Bryn Collen children to take part in Walk to School Week

Pupils at Ysgol Bryn Collen will join thousands of children across the UK to celebrate the benefits of walking during Walk to School Week.

Walk to School Week, from May 17-21, is organised by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking as part of their National Walking Month campaign each May.

Families are encouraged to walk, cycle, scoot or ‘Park and Stride’ for the whole week to see the big differences that come from small steps, from healthier and happier children to fewer cars outside the school gates. 

This year’s challenge will focus on the ‘walking superpowers’ that benefit individuals, communities and the planet.

Ysgol Bryn Collen children will enjoy Living Streets’ Walk to School Week classroom packs, filled with activities to complete on the way to school and in the classroom. 

Each day, pupils will be introduced to a brand new ‘Walking Superpower’ taking the form of a fun comic-book inspired design. ‘Super Strong’, ‘Super Smart’, ‘Super Smiley’, ‘Super Safe’ and ‘Super Sustainable’ will teach pupils about the benefits of being active and reinforce the power of walking. 

Daily reward stickers and special reward badges are up for grabs at the end of the week for those who travelled actively every day.

Last year, almost 200,000 children across the country took part in Walk to School Week with this year looking to be bigger than ever.

Ysgol Bryn Collen headteacher, Lisa Howden said: “Pupils enjoy the health and happiness that comes from walking, while schools and local communities enjoy reduced congestion and pollution."

Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “Walk to School Week is a fun, inclusive, free and simple activity, which improves the physical and mental wellbeing of children and celebrates walking for all."  

Holy Cross Church to hold garage sale

A garage sale will be held at the Holy Cross church rooms, from 10.30am, on bank holiday Monday, May 31. 

The rooms are at the end of the alleyway opposite the Castle Street Tourist Information Centre.

The sale will feature a wide range of household bargains and organisers say everything must go.

Auction result enables railway re-opening plans to continue

Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd has been able to buy up enough key assets from the liquidated PLC to continue with its plans for re-opening the heritage attraction in late July or early August, it says.

On March 1 the railway's Public Limited Company went into receivership with debts of around £350,000.

Since then the assets of the railway have been put up for online auction, which ended on Wednesday.

In the meantime, the separate Railway Trust, which remains completely solvent, has been battling to raise enough money to buy as many of the assets as possible and get the railway back on track. 

Following the auction, the Trust said in a statement issued this morning: "The auction of Llangollen Railway PLC’s assets was duly completed on Wednesday 12th May.  

"The bidding was fast and furious on the day for the coaching assets in particular, and the larger plant items. 

"The prices paid were substantially in excess of our expectations which is good news for the PLC’s administrators and we are glad all the creditors, including those who are unsecured, will benefit accordingly.

"We were delighted to secure our priority one assets, namely one accessible-adapted coach, road railer, 12t crane and Lowmac.  

"This would not have been possible without the support and dedication of our members and numerous other donors, and we thank them all.

"We were similarly delighted to learn that friendly bidders have acquired 2 further coaches and a significant amount of machine tools which will remain on the Railway."

Pete Edwards, Trust chairman, said: “It was very important to secure the principal assets which will enable us to continue preparations for reopening without further interruption. 

"The support we have received from so many donors, without which we may well not be able to look forward to running again this year, and the friendly bidders, has been crucial and is very much appreciated.

"Numerous coach and plant items will be leaving the Railway which is a great shame from our point of view but at least their future in preservation is secured.

"Preparations can now begin in earnest to complete the necessary works on Dee Bridge and in the tunnel. We also need to press ahead with the necessary safety and regulatory matters.

"We are on target to reopen in late July or early August."

 *Both appeals to enable the railway to re-open remain open and the trust says it would welcome further support to help fund the higher prices they had to pay for the priority items and to provide the necessary working capital to get us up and running again.  

Donations can be made online at https://llangollenrailway.enthuse.com and click the Donate button, or via the railway trust's Facebook page. For taxpayers, the railway can apply for 25% Gift Aid.Alternatively, supporters are invited to send cheques payable to Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd to The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen LL20 8SN.    

AUCTIONEERS' STATEMENT

In a statement on how the sale went James Hanson, a spokesman for auctioneers Lambert Smith Hampton, said: "The auction received an incredible amount of interest and the bidding was highly competitive resulting in the prices achieved exceeding expectations. We had over 200 bidders register for the auction and we received in excess of 1300 bids on the 50 lots.

"We had initially requested that interested parties submit offers for the assets of Llangollen Railway PLC for negotiation by private treaty. Due to the level of interest this attracted, we decided that the fairest and most effective method of disposing of the assets would be by public auction. The prices achieved were significantly higher than the offers received prior to the auction thus validating the decision to use this method of sale.

"More importantly, I understand that the Llangollen Railway Trust were successful in purchasing the assets that they require to operate and maintain the railway which is of great value to the local economy. Furthermore, I am aware of at least 2 coaches which were purchased by a private individual who intends to leave the coaches at Llangollen Railway. 

"The majority of the engineering machinery will also stay on site. The 7 other coaches included in the auction were purchased by other heritage railway organisations which means that they will continue to be utilised for the purpose they were built for.

"I am therefore very confident and hopeful that the next time I visit Llangollen Railway, I will have the pleasure of travelling on a train carriage rather than having to put a lot number on it."

Ken Skates steps down from Welsh Government role

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates (pictured) has voluntarily stepped down from the Welsh Government's cabinet. 

After a number of years at the highest level of government, he yesterday asked First Minister Mark Drakeford, as he reshuffled the cabinet following Welsh Labour's election victory, to accept his resignation as the minister responsible for the economy, transport and North Wales.

In a statement Mr Skates said: "Being re-elected as Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South is a huge honour. It has been a privilege to work with constituents over the last ten years to improve and champion our area, and I will continue to work as hard as I possibly can.  

"This week I informed the First Minister of my wish to step away from Welsh Government. After eight years in government, now is the right time. 

"Clwyd South has always remained my number one priority, and my decision will enable me to spend more time in the constituency, focusing on local matters, as well as further strengthening the Party’s position in North Wales and further afield.

"I will continue to be a loyal supporter of First Minister Mark Drakeford and our Welsh Labour Government from the back benches.  

"Above all, I will spend the next five years focusing relentlessly on helping the people and communities of Clwyd South as the local Member of the Senedd."

Announcing the changes, the first minister paid tribute to Mr Skates, who he said would "continue speaking up for north Wales and for Welsh Labour, but in a different role".

 

He added: "We will miss his energy and passion."

 

Replacing Mr Skates in the economy portfolio is former health minister Vaughan Gething and taking over his North Wales responsibility is Wrexham Senedd Member Lesley Griffiths.

Public convenience payment system goes contactless

* The public toilets in Market Street.

You can now spend a penny by card in the town's public toilets.

Denbighshire County Council has upgraded its public convenience payment systems to now include the ability to pay contactless.

The move provides users the option to pay by debit or credit card when visiting facilities at Llangollen and Rhyl. Users can also still use cash at these facilities.

Contactless payment facilities have been installed at Llangollen, Rhyl Town Hall, Rhyl Events Arena and Rhyl Children Village Public Conveniences.

When contactless payment is made, a fee of 30 pence is automatically and instantly deducted from the users account.

Tony Ward, Head of Highways, Facilities and Environmental Services, said: “With advances in technology and fewer people carrying cash on them, especially during the current pandemic, we have brought the systems into these facilities in Llangollen and Rhyl to better support users.

“The installation of the contactless payment system allows users with insufficient cash and alternative method of payment, whilst simultaneously reducing the need for them to carry or handle cash and/or seek change from the attendant.

“The uptake and use of the contactless payment system we have put in place by users was instantaneous with approximately 15% of payments now being made by way of contactless payment.”

 

Hospice volunteers to brief people on life-limiting illnesses

* Nightingale House Hospice Volunteers have a final catch up before they embark on their new venture, heading out into the community to inform and support those with life-limiting illnesses.

A band of volunteers are heading into communities across North East Wales and the borderlands to inform and support patients and loved ones of those who have life-limiting illnesses. 

Nightingale House Hospice has upskilled and trained a number of its volunteers to go out into the community offering information and support about the services it has on offer. 

The Nightingale House Info Points will be unveiled at the hospice’s flagship store in Regent Street this week. 

Their purpose is to help those who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition including cancer, heart failure and Motor Neurone Disease, and tell them more about how they can be cared for by the hospice and the services available to them. 

The ambassadorial volunteers have previously undertaken a number of volunteer roles within the hospice and are already familiar with the services on offer. 

But now the new scheme has gone one step further by training them on the clinical and support services that patients and their loved ones could access. 

All the services at Nightingale House aim to support people either during an extremely uncertain time, during and after treatment or when there are no more treatments available. Help, support and therapies are available for when life becomes more difficult and less enjoyable.

Volunteer Manager Jo Kearns said: “We have gathered together a very loyal and knowledgeable group of volunteers to help us develop the new Info Points service and help us reach out into our communities, offering information and support and letting people know about our services but more importantly how they can access them. 

“People are generally referred to the hospice by their key health care professional such as their Specialist Nurse or GP but patients or their loved ones can also make a direct referral to us just by picking up the phone and these direct calls often result in them accessing our wide range of services including our in-patient unit.” 

Nightingale House Info Point Volunteer, Kevin Jones said: “I have been involved with the hospice for a number of years and I believe this opportunity for us to go out into the community and tell people about the amazing services that can help them better manage their illness or support them and their carers’ in other ways, such as spiritual, emotional or psychological support is so important. 

“We want to go out there and tell people that the hospice is not just a place where you go to die but a vibrant, caring and supportive environment where the team throw their arms around you and give you the support you need, when you need it most. Nightingale House mostly relies on fundraising and charitable donations to keep it running and the more we can highlight the services available the better for all concerned.” 

The Info Points will be moving around the catchment area as new locations are identified over the coming months. If you have a public space and think it would be a great place for our volunteers to locate for a couple of hours each month then please get in touch with Jo Kearns, Volunteer Manager, Nightingale House Hospice on 01978 316800. 

Police send out message about social media scam

North Wales Police has used its own Facebook page to issue a warning about a scam on the social media platform's Marketplace selling forum.

It says: "Do you regularly use Facebook Marketplace to sell unwanted items?

"Please be aware of a new scam which has been reported to us recently - especially in the Flintshire and Wrexham areas.

"Victims have been advertising expensive items on Facebook Marketplace and the suspects make contact offering to purchase the item. 

"The suspects arrive to collect the item claiming they cannot pay in cash and offer to make a bank transfer. 

"The victim is shown that a transaction has taken place and they hand the item to the suspects who then leave. 

"Later the victim discovers that the transaction was unsuccessful. 

"Enquiries are ongoing in relation to these recent incidents, however we would advise sellers to be vigilant and use trusted payment systems such as Paypal, or check with your own bank that transactions have been completed. 

"You can report any suspicious behaviour or activity to us via https://www.northwales.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

and https://en-gb.facebook.com/marketplace/learn-more/safety/

Ponderosa Cafe wins national accolade

 

The Ponderosa Cafe on the Horseshoe Pass has been named one of the UK’s best roadside diners and cafes.

* For the full story in the Denbishire free Press, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19293892.horseshoe-pass-based-ponderosa-cafe-named-among-uks-best-roadside-diners/

Further help for Covid-hit businesses announced

 

Businesses in Wales still affected by coronavirus restrictions will be able to claim up to £25,000 more in support to help meet ongoing costs, First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.

This next package of business support comes as the Welsh Government confirmed up to six people from six different households will be able to meet in indoor regulated settings, such as cafes and pubs, when they open from May 17. Since the start of the pandemic, the Welsh Government has provided more than £2bn to tens of thousands of businesses across Wales to help them through the pandemic. This latest support package will help those businesses, which remain affected by restrictions, to meet ongoing costs through to the end of June as they prepare for re-opening and more normal trading conditions. Businesses that stand to benefit include: Nightclubs and late entertainment venues Events and conference venues not covered by the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund (CRF) Hospitality and leisure businesses, including restaurants, pubs and cafes. Supply chain business, which have been materially impacted by restrictions. The support is the first phase of a £200m package earmarked for the incoming Welsh Government to help businesses affected by the pandemic. Ministers have made an immediate decision to release funding to support businesses affected by the restrictions but there will be further decisions for the incoming Welsh Government to make about further support, to help businesses recover and develop when restrictions are relaxed further. First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “The public health situation continues to improve in Wales – we have the lowest coronavirus rates and the best vaccination rates in the UK. “We know the restrictions have helped to keep us all safe but they have had a big impact on Welsh businesses, which is why we are making more funding available to support firms and safeguard jobs. “Eligible businesses will receive support of up to £25k as they prepare to reopen and move towards more normal trading conditions. “My new government will provide more detail about the extra financial support we will be providing to businesses to help them develop and grow as Wales recovers from the impact of the pandemic. “As we continue to relax the restrictions, I can confirm that from Monday, up to six people from six different households will be able to meet indoors in regulated settings, such as cafes and pubs.” An eligibility checker will open on the Business Wales website at midday on May 17 so businesses can find out how much support they are likely to be entitled to and how to apply. Businesses will be able submit applications by the end of the month and they will receive between £2,500 and £25,000 depending on their circumstances. Funding will be calculated based on the size of the business and the type of restrictions they are under. This support is in addition to the Welsh Government’s £610m non-domestic rates relief which will mean more than 70,000 retail, leisure and hospitality businesses  pay no rates in 2021-22.

Power cut affects part of Llangollen

A power cut is affecting properties in Llangollen as thunder and lightning hits north east Wales, according to the Denbighshire Free Press. 

Scottish Power says the power outage is affecting properties on Bridge Street, Castle Street and surrounding areas.

For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19294640.power-cut-affecting-properties-llangollen/?ref=rss&IYA-mail=8dece700-63e6-4ead-a6c3-995aba2dad1a 

Vaccination update from health centre

Latest vaccination update from Llangollen Health Centre is:

"Patients aged 40 and above:  We are continuing to give the AstraZeneca vaccine to patients in this age group.   If you have not yet had your first vaccine please email June.Jones4@wales.nhs.uk  with your name, date of birth and mobile number and you will be contacted to arrange an appointment.  If you wish to decline the offer of a Covid vaccine it would be helpful if you could let us know (using the above email) so that we can update our records.

"Patients aged 18 – 39 years:  The Welsh Government announced last week that patients in this age group should now have the Pfizer vaccine.  Therefore patients aged 18 – 39 will now be vaccinated at the South Wrexham Local Vaccination Centre at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.  This centre is run by the South Wrexham vaccination Team and not by the practice.  Eligible patients will be contacted over the forthcoming weeks in order of age.  Please be patient as there are approximately 10,000 patients to vaccinate." 

Job advert leads to hopes White Waters may re-open, says story

A story in the Daily Post says a job advert has sparked led to hopes that Llangollen's White Waters Hotel (pictured) may re-open after two years.

* For the full story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/job-advert-sparks-hope-north-20552276

Online care recruitment session to be held

Denbighshire County Council is holding an online care recruitment session on Tuesday, May 18. 

The council is looking to recruit 18 new staff into a number of care positions, with positions including community based health and social care support workers; day care assistant; night care assistant; and domestic assistant.

The majority of these roles will be based in the south of the county and you will be working in the community, supporting people in their own homes, for these roles the ability to drive is most often essential. 

There are also vacancies in our residential care homes, Cysgod Y Gaer, Corwen and Dolwen, Denbigh, for both contracted and supply hours.

The virtual recruitment event will be held over Microsoft Teams on May 18, from 10am to midday, followed by a 20 minute informal interview in the afternoon.

* For more information contact 01824 706200 or HRDirect@denbighshire.gov.uk

Images of salmon spawning captured on Rhug Estate

* One of the images Jack Perk took of the salmon.

Incredible images of wild salmon during their spawning season have been captured by a wildlife photographer as they travelled through the Rhug Estate.

Jack  Perks filmed and photographed the salmon on the Rhug Estate to help document the £6.8 million LIFE Dee River project which is facilitated by Natural Resources Wales, with funding also provided by Dwr Cymru, Environment Agency and Snowdonia National Park Authority.

The project aims to transform the River Dee and its catchment by restoring the river and its surroundings back to their natural state, most notably improving the numbers of salmon, lamprey and freshwater pearl mussels to help them become more sustainable in future.

The Dee is the largest river in north Wales with a catchment area of more than 1,800 km2. 

It is also one of the most highly regulated rivers in Europe, and along with Llyn Tegid it has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). 

The Alwen and Camddwr rivers join the Dee between Cynwyd and Corwen collectively running through the Rhug Estate for eleven miles.

From its headwaters in the uplands of Snowdonia, the Dee descends via Llyn Tegid, the largest natural lake in Wales. 

After flowing through a broad valley to Corwen, it tumbles eastwards through the spectacular Vale of Llangollen, under the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site, before breaching the Welsh foothills near Bangor-on-Dee, and meandering northwards through the Cheshire plain to its tidal limit just below Chester.

The main uses of the River Dee are farming, predominantly cattle and sheep grazing; water abstraction for water supply for 2.5m people; tourism including recreational angling, canoeing and navigation and nature conservation.

Rhug Estate takes its job as a custodian of the land very seriously. 

Almost 9km of riverside corridors have been introduced so the livestock cannot get to the river’s edge. This means the riversides have been fenced off so as to protect the waterways, the riverbanks and encourage habitats for wildlife.

Lord Newborough, owner of Rhug Estate, said: “It is only natural that I would care for the rivers that run through the estate and the aquatic life that resides in them as much as I care for the land on our organic farm, the animals that we rear and the wildlife we encourage to visit. 

"We are proud to be able to play our small part in this enormous project being managed by Natural Resources Wales.” 

Joel Rees-Jones, LIFE Dee River Project Manager, said: “The communities living along the River Dee and Llyn Tegid will be at the heart of this project. We will work closely with local stakeholders to ensure they understand the biological, social and economic value of the habitats and species found within the river, that contribute to the designation as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

“We look forward to working with land managers and farmers throughout the catchment to improve these important habitats, supporting the future sustainability of rare species for which the Dee is famed for worldwide. Creating fenced riverside corridors, similar to those carried out by Rhug Estate will be core to this work, as well as tree planting, soil profiling and pollution prevention advice.”

* To learn more about the project visit the Natural Resources Wales website:www.naturalresources.wales/LIFEDeeRiver or follow @LIFEAfonDyfrdwy on social media or email the team at lifedeeriver@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Plan to welcome visitors safely to Denbighshire

* Llangollen's Horseshoe Falls is ready to welcome back visitors.

Denbighshire County Council has produced a plan to ensure the county can welcome visitors safely as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

Denbighshire’s Destination Management Plan has been developed in partnership with tourism businesses across the county and seeks to coordinate activity over the coming months to ensure a positive experience for visitors, residents and business.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of the Council, said: “We have worked in partnership with tourism businesses to produce a plan that ensures key sites and facilities are ready to welcome visitors and that local residents will feel safe and well-informed.

“Tourism contributes £552million a year to Denbighshire’s economy and we want people to come to Denbighshire this summer and return again year after year, so it is important we make the county safe and welcoming to visitors while giving residents confidence that they remain safe.

“To do this we will build on the work we have already undertaken and continue to encourage responsible visitor and resident behaviour, recruit more Tourism Ambassadors and actively engage with existing Ambassadors to encourage visitors and residents to visit sites across the county to help alleviate busy periods at our honeypot sites.

“The Council and its partners will play a key role in supporting the tourism industry, work with it and enable it to re-establish itself over the coming years. It’s very important we continue to work closely together to ensure our sites and facilities are safe and suitable for residents and visitors as we move through 2021.”

Activity across the authority will be coordinated within its Business Recovery Group which has representation from all relevant Council services as well as from North Wales Police and the private sector.

Actions within the Destination Management plan include:

•  Engagement with businesses, communities and with residents and visitors

•  Ensuring that Denbighshire’s facilities, sites and attractions are ready for residents and visitors as the tourism industry gradually moves back to full capacity

• Promoting messages about responsible visits and developing sustainable tourism

The Tourism Strategy Group will monitor delivery and be ready to identify any issues that need to be addressed to ensure that Denbighshire has the most successful tourism season possible.

Work has taken place at sites across Denbighshire, including Moel Famau and Loggerheads country parks, to ensure measures are in place to keep visitors safe.

These include improvements to the car parks at Moel Famau and the upgrading of paths at Loggerheads and works at Horseshoe Falls to improve access.

Ian Lebbon, Chair of Denbighshire Destination Management Partnership, said: “The Denbighshire Destination Management Partnership is pleased to have been closely involved with the county council in the production of the Destination Management Plan.

“We recognise and very much appreciate the importance that the council places upon the tourism industry within the local economy for residents and visitors as well as those working within the sector. Denbighshire has a proud and successful history of attracting and welcoming visitors to our wealth of attractions. We look forward to continuing to work closely in partnership with the council in maintaining and building on that success in the future."

Streamlined waste service goes up for discussion

An update on Denbighshire’s new waste and recycling service will be given to councillors this week.

This aims to offer residents new kerbside recycling services for textiles, small electrical goods, batteries and where needed, nappies and incontinence waste. 

On Thursday, Denbighshire County Council’s Communities Scrutiny Committee will hear an update on plans for the weekly recycling service, along with a four-weekly residual waste collection, to be implemented during 2023.

The new weekly trolley box recycling service was approved by the council’s cabinet in December 2018.

The roll-out will start after the completion of a new centralised waste depot on the Colomendy Industrial Estate in Denbigh, with construction set to begin this summer.

Tony Ward, the council’s Head of Highways, Facilities and Environmental Services, said: “This project contributes significantly to the council’s environmental ambitions as we will be using less fuel, recycling more waste and producing higher quality recycling suitable for use in the UK manufacturing industry.

“We fully recognise this is a significant change in the way we collect waste and recycling, but together we can make it happen and the council will be engaging fully with residents, schools and other key members of the community as we move towards the 2023 launch.

“The new service will see increased recycling performance to meet the Welsh Government’s 70% target by 2025, and future proofing the service against policy change and waste related legislation with an expectancy the target could rise to 80% in future.

“It should result in a minimal amount of residual waste being created and residents can free up even more space in their black bin by using a new kerbside recycling services for textiles, small electrical goods, batteries and where needed, nappies and incontinence waste.  

“This is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach, and alternative solutions will be in place for those households who find managing their waste more challenging.”

“The new service will also offer the council the option to explore a more significant switch to ultra-low emission and electric powered vehicles for waste collection. 

It will also allow the council to tackle issues relating to seagulls attacking waste bags left out and a lack of storage for householder waste containers in certain parts of the county, including some areas in West Rhyl.

“This includes providing a seagull proof sack and a trial of microchipping containers to evaluate the benefits in regards to reducing escaped waste, abandoned bins or bins left out or stolen and contamination of recycling.” 

Police appeal for witnesses to Aldi incident on Saturday

On its Facebook page the Denbigh and Conwy Rural team of North Wales Police is appealing for witnesses to a recent incident in Llangollen.

Their post says: "We are appealing for information about an incident at Aldi in Llangollen at about 5.20pm on Saturday 8th May. 

"After a 17-year-old man was refused service, he became aggressive and abusive to staff, and has tried to leave the store without paying. 

"When challenged by staff, he has assaulted them. A member of the public who tried to assist was also assaulted.

"If you witnessed this incident (or filmed it on your phone), or you were the male shopper who tried to help, please contact us as soon as possible. 

☎️ 101

💻 http://ow.ly/H3t750EIdxe 

Ref Z063768

Welsh Labour win police and crime commissioner election

Welsh Labour's Andy Dunbobbin (pictured) has been elected as the new North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner after victory in last Thursday's election, which was counted today (Sunday).

He won with a total of 98,034 votes against 90,149 for Conservative Pat Astbury.

In his election material the Flintshire county councillor said: "Having, lived, studied and worked in North Wales my whole life, I have a deep understanding of the challenges we all currently face in our communities.  

"There are some who I listen to saying that they feel left behind and their voices aren’t getting heard. I hear you and I want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I want to be your voice and the bridge linking North Wales Police to our communities. 

"As a proactive county councillor for many years, and with the last six years being Armed Forces Champion,  I have used my vast experience to lead - and achieve - the Gold award of Governments’ Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) throughout a period of significant cuts and changes.

"Despite the many challenges, and by working closely with many Chief Officers and their teams, I have built a strong network across many public services. 

"I work constructively with others across the six Local Authorities of North Wales along with third sector and other voluntary/community groups. I have delivered in making our Armed Forces community of North Wales as an inspiration for others to follow.  This is also widely recognised as I’m elected as North Wales Armed Forces Strategic Group Vice-chair.  

"Whilst employed previously as a Social Innovation Outreach Worker, I was involved in developing and sustaining positive relationships with a wide range of local people including community leaders, council officers, local groups and third sector organisations.  I pride myself on engagement, listening and strategising. This has played a huge part in my successes to date. 

 

"My deeply-embedded partnership approach has always paid dividends for all parts of our community so that we all benefit.  I have solid knowledge and experience within Local Government, third sector and other public services – vital attributes needed as a Police Crime Commissioner. I am also an ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign. 

 

"I have five pledges which are outlined below:

 

1. To champion local neighbourhood policing - giving communities a real say in policing for their areas and increasing Police visibility. We all want to feel safe and secure. 

 

2. To adopt a ‘victim first’ approach to policing, putting victims of crime first and ensure that their rights are protected.  

 

3. Keep up our fight against violence against women and girls and all forms of domestic violence. As a White Ribbon Ambassador I promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. 

 

4. Ensure North Wales Police is fully equipped to deal with the future of online threats, working with colleagues across Wales.

 

5. Ensuring a value for money in police budgets, and prioritising local policing teams. It is public money for public services."

* For the full election story, see: Election 2021: Labour gain police commissioner in north Wales - BBC News

Polling station switch put people off voting, says councillor

* The polling station was switched to the foyer of the International Pavilion.

One of Llangollen's county councillors has raised the issue of the change in polling station with Denbighshire council chiefs.

Due to Covid precautions the usual station at the town hall was switched to the International Pavilion, which was said to provide more room for social distancing.

But Cllr Graham Timms claims its out-of-town location put some people off casting their vote in last Thursday's elections for the Senedd and the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

He told llanblogger: "I have written to Denbighshire County Council about the change of location of the polling station from Llangollen Council Chamber to the Pavilion.

"Whilst it was changed for good reasons it wasn't well publicised and  added a few minutes extra walking time for most of the population of the town. 

"This discouraged some voters from turning out to vote. 

"I was told by a number of people that they were not voting because of the extra distance to the polling station from their homes on the other side of the town.

"I've also made the suggestion to have two polling stations in Llangollen. This would be especially important if the  Pavilion is used again.

"Whilst it is easy for many voters to get in the car and drive the extra mile, we need to ensure that those who choose to vote in person can do so conveniently."

This year's Fringe Festival will go ahead ... but later

This year’s Llangollen Fringe will go ahead despite the pandemic.

In its latest briefing email the popular annual festival of music and arts says the show will go on later in the year, from September 10-18, and will be a mixture of online entertainment and live shows.

The Fringe team says: “While the Covid crisis seems to be easing there is still understandable uncertainty about what lies ahead and what it will be possible to do entertainment-wise. 

“We have our fingers on the pulse, so rest assured we will bring you the very best that is possible. 

“Hopefully, we will be able to put on a hybrid of online entertainment and some shows - in the Town Hall and elsewhere - where some size of actual live audience is allowed.”

They add: “One of British music's emerging one-off geniuses, Baxter Dury, was scheduled to play the 2020 Fringe. He is still very keen to play for us and we are hoping that something might be arranged for Saturday July 31. A Fringe Taster if you like!

“There is no certainty obviously, but again watch this space and we'll keep you updated. A taste of what we might be getting is here - Baxter Dury.”

Looking ahead to next year’s festival, the team says: “Fringe 22 will be a year of celebration because the Fringe will be 25. 

“The 2022 festival will revert to July and run from the 21st to the 30th.

“The hotly anticipated appearance in Llangollen of Warmduscher has twice been thwarted by the virus. 

“Not to be beaten, we already have them in our 2022 schedule for a taste of their 'braggadocious brand of transatlantic street surrealism' and the 'anarchic bar brawl of their live incarnation'. 

“While we're always wanting to look to the future, it's good to look back from time to time as well and the 25th Fringe seems an appropriate time to do that. 

“So, any of you with Fringe memorabilia or special memories from the 25 years, we'd love to hear from you.  Please drop an email to Chris@llangollenfringe.co.uk

Two roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks alerts from one.network are:

Queen Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 10 May — 28 May   Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Works location: A5, Nr Star Inn Jnc with Brook Street - Regent Street, Llangollen   Works description: Refurbishment of Traffic Signals Pedestrian Crossing. Works to Include - Renewal of tactile paving, Renewal of underground cables, Renewal of Traffic Signal heads, Renewal of Road markings - Works between 09:00hrs and 16:00hrs   Responsibility for works: Welsh Government   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: PD5012031616152925   Hill Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 10 May — 14 May   Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Works location: Hill Street   Works description: 10/05/21-14/05/21/RIchard Shone/Footway Slurry/Traffic Lights...   Responsibility for works: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: QR015S000000001741