First Minister sets out priorities for new Welsh Government

 

* First Minister Mark Drakeford. 

The First Minister will today (Tuesday) set out ambitious plans for a "stronger, greener and fairer" Wales as he launches the Programme for Government.

The five-year plan shows how the new Welsh Government will deliver on the promises made to voters during the Senedd 2021 election and how it will tackle the big challenges we face in Wales. Climate change and the environment will be at the heart of the new government – a new “super-Ministry” has been created, bringing together the big policy areas to help Wales reach its legally binding target of reaching Net Zero by 2050. For the first time, transport, planning, housing and energy are brought together, with the environment, to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, with the aim of making sure climate change is firmly on the agenda for every public service and private sector business. Mark Drakeford said: “We will build a fairer, greener, stronger and ever more successful Wales that we all want for ourselves and for each other. “But I am determined that as we move Wales forward, no one will be left behind and no one will be held back. “People in Wales look after each other, and this programme is built on exactly that principle. “These plans will help move Wales forward beyond the pandemic which has affected every part of our lives. They focus on the areas where we can make the greatest difference to people and communities. “We will help our learners catch up and help people into new jobs. We will restore capacity in the NHS and help our industries and businesses prepare for the opportunities that lie ahead of us. “It is a transparent and achievable plan but recognises the need for radical action and innovative thinking in the face of unprecedented challenge.” Highlights of the programme are: Provide advanced, effective healthcare closer to people’s homes Prioritise investment in mental health Establish a new medical school in North Wales Roll out child and adolescent mental health services in schools across Wales.  Protect, re-build and develop our services for vulnerable people Pay care workers the real living wage Increase apprenticeships in care and recruit more Welsh speakers Fund childcare for more families where parents are in education and training.  Build an economy based on the principles of fair work, sustainability and the industries and services of the future Deliver the Young Person’s Guarantee, giving everyone under 25 the offer of work, education, training, or self-employment Create 125,000 all-age apprenticeships Develop a Tidal Lagoon Challenge Fund and support ideas that can make Wales a world centre of emerging tidal technologies Seek a 30% target for working remotely.  Build a stronger, greener economy to make maximum progress towards decarbonisation Launch a new 10-year Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan for a zero-carbon economy Upgrade our digital and communications infrastructure Work towards a new target of 45% of journeys by sustainable modes by 2040, setting more stretching goals where possible.  Embed the response to the climate and nature emergency in everything the government does Legislate to abolish the use of more commonly littered, single-use plastics Create a National Forest to extend from North to South Wales Introduce legislation to deal with the legacy of centuries of mining and ensure coal tip safety; strengthening local authority powers to protect the public and the environment Introduce a Clean Air Act, consistent with World Health Organisation guidance. Extend the provision of air quality monitoring.  Continue the long-term programme of education reform, and ensure educational inequalities narrow and standards rise Fund up to 1,800 additional tutoring staff in schools Continue to meet the rise in demand for Free School Meals and review the eligibility criteria, extending entitlement as far as resources allow Explore reform of the school day and the school year.  Celebrate diversity and move to eliminate inequality in all of its forms Explore legislation to address pay gaps based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, and other forms of discrimination. Pilot an approach to basic income Ensure public bodies and those receiving public funding address pay disparities Implement targets around gender budgeting Ensure the history and culture of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities are properly represented by investing further in our cultural sector and museum network Make our Welsh public transport system more accessible to disabled people.  Push towards a million Welsh speakers, and enable our tourism, sports and arts industries to thrive Establish a National Music Service Consult on legislation permitting local authorities to raise a tourism levy Introduce a Cymraeg 2050 Welsh Language Education Bill to strengthen and increase Welsh language school provision Promote equal access to sports and support young and talented athletes and grassroots clubs Develop plans for a Museum of North Wales.  Make our cities, towns a villages even better places in which to live and work Build 20,000 new-low carbon social homes for rent Improve building safety so people feel safe and secure in their homes Make 20mph the default speed limit in residential areas Ban pavement parking wherever possible.  Lead Wales in a national civic conversation about our constitutional future, and give the country the strongest possible voice on the world stage Establish an independent, standing commission to consider the constitutional future of Wales Establish a Peace Academy in Wales Seek to reform council tax to ensure a fairer system for all Put in place a £65m international learning exchange programme.

Time to have your say on plans for Llangollen town centre

* The three pictures above show a series of computer generated artist's 

impressions of how the final 2020 scheme will look.

Public consultation on the £1.7 million plan which aims to streamline traffic and pedestrian flow in and around the town centre officially starts today (Tuesday).

The Llangollen 2020 Castle Street Improvement scheme aims to improve the town's main thoroughfare and some adjacent streets.

The council says the proposals are intended to improve the public realm along Castle Street by replacing the existing kerbs and footway paving with high-quality materials.

It will also see the removal of on-street parking from Castle Street and from the Abbey Road/Castle Street junction to enable the adjacent pavements to be widened and reduce parking-related congestion on Castle Street.

Other proposals include introducing a number of pedestrian dropped kerbs along Castle Street and to reduce traffic speeds by raising the road surface at some side road junctions as well as providing two loading bays for businesses on Castle Street, together with two disabled parking spaces near to Castle Street.

It is also proposed to make Market Street one-way in a westerly direction between Castle Street and East Street and introduce a loading bay on the south side of Market Street where the temporary loading bay is currently located.

The Castle Street improvement is part of a phased-approach to improve parking and to improve walking and cycling routes in the town.

The three-week consultation exercise launches today (Tuesday, June 15) and will close on July 6.

As consultation begins the council says around 2,000 residents and businesses in the area will receive a letter briefing them on the proposals.

There will also be an information campaign on social media. 

Members of the public can have their say on the plans online and at a public exhibition which will be held on Castle Street near to the Town Hall between Monday and Friday, June 21 and 25 June. 

Council officers will be there to explain the scheme and county councillors will also on hand at various points over the five days. 

The council says it will visit Castle Street businesses during week commencing June 21 to give them the opportunity to discuss the proposals with officers.

Plans will also be on display in the windows of the former bar within the Royal Hotel at the corner of Castle Street and Bridge Street for the three of the consultation.

A further briefing by officers will take place at the Town Council meeting this evening.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “For the past three years the council has been working closely with the Llangollen 2020 group to develop these proposals.

“We want as many members of the community to have their say on the latest plans for the project

“Funding is in place to deliver the scheme in the autumn and winter of 2021-22. However, no final decision has yet been taken by the council on whether to proceed with the scheme as this will be dependent upon the outcome of the consultation with any final decision on the scheme being made by the council’s cabinet.

“We are also aware of concerns raised regarding the acacia tree located near the Town Hall. The current situation is that the condition of the tree is still being assessed by tree experts and no decisions have yet been made about its future.”

At a media briefing session last Friday, Cllr Jones told llanblogger the results of the public consultation will be taken fully into consideration by the council’s cabinet before it makes the final decision on whether the scheme goes ahead.

He added: “Weight will be given to the public feedback and we therefore want as many people as possible to engage with us and let us know their views.

“Given the size and cost of the project it is only right that the cabinet makes the final decision on it.”

If 2020 gets the green light from the cabinet Cllr Jones said work will start on creating the new town centre environment in early September this year with completion expected by next spring.

Traffic and road safety manager for Denbighshire, Mike Jones, said construction would be co-ordinated with possible work on Llangollen bridge by the county and Dwr Cymru, with close liaison taking place throughout the project with shops and businesses in the affected area to minimise disruption.

* You can have your say on the plans at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/600. Paper copies of the online questionnaire will be available at the public exhibition and can also be requested by contacting the Council on 01824 706000. 

Pop-up waste service resumes at the Pavilion

* The Pavilion car park where the waste service is resuming.

The free pop-up garden waste collection from Llangollen Pavilion, cancelled due to the pandemic, will resume its weekly slot over the summer as from this Saturday, June 19, with bookings being taken from the beginning of this week.

This means that the frequency of the pavilion pop-up service will now resume to pre-pandemic levels, according to Llangollen's two county councillors Graham Timms and Melvyn Mile.

In a joint comment they say: "We have also been assured that extra flexibility has been added to the pop-up service to make sure that it will be able to meet the demand for both the garden waste and the full recycling facilities.

"An appointment will be required, in common with all other Denbighshire recycling sites."

Service provision will be:

* First and third Saturday of the month, 9-11am garden waste only

* Second and fourth Saturday, 9-11am, full household recycling service including garden waste

* Fifth Saturday, no service

Appointments can be booked online at www.denbighshire.gov.uk or by phone: 01824 706000)

Direct link to the booking line is: https://hwrc-booking.denbighshire.gov.uk/renderform.aspx?t=2&k=82D29A1F86C4FD76CF9B71ED826470AFBBD1CB81&lang=en-GB

Public views sought on lighting in the great outdoors

* Castell Dinas Bran by night.

A public consultation has been launched on the affects lighting has on the great outdoors around Llangollen.

Denbighshire County Council in partnership with Flintshire County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are seeking views on a draft Supplementary Planning Guidance note (SPG) for lighting in the AONB.

The SPG will provide advice and guidance for developers and others on good lighting design in the AONB which is designated as a landscape of national importance and the main aim is to conserve and enhance its natural beauty.

One of the recognised special qualities of the AONB is its tranquil nature, which includes the opportunity to experience dark night skies. 

The area has some of the darkest skies in Wales and the draft SPG seeks to conserve and enhance this special quality by providing guidance for developers and others on dark sky friendly lighting design.

When approved by each of the Local Planning Authorities the SPG will be a material planning consideration in determining planning applications and appeals.

Cllr Tony Thomas, Chair of the AONB Joint Committee, said: “The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB is one of Wales’ most cherished landscapes. The area enjoys some of the darkest skies in Wales and provides opportunities to experience the wonders of a dark night sky.

“The SPG will help to conserve and enhance this special quality by raising awareness of the issue and promoting dark sky friendly lighting design.  We want to know what you think, and I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation process and to have their say on the draft SPG before the deadline on August 9.”

The three Local Planning Authorities and the AONB are keen to hear from a wide range of statutory and non-statutory organisations, town and community councils, voluntary groups and the general public as well as local planning consultants and agents. 

Comments should be forwarded to Denbighshire County Council who are coordinating the consultation on behalf of the three Local Planning Authorities and the AONB. 

Comments should be submitted by 5pm on August 9 using one of the following methods:

* By e-mail to: clwydianrangeaonb@denbighshire.gov.uk

* Via the Denbighshire Consultation Portal, or in writing to Huw Rees, Countryside and Heritage Services Manager, Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, PO BOX 62, Ruthin LL15 9AZ 

Any queries relating to the draft SPG or the consultation can be directed to the following contacts at each of the Local Planning Authorities:

* Denbighshire: planningpolicy@denbighshire.gov.uk phone: 01824 706916

* Flintshire: developmentplans@flintshire.gov.uk phone: 01352 703213

* Wrexham: planning_policy@wrexham.gov.uk phone: 01978 298994

* AONB Partnership: clwydianrangeaonb@denbighshire.gov.uk  phone: 01824 712735 

The document can be viewed on the Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham or AONB websites and hard copies are available for inspection at Denbighshire’s public libraries.

Police appeal following serious accident near Llangollen

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses after a motorcyclist was taken to Royal Stoke Hospital by the Welsh Air Ambulance following a road traffic collision leading up to the Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen, on the A542 from Llandegla, just after 2.30pm yesterday (Sunday).

The collision involved a silver coloured Suzuki Swift motor car and a blue coloured Honda CBR motorcycle. The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries.

Sergeant Medwyn Williams from the Roads Policing Unit said: “I hope the motorcyclist makes a good recovery.

"I am appealing to anyone who was travelling on the road at that time between 2.20-2.35pm who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage of either vehicle prior to the collision.

"I would also welcome anyone who may have been travelling that route that has dashcam to contact us. If you have any information, please get in touch via web chat or by calling 101, quoting reference 21000413584.

"I would also welcome anyone who may have been travelling that route that has dashcam to contact us. If you have any information, please get in touch via web chat or by calling 101, quoting reference 21000413584.

"The road was re-opened at 7pm.

"We continue to urge drivers and and bikers to enjoy north Wales safely. Drivers - please look out for bikes when turning, whilst at junctions and when changing lanes. Bikers - please ride to the conditions, stick to the speed limit and know your capabilities."

All adults in Wales offered a vaccine ahead of schedule

Health Minister Eluned Morgan has thanked Wales’ "fantastic vaccination teams" as she confirmed all eligible adults in Wales will have been offered a vaccine by today (Monday, June 14) six weeks ahead of schedule. 

She said it is not too late for anyone who has changed their mind about having a vaccine to get an appointment – Wales has a “no one left behind” policy and all health boards had systems in place to enable people to get an appointment if they think they have been missed of the list or if they have changed their mind. 

Vaccination clinics across Wales are accelerating second doses amid growing concerns about the spread of the delta variant of the virus across the UK. 

Eluned Morgan said: “Wales is leading the world when it comes to the percentage of our population who have been vaccinated.  

“I’m delighted that today we have reached the milestone of offering all eligible adults their first dose – six weeks ahead of schedule. 

“This is a remarkable achievement and I want to thank everyone involved for their incredible efforts. However, we are not being complacent - I want to encourage younger adults to take up this offer of the vaccine and we don’t want to see anyone left behind.  

“We are keen to see 18 to 39-year-olds vaccinated and hope to reach our milestone of 75% take-up in this age group by the end of this month. Please take up your vaccine appointment; it offers protection to you, your loved ones and your communities and it is our best route out of the pandemic.”

Pictures which show the contempt for town and its facilities

 * The barbecue abandoned on top of a litter bin the park. 

* The badly scorched picnic table.

* One of smashed lights on the canal towpath.

* Five of the lights on top of the pedestals 

along the towpath have been broken. 

This morning llanblogger has a couple of examples of the contempt in which some people hold Llangollen and its facilities.

The first pictures show how a portable tinfoil barbecue container - still containing cooked food - has been left on top of a litter bin in the public park adjoining the river near Mill Street car park. Alongside the bin is a bag of rubbish.

Nearby is a wooden picnic bench, which was obviously the scene of a barbecue party, that has a badly scorched top where a hot barbecue appears to have been placed.

The other pictures show how, a short distance away, across the other side of the main road on the canal towpath, no less than five of the pedestals containing water and electricity points for moored boats to connect to have had their lights smashed.

Whether those responsible are locals or visitors, such acts of vandalism or wanton disregard for the town's amenities are totally inexcusable.  

Pandemic support hub planned for Plas Madoc

* Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan 

Hubs offering holistic support to people who need to self-isolate and to those hit hardest by the pandemic are being rolled out in a pilot scheme across five areas in North Wales, including Plas Madoc.

The Covid Support Hubs offer immediate support with lateral flow tests and help to self-isolate if necessary.  

They also offer longer term assistance for people who might be struggling to buy food or pay rent, to access services, manage debt or with utility bills.  

The pilot scheme is part of Wales’s Test Trace Protect programme, offering an extended and longer-term ‘Protect’ offer in deprived communities in North Wales.  

It brings together the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, Local Authorities, the voluntary sector and community groups to support communities in a range of areas.

This multi-partner approach means that extra support can be offered if identified, even if people test negative for Covid-19 and are not required to self-isolate, such as signposting to benefits, providing information on food banks and low-cost food services, and advice on budgeting.

The first pilot hub launched in Holyhead in May, with 59 people seen in the first nine days.  

Ynys Môn Citizens Advice are the lead organisation, with input from a range of partners to deliver additional support around food provision, digital skills and access to mental health support. 

The scheme is also now underway in Bangor and Denbigh, with hubs expected to open in Plas Madoc near Wrexham and Flintshire later this month.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan said: “I’m pleased to see that this pilot scheme is up and running in North Wales and is already delivering positive results.

“It’s vital that people self-isolate if they test positive for Covid-19 in order to stop the virus spreading in our communities.  

"Test, Trace Protect has been extremely effective at supporting people who have tested positive and their contacts to isolate and providing advice, guidance and support, and it’s important that we continue to invest in initiatives like this to support people to self-isolate when needed.

“This pilot also demonstrates the benefits of a partnership approach which is reaching those who are often hard to reach and opening up a range of services to them to relieve worry and stress in other areas of their lives, providing much-needed support to people at an extremely difficult time.”

Story reports serious accident near Llandegla

 The Leader is this afternoon reporting s serious road collision near Llandegla.

For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/19369500.serious-crash-main-road-near-llandegla/

Repairing landslide damage in Newbridge is "priority" says council

* Ken Skates MS, left, and Wrexham councillor David A Bithell at the site on the landslide. 

Wrexham Borough Council says repairing the damage caused by Storm Christoph earlier this year to the B5605 at Newbridge remains a priority. 

The storm caused a landslide and the closure of the road for the foreseeable future.

The council says works to fix this are "complex and the solution difficult and costly".

But it adds: "We are hopeful of further help from Welsh Government to help us to repair this important part of our infrastructure."

Cllr David A Bithell, Lead Member Environment and Transport, said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with Clwyd South MS Ken Skates on a recent site visit who, he explained, had taken a keen interest in making representation to Welsh Government Minister Julie James.

“I hope that these talks and discussions will be fruitful in ensuring that this road re-opens as soon as possible. This is causing major difficulties for local people and we need substantial funding to address the effects from storm Christoph.”

Ken Skates said: “The damage caused by the extreme weather last year wreaked havoc in communities across Wales. This is a particularly bad example, and I know it has caused a lot of problems locally.

“I have raised the matter with the Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, and asked the Welsh Government to look at this again. 

"I know the Welsh Government has been in discussions with the council about other funding which might be available, so I look forward to receiving the Minister’s response outlining how both parties can work together to remedy the situation.”

He added: "The B5605 provides critical road links between communities in Newbridge and Cefn and the wider settlement areas at Chirk to the south and Plas Madoc/Ruabon to the north. 

"Loss of this road link severs these communities causing distress and inconvenience on the many residents and businesses in these areas.

“Alternative routes are lengthy and inconvenient. In addition, this stretch of the B5605 provides the alternative routes for the A483 trunk road. 

"In the event of closures on the trunk road whether for planned works or emergencies, alternative routes now have to be diverted via Llangollen, a 15-mile diversion for drivers."

Traffic alert for Regent Street

 

Latest local traffic alert from one.network is:

Regent Street 14 June — 02 July   Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Works location: A5, Near Former Health Centre (now gallery), Regent Street, Llangollen   Works description: Refurbishment of Traffic Signal - Replacement of Traffic Signal Poles, Tactile Paving & White Lining   Responsibility for works: Welsh Government   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: PD50121111155217547

 

Coronavirus latest from Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, is:

• Hubs offering holistic support to people who need to self-isolate and to those hit hardest by the pandemic are being rolled out in a pilot scheme across five areas in North Wales.
• The Covid Support Hubs offer immediate support with lateral flow tests and help to self-isolate if necessary.  They also offer longer term assistance for people who might be struggling to buy food or pay rent, to access services, manage debt or with utility bills. 
• The pilot scheme is part of Wales’s Test Trace Protect programme, offering an extended and longer-term ‘Protect’ offer in deprived communities in North Wales. It brings together the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, local authorities, the voluntary sector and community groups to support communities in a range of areas.
• https://gov.wales/covid-hubs-north-wales-offering-support-hardest-hit
• Volunteers from within a 50-mile radius of Wrexham are needed to take part in a new clinical trial to receive a third ‘booster’ Covid-19 vaccine.
• Public Health Wales is recruiting over-30s who have had two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine to take part in this research study, including those immunised early in the vaccination programme. For example, adults aged 75 and over or health and care workers.
• The COV-Boost study, which is being run at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, is taking place at 18 sites in the UK and will involve 2,886 volunteers.
• https://healthandcareresearchwales.org/wrexham-volunteers-needed-covid-19-vaccine-study and https://www.covboost.org.uk/participate-wrexham
• Latest results from the Covid Infection Survey: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-infection-survey
• Public Health Wales has published a report highlighting challenges faced by unpaid carers during the pandemic: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/report-highlights-challenges-faced-by-unpaid-carers-during-pandemic/        

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 118 newly-reported cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 213,642 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• There were no deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 5,571.
• 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 published every weekday by Public Health Wales.
• The latest figures show 2,201,665 people have received their first dose.
• And 1,336,479 people have completed their two-dose course 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 must have a test on day one and day eight if you have been told to self-isolate by NHS Wales Test Trace Protect.
• 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

• Wales has moved into alert level one. More information is available at: https://gov.wales/restrictions-7-june-2021   
• 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
• 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 weekly Ministerial press conference on Mondays – these are televised on S4C and broadcast on our social media channels – this is in addition to the 21-day coronavirus regulation review press conference, which is led by the First Minister.

Team responds to Denbighshire increase in Covid-19 cases

An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been convened after an increase of Covid-19 cases in Denbighshire.

The IMT will manage the situation and comprises of Denbighshire County Council, Public Health Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

Chair of the IMT, Nicola Stubbins, said: “We have been working together to investigate an increased number of linked Covid-19 cases in the county.

“We are aware Covid-19 is still circulating in North Wales and we would like to reassure residents we are working to reduce any further spread.

“This includes additional testing being on offer in the county over the coming days as well as an enhanced Test, Trace and Protect process.

“You can now go for a free Covid-19 test if you have a wider range of symptoms which include flu-like symptoms, not caused by a known condition, muscle ache or pain, excessive tiredness, persistent headache, runny nose or blocked nose, persistent sneezing, sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing and generally feeling unwell.

“Anyone who develops Covid-19 symptoms should book a PCR test at a test centre immediately and following a positive result, residents should self-isolate and share all relevant information with TTP tracers and advisors.

“We are also reminding those eligible and not showing symptoms to undertake regular lateral flow tests at home, which are free and can be ordered online for home delivery.

“This will help stop the spread of the virus and keep cases down.

“We are reminding the public they have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus and for them to remain vigilant and act cautiously. They can do this by adhering to Welsh Government regulations and by observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – and washing hands regularly.

“We are really grateful for the co-operation of our communities at this time.”

Book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test order a lateral flow test at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests

Current Welsh Government guidance states you must:

* Follow social distancing rules with people you do not live with or who are not in your exclusive extended household

* Wear a face covering (if you are able to) in all indoor public places

* Only form an extended household with no more than two other households and they should stay the same

* Not meet with anyone other than your extended household indoors

* Not meet with more than five other people in indoor regulated settings, such as cafes, restaurants and pubs

* Meet no more than 29 other people outdoors while maintaining social distancing

* Work from home if you can

* Minimise travel to areas of high prevalence

New gallery named in memory of artist who inspired it

* Suzanne Mathieson inside the new gallery named in honour of artist Dory Ross.

A new gallery in Llangollen named in memory of the artist who inspired it will open later this month.

Liverpool-born Dory Ross died in February last year and his partner Suzanne Mathieson says creating The Dory Gallery in the former health centre in Regent Street has helped her get through the grieving process. 

When its doors open to the public on Saturday June 26 Dory's own work along with that of four other local artists will adorn its gleaming white display areas. 

The couple moved to Llangollen in 2017 after identifying the building, which started its long life as a school in the 19th century, as the perfect answer to a lack of work and display space at their former home in a renovated cottage near Caernarfon. 

Suzanne said: “Dory used to have his studio in a wooden structure we’d built next to the cottage but after a while it wasn’t really working for him. He was running out of space to work and hang his work so we started to search the internet for something more spacious. 

“We considered lots of different places, some as far away as south Wales, and when we eventually found the former health centre in Llangollen we both knew it was right for us and the sheer size of it gave us all sorts of possibilities.” 

After taking over the property around Christmas four years ago the couple got a local builder to do some extensive internal reorganisation.

They also took on a few things themselves, including exposing the impressive wooden flooring in the old surgery’s reception area which had been covered up with plywood and laminate. This large area, now fitted out with stylish white couches, forms the main body of the new gallery. 

They also created a number of equally cavernous rooms off the reception area which Dory used as his studio and display areas for his large body of work. 

* One of artist Edward Bell's images of David Bowie 

which will be on display. 

Suzannne explained that at this point it was never their intention to turn the building into a gallery, although when local people began to take an interest in the renovation work and politely ask what was happening to their old health centre a number were invited in at the weekends to have a look around and check out Dory’s work. 

He and his partner were always more than happy to explain things and to talk them through the paintings and sculptures. 

Later other local artists began visiting and discussing Dory’s work along with their own creations.

“It became quite an artistic hub. We began to hang their work up on the walls and, although I’d never done that sort of thing before, I seemed to have a knack for where things looked best. Actually a painting will tell you where it wants to be,” recalled Suzanne. 

Everything changed with Dory’s death early last year which left Suzanne devastated and everyone who knew him stunned and saddened. 

Since then she has gradually been rebuilding her life and using the time left by her bereavement - and the pandemic which followed almost immediately – to carefully plan what should be done with the building they both loved. 

And now Suzanne, with the strong support of her friends in the artistic community, has put everything in place to open what she is proud to have named The Dory Gallery in memory of her late partner.

* A picture by artist Steve Lane hangs in the gallery.

A major consideration has been financing the thoughtful conversion of the building to accept visits by the public, especially putting in place the necessary Covid-19 measures, such as a one-way system for visitors and the usual hand-gel. 

Suzanne said: “That’s where one of our friends, the local artist Edward Bell, has been a massive help.

“He is quite famous for having designed a number of David Bowie’s album covers. In July he will be auctioning off some of this artwork and has very kindly agreed to donate some of the proceeds to helping me set up the gallery. 

“I’ve also gone back to my old job of mobile hairdressing to help cover the expenses and support myself.” 

Despite the running costs, Suzanne is adamant that she won’t be charging people to enjoy the gallery and its range of exhibits from Dory and four other local artists including Edward Bell, whose David Bowie imagery will be prominently on show, Lisa Carter-Grist, Keith Roberts and Steve Lane. 

* The former health centre which now houses The Dory Gallery.

“What I’m trying to do is build a bit of a legacy for Dory. He was never too happy to put his work on show in a traditional gallery way but I don’t think he’d mind what we’re doing now,” she said. 

“I’ve created the gallery in his memory and planning it all has kept me going. 

“I think he’d be happy to know that what we created here when we took over the building has now gone further and I know he’d want his work to be recognised. 

“None of Dory’s art will be for sale but the work by the other artists will be. 

“Basically, this place is all about education and putting it together has helped me through my grieving.”         

* From June 26 the gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am-4pm, and for details of Monday-Friday opening call 01978 860311. 

For more details of the gallery, go to: Home | The Dory Gallery