financial crime is available from the Action Fraud hotline on 0300 123 2040, or visit http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/ . 

 

DCI Davies added: “They can provide up to date advice on current scams and can identify whether a scenario is fraudulent.  And if you have been unfortunate to have lost money, contact the police.”

 

Police tips to protect yourself from fraud:

 

• Do not give personal details including banking details to anyone you do not know following unexpected requests for money made either in the street, on the doorstep, over the telephone or internet or as these details can be used to steal your identity.

 

• Consider registering with the Telephone Preference Service to stop unsolicited telephone calls.  This is a free service.  Further details can be obtained from http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/ or 020 7291 3320.  Registration can be made on line or by phone 0845 070 0707.

 

• Consider registering with the Mailing Preference Service as this supports the right to choose the mail you wish to receive.  Further details can be obtained from http://www.mpsonline.org.uk/ or 020 7291 3310.  Registration can be made on line or by phone 0845 703 4599.  This too is a free service.

 

• If you are suspicious that you’ve been targeted in a fraudulent telephone call this can be reported to Action on Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/ or telephone 0300 123 2040.

 

• If you’ve lost money call your local police on 101.

 

• Beware of cold calls even when the caller appears to have personal information such as your address or bank account details.  Legitimate callers will never be offended if you ask to call back in order to confirm their identity.  When doing so always use a phone number that you’ve obtained from previous correspondence or an independent source such as phone book or an official website. 

 

We would encourage the public to use social networking to get this message out to as wide an audience as possible – the more people who know about it the less chance of them becoming a victim.

AM welcomes long-awaited bridge work

* Ken Skates AM at Postles Bridge.

AN Assembly Member has welcomed the news that work on a popular link bridge will soon be completed.

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates first wrote to Glandwr Cymru – the Canal and River Trust in Wales – more than two years ago after a constituent contacted him with concerns over the 19th-century Postles Bridge in Trevor.

Labour AM Mr Skates, who is based in Llangollen, said the cobbled access ramps to the roving bridge, built to allow horses to cross the canal, rendered it out of bounds to people in chairs, on bikes and pushing prams.

But now the structure, built by Thomas Telford, and a stretch of towpath are being modernised to improve access – with an expected completion date of the end of the month.

Mr Skates said: “I’m delighted that, more than two years after I first raised concerns, work will soon be finished on this important local landmark and it will be much more easily accessible for many more people.

“With its location next to the Trevor Basin in our beautiful World Heritage Site, the bridge is a key link to Llangollen. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the month, and I’m sure everyone who is as proud of the area as I am will join me in welcoming it.” 

Teams needed for Plas Madoc quiz night

Volunteers fighting to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre are appealing for quiz-lovers to show their support at a general knowledge fundraiser.

The Splash Community Trust needs teams of six people for a quiz night at Flexys Club in Acrefair on Friday, May 23. All proceeds will go towards helping reopen the popular facility, which closed at the end of April.

Trust member director Greg Ogden, who lives in Trevor, said: “There will be questions on all sorts of things: Music, films and TV, sports, science – you name it. There will also be a raffle, and we’ve got several great prizes already including free haircuts and driving lessons, as well as a few bottles of wine.

“We’ve had quite a few teams sign up already, so it should be a great night for a fantastic cause. Come and show your support!”

Trust chairman Darrell Wright added: “The quiz night is one of several fundraisers we’ve got lined up, and it’s vital those who want Plas Madoc to reopen do their bit by supporting these events. We can only do this with their help.”

The quiz starts at 8pm and costs £3 per person. For more information, or to donate raffle prizes, call quizmaster Pete Roberts on 07925 377666.

* Anyone with fundraising ideas can email jennymiller08@hotmail.co.uk or call Jenny on 07921 6590990. The trust is still asking Plas Madoc supporters to fill in a short online survey which will help keep them up to date with developments and could help with grant applications. To complete it visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PMFUTURE

Chain Bridge progress report

Today's Denbighshire Free Press has a story about progress on the Chain Bridge renovation project.

See the full story at: http://denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/133579/200-year-old-chain-bridge-to-link-communities-once-again.aspx#.U2tz2WwGvsU.facebook

County is "scam capital of Wales" says Plaid

Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Gruffydd has warned householders to be aware of the dangers of scams in the wake of a huge number of complaints made to trading standards officers across Wales.

 

Scores of complaints about scams and unsolicited calls are being made to trading standards officers every week with councils across North Wales dealing with 2624 complaints over the past few years.

 

Denbighshire alone had more than 1,000 complaints over four years, second only to Swansea in terms of numbers. Many local authorities have also taken out prosecutions following complaints [see breakdown below]

 

Plaid Cymru submitted a Freedom of Information request to all Welsh local authorities to find out the extent of complaints about scams and cold calling. The figures released reveal Denbighshire as the “scam capital” of North Wales.

 

Mr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s North Wales AM, said: “Older people are more likely to fall victim to these scammers and lose their life savings as has happened too many.

 

“I support Age Cymru’s call for action by government and the telecom companies to tackle these scammers along with and measures such as an expansion cold-calling zones.

 

“The information we obtained using the Freedom of Information Act is an indication of the significant concerns of people about scammers. This is probably the tip of the iceberg because, while some individuals will make complaints, others may perhaps feel too embarrassed to complain. But they should go to the police and trading standards with any concerns

 

“These scammers and rogue traders are really the worst of society and it is important that we are all aware of the dangers, particularly if we have older relatives, friends or neighbours.”

 

This month Age Cymru is leading on a Scams Awareness Month highlighting online, mail, phone and doorstep scams.

 

The figures

 

 

DENBIGHSHIRE

 

Complaints about scams (post, phone, email, unsolicited mail, doorstep callers)

2010-11: 222

2011-12: 285

2012-13: 299

2013-14: 240 (up to January 31, 2014)

TOTAL: 1,046

Prosecutions: 6

 

 

FLINTSHIRE (for comparison)

 

Complaints about scams (post, phone, email, unsolicited mail, doorstep callers)

2010-11: 92

2011-12: 135

2012-13: 134

2013-14: 116 (up to January 31, 2014)

TOTAL: 477

Prosecutions: 0