Local MP welcomes Spring Budget measures

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has welcomed yesterday's Spring Budget announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP.

He says it provides billions of pounds to support businesses and families through the pandemic and invests in North Wales.

It contained details of:  

1.  An extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until the end of September, ensuring it continues to support employers as they begin to reopen. Two further grants will also be available to self-employed people – and the newly self-employed will also be eligible for both grants.

2. A continuation of the temporary Universal Credit uplift for a further six months.

3. New Recovery Loans and a new Restart grant of up to £18,000 to help businesses as they reopen. Support for the sports, arts and culture sectors will also be increased by a further £700 million as they begin to reopen.

4. Extending the business rates holiday, VAT cut and stamp duty holiday. There will also be a new mortgage guarantee scheme from April which backs 95 per cent mortgages.

5. Opening up the new Levelling Up Fund for its first round of bids, worth £4.8 billion across the United Kingdom. The budget also announces 45 new Town Deals to help spread opportunity across the country.

6. A new Help to Grow scheme to boost productivity of small businesses, to ensure they are embracing the latest technology and management training.

8.   Additional funding for Wales of £740 million.

Simon Baynes MP said: “The Budget provides businesses and families in Clwyd South with the support and reassurance they need to get through the pandemic.

“With £407 billion of support for families, jobs and businesses, it is right that the Chancellor is honest with the British people about our public finances.

Barbara Hughes, Welsh Conservative Senedd Candidate for Clwyd South, said: “As we look ahead, this Budget lays the foundations of our future economy – driving up productivity, creating green jobs, supporting small businesses, and levelling up for our communities here in Clwyd South and across the rest of Wales.”

County councillors urge support for crisis-hit railway

 

Llangollen’s two county councillors have spoken of their sadness at the financial crisis which the town’s heritage railway is currently going through.

And Graham Timms and Melvyn Mike reveal they have asked county council officers to give what help they can to the safeguard its future.

As revealed by llanblogger earlier this week, the board of Llangollen Railway PLC asked its bank to call in receivers after it plunged into insolvency to the tune of about £350,000 and could not legally continue trading.

Both the area’s MP, Simon Baynes, and Senedd Member, Ken Skates, have expressed their sympathy and support for the railway.

Now the two county councillors say in a joint statement issued yesterday evening: “It is with sadness that we heard about the serious financial difficulties of the Llangollen Steam Railway.

“It has been the ‘beating heart’ of our town and a vital part of the local economy over many years. It is an iconic image in our part of the Dee valley.

“We have written to Denbighshire County Council urging them to give whatever help they can to support the railway to ensure its long term future. 

“Officers have assured us that they understand the huge value that the railway brings to the area and that they are fully committed to make a genuine effort to follow all appropriate avenues to support it through this difficult time."

Although no further statement has been issued by the board, it is understood receivers have already vissited the railway and that their crucial report on its financial situation will be available early next week when the board is expected to put out a press release. 

Meanwhile, a concerned local resident has contacted well-known music mogul and railway enthusiast Rick Wakeman to get his reaction to the problems facing Llangollen. 

Mr Wakeman replied to the resident’s email: “Very sad to read this. I haven’t actually visited the railway but certainly know of it. 

“Wales has such a tremendous history of heritage railways and from what I can gather, they all make a decent profit enabling them to run efficiently ... I hope it manages to survive. These heritage railways are so special.” 

Llangollen woman appears in party political broadcast

* Eleri Edwards appears in the party political broadcast.

A voter from Llangollen appears in a new Welsh Labour political broadcast to give her reasons for backing the party in May's elections.

Eleri Edwards, 83, is one of just four people from across Wales interviewed for the film which airs for the first time today.

The retired consultant anaesthetist says she's supporting Labour because of its "cautious and careful" approach to coronavirus.

And she adds: "This pandemic has shown how Wales can lead the way – trusting those institutions which understand the communities they serve. Welsh Labour have told it like it is. They’ve kept people safe and taken the difficult decisions necessary - even when it was unpopular.”  

Originally from Rhos, Eleri has lived in Llangollen for more than 30 years and is a governor at Ysgol y Gwernant.

She worked at Wrexham Maelor for 40 years and now lives on Abbey Road. Her son Owen and daughter Catrin both also live in Llangollen.

In the broadcast First Minister Mark Drakeford says: "It is stories like theirs that inspire me and my Government every day as we chart a path together out of this pandemic, determined to use the lessons we have learnt to move Wales forward." 

Classroom return chance ahead of Easter break, says Minister

Education Minister Kirsty Williams has today announced plans for more pupils in Wales to have the opportunity to return to the classroom ahead of the Easter break. 

Speaking in a video released on her Twitter channel the Minister confirmed that schools would be given the opportunity to welcome back learners in years 7, 8 and 9.

The aim will be to give learners the opportunity to check in with teachers, with a focus on support for wellbeing, and readiness for a full return to school after the Easter holidays.

The planned return of younger secondary school pupils would be in addition to all primary pupils, who are expected to return from 15 March, along with learners in years 10 and 12, those in exam years and students doing similar qualifications in colleges.

Younger primary pupils have been able to return to their classrooms since Monday, 22 February.

The plans will be subject to the regular three-week review of coronavirus regulations by the Welsh Government on Friday 12 March.

The Minister said:

“Opening up education is a top priority for the Welsh Government and I am pleased to share some positive news on that front today.

“This is the second week for our youngest pupils to be back in school and I have seen first-hand what a difference this is already making – thank you once again to everyone who is making this possible.

“We have already announced that from the 15th March, if the scientific advice still says it is safe to do so, all remaining primary school children will start to return to school, along with those in exam years and students doing similar qualifications in colleges and work-based learning. There will also be flexibility for those in years 10 and 12.

“I have also shared my intention to get all learners back to schools, colleges and training providers after the Easter break.

“Today, I am able to confirm our intentions to go even further, even earlier, and give schools the opportunity to welcome back learners in years 7, 8 and 9 before the Easter break.

“This would be to give learners the opportunity to check-in with teachers, with a focus on support for wellbeing, and readiness for a full return to school after Easter.

“I want to make clear now that this will not be a full return to school for years 7, 8 and 9 before Easter. The focus before Easter will be on learners who are undertaking qualifications, especially those in Years 11 and 13, and those studying practical vocational qualifications.

“We will publish full guidance for schools from 9am today, that will help with all the necessary planning.

“We will also be organising more virtual sessions for heads, which I know you have found useful, and I will share details on social media.

“I would like to thank all of you once again for following the rules, driving down the transmission of the virus, and for giving us even more headroom to get learners back to our schools and colleges.

“Together we will keep Wales safe and together we will keep Wales learning.”

More cash support pledged for leisure and tourism firms

The Welsh Government has today announced a further £30 million for hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses affected by ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

It has also confirmed that pending the outcome of the next review on 12 March, a further £150 million in grants could be made available to firms, including micro businesses, through the Welsh Government’s Non Domestic Rates (NDR) scheme if coronavirus restrictions are extended.

The latest round of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund will see £30m of targeted support being made available to support small, medium and large businesses in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors as well as related supply chain businesses.

The funding is targeted to businesses employing ten or more staff in recognition of the relatively higher level of operating costs that these businesses face.

However, should restrictions be extended at the 12 March review, the £150m that will be made available would see businesses in the hospitality, tourism, leisure and non-essential retail sectors that pay non-domestic rates receiving an additional payment of up to £5k regardless of the number of employees they have.

From today, businesses in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors can access the eligibility checker and calculator on the Business Wales website to help them work out what support they can expect to qualify for in this latest round and to understand the detail they will need to make an application.

Minister for the Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “This last year has been incredibly difficult for everyone and we are aware of the significant challenges facing our fantastic hospitality, tourism and leisure sector.

“The focus of this latest £30m round of funding is to target further support at the small, medium and large businesses in these sectors with the specific aim of protecting as many jobs as possible.

“The Welsh Government’s support to businesses throughout the pandemic has been the most generous anywhere in the UK and I am pleased that we have been able to get over £1.9bn directly into the bank accounts of our businesses.

“With restrictions likely to continue for a little while longer we are actively reviewing our options for providing further support. I am pleased to confirm that we have now made provision for a further £150m of support for businesses paying non-domestic rates should restrictions be extended at the next coronavirus review on 12th March which would include support for micro businesses."

Pandemic stops 2021 Llangollen Walking Festival in its tracks

 

The 2021 Llangollen Walking Festival 2021 has been cancelled due to the pandemic.

The bad news is revealed in the latest newsletter by organisers of the popular event which usually draws hundreds of walking fans to the town.

The update says: “We've just finished a meeting where we reviewed the details and dates of the staged 'unlocking' process and how this impacts on our ability to run our event in 2021.

“Progress with COVID-19 vaccinations are going extremely well but not all of our potential visitors will have had their second vaccine jabs by May 1 when we plan to meet up. 

“We believe it unwise for us to encourage the gathering of large groups albeit outdoors and encourage people to travel great distances.

“It is also very unlikely local accommodation, steam railway, pubs and cafés will be open.

“We had hoped to consult on a date change and move to later in the year, however, when we reviewed the calendar, there were no viable options.

“So, it is with great sadness ​we are cancelling our festival​ for 2021.”

The update adds: “Good news - we hope to offer some Offa's Dyke Path 50th anniversary walks later in 2021.

“If all goes well, we plan to run five - coach assist - one-day-walks over the 50 miles section between Chirk Mill and Prestatyn which is all with-in the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB.

“As more information becomes available you will be the first to know... stay safe and keep walking.”

​

Coronavirus update from Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government (dated yesterday) is:

• Finance Minister Rebecca Evans has unveiled a final Budget with plans to protect public services and the Welsh economy, providing timely support to protect lives and livelihoods in the months ahead.
• Building on the £320m reconstruction package announced last October, this Budget delivers a further injection of £224.5m capital funding to support our reconstruction efforts and stimulate demand and jobs.
• This investment includes an additional £147m to ramp up housing programmes and an extra £30m to accelerate the ambitious 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme, helping to support economic growth, sustainable jobs and training opportunities across the sector.
• A Budget to protect public services and the economy: https://gov.wales/a-budget-to-protect-public-services-and-boost-wales-economy
• Local government settlement: https://gov.wales/written-statement-final-local-government-settlement-2021-22
• Vaccination weekly update: https://gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-programme-weekly-update-2-march-2021
• Latest Coronavirus Infection Survey results: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-infection-survey 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 170 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 203,988 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Sadly, there was one further death reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,344.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

• The number of people who have received a Covid vaccine in Wales is being published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 933,485 people have received their first dose.
• And 111,716 people have received two doses of the vaccine.
• https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today published statistics on provisional weekly deaths, including deaths involving Covid-19, for the week ending 19 February 2021.
• The total number of deaths involving Covid-19 in Welsh residents up to 19 February was 7,458.
• Of the deaths registered in the week ending 19 February, there were provisionally 179 involving Covid-19 in Welsh residents. This was 37 fewer than the previous week.
• The number of registered deaths involving Covid has declined for five successive weeks.
• For the period 29 February 2020 to 19 February 2021, there were a total of 5,541 excess deaths (17%) above the five-year average. The excess death rate for Wales was lower than in England.
• The numbers reported by ONS are different from those from Public Health Wales because of different reporting methods and timing. The ONS figures are higher because they include some extra cases.
• https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/deaths/bulletins/deathsregisteredweeklyinenglandandwalesprovisional/latest

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in smell or taste.
• If you have symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, you must self-isolate at home for 10 days from when your symptoms started.
• Guidance about self-isolating: https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
• You should arrange to have a test to see if you have coronavirus once you are self-isolating. You can book a test at https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test
• You should continue to isolate while waiting for a test result.
• Got a question about what to do if you’ve got coronavirus? Visit https://gov.wales/self-isolation-stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus 

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/alert-level-4 and the roadmap in and out of alert levels is at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-control-plan-alert-levels-wales

• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Questions about Covid-19 vaccines? Visit: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ and https://gov.wales/vaccine-coronavirus
• Want to join Wales’ vaccination team? https://gov.wales/join-covid-19-vaccination-team
• If you think you’ve been missed off the vaccine appointment list: https://gov.wales/get-your-covid-19-vaccination-if-you-think-you-have-been-missed
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm, broadcast on BBC One Wales and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

Health centre books remaining 65-69s for jabs

Llangollen Health Centre has just posted its latest Covid vaccination update, which says: "We are now in a position to be able to book in the remaining patients in the 65-69 age group for their Covid vaccine.

"At this point PLEASE do not phone us as our phone lines will be swamped. We will contact you by phone over the next two days to book your appointment."

Town council pledges support for crisis-hit railway

 

Llangollen Town Council has pledged to do all it can to support Llangollen Railway which has announced plans to call in receivers.

As revealed by llanblogger, the railway said in a statement that the company which runs the heritage attraction had run up big losses over the past three financial years with the result that it was now insolvent to the tune of about £350,000 and could not legally continue trading.

In its own statement this afternoon the town council says: “We are saddened to hear of the difficulties being faced by the Llangollen heritage railway.

“The potential loss of such a valued company would be tragic - a heritage railway which has been restored and run by the endeavours of so many volunteers.

“For years, the railway, as well as being a treasured tourism attraction has provided valuable employment through its engineering works and has also had a positive effect on the careers of local youngsters who have benefited from their apprenticeship scheme.

“The council itself has limited funds to be able to offer any direct assistance but will do whatever it can to ensure prosperity of the railway in the future and wishes the new board of directors well in their endeavours to secure a future for the railway.”

The Town Mayor, Councillor Austin Cheminais, commenting on the news said “Llangollen’s Heritage Railway has been 45 Years in the making and is a major tourist attraction and great asset to the town.

“Its loss would be a major blow to all of those employed by the railway and also to the wider local economy.

“As a council we will do all we can to support the trustees and board as they find a way forward.”

County gives reason for Bridge Street closure

* The Bridge Street roadworks.

As there didn't appear to have been any advance notification, people in Llangollen were left wondering about the reason for roadworks which have led to the closure of Bridge Street for three days this week.

Although the closure notice at the Bridge Street/Castle Street junction says the closure will be for five days, a spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “Bridge Street, Llangollen, is being closed by the council’s Traffic Section between March 1 and March 3 to facilitate the installation of electrical connections to new sign posts. A diversion has been put in place during the closure.”

* The closure notice on the Bridge Street/Castle Street junction.

 

Government launches campaign to back Covid-hit businesses

The Welsh Government has launched a new campaign to promote the support available to businesses to help them deal with the continued pressures of coronavirus.

The ‘We’re in Your Corner’ campaign will encourage firms the length and breadth of Wales to take advantage of the skills and employment advice and guidance that is on offer through the Skills Gateway for Business online portal. 

A range of support is available such as assistance with developing the capabilities of staff to advice with recruitment and training programmes. This will help businesses move forward through the coronavirus pandemic and thrive in the future. 

Economy Minister Ken Skates (pictured) said: "We’re in Your Corner’ campaign is crucial in supporting the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission which was launched earlier this week and aims to reconstruct and rebuild the Welsh economy so that is more prosperous, fair and green than ever before. 

"The Welsh Government’s Covid Commitment, which has been supported by a £40m funding boost during this financial year, is a key part of the support offer to help anyone wanting to get into work, looking to retrain, or start their own business."

He added: "The past 12 months have placed incredibly pressures on our people and our businesses. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has responded at pace to protect thousands of Welsh businesses and jobs with a package of financial assistance worth more than £2 billion. This is the most generous offer of help anywhere in the UK.

“We are firmly in the corner of businesses and this campaign will be crucial in ensuring they are aware of the support that is available to help them meet the challenges and opportunities that today and tomorrow present.

“Our Covid Commitment will also provide free and subsidised training which will enable firms to develop the skills of the workforce and our Business Wales advisers are on hand to provide expert advice on this to meet individual business needs.

“As we continue to navigate these difficult and uncertain times, we will continue to do all we can to back our businesses and our people, but we also have to think about what comes next. That is why I have launched our new Economic Resilience and Reconstruction Mission which offers optimism for the future and will help our people, businesses and communities to succeed and flourish in a more prosperous, fairer and greener economy.

“By working together, we can truly succeed in rebuilding and reconstructing our economy so that is it better and stronger for people across Wales.”

* To find out more about the programmes on offer, call Skills Gateway for Business on 0300 060 3000 or visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/skillsgateway/ 

MP speaks of Wales' importance as part of UK

* Simon Baynes MP speaking in the Chamber of the House of Commons.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has spoken of his admiration and gratitude for key workers, Welsh businesses and Wales’ importance as part of the United Kingdom.

His praise came during the annual St David's Day debate in Parliament last week.

The debate, which is held each year in the House of Commons on, or around, St David’s Day, took place last Thursday and usually deals with general Welsh affairs. 

Mr Baynes began his speech by saying: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank the frontline workers in Clwyd South and elsewhere in Wales, including our NHS and emergency service staff, carers, community volunteers, council staff and retail staff, who have done so much to keep us safe during this pandemic."

He continued by offering his sympathies to businesses impacted by Covid and the need for the Welsh Labour Government to make sure its business support package is improved.

He said: "Having grown up in a family hotel business in Wales and now acting as the Conservatives’ Small Business Ambassador for Wales, I speak to many Welsh companies that are struggling in the Covid crisis, particularly in sectors such as hospitality and tourism. 

"A common theme to their comments is the disorganised nature of the roll-out of the Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund, with many people unable to apply due to the IT system crashing, unclear guidelines on information required, and the application period closing in only a matter of hours without any prior warning. 

“Some degree of administrative difficulty is understandable in the current crisis, but businesses feel extremely aggrieved when they hear that the Labour Welsh Government have still yet to spend £650 million of the money that they have received from the UK Government, which could be used to put right the problems caused by short-changing Welsh businesses in business support.”

Commenting later on, Mr Baynes said: "I was very pleased to make a contribution last week to the annual St David's Day debate in Parliament, having made my Maiden Speech in the same debate last year. 

"It’s vital that we continue our progress with the very successful UK vaccination programme to ensure that next year we can mark St David's Day in a more normal way and celebrate all things Welsh together. Until then, I want to wish everyone in Clwyd South and across Wales a very Happy St David's Day!"

Llangollen Health Centre issues latest vaccination update

Llangollen Health Centre has this afternoon issued its latest vaccination update on Facebook.

Its post says: 

"Vaccine Update – Group 6

We are getting many queries from patients asking whether they come under group 6 (those aged 18-64 years with underlying health conditions), so we have copied the extract below from the Vaccination Strategy for Wales.

Priority group 6 is a large and complex group.

It is defined as patients with:

• Chronic respiratory disease (see also explanation re asthma below);

• Chronic heart disease and vascular disease;

• Chronic kidney disease;

• Chronic liver disease;

• Chronic neurological disease, including severe or profound learning disability (see link to separate guidance below);

• Diabetes mellitus;

• Immunosuppression;

• Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen;

• Morbid obesity;

• Severe mental illness

• Younger adults in long-stay in-patient nursing and residential care.

• Adult carers (see link to separate guidance below)

Priority group 6 is similar to the flu at risk groups, but with some important differences:

• The age range is limited to adults with the exception of some children with severe neurodisabilities

• Those with severe asthma are at increased risk and included. Severe asthma is defined as requiring regular use of oral corticosteroids or previously requiring hospital admission. Individuals with mild to moderate asthma are not at increased risk and not recommended for vaccination as part of this group.

• Those with ‘severe and profound’ learning disability are included and is explained in the separate guidance (see link below)

Further guidance for unpaid carers:

COVID-19 vaccination and unpaid carers | GOV.WALES

Further guidance re learning disabilities:

COVID-19 vaccinations: prioritisation of individuals with learning disability or severe mental illness | GOV.WALES."

Llangollen Railway PLC asks bank to appoint receiver

Breaking news ...

Llangollen Railway has this afternoon (Monday) issued a formal announcement about its future.

It reads: "It is with great regret the directors of Llangollen Railway PLC have had to take the reluctant step of inviting the bank to appoint a receiver.

"The company’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £330,601 in 2018, £329,175 in 2019 and £258,804 in 2020 (pre-audit).  

"A number of significant engineering contract disputes, all of which arose in the years prior to the current board taking over in October 2020, have crystallised in the last few days.  

"The claims against the company are compelling and are in excess of £250,000 in total.  There is no prospect of meeting these liabilities, even over an extended period.

"As a result the balance sheet is now insolvent to the extent of £350,000 approximately, adjusting for intangible assets also. In such circumstances the company cannot legally continue to trade.

"The directors would like to acknowledge the considerable support of the Welsh Government through two significant grants, and NatWest Bank which, together with furlough payments, have enabled the company to continue to meet its commitments over recent months until now.

"The Trust’s balance sheet remains solvent and there is some cash in hand. The Trust board will need to take steps to negotiate with the receiver to try to secure the line and preserve rolling stock and infrastructure to the extent possible. It is intended to recommence operations in due course but this is dependent upon legal and regulatory approvals, including licencing, all of which will clearly take time.

"The directors very much regret the impact this will have on our staff and employees, customers, suppliers, locomotive owners and their organisations, and anyone else with connections to the Railway.  It is hoped to rehire many of our staff and employees and that it will be possible to maintain connections with many longstanding friends.

"Customers who have purchased tickets in advance, including driver experiences, deposits for weddings and gift vouchers, will either be refunded (the monies have been reserved) or will hopefully be able to travel at a future date.

"Where shareholders have ongoing annual ticket entitlements, these will continue to be met through the Trust.

"Anyone wishing to make a claim in the receivership should contact the Railway by e-mail at commercial@llangollen-railway.co.uk and details will be passed to the receiver. Anyone wishing to contact the Trust, please do so at the above e-mail address also."

Comments ...

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes commented: “I have developed a strong relationship with the Llangollen Railway since becoming the MP for Clwyd South and have held regular meetings and made several visits to different parts of their network. 

"I am very sorry that they have had to invite their bank to appoint a receiver but the combination of Covid and past engineering contract disputes has put an intolerable burden on the Railway. 

"I hope, however, that a way forward is found for the Llangollen Railway so that it can emerge from this crisis with a sustainable long term future and continue to provide great pleasure to the many thousands of visitors to Llangollen in the years to come.”

Llangollen town councillor Stuart Davies said: "I am deeply saddened to hear the news today about Llangollen Railway going in to administration.

"I am calling on the County the local MS and Welsh Govt to step in to help save this valuable tourist attraction and employer for Llangollen. Not only is it a superb asset to the town it is traditionally one of its bigger employers.

"Historically its apprentice scheme was one of the best, teaching young people to be skilled maintenance people and engineers. I have always been a champion of apprentice schemes having had the good fortune to be able to go through one with the National Coal Board in the 60s.

"Recently Llangollen Town Council was pursuing a £160k project that would have brought no employment to Llangollen. We need Welsh Government and Lottery funding to save jobs and the Railway which is part of what Llangollen is today."

Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru's North Wales MS, said: "This is a sorry day for the railway but also for Llangollen and Corwen. 

"This has been a terrible year for the tourist trade, effectively facing three winter seasons consecutively, and I hope that the railway, its staff and volunteers can bounce back quickly. It has been a major attraction in the area for many years and has been an important employer in the town.  

"It's vital that businesses, particular in the hospitality and tourism sector, get the support they need to overcome the battering they've had in the past year. I'll do all I can as the regional Member of Senedd to make the case for the railway."

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates said: "This is very sad news for all involved. However, the infrastructure will remain in place and I am confident that this will not be the end for the railway."

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood commented: "This is dreadful and concerning news about a wonderful heritage railway.

“The loss of this railway would not only be devastating for the army of volunteers who support it and the railway’s employees, but also for the wider visitor economy in Llangollen and throughout the Dee Valley.

“I have offered to assist the Railway in any way I can.”

 

St David's Day message from the First Minister of Wales

In his message Mark Drakeford says:

I want to wish you all a Happy St David’s Day – Dydd Gwyl Ddewi hapus i chi.

Over the last twelve months Coronavirus has turned all our lives upside down.

Families across Wales have lost loved ones and many have fallen ill.

Children and young people have had to stay away from schools, colleges and Universities. They have missed out on spending time with their friends.

Businesses and employees have worked extremely hard to adapt to a quick changing environment.

St David told us to do the small things – gwnewch y pethau bychain.

We all, in our own way, have made small sacrifices to keep each other safe.

People have stayed away from family and friends.

Neighbours have been shopping for those who have been shielding.

We have had to cancel those community and national events that we look forward to all year.

People have also been making some big sacrifices.

They have missed out on weddings and birthday celebrations.

Grieving families haven’t been able to attend funerals to say goodbye to loved ones.

Here in Wales we have thousands of key workers and volunteers who have made a huge, heroic effort to help us through this pandemic.

They deserve our thanks and our admiration for the incredible way they have carried on with their work in difficult circumstances.

Now many of the same staff have been part of Wales’ huge vaccination effort, with a third of the adult population already vaccinated.

Those vaccines can help us find a way out of this pandemic and give us all hope for the future.

It’s been a year in which we’ve also left the EU, but we’ve certainly not stopped being European. We are proud to remain an outward looking nation.

We continue to strengthen our relationships with our European friends and partners. Virtual trade missions have continued throughout the pandemic, and our 'Year of Wales in Germany’ is a shining example of our work in action.

Although we can’t celebrate our national day together in person this year, our desire to engage internationally is as strong as ever.

St David also advised us to ‘be joyful – keep the faith’. 

Wise words for us to remember in these dark times.

Things will get better. 

Together we can help Keep Wales Safe and create a fairer, better future.

Happy St David’s day – Dydd Gwyl Ddewi hapus i chi gyd.