Another year of excellent A Level results at Dinas Bran

* Dinas Bran pupils jump for joy after receiving their A Level results.

It was another year of excellent results at Ygol Dinas Brân today as Year 13 students celebrated.

97% achieved the benchmark level 3 threshold, with well over half the grades awarded to students at A*-B.

Many students achieved terrific individual success.   

Among them were Joanna Stallard who was awarded one A*grade in English Literature, two A grades in RE and History and a B grade in French.  

Joanna will now go on study History at Exeter University.   

Joanna McHugh gained an A* in Mathematics and A grades in Further Maths and Spanish. 

She will now continue her studies at Bath University reading International Management and Modern Languages. 

Madeline Brown achieved three A grades in Religious Education, English Literature, History and  B grades in English Language and Drama. 

Maddy will now go on to study English at York University. 

Steven Hughes achieved three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics and a B grade in Physics.   Steven will now study Chemical Physics at Bristol University in 2016.

Other students who achieved particularly highly included:

Hannah Gallimore   one A* grade one A grade one B grade

Samantha Viney   one A* grade 2 B grades

Ben Larwood   2 A grades 2 B grades

Bethan Phillips   one  A* grade 2 B grades

Will Hawkes   two A grades, one B grade, one D grade

Headteacher Martyn Froggett said:  “A big well done to all our students.  They have worked hard and deserve their success.  We wish them all the best for the future.  I would like to thank too all the staff for the support they have given the students and the parents too."

 

Groups urged to bid for seized crime cash

* Police and Crime Commissioner, Winston Rodick , PACT Chairman

David Williams, assistant chief constable of North Wales

Police Richard Debicki and Julian Sandham, the

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales.

Community groups across North Wales are being urged to bid for a pot of money seized from criminals in a move described as "poetic justice" by a crime tsar.

 

Up for grabs is a total of £42,000 for the successful organisations who pledge to run projects to tackle anti-social behaviour and combat crime and disorder.

 

Two groups from each of the region's six counties will receive £3,000 apiece and £6,000 is available for a group that operates across North Wales.

 

The winning candidates will be chosen by a public vote later this year.

 

The ‘Your Community, Your Choice’ scheme has been launched by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick CB QC and Assistant Chief Constable Richard Debicki  in partnership with the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).

 

It is being jointly funded by money recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act, using cash confiscated from offenders, and the Commissioner’s Fund.

 

Community groups are being urged to apply between September 1 and October 2.

 

Application packs can be found on the websites of the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and North Wales Police.

 

A shortlist of applicants will be chosen by a special panel and from November 1 members of the public will decide which groups to support with a vote via the two websites and a dedicated email address.

 

Voting will then take place between October 26 and November 27.

 

Commissioner Roddick said: "It’s an outstanding idea. Not only does it go to worthy causes but it has the sound of justice all around it.

 

"This is poetic justice at work because we're confiscating the ill-gotten gains of villains and redistributing the money where it’s needed.

 

"It will be used by groups and organisations, all of whom will be doing something to combat crime and disorder or anti-social behaviour and that is very appropriate.

 

"The money is going where it’s going to make a difference in reducing crime and in improving the quality of the communities which suffer the crime."

 

It was a sentiment echoed by Assistant Chief Constable Debicki.

 

He said: "It is a very good thing for community groups to be able to access pots of money in order to be able to reduce crime and disorder within their communities and improve the quality of life for the community in their area.

 

"It sends a really positive message that money taken from the pockets of criminals is being recycled. This is turning bad money into good money that's being used for a constructive purpose.

 

"We really value our relationships with the public and we recognise that we can’t reduce crime and disorder on our own.  It’s a partnership and a joint effort with other agencies but absolutely crucial and critically is the public themselves.

 

"The public often are the ones who know what the things are that will work best in their area and for them to be able to bid into a pot of money is a really positive thing."

 

According to PACT chairman David Williams, it was also a very democratic process because the public will be able to decide who gets the money.

 

Mr Williams said: "One of the real pluses of the scheme is that ultimately it’s the public who has the voice and who will say which projects will go forward and are worthy of this important money.

 

"And very appropriately, one of the conditions is that the people who apply for this money have to be doing something that combats anti-social behaviour or addresses crime and disorder in some way.

 

"The aims Your Community, Your Choice scheme also coincide with the objectives of the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan so it creates a virtuous circle."

 

The opening date is September 1 and completed applications must be returned via email to participatorybudgetfund@nthwales.pnn.police.uk by the closing date on October 2. For more information ring 01745 588516 or go to www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk or www.north-wales.police.uk
 

Here's where the money went last year:

 

Anglesey (£3,000 each) – Bodedern Friends, sports training for children aged five-18, and Frindiau Parc Rhosybol, new play area.

 

Conwy (£3,000 each) – Llanfairfechan Town FC, community facility at football ground, and Llandudno Neighbourhood Watch Drop-in Centre, crime prevention initiative.

 

Denbighshire (£3,000 each) – Prestatyn and Meliden Community Action Group, activities for young teens and pensioners, and Dragon Riders, Rhyl, community bike riding project.

 

Flintshire (£3,000 each) - WEA Cymru in partnership with Clwyd Alyn Supported Living Project, art focused workshops for young people, and Groundwork North Wales, volunteering and learning opportunities for young people.

 

Gwynedd (£,3000 each) – Welsh Institute of Therapeutic Horsemanship, horse-based therapy for disadvantaged young people, and Gisa Mentro Mlaen Project, Caernarfon, independent living for vulnerable people.

 

Wrexham (£3,000 each) – Caia Park Partnership, outdoor pursuits courses for young people, and The Warehouse Project, help for young homeless people.

 

Pan-North Wales project (£6,000) – Dangerpoint, Talacre, Flintshire, education and life skills for young people.  

Woman hospitalised after Horseshoe Falls incident

The Daily Post in reporting this morning that a woman was hospitalised after a rope swing fall at the Horseshoe Falls yesterday.

For the full story, see: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/woman-hospitalised-horseshoe-falls-llangollen--9836575

French film star visits new health centre

*Monsieur Hulot takes a look along the river frontage of Llangollen's new health centre. 

The next film to be shown at New Dot Cinema Llangollen stars a famous French character called Monsieur Hulot.



* ... takes a peek inside. 

A bit like Mr Bean, he doesn't say much but the humour comes from his movements and interactions
throughout the film.

"He often seems curious but bemused about his environment," explains cinema programmer Simon Proffitt.

"In PlayTime he encounters modern 1960s Paris which is shiny, new and full of high-tech gadgets.

"We wondered what he would make of our new health centre here in Llangollen."

The health centre, which is to open later in the year, had a recent preview day where locals were able to wander around and inspect the new facilities and attractive modern landscaping on the north bank of the River Dee.



Members of the New Dot team were inspired to don a Monsieur Hulot-style raincoat, trilby and bow tie, all sourced locally at one of Llangollen's vintage clothes shops, and pose for some photos.

Simon added: "The next film evening will have a 1960s, slightly French feel.



* ... and around the front.

"We're running our own bar this time, which will include a selection of good French wines accompanied by tasters of French cheese.

"The music will be a mixture of 60s jazz and interesting retro-future sounds. We're also hoping our volunteer cake-bakers will pull some tarte tatins and gateaux out of their hats!"

PlayTime (certificate PG) by celebrated French film maker Jacques Tati is considered the finest of his work.

It will be screened this Friday, August 14, at Llangollen Town Hall in Castle Street.

Doors open at 7pm, showtime is 7.30pm. Some cushions are provided, but feel free to bring your own.

The community cinema is run entirely by volunteers. Tickets are available online at http://www.newdotcinema.org or at Baileys Deli on Castle Street and Lotties Bespoke Vintage on Oak Street, Llangollen, priced at £8 (£5).

Last month's inaugural performance was completely sold out, so organisers' advice is to buy tickets soon to avoid disappointment.

Police seek information on RAFA club damage

Neighbourhood Watch members in the area have been asked for any information they might have about a report of criminal damage at the RAFA Club in Llangollen.

North Wales Police say that between 1 and 3am on Tuesday August 1, six males were seen throwing items around the bowling green, which caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage at the club, located at the side of the Llangollen Canal, near the wharf.

Anyone with information about the incident I asked to call 101.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers Wales on 0800 555 111.

North Wales Police urges residents to always report suspicious activity to them at the earliest opportunity.

MP hits out of delay in opening station bridge

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones has written to Network Rail Chief Executive Mark Carne calling for the new footbridge at Chirk railway station to be opened.

"Local residents and I are fed-up with the delay. It's totally unacceptable," she said.

"Local rail-users were delighted when the Friends of Chirk Station and representatives of Network Rail and Alun Griffiths Contractors worked together to secure this major improvement.

"However, the newly installed footbridge still hasn't been opened. It isn't fair on local residents, especially those who carry heavy cases or need it for reasons of mobility."

In her letter to the Network Rail boss, Ms Jones (pictured left) asks why the opening has been "so delayed".

She added: "There's a suggestion that the bridge hasn't been opened because of the need for extra lights. But whatever the reason - Network Rail need to clarify what is going on and how long the work will take, and then they need to get the footbridge opened. This matter needs to be sorted urgently."

Chance to meet new people at church event

Support urged for local High Street Heroes

Llangollen people are being urged to vote for a well-known local business in a competition to find Wales’s High Street Heroes.

The Welsh Government launched its Support Your High Street campaign last year to celebrate the valuable contribution our busy high streets make to the Welsh economy, as well as the vital role they play in community life.

A key action in the Vibrant and Viable Places Regeneration Framework, the aim is to encourage people and communities to use their local high streets.

The campaign is also running this year, with High Street Week taking place from September 19 – 26 with a new feature - the High Street Heroes Awards.

This year’s campaign and the High Street Heroes Awards were launched on June 5  by the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths AM.

Mike Edwards, of Llangollen Cittaslow community group, has nominated the team at Gwyn the Butchers in Castle Street as High Street Heroes.

And Mike said: “Can I urge everyone through llanblogger to vote for Gwyn, Richard and Callum our wonderful local independent butcher.”

Voting for the High Street Heroes Awards is online via the Support Your High Street Facebook page Support Your High Street Facebook page (external link).

 

Belles on Bikes to ride in Chirk

The charity Sustrans, which is the organiser, has asked us to publicise the event below ...

Latest World Cafe event planned

* Last year's World Café event in full swing at the Town Hall.

AN event similar to the one which led to the setting up of Llangollen’s own community cinema is to be staged later this month.

At the end of last year, the Town Council arranged a World Café session in the Town Hall with the aim of achieving some of the initial targets identified by Llangollen’s newly-formed Cittaslow community organisation. 

Hosted by Cittaslow, the event sparked discussions about the possibility of setting up a community cinema.

And, following the hard work by a dedicated band of volunteers, the dream became reality when New Dot Cinema held its highly successful first film showing last month.

A follow-up World Café event will now be staged at the Town Hall on Saturday, August 29 between 11am and 3pm.


Town clerk Gareth Thomas said: “Back in 2010, under the guidance of the current Town Mayor, the Town Council conducted a survey.

“From this a series of internal meetings established criteria to judge the priority of any improvement and these were presented to the town meeting in early 2011 and a schematic plan was produced.

“The town’s designation as a Cittaslow town was a direct result of this process and many of the initial targets identified by the town plan are now encapsulated in Cittaslow Llangollen’s aims and objectives. 

“Using this designation, the Town Council are keen to drive forward a number of key projects, over the next few years, in collaboration with the local community.

“As part of this community engagement process Cittaslow headed up a World Café event, at the end of last year, in the Town Hall. 

“It was in that event that one of the discussions was had around opening of a Cinema in Llangollen.  

“From this idea a team of volunteers created New Dot Cinema, and the sell-out opening night on the 15th July in the Town Hall was a brilliant success.  All this in under six months from a casual discussion to high quality delivered product.”

He added: “This shows the benefits of collaboration and therefore the Town Council wish to build on last year’s event and are holding another World Café event this year to encourage greater community engagement on August 29 in the Town Hall with drop-in sessions between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm. 

“For this years café there will be tables manned by our local Assembly Member Ken Skates and Susan Elan Jones MP, as well as county council representatives.

“Come and put your ideas and concerns on the table, have a coffee and try to find workable solutions to issues that matter to you.

“Don't miss out on your chance to help plan for the future of the town.”

Company has hot date with Hamper Llangollen

 

* The Dangerous Food Company's Llyr Jones and Dominic Haynes

with some of their fiery chillis.

 

One of the hottest companies around has almost quadrupled its business in a year - after putting on face masks and protective clothing to get it up and running.

 

The Dangerous Food Company, based in St Asaph, is now in talks with key industry player, Marks and Spencer, since unveiling its fiery chilli jams at the Hamper Llangollen food festival last year.

 

It went on to increase stockists of the breath-taking products from just 25 shops to 110 across Wales and Cheshire.

 

Company founders, friends Dominic Haynes and Llyr Jones, have also been in talks with luxury foods retailers – including Marks and Spencer – in a bid to further spread the appeal of the unique relishes they developed in their home kitchens.

 

The company’s unusual name comes from the fresh chillies they use – so hot that the duo had to wear protective headgear as they went to work on developing the unique recipe.

 

Now with 12 months of red hot trading under their belt, they plan to return to Hamper Llangollen 2015 bringing with them tastier jams than ever.

 

The popular event in Llangollen’s Royal Pavilion is recognised as one of the UK's top 10 food festivals.

 

Cadwyn Clwyd has provided financial support over the past few years to ensure the festival's long term viability, this was funded through the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.

 

“We started out with just one jam, the original, but now we have five, plus a sixth recipe is in the making,” said Dominic.

 

He and Llyr live with their respective families, just a few yards away from each other, in St Asaph. They worked together at a North Wales dairy before launching the Dangerous Food Company.

 

Dominic, 32, said: “At first it started as a fun idea we had in a pub. Working in the food sector we already knew of chilli relishes on the market, but thought we could do better so we set about making our own at home.

 

"It took some time – and one or two disasters – to perfect our original recipe, but once we did, our families and friends loved it.

 

"We started selling a few jars as a hobby. Then following redundancies at the dairy, we both lost our jobs at the same time. That was when we decided to go for it and produce jams full time.”

 

They are allowed to call the relishes ‘jams’ because of the fruit content, though Dominic said only the very brave would want to eat these jams on toast for breakfast!

 

He said: “They are hot, hot, hot and spicy. But there is also a delicious fruitiness to them. It’s a lovely combination. They make a great accompaniment to savoury dishes, for barbecues, with cheese or meat, added to sauces or they can even be used to spice up a tin of baked beans.”

 

The range currently includes five flavours: red chilli with a hint of lime, jalapeño with bramley apple, habanero with mango, bird’s eye with morello cherry, and best seller, ghost chilli with blueberry, which is the hottest.

 

The pair are in the process of developing a sixth ‘secret recipe’ which they're

hoping to unveil at Hamper Llangollen 2015.

 

Dominic is responsible for marketing, packaging and sales while Llyr concentrates on the production side.

 

“We used to make all the jams ourselves but now we have an agreement with Patchwork Foods in Ruthin to use one of their units, which means we can meet strict production criteria, and still stick to our special recipes,” said Dominic.

 

“After a year in business we’re just glad that we’re able to keep ourselves employed and support our families, but without a doubt the pipe dream is that one day people will be able to see our jams sitting beside big luxury brands at the likes of Marks and Spencer.”

 

Hamper Llangollen chair Colin Loughlin believes this year's festival is going to be one of the best ever.

 

He said: “Thanks to a whole host of indigenous companies, North East Wales is rapidly establishing a reputation as a centre of excellence for high quality cuisine.

 

“The food festival is a perfect shop window for the companies who form the backbone of our rural economy.

 

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

 

Information and tasty recipes can be found at www.dangerousfoodco.co.uk

and for more details about Hamper Llangollen 2015 visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com

New Dot's latest film inspires photoshoot

Fans of vintage fashion staged a photo shoot recently in Llangollen inspired by the next film to be shown at the town's new community cinema.

Photographer Keiron Preston and model Lottie Griffiths, owner of the local Lottie's Bespoke Vintage, were invited by cinema organiser Jen Sandiford to respond to 1967's PlayTime, which will be shown on Friday August 15 at Llangollen Town Hall.

"The film is set in super-modern 1960s Paris, with lots of geometric concrete and glass buildings," explained volunteer Jen Sandiford.

"As it's chic Paris, rather than swinging Carnaby Street in London, the characters are dressed quite formally with knee length skirts, pointed heels and beehives. That's what this fun photo shoot was inspired by."

She added: "Llangollen is a magnet for vintage lovers, with several good vintage clothes shops, antiques and rummage emporiums. We're encouraging people to come to the next cinema event dressed in any sixties-style clothing, and wanted to highlight where people can find the perfect
outfit."

New Dot Cinema Llangollen opened last month with a sell-out event show centred on contemporary silent film The Artist.

Audience members had the option of dressing in 1920's clothing, with many coming as flapper
girls or Bugsy Malone-style gangsters.

They aim to have the same success with visual comedy PlayTime by Jacques Tati, starring Monsieur Hulot.

As well as short films and the main feature, there'll be vintage music, quality refreshments and a licensed bar. The community cinema is run entirely by volunteers.

Tickets priced at £8 (£5 concession) are available at Lottie's Bespoke Vintage, Baileys Delicatessen (both Llangollen) and online at www.newdotcinema.org



















* Clothes in pictures from Lottie's Bespoke Vintage, Oak Street, Llangollen.

Art Club's open evening

Health centre opening faces likely delay

* Residents at last week's preview event for the new health centre. 

llanblogger exclusive

HEALTH chiefs have admitted that the opening of Llangollen’s £5 million new health centre is likely to delayed by about three weeks.

The centre, built on the site of the former River Lodge in Mill Street, replaces the town’s former Cottage Hospital, which closed in March 2013, and aims to build on its facilities.

Following a preview event last week for local residents there were rumours that the official opening, planned for August 24, might have to be delayed because of problems with the new telephone system.

And this has now been confirmed by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board which has been in charge of the development project and says it now looks likely the centre will not now open until September 14 - three weeks later than originally planned.

A spokesperson for the board said: “Unfortunately, while setting up the telephone and data systems in the new health centre, it has become apparent that the telephone cabling that has been installed to the building does not meet the design specification and will not be able to support the number of telephone extensions and IT systems that the new building requires. 

“The developers are trying to establish how this has happened and how quickly the problem can be rectified.

“We will not be able to move into the new building until we are confident that all its systems are operating correctly and so it is likely that the opening will have to be delayed. 

“If this is the case it is likely that the move will then take place on 14th September to allow sufficient time to re-schedule the works that need to take place at the time of the move (including the physical movement of furnishings and equipment and the switch-over of IT systems), to give patients adequate notice of the new date and to avoid the bank holiday week.

“Clearly, an unexpected delay at this late stage this is frustrating for everyone who has worked so hard on this project and we look forward to announcing the confirmed date for the move as soon as this has been agreed.”

Major race planned for tomorrow

Road blocked near Bryneglwys

Breaking news ...

The Daily Post's website has posted the following item within the past half hour (now 19.38) ...

7.20pm: ROAD BLOCKED: The A5104 in Denbighshire is blocked in both directions near Bryneglwys following a crash between three vehicles.

 

Police unable to give further detail but the Welsh Ambulance Service had confirmed they are in attendance.

Police seek help to trace missing girl

Police in Llangollen are calling on the help of the public to trace Bethanie Summerscales who is missing.

The 15-year-old (pictured right), who is described as 5ft 3’ tall, of stocky build and has long brown coloured hair was last seen on Friday evening, (July 31st) in the Llandegla area.

She was last seen wearing a green coloured jacket which has a fluffy hood, a  black and pink coloured Adidas top, jeans and trainers.

PC 1295 Andy Williams, who is based in Llangollen said: “It is possible that Bethanie may still be in the North Wales area. However, the teenager also has links to the Oldham and Manchester areas.

"We are appealing for help in tracing her and anyone with information, who believes they may have seen Bethanie or knows of her current whereabouts to please get in touch with us. Similarly, we are appealing for Bethanie herself to please contact us and let us know she is safe and well.

“Inquiries to locate Bethanie are continuing and anyone with information should contact North Wales Police on 101 reference S114812.”

Bikers take over pavilion for big weekend event

* Action in the arena during the Sunday afternoon session of LlanBike Fest.

 

Thousands of bikers roared into town for the Llangollen International Motorcycle Festival - LlanBikeFest 15 over the weekend.

The show was opened by seven-times TT winner Mick Grant and Carl "Foggy" Fogarty, the most successful World Superbike (WSB) racer of all time.

The On the Edge Trial Stunt Display Team performed amazing feats of skill on both days.

 

Billed as the world’s best stunt riders, the team is led by Jack Challoner and Martin Crosswaite, who between them have won multiple British, European and world trials championships.

 

On Sunday more than 100 classic trials machines competed in a stage of the Northern British Bike Pre-65 Trials Championship (NBBC) as part of a championship round hosted by Llangollen and District Motorcycle Club.

 

Other attractions included a TT race bike simulator, live bands, a Saturday night party,  vintage funfair.

People should expose scams, says county

Denbighshire County Council is calling on residents to expose scams and help stop more people from falling prey to clever cons that fleece them of thousands of pounds.

The Council is supporting the national Scams Awareness Month campaign which highlights how scams continue to flourish when people stay silent.

Figures show that less than 5% of victims across the country report scams to the authorities, and Denbighshire County Council is encouraging residents to report suspicious activities, get advice if they think they’ve been conned, and to warn others to help stop scams from spreading.

Scams come in every form, from doorstep double glazing sales to online investment offers.

People may be targeted with “vishing” calls where a fraudster impersonates their bank to collect their bank details, or by bogus companies offering computer services.

Online scams include dodgy job adverts and offers for goods and services, while mail scams may ask victims to pay a fee in order to claim their winnings from a prize draw they haven’t entered.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Public Protection, said: “The Scams Awareness Month campaign is asking people to keep two things in mind when they receive an unsolicited approach or when they are looking for goods or services: don’t be rushed and don’t be hushed.

"People should take their time to make a decision and get their facts together before parting with their money or personal information, and speak out when they think they’ve spotted a scam."

Top tips for avoiding scams
● If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
● It you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it
● You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize
● If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up
● Contacted out of the blue? – be suspicious.
● Don’t be rushed – resist pressure to make a decision straight away.
● Never send money to someone you have never met.
● Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance.
● Your bank will never attend your home to collect cash, your pin, payment card or chequebook if you are a victim of fraud.
● Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password.
● Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.
· Suspect a phone scam? Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call your bank.
● Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.
● Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams.
What to do if you have been scammed
● Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to help stop it happening to others.
● Often you can't always get your money back if you've been scammed, especially if you've handed over cash.
● If you've paid for goods or services by credit card you have more protection and if you used a debit card you may be able to ask your bank for a chargeback.
● Get advice and report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (for advice in Welsh phone 03454 04 05 05) or online advice at www.adviceguide.org.uk

* For consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers. They can also pass on details to trading standards.

Improved access to Horseshoe Falls

* Deputy Minister Ken Skates, centre, with guests at the launch of the Horseshoe Falls project.

Visitors to the iconic Horseshoe Falls at Llantysilio are now able to enjoy breath-taking views and improved access thanks to funding from the Heritage Tourism Project. 

* The Horseshoe Falls. 

The project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and led by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service.

The project, delivered by staff from the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB has opened up one of the most striking views within the Dee Valley. Visitors to the site can now relax and unwind at the extended recreational area and picnic site.

A well surfaced track to the viewing area has been created meaning everyone can easily appreciate the striking vista in which the Horseshoe Falls is located.

On site interpretation relate to the rich historic and cultural story of the Falls and the wider Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site, as well as the abundant wildlife that lives here.

There is even a free app that has been produced aimed at families with  Primary aged children – the Horseshoe Falls `Quest – that allows younger visitors to have fun whilst exploring and learning about the area.

To celebrate the official  launch of the project, local residents, partners from key organisations such as Canal & River Trust, Wrexham & Denbighshire County Council, the National Trust and members of the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB were joined by the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism – Ken Skates AM.

Mr Skates said “This new project has transformed the visitor experience to the area. The new pathways and access opportunities means that visitors no longer have to negotiate the narrow lane to reach the River Dee. 

“Investing in our heritage tourism not only improves our most valuable tourism assets it also boosts  the local economy.  Recent research by Cardiff University found that the economic impact attributed to tourists visiting sites which have benefited from the  Heritage Tourism Project equates to up to £19m annually, and supports more than 1,000 full time jobs.

“The Horseshoe Falls will also benefit and I’m sure will see an increase in visitor numbers as a result of this investment.” 

Police appeal for help to find missing man

North Wales Police are appealing for help tracing a 47-year-old man who has been missing from the Glanrafon area of Corwen since around 10 am on Sunday 26th July 2015. 

Roy Hill was last seen when he was dropped off at the rear car park of The Eagles in Corwen and has not contacted family or friends since.  Police were notified but all enquiries have thus far proved fruitless.

Sergeant Martin Kimpton at North Wales Police said  “Mr Hill He is approximately 6’ 2, of medium build with short cut frizzy hair which is mousy/brown in colour.

"He speaks with a Yorkshire accent.

"When last seen he was wearing a black waterproof jacket just above knee length, blue jeans and blue trainers.  

"I would ask anyone who has sighted Mr Hill, or knows of his whereabouts, to contact police.  

"His friends have had no contact with him since 26^th July and we are increasingly concerned for his welfare.”

Police are also appealing to Mr Hill himself to contact police, family and friends to let them know that he is safe and well.

* Anyone with any information should contact North Wales police on 101 quoting NWP missing person reference 13539.

AM welcomes council action to stop village's rat run

Residents in a village near Llangollen blighted by speeding breathed a sigh of relief after an AM secured assurances traffic-calming measures will be introduced to prevent it becoming ‘a rat run’.

Councillors in Pentredwr asked Clwyd South AM Ken Skates to allay their long-running fears about drivers using the community as a high-speed cut-through.

Denbighshire County Council has now confirmed that speed bumps should be installed before the Horseshoe Pass closes later this year.

Labour AM Mr Skates (pictured left) said: “Pentredwr has long been used as a short cut by drivers going down behind the Ponderosa instead of over the main Horseshoe Pass. They go dangerously fast on a far narrower, steeper route which has no footpaths.

“Put simply, Pentredwr was in danger of becoming a rat run if something wasn’t done, as the upcoming closure of the Horseshoe Pass would just lead to more and more vehicles hammering through the village at stupid speeds.

“This has been a real worry for residents and the community council for a long time, so I’m delighted to have secured an assurance that Denbighshire County Council will address it.”

In his response to Mr Skates’s urgent letter to the council, chief executive Dr Mohammed Mehmet said: “In relation to speeding traffic, we have secured county capital funding to implement a traffic-calming scheme within the village of Pentredwr this financial year.

“If the county councillors, community council and residents are in agreement with the proposal to implement speed humps within the village, it is hoped that the works can be tendered and implemented prior to the closure of the Horseshoe Pass.”

... and news of Pontfadog speed clampdown

* Mr Skates has praised police after a commitment to clamp down on speeding through a village in the Ceiriog Valley.

The Clwyd South AM has secured a pledge from North Wales Chief Constable Mark Polin that extra patrols will be deployed to enforce the 30mph limit through Pontfadog.

Mr Skates has previously urged Wrexham Council to do ‘everything possible’ to improve road safety outside the village school after being contacted by constituent Gayle Watkin, who said parents were growing increasingly  concerned about speeding.

He said: “There have been numerous attempts to get something done about this problem, but residents’ pleas have previously fallen on deaf ears.

“I’m pleased that North Wales Police has agreed there is a problem and that Mr Polin has promised that action is imminent, and I hope to see Wrexham Council follow suit in the not-too-distant future.”

Mr Polin’s letter to the AM stated: “Arrangements have been made for additional patrols to enforce speeding limits on the B4500. A speed survey at the location has been approved with a view to GoSafe enforcing at the location in the future.”

Mr Skates has asked the council to consider flashing signs either side of the village, speed bumps and a barrier outside the school gate as there is at present only a narrow pavement separating the grounds from the main road.

The council said: “The B4500, and in particular that length of this road within Pontfadog will be considered for such works during the 2015/16 financial year.”

Mr Skates added: “The headteacher, Miss Atkinson-Corben, and the school governors also want to see something done about this, so I am encouraged that we’re finally seeing some action to protect the children of Pontfadog.”

Residents given preview of new health centre

* The front of the new health centre approached from Mill Street.

In advance of its official opening on August 24, people from the area were yesterday given a preview of the new £5 million primary health care resource centre on Mill Street, Llangollen.

The spacious, glass-sided facility on the site of the former River Lodge on the banks of the River Dee, features a very extensive reception/patients' waiting area plus a suite of consulting and GPs' rooms on the ground floor, with a terrace overlooking the river.

Upstairs there is space for additional facilities.

The main staircase incorporates an ornate stained glass window which was once in place at the old Cottage Hospital.

Throughout yesterday afternoon scores of people turned up to see the new building, which is surrounded by parking areas, and were given a guided tour by members of the health centre team.

* The terrace overlooking the river.

* The spacious waiting and reception area.

* The stained glass window on the staircase once sited at the old Cottage Hospital.

* The ground floor corridor containing the GP and consulting rooms.

* The reception area close to the front door.

* The rear aspect of the new health centre.