Warning from police over car key thefts

Police are urging vehicle owners to think about where they keep their car keys following recent ‘car key’ burglaries in Denbighshire and Conwy.

Officers have seen a recent increase of incidents whereby vehicles have been stolen.

While developments in car technology improve, locking devices and sophisticated alarm systems have made it increasingly difficult for offenders to steal vehicles.

These improvements in technology have led to the national emergence of a general trend known as ‘car key crime’ where thieves specifically target car keys to steal vehicles.

PC Stuart Goldsack from the Burglary Team based at St Asaph: “Vehicle owners just need to exercise some caution and think about where they leave their keys.

“The majority of burglaries are opportunistic, with offenders managing to get into homes through insecure doors or windows. These are preventable and I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to make sure their properties are secure even when they are at home.

“Don’t leave keys by windows or doors where they can easily be reached and always ensure your doors are locked.”

Although the number of offences committed in North Wales is low, North Wales Police are keen to work with car owners to reduce the chance of them becoming a victim. Being aware of how thieves operate, what they are looking for and some basic crime prevention measures can reduce the risk to you.

To minimise the risk of car key burglary:

• Park your vehicle in a secure garage overnight
• On entering the house lock the front door behind you.
• Never leave your car keys near a door or window. Criminals can hook keys through open windows and letterboxes.
• Keep them in a safe place away from doors and windows here they can be seen. People have stolen keys without even entering the premises
• Invest in a good quality home security system.
• Be vigilant & if you see anyone acting suspiciously, walking up driveways and looking through doors and windows, report it to the police.

PC Goldsack added: “If you see anyone acting suspiciously you are advised to call North Wales Police on 101 or in an emergency 999.  If you have any information around Car Key Burglaries you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.”

Police urge caution after 69 smashes in a day

Police are urging motorists to drive carefully as a huge demand was placed on officers following a series of road traffic collisions today (Monday).

Between 7am and 1pm the North Wales force dealt with 69 reports of collisions across the region and officers are asking the public to be mindful of the weather and road conditions as the cold weather is set to continue.

Superintendent Alex Goss from North Wales Police’s Joint Communications Centre said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank the public for their patience this morning. We experienced a surge in demand into our control room reporting collisions across all six counties.

“As a result of two separate collisions two people have been taken to hospital in Stoke with serious injuries and we wish them a full recovery. Investigations are now ongoing to establish the cause of those separate collisions.

“The cold weather is set to continue so I am urging all motorists to take care on the roads and drive according to the conditions. Please allow extra time for your journeys and keep a check on weather reports for your area.”

Aled Roberts leads Lib Dem election list

Welsh Liberal Democrats have chosen their lead candidates for the North Wales assembly regional list.

It is led by Aled Roberts, current Assembly Member for North Wales and also includes, Victor Babu, Sarah Lesiter-Burgess and Rob Walsh.

Aled Roberts (pictured), who was first elected in 2011, says he believes that North Wales is often neglected by politicians based in Cardiff.

He has campaigned against a 10% increase in Assembly Members’ pay and against fracking.

He has also championed a better-run health service and more investment in North Wales roads and rail, private and public transport.

Before becoming an AM he was Leader of Wrexham Council for six years and a Ponciau councillor for 20 years.

Born and brought up in Rhosllannerchrugog and educated in Wrexham, Mr Roberts gained a law degree from Aberystwyth and initially worked as a solicitor.

In the Assembly he is Shadow Education Minister for the Lib Dems and also speaks on Welsh Language and Older People’s issues for the Party.

He is a leading member of the Assembly’s Public Accounts and Children and Young People Committees.         

Victor Babu is a surgeon working in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and lives with his family in Colwyn Bay.

Sarah Lesiter-Burgess is a mother of three children and a community councillor in Glan Conwy where she lives with her family.

Rob Walsh is a county councillor in Wrexham who last year he won a spectacular victory for the Liberal Democrats in a by-election to become member for the ward of Llay.

Aled Roberts said: “The Welsh Liberal Democrats have a strong record of delivery for the people of North Wales.

“The choice for the fourth seat in North Wales is clear: do you want a hard-working Welsh Lib Dem AM fighting for North Wales with a proven track record, or UKIP who have no record for campaigning in North Wales outside election times. You may have forgotten that they have one Member of the European Parliament who is supposed to represent Wales, but we rarely hear from him.

“I’ve spoken to traditional Plaid, Labour and Conservative voters on the doorsteps over the past few months who are lending their second regional list votes to the Welsh Lib Dems to stop UKIP. I’d urge anyone who utterly opposes their views to do the same.”

Methodists enjoy lunch at the White Waters

* Methodist Church members concentrate on naming the flags at their New Year lunch at the White Waters Hotel.

More than 50 members of Llangollen Methodist Church gathered at the White Waters Hotel yesterday (Sunday) for their annual New Year lunch.

After enjoying a buffet meal, they took part in a general knowledge quiz organised by Gill Newbrook and then tackled the poser of putting names to a series of national flags from around Europe.

Public meetings will discuss HSBC branch closures

 

* Simon Baynes, left, with Shaun Roberts at the HSBC branch in Ruabon.  

 

Two public meetings are planned for later this week to discuss the closure of HSBC bank branches in in Chirk and Ruabon - both of which will affect people in Llangollen.  

 

The meetings have been organised by Simon Baynes, the Welsh Conservative Assembly Candidate for Clwyd South.

 

Last week, following the closure announcement, Mr Baynes and a team of local helpers distributed 1,500 copies of a residents’ survey on community banking in Chirk and Ruabon.

 

He says demand for the survey from shops, local businesses and residents was very strong and shows the depth of concern in the communities about the closures.

 

Helped by residents such as Lynne Hughes in Chirk, who has the shop M.G.Hughes Fruit & Veg on Church Street, Mr Baynes has arranged the public meetings, at the Parish Hall, Chirk on Thursday January 14 at 7pm, and at St Mary’s Church and Community Hall in Ruabon on Friday January 15 at 7pm. 

 

Mr Baynes said: "Our residents' survey in Chirk and Ruabon provides an opportunity for the com munity to show how important the banks are to their daily lives.

 

"There was huge demand for the surveys today and local residents, shops and businesses in both communities are very concerned about the banks’ closures.

 

"The surveys come with a Freepost envelope for their return to us and we will communicate the results to HSBC. The survey can also be filled in on my website - http://www.simonbaynes.co.uk/campaigns/hsbc-bank-closures

 

"We are pleased to be working with people locally in both communities in organising these public meetings which will give an opportunity to local residents and businesses to express their worries.

 

"We are inviting HSBC to both meetings and hope that representatives can be present next week or on a future occasion to hear their customers’ concerns, many of whom have been loyal and longstanding clients of the bank."

 

Museum stages art competition

Scrapyard survivor stars at Llan steam gala

* Loco No. 7820 Dinmore Manor will appear at

Llangollen Railway's Spring Steam Gala. 

A LOCO which powered its way back from the scrapyard will star in the Spring Steam gala at Llangollen Railway.

Manor class No. 7820 Dinmore Manor will be the second visiting engine at the event which runs from Friday-Sunday, April 8-10.

Built at Swindon in 1950, it was the first of 10 of these 4-6-0s built by British Railways following the original batch of 20 (numbered 7800 to 7819) for the GWR in 1938.

After being withdrawn from service in 1965, it languished in a South Wales scrapyard until being purchased for preservation in 1979.

The loco is currently based on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway and is visiting courtesy of Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd.

Subject to completion of its major overhaul, it is hoped that the heritage railway’s resident Manor class loco No. 7822 Foxcote Manor will also be in operation during the gala.

As well as the two black-liveried Manors, there will also be two ex-GWR Prairie class locomotives in operation.

Small Prairie loco No. 4566 will be visiting from the Severn Valley Railway, courtesy of the 4566 Fund, and will make an interesting comparison with Llangollen’s resident Large Prairie loco No. 5199.

* Full gala details will be announced in due course at: http://www.llangollen-railway.co.uk/event/spring-steam-gala-8th-april/

Town scenes feature in Llan panto

* Tessa Orton Jones, left, as the Ace of Spades and Jo Potts as the Mad Hatter.

SCENES from around Llangollen will feature in this year's town pantomime, as the local group stages Alice in Wonderland.

Final rehearsals are underway for the show which opens at Llangollen Pavilion on Thursday, January 14 for five performances.

It's the first time Llangollen Pantomime Group has performed Alice in Wonderland, which last year celebrated 150 years since the book was first published in 1865.

 

* The Mac Cat played by
Neil Barrett. 

This production is billed as the traditional story with a modern twist, featuring well-known buildings, locations and references from around Llangollen as well as bush-tucker trials.

Hits from across the decades will provide the sound-track, opening with Do You Love Me from the 1960s, and will be accompanied by a live band.

Alice in Wonderland's co-director, Nico Decourt from Abbey Road, Llangollen, said: “The show features well-known songs and music from every decade since the 1960s including last year's hit Uptown Funk.

“For a 90s theme we're looking to the Manchester band Oasis for inspiration and have renamed the Cheshire Cat in the story of Alice in Wonderland, the Manc cat, as a tribute to the band. The cast and crew are rehearsing very hard to ensure this pantomime is the best ever.”

Alice in Wonderland is the 33rd production by the Llangollen Pantomime Group, which was started by St Collen's Church in 1983.

Entire families regularly participate in the production with parents and grandparents performing or working backstage alongside their children and grandchildren.

The show runs from Thursday, January 14 to Sunday, January 17 at Llangollen Pavilion.

Doors 7pm, show 7.30pm, Saturday and Sunday matinee (doors open 2pm, show 2.30pm).

Tickets: Thursday, £6 and £4, other times, £8 and £6.

For the first time, tickets are available online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenpanto and from Jades Hair & Beauty, Llangollen or Gwyn Davies (Butchers), Llangollen. You can also reserve tickets by calling 01978 860297.

Plaid candidate raises bank closure concerns

The failure of HSBC’s online banking system has raised fresh concerns about the bank’s decision to close local branches at Ruabon and Chirk.

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru, the Party Of Wales' candidate for Clwyd South, (pictured) said the bank’s on-going programme of local branch closures had been justified by executives on the grounds that online banking was available.

 

He said: “The communities served by both Chirk and Ruabon banks will be reeling from the news that HSBC are planning to close their branches there.

 

"This decision will undoubtedly have a detrimental effect on those communities, especially local businesses, the elderly and those on low income.

 

"What's worse is that the bank cites increased online banking as one of their reasons for closing. However, only this week John Hackett, Chief Operating Officer of HSBC in the UK, had to issue an apology because of internet failures in their banking system."

Last year research carried put by Mabon ap Gwynfor revealed that one in six people in Wrexham area had never been online.

 

According to the ONS report, Internet Users 2015, age is a factor as to whether an adult has used the internet.

 

Mabon added: “There is a clear digital divide in our society, with the elderly and disabled most likely to be excluded from the digital revolution and consequently losing out on basic information and eventually key services.

 

"We have seen many banks close in our communities over the last few years, and in each case we are told that it is because more and more people go online.

 

“The fact however is that many of those that rely on local bank branches are elderly and vulnerable people, and they are the least likely to be online."

Mabon ap Gwynfor has set up a petition to keep the last two HSBC banks in the whole of the constituency, http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/keep-ruabon-hsbc-bank/signatures.html

Market Street to get 15 extra parking spaces

* Market Street car park is to get 15 extra spaces.

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies has welcomed news that 15 extra spaces are to be created at the town’s Market Street car park.

He has been told to by county officers that nine will be added by marking out in the area where the recycling bins were previously stored, on the easterly end of the longest double bank of spaces and the removal of the redundant kerbed island near the back or southerly end of the car park.

Another six spaces will be created in the area occupied by the garages which have now been demolished.

The officers said that the council is awaiting an exact date from the contractor but was hopeful the work should take place within the next few weeks.

Cllr Davies said: ““I have been pushing for these car park spaces for the last three years and am pleased to see that the works at Market St car park are finally coming to a satisfactory conclusion.

“This will give, in total, an extra 15 much needed spaces in the middle of town.”

County investigates bridge road surface

* Llangollen's historic bridge.

The area’s county councillor says officers have told him that cracks noticed in the roadway on Llangollen’s historic bridge do not appear to be serious.

A llanblogger reader sent in pictures of the cracks in the top surface over the weekend, expressing concern that they might be an early sign that the road was sinking.

We passed on the details to Cllr Stuart Davies who said yesterday: “I asked experts from the county council to take a look at the cracks.

“After a preliminary inspection they tell me that they don’t think there’s an issue with the road but further checks are being made and they have assured me they will keep an eye on things there.”

 

* Cracks in the road surface highlighted by a llanblogger reader.

 

MP slams decision to close HSBC branches

BREAKING NEWS ...

Clwyd South MP has slammed the decision, just announced, by the HSBC bank to close its branches in Ruabon and Chirk.

In a statement she says: "I have just received a letter from HSBC (attached & see email below) that basically informs us that decades of loyalty from residents and business customers in our area count for absolutely nothing as HSBC will be closing its branches in Ruabon and Chirk.

* Susan Elan Jones MP.

"These branches are relied upon by people of all ages to do their personal banking. They are also essential for local businesses of all sizes to do their day-to-day banking. Both branches are situated in areas of growing business development and serve customers from villages around them. HSBC's decision comes after decisions to close branches across many other villages and small towns across the country, including Llangollen, Corwen, Cefn and Rhosllannerchrugog.

"I plan to take HSBC and the UK Government to task over today's shameful decision. The Government is partly to blame for these proposed closures as a couple of years ago BIS (Department of Business, Innovations and Skills) abandoned its agreement with the banking that the last bank in every community should be kept open.

"At around 7pm in the House of Commons, I will be asking the Speaker if I can make an urgent point of order on the floor of the House of Commons to ask a Government Minister to make a statement in Parliament on UK Government policy and its effects on villages and towns UK-wide.

"While I will of course meet with HSBC and present any petitions or other representations from Town and Community Councils in Parliament, I think we have to recognise that what is needed here is co-ordinated national action; and if the Government doesn't act now, our small town and village high streets will suffer even more than they have so far."


LETTER

Susan Elan Jones MP

House of Commons

London,

SW1A 0AA

Dear Ms Elan Jones

 

I am writing to let you know that we have taken the difficult decision to close the HSBC branches in Chirk and Ruabon, which are located within your constituency, on Friday 8 April 2016.

We have made this decision with great reluctance, but after a careful analysis of both branch’s commercial viability it was clear that they are no longer generating the custom necessary to justify their continued operation. As I am sure you will appreciate, customer banking habits have changed dramatically in recent years, with many customers now using branches where they work or using the 24 hour convenience of telephone, mobile and internet banking. In response to these changing patterns we need to ensure that our branches are in the right locations and we invest in the development of our internet and mobile facilities. Unfortunately that means that we sometimes have to close branches to ensure our network remains fit for purpose.

 

We will be writing to each of our customers of Chirk and Ruabon branches on, Monday 11 January 2016 advising them of the closures. Our main priority will be to ensure that we are aware of any difficulties faced by our customers and that our customers’ banking needs will be catered for in the best possible way.  With this in mind, our branch staff will be available to talk through the many alternative ways of banking which are open to our customers, and will take steps to proactively contact customers who may have problems accessing alternative banking facilities. In these cases we will offer them one-to-one appointments to provide customers with advice and practical solutions, including training on phone and internet banking where appropriate.

I also want to stress that the closure will not result in any of our people becoming redundant – all of the Chirk and Ruabon branch staff will be redeployed to other branches.

 

Following the closure, we will automatically transfer the administration of our customers’ accounts to our Wrexham branch which is within 11 miles of Chirk and 5 miles of Ruabon. This branch has longer opening hours, better facilities and more staff to assist with our customers’ banking needs. In addition, there are other HSBC branches at Ruthin and Mold in addition all HSBC and first direct personal current account customers can now access their bank account at Post Office branches. As a result, customers will now also be able to use the Post Office located at 16 Church Street, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5HA and 1a New High Street, Ruabon, Wrexham Clwyd LL14 6NL both of which are within walking distance of the respective branches, for cash withdrawals, cash deposits, cheque deposits and balance enquiries.

I hope that this helps to explain the reasoning behind this very difficult decision, and to set out how HSBC will provide assistance to our customers affected by the closures. If any individual cases of difficulty are raised with you, I would be grateful if you could bring them to my attention so that we can do our utmost to arrange for appropriate assistance.

If you would like to meet to discuss any of the points raised above, I would be more than happy to do so.  My office can be contacted on 07827 357049 and we can arrange a meeting in due course.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Byrne

Regional Director

* Simon Baynes, the Welsh Conservative Assembly Candidate for Clwyd South, has expressed his severe disappointment at HSBC’s announcement of their intention to close their branches in Chirk and Ruabon.

 

He said: "The closure of the HSBC banks in Chirk and Ruabon is a big blow to both towns. I am really disappointed by these decisions particularly as these branches are the last banks in the communities. 

 

"Bank branches like these are very important to everyone locally, particularly elderly customers, the disadvantaged and local businesses, especially small and medium sized businesses.

 

"It is vital that HSBC make it a top priority to discuss new arrangements with their customers, particularly the elderly, and to lessen the impact of this decision as far as possible if the bank decides to go ahead with these proposals.

 

"Many people locally have been loyal customers for many years and I hope that HSBC will think again before closing these branches."

Police boss urges more victims to come forward

* Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick. 

A police boss has urged more victims of domestic abuse to come forward after the introduction of a new law.

According to North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick, the legislation targets domestic abusers who use controlling behaviour on their victims.

The offence introduces a maximum five-year jail term and fine for controlling or coercive behaviour.

It relates to an intimate or family relationship, and could include humiliation or intimidation, regulating behaviour, isolating people and depriving them of the means to escape such as through access to money.

Mr Roddick said “Controlling and coercive behaviour is despicable crime which can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the lives of victims.

"It is therefore good news that we now have a new weapon to arrest and punish the perpetrators.

"The legislation recognises that the psychological and emotional impacts of abuse can be just as damaging to individuals' and families' lives as physical abuse. We hope that the introduction of this law will give more victims the confidence to come forward

 

"We are sending a clear message that it is wrong to violate the trust of those closest to us and that emotional and controlling abuse will not be tolerated.

 

The types of behaviour associated with coercion and control include monitoring someone’s time, checking their phone or social media accounts, preventing them from seeing people or having a job, controlling their finances, putting them down, threatening them or someone they love, damaging their things and telling them what to wear.

 

Last year Mr Roddick established a new Victim Help Centre and funded Independent Sexual Violence Advisors and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors.

 

The commissioner revealed the success of the new Victim Help Centre has "exceeded all expectations" with thousands getting in touch asking for help.

The one-stop-shop for victims covers the whole of North Wales and is based at divisional police HQ in St Asaph.

Each victim receives a response specifically tailored to their situation.

Mr Roddick added: "Tackling domestic abuse is a key objective in my Crime and Police Plan which sets a framework for the work of North Wales Police.

"Domestic abuse is  a crime which crosses, age, financial and diversity gaps and is an issue which can and does affect not just those who are being directly subjected to abuse, but also those who see and hear is going on.

 

"Domestic abuse is simply not acceptable and I would urge anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to seek help. Domestic abuse is not a way of life – it is a crime.

 

"I want victims to realise that North Wales Police attaches importance to this crime and we will dedicate resources to it to ensure that the victim's journey from making a complaint to the police, through the court system and thereafter is made as comfortable and safe as is possible because all the public have a real interest in the complaint being made and being dealt with appropriately.

 

"The message is clear. Come forward and you will be taken seriously and treated sensitively."

17 fined for dog fouling and littering

Denbighshire County Council’s tough stance on dog fouling and littering  in the county continues – with a further 17 people receiving fines through the courts for environmental crime.

 

All 17 individuals received a £75 fine following recent court hearings at Llandudno Magistrates Court. They were also ordered to pay £85 costs and £170 in court costs.

 

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Public Realm, said: “Our residents have told us they want to live in a clean environment and that is why we have made cleaner, tidy streets one of our main priorities in Denbighshire.

 

“The majority of residents in our county treat the environment with complete respect and that leads to a better quality of life and improves the visual image of the area.

 

“However, there is a minority of people that are responsible for environmental crime such as dog fouling  and littering and don’t clean the mess.  Those are the people we are targeting as part of our on-going education campaign which has received support from local communities.

 

“We will not tolerate examples where people wilfully allow their dogs to foul in public or drop litter.  Enforcement action is very much a last resort and we will continue to be vigilant and work with communities to try and rid our communities of any kind of environmental crimes."

 

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct shortlisted for major award

Pontcysyllte  Aqueduct near Llangollen has been shortlisted in 2015/16 Heritage Site of the Year awards run by BBC Countryfile Magazine.

 

The list, nominated by BBC presenter John Craven, also includes famous sites in Northern Ireland, Yorkshire, Shropshire and Northumberland.

 

People are invited to vote for their choice of winner via the magazine's website.

 

Sites in the running are:  

 

PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT, WREXHAM
This engineering masterpiece was Britain’s longest, highest aqueduct when one of my heroes, Thomas Telford, completed it in 1805. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it still carries the Llangollen canal over the Dee Valley in a 307m-long cast-iron trough, held by 19 pillars of 30m. Cross by narrow boat or on foot – you’ll need a head for heights.

  

DUNLUCE CASTLE, COUNTY ANTRIM

The ruins of this magnificent medieval fortress perch on top of the steep, sheer cliffs of a rocky promontory along the gorgeous Antrim coast. Not far away is the Giant’s Causeway, so two top heritage sites in one! The views are stunning, its bloody history is well told, and fans of Game of Thrones may recognise it as the seat of the House of Greyjoy.

WHITBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE
The scene of childhood holidays to which I never tire of returning. History is round every quaint corner. Captain Cook lived here and explored Australia in the Whitby- built HMS Endeavour; it was Bram Stoker’s backdrop for Dracula; and at the top of its famous 199 steps stand the dramatic remains of Whitby’s Benedictine abbey, dominating the skyline.

HADRIAN’S WALL
Having trekked along parts of it through landscapes seemingly as wild as when the Emperor ordered it to be built in AD 122, how could I exclude this 73-mile wonder? Stretching from the Solway Firth to Wallsend (of course) it remains a lasting achievement of Roman endeavour. Together with the Antonine Wall, 100 miles north, they make up one of Britain’s 25 world heritage sites.


STOKESAY CASTLE, SHROPSHIRE
My favourite little gem from the Middle Ages (and not due to family links – long-past owners the Earls of Craven were no relation!). Too small to be a real castle, it’s defined by English Heritage as “quite simply the finest, best-preserved fortified medieval manor house in England”. On seeing it, I promptly fell for its charms, which have changed little since it was built in the late 13th-century.

Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, who is also Deputy Tourism Minister, said: “We are incredibly lucky in Clwyd South to have two National Trust sites as well as the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the first trans-national UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“The aqueduct is an engineering masterpiece and stretches for 11 miles through some of the most important industrial heritage anywhere in the world.

“I’m delighted Pontcysyllte Aqueduct has been recognised and nominated for this award by the BBC and such a tremendously well-respected broadcaster as John Craven, and I would encourage my constituents to vote and help ensure another success story for Clwyd South.

“This is a great start to 2016 – the Year of Adventure in Wales.”

You can vote for the winner here:

http://m.countryfile.com/explore-countryside/places/heritage-site-year-201516

AM calls for smaller class sizes

Speaking on the first day of a new school term yesterday, Aled Roberts AM (pictured) has said that parents’ wishes for smaller class sizes have been ignored for too long.

 

Over 71,740 infant pupils in Wales are currently taught in classes of 25 or more, with 59% of infant classes having over 25 pupils.

 

Despite the fact that class sizes are growing, in July it was revealed that over 800 teachers and support staff are being made redundant across Wales, which will have a major impact on pupils and their learning. 

 

Going into the Assembly election, the Welsh Liberal Democrats have made clear that they would cap class sizes for infants at 25. 

 

The party says it would ensure that schools have the funding to employ more teachers so that class sizes can be capped at 25, to protect the quality of education for pupils.

 

Aled Roberts, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Education and Assembly Member for North Wales, said: “Many children are going back to school today and will be taught in classes of well over 25 pupils.  That is simply too big for a teacher to have the time to give children the individual attention they need.

 

“Time after time I speak to understandably worried parents whose main priority is for their children to be taught in smaller classes. Parents’ views have been ignored for too long. 

 

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats would work to ensure that infant classes normally contain no more than 25 pupils, prioritising the largest classes first.  We would invest in more teachers, to give them the time to focus on a child’s individual needs which we believe is central to raising standards.

 

“The average class size in Wales is higher than nearly all other developed countries.  That isn’t good enough and our pupils deserve better.

 

“This policy is a key signal that the Welsh Liberal Democrats are on the side of pupils and parents.”

Police pioneer flood evecuation system

A new software solution to help identify occupied or evacuated properties devised by North Wales Police came in to play during last week’s severe weather.

Exodus was readied for use in both St Asaph and the Dee Valley when properties were at risk of flooding. 

Fortunately in these events the water receded before it was actually activated, but the system has previously prompted interest from other multi-agency partners across the UK and as far afield as America.
PC David Abernethy-Clark of North Wales Police (pictured), who devised the system, said: “In an emergency situation every minute counts.

Exodus enables us to coordinate resources much more quickly and efficiently for those areas at risk of flooding so that we can prioritise our evacuation efforts and save lives.

“Once we have the at risk area defined the system calculates how many emergency responders are needed or how long it would take to visit each and every property within it, should the number of emergency responders be fixed.  It means that we can very quickly assess the need to scale up or down the response depending on the amount of time we have before the flood is likely to happen.”

All properties in an affected area are allocated a ‘homeowner pack’ containing posters for displaying externally – one to say that the occupants remain in residence, another to say that they have evacuated, plus an information sheet to be handed to any police officer with information of how they can be contacted.

PC Abernethy-Clark said: “The packs also contain a third poster which indicates that the property needs further investigation, this would be used when we’ve knocked on the door and no one answers.”

This colour coded scheme means that as an area becomes flooded any emergency responders returning by boat, can see at a glance the status of each property.  They will then target those properties that are occupied or in need of further investigation, to make sure that people are safe, offer them the chance to evacuate and if need be to rescue them.

“We have already had interest in the system from other multi-agency partners, UK police forces and from Universities in America and Canada. It’s a system which could be used anywhere and I’m sure that following the events this week in parts of England and Scotland we may get more interest,” said PC Abernethy-Clark.

The system will not just be used during floods, it could be used whenever there is a need to evacuate property.

New Year greetings!

llanblogger wishes a Happy New Year to all its readers ...

Latest ambulance figures on target

The standard emergency ambulance response to the most acutely ill patients was five minutes and 30 seconds, latest figures show.

 

Statistics for November, the second month of a year-long pilot to test changes to the way the Welsh Ambulance Service responds to patients, show that 70.8% red calls were responded to within eight minutes.

The expectation is that at least 65% of responses to the most life-threatening emergencies – known as red calls - should arrive within eight minutes.

The new figures for November also show:

• More than a third of ‘red’ patients received a response within just four minutes;
• There were an average of 1,223 emergency calls per day;
• All health board areas, with the exception of Hywel Dda University Health Board area, achieved at least 70% within eight minutes.

Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “I’m pleased to see the Welsh Ambulance is achieving the new response time target and helping to deliver excellent patient outcomes, as the pilot continues.

“These figures reveal the demands placed on the ambulance clinicians, clinical contact centres and hard-working first responder volunteers who work tirelessly to save people in life-threatening situations.

“The new system is helping to ensure people with an immediately life-threatening condition receive a response within eight minutes – this is helping people to get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“I recognise that more needs to be done in some areas and I expect the service to build on these early results and continue to improve to ensure people who need the life-saving skills of ambulance clinicians do so in the quickest time possible and get the best possible outcomes.”

Two honoured for services to Llan community

Two people have received the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List for their services to the community in Llangollen.

Thomas Delwyn Roberts, 79, receives a BEM for voluntary service in the town, where he has been involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme arranging visits between local children and children from India.

He is a volunteer driver helping the housebound, helped raise £600,000 to build a community centre in Trevor and volunteers for the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

A magistrate and lay preacher, Mr Roberts is also a Deacon in the Welsh Baptist Chapel.

Also receiving a BEM is Mrs Rosemary Corbett Thomas, District Cub Scout Leader, Llangollen, for services to the Scout Movement in the Llangollen District.

* For details of the full Honours List in Wales, see http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/new-years-honours-list-2016-10667164

Prospective candidate hears of flooding concerns

 

* Simon Baynes on the Chainbridge near Llangollen on Wednesday.

 

Simon Baynes, Prospective Welsh Conservative Assembly Member for Clwyd South, says farmers and residents have expressed their concerns to him about flooding. 

 

Water levels are currently receding but a few days ago there was extensive flooding in several areas.

 

Yesterday (Wednesday) Mr Baynes visited Llandrillo, Cynwyd, Corwen, the Chainbridge Hotel and Llangollen.

 

He said he spoke with local residents and was relieved to see water levels were down even though the River Dee was still flowing very strongly.

 

On Monday, Captain John and Mary Ormrod, who farm near Bangor-on-Dee, showed him the widespread flooding across their land from both the River Clywedog and the River Dee.

 

In Bangor-on-Dee, local resident and retired magistrate Michael Bishop commented on the water level under the bridge and discussed the flood avoidance measures that have been taken in the town in recent years.

 

Mr Baynes said: “Farmers I have spoken with are particularly concerned about the upstream management of the River Dee and very keen that Natural Resources Wales should better manage the river, its tributaries and surrounding land in a way that will mitigate flooding downstream.

 

“It is important that the Welsh Government, like the Westminster government, provides generous emergency relief where needed and constantly reviews its flood prevention measures.

 

“If you are concerned about further flooding, you can sign up for Natural Resources Wales Floodline Warnings Direct service. Please call Floodline on 0345 9881188."

Llan mansion to become luxury wedding venue

 
 

The Daily Post has a story about Tyn Dwr Hall in Llangollen being transformed into a luxurious wedding venue.

For the full story see:
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llangollen-mansion-transformed-luxury-boutique-10663018#ICID=sharebar_twitter

Libraries issue daring reading challenge

 

* Reading whilst sky diving ©Stephen Megison.

 

Why not sign up for a year of Reading Daringly with north Wales’s libraries?

 

Each month two of the 24 specially chosen books, one English language and one Welsh language, will be revealed creating a calendar of captivating reads.

 

Librarians from across North Wales will choose books that challenge you to read something different. 

 

Whatever your reading tastes there is something here to entertain, challenge and enrich your reading experience – a real adventure in your armchair.

 

Readers are also encouraged to share their experiences and opinions of the books online via Facebook and Twitter or via the eye-catching postcards available from libraries.

 

The reading challenge has been devised by Estyn Allan a partnership of libraries in North Wales which aims to offer new opportunities for readers to take an active role in their own development and to share reading experiences with others.

 

The aim is to develop imaginative projects which increase people's enjoyment of reading and take the pleasure of reading to new audiences and to promote contemporary writing in Welsh and English.

 

Bethan Hughes, from the Estyn Allan y Gogledd libraries partnership, said: “The idea is that A Year of Reading Daringly would run almost like a reading group without the need to actually attend.

 

"People often get stuck in a ‘reading rut’ reading the same authors or genres and we are encouraging people to challenge themselves and try something new in 2016.

 

"And as 2016 has been designated as the Year of Adventure in Wales this is a chance for people to sign up for lots of new adventures."

 

* For more information visit the Year of Reading Daringly Facebook and Twitter page or pop in to your local library.

 

https://www.facebook.com/A-Year-of-Reading-Daringly-1506238289671199/?fref=ts

@ReadingDaringly

 

The first books will be announced on 1^st January 2016.

Police issue flood driving warning

Don’t travel unless you have to’ is the message this afternoon (Saturday) from North Wales Police, as roads across the region are closed due to heavy flooding.

A multi-agency response is in operation to deal with the flooding, which has led to several road closures and a number of flood warnings being issued.

With the ground already saturated heavy rain over the past 24 hours has caused rivers to rise rapidly.

Supt Nigel Harrison said: “There is serious flooding across North Wales and we are advising people not to travel unless it is absolutely essential, and then to allow extra time for journey as driving conditions may be difficult.”

The A55 is closed in both directions between Junctions 11 and 15 due to flooding. The B5109 Llanfaes Beaumaris is closed as is the A5/A470 Junction at Waterloo Bridge. There is also heavy flooding on the A487 Bangor and the road is closed from Vaynol Roundabout up to the St David's Retail Park.

Reiterating the message from Natural Resources Wales he said: “We’re asking people to take care near water and to keep themselves and their friends and family safe.”

There are currently flood warnings in place for river flooding in St Asaph, the Conwy Valley, Pwllheli, and the Lower Dee. However this is expected to rise later today.  There are also 30 flood alerts in place across Wales.

People living in the areas at risk are being urged to take steps to ensure their own safety and as far as possible that of their property. They are also advised to keep an eye on local news and weather forecasts for news of any disruption in their area, and are reminded of the dangers of driving through flood water.

* For updates on road closures in North Wales due to flooding please follow @NWPolice and @NWPControlroom .

Government consults on blue badge eligibility

The Welsh Government is to consult on extending Blue Badge eligibility for temporary conditions and on streamlining the assessment process.

 

North Wales South East Wales South West WalesTransport Minister, Edwina Hart, has published the responses to the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group, set-up to consider ways to improve the Blue Badge Scheme, which provides free parking to people with disabilities in Wales.

 

 

The Minister agreed some immediate actions, including working with other organisations to improve enforcement and a communication campaign on the importance to badge holders and to deter abuse and misuse of the scheme.

A public consultation will be undertaken early next year on extending the Blue Badge eligibility to people with temporary qualifying conditions that are likely to last at least 12 months.

Changes to the assessment process will also be consulted on, including the need for GP assessments and speeding up the process for those re-applying for a badge.

Mrs Hart said: “The Blue Badge Scheme plays a vital role in improving access to employment and services for people with disabilities.  The Welsh Government has already made some important changes to extend eligibility and ensure consistency and fairness in the way it is delivered.

"However there were some problems with the assessment and delivery process of the current system and I set-up the Task and Finish Group to look at ways to improve the scheme. I am very grateful for the work of the Group and will look to take forward these important improvements as soon as possible.”

llanblogger brings you season's greetings ...