Minister impressed by railway's re-birth during visit today

llanblogger exclusive

* The Deputy Minister with railway board members and volunteers at Llangollen station.

* Board members and volunteers with the Deputy Minister on Berwyn station.

* Ms Bowden chats to railway volunteers on Llangollen station.

* The Deputy Minister is shown pictures of recent developments on the line by railway publicity officer George Jones.

The country cannot afford to lose heritage attractions such as Llangollen Railway, which is an organisation the Welsh Government wants to support, maintain and to see thrive.

That was the message from Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden MS, when she paid a whistle-stop visit to the line this afternoon (Tuesday).

Earlier this month the railway was awarded a grant of £143,290 from the Wales Cultural Recovery Fund, which is controlled by the Welsh Government, to aid its recovery from recent financial problems brought on first by closure due to the pandemic and then when the company which ran it plunged into receivership with debts of £350,000.

But thanks to massive efforts by the separate and solvent Llangollen Railway Trust the railway is now back up and running. 

As the first stage of its salvage operation it is currently running a diesel train between Llangollen and the next station along the line at Berwyn but has firm plans to bring back highly popular steam-hauled services early next month.

During her visit today the Deputy Minister was invited to take a trip aboard the Class 108 heritage diesel railcar and see for herself the progress that has been made since the railway's re-opening on July 9.

She was given a full update by members of the trust board and volunteers along the way.

The Deputy Minister said: "One of our commitments as the Welsh Government is to make sure that our tourism industry is in a position to be able to thrive after the pandemic.

"We want to support our tourist organisations. We have supported them in Llangollen because we recognise the importance that tourism has to this part of north Wales.

"Without the Llangollen Railway we'd be losing a huge asset, to the economy, to tourism and to jobs.

"So the importance of it is literally buying into our strategy for tourism in north Wales."

Asked if it was likely the railway would be getting any further Welsh Government support, the Deputy Minister said: "Where there is a need and where we believe that there is value for money we will continue to support organisations like this.

"We cannot afford to lose this kind of heritage scheme. Llangollen Railway says so much about the area, our railway heritage and it's absolutely something we want to support and maintain and to see thrive.

"That's what our contribution has been, It's been about making sure that the railway can survive and hopefully be a thriving, going concern for the future of the tourism industry and for Llangollen."

Ms Bowden said she had been "very impressed" by what she had been shown, adding: "It wasn't that long ago that the organisation went into administration and the trust has had to turn it around and build a business case.

"They've also had to get a business plan together and they've had to make all this work. It's to their true credit that they've been able to do all that.

"We've been able to help with this but it's these people on the ground that have turned it around."

One of those who greeted the Deputy Minister was trust vice-chairman Phil Coles.

He said: "It was a very successful visit. She was impressed by what she saw and heard and my parting comment to her was, 'don't be surprised if we come back and ask for more support in future,' and she said, 'by all means'.

"She said she was really impressed by what we have been doing but we've still got a long way to go.

"We've got to get the engineering going to get the trains further along the line and the icing on the cake will obviously be next March when we open all the way to Corwen.

"We've also got steam coming in early August, we hope."  

  

 

 

Police launch free community messaging service

Communities of North Wales can now keep up to date with personalised local policing news, following the launch of a brand new free messaging service - North Wales Community Alert.

North Wales Police are the first force in Wales to launch the alert system which has been funded as part of the Home Office Safer Streets Fund. 

The system is currently used by several other police forces in other parts of the UK and has seen positive results and greater engagement with communities.

North Wales Community Alert is quick and simple to sign up to and gives the public a voice in our neighbourhood policing priorities. 

The system includes a messaging service that allows users to tell police what really matters to them.

It is also a platform to gain a insight into police activity in local areas and what we are doing to tackle any issues. 

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: “We are delighted to launch North Wales Community Alert which will form a key part of our Local Policing. 

"It is a free messaging service for people who live and work in North Wales to help our communities to stay informed and up to date with news, alerts, appeals, engagement events and general policing activities from your local police teams.

“What makes North Wales Community Alert so useful is that individuals can choose what information they would like to receive from us and how they would like to receive it whether by email, text or voice message -  so they don't even need an internet connection - the choice is in their hands.

“North Wales Community Alert isn’t just a broadcast channel, where it is just us telling you. It is a two-way messaging system so that we have an additional route to listen to what our communities have to say.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin said: “North Wales Community Alert will give our communities a great opportunity to provide feedback to their local neighbourhood police team on the issues that matter most to them, helping us to work together to make North Wales the safest place in the UK.

“Local Police officers will be raising awareness of the scheme and I encourage residents, businesses and community groups to sign up to the system.

“Please take some time to register with North Wales Community Alert, it is quick, simple and completely free.”

* You can register by visiting North Wales Community Alert

Last chance to help county draft plan for next five years

Denbighshire County Council is developing a new Corporate Plan with the help of local residents who have taken part by providing their feedback.

Every five years the council creates a new Corporate Plan to realign its focus and plan how its services can best work together for up to five years.

The County Conversation consultation process gives residents the chance to provide their feedback. It is split into two key phases: the first phase (happening now) seeks to establish what people feel the council’s priorities should be.

This will then be used to create the new Corporate Plan which reflects the opinions of how local residents want to see Denbighshire improve as a place to live, work and visit. 

The new plan will then be consulted on fully at a later date.

The council is encouraging everyone to get involved in this first phase of the County Conversation before the deadline of July 31.

Topics raised so far in the County Conversation include supporting the community, climate change, education, training and job opportunities and activities for young people.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, the council’s Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets, said: “It is great that so many residents have already got involved in the County Conversation.

“This plan is created for everyone in Denbighshire so it is important that as many residents as possible have their say on shaping the Corporate Plan and the priorities for the next five years.

We have already received great feedback from residents which will help us ensure that the plan’s focus represents what is most important to our communities, however I would encourage anyone that hasn’t already to get involved.”

The County Conversation survey is being run online until July 31 2021. Paper copies are also available to collect and return from libraries and being distributed to home library service users until then.

To take part and have your say, visit https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/596 to complete the online survey.

 

Latest Citizens Advice column

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is: 

Q: I’ve heard that Universal Credit is going to be cut from September. I struggle to get by as it is and I’m really worried that if I lose £20 a week, I’ll get into serious debt. I’m already behind on some of my bills. What can I do to avoid things getting worse? 

A: You’re not alone in this - there is support available. 

Firstly, depending on your situation, you might be able to ask to have your Universal Credit paid differently - these are called ‘alternative payment arrangements’. This might be an option if you’re in debt or rent arrears, among other reasons. To apply for an alternative payment arrangement, call the Universal Credit helpline on: 0800 328 5644/

If you’re behind on some of your bills, the first step is to make a list of how much you owe and add up how much you need to pay each month. 

You now need to prioritise your debts. We have advice on our website to help you do this. Some bills can cause you more problems than others if you don’t pay them. Rent or mortgage arrears, energy bills and council tax are your priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you don’t pay them. 

Be sure to get in touch with the organisations you owe money to. Not everyone feels confident to do this, but they might be able to help by letting you pay smaller amounts or taking a break from payments. Many organisations have put in place protections for people who’ve struggled to pay their bills during the pandemic. 

The government-backed Breathing Space scheme could also give you extra time. If you’re eligible, you could get 60 days where your creditors can’t contact you, take action to make you pay, or add interest and charges to your debt. You'll need to get advice from a debt adviser first - they’ll check all your debts to see if they’re covered by the scheme. 

Finally, it’s always a good idea to have a budget - take a look at the budgeting tool on our website and make sure you’re getting all the income you’re entitled to. 

Everyone’s circumstances are different, particularly when it comes to managing personal finances. If you need more specific support or don’t feel able to manage your situation alone, call our debt helpline: 0800 240 4420.

Self-isolating workers 'greater danger than Covid', says care boss

 

* Keri Llewellyn, the vice-chair of Care Forum Wales.

The increasing number of care workers self-isolating is potentially more of a danger to vulnerable people in Wales than the Covid-19 virus, a social care leader has warned.

According to Keri Llewellyn, the vice chair of Care Forum Wales, they were getting reports of care homes and domiciliary care companies where 40 per cent of the staff were at having to quarantine at home.

As a result, a growing number of providers were struggling to give the required level of care  – and the situation was only going to get worse with Covid cases skyrocketing.

Social services departments were being affected by the same problem which meant that there were no staff reinforcements from there available.

Although, thankfully, the number of people falling seriously ill and needing hospital treatment was falling, Care Forum Wales was concerned that some care home residents and people receiving care in their own homes could be at risk.

They were by definition in fragile health and often needed a high level of care.

The situation was already having a knock-on impact on the NHS because the reduced capacity of domiciliary care companies and care homes was making it increasingly difficult to discharge hospital patients back into the community.

The Welsh Government has announced that from August 7 fully-vaccinated people will not need to self-isolate if they come in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

 

Care Forum Wales say they are looking forward to discussing with the Welsh Government what this means for social care and any additional measures for staff working in health and care settings.

 

Ms Llewellyn, who is also managing director of home care provider All-Care which works across South Wales, said: “I’m up to 40 per cent of staff not working at any given time at the moment, which is huge.

“Clearly, we’re in the third wave and the infection rate is rising but it’s not got the same feel because it’s not as bad and the hospitals are not as affected, but capacity has gone right through the floor.

“We can’t carry on providing the same service to everyone in the community while we’ve got that many staff off. 

“They can’t get people out of hospital clearly, so there’s already a backlog to free up hospitals because they can’t move them on to having care because nobody has the capacity.

“We’re facing a perfect storm. As well as the increasing number of people self-isolating.

“Over the past year or so child care has often been provided by partners on furlough but with people back in work that’s not an option either.”

The concern was echoed by Care Forum Wales chief executive Mary Wimbury who said: “Everybody is seeing increased pressure.

“Even though at the height of the pandemic things were very much worse in terms of severe illness, because we are opening up many more people are putting themselves in situations where they’re potentially being exposed to Covid and they’re having to self-isolate.

“As a result the number of people self-isolating is also on a steep upward curve.

“Schools are now open and we know lots of infections are coming through them which means that parents have to self-isolate.

“Even if the child is a contact and not actually infected it can still take some of the workforce out because of child care issues.

“As part of the easing of restrictions, the Welsh Government have said that people who are fully vaccinated will not need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive from August 7 onwards.

“The vast majority of social care staff are fully vaccinated as are the people receiving care.

“We’ve got some positive data on vaccinated people reducing transmission but if you’re caring for vulnerable people the risk is still there, even though it’s reduced.

“According to Professor David John Spiegelhalter, an eminent expert on understanding risk, a vaccinated 80 year old has the same risk as an unvaccinated 50 year old, so the risk has not gone away.

“We will be discussing with the Welsh Government the arrangements they have suggested will need to be in place for those in the care sector who would previously have been required to self-isolate after being in contact with somebody who has Covid.”

“Caution should still be the watchword in Wales but we have also got to be in a position where we can deliver services.

“We are very concerned providers we are going to reach a point where vulnerable people are at risk because there are not enough staff to care for them.

“I think that’s the biggest risk currently for the sector. You can’t function without people to provide care and that potentially is a bigger danger than the virus currently.

“There were staffing issues in social care before the pandemic struck and this is having a massive knock on effect. It’s making things really difficult.

“There needs to be some serious number crunching and working out how to balance all these different pressures to determine the best possible solution.”

Inner Wheel presents cheque to Ysgol Dinas Bran's DoE team

Llangollen Inner Wheel held a fundraising cake and craft stall at the town market.

Members a cheque to students at Ysgol Dinas Bran who are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

The donation will go towards providing equipment for their proposed September expedition.

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.