Children encouraged to become reading heroes

 

Children across Denbighshire are being encouraged to become heroes and join the Summer Reading Challenge through their local library.

This year’s theme is ‘Wild World Heroes’ which aims to inspire children to take action for nature and the environment as they enjoy reading.

The Reading Agency and libraries have partnered with WWF to create an exciting adventure in the fictional town of ‘Wilderville’.

Through reading books, collecting rewards and learning all about our planet, challenge participants will help the heroes make Wilderville a greener place to live.

With exclusive incentives to collect and plenty of brilliant books to enjoy, the challenge is the perfect summer activity to build young readers’ skills and confidence during the long break from school.

Children can take part at their local library or online through the official digital challenge platform https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/

The challenge launched on July 10 in your local library and online.

Three Eagles flies to success in trade awards

* The Three Eagles team celebrate their success in the awards.

The Three Eagles Bar & Grill in Llangollen has been named one of the best county venues in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2021, taking top spot for Denbighshire.

The awards aim to put the finest on-trade businesses across the UK in the national spotlight, showcasing just how diverse and creative the hospitality industry really is, as well as how these operations have survived the pandemic. 

A total of 94 pubs and bars received the prestigious honours this year.

The venues, which have been selected on overall best practice across a number of operational categories, will be officially crowned at a red-carpet celebration at 30 Euston Square on Monday September 6. 

At the grand final 15 regional winners will also be announced, as well as the overall national winner.

Three Eagles will go up against seven county competitors in a fight for the regional title and hope to be in the running following its return to service post-pandemic.

Adam Gaunt-Evans, director or restaurants and bars for One Hundred Knights which runs the Three Eagles, said: "It's a true testament of how hard the team have worked to get us back up and running since we re-emerged from lockdown. 

"I'm so proud of everyone involved and we're thrilled to win the County National Pub & Bar Award for Denbighshire. 

"The atmosphere and experience at the Three Eagles is unrivalled and we have a fantastic following of customers, we hope we can go all the way in the final."

“I’ve never been prouder of this industry,” says Tristan O’Hana, editor of Pub & Bar magazine, which hosts the event. 

“The entries for this year’s awards demonstrated the undeniable value that communities place on their beloved pubs and bars. 

"To be able to acknowledge the hard work and diligence of venues across 94 UK counties is an absolute privilege. These outstanding venues deserve this recognition now more than ever.”

* View the full list of county winners online at https://nationalpubandbarawards.co.uk/

Visit the Three Eagles website online at https://thethreeeagles.co.uk/

Hardship grant for private tenants in Denbighshire

Private tenants who have fallen behind on their rent are being urged to apply for a hardship grant.

Denbighshire County Council is administering the Welsh Government’s Tenancy Hardship Grant for private tenants who have fallen behind on their rent by more than eight weeks between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The grant, which is paid directly to landlords, coincides with Covid-19 measures being eased which includes enabling landlords to evict tenants from June 30.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the Council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “The grant is intended to prevent people from becoming homeless or being evicted as a result of income loss caused by the pandemic.

“The pandemic has had an impact on all parts of our society and I would urge all those eligible private tenants to apply for this grant.”

The grant will be open to renters not receiving housing-related benefits and could include tenants who have been on furlough, have seen a reduction in their work, or have only been able to claim statutory sick pay while ill with Covid-19.

Applicants will need to provide documents and a statement from the landlord which will be reviewed before payment is made directly to the landlord.

* Anyone wishing to apply for the grant can visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/tenancy-hardship-grant

Covid rule changes in Wales from tomorrow

In Wales, some changes will come into effect on 17 July and these will see up to six people able to meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.

There’ll be no change in the rules around face-masks in Wales for the time-being.

This differs to England, where – from 19 July – there will be no limit on the number of people who can meet indoors and face-masks will no longer be mandatory.

In Wales, organised indoor events will be able to take place for up to 1,000 people seated and up to 200 standing, and ice rinks will be able to reopen.

Nightclubs in Wales will remain closed for the moment.

Proposed changes in Wales from August 7.

If all goes well, Wales will move to Alert Level 0 from August 7, when all premises will be able to open (including nightclubs) and most – but not all – restrictions will be removed.

There will be no limits on the number of people who can meet indoors, including in private homes. However, it will still be a legal requirement to wear a face mask indoors in shops and other indoor public spaces, except for hospitality venues like pubs and restaurants.

Some venues might still have to restrict numbers, based on the risk assessments that all premises will need to undertake.

In a joint statement, Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire councils call on residents to be aware of the differences:

“The changes in restrictions follow the success of the vaccination programme, which has weakened the link between infections, serious illness and hospitalisation in both Wales and England. Thanks to vaccination, the number of people ending up seriously ill or in hospital remains low at the moment.

“However, the Delta variant continues to spread and the virus still poses a serious risk to health. We’re also seeing young, fit people suffering from long-Covid, which is having a major impact on their lives.

“Everyone living, working and visiting Wales is asked to respect the difference in restrictions between England and Wales, and to stick to the regulations in place.

“Visitors to Wales are also asked to respect staff working in tourism, hospitality and leisure industries, who are all continuing to do their utmost to look after the health and welfare of those they work for and with."

 

Railway bosses encouraged by support for re-opening

* The diesel railcar as seen in the station at Llangollen. Photo: LRT

Llangollen Railway Trust (LRT) says it is encouraged by the support given to the resumption of train services last Friday. 

And that included a donation of £153 from the town's Oggie Shop & Fine Foods where customers have been making donations into a collection box in the shop.

Llangollen Railway Trust (LRT) finance director Phil Freeth said: "We really are appreciative of support like this from a business in the town,

"All donations are gratefully received and effectively fed back into the local economy. 

"We're all in this together. Thank you very much Llangollen Oggie Shop & Fine Foods and to their customers."

Last weekend a limited service of diesel railcars operated from Llangollen to Berwyn in what was seen as a ‘shakedown exercise’ to ensure the operational arrangements went to plan.

The number of passengers carried on this initial, hourly shuttle service exceeded 450.

Passengers were comfortably accommodated within the social distancing needs of the heritage diesel railcar and produced fares revenue in excess of £3,000 as a useful contribution towards the LRT’s overheads. 

Many of the passengers also made contributions to the revival find.

LRT chairman Peter Edwards said: “Given the short notice available to announce the railway was able to reopen, we are pleased to have welcomed so many people to Llangollen. 

"Many came from within our 50-mile radius catchment area, but others from further afield, all anxious to show their support."

He added: "The ride to Berwyn reminded many passengers of the early years of the restoration of the Llangollen Railway and some had memories of childhood visits on Santa Specials when his grotto was at Berwyn.

“Many recognised the shuttle service as a first step in the reopening of the line through to Glyndyfrwdy when various essential engineering works are completed, hopefully during August when steam engines may return.

“An interesting analysis of the ticket sales indicates that a number of passengers took advantage of Berwyn station to start or end their walks around the area of the Dee Valley Gorge. 

"It is this ability of the Llangollen Railway to provide access to the Dee Valley’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that we wish to encourage people to use when the line is fully open to the new terminus at Corwen.”

Trains continue Fridays to Sundays from today (Friday) with an hourly service from Llangollen starting at 11am through to 4pm.  

Revised Welsh Government Covid restrictions will apply and masks must be worn on the trains. 

A 15-minute stop over at Berwyn allows for a visit to the historic Chain Bridge or  time to ntake a longer walk to the Horseshoe Falls and return on later train.

LRT operations director Mike Williams said: “The success of the first weekend is down to the railway’s team of volunteers. They have pulled out all the stops and made great efforts in all departments to return the stations, trains and track to operational condition after so long a shunt down period.”

Bus travel in North Wales is about to become a lot easier

From this Saturday (July 17) one ticket will be valid on buses all across North Wales.

Once passengers have bought their 1bws ticket from the bus driver on their first journey of the day, the ticket will then be valid for travel on busses across the region.

An adult ticket will cost £5.70, a child (or young person with a My Travel Pass) will pay £3.70 and holders of English and Scottish concessionary bus passes will also pay £3.70. A family ticket is available for £12.

One of the reasons non-bus users are reluctant to give the bus a try is confusion about what ticket to buy. How much does it cost? When can it be used? Who operates the buses? Will my ticket be valid? All these questions put people off using the bus.

With 1bws one ticket, for all day, valid on North Wales busses in Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham - and on buses from North Wales to Chester, Whitchurch and Machynlleth.

There are buses covering most of the region and it is possible to explore the North Wales Coast, Snowdonia, the Clwydian Range and the Dee Valley.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “I am very pleased we are supporting this initiative, which will help to encourage local people and visitors alike to use our extensive bus network.

“The initiative is a great way to get people back on buses and open up the North Wales countryside for the summer in a way that protects the environment.

“It’s an excellent example of the benefits of partnership working between local authorities, bus operators and Transport for Wales. This is the first time that we have been able to provide and promote a single one-day ticket available on all services and it is thanks to operators large and small for their commitment to improving access by bus.”

Timetable information for all buses in North Wales is available online at http://bustimes.org or www.traveline.cymru ; or by phone on 0800 464 00 00.

1Bws is valid on all local bus services operating in North Wales (the counties of Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey and Wrexham) with the exception of service 28 between Mold and Flint.

It is also not valid on tourist services operated by open top buses, on National Express coach services and park and ride services.

Clwyd South should be pilot for community bank, says MS

Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates says his constituency should be a pilot area for the Welsh Government’s plans to create a Wales-wide community bank. 

The Labour politician’s seat has seen 80% of its high street banks close since 2015 – more than any other area of North Wales – and now has just one surviving branch. 

Mr Skates launched the plans for a community bank during his time as Economy Minister, and this week met Banc Cambria project lead Mark Hooper to put forward the case for the area he represents to be home to one of the 30 branches initially planned. 

He said: “It’s been well documented that Clwyd South is the worst-hit part of North Wales in terms of bank closures thanks to the UK Government abandoning its agreement with the sector that that last branch in each community should remain open. 

“The big banks are equally as culpable and have turned their backs on our communities in much the same way the UK Government has. They have been their profits ahead of their customers’ needs. They might think that keeping a cashpoint, replacing branches with mobile banks or simply asking people to do their banking online is acceptable, but customers don’t see it that way. 

“That’s why the Welsh Government launched the plans for a community bank to provide everyday banking throughout Wales.” 

Mr Skates added: “There isn’t a single community in our area which hasn’t been affected by bank closures. Brymbo, Cefn Mawr, Chirk, Corwen, Rhos, Ruabon … the list goes on. 

“Clwyd South spans around 240 square miles, and with the number of closures we have seen in recent years we have arguably the strongest claim of anywhere in Wales for one of the first community bank branches. 

"I strongly believe we should have at least one branch here of the 30 planned initially. I have put the case forward as robustly as I can and will continue to make it.”

Minister for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, said the community bank – the first of its kind in the UK – will be "a mutual owned by, and run for the benefit of, its members". 

The Welsh Government says the move will improve access to bilingual banking services for people and businesses, as well as create jobs. 

Update given on re-shaping plan for St Collen's

* People at the consultation event are shown plans of the project.

* One of the boards interpreting aspects of the proposals.

The public have been given further explanation on plans to re-shape centuries-old St Collen's Church to make it more adaptable to future demands.

Last October, Father Lee Taylor, unveiled an ambitious scheme to upgrade the historic place of worship with the aim of making it a hub for a wider range of religious and social uses.

The Genesis Programme proposals include:

* The removal of pews at the front of the nave to allow a raised platform stage to be built for worship and performance events    

* The provision of a folding kitchen to provide refreshments at cafe-style social gatherings

* Repositioning of the font to a more practical location      

* The installation of modern LED lights in the roof to highlight its historic beauty

* Fitting glass doors at entrances to allow the heavy oak front door to be left open to make the building feel more welcoming

* A new chapel for private worship where the current vestry is sited

* Replacing the traditional pipe organ with a digital version

During the first of two community consultation events in the church yesterday evening, blueprints, artist's impressions and interpretation boards detailing various aspects of the proposals were displayed around the church.

Father Lee, along with church members and a representatives of the architects were on hand to explain things in detail.

Later Father Lee said it had been a very successful evening and, despite being delayed by the pandemic, he was sure that the plan would now proceed as quickly as possible although, as yet, he could give no firm date when a start on the project would be made.    

When introducing the plan last autumn he said: “St Collen’s has for almost fifteen centuries been a place of worship for the people of Llangollen and beyond.

"The church has been cared for by succeeding generations who have seen fit to make some significant alterations to the building as its purpose has developed in a changing culture. 

“The challenge of re-ordering the church is to ensure that the church is able to reinforce its role as a focal point in the community. This means providing a building which is sufficiently flexible which the wider community can utilise for community gatherings, concerts, school performances and the like." 

The second of two community consultations planned will be held at the church this Sunday, July 18, at 12.15pm.

It is open to all and refreshments will be provided. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP on 01978 861768, or email: stcollens@gmail.com 

Wales will move to Covid alert level 1 from Saturday

* First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Wales will move fully into alert level one from 17 July. 

The changes were paused four weeks ago because of the emergence and spread of the delta variant across the UK and to enable more people to be vaccinated in Wales.

And there will be further changes to the rules outdoors as Wales takes the first careful step towards a new alert level zero.

Alert level zero is set out in an updated Coronavirus Control Plan, which is published today. If the public health situation allows, Wales will move to this level on 7 August.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We are entering a new phase of the pandemic. Cases of the virus have risen sharply since the delta variant emerged six weeks ago but, thanks to our fantastic vaccination programme, we are not seeing these translate into large numbers of people falling seriously ill or needing hospital treatment.

"We can be reasonably confident that vaccination has weakened the link between infections and serious illness. But there is still a risk that this third wave of the pandemic could cause real harm – either direct harm from the virus or indirect harm from for example people having to isolate.

"We can move to alert level one for indoor spaces from 17 July and go further for outdoor spaces because we know the risk of transmission outdoors is lower.

"We are also publishing plans for a new alert level zero, which will have fewer legal restrictions but which will still need all of us to take steps to protect ourselves."

From 17 July, Wales will move fully to alert level one, including:

• Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation.  
• Organised indoor events can take place for up to 1,000 seated and up to 200 standing.
• Ice rinks can reopen.

Wales will also take the first step into alert level zero as the limits on the numbers of people who can meet in public places or at events will be removed.  Outdoor premises and events will also have greater flexibility around physical distancing.

Also from 17 July other changes include:

• New rules for children’s residential activity centres so children in groups of up to 30 can visit.
• A specific requirement for employees to provide comprehensive information on the risks and mitigations identified in the COVID risk assessment  with their employees.

If Wales moves to alert level zero on 7 August, all premises would be able to open and most – but not all – restrictions will be removed and replaced with the ongoing requirement for all organisations and businesses to carry out Covid risk assessments. These will determine what reasonable measures are needed to be put in place to keep workers and customers and visitors safe.

There will also be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others indoors, including in private homes.

Face coverings will continue to be required by law in most indoor public places and on public transport at alert level zero from 7 August, with the exception of hospitality settings.

The First Minister said: "The pandemic is not over and the virus continues to spread across Wales, which makes it really important for everyone to say yes to vaccination and to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

"Even though vaccines have weakened the link between the virus and hospitalisation, we are seeing young, fit people suffer from long-Covid, which, for some, has a major impact on their lives.

"We have the headroom to continue to gradually remove restrictions, but each and every one of us has a really important part to play to keep Wales safe as we head into the summer."

The First Minister has also confirmed that people who have who have been fully vaccinated in the UK will no longer need to self-isolate if they are returning from an amber list country, in line with the position in England and Scotland.

Railway lands £143,000 grant boost

* Scene from the film Back in Business shows the train pulling into Berwyn station.

Llangollen Railway has been awarded a grant of £143,290 from the Wales Cultural Recovery Fund Phase 2. 

And its finance chief says the cash windfall will ensure the heritage line's future into next year.

The purpose of the funding is to assist with salary and overhead costs both ahead of and during the initial weeks of reopening.

"We are delighted to have been given this grant," Phil Freeth, the Trust's finance director, said. 

"It enables us to be confident of being able to employ staff for certain essential positions, which we hope will include at least some staff previously employed by the PLC if they haven't already got positions elsewhere. 

"Crucially, the award secures the railway's immediate future in uncertain times, certainly into 2022, and beyond if visitor numbers hold up."

The news follows a successful re-opening last weekend with the diesel railcar operating to Berwyn station.

After part of the business running the railway went into administration earlier this year, it ran its first train again last Friday.

Now operated by the Llangollen Railway Trust, and after a lot of hard work, the first train, DMU Class 108, ran from Llangollen to Berwyn.

* A short video, entitled Back in Business, and taken from the cab of the DMU is now viewable on Youtube by following the link: https://youtu.be/JuqiW6n9lQQ

Ken Skates welcomes new National Park plan

* Ken Skates MS (left) with Howard Sutcliffe, Denbighshire County Council’s AONB officer, at the new Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, near Llangollen. 

Plans for a new National Park in North East Wales have been welcomed by Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates. 

The Welsh Government wants to make the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the first new National Park in Wales since 1957, with local member Mr Skates saying the move will help create sustainable jobs. 

The plan was one of a number of pledges for North Wales in the Welsh Labour manifesto ahead of the Senedd elections in May.  

Mr Skates said: “There is a lot of excitement about the Welsh Government’s plans to create a new National Park right here in Clwyd South. 

"As well as a celebrating our area’s unique natural beauty, National Park status will further boost tourism – an industry so vital to Clwyd South – and support the green economy as we look to build on our proud record of being one of the most environmentally friendly countries anywhere in the world.” 

Mr Skates raised the issue in the Senedd recently, with First Minister Mark Drakeford saying: “We will create a new National Park for Wales – the first in over 50 years. 

"National Park status brings many benefits for agricultural communities, biodiversity and sustainable tourism. Engagements with communities about protecting and enhancing the special qualities of the area will be an important part of delivering this commitment.” 

Mr Skates this week met Howard Sutcliffe, Denbighshire County Council’s AONB officer, to discuss the plans and visit the new Wenffrwd Nature Reserve just outside Llangollen, which opened recently following significant financial support from the Welsh Government. 

Mr Sutcliffe said: “It was fantastic to welcome Ken to the newly opened pocket park at Wenffrwd, which was an unused remote tip and has been transformed into a new and exciting public park. I’m so pleased that the Welsh Government is investing substantial funds into AONBs and National Parks in Wales.” 

Responding to concerns raised by constituents, Mr Skates has also asked the Welsh Government for reassurances that opportunities for local people to live and work in the National Park area will not be lost. 

Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, said: “I very much agree that National Park status should not be to the detriment of local people. There are a number of steps we are already taking across Wales to mitigate the issues you raise, and full consultations will be part of those as the process unfolds. 

“Social housing remains one of mine, and this Government’s, key priorities. This continued commitment is reaffirmed by the challenging target we have set to deliver 20,000 new low-carbon homes for rent in the social sector. 

“Our latest housing need estimates show that in North Wales, under central estimates, 1,200 additional homes are required each year. Of these, 47% of the estimated need is for market housing and 53% for affordable housing (intermediate rent or social). Our housing target goes beyond this. 

“We are also committed to exploring and developing effective tax, planning and housing measures – which could include local rates of Land Transaction Tax – to ensure the interests of local people are protected. 

“We are also acutely aware of the growing issues in Wales relating to second homes and addressing these issues is one of this Government’s priorities. We will shortly be considering a number of measures, and it is anticipated this plan will be published in the autumn. We will be announcing the plans to engage with communities about protecting and enhancing the special qualities of this landscape in due course.” 

Railway looking for new cook

The railway, now back in its business after its long lay-off, is looking for a cook "fairly quickly" at its cafe on Llangollen station.

The description says: 

Job: Cafe Cook

Terms: Minimum 21hrs

Supervise a small team of two customer/point of sale staff
Experience useful, but not essential.

Anyone Interested is asked to contact Tom on 07951273945.

Summer of fun for children and young people in Denbighshire

Children and young people in Denbighshire can looking forward to a ‘Summer of Fun’.

Denbighshire County Council is providing a range of free sporting, cultural and play based bilingual activities as part of the Welsh Government’s Summer of Fun project.

Events will take place across the county between July 19 and September 1.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this project and offering a fantastic bilingual programme of events in Denbighshire. We are working with a number of partners on this project including town and community councils and I would like to thank all those involved.

“The past year and a half has been very difficult for our children and young people and these free activities will certainly give them something to look forward to during the summer holidays and help support their social, emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. 

“I would encourage parents to make the most of these events and help their children enjoy the best possible summer this year.”

Events and activities are being arranged for children and young people aged 0 to 25 and are designed to support children and young people to express themselves through play, offer community based interactive, creative and play-based initiatives for all ages and provide opportunities to play with friends and peers.

Denbighshire’s new Play Ranger Service will operate Let's Play Out sessions and will offer outdoor play opportunities to children while Denbighshire Youth Service, Technocamps, Salford Children’s Camp, Denbighshire Music Cooperative and the Urdd will be offering a range of activities including community based youth work sessions, open access youth work days, outdoor activity days and sessions, STEM and the schools out project.

All events and activities will have Covid-19 safety measures in place, which attendees will need to follow.

To book onto one of the events or activities visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/summer-of-fun

Roadworks alert for Queen Street

 Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Queen Street 15 July — 19 July   Delays unlikely - Some carriageway incursion   Works description: ISOLATE GAS SUPPLY FOR SAFETY 1M PUBLIC...   Works location: O/S 2 WALTON HOUSE   Public facing description: Wales & West Utilities Ltd has not assigned a specific description to this Works. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by Wales & West Utilities Ltd.   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: XY254008000163913

Police say man's body found at property in Rhosymedre

In an update on a statement they issued yesterday (Sunday) evening about an incident in Eglwysfan, Rhosymedre, North Wales Police now say a 19-year-old man was found deceased at the property. 

In a Facebook post they add: "Shortly afterwards, an 18-year-old local man was apprehended by officers, and was arrested on suspicion of murder.

"Detective Inspector Chris Bell said: ‘Our enquiries are currently ongoing, however I would like to reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident, and there is no cause for further concern.

‘I am aware that highly graphic footage has been widely circulated on social media, and I would caution members of the public from sharing this further. 

'Family Liaison Officers are currently providing support to the victim’s family, and out of respect, I would like to stress the importance of nothing being placed in the public domain that could cause further distress, or indeed prejudice any potential future trial. This includes, but is not limited to naming or speculation as to the identity of any individuals connected with this incident.

‘For these reasons, we will not be commenting further on the case at this time.’"

* Anyone with information that can assist us with the investigation is asked to contact police on 101, or via live webchat quoting ref Z099697

Police seek witnesses after man dies in Ruabon crash

A MAN has died after a crash in Ruabon yesterday (Sunday).

Police are appealing for witnesses following a crash on the A539 between Erbistock and Ruabon.

Sergeant Jason Diamond, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “A white Fiat Panda was involved in a collision and sadly a male died at the scene.

“We are appealing to anybody who was in the area or may have witnessed the collision that occurred at approximately 10.40am to contact us.

“The vehicle was travelling in the direction from the junction at Pen y Lan towards Ruabon.”

The force issued an alert at around 11.15am yesterday informing drivers of the closure, warning it would be in place for several hours.

The fire service was called to attend the scene at 10.40am also – but were later able to leave the scene in the care of the police.

Witnesses or anybody with information or dash cam footage that could assist the investigation are asked to contact North Wales Police on 101.

Frontline police will be trained to spot domestic abuse victims

 

* Sergeant Mike Taggart.

All frontline police officers in North Wales are being given specialist training to provide better protection for domestic abuse victims and to save lives.

North Wales Police has launched a pioneering “cultural change programme” to improve their understanding of abuse and coercive control.

The force will work with the Safe Lives charity over the next 18 months to deliver the Domestic Abuse Matters course, with police staff also being trained.

It will give them a better insight into what is meant by the term coercive control, challenge victim blaming and prompt them to recognise high levels of manipulation by the abusers.

The force’s work to tackle domestic abuse is being championed by Sergeant Mike Taggart who was recently honoured with an MBE for his work in supporting victims of domestic abuse.

The crusade by Sgt Taggart, who works in the Protection of Vulnerable People Unit (PVPU), is motivated by his tragic family history.

He was just 15 when his mother Donna Crist was murdered by his abusive stepfather Derek Evans in 1997.

Sgt Taggart explained that control and coercion stops short of serious physical violence but amounts to extreme psychological and emotional abuse.

Since 2015, the offence carries a maximum of five years’ imprisonment.

“Officers are aware of coercive control, but now, we want this knowledge to have more of an impact,” Sgt Taggart said.

“The aim of this training is to educate officers and give them more tools for their kit really, to be able to take it that step further.

“The more we can pick up on, the more thorough the investigation will be and hopefully that will help in making victims safer and getting better conviction rates in court.”

He added: “There have been times where there have been missed opportunities and there is work that could have been done to change an outcome or make it better for someone.

“So, to see us as a police force to put something into place that’s going to accommodate those things is massive.”

The news about the training programme has been welcomed by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, who is a long-standing campaigner against domestic abuse.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “I have been an official ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign to end male violence against women since 2013 so this cause is close to my heart.

“The work being done by North Wales Police in general and Sgt Taggart in particular to tackle the scourge of domestic abuse is exemplary.

“The roll out of the Domestic Abuse Matters course is another example of how the force is leading the way in this vitally important area of policing.

“I am sure that ultimately this training will save lives and I can think of no better or more fitting tribute to Sgt Taggart’s beloved mother.”

Previous initiatives masterminded by Sgt Taggart have included attending a tattoo convention and training staff in salons to spot signs of abuse.

He also welcomed the stiffening of prison sentences for domestic abuse offences in recent years and called for a serial stalker register to help monitor perpetrators.

According to Sgt Taggart, had his mother had the information available today, along with encouragement and support, she may well have been given the “push she might have needed” to seek help as a victim of domestic abuse sooner.

“I think back in the 90s, domestic abuse was probably seen as that – as something that happened at home and it was nobody else’s’ business,” Sgt Taggart added.

“But it isn't just about what happens behind closed doors now, it’s about how we as police and bystanders deal with it.

“We can all be eyes and ears and help a victim, who could be so frightened that they’d never come forward, but sometimes you can have that little guardian angel somewhere that will make that call that will get the ball rolling in terms of support.

“There was nothing like that available when my mum was alive.

“Having that information in my time, readily available, and having that encouragement and support might well have given my mum that push she might have needed.”

Hopeful the programme will go on to save lives, Sgt Taggart added: “People will contact police as their first port of call if they’re in a crisis.

“So, for an officer to turn up at their door and to identify the issue goes beyond that one incident, and it is in fact a pattern of behaviour, I think will have a massive impact.

“If we can identify those situations earlier, we can intervene earlier and implement safeguarding measures that are ultimately going to keep them safer and give them the confidence and encouragement to leave that relationship.”

Training is currently being rolled out to all frontline officers and staff.

Face coverings will have to stay in some places, says government

As the Welsh Government prepares to publish an updated Coronavirus Control Plan setting out what will happen beyond alert level one, face coverings will continue to be required in certain settings, such as public transport and taxis, and health and social care, as a minimum, while coronavirus remains a public health threat.

Active further consideration is being given to whether face coverings should also be required in other settings, such as retail, if restrictions are relaxed further.

Wales is currently at alert level one – face coverings are mandatory in all indoor public places at alert level one and above.

Next week, Ministers will hold the regular 21-day review of the coronavirus regulations, which will set out whether restrictions can be relaxed in some indoor places, including people’s homes.

They will also publish new plans setting out how Wales will move beyond alert level one to a new alert level zero, with fewer legal restrictions.

But Ministers today confirmed face coverings will continue to be required by law in some places while coronavirus remains a public health threat.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We will need everyone’s help to keep coronavirus under control as we continue to respond to the pandemic – this virus has quite certainly not gone away.

"We know many people are still worried and anxious about going out. We will maintain the requirement to wear face coverings in certain places – on public transport and health and social care settings, and others where necessary – to help keep us all safe."

Scientific evidence supports the use of face coverings, alongside other measures, as a way of reducing the transmission of the virus.

They largely protect other people, rather than the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main sources of transmission of virus. They are particularly useful in busy or crowded, indoor and poorly-ventilated areas.

Public transport vehicles are usually enclosed spaces. If a train or bus is crowded it may not be possible for people to choose not to get on as it could be their only route to work.

Health and social care settings can be high risk environments where sick patients and staff could be at increased risk of exposure to the virus. Wearing face coverings in these areas can help protect others.

The rules on face masks will also be changing in schools. On Friday, Education Minister Jeremy Miles wrote to all schools in Wales explaining that wearing face coverings in the classroom will no longer be recommended from September.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan added: "Wearing face masks is an effective way of reducing the transmission of coronavirus.

"We all have a duty to help to protect each other. Keeping everyone safe has been the Welsh Government’s priority through the pandemic and will continue to be the priority in future."

The First Minister will make a statement to Plenary on Wednesday setting out the outcome of the 21-day review and providing further details on the new alert level zero.