Lorry in collision with bridge this morning

* A crowd gathers on Castle Street to watch developments.

Picture: Llangollen Advocate.

* Damage caused to the Deeside railings and the bridge. 

* A workman cuts off the globe on the damaged lampost.

* Picture: Paula Lingard.

A recycling truck collided with a section of the Llangollen Bridge in Castle Street earlier this morning.

The incident has effectively cut the town in two with the street completely closed by police and traffic being diverted around the town.

As a crowd looks on, the lorry is still lying across the middle of the carriageway and a number of people are complaining that they can't negotiate the bridge to get to their homes on either side.  

Damage has been caused to the railngs in front of the seating area in front of the Deeside cafe bar and a number of large stones along the top of the adjacent bridge.

A lampost on the bridge has also been damaged and just after midday a workman in a cherry picker sawed off one of the globes at the top in what was apparently a precautionary measure.

Town councillor Stuart Davies has blamed the incident on what he called the "ever-moving" barriers of the 2020 project making it difficult for drivers to maneuver properly in the narrowed roadways. 

Denbighshire County Council, which is overseeing the roadworks, has been asked for a comment. 

Only yesterday the bridge was repaired after stonework was damaged by contractors working on the town's 2020 project.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “This morning a private (non- council) bin lorry was involved in an incident at the end of Castle Street bridge near Dee Lane.

“The bridge is currently closed to vehicles and pedestrians whilst the area is made safe. The lorry is still in position.

“The council’s Bridges and Structures team are checking the structural safety of the bridge and making a lighting column safe that has also been damaged.

“Once these assessments have been made, and if assessed to be safe, then the bridge can be reopened. The police are also in attendance.”

Work to start on electric vehicle charging points in town

* Market Street car park is the location of two electric vehicle charging points.  

Work is due to start on the installation of a pilot electric vehicle public charging points across Denbighshire, including four in Llangollen.

The county council has secured a total of £57,400 grant funding from the UK Government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, supported by the Energy Saving Trust, to pay for installation of fast-charging points in eight public car parks.

These are located at: Market St Car Park, Llangollen (2), Pavilion Car Park, National Pavilion, Llangollen (2), Fern Avenue, Prestatyn, Factory Ward Car Park, Denbigh, Bowling Green Car Park/ Lower High Street, St Asaph, Cae Ddol Car Park, Crispin Yard, Clwyd Street, Ruthin, Craft Centre Car Park, Park Road, Ruthin, Morley Road Car Park, Rhyl.

Work on the pilot is expected to be completed by early summer.

The county car parks have been chosen using a range of criteria including location and accessibility and include a mixture of key routes and car parks close to residential properties without access to off-road parking.

The chargers will be in place to support residents to transition to an electric vehicle where they didn’t previously have access to a charging facility.

The project is part of the council’s action to tackle climate change following the declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019 and adoption of the Climate and Ecological Change Strategy in 2021. 

Cllr Brian Jones, the council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We are pleased to see the start of the installation work for this important project. These charging points will help us with our climate change work and also be a really benefit to nearby households with no off road charging facilities."

* More details of the four charging points in Llangollen are:

Market St Car Park		2 x 22 kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)
Pavilion Car Park		2 x 22 kW AC (ability to charge 4 vehicles)

Bridge is repaired and 'no risk to integrity' says county council

* The bridge covered by sheeting where it was damaged last week.

Stones accidentally knocked out of the world-famous Llangollen Bridge last week have now been put back in place, according to Denbighshire County Council.

And they assure that there is "no risk to the integrity of the bridge."

Last Friday the council admitted that some stones were ‘displaced’ from Llangollen Bridge by contractors working on the town’s 2020 Project the previous afternoon, adding that work was going on to replace them.

They also revealed that a full structural survey of the site would be carried out in partnership with Welsh historic monuments body CADW to determine what further repair works were required.

This afternoon (Monday) the council said in an updated statement: “The stones at Castle Street Bridge are back in position and have been re-pointed by a stone mason. 

"There is no risk to the structural integrity of the bridge. 

"CADW has also been consulted throughout the process and will carry out a final inspection now the work is complete."

Last week pictures were posted on social media showing cracks in the stonework of the bridge - one of the Seven Wonders of Wales - as the contractors worked on the  renewal of the pavements above.

Llangollen town councillor Stuart immediately asked questions about the consequences of any damage to the bridge and urged that a full structural survey being carried out.

If the bridge had been damaged he also questioned whether heavy traffic could still be diverted through Llangollen and over it as happens when the A483/A5 viaduct is closed.

The council later explained: “During ongoing public realm improvement works in the town, a small number of stones were displaced from the bridge during the removal of the base of a street lighting column." 

Stuart Davies had told llanblogger: “Back in 2017, when I served as a county councillor for the area, we received a report from engineers to say that water ingress had caused some damage to the structure of the bridge. They said it was alright for the moment but that we would have to keep an eye on it.

“I have now written to the county council’s chief executive and leader to say that what appears to have happened yesterday means that we should have a structural engineer take a good look at it to see if there has been any damage which might weaken the bridge.

“If there has been any damage there is also the question of whether heavy traffic can still be diverted through Llangollen and over the bridge as happens when the A483/A5 viaduct is closed."

County council to welcome refugee families from Ukraine

Denbighshire County Council has announced it will welcome refugee families from Ukraine as part of its on-going commitment to support the UK Resettlement Scheme.

The council says it has processes in place and is making the preparations to extend and accelerate the offer of resettling families from Ukraine, once further guidance has been received from the Welsh and UK Governments.

Denbighshire points to its long history of accommodating and supporting refugees and has pledged to welcome families every year. 

Over the last five years, the council has resettled 25 families, made up of 95 individuals, predominantly in response to the refuge crisis in Syria and Afghanistan.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Cabinet Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “The heart-breaking scenes being broadcast from Ukraine every single day has shocked the nation and many people want to share their support to the thousands of people that have fled their homes as the situation continues to escalate.

“The council feels honoured to have helped refugees from Syria and Afghanistan to resettle safely in our county and we are extending our hand of friendship to families from Ukraine that now find themselves in desperate need of refuge.

“Through Home Office funding, we are well placed to provide that support with a dedicated team of staff working directly with families, as well as support from partners in the third sector and from local volunteer groups”.

The council says it has received many kind offers of help from residents of Denbighshire. If anyone has any enquiries, they should email ukresettlement@denbighshire.gov.uk, and the council will be happy to share its plans, once details of the UK schemes have been agreed.

Meanwhile, the Ukranian flag will be flown at County Hall, Ruthin and Russell House, Rhyl from Tuesday, March 15 as a mark of the Council’s support to those affected by the atrocities.

Tributes paid to well-loved member of Llangollen Twenty Club

* Iola Roberts when she was a resident at The Old Vicarage in Llangollen.

A leading member of the Llangollen Twenty Club has paid warm tribute to one of the drama society’s best-loved figures. 

Iola Roberts, who died on March 3 in her late eighties, was for many years the group’s chairperson but had also worked both on stage and in front of house. 

Chrissie Ashworth, who in latter years has directed many of the club’s productions, said of her: “Iola was married to the late Delwyn Roberts and lived in Garth, just outside Llangollen.  

“From an early age, she had connections with the Twenty Club, having been, it could be said, ‘reared’ in it by her 'Aunty Edna' (Bowen).  

“Iola was an enthusiastic member of the society, which had been formed in 1947, and her contribution to it was immense.  

“She acted in the plays, which performed twice yearly, and if not acting, would help front of house and take on all sorts of jobs.  

“A notable role she played was the mother, Alice Fisher, to Billy Liar (played by Idris Evans, a stalwart acting member at the time). 

“Delwyn was also a loyal member, and helped build many, many sets over the years. 

“At the start of the season in early autumn, both Iola and Delwyn would host a BBQ at their home, welcoming present and new members of the society.  

“She was instrumental in organising, very efficiently, the holidays to various places, often to London to see a show in the West End, and together with Noreen Turner, ensured that everything ran smoothly.  They were an extremely competent and hard working duo. 

Iola thrived on being busy, loved a lively social life and had many friends throughout  her life.

“In addition to the Twenty Club, Iola was also a driving force in the Inner Wheel and the NSPCC, taking on committee roles with great efficiency and verve. If you asked Iola to do something, you just knew it would get done! 

“Her New Year parties were, it is believed, legendary and a firm date in the calendar for her many friends. She was in the centre of most events, and would always have a story to tell, holding her avid listeners spellbound and amused, such was her larger than life character.  

“Iola also enjoyed playing bridge and was a formidable opponent; one preferred to be on her side. 

“She was voted in as chairperson of the Twenty Club in the early 2000s and held that position for many years until she felt that someone younger needed to take on the role.  

“She was a real figure head and everyone who met her, fell under her spell, she had the wonderful knack of making people feel treasured. 

“Llangollen is a better place for having had the likes of Iola in its midst for such a long time and by merely scratching the surface, it is hoped that one can catch a glimpse of the extraordinary lady Iola was.” 

Although for the past few years Iola had been a resident of The Old Vicarage nursing home in Llangollen, it is understand that she died at home surrounded by her family. 

Betthan Mascarenhas, owner of The Old Vicarage, said: “It was so sad to hear of Iola’s passing. She was such a marvellous lady and is missed at the home.” 

Iola’s daughter, Sarah Banfield has announced on social media that her funeral will take place at St Collen’s Church on Friday March 18 followed by burial at Trefynant Cemetery, Acrefair, with refreshments at the Delph, Acrefair.

Town's Foodshare puts out urgent call for supplies

Llangollen Foodshare has put out an urgent call for supplies on social media.

On the Nextdoor site one of its volunteers recently posted: "Help please.....

"I volunteer at Llangollen Foodshare and we are running low on food donations for people who need assistance. We often help anywhere between 20 - 40 people on our Wednesday drop in session.

"If you could donate 1 or more tins of "in date" food that would be amazing. As you can possible see behind Aldi's very kind donation for this week, our "tins" shelves are somewhat bare.

"The best tins to donate are below and the donation session is 10 - 11am on Tuesdays. We are located at the top of Market Street Carpark. there is a big sign on the wall outside:

Baked beans Soups Cereals Tinned Tuna Tinned veg Tinned meat Tinned Stews "Nothing fancy, just the basics.

"Thank you so much for your help in advance. Call for more information - Jess - 07734109937."

Railway refuses to buy Russian coal for its steam trains

Llangollen Railway is to stop buying Russian coal to power its steam engines as a result of the country's invasion of Ukraine.

The heritage attraction has also revealed the "challenging" situation it is facing as a result of soaring diesel prices.

Problems surrounding the two fuels has forced the railway to revise its service timetable.

In a statement, it says: "We currently holds good reserves of coal which were delivered before the hostilities began in Ukraine. 

"Our stocks are sufficient for around 30 days of steam operation. Further stocks of Russian steam coal are still available in the UK, however we do not feel it would be ethical to purchase any more given the horrific situation unfolding in Ukraine.

"The situation is very challenging. As well as coal supply, diesel prices are also vastly inflated, making operation of our diesel railcars and diesel locomotives more expensive too. 

"As a result, the current plan is to revise our timetable for at least the spring months, reducing both the number of trains we operate and how frequently we use steam locomotives. 

"We will be sure to publicise these changes well in advance so that customers hoping for a steam-hauled train can still travel on one. 

"We do however expect demand to be high, so advanced booking is recommended, which can be made via our website (www.llangollen-railway.co.uk) and office (01978 860979). Our diesel-hauled and diesel railcar trains also offer the chance to enjoy the Dee Valley's wonderful scenery."

The railway adds: "Alongside carefully managing our coal stocks, we are looking at alternative fuel sources, including a British-made processed coal known as "ovoids", which may offer us a viable alternative. 

"We are also looking into the very limited remaining coal supplies from South Wales and whether these may be able to offer us a supply. 

"Clearly Welsh coal used to fire steam locomotives in Wales would be a great way of sourcing fuel from a more ethical supplier as well as having reduced transport miles which lowers the overall carbon impact.

"In a time where the use of fossil fuels is quite rightly being challenged, the Llangollen Railway is carefully considering the environmental impact alongside our objective of telling the very important story of our industrial and transport heritage, in which coal played such a huge part. 

"The 150 or so UK heritage railways would welcome the support of both the UK and Welsh Governments in being able to source a limited but sustainable supply of British coal. 

"Our industry support body, the Heritage Railway Association, is actively involved in discussions as to how this may be facilitated."

 

 

Next week's work on 2020 project

Work planned for week starting March 14 on the Llangollen 2020 project is:

• Continue with paving preparation on East Side of bridge
• Paving preparation outside Town Hall
• Finish paving Parade St-Dee Lane (Castle Street west)
• Paving outside Fouzi's (Castle Street east heading North)

Young 'Uns star Celyn takes her final bow with Little Shop of Horrors

* Celyn Orton Jones plays Audrey in the show.

One of the best-loved and most experienced performers with Llangollen Young ‘Uns is due to take her final curtain call with the group later this month.

Celyn Orton Jones has been appearing on stage with Llangollen Operatic Society’s junior section since she was just six, winning many plaudits for her acting and singing abilities along the way.

But as the maximum age for appearing with the group is 18, which she has now reached, she’s finally ready to bow out with her final role, the female lead Audrey, in the fun musical Little Shop of Horrors which comes to the town hall stage from Wednesday March 30 to Saturday April 2, with two performances on the Saturday at 2pm and 7.30pm.  

The Young ‘Uns are pleased that it will be the first live musical theatre show in Llangollen since the pre-pandemic days of February 2020 and the group is excited to be back performing for the community. 

The show, billed as a black horror rock comedy, is packed with memorable songs and has a small cast of 10 of the older Young ‘Uns who have each been with the group for years.

The show is co-directed by Robin Crowley and Jo Lloyd with Julian Cattley as musical director.

Celyn, who due to complete her course in performing arts at Coleg Cambria this summer, is one of the group’s longest-serving and most successful performers ever.

Little Shop of Horrors will be her eleventh show. Her first role was Molly, the youngest orphan, in Annie in 2011 set in a New York orphanage.

Celyn’s reckons her proudest moment came when playing Blousey Brown in Bugsy Malone in 2017, because this was the first time she got to sing a solo number and it also won her the Jane Herniman Trophy for best performer that year.   

Her favourite role remains Rizzo in Grease in 2019 but Celyn says she loves the new show and considers it very challenging and iconic but “really, really fun”.

She is also amused at having to go blonde for the role, wearing a wig over her naturally dark hair throughout the show. 

Celyn says she has greatly valued and enjoyed her time in Young ‘Uns, gaining confidence and overcoming her nervousness and also making many friends.

After college she sees her future in the performing arts and has submitted 11 applications to join suitable courses in locations across the UK.

* Tickets for Little Shop of Horrors can be purchased from www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenoperaticsociety or the outlets in town, The wharf, Jades, Oggies, Tourist Information Centre and Georges cafe, at £12 and £10.

Search is on for unsung social care heroes

* MC Wynne Evans.

A search has been launched to find the unsung heroes and heroines of social care in Wales who have “risen magnificently” to the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Entries are being sought for the 2022 Wales Care Awards, to honour the skill and devotion of people who work in social care looking after vulnerable children and adults.

The event is making a welcome return after being cancelled during the last two years because of the pandemic

The awards were introduced Care Forum Wales to inspire excellence in the care sector.

As ever, this year's event will take place in the magnificent surroundings of City Hall in Cardiff, on Friday, October 21. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 29.

Anybody who has been nominated over the past two years will be automatically entered this time.

Short listed finalists will receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze Wales Care Award, an invitation for themselves and a guest to the Oscars-style gala award ceremony.

The event will be hosted by the top opera singer, Wynne Evans, perhaps best known these days as Gio Compario, the moustachioed tenor from the Go Compare TV ads.

There are over 150,000 people in Wales receiving social care and the sector employs more than 80,000 staff. That's equivalent to five per cent of the Welsh workforce.

Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales and the founder of the Wales Care Awards, "Care Forum Wales is engaged at every level in trying to raise the status of the social care profession and in particular the value to society of the many thousands of social care workers who provide such an important service to communities across Wales.

"The Wales Care Awards is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar although over the past two years everything had to be put on hold because of the pandemic.

“Front line staff working in care homes and in domiciliary care have been in the eye of the Coronavirus storm, protecting the most vulnerable people in Wales from the ravages of this dreadful virus.

“The pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges and our fantastic workforce responded heroically, putting their own lives on the line to shield their beloved residents and staff.

“Care Forum Wales continues to campaign vigorously to ensure that these frontline heroes and heroines are properly rewarded.

“In Wales, pay rates for carers are effectively determined by local councils who set the level of fees care homes and domiciliary care companies receive.

“Most local authorities and health boards use a formula which calculates how much they want to allocate towards all care home costs, including what staff are paid.

As a result, wage levels have been unfairly suppressed by the local authorities who have managed the budgets for a quarter of a century.

“This  is an opportunity to nominate the champions and ambassadors of social care and contribute to raising public awareness of the vital contribution of our sector, a contribution that has been even greater during the nightmare of the past two years.

"The dedication, professionalism and quality of the workforce within the care sector are an absolute inspiration.

"It is occasions like the awards night that enables Care Forum Wales to recognise and celebrate such skills, talents and heroic commitment.

"Our aim is to acknowledge the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of the unsung heroes and heroines working in the care sector.

"It is always a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.

"We are now accepting entries for the 2022 awards and we are looking forward to a fantastic occasion during which the dedicated men and women who work in social care can enjoy their well-deserved moment in the sun."

* Further information, including nomination forms can be found on https://walescareawards.co.uk/ or you can call 01978 755400 or email janet@careforumwales.co.uk

Updated story: Council admits damage to bridge and says repairs are underway

* The picture of the bridge on social media yesterday evening.

Denbighshire County Council has admitted that stones were ‘displaced’ from Llangollen Bridge by contractors working on the town’s 2020 Project yesterday afternoon. 

They say work is now going on to replace the stones while a full site survey is carried out to see what other work may be needed.   

Pictures were posted on social media yesterday afternoon showing what seemed to be cracks in the stonework of the ancient monument as the contractors worked on the pavement to renew pavements on Castle Street above.

Llangollen town councillor Stuart immediately asked questions about the consequences of any damage to the bridge, which is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, and urged that a full structural survey being carried out.

This morning the county council has told llanblogger: “Stones displaced on Castle Street Bridge in Llangollen on Thursday afternoon are currently being relocated back into position. 

“During ongoing public realm improvement works in the town, a small number of stones were displaced from the bridge during the removal of the base of a street lighting column. 

“Work is ongoing to put them back into position and there is no risk to the structural integrity of the bridge. 

“A full survey of the site is being carried out in partnership with CADW to determine what further repair works will be required.”

Stuart Davies said yesterday evening: “Back in 2017, when I served as a county councillor for the area, we received a report from engineers to say that water ingress had caused some damage to the structure of the bridge. They said it was alright for the moment but that we would have to keep an eye on it.

“I have now written to the county council’s chief executive and leader to say that what appears to have happened yesterday means that we should have a structural engineer take a good look at it to see if there has been any damage which might weaken the bridge.”

He added: “If there has been any damage, repairs cannot be done quickly as this is a Grade 1 Listed structure and an ancient monument for which permission needs first to be obtained from CADW.

“If there has been any damage there is also the question of whether heavy traffic can still be diverted through Llangollen and over the bridge as happens when the A483/A5 viaduct is closed.

“These are the questions I have asked of the county council leaders.”  

Residents reminded to vote in elections on May 5

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents to make sure they are registered to vote in the County Council and Town, Community and City Council elections taking place on Thursday, May 5.

Voting also ensures residents have a say on the issues of the day while being on the electoral register can maintain people’s credit rating.

In order to vote in the upcoming elections, people’s name needs to be on the electoral register.  Residents are urged to check the letter that has been sent to homes, to ensure everyone entitled to vote is on the list.

Everyone is responsible for registering themselves – if their name or the name of another person residing at your address is not on the list, then they are not registered.

* To register, go to: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

The deadline is midnight on Thursday 14 April to register to vote.  People also have until 5pm on Tuesday 19 April to apply for a postal vote and 5pm on Tuesday 26 April to apply for a proxy vote.

 

Have your say on management plan for local beauty spots

Members of the public can have their say on a draft management plan for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley.

A consultation has been launched for the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty draft Management Plan 2020-2025.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) contain some of the most beautiful, spectacular and dramatic areas of countryside in Wales and have strict guidelines for the conservation of landscape.

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB covers approximately 390 square kilometres, stretching from the coastal hills near Prestatyn to the north and extending as far south as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Berwyn Mountains.

It includes land in Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham and is managed by the three county councils with Denbighshire County Council as the lead authority for the joint AONB committee.

Cllr Tony Thomas, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, and Chair of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB Joint Committee, said: “In late 2020, Denbighshire County Council on behalf of the joint AONB committee carried out a consultation which was used to help develop this draft management plan.

“Now the draft management plan has been written, the AONB committee is keen to understand whether the contents and aims reflect what people told us was important.

“We know that many residents and visitors enjoy visiting the area every year and it is therefore important people have their say on the future management of the AONB by taking part in this consultation.”

* The consultation runs between 9th March and 20th April 2022 and to get involved and have your say visit https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/661

Hard copies of the management plan are available for viewing in:

Loggerheads Country Park Visitor Centre, Ruthin Road, CH7 5LH

Llangollen Library, Castle Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NU

Hundreds join hospice's walk along Llangollen Canal

* Above and below: People who took part in the canal walk.

Hundreds of walkers joined the popular Llangollen Canal Walk to support Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith Children’s Hospices, raising more than £15,000. 

The event, which was held last Sunday saw walkers take in the stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and beautiful canal-side scenery under stunning sunshine.   

The 10-mile walk began early at The Trevor Basin before ramblers headed over the aqueduct towards the Poachers’ Pocket and back again. 

Fundraiser Cat Dowdeswell said: “It was amazing to have everyone back together for our Llangollen Canal Walk.  

“Our supporters really do make the events and in the glorious sunshine, we all had a lot of fun.  

"To raise more than £15,000 is incredible and we would love to thank everyone who joined us on the day and supported us to reach this amount, which will do so much to help support children and their families who receive care at Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith."

The event was sponsored by Wrexham-based Net World Sports.  

* If you were unable to take part, but would still like to donate then you can do by visiting www.hopehouse.org.uk/donate

Latest Cittaslow webinar is tomorrow evening

 
For the latest in its series of community conversation webinars Cittalow Llangollen is holding an online session on the theme of Community, Health and Wellbeing tomorrow (Wednesday) March 9, starting at 6.45pm.

Speakers will be Eleri Jones of Denbighshire Citizens Advice, Margaret Sutherland of the Pengwern Community Project and Rebecca Roberts of Nature for Health.

* To obtain the link should you wish to attend, email: townclerk@llangollentowncouncil.gov.uk

Railway now protected against vandalism thanks to local firm

* Francis Johnson, managing director, and Mel Pengelly, director of Parallel Security with Phil Coles, vice chairman of Llangollen Railway (centre).

* One of the two vandalised railcars, now fully repaired and in service.

A local security company has come to the aid of the Llangollen Railway (LR) following the vandalism of several of its historic items of rolling stock last August. 

During the incidents two 60-year-old railcars were daubed with graffiti and had windows broken.

Parallel Security is a Welsh security provider based in Mold, which prides itself on supporting local communities and businesses.  

When its directors heard about the vandalism they quickly contacted the railway to offer their security services

Managing director Francis Johnson and director Mel Pengelly arranged a meeting with railway vice-chairman Phil Coles to discuss what had happened and how Parallel may be able to help prevent similar attacks happening again.

After several site surveys and discussions over potential issues with securing the very remote storage yard where the vandalism took place, a plan was put together and offered to the railway free of charge to help protect their carriages and engines from theft and vandalism.

Parallel has provided state-of-the-art CCTV, which is now installed at the rail yard. 

The cameras are monitored 24 hours a day and use artificial intelligence and motion detection to secure the areas.  

If required, a Parallel Response vehicle will also attend to police the areas should an alarm be activated.  

Senior management of the railway also have the facility to look at the cameras using mobile technology on their smart phones, giving additional operational and Health & Safety functionalities in addition to the system’s security provision.

Francis Johnson said: "It was great to be able to support Llangollen Railway in this way, but we obviously wish that this incident had not have happened in the first place.  

"It is vitally important to our business to support the Welsh community in this way and we are more than happy to support the railway on an ongoing basis to enable the services it provides to the public to continue without disruption from theft and vandalism."

Phil Coles thanked Parallel Security for their speedy response to a post on Facebook showing photos of the vandalism. 

Phil said “We’ve had a lot of challenges over the past 12 months and could really have done without damage to the rolling stock that we have been able to retain. With our finances continuing to be stretched as we work to re-open the railway to Corwen and invest in our existing infrastructure, Parallel’s generous support to manage our security is very much appreciated indeed. 

"It’s a great example of how local businesses can pull together and support one another through challenging times. As we look to reposition the Llangollen Railway at the heart of the local community we hope to engage with other local businesses and organisations for everyone’s benefit."

The railway successfully reopened for the 2022 season on Saturday February 19 using two of the diesel railcars that suffered from the vandalism, which have been fully repaired at considerable expense.

Railcar services will run every Friday to Sunday throughout March, with steam and diesel locomotive-hauled services due to return at Easter. 

Llangollen duo aiming to inspire women entrepreneurs

* Nic Wagstaff.

* Claire Marie Quant.

A duo from Llangollen are aiming to inspire  women wanting to break into the wellness sector and follow their entrepreneurial dreams at a conference in Chester later this week.

The Well-being Warrior Women’s Conference is the idea of Nic Wagstaff, an entrepreneur who runs Inspire-Rewire, and the theme of the event is Elevate and Grow.

In line with International Women’s Day, a collection of inspirational speakers will be hosting short talks on how they have either made the break into wellness full time, or elevated their business to the next level. 

Nic, who lives in Llangollen, is best known for teaching wellness entrepreneurs how to run their own retreats, as well as running her own successful well-being business including runningretreats in Chester and around North Wales.

The conference takes place on Thursday, March 10 at Cheshire View, Christleton, from 9.30am to 3.30pm with the main workshops being held between 10am and 2.30pm.

If you are a woman looking to grow or elevate your well-being business, this is an opportunity to enjoy face to face networking once again and be surrounded by like-minded ladies who are keen to grow or set up their own business, find a collaborator or get advice around public relations, marketing, branding and coaching.

The speaker line up also includes Llangollen-based Claire Marie Quant, a public relations expert and career clarity coach for women of 40-plus at a crossroads in their lives.

Speaking about her first Well-being Warrior Conference for Women, Nic Wagstaff said she was inspired to create the event to help and inspire others in the well-being industry and to reinforce her passion to help wellbeing practitioners share their mission and services with ideal clients through her various retreats, events and online groups.

She said: “This is just the first conference, and I've dedicated this one to women in line with International Women's Day, but later we will open it up to everyone. As well as bringing together amazing experts in and out of the well-being world, we will understand we are not alone, it's not for the faint-hearted but that you are truly a warrior, and it's so worth it.

“Having worked in the well-being business for 7 years after leaving corporate where I worked as Group Head of Learning and Development, I understand how hard it is making that switch to follow your passion, and more than that, I know how it feels to have that sinking feeling after you make that choice of 'have I done the right thing?' when times are tough.”

Claire Marie Quant is hosting one of the workshops with the themeBelief In You. 

She set up her own PR business after quitting corporate life back in 2016. She now combines her two loves of communications with coaching women who find themselves stuck in a rut and at a career crossroads.

Claire said: “I am delighted to be sharing the day with Nic Wagstaff, of Inspire-Rewire and other inspirational speakers and delegates, as it’s so important to empower each other and help others on their personal transformation journey. So often women don’t realise their true potential because they lack confidence, and self-esteem to make a change.

“I show women that it’s never too late to re-invent themselves and live their life on their own terms. Once they have clarity on their amazing skills it's possible to see a path to a brighter, lighter and more fulfilled life. Having a conference like this in Chester is an amazing opportunity for women to get the confidence, support and networks to follow their dreams.”

Other speakers include Nicola Kemp, a marketing consultant with independent businesses, who develops their brands, websites and provides marketing support; Gabi Forrester, a naturopath and health transformation and business mentor for health and wellness practitioners and entrepreneurs; Anne Sheakey, owner of ATTIC Teas and expert in affiliate processes and opportunities.

* Tickets for the Well-being Warrior Women's Conferenceare £49 per person, including lunch and are available at https://www.inspire-rewire.com/new-events/womens-conferences

Work planned for week ahead on town's 2020 project

Work planned for the week starting Monday, March 7 on the Llangollen 2020 project is:

Castle Street west (Parade Street to Dee Lane): Finish paving installation.

Castle Street east (Bridge Street toward the bridge):

* Prepare and install paving

* Continue kerb installation