Crime tsar will not seek re-election in May

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Winston Roddick is standing down.

 

Mr Roddick (pictured) announced at a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel today that he will not be seeking re-election in May.

 

His deputy, Julian Sandham, a former chief superintendent with North Wales Police, is expected to try for the top job.

 

There were tributes paid to Mr Roddick at the meeting and Gwynedd County Councillor Dilwyn Morgan, from Bala, said: “There were great expectations on his shoulders and people who had doubts about the role and what it meant but he has set very high standards and brought doubters around to believe in the system.

 

“Whoever comes in his place will have very difficult shoes to fill.”

 

Conwy County Councillor Julie Fallon, Deganwy, said: “He will be a very hard act to follow,” and fellow Conwy Councillor Phillip Evans, Llandudno, added: “Winston brought to the role a wealth of knowledge of government, law and justice which have all helped us here in North Wales.”

 

Mr Roddick made history when he was elected as the area's first ever police and crime commissioner in November 2012 when he stood as an independent candidate.

 

Despite massive budget cut-backs, his time in office has seen an overall reduction in crime of 11.7 per cent while victim-based crime has fallen by 10.5 per cent.

 

During the same period, the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads of North Wales has decreased by 17 per cent.

 

After Mr Roddick vowed to step up the fight against child sexual exploitation in North Wales, a new specialist team was set up last year.

 

As a result there has been a tenfold increase in the number of arrests of perpetrators - up from 10 last year to 107 so far this year.

 

A native of Caernarfon, Mr Roddick originally worked as a police constable in Liverpool, before studying law at University College London from where he graduated as a Master of Laws.

 

Mr Roddick went on to carve out an illustrious career as a barrister,  taking ‘silk’ as a Queen's Counsel in 1986 and later becoming the Leader of the Wales and Chester Circuit, a Recorder of the Crown Court and the first Honorary Recorder of Caernarfon.

 

In 1986, as a member of the first Welsh Language Board, he was responsible for drafting  the report which lead to the passing of the Welsh Language Act of that year. He was appointed as the first Counsel General of Wales in 1998, the most senior legal adviser to the Welsh Assembly.

 

He was also the first independent chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and the first chair of the Police Reform and Transformation Board for England and Wales.

 

According to Mr Roddick, the decision to stand down was a difficult one.

 

He said: "I have come to the decision to stand down gradually after considering it very carefully with my family and others over the past two or three months.

 

"It certainly isn’t because I haven’t enjoyed the role. It’s a very exciting role despite its very high demands.

 

“Following my election, our world changed. Our two granddaughters were born.  The youngest is only one and the eldest is not yet three. They live quite far away and we don’t see enough of them and I would like to see much more of them. That’s not the only reason but it’s the main one for not seeking re-election.

 

"I’m not the young person I was but despite that I have lots of energy and lots of enthusiasm, and when I give up I shall of course renew my practicing certificate as a barrister, and I believe there are public responsibilities which I might  be asked to undertake and of course I’ll take  them, but they will be nowhere near as demanding as this role has been, enjoyable as it was.

 

"I am immensely grateful for the wonderful support I have received from my family and, of course, the exceptionally talented team in my office.

 

"The idea of police and crime commissioners was entirely new when I started so there was no precedent and therefore you have to do the best you can to plough your own furrow in a way that produces and effective and efficient police service and reduces crime.

 

"It’s been the success that it has because North Wales Police and my office have worked as one team to considerable effect. The understanding between me as a Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable, the relationship between us, and the relationship between my office and the senior officers, has been exemplary."

 

Among the commissioner's proudest achievements was setting up a pioneering centre to help victims of crime in North Wales. Demand for the services provided by  the Victim Help Centre in St Asaph, the first of its kind in the UK, has exceeded all expectations.

 

One more high point for Mr Roddick was the creation of the Rural Crime Team which has slashed crime in the countryside and is now being copied across the UK and as far afield as Australia.

 

Specialist teams were also established to combat emerging problems like child sexual exploitation and cyber-crime.

 

Another successful initiative from the commissioner, supported by North Wales Police and North Wales Police and community Trust (PACT), was the use of cash seized from criminals to reward community groups devoted to tackling anti-social behaviour and combating crime and disorder which Mr Roddick describes as "poetic justice for villains".

 

Mr Roddick also launched the Police and Crime Commissioner Community Awards to honour unsung heroes of the community who go the extra mile to make North Wales a safer place to live and work.

 

The latest crime figures show that North Wales Police is the best performing force in Wales and the only one where crime has been reduced, with a cut of three per cent.

 

Mr Roddick added: "Public confidence in the force is high and North Wales Police is doing a very good job in ensuring that people feel secure in their homes and safe in public places.

 

"These latest figures reflect well  on the force's dedicated team of officers and I am pleased that North Wales Police is in a good place. It is a good starting point for my successor.

 

"I’m not getting any younger and the burdens of this job are going to increase and therefore I think I’ve done my bit. It’s now the turn of somebody else. "  

 

Powerful working-class drama opens this week

Love on the Dole, a play by Ronald Gow and Walter Greenwood, will be performed by The Twenty Club on three nights this week at Llangollen Town Hall - Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The story of the Hardcastle family takes place in Hanky Park, a part of Salford, where playwright Greenwood grew up.

It was written as a response to the crisis of unemployment, which led to the General Strike of 1926.

The story follows the family as they are pulled apart by mass unemployment and the problems which follow. 

The play has been performed by the club once before over 25 years ago and they say they are pleased to welcome back original cast members and new faces alike for this latest production.

* Tickets are on sale from facebook.com/twentyclub or via Skiddle.com

* A scene from Love on the Dole by the Twenty Club. Photo: Dave Roberts.

New fire and ambulance HQ completed

 

* The new joint fire and ambulance centre in Croesnewyddd Road.

 

CONSTRUCTION of Wrexham’s brand new Ambulance and Fire Services Resource Centre (AFSRC) has been completed.

 

The Welsh Ambulance Service and North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have jointly invested more than £15 million in the purpose-built facility, which includes an eight-bay fire station, a six-bay ambulance station and top-of-the-range training facilities.

 

The centre on Croesnewyddd Road will replace the existing fire station on Bradley Road in Wrexham, and the existing ambulance stations in Chirk and Wrexham.

 

Staff will begin to operate out of the AFSRC in April once kit and furniture has been moved in.

 

Sonia Thompson, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s Head of Operations in North Wales, said: “This project has been years in the pipeline, so we’re thrilled that the building is now complete.

 

“The AFSRC means crews finally get the facilities they deserve and ultimately it will mean a better service for the people of Wrexham and Chirk.

“There’s also the bonus of being co-located with emergency service colleagues with whom we already have a close working relationship and attend many incidents together.”

Gary Brandrick, Senior Professional and Service Standards Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We’re delighted that this exciting facility has been completed – the AFSRC will deliver both improved facilities for our staff and a better service for the public in the area.

“Operating from one base will allow greater co-ordination when it comes to responding to incidents and will make the best use of resources for both of our organisations.”

Permission for the two-storey facility on land near Wrexham Maelor Hospital was granted by Wrexham Council’s planning committee in May 2014, and a Full Business Case was later approved by Welsh Government.

 

The ambulance accommodation incorporates a fleet workshop, make ready facility, a six bay garage, offices for fleet staff and management, debrief room and a deployment base for response staff.

Crews will start their shift at the AFSRC then will move to strategically located deployment points across Wrexham and Chirk, where the Trust data predicts the next 999 call will come from.

 

Newly-recruited fleet assistants will clean vehicles after use, enabling clinicians to spend more time face-to-face with patients delivering better care for the area.

The fire accommodation includes a local community safety office, an eight bay garage, gymnasium, state-of-the-art training house and drill tower with a road traffic collision training area.

Facilities like the rest room, dining room, communal kitchen, main office, locker room, meeting and training rooms will be shared by both services.

Construction of the AFSRC was carried out by BAM Construction.

Ian Greener, BAM’s Construction Manager, said: “The scheme has been a long time coming but the final result is a fantastic new facility that has required a lot of ingenuity for BAM to create.

“I hope that these striking new facilities will serve the area for many years to come and be a fitting centre of operations for the personnel of the fire and ambulance services.”

County libraries highly commended in awards

Denbighshire libraries won a Highly Commended award at the Marketing Excellence Awards for libraries, museums and archives in Wales, at a ceremony held at the National Library of Wales last week.

 

* Bethan M. Hughes of Denbighshire Libraries
 receiving the award from the judge,
Prof. Jonathan Deacon

The Awards recognise the fantastic work being done by staff in museums, archives and libraries across Wales, often with very limited resources.

 

The Award was won for Denbighshire’s Reading Hack young volunteers project which created volunteering opportunities in libraries for young people to support children participating and completing the Summer Reading Challenge.

 

Receiving the award from the judge Prof. Jonathan Deacon on behalf of Denbighshire Libraries, Bethan M. Hughes said: “We are delighted that the success of this project has been recognised. 38 young volunteers gave almost 800 hours of their time in total and created an energetic and youthful buzz in the libraries.

 

"This cohort of engaged, enthusiastic young people are now out in the big wide world sharing their positive volunteering experiences with their friends and the world, projecting a positive image of libraries as places which support young people to achieve life skills and as cool places to be.”

 

Over 40 entries were submitted to this year’s Marketing Excellence Awards from libraries, museums and archive services across Wales.

 

The awards are part of the Welsh Government's ‘Attracting the Audience’ programme for museums, archives and libraries.

 

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, commented: “We want to see as many people as possible using our excellent library, museum and archive services across Wales so that they can benefit from what’s available. Marketing plays an important role in encouraging people to use these facilities and I’m pleased we are recognising the positive work being done across the sector, despite the challenges.

 

“The standard of entries in this year’s awards has been excellent; it’s pleasing to see so many examples of good practice within these sectors and some really innovative ideas.”

 

All entries were judged by Jonathan Deacon, Professor of Marketing at the University of South Wales and Trustee (former Chair) of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Cymru. Professor Deacon commented:

 

Winners received a trophy, certificate and a variety of prizes including marketing workshops and specialised equipment to enable them to further develop their skills and enhance their marketing activities.

Views of patients and staff are priority says health boss

The views of patients and staff are top priority for 2016, the woman in charge of improving grassroots health care in Conwy and Denbighshire has pledged.

Bethan Jones is Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s Central Area Director, overseeing the healthcare needs of more than 200,000 people.

She is one of three area directors brought in by BCUHB as part of its new structure, with the aim to reconnect with the communities it serves across the region.

Mrs Jones (pictured) was previously Anglesey County Council’s Deputy Chief Executive,  leading on the transformation and improvement  following intervention by the Welsh Government. She has almost 30 years of experience working in the NHS and local government.

She now oversees community hospitals in Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Ruthin, Denbigh, Holywell and the Royal Alexandra in Rhyl. She is also responsible for community health services, child and adolescent mental health, children’s and GP and other primary care services.    

Mrs Jones said: “I see my role as the perfect opportunity to bring together the experience I have of working both in the NHS and local government.

“My aim is to get back to having a more local perspective for the BCUHB, to build partnerships at a local level, to listen to feedback and to develop a better understanding of the communities we serve.

“We need to understand the way people feel about things and have a conversation about how we deliver services. There has to be a better consumer focus with the aim of understanding what matters to the individuals that we care for and their families.

“I am a resident of North Wales and of Conwy county and it is therefore as important to me as it is to everyone else that we provide excellent care and services that meet the needs of local people.”

She added: “A major priority for me is developing effective communications with the people who work in our local health service.

“After all, we are the largest employer in North Wales and it is therefore extremely important for them to feel they are working for a good organisation and can influence how it operates.

“We have excellent staff and on the whole provide good care and services. However, we acknowledge that we need to rebuild confidence and relations with our communities, there are no easy solutions and it will all take a little time to achieve,” said Mrs Jones, who is married with a son, a daughter and a baby grand-daughter.        

Originally from the Llanfairfechan area, where she still lives, she went to school in Bangor before going on to Loughborough University from where she graduated with a BSc in Management Sciences and was appointed as an NHS management trainee.

Early in her health service career she worked in Cardiff and Manchester before returning to the NHS in North Wales at the end of 1991.

In 2001 she became Director of Social Services and Housing for Conwy County Borough Council, and four years later took an expanded role as the council’s Corporate Director for Improvement and Development with a brief that included the Colwyn Bay Regeneration Programme.  

She was appointed as Conwy’s Deputy Chief Executive in 2007 and then moved to Denbighshire County Council as a Corporate Director overseeing regeneration and business transformation.

In 2012 she was appointed to Anglesey County Council as Deputy Chief Executive to lead on the transformation and improvement of the council as a consequence of the intervention by the Welsh Government. 

BCUHB Interim Chief Executive Simon Dean, who is also Deputy Chief Executive of NHS Wales, said: “Our long-term engagement strategy is centred on building and strengthening relationships with partners, communities and individuals so that we become a more visible, listening organisation.

“Our recently established area teams in the east, central and west are key in helping us to deliver this.

“It is essential that we listen to what is said by the public and our staff, and act on that information so the health service reflects the needs of those who live and work in North Wales. We have already begun to do this, and we will be continuing it into 2016 and further ahead.”

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is the largest health organisation in Wales, employing around 16,100 staff. It provides a full range of primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for a population of around 676,000 people across North Wales as well as some parts of mid Wales, Cheshire and Shropshire.

It runs Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan and Wrexham Maelor Hospital as well as 18 other acute and community hospitals and a network of over 90 health centres, clinics, community health team bases and mental health units.  The Health Board also coordinates the work of 115 GP practices and NHS services provided by North Wales dentists, opticians and pharmacies.

BCUHB’s new chief executive is Gary Doherty, currently Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and previously Deputy Chief Executive of Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Air Ambulance gets new helicopters

* WAAC chief executive Angela Hughes and charity chairman Dave Gilbert with the H145 model at Bond Air Services.

Wales Air Ambulance is to introduce a new fleet of custom-made aircraft which will significantly enhance its operations, the charity has announced.

Three new helicopters will be launched in January 2017 after a competitive tender process which drew international interest for Wales.

Helicopter operator Bond, a Babcock International Group company, secured the winning bid to lease three Airbus H145 aircraft. The company currently supplies the charity with three EC135 models.

Wales Air Ambulance Charity will become only the third HEMS (helicopter emergency medical service) operation in the UK to use the new H145 aircraft.

Equipped for night flights, the upgrade to H145s will move the charity a step closer to its goal of providing a 24-hour air ambulance service.

The new aircraft will also have a larger cabin and more powerful engines, meaning there is extra room for treatments in-flight and the helicopters can fly for longer without refueling.

For the first time, the air ambulance crew will be able to send critical information about patients to medics waiting at hospitals via an on-board high-speed internet connection.

Angela Hughes, chief executive of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Our new lease of helicopters will help us continue to provide one of the most modern HEMS services in Europe.

“It is hugely exciting that the Wales Air Ambulance Charity has had such interest from around the world. It demonstrates that what we are doing is truly pioneering, and we continue to lead the way in developing an advanced air ambulance service.

“Crucially, though, it is what the people of Wales are doing which is making all the difference. It is thanks to their support that we have been able to secure such advanced aircraft for Wales, and we need their help to keep the new helicopters in the air.”

She added: “Our new contract with Bond is fantastic news for the charity and a great way to mark our 15^th year providing lifesaving emergency care.”

The new deal will see Bond provide pilots, engineers and three brand-new custom-configured aircraft.

Wales Air Ambulance Charity will continue to operate its fleet of EC135 helicopters until the new aircraft begin operating next year.

Tim Shattock, Bond managing director, said: “This new contract will allow the Wales Air Ambulance Charity to bring a truly landmark air ambulance service for everyone in Wales. As part of Babcock, and through working closely with the charity we have been able to offer a really innovative service, bringing new aircraft, new technologies and new ways of working to this critical and lifesaving service.

“I am pleased we will continue to provide the Wales Air Ambulance Charity with the vital operations that are so important for the people of Wales.”

The three aircraft will operate from Wales Air Ambulance Charity bases in Welshpool, Caernarfon and its new headquarters in Llanelli.

Founding father's son to be Eisteddfod special guest

 

* Selwyn Tudor with memorabilia from the International Eisteddfod.

THE son of the founding father of the iconic festival will be a guest of honour at the 70^th Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod this summer.

And Selwyn Tudor has recalled the occasion when his late father, Harold, gained his initial inspiration to create the event which has become a symbol of worldwide peace and understanding.

In the late 1940s renowned Welsh journalist Harold Tudor had a vision of creating a grand cultural gathering in Llangollen to help heal the scars left by World War Two.

And, according to his youngest son Selwyn, now 81 and living in Birmingham, that dream took shape one morning when he and his father were taking a Sunday morning cycle ride in the hills near their home in Coedpoeth.

He said: “We used to love going out riding on the country lanes and one Sunday in late 1945 or 1946 we were out there when we saw a young lad of about 11 or 12 – the same age as I was then – walking towards us over the crest of a hill singing at the top of his voice.

“He carried on straight past us and we watched him until he was out of sight.

“It was seeing this lad making himself so happy by singing that gave Dad the idea to start the Eisteddfod to create something that would foster the idea of peace amongst nations through music.”

Harold Tudor was originally from Tanyfron, near Coedpoeth, and after attending Grove Park School in Wrexham started work at the Wrexham Leader and later became a sub-editor on the Post and Echo newspapers in Liverpool.

During the Second World War he also became a member of the British Council, an organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities.

This role brought him in contact with representatives of exiled foreign governments staying in Britain.

After coming up with the idea of starting an international event in the small Denbighshire tourist town of Llangollen, he won the crucial support for his brainchild from local teacher George Northing, the first chairman of the Eisteddfod, and from others including W S Gwynn Williams, a leading figure in Welsh music who lived in the town.

The scheme gathered momentum and the first Eisteddfod was staged on a field in the town in June 1947 with Harold becoming honorary director of publicity.

Over the years he became less involved with the festival after he took a job as a sub-editor with the Post and Mail in Birmingham and moved there with his family. After a full career he died at the age of 79 in 1986.

Selwyn Tudor, the second of Harold’s two sons, was born while the family was still living in Liverpool. His elder brother, Peter, who now lives in Staffordshire, is also to attend in July.

To escape the horrors of the Liverpool Blitz early in the Second World War Harold Tudor moved his family to his home area of Coedpoeth and Selwyn started secondary school at the former Grove Park Grammar in Wrexham.

His first job after leaving school was as a sales assistant at the old Lloyd Williams department store in the town for a short time before the family moved to Birmingham to follow Harold’s newspaper career.

After working for some time in retail, Selwyn eventually started his own business as a cabinet maker and antiques restorer, the role from which he retired at the age of 65.

He and his wife Ann, who live in the West Heath area of Birmingham, have two daughters, Susan and Debi and four granddaughters, aged from 15 to 25.

Selwyn said: “My dad was a very clever, kind and generous man.

“After the war ended he was searching for an idea to help promote international harmony and how to progress it, and he always said that the encounter with the young lad singing up in the hills above Llangollen is what really inspired him to start the Eisteddfod.

“I also recall that he used to take his motorcycle over the top of the hills through World’s End and down into Llangollen to speak to people about the arrangements for the first festivals.

“After a few years when we moved down to Birmingham he lost touch with the Eisteddfod but there’s no doubt that he was its founder, which is something I’ve always been very proud of.

“To some extent I think his involvement has been a little forgotten over the years but they did put up a plaque to his memory above Coedpoeth Library some years ago. There’s also a special commemorative plaque on his grave in the cemetery in Coedpoeth.”

Eisteddfod Chairman Rhys Davies said: “It will be wonderful to see Selwyn at the festival again this year – his father has left a wonderful and lasting legacy in this great event.

“Harold Tudor was a man of great vision and the Eisteddfod and people not just in Llangollen but all over the world have a great deal to thank him for.”

Selwyn added: “Unfortunately, I was too young to attend the first Eisteddfod in 1947 but I did start going regularly in 2004 and since then my wife and I have only missed going once, which was last year when Ann was ill.

“The first year I went to Llangollen we were invited up on stage to take part in a little celebration of the start of the Eisteddfod and I remember well Gethin Davies, who was festival chairman, tapping me on the shoulder and saying, ‘Your father was a wonderful man’.

“What my wife and I love about the Eisteddfod is the atmosphere as you walk through the field, meeting and having wonderful conversations with people from all over the world.

“We also love all the music and dancing and try to see as many things as we can during the course of the week.

“We’ve already arranged our accommodation and are very much looking forward to being at this year’s Eisteddfod, particularly at it’s the 70^th one.

“I will also be remembering my father whom I can never forget for all he achieved.”

This year’s Eisteddfod begins on Tuesday, July 5, and the opening concert will see superstar Katherine Jenkins get the programme off to a sensational start as she sings Bizet’s Carmen.

Wednesday will be International Children’s Day and will include choral and dance competitions and also a new Under 16s solo competition while the evening will feature the Voices of Musical Theatre.

The great Bryn Terfel will headline the 70^th Classical Gala Concert on Thursday evening while the day will see the crowning of the Children’s Choir of the World.

Friday will celebrate Rhythms of the World and will be a feast of music and dance from the best of the Eisteddfod’s international competitors with the Dance Champions of the World competition climax at the evening concert.

It will open with a Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza, followed by the International Peace message delivered by Theatr yr Ifanc, Rhosllannerchrugog.

In a change of the scheduling Friday will also see the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, switched from Tuesday in anticipation of bigger crowds and more competitors being present.

Saturday is dedicated to the top choirs and concludes with the Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy while Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert.

* To book tickets and for more details on the 2016 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

Hills get a covering of snow

A covering of snow could be seen on the hills above town this morning as Storm Jake swept in.

Ice, snow and high winds were affecting much of northern England and northern Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

 

Silver band youngsters in honours at Oswestry

* Front left to right: Taya Castley, Elizabeth Mwale, Gabriel Tranmer and Millie Turner.

 

Four talented young members of Llangollen Silver Band won trophies at the Oswestry Youth Music Festival.

 

This year's event, held from February 25-28, featured over 400 young musicians from the local area.

Baritone player Elizabeth Mwale claimed the Oswestry Cattle Auctions Shield for soloists under 15 years old, with her performance of Donegal Bay by Paul Lovatt Cooper.

 

* Elizabeth Mwale with the Oswestry Cattle Auctions Shield. 

This also qualified her for a place in Sunday's Winner Finals, where she again finished in first place, earning her Oswestry Town Council's Junior Cup ( The Gull Award).

 

The Ysgol Morgan Llwyd student also received high praise from the competition's adjudicator, who commented that her moving performance made "the hairs on the back of my neck stand up."

 

Also winning their respective competitions were the following band members:

 

Cornet player Taya Castley, 13, and Elizabeth Mwale won The Melody and Metal Cup for Duets under 15 years, playing Pleasant Moments by George Hawkins.

 

Cornet player Millie Turner, 12, won The Vernon Carter Memorial Trophy for soloists 12 years and under, playing Over the Rainbow by Arlen.

 

Tuba player Gabriel Tranmer, 15,won The Bernard Mitchell Trophy for soloists 21 years and under, playing Andante and Rondo by Cappuzzi.

Llangollen Silver Band conductor, Trevor Williams, said: "Well done to all of our young players for putting in some wonderful performances against some tough competition. You did us proud!"

Meanwhile, band spokesman, Robert Stock, explained: "This is another fantastic set of results for our young players and is testament to the hard work they have put in preparing for this festival. We are extremely proud of all their achievements and they highlight just how bright a future the band has."

Skates demands action on Allt-y-Badi potholes

* From left, residents Andy Beech, Richard Rudkin, Jan Deeprose, Edwina Hart and Shirley Marriott with Ken Skates AM at Allt-y-Badi.

 

Assembly Member Ken Skates has called on Denbighshire County Council to address pothole problems in Llangollen as a matter of urgency.

The Clwyd South AM has been contacted by constituents living off Allt-y-Badi who are fed up with waiting for action to repair what they say is worsening damage to their deteriorating road, primarily caused by off-road vehicles and bikes.

Labour AM Mr Skates, who is based in Llangollen, said: “These people have been ignored for too long – it’s time something was done.

“One resident told me they’d been neglected for years. They pay their taxes like everyone else, so they should be able to expect the same level of service.

“One of my constituents recently counted 12 deep potholes and 29 in total on the 150-yard stretch to the properties. They are causing damage to vehicles, and it’s even unsafe to walk along the road when it’s dark.

“I have written to the council to ask when the residents can expect to see some action.”

Mr Skates is also supporting residents’ calls for speed restriction signs near their homes to deter irresponsible drivers who he says "hammer down the road" on a regular basis.

Candidates' messages for St David's Day

Welsh Conservatives

Simon Baynes, the Welsh Conservative Assembly Candidate for Clwyd South, strongly supports the introduction of a St David’s Day Bank Holiday.

The Welsh Conservatives have pledged to work constructively with the UK Government in the hope of utilising public holidays more effectively for the people of Wales.

 

Mr Baynes says that despite claiming to back Welsh Conservative calls for its designation as a Bank Holiday, Labour Ministers in Wales have done "very little" to press for change.

 

"To date, the Welsh Government has evaded responding to a question asking how many meetings the First Minister has had concerning St David's Day’s possible designation as a Bank Holiday - despite a response being due back on February 25, raising further questions in relation to their inaction," he said.

 

“A St David’s Day Bank Holiday would be very good for Wales and would provide people across the country with a unique opportunity to celebrate our identity.

 

"There is a strong level of support across Wales for a St David's Day Bank Holiday and the move has been repeatedly endorsed by Welsh Conservatives.

 

"Scotland already has a bank holiday for its Patron Saint, St. Andrew, and Northern Ireland has a bank holiday for St Patrick.

 

"I am surprised that the Welsh Labour government has not supported the idea more strongly but we will continue to campaign hard for its introduction so that the people of Wales can celebrate the amazing heritage and history of Wales with this special St David’s Day Bank Holiday.”

Plaid Cyrmu

People have been encouraged to look beyond their immediate circles and consider the needs of others who might not be as visible in their community, in an annual St David’s Day message by Plaid Cymru - the Party of Wales’ Mabon ap Gwynfor.

 

The Clwyd South Assembly candidate referred to St David’s miracle, said to be making the ground rise beneath his feat in order to make him seen and heard by the crowd.

 

In his address, Mr ap Gwynfor said: “As we look towards Wales’ General Election on May 5, we should heed the lesson from St David’s miracle, and rise above the din of those who are able to make their voices heard, and look for those who are not so fortunate. Because our responsibility is to the whole not just the fortunate few.”

 

He published his message at the same time as launching a crowd funding campaign for his candidacy.

 

He said: “St David’s Day is an annual reminder that we have a responsibility towards our neighbours and communities. Wales after all is a community of communities, interconnected and interdependent.

 

"The Assembly election in May is about Wales, our communities and all who choose to live here. I’m asking people to think who’s best placed to come up with solutions for our problems here in Wales.

 

“The crowd funding campaign allows people to make a contribution to my election campaign and start to build Wales up again, and invest in our health services by training and recruiting more doctors and nurses, invest in north Wales and not just one region of south Wales; and introduce free care for all three year-olds and the elderly.”

 

Anybody wishing to contribute can do so by visiting www.crowdfunder.co.uk/mabon

MP furious over bank transactions letter

Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones MP has slammed as "total nonsense" a claim by HSBC Regional Director Jonathan Byrne that giving information about the number of transactions undertaken at Chirk and Ruabon HSBC bank branches would be "commercially sensitive" and that bank was unable to do this.

 

In an earlier letter (dated 18th January), the Clwyd South Labour MP (pictured) asked the HSBC Director:

 

"Can you provide numbers that show that transactions have fallen? Can you provide information on how many accounts are held at both branches? Following the closures of Cefn Mawr, Llangollen and Rhosllannerchrugog branches, how many accounts were served by these two branches and will those accounts now all be transferred to Wrexham? Please provide figures to show why you consider Ruabon and Chirk branches to be no longer commercially viable."

 

Ms Jones said: "Local residents will be as furious as I am with this. Not only is HSBC about to close two local bank branches in Chirk and Ruabon, but they won't give us any objective evidence why they're doing it.

 

"In the last few weeks, I've visited 124 local businesses in Chirk, Ruabon, Cefn, Johnstown and Rhos. There's no doubt that the two bank closures will have a big impact on most of these businesses. The same is true too for the many individual customers who have loyally stayed with HSBC.

 

"The problems we are witnessing with bank closures are part of a UK-wide phenomenon - and this is why I am determined to press on in Parliament with this issue.

 

"I have now had my call accepted for a national inquiry. The Government used to talk about keeping the last bank open in every community, but all we're seeing is banks being closed. This doesn't happen in the same way in most other countries. We need UK Government action and a better approach here." 

 

The HSBC letter appears below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AM presses for care home to be kept open

Assembly Member Ken Skates has praised a ‘fantastic’ care home in Corwen – and repeated his plea for it to be kept open.

The Clwyd South AM, pictured outside the home, has previously urged Denbighshire Council to push through plans which will keep Cysgod-y-Gaer open and see services expanded and improved.

Mr Skates visited the centre on Friday to talk to manager Sian Owen and residents.

He said: “Cysgod-y-Gaer is a fantastic facility. The staff do a wonderful job and the residents are happy and well looked-after. We simply can’t afford to lose it.”

Mr Skates wrote to the council’s chief executive Dr Mohammed Mehmet more than a year ago to raise concerns over the possible closure of the home. He wants the authority proceed with plans to further develop it.

The Labour AM added: “After the recent closure of the public consultation programme into the future of care homes in Denbighshire, I wrote to Dr Mehmet once again to encourage the council to push forward with plans to develop a support hub at Cysgod-y-Gaer with extra care facilities and outreach services.

“I hope we will soon see Denbighshire County Council progress these plans and further improve local care services for those who need them in the Dee Valley.”

New band to play at RAFA Club

A new band from Llangollen, Sky High, will play at Llangollen RAFA Club on Saturday March 12, starting at 7pm.

All are welcome and there's a small charge on the door.



         

Tour of Britain to pass through county

Denbigh will begin proceedings as the county hosts its first ever stage start of the Tour of Britain on the morning of September 7 before Stage Four heads through Flintshire and on to Powys, for the first ever stage finish in the county at the Royal Welsh Showground outside Builth Wells.

A day later Stage Five will re-start from Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, a new venue for the Tour of Britain.  That stage will cross South Wales, finishing in Bath.

 

Welsh Government, Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates, said: “We’re looking forward to hosting the Tour Britain again this year and thrilled that some new venues and locations will get a taste of the action.   The Tour of Britain is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase Wales’ unique and beautiful landscape to the world, as well as highlighting our ability to host a variety of major events. 

 

“The spectators in Wales have always given the cyclists a real warm Welsh welcome and have created a fantastic atmosphere, I hope that people from across Wales come out to support the event again this year.  Being a part of an event such as this can really inspire people to want to take up the sport and 2016 being Wales’ Year of Adventure gives the perfect opportunity to plan some two-wheeled adventures in Wales.”

 

Wales has hosted stages of the Tour of Britain annually since 2010, with last year’s event beginning overall in the country, on Anglesey.

 

The Tour of Britain has passed through Denbighshire in each of the previous three editions, but 2016 will be the first time the race has started from the county.

 

Councillor Huw Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Youth “We are absolutely delighted to have secured the start of the North Wales stage this year, as we feel it will have great benefits to the tourism industry here in Denbighshire, as well as showcasing what the region has to offer.

 

“North Wales is fast earning itself a reputation for hosting and staging major events, with the Tour of Britain a prime example of how councils and event organisers work closely together to deliver these spectacular events.  The support shown by our communities in recent years has well and truly added to the event’s success and we look forward to welcoming the sights and sounds of the event to Denbighshire in September”.

 

Powys hosted a stage start of the Tour of Britain annually from 2010 to 2014, but this year will mark the first time a stage has finished in the county.

 

Cllr Avril York, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that this fantastic sporting spectacle is returning to Powys – the green heart of Wales.  We have been proud to host five Tour of Britain starts since 2010 but to have a stage finish in the county for the first time is truly exciting.

 

“Not only will this attract thousands of people, hosting a stage finish will give the area a huge economic boost.  We’re looking forward to making this a memorable occasion for all and I’m sure our county will once again warmly welcome the race when it returns in the autumn.”

 

Previous editions of the Tour of Britain have infrequently passed through Rhondda Cynon Taff, most recently in 2012, but the county borough has never hosted the race before.

 

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Council Business, Cllr Maureen Webber, said: “It is positive news for our county that Aberdare will be hosting the start of Stage Five of this year’s Tour of Britain.

 

“The Tour or Britain is a huge event and one which we cannot wait to welcome to Rhondda Cynon Taf on Thursday 8 September. Hosting the race gives us a great opportunity to showcase our County Borough and all it has to offer and really put Rhondda Cynon Taf on the map.

 

“We look forward to giving a warm valleys welcome to all the riders, their teams and all the many spectators who I am sure will be lining the streets to watch the race as it passes through the county.“

 

Further details of the routes of both stages will be announced in the early Summer.

 

Commenting on the Welsh Stages, Tour of Britain Race Director Mick Bennett said;

 

“We have worked with our partners at Denbighshire and Powys Councils over the past year’s to ensure that we can bring a Start and a Finish to each respectively for the first time in the history of the modern Tour of Britain. Both council’s have supported the Tour of Britain in the past so we are pleased to be able to link the two with a new route.

 

“The stage route south through the heart of Wales will use a lot of roads previously unvisited by the Tour of Britain in the Cambrian Mountains including a great deal of climbing, before a flat run in along the Wye Valley to the finish on the Royal Welsh Showground, which will see an intriguing battle between the teams of the sprinters and overall contenders.

 

“We are pleased to be returning to South Wales with this year’s Tour of Britain and a new start venue in Aberdare before the race heads across the country taking in many new towns and villages in an area renown for its cycling passion.”

 

The Tour of Britain will begin in Glasgow on Sunday 4 September and finish in the heart of London on Sunday 11 September. Cumbria and Cheshire East will host previous stages, before subsequent stages take the race to the South West of England, including a summi t finish at Haytor on Dartmoor and a challenging circuit race in Bristol on the penultimate day.

 

For the fifth successive year fans can look forward to enjoying daily live coverage of all eight stages on ITV4, with the channel broadcasting a three-hour live programme from each stage, plus one-hour of highlights every evening during the race.

 

Chain Reaction Cycles continue their partnership with the race and sponsorship of the Chain Reaction Cycles Points Classification, won in 2015 by Team WIG GIN’s Owain Doull, while UK parcel carrier Yodel will continue to sponsor the daily intermediate YodelDirect Sprints classification, which Peter Williams of ONE Pro Cycling won last September.

 

ŠKODA remain official car suppliers and sponsors of the King of the Mountains jersey, also won by Williams in 2015.

 

The Tour of Britain is British Cycling’s premier road cycling event giving cycling fans the opportunity to see the world’s best teams and riders competing on their door step.  

 

Stage One	Sunday 4 September	Glasgow to Castle Douglas	168km
Stage Two	Monday 5 September	Carlisle to  Kendal	195km
Stage Three	Tuesday 6 September	Congleton to Tatton Park, Knutsford	182km
Stage Four	Wednesday 7 September	Denbigh to Builth Wells	217km
Stage Five	Thursday 8 September	Aberdare to Bath	205km
Stage Six	Friday 9 September	Sidmouth to Haytor, Dartmoor	150km
Stage Seven a	Saturday 10 September	Bristol Stage Individual Time Trial	15 km
Stage Seven b	Saturday 10 September	Bristol Stage Circuit Race	76.5km
Stage Eight	Sunday 11 September	London Stage presented by TfL	100km