Arteon R-Line does its duty well for Volkswagen

Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake road test by Steve Rogers

It is amazing how a sloping roof and lashings of chrome can change the character of a car and even give it the wow factor.

The Arteon is a case in point. When the saloon, or fastback to give it its proper title, was launched in 2017 it was nothing more than a posh Passat, but with the recent addition of an estate, or shooting brake to give it its proper title, the range has taken on a whole new persona and much the better for it.

The shooting brake is a bit of a looker, breaking away from VW's traditional conservative styling with a long coupe roofline and a lot less glass than the boxy Passat. 

The front looks good too with a restyled wider grille laden with chrome while the shiny bits outline the side windows. Somehow I don't see Arteons lining up with Passat estates plying their trade at the taxi ranks.

So Arteon is no longer just an alternative Passat but having an identity of its own with a classier body, restyled interior and swankier trim, in fact it edges closer to its posh cousins at Audi when it comes to quality.

My R-Line came with smart aluminium inserts along the dash and door cards enhanced with backlit trim inlays giving the car a nice cosy feel at night. There is a 30-strong palette to choose your favourite colour.

The interior in general has a good feel about it, the seats are more comfortable than most and legroom, particularly in the back, is outstanding. And there is ample space for luggage, not as much as a Passat, but more than enough to cater for a family of five taking off on their hols.

A shame though that the boot lip has a 20cm drop which makes heaving out heavy items a strain. It would not take much to put in a false floor and while sorting that out a couple of levers in the side walls to drop the seat backs wouldn't go amiss either.

R-Line suggests sporty and you can select a setting that stiffens the suspension and engages sports drive, I tried it but switched back to comfort which does what it says on the tin and still maintains sharp enough handling. Compared to a similar Audi the Arteon is a more comfortable car.

No surprises for the driver with the now familiar interchangeable digital binnacle display and a central touchscreen for the majority of everyday functions although the voice control is efficient for changing the heating temperature, navigation commands and phone. The heating controls are separate although the touch and slide switches are over sensitive and take a bit of getting used to, but look classy.

The same can be said for the steering wheel controls which are a bit of a nightmare and will take longer to master. They control all manner of things and are even more sensitive, jumping from one function to another until you get the hang of it, but like everything else they can be tamed in time!

The other week I suggested the Mazda6 estate would get an ASBO for its high engine emissions, well this Arteon joins it on the naughty step too. With all but 190bhp it is no slouch, in fact it is a bit of a flyer but maintains a stately refinement when the accelerator is floored.

Powerful it may be yet economy is borderline impressive and with a gentle right foot mid forties can be easily achieved. R-line has the automatic seven speed DSG gearbox with steering wheel paddle shifters for good measure.

Nothing to really dislike about Arteon apart from rear vision which is hopeless because of the small amount of glass, so make sure you spec a rear camera if you are not very good with door mirrors when reversing.

R-Line is well off for the luxury items we crave and packed with safety technology. The active cruise control with lane assist is impressive and even reacts speed limits.

If you can stretch to a few extras the 360 degree camera with trailer view (£800) head up display at £520 and heated windscreen £355 are worth a punt.

Fast facts

Arteon Shooting Brake R-Line

£38,420 (range starts £33,000)

2-litre petrol; 186bhp

0-62mph 7.8secs; 145mph

35.6mpg combined

179g/km. 1st year VED £870

Insurance group 27

Boot 565 litres

MP backs company's campaign for new life-saving machine

* Tom Robinson and Simon Baynes MP with lifesaving training equipment at TNR Outdoors in Llangollen.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially distanced visit to TNR Outdoors in Llangollen to lend his backing to their campaign to purchase and install a public access defibrillator outside the entrance to their business in case of emergency. 

He also saw the recent improvements made to their premises including a new training classroom and changing room as well as a new café and kitchen space.

Mr Baynes met Tom Robinson, a director of TNR Outdoors, at Mile End Mill to learn more about their fundraising campaign.

The popularity of their site for recreational paddling, professional courses and rescue training, plus its location mid-way along the popular whitewater section of the River Dee, as well as being on the outskirts of Llangollen on the main A5 route into the town centre, make it a highly appropriate location for a public access defibrillator.

This would be of huge benefit to paddlers and other river users, local residents and road users should an emergency situation ever call for one.

Tom Robinson said: “Our fundraising campaign is aiming to raise a total of £1,700 in order to pay for a brand-new Zoll defibrillator (£1,000), a lockable, heated cabinet which maintains battery charge (£500) and a qualified electrician and materials to install the equipment (£200). 

"The defibrillator itself is being purchased from the Welsh Ambulance Trust. We will also be offering free training for the use of the defibrillator.

"Thanks to the generosity of people and businesses locally, we only have £278 left to raise so please help us reach our target by donating via our fundraising page - Fundraiser for Tom Robinson by Tom Robinson : Public access AED at Mile End Mill (gofundme.com)”

Simon Baynes said: “I very much enjoyed meeting Tom again at Mile End Mill and seeing TNR Outdoor’s improvements to their facilities and hearing about their fantastic work in raising money to purchase a public access defibrillator. 

"By making defibrillators more accessible to communities, especially rural communities, we can save lives. This excellent initiative could mean the difference between life and death one day, and I’m very grateful to TNR Outdoors for organising this fundraiser.”

Councillor calls for progress on deal to use Plas Madoc tip

* The household waste recycling facility at Plas Madoc.

A Llangollen town councillor has called on his county council counterparts to “get a move on” with securing a deal with Wrexham for local people to use the Plas Madoc household waste recycling centre.

With no permanent recycling local facility available for Dee Valley residents, Phil Jones has been running a campaign, backed by an 800-signature petition, for them to be able to use Plas Madoc which at the moment is exclusively for residents of neighbouring Wrexham.

The issue stems from dissatisfaction with the pop-up waste disposal service which had been run on Saturday mornings in the Pavilion car park. When this was suspended as the pandemic began Llangollen people faced a drive over to Ruthin to use the facility there.

The progress in negotiating a possible deal with Wrexham for use of Plas Madoc is due to be discussed by Llangollen’s two Denbighshire county councillors, Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile, along with county officers, at a meeting on May 17.

Meanwhile, town councillor Stuart Davies, who has spoken in favour of a deal on a number of occasions, has issued a fresh statement on it.

He says: “I note with concern the long drawn out process of attempting to regularise the use of Plas Madoc recycling centre by Llangollen residents. 

“I am calling upon the county councillors to get a move on and get this process finished. At the moment all we are getting are words from them. 

“My FoI [Freedom of Information] request has revealed that the pop-up facility is costing us £50k-plus a year plus the cost of getting rid of the waste collected. 

“The option of paying WBC (Wrexham Borough Council) £100k a year - a figure that re-appears now and again - is almost cost neutral and compares better than the figures for the rest of the county as revealed in the FoI. 

“It is about time our elected representatives did their job and pressured the officers in to doing the right thing. We have the figures now we know how much it costs. 

“It’s time to do the right thing and provide us with equal services in the south of the county as the north.” 

In response, County Councillor Graham Timms commented:  "This important issue will be discussed with all four Dee Valley councillors and Denbighshire County Council officers on May 17."

Health centre's vaccination update for younger people

Llangollen Health Centre has this morning put out an update on its Covid-19 vaccination programme, which says:

"We have now given over 6,200 vaccines to our patients.

"We are continuing to administer second doses on a weekly basis.

"Second doses are due 10-12 weeks after the first dose and we are contacting patients 1-2 weeks before their appointment is due. If you are concerned that we have missed you please give us a call on 01978 860625.

"Patients 30 – 49 years: We are trialling a collaborative approach with other local practices for this age group.

"The first group of patients are currently being contacted inviting them for their vaccination at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre this Thursday. We shall be doing this in descending order of age.

"Patients aged 18-29 years: Following recent guidance, this age group will now receive the Pfizer vaccine.

"We anticipate that this will also be at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre although we were able to give a small number of patients in this age group their first dose at the weekend.

"Due to variations in the supply chain for the two vaccines, it may well be that patients aged 18-29 get their vaccine before those aged 30-49."

Julie's open-air dance classes come back to the square

The further easing of Covid-19 restrictions, which began today, brought Julie Kirk Thomas's weekly Monday morning Strictly Fun dance classes back to Centenary Square.

Around 20 ladies gathered to go through their open-air paces led by Julie from 10.30am.     

Eisteddfod organisers confirm this year's event will be online

* A scene from the 2019 eisteddfod parade through the town.

After the usual live event was cancelled due to the pandemic, organisers have confirmed that this summer’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will go online instead. 

In a statement issued this morning, they say: “As the world continues to battle through the Coronavirus pandemic, we wanted to update you on our plans for Llangollen Online 2021 which are being adapted to reflect the environment that we are now all living in. 

“As you’re aware, we have suspended the traditional live competition strands for Llangollen 2021, and are reimagining our event in a way that can be delivered safely but which will still capture the magic of our international Eisteddfod in a digital format.

“We were hoping to create a hybrid weekend as part of this year’s offer, featuring artists from the 2020 line-up including our iconic Llanfest evening, but due to continued restrictions this cannot be realised this summer. 

“Llanfest ticket holders will be contacted by your ticket provider for a full refund in the next week. 

“Any other customers who have retained tickets from 2020 will also be contacted in the next week to confirm their ticketing options. Further information is also available on our website and social media channels. 

“We know that it will be a disappointment to many that we are not able to put on our usual Eisteddfod this year. But please be reassured that we remain committed to our Eisteddfod’s founding mission of bringing people together through music and dance, which will be at the heart of our alternative approach to Llangollen 2021.  We thank you for your understanding and as ever, we are grateful for your support.”

The statement gives no details of what this year's online events are likely to be.

Issy shows off her Ladies of Llangollen collection on national TV

* Issy gets ready to film her sequence on the show. Below: Items in her treasured collection.

* Issy is told the total value of her collection is about £350. 

A Llangollen woman went on national TV to show off her treasured pieces of local memorabilia.

Issy Richards, a former deputy mayor of the town, took her prized collection featuring the famous Ladies of Llangollen along to Bodnant Garden to be admired on BBC's Antiques Roadshow.

And long-standing expert Stephen Moore told her that her collection was worth around £350, although she said she had no intention of selling any of the items because they are of such great sentimental value to her.   

Explaining how her appearance came about, Issy said: "I have always been fascinated by the story of Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, the Ladies of Llangollen, and their home, Plas Newydd, which is the jewel in Llangollen's crown.

"My late mother Heather Richards collected memorabilia about the Ladies including books such as Doris Grumbach's 'The Ladies' and Elizabeth Mavor's 'Life With The Ladies of Llangollen'.

"I've continued to collect items over the years, so when BBC 's Antiques Roadshow put out a call for interesting items, I sent a photograph of them, not expecting any further response."

She added: "However, I did then get a call from a BBC researcher who asked a few questions, then an email inviting me to bring my collection along to Bodnant Gardens on September 2nd last year. 

"There were strict Covid rules and regulations to comply with, and forms to complete for myself and my three guests. 

"The weather on the big day itself couldn't have been worse, with torrential rain and high winds, plus it was very cold! 

"Stephen Moore, who made his first appearance on AR in 1997, is a charming and colourful character with an interest in the Ladies of Llangollen himself, we had a preliminary chat and he selected half a dozen items for the filming. 

"It was interesting watching other people being filmed from a gazebo nearby. I got a bit cold, damp and nervous, but then it was my turn.

"My items were set up on a high table, but it was so windy that a print knocked a piece of china onto the grass, everyone gasped, but fortunately it wasn't damaged.

"The cameras rolled, action was called, and hopefully people enjoyed seeing our Ladies on national television." 

Local roadworks alert

The following local roadworks alerts have been issued by one.network:

Castle Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 28 April — 05 May   Delays likely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Castle Street   Works description: 26/4/21-30/4/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001729   Market Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 28 April — 05 May   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Market Street   Works description: 26/4/21-30/4/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001730   Oak Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 28 April — 05 May   Delays unlikely - Traffic control (give & take)   Works location: Oak Street   Works description: 26/4/21-30/4/21/Jayne Valentine/Drainage Survey/Give and take...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001729

Over 1,100 get second Pfizer jabs at health centre

Over 1,100 people aged over 70 received their second jabs during a Covid-19 vaccination clinic which ran throughout yesterday and today (Sunday) at Llangollen Health Centre.

As a full team of medics administered the second doses of the Pfizer injection indoors, volunteers from Llangollen Tidy Town Team once again took care of the car park stewarding.

  

MP elected vice-chair of Parliament woods and trees group

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has been elected a vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Woods and Trees.

The group meets to discuss ways in which woods and trees can be preserved, protected, expanded and the impact of climate change.

During the meeting at which Mr Baynes was elected members of the APPG also received a presentation of The Woodland Trust report entitled State of UK Woods and Trees.

Mr Baynes said: “I’m delighted to be elected vice-cChair of the APPG for Woods and Trees. 

"This is an extremely important group and places woods and trees at the forefront of the agenda, ensuring they are protected at a critical time for our environment. 

"I look forward to working with the group, to ensure that the vital role they play in safeguarding our eco-systems is recognised and that we can prevent further damage to our precious Welsh and other UK woods and trees.”

Pandemic forces eisteddfod to make staff redundancies

* Happier times - a scene from the eisteddfod parade in 2019.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has blamed the pandemic for having to make four staff redundant.

However, as part of a restructuring exercise, two roles have been created and filled by existing staff from the team of six, with a further one due to be advertised shortly.

Due to the pandemic the 2020 eisteddfod had to be cancelled and replaced with a series of online events.

This year’s festival has also fallen victim to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and has been postponed until next year. A similar programme of alternative events is being planned.

In a statement about the staffing cuts the eisteddfod management says: “The impact of the pandemic has been devastating for us as an organisation.

“We had no other option but to review our costs and re-structure to safeguard the future of the eisteddfod. 

“It must be emphasised that the cuts are in no way a reflection of the standard of work or dedication of our staff. It follows the financial situation that has arisen following the Covid-19 pandemic.  

“Our board have been cautious in our discussions, ensuring that we have looked at every possible source of funding to safeguard as much of the workforce as possible. 

“We have managed to maintain a core staff team to oversee key areas of work over the next year until we’re in a position to rebuild.”

In a further comment to llanblogger, they add: “The redundancy process involved the restructuring of the staff team of six. To confirm, four people have been made redundant.

“Following a consultation, two new posts were created and two of the six staff members were successful in securing these positions. A further post will be advertised next week.

“The changes reflect the current needs of the organisation in light of the reduced workload and changing circumstances.”

In an announcement back in January the eisteddfod said: “It is with deep regret that after careful consideration, we have to announce the postponement of our usual eisteddfod until 2022. 

“We are working hard to create an alternative format for 2021 involving digital and hybrid options - details will be confirmed in late spring.” 

Update given on household waste campaign

* Phil Jones is campaigning to secure access for local people to Plas Madoc tip.

The man behind the on-going campaign to provide Llangollen people with a convenient waste recycling facility has given his latest update on how it is going:

Phil Jones says: "It has been six months since Wrexham County Borough Council (WCBC) confirmed that it was in discussion with Denbighshire County Council (DCC) to negotiate an access agreement to the Plas Madoc Recycling facility for residents of the Dee Valley.

"I contacted our County Councillors recently to enquire as to the state of progress in these discussions.

"Cost information has been provided by WCBC and although it has been implied that the possible charges will put added financial pressure on DCC, the quantity of waste has not changed. 

"So if DCC is no longer processing it, then there should be cost savings to our council. 

"I trust our councillors will be able to get a thorough financial appraisal from officers to identify costs and savings associated with any possible change in service.

"I was informed that this matter will be considered at the next meeting of the Dee Valley MAG which is due to take place on May 17. 

"You may not have heard of the MAG (Member Area Groups), so here is a link to their purpose: https://www.audit.wales/publication/member-area-groups-denbighshire-county-council

"In summary these local groups of County Councillors, served by senior officers, are intended to 'provide on-going engagement and dialogue with communities at grass roots level'

"We have had a massive response to our campaign. Over 800 residents have signed the petition submitted to DCC last January, so I hope that our County Councillors will be in no doubt that access to the Plas Madoc site is THE highest priority for their electors. 

"So we will have to wait a bit longer to find out whether our County Council has listened to their rate-payers and responded effectively to our request for full-time access to a modern recycling facility. Watch this space."  

Outdoor hospitality will re-open on Monday

Outdoor hospitality will re-open on Monday with customers able to enjoy outside beer gardens, cafes and coffee houses.

Denbighshire County Council says it is working with businesses to ensure they are able to re-open safely to help customers enjoy themselves while protecting communities.

It adds that customers can also play their part by following guidance:

• There may be some queueing at premises so you will be expected to remain socially distanced from anyone not in your household.

• All premises must take your contact details for Test, Trace and Protect should they need to contact you.

• You will not be able to stand in a seating area to consume your drink.

• Please treat all staff with respect. They've missed you and want you to enjoy yourselves but abusive behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.

•  If you use public transport or need a taxi you will need to wear a face mask. Drivers, including taxi drivers, have the right not to take you if you do not wear a mask.

• Proprietors and landlords must stick to the rules as well so if you’re concerned about any premises contact covidppadmin@denbighshire.gov.uk

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside, said: "Re-opening outdoor hospitality is a major step in the easing of lockdown and businesses have been working hard to ensure they are providing a safe space for customers to enjoy themselves.

"Covid-19 hasn't gone away and we still have to take every precaution to ensure it doesn't return. We are asking customers to please do their bit so we can continue to keep levels low and help protect our communities.”

Welsh Government confirms further easing of Covid rules

* First Minister Mark Drakeford.

The Welsh Government has confirmed further relaxations will be brought forward from 17 May to 3 May – including the resumption of indoor supervised activities for children, indoor organised activities for up to 15 adults, such as exercise classes, and the re-opening of community centres.

This means Wales will have completed the move to Alert Level 3 by Monday 3 May.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has also indicated that the hospitality sector – bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes – will be able to open indoors from May 17.

From Saturday 24 April, the rule of 6 will allow for up to 6 people from 6 households to meet outdoors, not including children under 11 years of age or carers from those households.

The Welsh Government has also confirmed the relaxations that will take place on Monday 26 April. Outdoor attractions, including outdoor swimming pools, funfairs and theme parks, will be allowed to reopen, while outdoor hospitality can also resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people will be able to take place and weddings receptions can begin again outdoors for up to 30 people.

Wales has the lowest coronavirus rates of the UK nations. The successful vaccine programme continues with a higher proportion of people vaccinated in Wales than other nations of the UK for both first and second doses.

Changes from Monday 3 May:

• Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities being able to reopen
• People will also again be able to form extended households with one other household.

Relaxations planned for 17 May will be brought forward to the 3 May, including:

• The resumption of indoor supervised activities for children
• Indoor organised activities for up to 15 adults (such as exercise classes and swimming lessons)
• And the re-opening of community centres.

The First Minister said:

"The sacrifices we have made continue to show results. By us all working together and sticking to the rules, combined with our vaccination programme, mean we continue to make progress. Rates of the virus continue to fall and the public health situation is improving.

"Due to these efforts we are able confirm more easing of the restrictions from 26 April and for early May we are again able to bring forward some of our plans. However, this progress is dependent on all of us continuing to work together to keep Wales safe.

"At the last three-week review, I set out a forward-look of how the restrictions could continue to be lifted in the weeks ahead, if the public health situation remains stable.

"It will be for the incoming Welsh Government to confirm these arrangements at the next three-week review, which will be held on May 13 – a week after the election. It is my assessment that the hospitality sector – bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes – will be able to open indoors from May 17, together with all other tourist accommodation, indoor entertainment and attractions."

Further possible easements are subject to the public health situation remaining favourable.

Former landfill site becomes new pocket park

* The entrance to the new pocket park.

* One of the trails within the park.

* A tree-lined walkway with the nature reserve.

A former landfill site at Wenffrwd on the outskirts of Llangollen has taken on a new lease of life.

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team have worked together with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and European Rural Development Fund, to create a new nature reserve - or pocket park - on the former landfill site at Wenffrwd – just outside Llangollen.

Visitors are now able to use a small car park at the nature reserve and explore the new site by following the 0.5 miles of new surfaced path which winds through a variety of habitats and offers views of the River Dee and across the valley.

Huw Rees, Countryside and Heritage Services Manager, said: “It’s hard to imagine now that this whole mound of land is the result of several decades of tipping household waste from the Llangollen area. 

"Up to 75,000 tonnes were dumped each year until it stopped receiving rubbish in the 1980s, although the transfer station was available for the local population until 2008.

“Nature has done an excellent job at reclaiming the site. The wildflower meadows provide food for pollinators and yellow meadow ants which make the anthills that you will see. The thick bramble offers safe areas for birds and mammals. 

“This is still a work in progress and in the coming year we will continue to work on creating links from this site to the canal and back to the Health Centre in Llangollen along the old railway line.  We will also be adding diversity to the site through tree planting and the creation of new wildflower areas.” 

Welsh Secretary visits businesses in Chirk

* From left, the owner of the Hand Hotel Paul Rodgers, candidate Barbara Hughes, Simon Hart MP and Simon Baynes MP at the Hand Hotel beer garden in Chirk.

While Labour's two leaders, Sir Kier Starmer and Mark Drakeford, were on the campaign trail in Llangollen this morning, Conservatives were out and about in neighbouring Chirk earlier this week.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes welcomed the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP, to the area following the launch of the Welsh Conservative manifesto for the 2021 Senedd elections in May.

Along with the Welsh Conservative candidate for Clwyd South, Barbara Hughes, they visited a number of different businesses, including Castle Bistro where they met the owner Reza Noori, the Hand Hotel with owner Paul Rodgers, Jamie Ward’s Traditional Family Butchers, M.G. Hughes Fruit & Veg and Manford’s Little Lambs with its owner Vicki Mitchell.

Simon Hart said: “I much enjoyed meeting businesses in Chirk and hearing about how they have served the community throughout the Covid crisis. 

"I congratulate them on their hard work and wish them all the very best as we gradually come out of the pandemic.”

Simon Baynes said: “It was a great pleasure to be joined by the Secretary of State for Wales and to have the opportunity to show him some of excellent Clwyd South local businesses, many of whom have gone above and beyond during the Covid crisis to meet the needs of customers and give back to the community." 

First Minister pledges to help keep railway running

llanblogger exclusive

* Mark Drakeford on the bridge looking over at the crisis-hit railway.

* The Labour team on walk-about in Castle Street.

* Mark Drakeford and Ken Skates chat to a constituent outside the bank.

* Sir Keir Starmer, left, Ken Skates and Mark Drakeford, far right, speak to practice manager Tessa Orton-Jones outside the health centre.

If it wins next month’s Senedd election a new Labour-controlled Welsh Government would work with local people to help get crisis-hit Llangollen Railway back up and running.

That was the pledge from Welsh Labour leader and First Minister Mark Drakeford when he and UK Labour chief Sir Keir Starmer had an election walk-about in the town this morning (Thursday) to support the campaign of the party's candidate Ken Skates to be returned as Senedd Member for the local Clwyd South constituency on May 6.

Arriving in the Market Street car park the two leaders, accompanied by Mr Skates, strolled down Castle Street where they met and chatted to a small number of shoppers and at least one business owner.

Later they drove across town to Llangollen Health Centre where they spoke at some length to the clinical team who have been carrying out the busy Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Sir Keir told them he found their hard work “uplifting”. There was also praise for their efforts from Mr Drakeford, who is a former Welsh Health Minister.

llanblogger asked the First Minister whether Llangollen’s world-famous heritage railway, which recently went into receivership with debts of £350,000 and now faces the auctioning off online of its assets, could look forward to any assistance from a returning Labour government.

He said: “We obviously realise the importance of Llangollen Railway and the way it has helped to bring people to this part of Wales and we think there is a successful future for it.

“But that will depend upon there being a credible plan for the future of the railway with people who are confident in the running of it.

“In the end Ken Skates and I deal with public money, so when we are making investments in things like the railway we have got to know that the money is going to achieve all that we want it to achieve.”

He added: “I’m not wanting to suggest for a moment that there is going to be some sort of blank cheque from the next Labour government.

“What there will be is a very positive determination to work with local people to come up with a plan that would allow us to be part of the help that they will need to get the railway back up and running.”

Before leaving Sir Keir said he thought Ken Skates had “a good chance” of holding Clwyd South for Labour.

And Mr Skates himself said he was confident of victory after some “very positive” canvassing over the past few weeks.