Extended railway steams into 2015 season

* The completed station at Dwyrain Corwen East.

Llangollen Railway resumes services through the Dee Valley from Saturday, February 14, when trains begin operating the town and the new terminus at Corwen.

This follows a mid-winter shutdown whilst essential maintenance work on the railway were undertaken and facilities at the new station completed.

The 2015 timetable for the heritage railway provides for all public service trains to operate through to the temporary station at Dwyrain Corwen East as the new line extension is brought into regular use.

The exceptions are trains during the popular Days Out With Thomas events, which will terminate at Carrog where activities are arranged for visitors.

Three steam trains a day will operate this Saturday and Sunday arriving at Corwen at 11.20, 13.37 and 15.47.

There is, however, only a short stop-over period here as the mode of operation for the return journey requires for the train to be propelled back to Carrog under the control of a driver in the specially modified rear coach.

The steam engine will then ‘run round’ at Carrog, where a longer stop-over takes place, allowing passengers to use the facilities there. This changes the arrangements which have become familiar to regular visitors.

During half term week, February 16-20, an off-peak diesel railcar service will be running, arriving at Corwen 11.35, 13.35 and 1535, departing five minutes later.

The diesel railcars with their exciting view of the line ahead, as seen from behind the driver, provide an excellent way for passengers to appreciate all the work that has gone into rebuilding the line from Carrog through to Corwen over the past three years.

Kevin Gooding, General Manger of Llangollen Railway, said: “The commencement of train services over the extended railway provides for a scenic journey through part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"The trains offer easy access to our three wayside stations at Carrog, Glyndyfrwy and Berwyn, which allow for the Welsh countryside to be enjoyed by walkers and others seeking a day out in the Dee Valley. 

"The two-hourly weekday train service operates from March 23 and allows for visitors to spend time in Corwen or to join the train at Corwen to travel to Llangollen.

"We trust that the extended line will attract more visitors who will contribute to the regeneration of the area and improve the viability of the heritage train services.”

2015 is an important year for Llangollen Railway which celebrates the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Llangollen Station in 1865.

It is also the 40th anniversary of the start of the challenge to rebuild the railway after the derelict station at Llangollen was taken over by volunteers in 1975. 

The 2015 season has a full range of special events planned, starting with a Day Out With Thomas weekend on February 21 and 22.

Kevin Gooding added: “Thereafter we will celebrate the official opening to Corwen with a special train for VIPs on St David’s Day, March 1, when the completion of phase 1 of the extension will be suitably commemorated at Dwyrain Corwen East.

"This is immediately followed by two three-day events on March 6-8 and March 13-15, when the Betton Grange Society’s Steel, Steam & Stars IV mega-gala will bring a number of exciting steam locomotives to Llangollen to provide a steam extravaganza.”

Full details are available on the railway’s website site at: www.llangollen-railway.co.uk

Skates starts surgeries at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre

An Assembly Member who was involved in the campaign to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre from the bulldozers now has regular surgeries at the popular facility starting from tomorrow (Friday).

Ken Skates, the Labour AM for Clwyd South, was a co-founder of the Splash Community Trust, formed in the wake of Wrexham Council’s decision to close the centre down.

He now wants to add to his monthly surgeries across the constituency by holding drop-in sessions at Plas Madoc, which is now known as Splash Magic, starting this Friday.

Mr Skates said: “I love Plas Madoc – it’s wear I learnt to swim. I’ve always come here. I was a member before it closed and am now a fully paid-up member once again. It’s a great venue and one that’s popular with my constituents, so it makes sense to hold surgeries here.

“I will be available to either chat to members of the public in the reception area or in a private room if there’s something you’d like to discuss in confidence or need help with, and there will be hot drinks and biscuits.

“No appointments are necessary as it will be first-come, first-served. If there’s anything I can assist with, or that you’d like to talk about, please feel free to pop in.”

Mr Skates will be at the centre from 4pm-5pm on Friday, February 13. For more information, or to contact Mr Skates, email ken.skates@assembly.wales or call his constituency office 01978 869058.

Follow-up planned to off-roading public meeting

A campaign group is planning a follow-up public meeting to the one it held last autumn on the issue of off-road use and abuse in the countryside around Llangollen.

The initial meeting, held at the Town Hall on October 2 last year, attracted a large gathering of concerned residents along with council officials and representatives of off-road groups.

Now rganisers SOPS – Save Our Paths – has arranged a second meeting, also at the Town Hall, on Thursday February 19, starting at 7pm.  

SOPS spokesman Philip Jones said: “The meeting is open to everyone, and we hope that all the various interest groups will attend, as before.

“The meeting will be chaired by Aled Roberts AM and our local councillors, MP and AMs have been invited, together with representatives from the police and other public bodies.

“The meeting will provide our public representatives with an opportunity to report on the current position regarding the on-going drive to provide a more effective management of our green lanes to ensure sustainable use for all.

“The community will then have an opportunity to ask questions and comment on issues of concern.”

Operatic members get into a good habit with nun run

* Sister Act producer Tracey Rawlinson and fellow

cast member Louisa Jones limber up for the Nun Run next month. 

MEMBERS and friends of Llangollen Operatic Society are getting into a good habit at the moment as they prepare for their forthcoming Nun Run fundraising event on Sunday March 22. 

The 10km (six mile) fun walk/run will follow a picturesque route around the hills of Llangollen and it is hoped that around 40 participants will don their walking shoes or trainers to raise funds, which will be split between the society and a local charity.

To get in the spirit and ensure it really is an event like “nun” other those taking part are actively encouraged to wear ecclesiastical dress.

Passersby can therefore expect to see sisters, priests, altar boys and maybe even a bishop or two along the route, which will start at Llangollen Sports Club and progress up the Panorama before dropping down Sunbank and following the canal back into town. 

Money raised through sponsorship will make a valuable contribution towards the staging of the society’s forthcoming production of the hit musical Sister Act, which will see its North Wales premier between April 21 and 25th at Llangollen Town Hall.

A donation will also be made to Leonard Cheshire Disability in Dolywern, which is a charity close to the members’ hearts 

Sister Act producer Tracey Rawlinson said: “We have close links with Leonard Cheshire Disability and look forward to visiting the residents and staff each year in the spring to entertain them with songs from our recent production.

“The charity does fantastic work and we hope very much that the Nun Run will enable us to make a small contribution towards their running costs. 

“It will also help us to meet the costs of putting on our show. The costuming in particular will be quite expensive this year with around 30 habits to be made from scratch.”

* To support the society’s efforts by sponsoring a sister, send your donation, made payable to Llangollen & District Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, to Marcus Ansloos, 5 Emral Brook Close, Ruabon, LL14 6BY, or e-mail mansloos@yahoo.co.uk for further details.

Tickets for Sister Act are also now on sale online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety.

Petition calls for more community beds

Health and social care should be integrated to ease the pressure on the NHS.

 

That's the view of Mabon ap Gwynfor, long time health campaigner and Parliamentary Candidate for Plaid Cymru in Clwyd South.

 

Mr ap Gwynfor said that there were beds available in care homes which could be commissioned by the Health Board for step-down care.

 

He sited Cysgod-y-Gaer in Corwen as an example which had five beds which could be used as community beds for patients from the Dee Valley following the closure of Llangollen Hospital and the loss of 18 beds there.

 

Mr ap Gwynfor made the call as he launched a petition calling on the Health Board and Welsh Government to open more community beds in North Wales.

 

He said: “This is a very difficult winter for the Health Board, with huge ambulance queues; A&E full to bursting with patients waiting many long hours; and a shortage of GPs.

 

"Clinicians are telling us that these difficulties are in no small part down to the closure of community hospitals and the loss of hospital beds.

 

"We know that North Wales has lost some 400 hospital beds in the last five years, with 53 of those following the closure of Llangollen, Flint, Prestatyn, and Ffestiniog hospitals.

 

“The health Board and Labour Government are intent on centralising services, with Lesley Griffiths memorably comparing Wales with Birmingham.

 

"But North Wales is rural, sparse, and has different needs. We need community beds across the region.

 

"Chirk Hospital is providing a brilliant service but its full; and staff at the Maelor are doing great work in very difficult circumstances. That’s why I’ve launched this petition calling for more community hospital beds, and four hundred people have already signed it.

 

“Cysgod y Gaer Care Home in Corwen has beds which the Health Board could commission. This would help ease the pressure on District General Hospitals, and would also help Denbighshire as they are looking for a long term solution to their Care Homes.

 

"It would also start the process of what Plaid Cymru would like to see which is an integrated Health and Social Care provision.”

 

* The petition can be found at http://mabonapgwynfor.com/beds/

Man hurt in crash near Corwen

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting today that a man was injured in a serious road accident near Corwen.

For full details, see: http://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/144076/man-seriously-injured-in-crash-near-corwen.aspx

Cyclist Mike pedals to epic Italian job

* Mike Edwards in action on his bike.

A KEEN Llangollen cyclist has powered his way to a riding holiday through the spectacular Italian countryside after winning an online competition.  

Mike Edwards will now be teaming up on the Italian job with his equally bike crazy son to pedal the 450 miles from Milan to Rome this September.

* Christian Edwards on the Prudential Ride
London in 2013 in which his time was 6.47.17)

Mike, 70, a retired chartered surveyor, entered the competition on the Ride25 cycling website and heard recently that he had been chosen as the winner.

 

His prize is an epic ride which takes in rolling hills, sunflowers, hilltop villages and historic delights.
 

The tour, which takes four and a half days, also offers the opportunity to see the historic cities of Piacenza, Bologna, Orvieto and Rome.  

Mike will be setting off on the adventure with his eldest son, Christian, 42, who lives in Wrexham and works as a service engineer. Like his dad, he is also an avid cyclist.

Mike said: “I am absolutely thrilled and excited to have won the competition and my son and I are looking forward to riding in Italy in September.

“I have been on holiday to Tuscany several times and those rolling hills and spectacular scenery will be great to view from my Italian bike, an Bianchi Infinito.”
 

He added: “Christian has been cycling for several years. He has completed Ride London, a 100 cycling sportive, and has also done several triathlons including a Olympic Distance 2k swim, 80k bike and 13.1m run.

“I had a big birthday last September with the numbers zero and seven but not necessarily in that order.
 

“I spent most of my working life with the old Wrexham Maelor Council and used to run with Wrexham AAC. I have completed 11 marathons including four London and two Snowdonia. 

“In recent years Chris and I have mainly concentrated on cycling, both mountain bikes - mainly at One Planet Adventure in Llandegla - and road bikes.
 

“Christian and I are cycling buddies as well as father and son. We are both doing Chirk Sprint Triathlon in April and Ashbourne in May when we will be joined by my eldest daughter Claire who is 29 who is making her triathlon debut.

“After Ashbourne Chris and I will concentrate on building up our mileage to be able to ride 450 miles in four days in Italy.

“This will probably take in the Mark Cavendish Sportive which is being held in August and includes the iconic climb of the Horseshoe Pass.”

Garden waste deadline ends this Saturday

The introductory discount Denbighshire County Council offers to householders opting in to its garden waste collection scheme is due to end on February 14.

So far, residents have taken advantage of the discounted early-bird rates to pay for 9,051 bins.

With the discount available for another ten days, sales are expected to approach 11,000 by the time Valentine’s Day arrives.  Denbighshire waste officer, Alan Roberts, said: “Contrary to some reports, the council is very happy with the take-up from residents at this stage.

"Elsewhere, take-up has ranged between 30% and 40% when charges are introduced, so to be at 25% eight weeks before the service starts is very pleasing.”

Around half of all the requests for bins have come via the council’s website and, with a last-minute rush of orders expected, Alan Roberts advised residents to go online to make their payment for their garden waste service.

He said: “We expect the volume of payments to increase in the days before the discount ends and I would strongly recommend using the online payment system to minimise any waiting time.”

The ending of the early-bird discount means that the cost of having a standard 140 litre bin, or equivalent dumpy sacks, emptied fortnightly for 12 months will increase from £22 to £24. The cost of a two-bin service will increase from £34 to £36.

Alan Roberts added: “Because of the high level of sales, householders that have opted into the scheme will find their collection days will remain exactly the same as they have always been for the first six months.

"The next calendar they receive will reflect changes made to increase efficiency given the reduced number of households needing collections.”

The council’s secure online payment page can be found at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/gardenwaste and payments can also be made over the telephone, on 01824 706101, or in person at any of the council’s One Stop Shops.

Get free help to handle debt, says AM

To mark the recent Debt Awareness Week, North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood, who chairs the Cross Party Group on Fuel Poverty, called on his constituents to ensure they are taking advantage of free help and support available for anyone struggling with winter energy bills.

 

He said: “Nobody should suffer in silence and there's a range of help and advice for any constituents who are having problems paying their energy or other household bills.”

 

For example, British Gas spent more than £380 million in 2013 helping 1.8m vulnerable households with discounts, free insulation and benefits advice.

 

The company has a successful partnership with StepChange Debt Charity – organisers of Debt Awareness Week - which helps customers by offering manageable payment plans for their energy and other household debts.

 

It also funds The British Gas Energy Trust - an independent charitable trust set up 10 years ago. British Gas has provided the Trust with £75million to help people living in fuel poverty.  The Trust provides grants to help with energy arrears as well as a wide range of advice and is open to everyone, not just British Gas customers.

 

Other support provided by British Gas includes flexible payment plans, referral to the Warm Home Discount scheme which gives eligible customers a £140 discount on their electricity bill, and identifying if customers are eligible for free insulation or boiler replacements.

 

To register for extra help, customers or someone acting on their behalf should call 0800 072 8625 (or 0800 294 8604 if they have a Pay As You Go meter).

 

Mr Isherwood added: “I want all my constituents to understand what help is available for them. Keeping on top of winter bills and managing debt is so important and I'd urge anyone in North Wales, to get in touch with their energy supplier to find out what support is on offer."

 

Skates seeks measures to cure A483 "pinch point"

Assembly Member Ken Skates is hoping the Welsh Government will examine ways of easing traffic at a known pinch-point on the A483.

Mr Skates, the Labour AM for Clwyd South, has written to Transport Minister Edwina Hart to ask whether there are any plans to alleviate congestion at the McDonald’s roundabout near Chirk.

“There have been problems there for a long time, and I know the traffic can be extremely frustrating for many of my constituents,” said Mr Skates.

“The Chirk McDonald’s is one of the busiest in Britain and the roundabout acts as an entry point to the Dee Valley, as well as one of two access points for Chirk, so congestion at rush hour can be considerable.”

Response ...

Reference the above story, I am sure residents of Llangollen welcome Ken's intervention in this matter because there are several traffic issues of concern at the moment:

1. The main issue with the A483/A5 is the death trap sections of three lane carriageways between Ruabon and recently enlarged roundabout at Oswestry. The bridge over the Chirk Valley has a particularly bad accident record and requires urgent attention such as a speed limit, average speed cameras and a ban on overtaking to prevent further deaths;

2. The A5 out of Llangollen has for some time had a set of temporary lights causing long delays, but there seems no start imminent on rectify this problem;

3. On the other access/egress road into town, on Mill Street there are also temporary lights causing a delay for residents and visitors. These works are part of the scheme recently revealed to endeavour to improve access to the new Medical Centre particularly for pedestrians, wheelchair and pushchair users. However the scheme which is costing the Health Board £70,000 does not address the pinch point on Mill Street where there is no pavement on one side of the highway:

So there are a number of traffic issues causing immense difficulties for Llangollen residents and no information is being provided by Denbighshire CC to the public about what is being done to resolve the problems. 1 and 2 above are directly within the control of the Highways Department who seem to treat the public with total disrespect and fail to consult or provide information as to what is proposed. I had to resort to a Freedom of Information request to obtain details of the Health Board's Scheme and I call upon the Proper Officer at Denbighshire to provide Council Tax Payers with a full explanation of what is being considered and proposed to resolve these issues which adversely affect residents and Llangollen's role as an inland tourist destination?

 

Mike Edwards

Further response ...

In addition to Mike Edwards’ analytical piece, I’d like to remind and let people know there’s a Community Initiative in progress which might rethink the unthinkable and provide a radical solution which could never in all likelihood come from beyond the community itself.

 

It’s a Crowdfunded scheme which means everyone can contribute with a simple donation and everyone will be able to participate – a refreshing change from the usual approach of a study undertaken without public involvement then shown to the public in what’s usually mislabelled a ‘Consultation’. The details are here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/people-traffic-in-llan

 

The fund is growing steadily. If the required total isn’t achieved, everyone gets their donation refunded. That’s guaranteed.

 

Making our own decisions - what a good idea!

 

Martin Crumpton

 

Chair@KLS

Wildlife expert boosts rural crime fight

 

* Something special: North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner

Winston Roddick with Special Constable Phil Roberts.

 

A wildlife expert has been recruited to boost the police's fight against countryside crime in North Wales.

 

According to Special Constable Phil Roberts, who's based in Wrexham, joining the Rural Crime Team is a "dream come true".

 

As well as having lifelong passion for birdwatching, the volunteer officer has a degree in zoology and a master's in advanced biological sciences.

 

The Rural Crime Team was set up by North Wales Police at the instigation of North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick CB QC.

 

Since it was established two years ago the taskforce has masterminded a dramatic 40 per cent reduction in the number of rural crimes - and an increase in the number of prosecutions.

 

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

 

Phil, 27, is one of 122 Special Constables in North Wales and the force has launched a recruitment drive to find more like him with relevant, high level academic qualifications, particularly in rural areas and from among the Welsh-speaking community.

 

Specials do everything that regular officers do and have the same powers. They have to commit at least 16 hours a month to their duties, although individuals can tailor hours to meet their needs.

 

Having worked as a supermarket trolley collector to fund his studies, Phil has now secured a job as a laboratory technical officer at Manchester Metropolitan University.

 

But he is determined to carry on is volunteer duties as a Special Constable which he started in September 2013.

 

Phil said: "I do care a great deal about science but I also do care about the work I do as a Special Constable and delivering effective policing. I do make a difference.

 

"There’s a lot of rural policing in North Wales so they do have to take account of the rural crime that goes on so that’s one of the reasons why I joined the Specials and chose North Wales as a force.

 

"My background knowledge will help me as a member of the Rural Crime Team. I’m enjoying it immensely.

 

"There is always a sense of pride when I put my gear in the locker at the end of a shift. There's only a few other jobs in the world where you can get this kind of feeling from it."

 

Mr Roddick is a great believer in the value of Special Constables and is pleased that Phil has joined the Rural Crime Team.

 

He said: "A number of the Rural Crime Team are from rural backgrounds and they move with ease and facility in the rural and agricultural community - they feel they are part of it.

 

"They have had a measurable impact. You need only ask the agricultural unions and the farmers.

 

"Special Constables make an invaluable contribution to the quality of policing, whether it's in the countryside or in our towns.

 

"The Special Constabulary underlines that fundamental principle that the police are the community and the community are the police.

 

"Special Constables are volunteers from the community who do it out of sense of duty and they don't get paid.

 

"Very often they have relevant skills that they bring to the job - like Phil who is a trained scientist and something of expert in wildlife matters.

 

"Specials come from every walk of life and that is a particularly attractive feature about them - they do bring something different to the mix, the mix that makes policing what it is in this country.

 

“We now have officers attached to CID, Roads Policing, Community Safety and the Arson Reduction Team, which was previously unheard of. We're also looking for officers with qualifications in a range of areas including finance and IT.

 

"Phil is an example of somebody who brings in that something special and is highly qualified in his specialist area.

 

"In my Police and Crime Plan for the next 12 months, I have made special mention of Special Constables and volunteers more generally.

 

"We're recruiting more Special Constables and other volunteers because our experience has told us that having Specials adds value to the quality of policing."

 

* Anybody interested in finding out more about how to become a Special Constable should email SSFSpecialsRecruitment@nthwales.pnn.police.uk or ring 01492 804224 or  use the  #BeSpecial hash tag on Twitter.

Half a Sixpence gives audience full value

* The full cast of Half a Sixpence. Picture by Barrie Potter.

Flash, bang, wallop what a performance!

A large and talented cast from Llangollen Operatic Society’s Young ‘Uns began their run of the ,lively musical Half a Sixpence at the Town Hall last night and gave the audience full value for money.

Based on the novel Kipps by H G Wells, the show, with words and music by David Heneker, tells the tale of young Arthur Kipps who undergoes a rapid transformation from humble Folkestone drapers apprentice to toff when he comes into a fortune providing him with £1,200 a year – a tidy sum for the time the piece is set in the early years of the 20^th century.

But the windfall does him no good at all when he falls in with a snooty local family, the shifty scion of which, a so-called financial advisor, relieves him of all his cash.

Arthur’s rags to riches ascent also robs him of his true love, Ann, with whom he grew up in an orphanage and split a sixpence in half to demonstrate that they would one day meet up again and match the two halves together.

In the best plotting traditions the course of their love doesn’t run too smoothly but, of course, there’s a happy ending for them in sight.

Taking the part of Kipps is the highly talented Charlie Hackforth, who has successfully trodden the boards with the Young ‘Uns on previous occasions, and his childhood sweetheart is played by the accomplished Joanna Sully Stallard – making her last appearance with the company before heading off to university this autumn.

Outstanding in the supporting role of Chitterlow, the eccentric “actore laddy” who befriends Kipps, is Cassius Hackforth. He has a dramatic presence way beyond his tender years and lights up the stage whenever he steps onto it.

Strong performances also come from Elliot Priestley, Shea Ferron and Aled Jones as Arthur’s old colleagues from the drapers shop owned by the awful Mr Shalford, who is thoughtfully portrayed by Wil Edwards.

Musical numbers, including the title piece of Half a Sixpence and the rousing Flash, Bang Wallop from Arthur and Ann’s wedding scene, are delivered with suitable gusto, the acting is seamless and the dancing is well choreographed and executed.

The chorus of scores of tots is as colourful and appealing as ever.

The whole production is a credit to artistic director Chrissie Ashworth, musical director Julian Cattley and producer Pamela Williams who are ably supported by a small backstage army.

It’s well worth investing a few quid in Half a Sixpence, performances of which you can still catch tonight (Friday) and tomorrow evenings as well as a matinee on Saturday afternoon.    

Health centre traffic measures revealed

* A plan of the proposed traffic measures at the new health centre.

THE local health board is to pay out almost £70,000 for measures to make it safer for pedestrians to use Llangollen’s new health centre.

There has been some concern in the town that accessing the new facility, currently being built on the old River site at Mill Lane (A539), will be dangerous for those on foot, given heavy traffic and narrow pavements.

With this in mind, town resident Mike Edwards put in a Freedom of Information request to the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), which is building the new centre, back in April last year asking what traffic measures were planned and the estimated cost.

In its reply, the health board says measures include:

• Enhanced bus stop positions will be provided.
• Improvements to the pedestrian route adjacent to the new Health Centre.
• Inclusion of dropped kerbs and tactile paving to improve accessibility.
• Provision of dedicated disabled parking at the Health Centre.

 

The board’s response adds: “The final costs have yet to be determined but a budget of £69,000 has been established as follows:

 

"Footpath and associated works £35,000, street lighting £8,500, other highway works – two bust stops, 30mph zone gateway relocation, tactile paving, signage £25,000.

“These costs are being met by the Health Board, with funding supplied by Welsh Government following the approval of the capital business case.”

Mr Edwards said: “When I made the original enquiry last year, I was advised by BCUHB that the public would be consulted about these highway proposals.

 

“However, it would seem that they have finalised the scheme without public consultation.”

Councillor hits back over reform plans

Update ... see two responses at the foot of this story ...

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies has hit back over proposals for the future shape of local government.

The plans were revealed by Local Government Minister Leighton Andrews in a white paper published earlier this week.

Among the changes suggested are:

* Council elections every five years, not four as at present

* Maximum five terms - 25 years - for councillors

* Maximum two terms - 10 years - for council leaders and cabinet members

* Pay councillors in line with those on similar sized councils elsewhere in the UK

* Public sector employers to give staff unpaid leave to carry out duties as councillors, and other employers encouraged to do the same

* Council leaders and chief executives given a duty to promote and respect diversity

* Youth councils to be set up by each authority

Mr Andrews told BBC Wales: "It's seen as a bit of an old boys club and we want to cut out the cosy cabals."

Cllr Davies responded: “I see the Minister Leighton Andrews is doing it again. Fired for going against his own government policy, brought back in and again and going against his own government findings.

“They commissioned the Williams report which came out with quite strong recommendations, which he has turned down! This has cost the Welsh Government and local councils thousands. Now he is trying to upset the local government applecart again with ill thought-out ideas of local government reform.

“His thinking is rooted in the dinosaur age of big government diktat, where the WG tries to micro manage. He thinks that bigger councils with less councillors, with limited time in office is better and cheaper.

“The system as it is works. Interference from on high puts the dead hand of the state on the tiller. Local councillors like me have our ear to the ground, we know what is happening, what the people want. We involve ourselves at a local level with the public on a day to day level that AMs and MPs along with their Cardiff-centric officers could not hope to achieve.

“His government is calling for more AMs. Hah! Along with their PAs, Cardiff accommodations and expenses how could they possibly be cheaper?

“He talks about grey haired councillors being too long in the job. The public are the ones who do and should decide who represents them, not some dinosaur from a centrist micro-managing Welsh Government.

“I see the white paper says we have 15 directors in Denbighshire County Council. We don’t, we only have three and have only had three for the last five years. If his white paper gets the most basic facts wrong how can we take it seriously?

“The First Minister needs to get a grip and send this failed Minister back to where he belongs, the back benches.”

Response from Keep Llangollen Special ...

Whilst I wholeheartedly agree that Leighton Andrews MP’s statement is ill-thought-out, in fact ill-judged and flawed in the extreme and belies an ignorance of how local government works, I fundamentally and profoundly disagree with this quote:

 

“The system as it is works. Interference from on high puts the dead hand of the state on the tiller. Local councillors like me have our ear to the ground, we know what is happening, what the people want. We involve ourselves at a local level with the public on a day to day level that AMs and MPs along with their Cardiff-centric officers could not hope to achieve”

Whilst I wholeheartedly agree that Leighton Andrews MP’s statement is ill-thought-out, in fact ill-judged and flawed in the extreme and belies an ignorance of how local government works, I fundamentally and profoundly disagree with this quote:

 

“The system as it is works. Interference from on high puts the dead hand of the state on the tiller. Local councillors like me have our ear to the ground, we know what is happening, what the people want. We involve ourselves at a local level with the public on a day to day level that AMs and MPs along with their Cardiff-centric officers could not hope to achieve”

 

Keep Llangollen Special has contact on an almost a daily basis, seven days a week, and outstanding support from Aled Roberts, Llyr Huws Gruffydd, Antoinette Sandbach, Mark Isherwood and even Darren Millar, though the latter isn’t even one of our AMs. Belittling their support staff is particularly offensive as they have always provided unstinting support to Llangollen, and who champions Health issues here more than Mabon ap Gwynfor or pre-natal and neo-natal care more than Antoinette Sandbach? It doesn’t get more involved than Aled Roberts’ invitation for me to accompany him on a midnight snap inspection of the Maelor Hospital.

 

The Councillor’s claim of contact with his constituents has been questioned on many previous occasions, but I can absolutely vouch for continuous and on-going involvement by those listed above. It is a matter of documented record that the Councillor refuses any contact with Llangollen’s Community Group, KLS, and is openly hostile to us.

 

We can at least agree with him that Llangollen would be better off in Wrexham and that he publicly agreed the closure of our Cottage Hospital contributed to the damage to our Health Service.

 

Martin Crumpton

Chair, Keep Llangollen Special

Another response ...

I think a point is being missed here, this is a White Paper out for consultation so we all have views on how Local Government performs so this is the opportunity to make those views known to the Minister.

 

Several other people have gone off half-cocked notably the Leader of Conwy Borough Council, so I would urge everyone to reply to the White Paper. One thing I notice is that the White Paper flags up that plans are often developed to an advanced stage before the Community are consulted and in my view electors' views are then not given serious consideration in the process.

 

People who express their opinion are then written off as a "protest lobby" so the Elected Member concerned can justify ignoring the views of those who stick their heads above the parapet.

Frustrated people I speak to in the street frequently shrug their shoulders when discussing a proposal by Government, National or Local and say something to the effect "they're going to go ahead with this proposal eg an Out of Town Supermarket or Medical Centre and nothing I say will change that! 

Voters are disenfranchised from those a minority elect and proposing that everyone is forced to vote will not change that.

Michael Edwards

First Minister grilled over River Lodge case

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has this week challenged First Minister Carwyn Jones over the conduct of the Welsh Government in relation to the Llangollen River Lodge case.

  

Mr Isherwood has previously accused the Welsh Government of “hiding” the truth about the case and this week he raised new developments in the Assembly Chamber.

 

He said: “For the second time, the Welsh Government has been taken to the Information Rights Tribunal in the Llangollen River Lodge case, and for the second time, the Welsh Government has lost.

 

"Your Welsh Government classed the request for information to or from you, to or from Edwina Hart, and to or from Jane Hutt as vexatious, but despite appointing top London barristers at huge public cost, the Tribunal found that, in all the circumstances, the request was not vexatious.

 

“We already know from previous documentation obtained, that the Welsh Government did apply inappropriate political pressure on the health board to locate a health centre in a completely inappropriate place. What else are you trying to cover up?”

 

The First Minister replied: “So, we know the Conservatives are against the health centre in Llangollen. That’s what he’s just said. So, we’ll note that one.

 

“The allegations he made are nonsense, of course. Can I remind him of this? Of the requests that we receive, only 0.2% end up with information being released, despite our original position—0.29%, actually. I have to say that, in terms of compliance, our rate is better than the UK Government, far better than Northern Ireland, and streets better than Scotland.

 

"So, when it comes to compliance and considering Freedom of Information Act requests, we are in a very good place. There will be occasions such as this, of course, where, despite the Information Commissioner agreeing with us, the tribunal does not agree. That is something, of course, that happens from time to time, in Government.”

 

Mr Isherwood added: “This Tribunal judgement raises very serious questions about the conduct and motives of this Welsh Government. Residents have expressed to me their concerns that  Llangollen’s new health centre on this site will lack beds and minor injuries provision, whilst creating a pinch point on the road which will affect traffic and needing a costly bridge over the Dee.” 

MP wins award from road safety charity

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has received the award of Parliamentarian of the Year from national road safety charity Brake.
 Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive of Brake, said: “In the past 20 years, Brake has grown and developed a great deal, but we remain as dedicated as ever to our fundamental mission: to help create a world free from the senseless and preventable pain and trauma caused by road death and injury. We are very pleased to recognise the efforts that Susan has made in this area."
 Following the tragic death of a child, Robert James Gaunt in Overton in 2009, Ms Jones has been campaigning for tougher jail terms for drivers who kill and injure.

Brake commended her for being "at the forefront of parliamentary debates on the subject throughout the year, setting the tone by bringing forward her own Driving Offences (Review of Sentencing Guidelines) Bill, with cross party support, in January."
 Ms Jones said: "I wanted to take this campaign forward in tribute to the excellent work undertaken by Robert's family, Overton Community Council and the wider local community.

"Together we have been part of a campaign that has already changed some aspects of sentencing and now we have a full scale Government review taking place. 

"Brake has made this award to me as the local MP, but I very much see it as belonging to all our local campaigners - and we must never cease in our campaigning until there is justice in sentencing and also greater safety on our roads."    

Bid to alleviate Castle Street's traffic problems

Town councillor Phil Thane outlines a bid to counter traffic problems in Castle Street …

 

* Traffic conditions in Castle Street are chaotic, according to Cllr Phil Thane.

“Everyone grumbles about Castle Street.

Drivers in a hurry to get through would like all parking banned, pedestrians would like safe crossings, shopkeepers need to load and unload and want more parking for their customers, tourists want a pleasant place to stroll.

At the moment we have the worst of all possible solutions, some legal parking, some illegal parking, double yellows down one side giving motorists the illusion of a clear road - until they meet a large vehicle coming the other way, and pedestrians running the gauntlet.

The only good thing is that it's so chaotic the traffic is usually slow and there haven't been any serious accidents.

We, Llangollen Town Council and Cittaslow Llangollen, think it could be better, but it needs a new vision not just the county council putting down some more paint and harrassing shopkeepers.

We are not experts though, so we'd like to call in someone who is. Hamilton Baillie Associates are the traffic management specialists who designed the ground-breaking scheme in Poynton, Cheshire. Poynton's problems were much worse than ours in Llangollen, and they've been fixed. There's a great video here that shows what can be achieved.

A full feasibility study will cost more than £10,000, but Ben Hamilton Baillie has offered to do a brief one day survey followed by a public meeting to explain the latest thinking about how to handle traffic in towns. To pay Ben, and set up a meeting in the Town Hall we need a nice round £1,000.

The town council budget is tiny, and tight, so we're asking the community to get behind this. Instead of grumbling about Castle Street this is your chance to do something about it.

If you've ever struggled to cross with kids, if you're a bit slow yourself these days, if you've incurred parking fines or been stuck in traffic, pledge a fiver (or more) and together we'll do something about it.”

* To support the plan go to: http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/people-traffic-in-llan

Minister unveils proposals for future of local government

Proposals for the possible future shape of local government in Wales have been unveiled today (Tuesday).

Among the changes suggested in a white paper put forward by Local Government Minister Leighton Andrews are:

* Council elections every five years, not four as at present

* Maximum five terms - 25 years - for councillors

* Maximum two terms - 10 years - for council leaders and cabinet members

* Pay councillors in line with those on similar sized councils elsewhere in the UK

* Public sector employers to give staff unpaid leave to carry out duties as councillors, and other employers encouraged to do the same

* Council leaders and chief executives given a duty to promote and respect diversity

* Youth councils to be set up by each authority

Mr Andrews told BBC Wales: "It's seen as a bit of an old boys club and we want to cut out the cosy cabals."

Welsh Liberal Democrat Local Government spokesperson Peter Black said: “Limiting the terms of councillors would result in some popular councillors being forced to step down against the wishes of the people they represent. We are a democracy, it should be up to the electorate to decide whether their councillor continues to represent them.” 

* For a detailed summary of the white paper, see: http://wales.gov.uk/docs/dsjlg/consultation/150203-power-to-local-people-summary-en.pdf

Police complaints simplified by commissioner

A crime tsar has revealed he's simplifying the way members of the public can make a complaint against the police.

 

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick was speaking following the publication of a report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

 

The report showed the total number of complaints against North Wales Police rose by eight per cent  to 330 in 2013/14, compared to an increase of 15 per cent for England and Wales.

 

 

The rise follows an increase of three per cent in the force’s recorded complaints in 2012/13.

Some of the increase in 2013/14 is down to the definition of a complaint being broadened beyond an officer’s conduct to include ‘direction and control’ matters to do with operational policing.

Mr Roddick (pictured left) said: "I accept that all complaints must be treated seriously as it is very important that the officers and staff of North Wales Police uphold the highest possible standards at all times.

 

"The increase in the number of complaints lodged against North Wales Police was due, at least in part, to a change in the definition of a complaint and that the increase here was considerably lower than the average for England and Wales.

 

"One factor in the rise in complaints is that there is now greater awareness of Police and Crime Commissioners than there was of the old police authorities. This has led to an increase in the public’s confidence to make complaints and given them the reassurance that the PCCs will oversee the process effectively. 

“I must say that based on my experience of working closely with North Wales Police for the last two years I believe that the great majority of police officers and police staff carry out their duties with great integrity and to the highest of standards. 

 

"Where the actions and behaviour of officers and staff fall below those standards, I am satisfied that the checks and measures in place in North Wales Police ensure that those issues are dealt with effectively.

 

“I am in the course of reconsidering the complaints procedures and will be sending my suggestions to the Home Office next week.

 

"My aim is to simplifying the process for members of the public and to introduce an independent element into the handling of them. I do not want people to feel the process is too cumbersome.

 

"If people have a complaint we would much rather that they let us know. How else can we improve the service?"

 

A483/A55 traffic warning

Drivers from this area heading towards Chester along the A483 may be interested in the following tweet from Wrexham Council this afternoon ...

Wrexham County Borough Council

35 mins ·

A483 Latest
Drivers living around the A483 near Chester and Wrexham are being advised that emergency utility work is taking place tomorrow (Tuesday 3 February).

The Highways Agency has been advised that one lane of the northbound - I.e. Chester-bound - A483 on its approach to the roundabout with the A55 will close from 8.30am until 4.30pm for Scottish Power to carry out works.

County to change pest control service

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents of changes to its Pest Control service as of 1^st April 2015.

The Council has been looking at ways of finding £17 million in cuts from services across the board and  introducing a different way of delivering the Pest Control service has been agreed.

Currently, the Council manages pest control through carrying out inspections and visits to treat properties (private and commercial) that have pest problems such as rats, mice, seagulls as requested. Some of the pest control service is chargeable. 

From April 1^st onwards, the Council will be acting as an advice and signposting service for consumers with calls by the public being dealt with directly by the Council’s Customer Service Centre.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Public Protection, said: “Pest Contol  is a non-statutory function that sits within the Council’s Public Protection service and every single service has been asked to consider all of its functions, and look at ways of delivering things differently.

“We have a statutory duty and responsibility to maintain public health for residents and that is why we are not phasing out the service entirely.

“We will be regularly reviewing any developing trends and will respond appropriately if there’s a risk to public health.”  Although the service officially changes as of 1^st April 2015, the Council will not be dealing with any new cases as of 1^st March, to ensure that all those remaining are dealt with."