Denbighshire congratulates pupils on GCSE results

Denbighshire County Council is congratulating pupils receiving their GCSE results.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “On behalf of the council I would like to congratulate all pupils getting their GCSE results.

“This last year has presented significant challenges for learners and they have made a tremendous effort to achieve their results, they have worked very hard to get here.

“There has been some fantastic partnership working to ensure students achieved the best results and pupils have received support from their families and schools. I would like to thank all those who have supported our hard-working students this last year.

“We would like to wish all learners the very best in their next steps.”

* The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles, has congratulated learns on their GCSE achievements.Share this page via

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• There were 328,658 summer GCSE entries this year, a rise of 8.6% compared to 2020.
• 29% of entries achieved an A* or A, with 74% receiving between A*- C.
• 98% of entries resulted in a pass between grades A*-G.

This year’s assessment and qualification process has been different to previous years, as examinations for summer 2021 were cancelled in response to the pandemic. A new system was designed and delivered by schools and colleges, drawing on a range of assessment evidence to determine learners’ grades.

The Welsh Government provided an additional £9m to support schools and colleges in the delivery of this year’s assessments. £26m was provided to ensure students could complete their vocational qualifications and colleges could continue to deliver practical sessions this year. 

The Minister visited Ysgol Glan Clwyd, in Denbighshire, where he met pupils collecting their GCSE grades.

Jeremy Miles said: "Our priority this year has been to put a system in place so that learners receive grades based on evidence of their work and enables them to progress to the next stage of their education, training or work with confidence.

"My message to this year’s GCSE students is a huge ‘well done’. You’ve had everything thrown at you over the last 18 months – periods in lockdown, time away from your friends and families, and times where you’ve missed out on many of the social activities you should be enjoying. You’ve shown tremendous resilience to overcome all of these challenges.

"I also want to congratulate learners on their vocational qualification results. Skills in priority sectors are vitally important in meeting the range of needs of the Welsh economy, now more than ever, and your hard-earned qualifications will put you in good stead for the future.

"It’s also been a remarkable achievement by all the school and college staff who’ve worked so hard to enable qualifications this year. It’s been an almighty task to put measures in place so that learners could get their results, like any other year. You should be very proud of the work you have done to help our learners progress."

Order aims to ensure owners control dogs in open spaces

 

Denbighshire County Council has today launched a Public Space Protection order (PSPO) to ensure dog owners control their pets properly whilst using county public areas.

The PSPO launched following a full consultation, will allow the council to take action against owners who allow their dogs to foul in an area of public land without cleaning up after them.

The intention of introducing the revised, county wide control of dogs PSPO is to effectively deal with particular problems and nuisances that occur across the county.

This order also prohibits owners from taking their dogs onto sports pitches across Denbighshire and also letting a dog off a lead anywhere that is not allowed.

There are also restrictions on Rhyl and Prestatyn beaches between May and 30^th September please check the signs in these areas.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We know that the majority of Denbighshire dog owners are respectful of other members of the public and they do clean up after their pets. 

"Unfortunately, the council does receive a number of complaints from residents regarding anti-social behaviour from dog owners who don’t control their dogs properly in public places.

“This new PSPO will allow us to take the appropriate action against those dog owners who behave irresponsibly with their pets in public.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to remind all dog owners to ensure that they carry appropriate dog mess bags with them when they take their dogs for a walk.”

* For further information, please click these links:

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/community-and-living/community-safety-and-support/public-spaces-protection-orders.aspx

https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/environmental-health/dog-issues/dog-issues.aspx

 

Famous Berwyn station building gets a £5k facelift

* Above and below: the work on Berwyn station building in progress.

Pictures by George Jones.

With the re-opening of Llangollen Railway, work is being carried out on what of the line's most famous landmarks.   

Scaffolding has been erected around the station house at Berwyn which dates from 1865.

A mix of volunteers and a contractor have been tackling the exterior of the mock Tudor building.

With repairs to the roof flashings, efforts are concentrated on the timberwork to prepare it for painting whilst it has been necessary to replace some of the outer layers of timber due to weather damage.

Phil Coles, deputy chair of Llangollen Railway Trust, said: "The building restoration project is costing upwards of £5,000 plus the input from volunteer labour and we hope the work will be completed by the end of August. 

"The building will then be revealed in all its black and white glory as befits Berwyn which has previously been judged as in the top ten stations in Britain for its dramatic location above the River Dee Gorge."

For the moment the station is the terminus of the interim railcar service from Llangollen and passengers arriving by train are discovering the delights of the location as viewed from the historic chain bridge and route to the Horseshoe Falls.

Glanrafon to host talk on trees this Saturday

Professor Julian Evans will be giving an illustrated presentation entitled God’s Trees on Saturday, August 14, at Glanrafon Chapel in Princess Street, Llangollen. 

Professor Evans is a forest scientist and author of God’s Trees – trees, forests and wood in the Bible. 

He is a Commissioner of the Forestry Commission (England), a past president of the Institute of Chartered Foresters and has published numerous books and scientific papers.

The illustrated talk will begin at 5:30pm and will last for approximately 45 minutes. 

A limited number of places are still available but due to ongoing Covid restrictions, it is essential to book for the event.

* Please contact coedclwyd@gmail.com for further details or to book a place. Copies of God’s Trees will be available at a 20% discount.

Funding available towards cost of installing gigabit broadband

Rural residents and businesses in Denbighshire are being remind to apply for funding towards the cost of installing gigabit broadband.

The Welsh and UK governments are working together on the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme which covers part of the cost of installing new gigabit-capable internet connections.

Under the partnership £7,000 is available for small-to-medium sized businesses and up to £3,000 is available for residential premises.

Gigabit-capable broadband connections offer the fastest and most reliable speeds available, and the scheme is open to rural premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “The scheme has now been relaunched by the Welsh and UK governments and we are urging Denbighshire residents in rural locations without decent broadband to check to see if they are eligible for these vouchers.

“Connecting communities is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and improved internet connections ensure our communities have access to goods and services and help the county’s businesses provide services online.

“It is possible for residents or community groups to work together on applications and the Council is working to advise and assist them with their applications.”

As well as offering the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme, the Welsh Government funded Fibre Roll-out will see a total of 1,862 extra premises in Denbighshire enabled for Fibre To The Premises

(FTTP) connection by June 2022 and Openreach has already enabled 399 premises in the county.

If you would like to discuss the options available contact the Council’s digital officer via communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk and to check eligibility for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher visit https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk

Campaigner gives update on battle for recycling centre

* Plas Madoc household waste recycling site in Wrexham.

A local tip campaigner gives his latest update on the fight for an arrangement to provide access to Plas Madoc household recycling centre for residents of the Dee Valley.

A few months ago Phil Jones organised a 900-signature petition calling for an agreement between Denbighshire and Wrexham councils which would mean local people would no longer have to drive over to Ruthin use the to tip there. He now says: 

"We have a new chief executive at Denbighshire CC. Mr Graham Boase. 

"I wrote to him 14 days ago to appraise him of the long outstanding issue of getting a proper recycling service for the Dee Valley. 

"I was hoping that he would see the clear disparity in the service provision we are getting in the Dee Valley compared to the north of the county and agree to do something about it. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that far.

"Mr Boase has registered my letter as an official complaint. This has the effect of ‘kicking the can down the road’ as the complaint procedure will no doubt take a few months. 

"Even assuming my complaint is upheld, the council’s response to it will be determined by the council not by the complaints procedure. 

"Of more concern is the fact that I am informed that the complaint will be dealt with by the Head of Service, Mr Tony Ward; the very person who has been obfuscating the whole process of sorting this out. I will be requesting that someone else is appointed to handle the complaint.

"Denbighshire says that the charge for a service at Plas Madoc is ‘unaffordable’, though they haven’t explained why their operating costs have been calculated to be just one seventh of those at Wrexham. 

"If we get a positive result from the complaints procedure, the best I think we can hope for is that our needs are put front and centre in the next budget round for the next financial year 2022/23.

"We want access to a modern recycling facility in the Dee Valley. It already exists and the Welsh Government and DCC are forever telling us how good they are at recycling. Why, you may wonder are they failing us so badly. 

"We live in a world where ‘spin’ counts for more the action. The saga continues. Thank-you for your continued support." 

Denbighshire congratulates pupils on A/AS Level results 2021

Denbighshire County Council is congratulating pupils receiving their A/AS Level results.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children's Services and Public Engagement, said: “On behalf of the Council I would like to congratulate all Year 12 and 13 learners on their results in this difficult year.

“The hard work and dedication pupils have shown over the last year has been amazing to see and they have been supported in every way by our schools, their staff and parents.

“Seeing how our schools and communities have pulled together during the coronavirus pandemic has been fantastic and despite disruptions pupils have continued to learn and achieve throughout.

“Reaching this stage has truly been a wonderful team effort, but the pupils themselves have really gone above and beyond.

“We would like to wish all our young people the very best for the future.”

* No results have been received from Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Headteacher Mark Hatch told llanblogger: "Unfortunately this year it has been a strange situation. We haven't had a 'results day'. Confirmation of results was sent to students via email. We aren't publishing school results this year due to the situation."

Education Minister Jeremy Miles has praised the achievements of students all over Wales as 2021 A, AS, VQ and Skills Challenge Certificates results are published.

The total number of A level entries in Wales this year was 35,867, an increase of 14.5% relative to 2020, reversing the decreasing A level entries since the summer of 2015, and resulting in an extra 4,500 A levels being awarded to Welsh learners this year. Results for Wales show that 99.1% of learners achieved A* - E grades, up from 97.6% in 2019, with an increase at A* with 21.3% of candidates achieving this grade. This year’s assessment and qualification process have been different to previous years as examinations for summer 2021 were cancelled in response to the pandemic. A new system was designed and delivered by schools and colleges and put trust in them to draw together a range of assessment evidence on which to determine a learner’s grade.  Jeremy Miles said: “I hope everyone who received their grades today feels immensely proud of their remarkable achievement. “This year has been like no other and you’ve had to make many sacrifices. You have had to deal with so much disruption to your studies over the past 18 months, but have shown tremendous resilience and determination to continue your learning. You have also played an incredibly important role in keeping your classmates, teachers and communities safe. “While your experiences and the way in which you have been assessed have been different, the value of these qualifications is not. You can can be sure that your grades reflect your hard work throughout this year, and you fully deserve the qualifications you receive. “Our school and college staff have also been tremendous, working incredibly hard and under a lot of pressure to deliver and mark learners’ assessments. “The most important thing this year is that learners are able to progress to the next stage of their education, training or their work careers.   “Best of luck to you all in whatever your future holds.”

Steam trains are returning to the railway this Friday

Steam trains are coming back to Llangollen Railway.

Now rapidly recovering from the double blows of pandemic restrictions and its own financial crisis, the heritage line is set to re-introduce its highly popular steam services in a few days time.

On its Facebook page it has posted: "We are pleased to announce that this Friday (13th) will see the return of steam-hauled trains through the Dee Valley, as well as the extension of services to Glyndyfrdwy.

"As well as steam-hauled services, we will also be operating a heritage railcar.

"Trains depart Llangollen every 55 minutes from 10:30 until 15:05, and from Glyndyfrdwy every 55 minutes from 11:12 until 15:47. Trains will also stop at Berwyn. This timetable will be in operation over the weekend too.

"Tickets can be purchased on the day from our Booking Offices. For more information of times and prices, drop us a message or enquire at our Booking Offices.

"Rostered locos are GWR 3802 (Steam) and Class 109 'Wickham' (DMU)."

The railway has recently received high-level visits from Welsh Government and UK Ministers who both congratulated the operating team on the way it has fought back from its twin crises.

It swung back into action early last month and has since been successfully running heritage diesel railcar services as far as Berwyn.

But the new board had promised that steam would be back this month.

MP discusses future of key heritage building

* David Metcalfe, left, and Simon Baynes MP outside the Ebenezer in Cefn Mawr.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes visited the Ebenezer Chapel in Cefn Mawr to discuss future plans for the building to lead the economic regeneration of the area.

The Ebenezer was secured for the community at auction on May 25.

The chapel was extensively restored in 2007/8 as a part of the Article 4 Cefn Mawr Conservation Area. 

This was part of the preparatory work for UNESCO Inscription of the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site in 2009.

During the visit, Mr Baynes met with David Metcalfe, project leader for the Plas Kynaston Canal (PKC) Group.

They discussed many topics relating to the future success of the Ebenezer and prosperity of the community. 

These ranged from storm damage and the B5605 landslide to the prospects of the Trevor Basin Master Plan and how the PKC Group seeks to work with Wrexham Council. 

It was stressed that the community needs to be connected to overcome the lack of footfall in Cefn Mawr and the Ebenezer in an area with one of the highest visitor counts in Wales. 

Simon Baynes said: “It was a pleasure to meet with David and to see the excellent plans underway to not only regenerate the old Ebenezer Chapel, which is at the centre of our famous Pontcysyllte World Heritage site, but also, the wider development of our local economy in Cefn Mawr. 

"The project has my full support and I look forward to checking in and keeping a close eye on how it develops going forward.”

Police execute drugs warrant in Lllangollen over weekend

The latest Neighbourhood Action alert from North Wales Police says: "The Conwy and Denbighshire Rural Neighbourhood Police team executed a positive Drugs Warrant in Llangollen over the weekend responding to community intelligence. 

"We have also been on patrol in locations that have experienced a high volume of visitors recently such as Llangollen and Betws-y-Coed as well as patrolling in locations known for illegal off--road biking. 

"Anti-social driving in Ruthin Town Centre will also continue to be a focus at weekends. 

"What else and where else do you think we can focus our attention at the moment?" 

* For details of Neighbourhood Action, go to: https://www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/

Paper highlights Llan woman who is Wales' strongest woman

The Denbighshire Free Press has a story about a Llangollen woman who has broken three Welsh records and earned the title of Wales' Strongest Woman.

* For the the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19497074.llangollen-woman-breaks-three-welsh-records-wins-wales-strongest-woman/

Survey launched on Gypsy and Traveller needs in county

A survey has been launched as part of work to produce an up to date needs assessment for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation in Denbighshire.

Denbighshire County Council is assessing current accommodation need for Gypsies, Traveller and Travelling Show people and this does not include looking for locations for sites.

The process will include talking to Gypsy and Traveller families, key stakeholders and representative groups and will run until October 7.

It will include a review of local data, including the number of unauthorised encampments that have taken place in the county and a consultation with families from the Gypsy and Travelling community living in Denbighshire. 

Elected members and city, town and community councils will also be asked to promote the survey to eligible residents as well as feed in local knowledge around travelling patterns. 

The council has a legal duty to undertake a new Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment (GTAA) every five years as a requirement of the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 and it is also a requirement for the replacement Local Development Plan the Council is currently working on.

A Task and Finish group set up to support the process had a work brief and a communications plan endorsed by the council’s Scrutiny Committee on July 26.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “We have now launched the consultation and will be looking to gain as much feedback from Gypsy and Traveller families as we can to help inform this process. 

“We are encouraging Gypsy and Traveller families to take part in this consultation process. The Council has a legal duty to undertake this Assessment and it is important we do it properly.

“This process is to gain a better understanding of any accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers who live in the area as well as those Gypsy and Traveller families who stay on unauthorised encampments.

“The GTAA will assess any accommodation need only and this work does not include looking for locations for sites. There will be no further work on looking for sites until we understand any potential need.”

Opinion Research Services will be undertaking the assessment on behalf of the Council and it will be carried out in conjunction with Conwy County Borough Council who are conducting a similar assessment in Conwy.

* If you are a Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Show person living in Denbighshire then contact Michael Bayliss at Opinion Research Services on 07471 267095 or email michael.bayliss@ors.org.uk

Nature for Health sessions planned this week

A number of Nature for Health sessions are to be held locally this week. 

Details are:

Call for businesses to promote vaccines amongst staff

Businesses in Denbighshire are being asked to encourage staff to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of Covid-19.

Denbighshire County Council is supporting the Welsh Government’s campaign urging employers to encourage staff to be vaccinated.

As part of the campaign businesses are encouraged to be as flexible as possible when it is time for staff to have a vaccine as well as urging employees to be cautious about misinformation and to use trusted sources if they are searching for information or answers to questions about the vaccine.

Cllr Mark Young, the Council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “Vaccination has helped weaken the link between coronavirus infections and serious illness and hospital admissions, but more people could fall seriously ill if rates of vaccination do not increase further as the delta variant continues to spread.

“Vaccines are helping the easing of restrictions and allowing society to open up again and it is important businesses protect themselves and their staff by encouraging uptake of the vaccine.”

Residents are also being reminded to work with Test Trace Protect (TTP) teams when contacted to help stop coronavirus spreading further.

Cllr Young added: “We are asking people to work with our TTP team when asked to do so, and this includes to isolate when required.

“The Council has been working with regional partners to share the message that restrictions are different in Wales to England and we are reminding people that wearing masks is still a requirements in Wales.

“We are still seeing a high number of Covid-19 cases here in North Wales so it is important everyone plays their part in acting responsibly to help keep communities safe.”

Book a PCR test at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test if you have Covid-19 symptoms or order a lateral flow test at www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests for regular tests when not showing symptoms.

You can book a test by telephone on 119 between 7am and 11pm (calls are free).

It is also quick and easy to book a first or second dose vaccination appointment at a convenient date, time and location using Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s online booking service https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking

Natural Resources Wales gives update on Pengwern Vale project

 

Richard Dearing of Natural Resources Wales gives an update on the Pengwern Vale scheme in Llangollen, which is one of its five key projects in north east Wales. “In March 2021 Natural Resources Wales [NRW] and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty [AONB] organised a meeting with the community of Pengwern Vale to discuss opportunities around working in partnership to make a positive contribution to the special landscape character of Pengwern Vale. “The quiet valley to the south east of Llangollen is the old bed of the River Dee and lies within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB. “Within the Vale is a housing estate, two primary schools, farms and some small businesses. It has steep valley sides with woodland some of which is Welsh Government Woodland Estate managed by NRW. “We facilitated a virtual event with the purpose to ‘listen’. By listening we started to understand what’s important to the people who live, work and visit Pengwern Vale, the challenges they face, and how we can all work better to make a positive contribution in responding to the climate and environment emergency. “Over thirty external participants came to a virtual evening meeting including residents, Town & County Councillors, a headteacher, school governor, local businesses and representatives of Friends of Pengwern Vale, Friends of the Earth, Woodland Trust, local health centre, Llangollen 2020 (sports clubs) and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. “Once people realised there was no pre-determined plan, the discussion became positive and free flowing. Lots of existing and possible initiatives were raised along with the ambition that the group could start to prepare a Plan for the Vale setting out a vision and ambition for at least the next generation. This could be seen almost as an Area Statement in miniature. “Some of the possibilities raised ranged from promoting the local engagement with the environment seen during lockdown, to management of recreation, green infrastructure, sustainable land management, and even as far as promoting engagement in wider environmental issues for the next generation. “This new way of working [in line with the Area Statement process] is organic.  It will take time to build trust and nurture relationships so local stakeholders have the confidence to commit and drive actions that will deliver positive community transformation. “However, there is a clear desire and enthusiasm to do something different.  The next step is for NRW and the AONB to support the community in developing a short, medium and generational ‘plan for the vale’ that will be instrumental in delivering the communities vision with the support of a range of stakeholders and partners. “If you would like to support this project, or would like to learn more please contact richard.dearing@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk”

 

MP calls in at The Wild Pheasant

* From left, Nick Rowlands (Area Manager for the Everbright Hotels Group), Becky Shields (Hotel Manager) and Simon Baynes MP outside The Wild Pheasant.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially distanced visit to The Wild Pheasant & Spa Hotel in Llangollen. 

The hotel drew praise recently for offering a 15% discount to all NHS workers in gratitude for their efforts during the pandemic. 

During the visit, Mr Baynes met with Becky Shields (Hotel Manager), Nick Rowlands (Area Manager for the owners, Everbright Hotels Group) and other members of staff to discuss the re-opening of the hospitality sector following the Welsh Government lockdown earlier in the year, and the support provided through furlough and other job support schemes by the UK Government. 

Mr Baynes said: “I was really glad to have the opportunity visit and meet the team at The Wild Pheasant Hotel to hear about how they offer visitors to Llangollen a unique experience. 

"It was especially heartening to hear about how they use local suppliers wherever possible, including milk from Edwards Dairies Chirk, meat from Abbey Farm, Llangollen, and from Pen-y-Lan Pork, near Wrexham. 

“It was also good to hear from the hotel manager Becky Shields that they will be taking part in the UK Government’s Kickstart scheme to train up local young people in the hospitality sector and about their plans for expansion. 

"Their kind offer of reduced rates for NHS staff is a fitting tribute to those who worked so hard to keep us safe during the pandemic.”

Drakeford removes final set of Covid restrictions from tomorrow

First Minister Mark Drakeford (pictured) is urging everyone to continue to help prevent the spread of coronavirus as he confirms that Wales will move to the new alert level zero tomorrow (Saturday).  

At alert level zero:

• There will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet, including in private homes, public places or at events.
• Businesses which were required to be closed will be able to re-open. This includes nightclubs.
• Premises which are open to the public and workplaces will have more flexibility about which reasonable measures they take to minimise the risk of coronavirus. But these should be tailored to their risk assessment and their specific circumstances.
• Face coverings will not be a legal requirement in hospitality settings where food and drink is served, but will continue to be required in most indoor public places.

At alert level zero, all restrictions on meeting with others will be removed and all businesses will be able to open. But some important protections will continue to be in place to give everyone the confidence to enjoy the summer ahead.

These include:

• Everyone must continue to isolate for 10 days if they have Covid-19 symptoms or if they have a positive test result.
• Face coverings will continue to be required in most indoor public places in Wales, including on public transport, in shops and in healthcare settings. There will be exemptions for people who cannot wear them, as there are currently.
• All those responsible for premises open to the public and workplaces must carry out a Covid risk assessment and continue to take reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus.   

Mark Drakeford said: "Moving to alert level zero is another significant step forward for us all. For the first time since the pandemic started, all businesses will be able to open and all legal limits on meeting people in indoor private spaces will be removed.

"Alert level zero does not mean the end of restrictions and a free-for-all. But it does mean we can all enjoy more freedoms with the confidence there are still important protections in place to make sure our public health is being safeguarded while we are out and about. 

"Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over yet and we all need to work together to do everything we can to keep this virus under control – at alert level zero, everything we do will have an impact on this virus.

"Even if you have been fully vaccinated, meeting outside is safer than inside; let fresh air into indoor spaces, get tested even for mild symptoms, and self-isolate when you are required to do so.

"Continue to keep our distance when we are out and work from home whenever we can. Wear a face mask, especially in crowded places, on public transport, in shops and in health and social care settings.

“Taking responsibility and working together means we can all do the things we’ve missed the most. We’ve all got a reason to keep Wales safe."

Also as of tomorrow adults who are fully vaccinated and children and young people under 18, will no longer need to isolate if they are identified as close contacts of someone who has coronavirus.

Councillor's one way idea used in bid to beat diversion congestion

A one way traffic system through Llangollen suggested by a local county councillor was used late last night in a bid to counter the effect of “chaotic” congestion in the town caused by roadworks on the A483 dual carriageway. 

After two nights of diversions through Llangollen sparked by the overnight closures for general repairs and environmental works on the A483 – from 7pm until 6am -  Cllr Melvyn Mile had contacted the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agency to complain that something must be done to avoid the traffic jams this created. 

He suggested a one-way system should be put in place. 

An official of the agency, who had accompanied him last night to observe the situation in Llangollen, put his idea into operation and later reported to him that it had eased the situation. 

In an email to the agency and Denbighshire County Council, sent at just before 10pm last night, Cllr Mile said: “We need to find a different way of dealing with the closure of the A483 and it being diverted through Llangollen until the B5605 [through Newbridge] is fully functional. Whenever that will be, not soon, that’s for sure! 

“Despite the best efforts of Lisa Bilton from the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agency and a DCC operative it’s another evening of absolute chaos on Castle Street, Mill Street and Regent Street. 

“Here’s my solution: Set up traffic lights beyond the Ponsonby on the A539, where the road is wide enough to cater for very large vehicles passing each other. Plus traffic lights on the A5, set back from the junction with Castle Street. 

“Then operate a one way system up or down Castle Street, 5 minutes duration per session or whatever is decided. 

“This should also be operated when Castle Street has been widened after Llangollen 2020. The street is full!”  

At around 10.30pm, Lisa Bilton of the traffic agency emailed back to Cllr Mile to say: “After you left me on Castle Street tonight, we started the one way system you suggested. At 10pm traffic was flowing well in both directions.”  

Cllr Mike responded: “Great news, thanks very much. I hope that this can be put in place by the powers that be as the default method.”

Comment on the story from Llangollen town councillor Stuart Davies ...

"I think it’s a valid concern that the statements from Cllr Mile indicate that currently and in the future he is confirming that Castle Street is too narrow to take sustained volumes of large traffic. 

"Concerns expressed during the  public consultation, that the future carriageway width is too narrow, have been recognised but not acted upon by DCC."

Timetable extended at Lllangollen Railway

* The longitudinal beams are craned into place at the new Corwen station.

The re-born Llangollen Railway is now running trains from Tuesdays right through to Sundays.

They will be using their heritage railcar which gives a panoramic driver's-eye-view of the line and the Dee Valley. 

Services depart Llangollen every hour from 11am until 4pm, and from Berwyn every hour from 11.25am until 4.25pm. Return tickets cost £8 for adults, £7 for seniors and £4 for children. Tickets are available to purchase on the day. 

Currently the trains are running between Llangollen and Berwyn but the railway hopes to extend services further up the line in the next few weeks and more details will be posted soon.

The reintroduction of highly popular steam services is also proposed for later this month.

* The massive longitudinal beams for the canopy on the waiting room at the new Corwen station have been installed. 

These connect with the columns around the stairway and the steelwork for the waiting room. 

* Railway bosses have welcomed the introduction of a new bus service with connections to Corwen and Llangollen, two of its most important stops.

The Trawscymru T10 service links Corwen with Bangor via Betws y Coed and Bethesda.

It also connects with the T3 service at Corwen for connections to/from Llangollen and Wrexham.

The service operates seven days per week and all journeys are operated by modern comfortable coach style vehicles.

The T10 buses connect with the Snowdon Sherpa network at Betws y Coed and Capel Curig and link with train services at Bangor and Betws y Coed stations.

Mazda MX-5 still reigns supreme for open-air motoring

* The open-top Mazda MX-5 roadster.

* The MX-5's cabin.

* The electric Mazda CX-30.

Mazda charging for change by Steve Rogers

Whatever your views on air pollution and the switch to electric cars we are on a journey into the unknown.

The big switch to electric is scheduled for 2030 but some motoring industry insiders are sceptical that the UK will be ready, leaving us with more questions than answers.

Will there be enough charging stations, how will people living in terraced houses, let alone high rise flats, charge an electric car?

How are the tens of thousands running motability vehicles going to cope with the higher cost of electric cars? How will we get rid of the 40 million ICE (that is the buzz word for the internal combustion engine) vehicles on our roads and what about the batteries that will have to be binned?

Or is there a different route? Mazda's UK boss Jeremy Thomson revealed what is going on behind the scenes both in Europe and Japan to create carbon free synthetic petrol and diesel products without the cost of changing to electric.

At a driving day to showcase updates to the Mazda range Thomson told me that although committed to becoming carbon free, the company was not giving up on the internal combustion engine which will still power the majority of its cars through 2030.

He said: "We remain committed to creating the ideal internal combustion engine and are getting closer to that perfect engine in terms of emissions and efficiency. Synthetic or renewable carbon neutral light fuel that can replace carbon based fuel is the way forward."

Mazda has only one electric model, the MX-30, but that is set to change with three electric, five hybrid and five plug-in hybrids being rolled out over the next four years.

Like the rest of the car world Mazda is recovering from the catastrophic pandemic and is relieved at a 55 per cent rise in post Covid sales against an industry average of 39 per cent.

Updates to the model range this year centre around boosting the Skyactiv petrol engines, improving infotainment and connected services and pumping out special editions of old favourites to keep the kettle boiling.

The biggest name in Mazda is the ubiquitous MX-5 roadster but has this got a future in the brave new electrical world, or is it sitting on death row?

Jeremy Thomson was giving little away but said: "The car is central to the Mazda brand and remains one of our best known lines, so of course it will need to evolve but always retain that amazing fun to drive feeling."

Even after 30 odd years the MX-5 reigns supreme as far as wind in the hair motoring goes. The car is an out and out gem and to keep interest alive a Sport Venture special has been introduced with nappa leather interior, sliver door mirrors and silver roll hoops.

In terms of horse power 130 doesn't sound a lot but with its high revving engine in such a light body the roadster is plenty quick enough. Mazda has perfected the opening mechanism and the soft top can be opened or closed in around five seconds.

The car's infotainment unit, operated via a rotary controller between the seats, has always been easy to use but needs to be brought in line with the faster system on CX-30 and CX-5.

My top Mazda is CX-30 which is a bulked up Mazda3 but because of its sleek design looks nothing like the sports utilities cum crossovers it competes against. As the newest ICE model it gets the upgraded e-Skyactiv X engine that has lower engine emissions, a boost in horse power and economy along with the upgraded infotainment system with its larger screen, faster response, connected services, and it still has a rotary controller. Hooray!.

Unlike Toyota and Honda who have dropped diesel in favour of petrol hybrids for Rav4 and CR-V SUVs, Mazda is sticking with a diesel option for CX-5 which will please caravan owners who are wondering where to turn after 2030.

The model also gets the flagship 190bhp 2.5 litre Skyactiv-G engine until now only available in the Mazda6.

On the safety front Mazda will next year reveal an autonomous driving system that will monitor the driver and take control if the driver falls asleep or is incapacitated, park in a safe place and make an emergency call.

Fast Facts

MX-5 Sport

£26,355 (starts £24,055)

2-litre petrol; 130bhp

0-62mph 8.3secs; 127mph

44.8mpg combined

142g/km. 1st VED £215

Insurance group 27

Boot 130 litres 

Call for action to stop off-roaders using green lanes

* From left, Liz Hughes, Rheinallt Hughes, Mike Crawshaw, Llyr Gruffydd MS, Councillor Trevor Bates, Glyn Jones and Alan Gardner from Agrisgôp Leader.  

Farmers in the Ceiriog Valley have met with Plaid Cymru's North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd to make their case for action to prevent off-roaders, who they say often turn up in gangs with uninsured and untaxed vehicles, from using green lanes into the Berwyn range.  

Mr Gruffydd says the problem also affects a countryside area of Llangollen. 

The farmers met the MS on the Wayfarers track going from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog over to Llandrillo near Corwen, an old drovers' track that has become impassable over the years due to neglect and damage caused by the off-roaders. 

Llyr Gruffydd said: "Farmers are at their wits' end in dealing with some off-roaders who are abusive, violent and confrontational. The farmers are trying to go about their work and earn a living while off-roaders damage property, frighten livestock and leave gates unclosed.  

"The green lanes that the off-roaders favour are becoming more damaged with overuse and a variety of agencies - including the Welsh Government - seem unable or unwilling to act. 

"I was glad to be listen to the situation first-hand, as I have with farmers on the other side of the Berwyn range in the Llandrillo and Cynwyd area. 

"There have also been problems in the Llangollen area, notably Allt y Badi. 

"This is not an isolated problem of course - it affects many parts of Wales and that's why I think we need a more joined-up approach to resolving it for the benefit of local residents and responsible users of these important pathways and lanes. 

"The police have a role here and I was glad to hear compliments about former Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones who had taken an interest in this matter. 

"The new PCC needs to follow up on that and the police have a part to play in stamping out criminality. Other agencies including the local council, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales as well as landowners and those seeking to use these routes for their leisure also need to come together.

"The problem in the past is that no one organisation has taken responsibility or ownership of the issue. 

"Given the extent of the problem, that neglect from the various authorities can't continue." 

Also in attendance at the meeting was local councillor Trevor Bates and Alan Gardner, who has been supporting a group of local farmers to face the challenges and develop solutions through Farming Connect’s Agrisgôp programme, delivered by Menter a Busnes on behalf of the Welsh Government.