Nominations open for county's sport awards

* Previous sport award winners.

Nominations are open for the Denbighshire Community Sport  Awards 2019.

Over the last seven years Denbighshire has recognised over 80 individuals, teams, schools and clubs for their dedication to local community grass root sport in the county. 

There are also elite level athletes representing Wales and Team GB in their chosen sport from the local area, which will continue to be rewarded.

All of the award finalists in the 2019 sport awards will be forwarded to the Sport Wales and BBC Wales sport personality awards held nationally in Cardiff, where Denbighshire will be looking to add to the success of 8 finalists and 6 national winners over the last few years.

Nominees must reside in Denbighshire, or be affiliated to a Denbighshire club relevant to their nomination and achieved their success in the last 12 months up to the application closing date which is Thursday 1^st August 2019.

This year’s categories include sports performer, junior sports performer, coach of the year, team of the year, volunteer of the year, disability sport award, young inspiration award, lifetime achievement award and the ‘Sport in School’ award.

Nominations can be made on-line: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/sportsawards

Jamie Groves, Head of Facilities, Assets and Housing said: “The Denbighshire community sport awards has helped recognise and share some amazing stories over the last few years.

“This proves to us that the quality of sport in Denbighshire is very high and that there are plenty of opportunities for people to return to playing sport or to try a new sport as a beginner.

“As a service through our partnership with Alliance Leisure we have continued to invest in our leisure facilities, offering residents a high quality service, and an environment for them to thrive.

Denbighshire Leisure services are also looking for organisations that would like to link their brand to the Community Sport awards as a category sponsor and a ‘sponsorship package’ can be sent for more information.

* For more information on the awards please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/sportsawards or contact Sian Bennett, Health and Wellbeing Manager, sian.bennett@denbighshire.gov.uk 01824 712710

Brexit Party tops Denbighshire Euro poll

The Brexit Party has topped the poll in the Euro elections in Denbighshire.

See the results at:

https://www.facebook.com/100000240903810/posts/2929977427020259/

The Brexit Party was also top in the poll in Wrexham county.

Denbighshire, Wales

• The Brexit Party
  Share %

  34.0(+34.0)
• Plaid Cymru
  Share %

  18.2(+2.0)
• Labour
  Share %

  13.6(-9.4)
• Liberal Democrats
  Share %

  12.4(+9.6)
• Conservative
  Share %

  9.5(-15.1)
• Green
  Share %

  6.1(+2.7)
• UKIP
  Share %

  3.6(-23.5)
• Change UK
  Share %

  2.6(+2.6)

Change compared with 2014

Special event launches eisteddfod fundraising campaign

* Karamba Samba drumming band in action on the square.

* Guitar vocalist Tim Lennon performs a number. 

A red-hot samba band helped pull in the bank holiday weekend crowds when the International Eisteddfod launched its new fundraising campaign with a fun event on Centenary Square this afternoon (Saturday).

#YourLlangollen aims to raise awareness of the eisteddfod’s charity status and how crucial donations are to maintain this unique festival for future generations.

Visitors enjoyed a programme of free entertainment from a variety of performers such as the high-energy Chester-based Karamba Samba drumming troop and mellow guitar vocalist Tim Lennon. 

They were also able to purchase raffle tickets to win exclusive prizes kindly donated from local business such as glamping, spa and dining experiences will support the event’s aim to raise funds for the Eisteddfod.

The event continues until 4pm today. 

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said “We welcome the world to Wales every year and we know the entire Llangollen community is proud of our International Eisteddfod. 

"As with all charities, we rely heavily on charitable donations and are launching the #YourLlangollen fundraising campaign to raise important funds whilst also highlighting our amazing 2019 festival line-up."

People unable to attend the #YourLlangollen event can still show their support by donating:

Text YourLlangollen5 to 70085 to donate £5

Text YourLlangollen10 to 70085 to donate £10 

Texts will cost the chosen donation amount plus one standard network rate message. This charge will be taken from your Pay as you Go credit or added to your monthly mobile bill.

* Tickets for this year’s festival can be purchased online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office on 01978 862001.

Event in aid of Nightingale House Hospice

Shape My Llangollen stages another successful public event

* Shape My Llangollen volunteers busy during the 

public consultation exercise outside Home Bargains yesterday.

The latest in a series of public consultation exercises by the team of volunteers putting together Llangollen’s contribution to the county council’s next Local Development Plan was a big success.

Shape My Llangollen (SML) was formed last year at the behest of the Town Council to produce a 'place plan' for Llangollen.

The idea is that this plan, when approved and endorsed by the Town Council, will feed into the new emerging Local Development Plan being produced by Denbighshire County Council.

The plan will cover topics such as the natural environment, built environment, economy, and community and is a genuine opportunity for some grassroots democracy.

SML is therefore engaged upon a far-ranging consultation exercise contacting groups and individuals to seek their views on any issues which affect or concern them so that they can have an input into the plan.

Over the summer the team is hosting a series of consultation events to introduce themselves to the public and to get their views.

The first of these was held on May 7 at Llangollen Health Centre when throughout the day team members spoke to scores of people to gain their feedback.

The second successful session was held outside the Co-op store in Regent Street on May 13 when, again, SML gained lots of useful feedback from shoppers.

The third question-and-answer session was held outside the Home Bargains store, next to Aldi, yesterday, from 10am-1pm and 2-5pm.

During the course of the day the volunteers recorded answers to questions about what they love or dislike about the town from more 130 people, both young and not-so-young.

SML chair Phil Robinson said: "It was out busiest consultation session yet and we got some fantastic answers from the people who were kind enough to spare us a few minutes of their time.

"This feedback will be invaluable in preparing out final report by the autumn. 

"This was really an example of the people of this town having their say on some vital issues and I'd like to thank everyone who contributed." 

And for those people who haven’t been able to attend the week-day sessions SML will be holding a major meet-the-public event in Centenary Square on Saturday June 1, starting at 10am and continuing until at least lunchtime or possibly longer.

“I’d urge as many people as possible to come along and speak to our team members during the Centenary Square session because it's great to hear people having their say,” added Phil Robinson.

The questions SML is asking are:

1. What makes you happy about Llangollen?

2. What makes you sad about Llangollen?

3. What makes you mad about Llangollen?

4. How would you make Llangollen better?

5. How would you spend £10,000 for Llangollen’s future?

People unable to make it to SML’s meet-the-public sessions can fill in one of the question sheets which are available in the Town Hall office.

They can also jot down the answers in a reply to the posting about the health centre session on the Shape My Llangollen Facebook page.

AM questions prosecution of armed forces veterans

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood called for a statement on the Welsh Government’s approach to justice for armed forces veterans who face prosecution and on its engagement, if any, with the UK Government over this.

Mr Isherwood raised the matter in the Business Statement after being asked to do so by Veterans from Flintshire to Anglesey, but was left disappointed by the Minister’s reply.

Speaking in the Chamber, he said: “This weekend, hundreds of protesters marched through Cardiff in support of veterans being prosecuted for historic offences in Northern Ireland, coinciding with protests by veterans across the UK. 

"In 2014, it was discovered that Mr Blair's Government had done a secret deal as part of the Good Friday negotiations, in which letters were sent to known IRA members involved in terrorism, assuring them they would not face prosecution in the future.

“Last week, the Defence Secretary, Penny Mordaunt, announced plans for legislation to provide stronger protection from repeated investigations into historical allegations for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, but she also said, although this wouldn't apply to (those who served in) Northern Ireland, she intended to find a way they could be afforded similar protection, and dealing with the treatment of Northern Ireland veterans was a ‘personal priority’ for her.

“Has the Welsh Government taken a position on this, will it do so, given the protests in Cardiff and the impact on many people living in Wales, and what dialogue has it had, if any, with the UK Government?" 

Responding the Minister for Finance and Trefnydd, Rebecca Evans AM, said: “The issue relating to armed forces veterans is not an issue that is devolved to the Welsh Government, so I suggest that the Member takes it up with the relevant UK Government Minister.”

Speaking outside the Chamber, Mr Isherwood said: “Armed Forces Veterans from Flintshire to Anglesey asked me to raise this in the Assembly. They will find the Welsh Government response more than disappointing.”

Armed forces charity plans fundraising spectacular

Due to predicted bad weather, this event has been postponed until Sunday, August 4

* The REME parachute display team will drop into the SSAFA fundraiser on June 23.

Armed Forces charity SSAFA is holding a fundraising event at Brickfield Rangers Football Club in Wrexham on Sunday June 23. 

It begins at 11am and finishes at 3pm. The REME parachute display team will be dropping in from the sky at 1pm.

There will also be stalls, dancers, bands and animals.

Organisers say there is still room for more stalls, so anyone interested can go to: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tracey-smith106

Curtain goes up on Twenty Club's powerful new play

Llangollen Twenty Club Players are to stage the world premiere of a poignant new play about the trauma inflicted by the First World War.

Dinner with Otto, written by Tom George and directed by Lyn Aston, was due to open in mid-March but due to an unfortunate illness had to be postponed. 

The play will now take to the Town Hall stage on May 30th, 31st and June 1st.

The action is set in March 1919 after the conclusion of the bloodiest conflict in history. 

It tells the story of a young soldier, Ben, returning home to his mother and friends after witnessing the atrocities of war, and now having to live with a deep sense of guilt, and hopelessness for his future. 

Ben had promised to protect his friend, Aled, who went to war with him, but Aled was killed, further adding to Ben’s sense of guilt. 

Aled’s mother forgives him, which leaves Ben feeling even more wretched.  

On his return Ben’s mother sadly realises that he is not the same boy she waved goodbye to. 

Ben shares some of what he witnesssed but his mother realises he has many other secrets that may affect the future course of his life.

With real footage of  World War One transporting the audience into a very dramatic, and to some, surprising end, it is sure to  keep you on the edge of your seat.  

This is Ben’s story, a sad and haunted young man trying to come to terms and live with the trauma that impact of any war has on the returning soldier. 

* Tickets are available from Courtyard Books, Gwyn Davies Butchers and Jenni's Llangollen, or

online: www.skiddle.com

Reader captures wind turbines going through Glyndyfrdwy.

llanblogger reader George Jones was travelling on the 11am T3 bus from Wrexham to Corwen on Tuesday when the regular abnormal load of wind turbines was encountered on the A5 west of the tollgate on the section through Glyndyfrdwy.

He took these pictures and said: "Following in the resultant tailback at Llidiart y Parc the load was seen to be two blades as the lorries were held by the police to allow traffic west and east bound to pass via the layby.

"Blog readers might be interested that the pictures, taken from the top deck of the bus, show the remarkable size of the windmill blades which arrive by sea at Ellesmere Port as the nearest port to reduce the road transport journey to the windmill farm site."

Corwen railway extension another step closer

* Work proceeds on bridging the Gap on the line to Corwen.

As of yesterday (Tuesday) morning the infamous Gap along the Llangollen Railway line to Corwen has disappeared with a final session of dumping, layering and rolling in front of the gate.

Work has continued with infilling of the space between the platform walls now making progress and perhaps 80% complete.

The eastern end needs finalisation of the platform wall with blocks and overhang to achieve completion.

Meeting this challenge has been possible because of the many donations received towards the Tenner for a Tonne and the Infill the Gap appeals which, combined, have raised £23,000.

Railway spokesman George Jones said: "Thanks are due to all those who responded to the appeals for help from the project's fundraiser which has boosted the efforts of the volunteers engaged in the task and helped finance the assistance of a local contractor with his equipment and expertise.

"If you didn't quite get round to it, you can still make a donation as there are on going expenses to meet before the platform is complete and the track installed.

"Donations by CCRD can be made c/o Paul Bailey, 'Dolwen', Bryn Eglwys, Corwen LL21 9LY and will be gratefully received towards the work needed to finalise the station project.

"We are getting there and continued support will see the train arrive in Corwen - maybe within a few months time."

Three Eagles renovation shortlisted for award

* The Three Eagles following the renovation.

The Property Developments division of Wrexham-based Knights Construction Group has been shortlisted for this year’s Insider Wales Property Awards. 

Their entry project for award category Workplace Design of the Year is the full renovation of Llangollen’s grade-listed Three Eagles Restaurant & Bar which was completed at the end of last year.

An early 18^th century coaching inn, the building was in a derelict state and had stood unused for over a year when it was taken over by new owners. 

Knights Construction were soon enlisted to undertake a full renovation of the building, enabling it to be used as the new luxury restaurant. The renovation included a re-design of some of the building’s main layout and the construction of a brand new, state-of-the-art kitchen.

Following the renovation and the subsequent opening of the restaurant, the end product has garnered many plaudits from guests for the quality and attention to detail in the overall renovation.

The awards event, hosted at Cardiff City Hall, celebrates Wales’ best commercial and residential property developments as well as associated funders/developers from throughout the past year.

Knights Property Developments manager Joel Smith said that to make the shortlist for this particular award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the entire project team.

“The Three Eagles renovation was a really special project for us to take on and to be shortlisted for the Insider Wales Property Awards is an exciting moment for the entire team”, he said.

“There are many unique challenges that come with working on listed buildings such as satisfying the relevant heritage governing body with a thorough and well-planned design concept and of course the sensitive approach needed to repair ancient existing structures. 

"Many traditional trades were utilised in the Three Eagles renovation to ensure that the original building was restored in a way that is respectful to its heritage. With the addition of the new extension to the rear of the building, the old now seamlessly meets the new and the result is absolutely stunning."

According to the firm, one particular challenge that arose during the construction works was the surprising discovery of an ancient seven-metre-deep well under the building. 

The well was situated under a section of the original building that was demolished to make way for the new kitchen and this threw up the opportunity for an unexpected alteration to the design. In the end, the well was built-up with matching stone, sealed with a glass panel and illuminated and now stands as an extremely popular feature in the entrance of the new venue.

Mr Smith said: “We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved with the Three Eagles building because the project has taken a venue that was very old, disused and neglected and turned it into a thriving, luxury social hub for the town of Llangollen. The building now stands proud again as it most likely once did many years ago”.

The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 13.

* To find out more about the renovation go to: https://www.knightsconstructiongroup.co.uk/grade-listed-restaurant-renovation/

Shape My Llangollen to meet the public again

* SML team members Phil Robinson and Issy Richards outside the Co-op last week.

The latest in a series of public consultation exercises by the team of volunteers putting together Llangollen’s contribution to the county council’s next Local Development Plan will be held tomorrow (Thursday).

Shape My Llangollen (SML) was formed last year at the behest of the Town Council to produce a 'place plan' for Llangollen.

The idea is that this plan, when approved and endorsed by the Town Council, will feed into the new emerging Local Development Plan being produced by Denbighshire County Council.

The plan will cover topics such as the natural environment, built environment, economy, and community and is a genuine opportunity for some grassroots democracy.

SML is therefore engaged upon a far-ranging consultation exercise contacting groups and individuals to seek their views on any issues which affect or concern them so that they can have an input into the plan.

Over the summer the team is hosting a series of consultation events to introduce themselves to the public and to get their views.

The first of these was held on May 7 at Llangollen Health Centre when throughout the day team members spoke to scores of people to gain their feedback.

The second successful session was held outside the Co-op store in Regent Street on May 13 when, again, SML gained lots of useful feedback from shoppers.

The third question-and-answer session will be held outside the Home Bargains store, next to Aldi, tomorrow, May 23, from 10am-1pm and 2-5pm.

And for those people who haven’t been able to attend the week-day sessions SML will be holding a major meet-the-public event in Centenary Square on Saturday June 1, starting at 10am and continuing until at least lunchtime or possibly longer.

SML chair Phil Robinson said: “The two sessions we’ve held so far have each been a big success and we spoke to as many people as possible about a wide range of issues which interest them, which was anything from the state of local roads and pavements to the provision of social care and youth facilities.

“Perhaps not unexpectedly there were lots of concerns voiced about traffic congestion and the availability of parking. But lots of other issues were raised such as the spending priorities of the county council, public transport and the lack of local affordable housing.

“The information we gathered will be invaluable in compiling out final report which we are aiming to publish before the end of this year.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has so far been able to spare a few minutes to answer our five quick questions.

“I’d urge as many people as possible to come along and speak to our team members during our next two sessions, outside Home Bargains and in Centenary Square, because this is your big chance to have your say about Llangollen’s future.”

The questions SML is asking are:

1. What makes you happy about Llangollen?

2. What makes you sad about Llangollen?

3. What makes you mad about Llangollen?

4. How would you make Llangollen better?

5. How would you spend £10,000 for Llangollen’s future?

People unable to make it to SML’s meet-the-public sessions can fill in one of the question sheets which are available in the Town Hall office.

They can also jot down the answers in a reply to the posting about the health centre session on the Shape My Llangollen Facebook page.

Horseshoe Pass closed after collision

Police have said the Horseshoe Pass is closed, according to Wrexham.com

A collision has taken place on the Llangollen side, and the road is closed both ways.

North Wales Police have said the road ‘will be closed until further notice’.

Land based ambulances and the air ambulance have attended the incident.

Update: 8pm the air ambulance left the scene and has returned to base.

http://www.wrexham.com/news/horseshoe-pass-closed-after-collision-168349.html

Community meeting for Pengwern tonight

Friends of Pengwern are to host a community meeting and green mapping session at the area's community centre tonight (Tuesday) from 5.30-7.30pm.

The group says: "This is your opportunity to come and talk to us about what you would like to see happening in the community and to get involved with volunteering.

"We will also be hosting a green mapping event with DCC and Countryside Services to discuss what the community would like to see happen with the green spaces around the estate. This is a drop in event so you can call in anytime between 5.30 and 7pm."

Mercedes' new pick-up with the X factor

* The new Mercedes with X Class.

Mercedes X-Class V6 road test by Steve Rogers

Meet the Mercedes X-Class, the poshest pick-up on the planet.

The planet? Okay, that's pushing it a bit but posh, pick-up and planet trip nicely off the tongue.

There are lots of custom pick-ups layered in gleaming chrome with outrageous paint jobs strutting their stuff at the classic car shows but as far as a working pick-up goes this is the best you will find in Europe.

Mercedes launched the X-Class early last year but with just a four-cylinder diesel which is a tad agricultural. Bring on the mighty 3-litre V6, an engine to help this pick-up stand out from the rest.

On the back of the surge in SUV popularity double cab pick-ups are almost the new fashion statement, and there are plenty to choose from. As well as the updated versions from diehards like Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Ford, Izuzu and SsangYong we have seen unlikely entries from Fiat and Mercedes-Benz.

But when it comes to a juicy V6 the choice is limited to Volkswagen Amorak or X-Class, and here the Merc streaks away with the dash to sixty taking just over seven seconds, a top speed approaching 130mph and a whopping lump of torque.

Does anyone really want to spend 40 grand on a pick-up? According to| Mercedes this is what their customers have been waiting for. No point in having the three-pointed star on the front grille if it can't beat the rest.

Is it really practical? Of course it is. This is a workhorse like any other pick up, able to haul three and a half tons, while getting muddy off road is just another day at the office. Like its four-cylinder sibling X-Class sits on a Nissan Navara chassis and shares the multi-link rear suspension.

This is key to the way X-Class behaves, particularly on public roads, and sets it apart from rivals that do not use this car like technology.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves and say this drives with the same comfort as a sports utility let alone a car but how X-Class manages poorer road surfaces is a couple of levels ahead of most rivals. Of course there are times when you are bobbling in the seat but the suspension makes a good fist of cushioning occupants against pot holes and such like.

This feeling of riding in something up market extends into the cabin where the layout and materials are pure Mercedes and move up a level from the four-cylinder X-Class.

The familiar high definition seven inch screen operated via a rotary controller and touch pad between the seats takes care of the majority of functions, apart from the heating which is good old fashioned switches. There are most of the creature comforts to be found in a top end SUV, the all round camera is brilliant, but one area X-Class is lacking is space for oddments. The cabin has been designed to look pretty but in reality it is pretty poor when looking for somewhere to store a mobile phone and such like. I put mine in the glasses holder in the roof lining.

Like a Mercedes car, the ride can be adjusted electronically and that extends to the full on four wheel drive and hill descent systems.

Enough. Let's get to the meaty end of our posh pick-up. The V6 has been round long enough to be honed and refined and delivers what is expected... performance. Best part is the mid range torque which is huge and gives a nice feeling of security when overtaking. Floor the accelerator and you are away.

Steering wheel paddle shifters for the eight speed auto can be handy for downshifts into bends if cracking along in the sport setting but it is as well to be aware of the slight delay in throttle response, particularly at roundabouts, when using the economy setting.

Expect anything between 25-30mpg but exploit that performance too often and you will be into the teens.

Whatever your take on a plush pick up there are points that need to be clear. It is not the answer to a big SUV but there are certainly tax benefits if chosen as a company car. The level of comfort is way above expectation as is the premium feel to the cabin but this is still a working pick up so don't expect miracles.

For this sort of money you could buy a seven seater SUV with all the bells and whistles and better economy but using this for family transport is not out of the question.

Key facts

X-Class 350d V6

3-litre; 258bhp

550Nm torque

Max payload 1067kg

0-62mph 7.6secs

31.4mpg combined

£39,510

Eisteddfod to host fundraiser on the square

* Eisteddfod dancers on Centenary Square last summer.

Llangollen Eisteddfod is inviting people to help celebrate the launch of its #YourLlangollen fundraising campaign.

As part of National Fundraising Week (May 20-24) the festival will host a free event in the town’s Centenary Square this Saturday, from 11am-4pm.

#YourLlangollen aims to raise awareness of the International Eisteddfod’s charity status and how crucial donations are to maintain this unique festival for future generations.

Visitors can join in the free fun at Centenary Square, featuring entertainment from a variety of performers such as high-energy Chester-based Karamba Samba drumming troop and eclectic local soloist Leonie Ann Kirby. 

They can also purchase raffle tickets to win exclusive prizes kindly donated from local business such as glamping, spa and dining experiences will support the event’s aim to raise funds for the Eisteddfod.

Set up in 1947, the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod attracts some of the world’s leading artists and musicians to the Welsh scenic town for a week-long celebration. 

Firmly rooted in the local community, Llangollen Eisteddfod is a charity with a unique message to encourage global harmony and goodwill through creative arts.

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said “We welcome the world to Wales every year and we know the entire Llangollen community is proud of our International Eisteddfod. 

"As with all charities, we rely heavily on charitable donations and are launching the #YourLlangollen fundraising campaign to raise important funds whilst also highlighting our amazing 2019 festival line-up.

“At the event in Centenary Square on Saturday visitors can enjoy free performances, buy festival tickets, and easily donate.”

The current Third Sector’s Fundraising Week aims to highlight the importance of fundraising for charities and not-for-profit organisations. 

In recent years, Llangollen Eisteddfod has increasingly required the support of volunteers, sponsorship and donations to deliver this world-class event.

People unable to attend the #YourLlangollen event on Saturday can still show their support by donating:

Text YourLlangollen5 to 70085 to donate £5

Text YourLlangollen10 to 70085 to donate £10 

Texts will cost the chosen donation amount plus one standard network rate message. This charge will be taken from your Pay as you Go credit or added to your monthly mobile bill.

* Tickets for this year’s festival can be purchased online at www.llangollen.net or via the box office on 01978 862001.

Business Improvement District plan makes progress

* The BID proposal centres of Llangollen town centre. 

Following representations from a group of Llangollen businesses, Denbighshire County Council successfully applied to Welsh Government for match funding to explore the possibility of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Llangollen.

A BID is an arrangement where businesses get together, decide what additional improvements they want to make, how they’re going to manage and deliver those improvements and understand what it will cost them.

This all is put in a comprehensive business plan which is then voted on by businesses.

If the majority vote yes then a BID is legally formed, providing sustainable and equitable funding to deliver that plan. 

It is a concept that has been successfully used to better manage and market over 300 places in the UK. The BID can last for a maximum of five years and must be able to demonstrate how it has benefited businesses that have funded it.

The Mosaic Partnership were appointed in October 2018 to explore the feasibility of a BID in the town and following engagement with more than 80 businesses, a financial analysis and presentations to business and public agency groups the assessment has concluded a BID is viable for Llangollen and to move forward with a ballot in early 2020.

The next phase will involve forming a BID Task Group with membership largely drawn from the local business community and The Mosaic Partnership  will work with the group to undertake extensive consultation and market research, develop the operating agreement, financial planning and the BID Business Plan.

Mo Aswat, Director of The Mosaic Partnership said: “It has been great to work in Llangollen which in many ways is a successful and attractive town. Businesses have realised that to keep it that way and develop it in the face of increasing competition needs a more professional and sustainable approach. BIDs are one such way as we have seen across the country,  and we look forward to moving on to the next stages here.”

Denbighshire County Council says it is supportive of this business-led process which will culminate in a democratic ballot in early 2020 to determine whether or not a BID is established in Llangollen.

First Minister speaks to party members in Llan

llanblogger exclusive

* First Minister Mark Drakeford addresses
Labour Party members in St Collen's Community Hall. 

Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford spoke about Tory austerity, the far right and his party’s proud record of standing up for Wales during a visit to Llangollen.

The First Minister was the special guest at an event at St Collen’s Community Hall organised by Clwyd South Labour Party and local AM Ken Skates on Thursday night.

The visit came on the same day it was announced that the town is to get £25,000 from the Welsh Labour Government towards the cost of a traffic improvement scheme as part of the Llangollen 2020 project, headed by local Labour county councillor Graham Timms.

Mr Skates said: “I was delighted to welcome Mark back to Llangollen and would like to thank him for giving up his time. This visit was arranged several months ago, but it is fitting that it should fall on the day it was announced that Llangollen is to benefit further from Welsh Labour Government support.

“Mark was the health minister who committed almost £5m of Welsh Government money to deliver our brand new surgery just a few years ago, which has been a fantastic addition to Llangollen.”

The announcement of funding for Llangollen 2020 comes after news that the Welsh Government is providing a grant of £75,000 to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Mr Drakeford told the audience that Clwyd South was lucky to have Mr Skates as its AM and described him as ‘one of the most likeable and decent people in the Assembly and an outstanding minister’. 

He added: “I couldn’t be more proud that we have him speaking up for North Wales.”

The First Minister also said that Labour are the only party that can defeat the far-right and ‘the only party that is fiercely devolutionist’.

“We are the party that has a record through devolution of leaving money in the pockets of the people who need it most and we are finding ways to carry on that tradition – free prescriptions, free school breakfasts, free hospital parking, council tax benefit to name just a few,” said Mr Drakeford.

“We are 10 years into austerity. Year after year after year the resources available to us here in Wales have gone down. It’s the longest and deepest period of austerity in 200 years.

“It’s impossible to think of a greater contrast between the first 10 years of devolution under a Labour Government at Westminster and the second 10 years under the Tories. In the first term under a Labour government our budget grew by 10% every year. In the second it grew by 5% every year and even in the third term we had real terms growth every year.

“In the second half of devolution our budget is now back to where it was in 2009 – a whole decade reversed. We’ve tried to prioritise the things that mean most to people in Wales, but you simply can’t patch everything. These are real challenges and they’re getting sharper and more real every day.”

The First Minister told the event that the current Brexit crisis being presided over by the Conservative Government at Westminster was ‘the greatest failure of political leadership I think we’ll ever see’.

He added: “The far right are the real danger in our politics. UKIP is desperate, disruptive and distasteful force and are prepared to do anything which gives them a fractional advantage. Their latest incarnation in the Brexit Party are some of the least pleasant hard-line right-wing views that have ever been presented. They don’t belong to the mainstream and it’s our job to expose them.”

Picture special on new Vicarage Road development

* Signs warning of the closure of Hall Street and Willow Hill.

* A major excavation at the bottom of Willow Hill.

* The house at the corner of Willow Hill and Hall Street has given up a large part of its garden to the access road.  

* Land has been scooped out of the banking between Willow Hill and the youth centre.  

* Looking back down Willow Hill towards town.

* Part of the site for houses on the left-hand side of Vicarage Road is prepared.

* Earth-moving vehicles get to work to the left of Vicarage Road. 

* The housing site on the opposite side of Vicarage Road is cordoned off ready for construction. 

llanblogger brings you these pictures of works going ahead to prepare the access road to and site of the new £25 million Willow Fields development off Vicarage Road where SG Estates are building a range of  two, three, four and five bedroom homes.

SG purchased parcels of land along the left hand side of Willow Street heading up from the town from both private owners and the local authority to enable the widening operation to take place and no properties are affected.

The new road heads on past the youth centre where the company will upgrade the car park and put in four extra parking spaces.

The road then branches off left on a new section across the adjacent field. It follows the line of Vicarage Road into the housing development before joining up with the existing new section of road outside the homes built by Castlemead.

The original and narrower Vicarage Road will become a cycle path and pedestrian walkway.

SG managing director Steve Griffin recently told llanblogger that the new road and the diversion of services into the development site is costing £1.4 million.

He assured that construction work on the new homes would only start after the access road is finished which he estimated would take about 12 weeks.

Llangollen Round becomes permanent hiking challenge

* Hikers on the Panorama section of the Llangollen Round.

Organisers of the Llangollen Round are now offering a permanent challenge.

The Llangollen Round is a sponsored 35-mile hike visiting all the peaks around the Vale of Llangollen which those taking part can do in either one or two days.

While the event is only held once every three years, organisers have now set up a permanent challenge which can be taken at any time.

The aim is for people to test their performance against the times set by previous participants.

A Llangollen Round spokesperson said: "You can now walk the route at any time and will be awarded a certificate bearing your name and time.

"It doesn’t matter if you are a hare that nips round in seven hours or a tortoise that takes seven days - if you abide by the conditions, you are eligible for a certificate and we would like to record your name and your time on the Roll of Honour on our website.

"You can find the times previous participants have taken to complete the course on our website www.thellangollenround.info

"Can you rival those times? Or perhaps you would like to undertake your own personal sponsored challenge?

The spokesperson added: "Here’s what you have to do. Llangollen Leisure Centre will verify your time. You should present yourself to the desk there at the start and again at the finish.

"When you get back you will simply need to show them two photos on your phone or camera of the cairns on the two highest peaks, Moel-y-Gamelin, and Moel Fferna.

"The Leisure Centre is open from 9am (7.30am Mon and Wed) and closes at 9pm on weekdays. If you want to set off before 9am you must slip a note with the time under their door or take a photo of the Town Hall clock as you go through the town. You should plan to get back before 9pm. The Leisure Centre actually closes at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, so we have alternative arrangements in place for those days.

"At weekends you will need to return to the Hand Hotel in town, where the reception desk will ask to see the same photos and issue the certificate. A small donation is asked for these certificates and all monies go to Cancer Research UK. We also have some very nice cloth badges available.

"Finally, a few words of caution. The route is waymarked with our discs but do not even think of venturing out there without a copy of the Llangollen Round booklet. Make sure you also take with you adequate clothing, and sufficient food and water for the time you will be out. The Ponderosa Café, about half-way round, can help out with this.

"Be careful of losing daylight – there are several places where you could safely escape from the Round if you need to. Do not be caught on the mountains in the dark. And most of the route has phone reception, but just the odd patch is outside all networks. Perhaps carry a whistle and make sure a friend knows where you have gone."

* For more information call 01978 869364/07905 330788), or email: thellangollenround@gmail.com