Council chief quizzed over broken canal railings

* Karen Edwards's picture of the broken railings.

A council chief has been questioned about the safety of broken railings on the canal bridge near to Llangollen wharf.

Contacting Judith Greenhalgh, chief executive of Denbighshire County Council (DCC), late last month former town councillor Karen Edwards wrote: “I would like to draw your attention to the damaged railings on the canal wharf bridge. 

Supplying pictures of the damage, she added: “This damage occurred at least three years ago. It begs the question as to why this hasn’t been fixed and I would like to know what DCC intend to do about it.

“To be honest, we’re all getting pretty fed up with the lackadaisical approach being taken by DCC in this town and it’s high time DCC officers stepped up to the mark and stopped taking this town for granted as a ‘cash cow’ for DCC coffers.”  

Ms Greenhalgh responded: “As this relates to the parapet railing of the bridge I can confirm that the area was inspected by the Senior Engineer in the Structures team and he is of the view that the fence is still fit for purpose and is therefore a low priority in terms of repairs.

“Unfortunately the railing does get caught quite regularly by buses travelling up to the school but to rectify the alignment so that damage won’t occur is unfeasible.

“We do monitor the situation carefully and should any further damage occur then the position will of course be re-assessed.”

Ms Edwards wrote back to the chief executive saying she was “perplexed” by the response.

She told Ms Greenhalgh: “School buses do not use this route. The children attending Dinas Bran school walk to the Pavillion car park where the coaches are parked . I’m somewhat surprised you don’t seem to be aware of that.

“Coaches do however take tourists up Wharf Hill to Llangollen Wharf where visitors enjoy the canal boat trips.

“ Whilst I’m not a structural engineer, the photographs I provided clearly show that the metal railings are no longer securely fixed to the stone parapet base. When was this last inspected?

“Surely you are placing your council at risk of a negligence claim for failure to protect the safety of users of a public highway, both pedestrians, including the plethora of visitors and residents  that regularly walk that way to access the public footpath that leads up to Castell Dinas Bran, not to mention the school children and drivers of vehicles .

“The pedestrian access to the canal is also below that bridge, so what happens if a vehicle goes through those damaged unsecured railings and crashes onto the path below?

“Regardless of the safety aspects, which are paramount, the damaged railings look an absolute mess rather like the ones on the A539 also reported recently and damaged months ago.

“Bearing in mind that Llangollen is an important inland tourist destination set in the picturesque landscape of the World Heritage Site and AONB , this needs urgent attention  to deal with their damaged appearance.”

Historic roof at St Collen's goes under investigation

* One of the experts examines the ancient roof

at St Collen's Church.

A team of experts has been drafted in to help investigate the historic roof at St Collen’s Church in Llangollen.

Vicar, Father Lee Taylor has put together a task force to lead a new project to reorder the building to make it a more adaptable space for the community and also more engaging and accessible for visitors. 

The most striking part of the building is the 15th century carved oak hammer beam roof which is thought to have links with the monks at Valle Crucis Abbey. 

Father Lee said: “A previous St Collen’s guide book boasts that this is what we got in Wales while Michelangelo was working in Rome. It is believed to be the finest example of medieval Welsh craftsmanship. 

“We want to get a more accurate dating of the roof and interpretation of all the carved figures on it. We are also planning to install a new lighting scheme that would highlight and enhance all the carved images on the roof.” 

He added: “I have been in touch with the Royal Commission on the ancient and historic Monuments of Wales and am delighted that they want to work with us. 

“One of their senior investigators, Richard Suggett, an expert in architectural history, and his colleague chief executive Christopher Catling, visited St Collen’s recently to assess the roof as to its suitability for tree-ring dating which may provide an exact date for the roof.  

“The result of this would be a visitors interpretation board placed at the back of church. 

“One fascinating story depicted on the roof is of the man who drank too much ale. 

“Often, medieval woodcarvers would embrace the humour of the secular world by portraying stories that would be cyclical. 

“In this particular three-part story, the man is shown firstly rolling beer barrels, secondly drinking the contents from one of the barrels and, thirdly, fully immersing himself in the barrel so not to let any go to waste.”

Town Council still aims to light up the town for Christmas

* Graham Paton, managing director of Linguassist Ltd, switches on last year's lights with the Town Mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy (left).

In the wake of the cancellation of this year's Llangollen Christmas Festival due to the coronavirus threat the town council has confirmed that the festive lights will still be lit up.   

Town Clerk Gareth Thomas said: “The Christmas illuminations have always been the responsibility of Llangollen Town Council alone, and whilst it has been an integral part of the Christmas Festival the switching on of the lights is not dependent on this year’s event taking place. 

"I have spoken to the contractors engaged to undertake the works and they have advised me that they are able to do so whilst maintaining safe social distancing. 

"Therefore, the illuminations will be installed during October with a view to them being switched on as early as possible to try and provide some much needed Christmas cheer over the winter months. 

"Clearly this year’s switch-on will be a much simpler affair because of the restrictions on outdoor gatherings, but consideration is being given to some form of modest event."

The Town Clerk also reported that other aspects of the Town Council’s activities are slowly returning following the restrictions caused by the pandemic. 

Members of the public can now arrange an appointment to visit the council offices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays where a socially-distanced meeting space has been set up in the Council Chamber.

At present regulations governing community centres do not allow meetings of local authorities to be held indoors and therefore Town Council meetings will continue to be undertaken remotely until the regulations allow face to face meetings.

However, other changes to these regulations do allow for exercise in gatherings of no more than 30 people in community buildings.

Therefore, the Town Council are, this Tuesday, considering the reopening of the Town Hall on October 1 to facilitate this and considerable effort has gone into making the building Covid secure.

The Town Clerk said that during lockdown the council's Facilities Officer, Charlie Jones, assisted by volunteers, has been busy decorating the vestibule, booking hall and the first floor landings of the Town Hall. 

Charlie said: “It was appropriate to make use of the fact that the Town Hall has been closed to start repainting and renovating a number of public spaces. 

"I am indebted to the help of volunteers particularly Charles Harris and Chris Stone who have helped with this work and have allowed the Town Council to keep cost down during this difficult period when closure has resulted in a loss of income. 

"It has also not been easy with the limitations of social distancing, but the end results of all our efforts has been rewarding. 

"It is very pleasing that this work has been done in time to, hopefully, receive dance classes back to the Town Hall next month.”

Designated landscapes to receive £7.2m government funding boost

Projects to improve access to the countryside and boost the sustainability of Designated Landscapes are to receive funding of £7.2m, Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn announced today.

£4.7m has been awarded to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) to be invested in green infrastructure such as electric vehicles, retrofitting existing buildings with energy efficiency measures, and restoring peatland and woodlands.

A further £1.76m has been awarded to local councils to improve Wales’s network of footpaths and bridleways, making them easier to use and more accessible to all. 

This is in response to people rediscovering local footpaths and trails as part of their daily exercise during the recent Covid lockdown. 

£337,000 has also been awarded to 11 projects to improve recreational access to water and £309,000 to community orchards and allotments to support community growing projects.

The Deputy Minister made the announcement during a visit to Moel Famau in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB which will benefit from £180,000 from this programme to ease traffic congestion, carry out remedial work to address erosion to paths and surrounding land and reduce light pollution. 

An additional £54,000 is also allocated to Denbighshire County Council for important upgrades to its network of footpaths and bridleways.

Hannah Blythyn said: “Our National Parks and AONBs cover a quarter of Wales and are hugely important in helping tackle the loss of biodiversity and climate change.

“While our Designated Landscapes are very special to the people of Wales and attract millions visitors each year, access to local green spaces proved just as important during lockdown and this funding demonstrates that we greatly value our local footpaths and other rights of way.

“Following easing of the lockdown, many of our most popular countryside sites have faced significant pressures from large numbers of visitors. While most have visited responsibly, there have been high-profile cases of illegal parking, littering and unregulated camping which have caused damage to our fragile landscapes. This funding has therefore included projects that mitigate the negative environmental effects of tourism such as erosion, littering and pollution.

 “As lockdown has eased, the need to invest in a safe, high quality visitor experience for an increasing number of visitors has been highlighted. This, along with the need to make a contribution to tackling climate change, is a major challenge for our Designated Landscapes.

“This funding will support our National Parks and other bodies to address these challenges and to ensure everyone can continue to enjoy our countryside for years to come.”

Councillor Tony Thomas, Denbighshire's Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, who is also the Chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Advisory Committee, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and were equally as delighted to receive funding announced for AONBs and national parks.

“The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB has always proved popular with visitors and residents, with the stunning scenery, magnificent hillsides and historic towns and villages a magnet for thousands of visitors each year.

“Inevitably with increasing numbers of visitors, we do experience some traffic congestion in our most popular scenic attractions and the sheer volume of people venturing into the hills also have an impact on the quality of footpaths over time.  This funding will be used towards projects that will help address these issues and protect our landscape for generations to come."

Perfect place for a trip down memory lane

* ReCollections on Abbey Road.

* The shop is packed with items of all kinds.

A man who is passionate about music, film and TV legends has filled up his new shop in Llangollen with their memorabilia.

ReCollections in Abbey Road is the brainchild of Steven Brady and is now trading seven days a week and online. 

With a heavy emphasis on music, the shop is bursting with official t-shirts in a constantly changing range of alternative, hard rock, metal, punk and progressive artists and bands, including Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, The Cure, David Bowie, Jim Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Led Zeppelin, The Jam, ACDC, The Rolling Stones, Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Guns n Roses and many more.  

It's also overflowing with key chains, mugs, posters, cushions, postcards, stickers, magnets and all sorts of well-priced gifts for others or personal treats. 

Steve says he likes to keep things changing, so that each time you visit there will be plenty new to look at. 

When it comes to films, ReCollections has got merchandise from Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Wrestling, Marvel, Magic Roundabout and all sorts of collectable items, as well as Banksy holographic posters, wallets, bags, DVDs of historic concerts and festivals, and prints of original concert posters.

He’s also planning to have an HMV-style poster rack on the wall for customers to flick through and take a trip down memory lane.

Steve has an original vinyl section which is growing, and he’s looking into getting new pressed vinyl of modern classics too.  

Also packed into the shop is a plethora of 80s vintage memorabilia. There are toys, games consoles, books, annuals, video games, Hornby railway collectibles and even Trolls.  

Steve and his partner arrived in the UK from New Zealand seven years ago, and the picturesque town of Llangollen was the first place they visited.

Having moved here he gained years of retail experience in Tenovus, 

Steve said: "I saw lockdown as an opportunity to get all my older stock sold online and take time to revamp and regroup. 

"I reorganised and completely refined the store to exactly how it is meant to be - a total nostalgia trip, specialising in what makes people happy. 

"The customers love it, and the vibe is amazing. And this is just the beginning."

Steve speaks fondly of Wales and the opportunities he’s found here.

"Opening a music-focused shop on Abbey Road, which is just an hour away from Liverpool, is m dream.

"Since I've been here I've met some fabulous, enthusiastic music fans from all over the world who now come to shop in ReCollections.  

"I love that the merchandise in the shop bridges the gap between teens, their parents and grandparents."

Steve already supports local groups by donating the proceeds from the PPE masks he sells in the shop, and he says he’d like to get more involved with things like Plastic Free Llangollen, local fundraising and the Llangollen live music scene.  

He is considering putting up a gig noticeboard and playing and promoting local bands’ music in the shop, as well connecting with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod when it returns in 2021.

Steve, who says his mission is to bring joy to his customers, added: "Nothing is too much trouble. Pop in to ask for anything you’re after, or send a message via Facebook or WhatsApp so I can find the perfect items for you." 

Framework for Corwen station waiting room now in place

* A platform level-view of the new steel structure at Corwen. 

Picture by George Jones.

The fabricated steelwork for the on-platform waiting room at the new Corwen station has now been put in place.

Designed by EWP Structural Engineers of Bangor on the recommendation of Denbighshire County Council, the steel beams were fabricated by Barnett Engineering Ltd of Rhosllanerchrugog and delivered to site for assembly by their team. 

With help from the project’s Road Rail Vehicle, the beams where hosted into position to form an oblong box within the area of the waiting room measuring 15 x 4 metres with provision for services to toilets already plumbed in.

The steelwork comprises four Ibeams for each corner with eight intermediate wind posts and associated cross beams to link the vertical members, all weighing in at around four tons.  

The design called for integral strength to support the roof which will be part of the station canopy and subject to high winds at this exposed, elevated position on the embankment.

The steelwork sits between the three pairs of ex-Blackfriars, London canopy columns surrounding the access stairwell and the final pair of columns at the eastern end. The casual observer now has some idea as to how it will all link together to provide for the canopy.

The eventual canopy will require the fabrication of six assorted ‘A’ frames to support the roofing material and have been specially designed to cater for the variations in the width of the platform and curvature. However, construction of these is for a later stage of the project.

With the steelwork in-situ, the preparation of the surrounding area can be completed and a good start has been made by contractors Wrexham Paving on the laying of the tactile edging and paving blocks at the eastern end of the platform.

Project Leader, Richard Dixon-Gough said: “I would like to thank Barnett Engineering for their work to help us complete this project. They have done a great job in fabricating and erecting the steelwork for the waiting room building on the Corwen new build station platform.

“It is a little unfortunate that the results of their skills will be hidden within the structure of the building when the brickwork etc. has been completed, but at least we can enjoy the visual impact in the short term.

“Our association Barnett Engineering has been very successful, and this is the latest example of their skills and expertise as applied to the project; others include the new build water tank and the modifications required on the canopy columns, all of which are admired by the passing public and we have received many positives unsolicited comments about their presence on site.

“The steelwork is a further example of how the overall project is now coming together after many years of planning and hard work by a small band of volunteers on site. 

“Once completed and passed fit for purpose the new build station and infrastructure will be opened to the public and will increase footfall within Corwen helping to boost the local economy.”

People must wear masks in shops from Monday, says First Minister

The BBC is reporting that people in Wales must wear masks in shops and other indoor spaces from Monday, according to the First Minister.

Mark Drakeford said the change came as 20 people in every 100,000 in Wales now had coronavirus.

Indoor meetings of more than six people from an extended household will be illegal from Monday.

The rule will not apply to children aged 11 and under. Up to 30 people from different homes can still meet outside.

Mr Drakeford said: "Today for the first time we will go to a point where 20 people in 100,000 are suffering from coronavirus in Wales.

"That is the threshold we use for people to have to quarantine coming back into the UK.

"And having reached that today, we will be making the use of face coverings mandatory in shops and in closed public spaces in Wales."

He said if the figure fell, the advice could be re-examined.

2020 Christmas festival falls victim to coronavirus

Llangollen Christmas Festival has become the latest casualty of the coronaviris situation.

The annual event draws thousands of people to the town from across a wide area for a day of fun and entertainment ending in the switching on of the Christmas lights and a spectacular fireworks display.

Hundreds of pounds is also regularly raised for local charities of the Welsh Air Ambulance. 

But  the group that organises the festival now says that having considered the risks they have reluctantly decided to cancel this year’s event.

In a statement this morning they say: “We feel it would be unrealistic and irresponsible for us to organise a festival that attracts over 2,000 people into town, with little chance of social distancing, whilst coronavirus is still a threat.

"We are hoping that we’ll be able to organise some smaller 'Chritmassy' activities during December but it will obviously be dependant upon the coronavirus advice at the time.

“We will be back and our plan is for Llangollen Christmas Festival 2021 to be the biggest and best ever."

2021 panto is off due to Covid-19 ... oh yes it is!

 

* Cast members for the 2020 panto, Pinocchio.

Organisers have been forced to cancel the next Llangollen Pantomime due to the coronavirus situation.

The group was due to stage its production of Cinderella at the Pavilion next January.

But as theatres have not been given the go ahead to get back into action, the show will have to wait until the following year.

Panto spokesperson Sharon Jones: “We had over 40 cast members ready to put it on under the direction of Simon Orton Jones but there’s no way we can do that now.

“For the youngsters this is particularly disappointing because, with some doing A Levels and others going off to university, this was their last opportunity to be in one of our shows. Still, it could be worse.”

The group, which put on its first panto back in 1984, are now looking forward to bringing Cinderella to the stage in January 2022.  

Meanwhile, according to Sharon, they are hoping to stage some form of show for younger members around the time the panto would have been running.

“It could be either a zoom thing or socially-distanced gathering based on  performances or a competition.

“The idea would be to keep the group together and give them something to look forward to.

“They could put something together during the Christmas holidays and senior members would help them with the choreography or music.”       

Kronospan gets £622,000 from government to safeguard jobs

* Inside the Kronspan factory in Chirk.

Hundreds of jobs at Chirk-based manufacturer Kronospan have been safeguarded with help from the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF).

The company, which supplies wood-based panel products, is a key employer in North East Wales with more than 620 workers.

Kronospan experienced a dramatic reduction in sales as a result of the pandemic and the subsequent interruptions to cash flow, which left the company facing an extremely challenging period.

It received £622,000 from the Welsh Government’s ERF, which has helped the business continue to operate through the pandemic and ultimately protect the workforce.

The ERF, which is part of the Welsh Government’s £1.7bn support package for businesses, is providing thousands of companies across Wales with significant financial support. It complements the help provided by the UK Government.

To date, more than 13,000 businesses have received financial support worth more than £280m and the fund has helped protect more than 75,000 jobs.

Ben Spruce, chief financial officer of Kronospan, said:“The assistance provided by Welsh Government has helped us protect jobs and support our local suppliers.

“It has been a difficult period for everyone and we are extremely grateful to our entire team, both those who have worked throughout and those who were furloughed and have now returned.

“The support received demonstrates to us the proactive approach Welsh Government has taken during this crisis to support businesses, protect jobs and help the regional economy build back stronger.”

Deputy Minister for Economy, Lee Waters said: “Kronospan is an important employer in North East Wales and I’m pleased we have been able to provide crucial financial assistance at a time when the company needed it most, helping protect hundreds of jobs.

“Coronavirus has placed incredibly difficult challenges on our business community and our immediate response has been to try and protect companies, jobs and livelihoods through an unprecedented package of support, delivered at pace, worth £1.7bn.

“Our Economic Resilience Fund has been a key part of that and absolutely essential in supporting thousands of businesses across Wales in dealing with the economic impacts of the pandemic.”

County council signs are reminder to keep your distance

* One of the county council signs on Castle Street. 

A series of signs have been placed across Denbighshire as part of a visual reminder for people to continue to social distance when they’re visiting town centres.

The signs have been installed as part of a wider campaign to encourage more people to visit town centres safely.

In June, the county council set up a Task Group to support town centre businesses during and after the re-opening of shops, working jointly with business associations and local communities. 

The council also has teams out and about in our main town centres, monitoring compliance with safety guidelines, as well as offering practical support to businesses, such as signage or posters.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, who is also the Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “For more than three months, town centres - the heart of many of our communities - stood still and quiet, with businesses closed and visitors and locals alike asked to stay at home and away from others until things became better. 

“The easing of restrictions on town centre businesses has been a step in the right direction and the council has worked closely with the business associations and communities across Denbighshire to ensure the re-introduction of services has been as smooth as possible.

“The signage is one of a number of initiatives that have been introduced in town centres.  

"Teams of staff from the council have also been working in town centres, liaising with businesses and listening to their feedback.  

"They have also been able to identify what works well and whether there were any localised issued that needed addressing.

“The messages around social distancing are equally as relevant as they were at the beginning of our work and we would like to thank the communities of Denbighshire for supporting this essential work."

Olympic Triathlon heroes in action

* Christian Edwards, son of Llangollen man 

Mike Edwards, in the Olympic Distance Triathlon.

Llangollen man Mike Edwards was in Ellesmere on Sunday watching his eldest son, Christian, competing in the Olympic Distance Triathlon comprising a 1500 metre swim, 40k bike ride and 10k run. 

Mike says: "While I was there I also saw our local vet Clive Bourne, who is in the veteran athlete 60 age group, taking part and I notice from the result he completed the event in 2 hours 48 minutes 17 seconds."

Corwen station project hailed as "magnificent achievement"

* Robin Jones is shown progress on the station project by Richard Dixon-Gough. 

Robin Jones, editor of the monthly Heritage Railway magazine, called in at the Corwen station site to catch up with the progress on work to create a new terminus station.

In the course of a conducted tour of the site, he inspected work on the platform with the recently installed heritage canopy columns, as well as the completed trackwork.

The water tank and signalbox were also features new to him since his previous visit.

He expressed himself very pleased with the work undertaken so far, describing the station as ‘magnificent’ and the renovation of the former London Blackfriars station columns an impressive addition to the platform.

Robin Jones said: “Whilst other railways might have made do with a wooden platform at the end of the line, at Corwen a proper station facility has been created by project members.

“I think the Corwen station is a miraculous achievement and a phenomenal construction in the middle of nowhere.The volunteer effort which has created the station has been against the odds in terms of physical constraints, the labour needs and the ever-present fund-raising requirement.” 

Thanking Robin Jones for his visit, project leader Richard Dixon-Gough said: “We still have some way to go yet before the station is ready and able to receive passengers, therefore all kinds of support are still required prior to opening this new build terminus station to the fare paying public.”

Superb Skoda saloon could be best in its class

* Superb's smart front end.

* New high-tech dash.

* Acres of room in the back.

Skoda Superb road test by Steve Rogers

Bentley one week, Skoda the next. Such is the varied life of your car tester.

Turn the clock back 25 years and you could fairly say this was the sublime to the ridiculous but while the brands are poles apart times have changed for the underdog. 

Volkswagen buying the Czech company opened up a whole new world. I've been a fan since my first drive in the Octavia in 1997 and have been banging the Skoda drum ever since.

The cars are still built in the home country but the parts come from Wolfsburg so it is no surprise to see matching gear in Volkswagen, Audi or Seat models, in fact there is a small connection with Bentley.

The blind spot warning strip in the Superb's door mirrors is identical to those in the Bentley Continental, another VW company.

The Superb has been the flagship model since 2001 building a reputation on a ginormous cabin. Never mind six footers, there is space for seven footers in the back of a Superb and no one in its class can match the size of the boot either.

Not that Superb has been having an easy ride. Its market has been in decline for years with customers turning to big SUVs for space and versatility and Skoda is well placed there as well with the excellent Kodiaq.

Yet Superb's unique selling point of class leading space and value for money has given it a strong fan base in the fleet and company car markets where it has been a regular pain in the backside for main rivals Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Insignia and even its Wolfsburg cousin, the VW Passat. What a genius move on Skoda's part to distance itself from Passat by making it roomier.

The hatchback's 625 litre boot capacity is streets ahead of the opposition and gets even better with the seats down - 1760 litres and if that's not enough then go for the estate where there is nearly 2000 litres of space. You will find just how big the boot is when you try to retrieve something that has spilled into a far corner. It requires long arms or a very big stretch.

To give it a bit of context the hatchback's boot easily swallowed two full sets of golf clubs and trolleys with the seats up.

Dwelling on space is an injustice to Superb which is a fine all rounder. The new dashboard layout is practical rather than stylish with a central eight inch touchscreen for infotainment - that's navigation, radio and smartlink technology for Android, CarPlay and Mirror Link along with other car related features.

This comes in at SE L level which is the start of the premium trim and there is the option to spend £475 on the virtual cockpit. It offers five different views, easily selected from a button on the steering wheel. The show's highlight is a full width 10.2in Google map gifted, eventually, by its masters at VW-Audi. Skoda always has to wait its turn for the top tech.

Equipment level is generally good with leather heated seats, powered for the driver, LED headlights, keyless entry, and a host of electronic safety features yet there is one inexplicable omission - a reversing camera.

It is a £385 option unless you buy the 39 grand top of the range Laurin & Klement model and with the saloon's high rear window it's needed. Parking sensors with rear proximity lines on screen don't cut it on a car at this price.

A couple of weeks ago I was lauding the 1.5 litre petrol engine in the new Golf but raised an eyebrow when I saw it was powering the much bigger Superb. Again it was another revelation and would be my choice over a diesel easily topping 50mpg. 

With the extra weight and size the economy and performance was even more spectacular than the Golf, so sharp and refined, and working beautifully with the seven-speed DSG auto gearbox. It too has cylinder deactivation right up to 70mph to help save fuel.

Handling is safe and predictable and airs on the side of comfort. For performance seekers this is no BMW 3-Series or Audi A4, not even a Peugeot 508 or Mazda6, but if you want to stick with Skoda and have some fun then go for Octavia.

Superb is what it is, a comfortable, very competent large family saloon or estate and arguably the best car in its class.

Need to know

Superb SE L 7sp DSG auto

£29,545 - £31,570 tested

1.5litre TSI; 147bhp

0-62mph 9.2secs; 135mph

42.2mpg combined

153g/km. 1st year tax £540 then £145

Boot: 625 litres

Insurance group 19

 

 

 

 

Local roadworks alert

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is: 

Butlers Hill, Llangollen, Denbighshire

10 September — 10 September

 

Delays likely - Road closure

 

Works location: FROM OUTSIDE MIN Y NANT TO OUTSIDE PEN Y MAES...

 

Works description: REPLACEMENT OF CABLES . OVERHEAD WORKS ONLY...

 

Responsibility for works: MANWEB

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: GY0302100388892G

 

 

Denbighshire libraries re-open for appointment visits

 

* Llangollen Library in Castle Street.

Libraries in Denbighshire are now open for customers to choose books, use a computer and print, use a photocopier and access One Stop Shop services via appointments.

The appointment system will help ensure social distancing measures are adhered to and appointments can be made by phoning your local library.

Visits to browse and choose books are limited to 20 minutes, and computer sessions are currently limited to 45 minutes, and one per week.

You will need your library card number to book a computer session.

If you require help at the One Stop Shop with a Council query or to make a payment, please call the library and ensure you have all the relevant details, so that we can deal with your query, and arrange an appointment if you need to come in.

Cllr Tony Thomas, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “I’m pleased we are able to offer further services to residents wishing to use the library service.

“Customers will now be able to book appointments to use a range of services in their local libraries. Our popular order and collect service will continue for those who prefer staff to choose books for you to collect or have delivered to you.

“Our home library service is making deliveries of books to anyone who is unable to visit their local library – please get in touch to find out more about this service.”

All books currently on loan are being automatically renewed and no fines will be issued, but customers who have finished with books are asked to drop them off at the library to ensure stock levels are maintained.

Cat Meade explains what happens to help group as lockdown eases

* Cat Meade and her young son Connor.

The woman who spearheaded Llangollen's fightback against coronavirus has spoken of what happens to the support organisation she founded as lockdown gradually eases.

Immediately the Covid-19 crisis began back in March Cat Meade, whose day job is at Wingett's estate agents in Castle Street, launched the Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group.

Since then she and a team of dedicated volunteers have devoted many unpaid hours to ensuring people isolated in their homes have been supplied with everything from food to daily newspapers.

The group also supplied many items of PPE to the vulnerable and organised deliveries of vital medication to those self-isolating in their homes across town.

To finance the work and support hard-hit local businesses she started a series of highly popular daily raffles offering a host of valuable prizes.

There have also been regular updates about the group's work on a dedicated Facebook page.

* The Coronavirus Help Group page on Facebook launched by Cat Meade in the early says of the pandemic. 

Now, as the pandemic crisis winds down and life gradually returns to normal, Cat has taken to Facebook to explain what happens to the help group.

Yesterday she posted: “It’s been a while since I’ve posted, which is good on one hand, on the other I hope you are all keeping well ... keeping safe, responsible and mindful.

“I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to every volunteer and resident that has assisted and kept this group going during lockdown, the fundraising, gifting, hours and hours of volunteering to our wonderful community. 

“I have had to put my role to one side as work life is taking over, most volunteers are back to their daily routine, kids back at school and a little normality forming. 

“The page will stay here (hoping we do not need it again). 

“In months to come we may be able to turn it into a different page of support for the community, for now, we will leave it open and our mainstream originators will be here, IF and WHEN, hopefully not needed again. 

“Big thank you Llangollen.”

Funding boost for railway welcomed by MP

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed news that Llangollen Railway has received £161,000 of National Lottery support to help address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As revealed by llanblogger recently, the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded the money through their Heritage Emergency Fund which provides assistance to organisations within the heritage sector struggling during the pandemic.

Mr Baynes previously highlighted the importance of Clwyd South tourism and hospitality businesses in Questions to the Prime Minister on Wednesday May 13, and asked him to congratulate the Llangollen Steam Railway team for their hard work fundraising during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Mr Baynes said: “Everyone in the area knows how tremendously important Llangollen Railway is to us as a community. So I’m delighted to see it benefitting from vital National Lottery Heritage Emergency Funding.

“The whole railway team work incredibly hard to ensure visitors to Llangollen receive a warm welcome and a great experience so I’m very happy to see them secure this much needed help.”

Former chamber chair says businesses oppose Castle Street parking ban

* The county council plans to remove parking bays along Castle Street.

The former chair of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism claims banning parking in Castle Street is a waste of money and will have a “negative, deadening effect” on the town centre.

Removing the parking bays along the main street is part of the county council’s plan to provide social distancing measures in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

But David Davies said: “Castle Street businesses are angered to see that the county council is proceed with the traffic order banning all parking and deliveries in the street on the pretence of Covid-19 social distancing and active travel reasons.

“Twenty eight businesses - 80% of all operating businesses in the street - individually signed letters of objection to DCC.  

“It is understood they were deemed unacceptable and irrelevant and unfortunately our two local county council representatives, Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile, failed to support the businesses objections fuelling the view that the traffic order is being used to further the plans of the 2020 Group to permanently ban all parking, 24 hours a day, in Castle Street.”

Mr Davies added: “No parking in the street will lead to loss of significant business to a number of shops including Spar and Chatwins, with no pop and shop and trades people unable to park to purchase break and lunch foods.  

“The Bull will need to unload barrels of beer in Market Street and roll them along the road into Castle Street posing a safety issue to pedestrians. 

“People delivering to the charity shops will have to carry all their contributions from the nearest car park and parking in the street to use Barclays Bank or the cash machine or access the Town Hall will not be possible.

“The idea is a waste of money and will have a negative, deadening effect on the atmosphere of our town centre.

“During the past 12 years, six professional consultants have reviewed the town’s traffic and parking and none have recommended banning all parking,  24 hours a day, along Castle Street. 

“Traders are continuing their objections to the plan.”

In a joint response, Llangollen county councillors Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile said: "These works are Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council’s response to the very real threat of the C-19 pandemic to Llangollen. 

"We have visitors from far and wide being jammed together on our narrow pavements. A perfect scenario for the spread of C-19. How would the businesses react to another lockdown?

"The safety measures will be in place for a limited time and it’s just a coincidence that Llangollen 2020 objectives are similar.

"These measures are designed to help people move about the town in a safer manner than the chaos that we experienced in July and August, when some residents stayed away from Castle Street, literally in fear of their lives.

"They would also have been introduced much earlier if David Davies and others hadn’t gone about the traders organising their objection. 

"Those 28 objections were not ignored but were taken into consideration, as were the 146 letters of support from residents and visitors and the 95% support from those who completed the official consultation.

"We make no apologies for trying to make Llangollen a safer place for its residents, visitors, shop workers and traders."

Local roadworks update

 

Latest roadwork alert from one.network is:

Vicarage Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire 04 September — 10 September   Delays unlikely - No carriageway incursion   Works location: Front of Castle Buildings Vicarage Road...   Works description: Due to main being Shallow this needs diverting...   Responsibility for works: Dee Valley Water   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU003H6W/00038013A