Government pledges £72m to support learners

Education Minister Kirsty Williams (pictured) has announced a further £72 million to support learners as part of the response towards recovery and progression since the pandemic.

The funding will include the continuation of the Recruit, Recover and Raise Standards programme into the next academic year, extra learning resources and support for foundation phase learners in schools and childcare settings that provide early education.

Support will also be targeted at learners in years 11, 12 and 13, to provide additional help with their transition into the next stage.

Since last July, the equivalent of 1,800 extra full-time school staff have been recruited in schools across Wales to provide extra support during the pandemic, double the original target of 900.

Funding will also be used to support 1,400 trainee teachers currently in Initial Teacher Education, enabling them to complete their practical experience in the autumn, complete their qualifications and move into full-time teaching.

In a comparison of UK nations in February, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) found that Wales’ “catch up programmes are far better targeted at their most disadvantaged pupils”. The announcement today is expected to increase the spend-per-pupil equivalent to £239 – the highest in the UK.

Kirsty Williams, the Education Minister, said: “We all know it’s been a difficult period for learners and staff. Schools and colleges have done terrific work in ensuring learning has continued, while putting preparations in place so the return of learners is as smooth as possible.

“I know that extra help is needed, especially for learners at key stages in their academic careers and in their lives. As learners continue to go back to face-to-face learning, we are providing this additional funding to ensure support is in place when our young people return to the classroom.”

In a big week for education reform in Wales, the Minister also looked ahead to Tuesday’s final Senedd stage of the Curriculum and Assessment Bill and the introduction of the first ever ‘made in Wales’ national curriculum:

“It is a significant milestone in our national mission as the Curriculum and Assessment Bill reaches its final stage before being passed into law.

“I call it a ‘national mission’ as it has involved everyone working together – teachers, parents, academics, businesses, national organisations, and my department of course - to raise standards, tackle the attainment gap and have an education system that is a source of pride to us all.

“Diolch yn fawr to everyone who has played their part in this historic journey for education in Wales.”

Unpaid carers should register to get their Covid-19 jab

Unpaid carers who may not be registered as such with their GP are being asked to come forward by completing a new online self-referral form so they can receive their Civid-19 vaccine as part of priority group six.  

Minister for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething, has published guidance to outline who is eligible for a vaccine as part of priority group 6. Within the guidance eligible unpaid carers are those who are the sole or primary carer of someone who is at increased risk were they to catch coronavirus.

Those clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 include children with severe neuro-disabilities, those who are designated clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), adults who have underlying health conditions and those who need care because of advanced age.

Each local health board will be making the online form available on their websites in the coming days, starting on Monday 8th March. Further details can be found here https://gov.wales/get-covid-19-vaccine-unpaid-carer

People should complete an online form with the health board in which they live or the health board area in which their GP is based.

Once the form is submitted, the health board will arrange for the information to be uploaded to the Welsh Immunisation System (WIS) and a vaccine appointment will be issued.

Everyone within groups 5-9 will be invited for a vaccination by mid-April. Those already registered as an unpaid carer with their GP should receive an invite in the next couple of weeks and do not need to complete the online form.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Morgan, said: "The pandemic has added more challenges to unpaid carers across the country and I want to thank them for everything they are doing. 

"The guidance issued should give more clarity to those who are in priority group six and I would urge anyone who is eligible and not already registered with their GP to complete the online form. When you are invited for a vaccination I would urge you to accept in order to protect yourself and those you care for.

"I want to thank the national care organisations who have assisted us with our guidance and the referral form and helped us to get the process right for our invaluable unpaid carers."

Claire Morgan, Director of Carers Wales, said: "Having put their lives on hold caring for vulnerable people, we know that many unpaid carers will feel relieved to be called for their vaccination. Carers Wales has worked with the Welsh Government on the self-identification process and urges eligible unpaid carers to complete the new online self-referral form as soon as they are able."

Welsh Conservatives select police commissioner candidate

* Pat Astbury.

Pat Astbury, the current chair of North Wales Police and Crime Panel, has been selected as the Welsh Conservative candidate in the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Pat Astbury, who was born and raised in North Wales, is also the panel member champion for Modern Day Slavery and Child Exploitation. 

She said: “I have a first-hand understanding of the diverse areas and needs that are prevalent across the region – from the industrial areas of North East Wales to rural Gwynedd. 

"If elected, I would make sure the public has the chance to raise their concerns through well publicised meetings and surgeries. I will listen to what people have to say and take action.”

Rural crime, county lines drug gangs, modern slavery and child sexual exploitation are areas of concern for Ms Astbury, who is a Welsh speaker.

She said: “County lines is a particular problem along the A55 – with huge implications for education (excluded pupils), social services, health, the police – not to mention damage to families and the community.

"There would be no laissez-faire attitude to issues such as drugs."

Although there has been an increase in numbers deployed to the rural crime team in North Wales, Ms Astbury says she believes it is important that PCSOs are regularly seen in these areas.

She said: “I would continue to press for more visible policing whilst fully understanding the need for the less visible – for example, there is a need for an increase in staff who can combat fraud and other online criminality.

“Nothing gives more reassurance than the sight of a uniformed member of the police.”

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: “I’m delighted that Pat Astbury has been selected as our Police and Commissioner candidate. 

"I’m certain that she will be a great advocate for residents and our hardworking police officers in North Wales. And that she will look to capitalise on the extra 20,000 officers being recruited by the UK Government across England and Wales. 

"Pat will be totally focused on the job in hand and strongly committed to tackling the impact of drugs on young people and communities in North Wales.”

Latest local roadworks alert

 

Latest roadworks alert from one-network includes:

Willow Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 09 March — 11 March   Delays likely - Road closure   Works location: OUTSIDE THE WILLOW   Works description: Inspection with TMA Notice (Dummy) Replace Hydrant on Hall Street Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (...   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000012609854A   Hall Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 09 March — 11 March   Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Works location: OUTSIDE WILLOW HOUSE   Works description: Hydrant Renew Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )...   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000012423477B

County consults on new measures to control dog fouling

* Bag it and take it home: that's the message from Cllr Mark Young.

Denbighshire County Council is consulting on a draft Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to make people properly control their dogs in public areas in the county.

A PSPO allows the council to take action against pet owners who allow a dog to foul in an area of public land without cleaning it up and those letting a dog off a lead anywhere this is not allowed.

In 2017 the council introduced a Control of Dogs PSPO to help to tackle these issues and when producing a new PSPO, we have a legal duty to ensure members of the public, as well as partner organisations such as North Wales Police and Natural Resources Wales, have an opportunity to give feedback.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “The vast majority of dog owners are respectful of others and clean up after their pets. 

"However, we receive a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour from dog owners who don’t control their dogs properly in public places. This PSPO will allow us to take action against those who behave irresponsibly with their pets.  

“I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say on the draft PSPO before the deadline on April 18 and take part in the consultation process.”

* You can read the draft PSPO document, view maps of the proposed restricted areas, and provide feedback at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/573 or in writing to PO Box 62, Ruthin, LL15 1AZ.

Citroen e-C4 helps you warm to electric cars

Citroen C4 launch report by Steve Rogers

Taking the jump to electric is too big a step at the moment but I am warming to it after driving the new Citroen e-C4.

But there are plenty ready to take the plunge if orders for the new family hatchback are anything to go by.

Even before the car has gone on sale 50 per cent of orders are for the zero emissions, zero tax electric model and even when the hiatus is over Citroen expect sales to level off at a surprisingly high 30 per cent.

And just to emphasise the changing of the motoring guard diesel sales are expected to be almost non-existent but there will be a couple of options which will suit high mileage drivers.

So what do we make of this new Citroen, and more to the point is it a conventional hatchback or SUV?

It is certainly marketed as a hatchback but standard 18 inch wheels raise the ride height and with the sloping coupe roofline could pass for an SUV so Citroen has an eye on pleasing both camps.

Where this C4 defies conventional wisdom is its ride. Rivals like Ford Focus, VW Golf, Mazda3, Seat Leon are definitely sporty but Citroen has gone the way of comfort which is hardly surprising given its heritage. It broke the mould with pneumatic suspension decades ago, models like the CX gliding along our roads, and making my young sons car sick after a few miles!

But the current system is far more sophisticated with progressive hydraulic cushions on each wheel adapting to the surface. Does it work? Too right it does, apart from silly money luxury motors with air suspension, this is far and away the most comfortable car I have driven doing a brilliant job cushioning against the vagaries of our road surfaces. Combine that with front seats to rival your favourite arm chair and you have a mainstream car providing exceptional levels of comfort.

You do lose some of the driving sharpness of the aforementioned rivals but this is only noticeable when pushing hard through twists and turns, and how often does that happen with the family on board?

As you would expect the cabin is bang up to date with digital driver's binnacle and head up display which is a brilliant driver aid, along with a centre mounted 10in touchscreen for navigation, radio, phone connections etc. 

A useful new feature is a pull out drawer in the dashboard for a tablet. Trim quality has been upgraded over the previous model with some areas taking on a distinctly premium feel suggesting Citroen is hoping to tempt customers from the more expensive German brands.

And it would seem the company has bowed to pressure reinstating physical switches for the heating system rather than having to do everything through the touch screen. Hallelujah for that!

Cabin space is up to par with decent rear legroom even for taller souls although the sloping roof does impinge on headroom. Another slight issue is rear vision which isn't great so it would be well to spec a model with a reversing camera.

For a family the C4 is practical with a full width opening tailgate and twin level boot floor. Space is on par rather than exceptional beaten by some rivals including its Peugeot 308 sister but there is a bonus for the e-C4 where no boot space has been lost to storing the battery pack.

Petrol is going to be the dominant force with a choice of 100, 130 and 155bhp outputs, all extremely capable economic engines with low emissions, the upper level variants coming with an eight speed automatic gearbox. The diesel 110 and 130bhp engines are refined, punchy and can top 60mpg but unless you are doing huge miles go for the 100 or 130bhp petrol which are good for 50 plus to the gallon and a good deal cheaper.

There are four trim levels Sense, Sense Plus, Shine and Shine Plus and spec level is good from the start but I think most buyers will go straight to Sense Plus as the starting point. Petrol and diesel models range from £21,005 to £28,255 which are more than competitive.

Apart from some exterior light blue trim inserts the electric version is identical, Citroen adding a model to the C4 range rather creating a specific shape like Volkswagen's ID.3.

Like most electric cars it is very quick off the mark and the only noticeable difference over its ICE brethren, other than running silent, is slightly firmer suspension to cope with the extra weight of the battery pack. The range is 217 miles from a 50kW battery and best charged from a wall box. A Podpoint box worth £500 is fitted free with the car.

If your main requirement in a new car is comfort then you have to try the C4 because this is where it shines over its rivals. It also looks good and is competitively priced but falls short on boot space against the best of the opposition.

Fast facts

e-C4 Shine Plus

£32,545 (starts £30,395)

Electric motor 136bhp

0-62mph 9.7secs; 93mph

Range 217 miles

Charge time 5-7 hours

Road tax: Zero

Emissions: Zero

Care chief's warning on Covid: We're not out of the woods yet

* Mario Kreft, chair of Care Forum Wales.

A social care leader has warned the public in Wales not to become complacent and to "remain vigilant” as the number of Covid deaths in care homes continue fall.

Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, said new, more contagious and potentially more dangerous mutant strains of the virus could still throw a spanner in the works.

It was vitally important, he stressed, that people adhered to sensible safeguards like social distancing, wearing masks and sanitising properly.

The importance of doing the right thing was underlined by the catastrophic death toll in care homes since the onset of the pandemic.

The latest figures show that a total of 8.043 adult care home residents had died since March 1 last year – that was 43 per cent higher than the same period two years ago.

The rollout of the vaccine had led to a significant decrease in the number of Covid deaths in care homes .

According to Care Inspectorate Wales, there had been a 16.5 per cent decrease – down from 238 to 173  - in the number of cases involving residents and staff in the previous 20 days.

Following a peak of 20 care homes deaths  per day on January 21, there were now around three deaths per day, which was similar to the number observed at the beginning of November.

Mr Kreft said: “It is excellent news that the number of deaths in care homes is now decreasing and it is a clear indication that the vaccine rollout is having a major impact in helping to protect residents and staff from this deadly disease but we are not out of the woods yet, far from it.

“However, emerging mutant strains of Covid are a real cause for concern because they are more contagious and it’s feared the new variant from Brazil may be more resistant to the vaccine, posing a real risk to elderly, frail and vulnerable people.

“It is vitally important that we do not become complacent. We must remain hugely vigilant and I would appeal to people to adhere to all the sensible safeguards like social distancing, wearing masks and sanitising properly.

“Our first and most important priority is ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff so we need to adopt a cautious approach to care home visiting.

“Thanks to the availability of the vaccines, there is now light at the end of this very dark tunnel. This is hopefully the beginning of the end of this nightmare and it would be a tragedy if we blew it when we are so close to the finish line.

“Another level of protection would be provided if care homes in Wales were allowed to refuse to hire staff who have not had a Covid jab unless they have a legitimate medical reason because it only takes one person to bring one of the new strains of the virus into vulnerable people.”

“The statistics are also a stark illustration of the scale of the Covid catastrophe and the tragic toll the pandemic has taken on residents, despite the heroic efforts of front line staff, managers and care home owners. The number of deaths in care homes since March 1 last year is 43 per cent higher than the same period two years ago.

“While the success of the vaccine rollout is a real positive, we must never forget those we have lost and we must honour their memory by doing everything in our power to protect the vulnerable people  for whom we have pledged to provide care.”

Affordable homes up for rental, councillors told

Denbighshire housing officers have asked Llangollen's two county councillors to pass the word that a number of the affordable houses in the area are being advertised for rental.

Cllrs Geraham Timms and Melvyn Mile were told: "I just want to draw your attention to the fact that five of the two-bedroom properties at Vicarage Road, Llangollen are currently being advertised for Intermediate Rental (80% of market rate) on the Tai Teg Affordable Housing Register website.

"If you know of anyone who should apply or can promote the information further I would be grateful.

"The closing date to apply for the properties is April 5th, 2021."

More information is available at: https://taiteg.org.uk/en/properties/2bedroom-5person-terraced-houses-1

County councillor responds to bridge weight limit call

 

* County Cllr Graham Timms on Llangollen Bridge.

One of the town’s two county councillors has responded to a call by a town councillor and the area’s MP to impose a weight restriction on Llangollen’s historic bridge.

As llanblogger reported just a few hours ago, Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has backed a suggestion by new town councillor Stuart Davies to place a restriction on the structure, which dates from the 16^th century, to protect it from damage by heavy traffic. 

https://llanblogger.blogspot.com/2021/03/mp-backs-call-for-weight-restriction-on.html

Concerns have previously been raised by Cllr Davies about Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) coming from the A539 in Ruabon, crossing the bridge and going through the town to join the A5.

He has put forward a motion that Llangollen Town Council calls upon the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council to implement an Environmental Weight Restriction on it.

But the proposed move has brought a rapid reaction from Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms.

He says in a statement just received by llanblogger: “A weight limit on the bridge would be great, but these simple ideas are not quite as easy to implement.

“Impossibly simplistic solutions are popular and get a quick headline but a more thoughtful solution to the town's problems must be taken. 

“In practice, a weight limit would mean an 18 mile stretch of river without a crossing for heavy goods vehicles.

“This is something that would not be allowed unless the bridge was unsafe. Environmental limits are not granted where an 18 mile journey is required to get across the river. We've been told for many years that it can't happen. 

“A much more complex, but realistic solution will be implemented over next winter to achieve a reduction in the number of heavy goods vehicles on the bridge.”

MP backs call for weight restriction on town's historic bridge

* Simon Baynes MP on Llangollen Bridge.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes is backing calls to place an Environmental Weight Restriction on Llangollen Bridge.

Llangollen town councillor Stuart Davies is calling for the bridge to be given greater protection from heavy traffic and to alleviate pollution. 

The bridge dates from the 16th Century and is a Grade I listed ancient monument and one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

Concerns have previously been raised by Cllr Davies about Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) coming from the A539 in Ruabon, crossing the bridge and going through the town to join the A5.

He said: "I welcome Simon’s support and will be putting forward a motion that Llangollen Town Council calling upon the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council to implement an Environmental Weight Restriction to reduce heavy traffic transiting through Llangollen and protect this 16th Century Grade I listed building, ancient monument and one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.”

Simon Baynes MP said: “Llangollen Bridge is one of the jewels in the crown of Llangollen. And I think we should be doing everything we can now to minimise the risk of damage and preserve the bridge for future generations of residents and visitors to enjoy. 

"That’s why I’m backing calls for a weight restriction and supporting Cllr Stuart Davies in his campaign.”

* See separate story for response from County Councillor Graham Timms: 

https://llanblogger.blogspot.com/2021/03/county-councillor-responds-to-bridge.html

Health centre sends out new vaccination update

Llangollen Health Centre has this morning (Friday) given an update on the local vaccination situation, which says:

"We’ve had news that the supply of vaccines is going to improve considerably over the next few weeks which is fantastic. That’s not to say that there won’t be any blips but we are cautiously optimistic that we will be receiving an increased supply over the next month or so.

"Welsh Government has set a target for all patients in Groups 1 – 9 to be offered a vaccine by mid-April and I can assure everyone that we will be working our socks off to hit this target, as long as we get the vaccines.

"These are the groups we have still to do:

Group 5 – currently booking these in

Group 6 – 16-64 with underlying conditions*

Group 7 – patients aged 60 – 64

Group 8 – patients aged 55 – 59

Group 9 – patients aged 50 – 54

"All the above should be offered an appointment by mid-April depending on vaccine supply. I’m afraid at this stage we cannot be any more specific than that. We will have a rolling programme of vaccination clinics and we will work our way through the groups in order as quickly as we can.

"Please be patient – we will contact you when it is your turn.

"I will continue to update everyone as we get to the end of each group, so if someone thinks they have been missed, they will have the opportunity to let us know.

"Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

Tessa

Practice Manager

*The Public Health Wales website has more detail on the eligibility criteria for this group:

https://phw.nhs.wales/.../eligibility-for-the-vaccine/

Welsh Government's coronavirus update

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

• The rates holiday for the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors in Wales will be extended for a further 12 months, Finance Minister Rebecca Evans has announced.
• The £380m package provides retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with rateable values up to £500k, and charities in Wales with a straightforward year-long business rates holiday – going beyond what has been announced in England – providing a much-needed boost for small and medium sized businesses struggling to cope with the impacts of the pandemic.
• This relief package, in combination with our existing Small Business Rates Relief scheme will ensure that more than 70,000 businesses will continue to pay no rates at all in 2021-22.
• https://gov.wales/business-rates-holiday-extended-12-months 

• Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn has announced a £15.2m ‘placemaking’ funding package to help Wales’s town centres build back better.
• It’s all part of a wider £110m investment through Transforming Towns, the Welsh Government’s town centre regeneration programme, which funds projects for the benefit of local communities in town and city centres in Wales.
• https://gov.wales/town-centres-wales-benefit-placemaking-fund

• Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services Julie Morgan has today published a written statement about care home visiting: https://gov.wales/written-statement-update-care-home-visiting-1
• How do lateral flow tests work for people without symptoms? https://gov.wales/lateral-flow-testing-people-without-symptoms
• Community testing in Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf: https://gov.wales/symptom-free-covid-19-community-testing 

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 267 newly reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 204,463 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Sadly, there were 13 further death reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,366.
• 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 951,540 people have received their first dose.
• And 139,445 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

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.

Inner Wheel sends out thank you cards to NHS workers

The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen will be sending out ‘thank you’ cards to local NHS workers in recognition of their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cards are being sent as part of a national campaign to show members’ gratitude for the hard work done by health workers during such difficult times

Eileen Dart, president of the  Inner Wheel  Club of Llangollen, said: “The members of our club are aware of the huge sacrifice the NHS staff have made during the last twelve  months and wanted to say  thank you.

"The gesture is part of the Inner Wheel’s celebrations of International Women’s Day on March 8th. The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen is just one of the clubs across Great Britain and Ireland who are taking part."

Enid Law, association president of the Inner Wheel Clubs of GB and Ireland, said: “It’s a small gesture but a way for our members to show their appreciation for the dedication and effort that has been shown by our health workers throughout this pandemic.”

The Inner Wheel Club of Llangollen is one of 550 Clubs that form the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs in Great Britain and Ireland. The Association is a women’s organisation based on friendship and dedication to service.

Talks held on using new pocket park for regular run

 

* Contractors at work on the new pocket park off the A539. 

Llangollen’s new “pocket park” should be perfect location for a local park run now in an advanced planning stage.

That’s the view of keen runner Mike Edwards who has been campaigning hard to establish a regular run for the area.

Park runs are free, weekly, community events all around the world.

Saturday morning events are 5k and take place in parks and open spaces. On Sunday mornings, there are 2k junior park runs for children aged four to 14.

A park run is seen as a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no one finishes last.

Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate or marshal.

Mike Edwards said: “I’ve just seen llanblogger’s article on the pocket park and multi-use path to the health centre.

“I have been working for some time with Llangollen GP practice through Dr Michael Clarke and Jenny Coppock from Infinitee, a local company, to establish a park run for Llangollen. 

“We set up a core group some time ago, but obviously matters have been delayed and are on hold during the pandemic.

“The GP practice is registered as a Park Run Practice so they can encourage and socially prescribe the park run to patients in suitable circumstances. 

“I have been involved with park run for some time and normally run and volunteer at Erddig Park Run in Wrexham and was also on the core group which set up a park run at Henley Wood, Oswestry.

“Park runs quickly establish a community of local people interested in improving their health and wellbeing and the following link tells people all about it: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/”

Mr Edwards added: “We are in active discussion with David Shiel, manager of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but our park run will not be able to be launched until pandemic restrictions are removed in Wales and of course when the AoNB’s scheme on the pocket park and trail to the health centre is completed.

“This is not likely to be at the earliest till later in the year, and it may even be 2022 before we can launch, but watch this space. 

“We are using the current time to get all our ducks in a row and recently Park Run Cymru have appointed an ambassador to support and mentor us to set up the event.

“Anyone interested in the event can email us at LlangollenParkrun@googlemail.com”

Llangollen’s pocket park is being built on the former council refuse tip at Wenffrwd off the A539.

First phase of the work involves the development of a small car park and new access road which was due to be finished early this year.

Next phase means the development of trails around the site and possibly onto the canal.  

There is also an aim to create a link back to Llangollen Health Centre along part of the old railway line.

Giving an update to llanblogger recently, David Shiel of the AONB which is overseeing the project, said: "Works are proceeding well at Wenffrwd – the car park and new access road are now more or less complete.  

"We are currently working on new trails around the site which include some lovely wooded areas with fantastic views across the River Dee and along valley from the old railway line.  

"We would hope to have these works complete in the next few weeks so that the site can be open for Easter – should Covid-19 restrictions allow."

Government's new £15m fund to help towns build better

* Could Llangollen be put forward for help from the new town centre fund?  

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn, has today announced a £15.2 million ‘placemaking’ funding package to help Wales’s town centres build back better.

It’s all part of a wider £110 million investment through Transforming Towns, the Welsh Government’s town centre regeneration programme, which funds projects for the benefit of local communities in town and city centres in Wales.

The new funding package, available to all of Wales’s Local Authorities, is designed to be as flexible as possible and will offer support for a wide range of projects, from green infrastructure developments and the creation of active travel routes, to internal and external improvements for business owners.

In addition, the funding will support the improvement of town centre markets, create new uses for vacant buildings, and drive activity to support Welsh Government’s ‘digital towns’ agenda — among other projects to make Wales’s town and city centres thrive.

Designed in collaboration with Wales’s local authorities, the £15.2 million support package will offer increased flexibility and control over available funds for town regeneration projects — with one lead authority within each region administering the fund.

The flexibility will allow Local Authorities to choose which towns are supported and make use of the range of options available to best suit each individual location, says the government.

Wrexham County Borough Council has been selected as lead authority for north Wales.

Those eligible to apply for funding include local authorities, town centre businesses, Business Improvement Districts and Town and Community Councils.

It is hoped that the new grant, alongside other existing Transforming Towns support packages, including the £5.3 million announced last summer to support town centre and traders respond to the Covid-19 by funding adaptions and improve public safety, will help with recovery efforts from the pandemic — helping to bring new economic opportunity and employment back to the centre of Wales’s towns.

This is in keeping with Welsh Government’s ‘Town Centre First’ initiative and long-term ambition for 30% of the Welsh population to work from, or closer to home — through repurposing vacant buildings into co-working hubs and encouraging public sector organisations to set up offices in town centre locations. Superfast Business Wales’s work to improve connectivity across Wales will further aid this, with businesses and individuals encouraged to explore their connectivity options and make more of digital.

The Welsh Government’s work to further improve digital connectivity across Wales will also help support this with a number of existing interventions including a £10 million Local Broadband Fund and a range of voucher schemes to help those without access to superfast broadband. This is in addition to its current roll-out out of full-fibre broadband with Openreach to around 39,000 properties using £56 million of public funding. Individuals, businesses and communities are encouraged to explore their connectivity options to make more of digital. 

Hannah Blythyn, Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, said: "Our town centres are unique, special places. Each town has its own proud history, sense of place and memory — with many of lives shaped by the towns we have grown up in, moved-to or visited.

"However, we know that towns in Wales are facing huge challenges in light of Covid-19, which is why the Welsh Government is committed to doing everything we can to ensure our town centres not only survive but thrive in the future.

"By offering Welsh local authorities the broadest and most flexible package of support through our new placemaking fund, we have enabled our regional partners to decide upon the most appropriate mix of interventions and how to put them into practice effectively in towns across Wales.

"Together with wider Transforming Towns programme grants, this will help us to re-build our Welsh towns and to realise wider plans set out by Welsh Government — to open up new, local economic opportunities while creating sustainable places for the people of Wales to live, work, learn and enjoy."