llanblogger tries out railway's drive-a-train experience

* Phil Robinson at the controls of the old 08 loco.

Llanblogger's Phil Robinson samples Llanollen Railway's Driver-for-a-Fiver experience 

Like lots of young boys I imaged myself one day as a driver of a train speeding along the country’s permanent way.

And yesterday morning I had the chance to do just that as I got a slice of trackside action with Llangollen Railway’s current Driver-for-Fiver offer.

The aim is to allow budding Casey Joneses to take the controls of a vintage diesel engine for a short chug on the famous Dee Valley line over the Easter weekend and beyond for just £5.

The venerable machine being used to provide a taste of what it’s like to be in command on the footplate is a 66-year-old shunting locomotive that can usually be found doing unglamorous jobs like moving locomotives and carriages around in sidings.

The Class 08 diesel-electric engine number 13625 affectionately nicknamed 'Gronk' due to the distinctive noise made by its 350hp English Electric diesel engine, was built in 1956 at Derby Locomotive Works as a plaque on the side says. 

According to Mike Williams a longstanding volunteer guard and Board Member for Operations at the railway, the 08, as she’s also known, had quite a hard life while working out of the Great Western Railway’s Cardiff depot before rattling into another tough career as the chief workhorse at Llangollen heritage railway around 30 years ago.

Mike explained that 08 spent lockdown handling a wide variety of heavy chores on the local line and actually won the distinction of being the first loco to run buffer to buffer from Llangollen to the new Corwen terminal of the line after the rails were finished being laid.

The first Driver-for-a-Fiver services ran on Saturday and drew quite a deal of business despite the grim weather.

Things were much drier, brighter and busier on Day Two yesterday when I went along at the invitation of railway bosses.

The idea is for people who fancy it to turn up and register for their ‘go’ on the footplate and by late morning a queue was forming on the platform with both young and not-so-young would-be drivers.

My instructor was Charlie Brook who has been driving the old 08 for the past seven years and has also had plenty of experience in charge of the railway’s steam engines.

Stepping up onto the open ‘cockpit’ he invited me to take a seat on a little stool on the side of the big control panel, which looks like something from a submarine with all its array of heavy metal and brass knobs, levers and switches.

It’s all a bit daunting until Charlie runs through things and explains that novices like me only have to deal with a few of these to get things underway and, more importantly, bring them to a safe halt again.

There’s a large brass direction lever which is pulled back or forward to get 08 moving ahead or in reverse.

There’s then a purposeful-looking power lever to pile on the speed – maximum is only 15mph - the air brake, operated by a big handle painted in red just above your head and, most important and fun of all, the whistle which you sound by tugging on a chain to let the outside world know you're heading in its direction.

Just like the driving instructor for a car, Charlie has duplicates of all the same controls easily to hand in case he’s called upon to take over in an emergency, which thankfully he didn’t have to do for me.

Under his watchful eye I pulled all the right controls at the appropriate times and got us safely a little way up the line and back again, all within an action-packed 10 minutes.

The only surprise is that although you have to apply a little power to get things going at a reasonable rate as you head towards Corwen due to the slight gradient on the line, hardly any ‘gas’ is needed in the opposite direction as you coast back into Llan station.

Obviously, they don’t let a complete amateur drive the engine with any passengers aboard and both the carriages we are hauling today - one closed and the other open-topped - are reassuringly empty.   

The whole thing was lots of fun and, if I hadn’t spent my entire career doing something else, well who knows?

Apart from its stints as a training vehicle, the 08 is also working a new and shorter shuttle service between Llangollen and Berwyn Stations, which will operate between the three daily steam and diesel trains that run between Llangollen and Carrog.

Mike Williams who said: “I’ve spent a lot of time working on the 08 over the last year. The old girl really has been invaluable to us, shunting our yards and also hauling the works trains to get our railway back in business. 

"It’s a popular loco that doesn’t get much use on public trains and we’re often asked when there might be a chance to sample a ride behind it. Well, now people can – and they can even have a go at driving it too!”

Driver-for-a-Fiver is aimed at everyone aged over 12 and under 16s who must be accompanied by an adult .

The experience is available between 11:20-12:05, 13:15-14:15 and 15:35- 16:15. Tickets can be purchased on the day. 

With a return journey time of 50 minutes, the Berwyn Shuttle allows those looking for a shorter trip the chance to travel to the beautiful Berwyn station in the scenic Dee Gorge. 

There is a station tearoom and it is also possible to take a walk to the Chain Bridge or nearby Horseshoe Falls and return back to Llangollen on a later train if desired. 

Departures from Llangollen are 10:20, 12:15, 14:30 & 16:30, with returns from Berwyn at 10:50, 12:16, 12:45, 14:26, 15:00, 16:31 & 17:00. 

Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £5 for a child and £7.50 for seniors, purchasable from Llangollen station on the day. 

Mike added: “The rolling stock the shuttle will use is also interesting and quirky, adding a bit of character to the experience. 

"There is a converted open freight wagon, which has seating and a canopy. Travelling in this is a real outdoor experience and you’ll be able to hear the river as well as see it. 

"There is covered accommodation for the less adventurous – a converted LNER pigeon van, which is fully enclosed but with nice, large windows. This vehicle is nearly 100 years old and was built to carry racing pigeons around the country. 

"Don’t worry though, it’s had a lot of work done on it since then to make it suitable to carry people, including those who have mobility issues."

The events will run in April on Sat 16th, Sun 17th and Mon 18th, Sat 23rd and Sun 24th and Sat 30th. In May they will run on Sun 1st & Mon 2^nd.

* Phil with instructor Charlie Brook. Pictures by Jeanette Robinson.

* Above and below: the Class 08 diesel-electric engine number 13625 being used for Driver-for-a-Fiver.  

New Dot Cinema brings Disney Magic to the town hall

New Dot cinema are set to bring Disney's Encanto to the big screen in Llangollen Town Hall this Easter weekend.

The film will be the first family matinee screening, with New Dot volunteer, Jen Rush, explaining "This is quite different to our usual events, but after the last couple of years - which have been so difficult for families and children - we really wanted to offer the community something fun and uplifting for all ages."

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto.

The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift -every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.

The volunteer-led cinema will also be putting on a £1 tuck shop for the occasion, with soft drinks, hot drinks and sharing bags of sweets and popcorn for just £1 each.

When? Saturday 16th April 2022

Time? Doors open at 2PM, film begins at 2.30PM.

Where? Llangollen Town Hall

Tickets: £5 per person / £18 Family Ticket (4 people - adults or kids!)

Click here to buy your tickets

Next week's work planned for 2020 project

Work planned for week starting April 11 on the Llangollen 2020 project is:

• Begin paving Yorkstone around Town Hall
• Remove lamp columns on the west side of the bridge.
• Three-way traffic management to remain on the bridge but removed by Thursday evening for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
• Complete drainage works on n
  
  
  
  orth side of Abbey Road and Mill Street.

Welsh Government provides £2.8m to repair collapsed Newbridge road

* Ken Skates (centre) with campaigners Frank Hemmings (left) and Derek Wright at the site earlier this year.

Work to repair a collapsed road between Cefn Mawr and Chirk could get under way soon after the Welsh Labour Government announced further major funding of £2.8m to Wrexham Council. 

The Welsh Government had already awarded Wrexham Council £175,000 for ‘ground investigation and detailed design of remedial works’ for the B5605 at Newbridge, which suffered a landslip following severe storms last year. 

And after the council submitted a bid for more money from the Welsh Government in late February, Ministers have now confirmed funding to repair and reopen the road. 

Ken Skates, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd South, welcomed the news after pushing for action alongside local campaigners Frank Hemmings and Derek Wright. 

He said: “I’m thrilled that the Welsh Labour Government has approved Wrexham’s bid for further major funding to resolve this issue. It’s caused major problems locally, and a great deal of frustration, but after thorough and necessary investigations this is the news we wanted. 

“I’d like to thank the First Minister for taking a personal interest in this matter, and Minister Lee Waters for providing Wrexham Council with such a significant sum of money to fund the work.” 

In response to Mr Skates’ most recent representations to Welsh Government on the issue, the Minister said: “I am pleased to advise that we have awarded funding of £2.805m to Wrexham County Borough Council from the Resilient Roads Fund for the remedial works.”

Mr Skates also praised Frank Hemmings, Derek Wright and David Bithell for their work on the issue.

He added: “I'm pleased that by working together – instead of trying to score political points – we have been able to help secure this vital funding for our area.” 

Mr Hemmings said: “This is fantastic news for people in Chirk and further afield. This has been a huge headache for local people and has caused a lot of disruption and inconvenience, and I’m really grateful to the Welsh Government for approving the council’s funding application.

“As a B-road it’s actually the council’s responsibility to repair it, but given the level of funding needed we were reliant on the Welsh Government. I’m delighted they have delivered for our area.”

Mr Wright said: “The road is a vital link between our communities and the closure has left some people, particularly those without their own transport, cut off. We have been on and on about this to Ken, and I know he’s been doing the same with Welsh Government.

“This is a massive win for our area and I’m really pleased the repairs can now go ahead.”

Update on resettlement of Ukrainian families in county

Volunteers who have offered to house refugee families from Ukraine are being contacted by Denbighshire County Council.

As part of its on-going commitment to support the UK Resettlement Scheme, the council is contacting all residents who have offered support to those displaced by the conflict.

The council says it has been working closely with Welsh Government and is making the necessary arrangements to start resettling families from Ukraine as soon as possible.

Denbighshire has a long history of accommodating and supporting refugees and over the last five years the Council has resettled 25 families, made up of 95 individuals, predominantly in response to the refugee crisis in Syria and Afghanistan.

Ann Lloyd, the council’s Interim Head of Service for Community Support Services, said: “A number of Denbighshire residents have come forward to offer accommodation to those who have been forced to leave Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.

“On behalf of the council I would like to thank them for their generosity.

“We are in the process of contacting residents who have offered accommodation to arrange the relevant checks before we can move to the next stage.

“As a council we are also working to ensure the relevant support is available for families once they arrive in Denbighshire.

“Through Home Office funding, we are well placed to provide the necessary support and have a working group to manage the programme, as well as a dedicated team working directly with families, and additional support from partners in the third sector and from local volunteer groups.”

* If anyone has any enquiries, or would like to offer accommodation, they should email ukresettlement@denbighshire.co.uk and for more information visit https://gov.wales/homes-ukraine-guidance-sponsors-html

MP visits Abbey Dingle care home

* Simon Baynes MP, Carol and Kenneth Mascarenhas next to the Abbey Dingle Care Home private ambulance. 

* Simon Baynes MP and Kenneth Mascarenhas next to the Cuthbert’s Seeds poster.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes recently visited the Abbey Dingle Care Home in Llangollen to gain an insight into its activities - both recently and earlier on during the Covid-19 pandemic – and to learn more about its history.

During the visit, Mr Baynes met with Kenneth and Carol Mascarenhas, the directors of Abbey Dingle, who have run the home since its creation 35 years ago. 

Mr Baynes discussed with them the safety initiatives taken by staff at the home to keep residents well, both in body and mind. 

Apart from the long experience of a loyal workforce, this included  the creation of a dedicated isolation wing, a Covid-proofed visitor/reception centre and a purpose-designed vehicle  for the protected transport of residents and staff outside the home, and openly sharing the ideas with the authorities and the community.

At the onset of the pandemic in February 2020 home-made PPE packs designed and made with the assistance of the residents, the local school and others in the community, were issued to all staff and residents visiting relatives for their protection outside the home. Thanks to this the home has had no Covid casualties throughout the pandemic. 

Mr Baynes heard about the extensive programme of activities that Abbey Dingle organised for its residents throughout the year during lockdown maintaining their holistic well-being. 

Mr Baynes also learnt more about the history of the site – the former J&R Cuthberts (Horticultural Seeds) Administration Centre (secretly relocated from London to protect the valuable seed stocks from being destroyed) and how it played a major role in originating the famous Dig for Victory campaign during World War II. 

The home currently has an original Cuthbert’s Seeds poster on display, which has kindly been loaned to the home by Robert (Bob) and Sandie Attenburrow (sadly recently deceased), formerly of Dobson & Crowther Printers in Llangollen. 

Kenneth and Carol Mascarenhas also invited Mr Baynes to see Abbey Dingle’s own dedicated  ambulance/courtesy car, which is on standby and available, should it be needed, at all times. 

Kenneth Mascarenhas said: “The arrival of Simon Baynes MP was a very welcome surprise to the home, in view of his present busy schedule in Westminster in these difficult and testing times. 

"Whilst access to the home was restricted due to ongoing Covid counter-measures, the residents and staff were very appreciative of him making the time and effort in visiting them and noting his concern for their well-being during lockdown. 

“He came across as a very approachable, level-headed and energetic individual, representing the people of Clwyd South and North Wales in Westminister; having had the experience of working at grass roots level in his family’s hospitality and tourism business at the local Lake Vyrnwy Hotel, and later in the international banking and finance industry in the City. 

"He is noted for promoting Wales’ economic and national interests at every possible opportunity at central Government level, as clearly evidenced by his media appearances in Parliamentary debates etc.

“As a humanitarian, historian, and supporter of the arts, his recent appointment as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the UK Ministerial team at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is well earned and deserved. 

"The work of the Department covers many areas of UK Government policy which are extremely important for the whole of Wales’s diverse historic, cultural and economic heritage and the need for good national transport links, internet access and online presence, and considered a prelude to a  ministerial appointment in the Government Cabinet. 

“He was also very keen to encourage the promotion and documentation of the history of the town’s destination attractions of the Eisteddfod, Railway, Canal and Horticultural heritage and indeed, his next visit was scheduled to the town’s railway and Llangollen museums. 

"As a memento and practical incentive to help promote  the town’s heritage, Simon arranged to have a dedicated copy of his book which he co-authored with his father documenting the history of his local family-run hotel at Lake Vyrnwy, for the home’s library, offering help and advice to anybody prepared to rise to the challenge, which can only benefit the economy and community in these uncertain economic times.” 

Simon Baynes said: “I was greatly impressed to hear about the many sensible and safe precautions taken by Kenneth, Carol and the rest of the team at Abbey Dingle, which have had the effect of preventing any Covid casualties at the care home. 

"I understand that most of them were based on the work of Florence Nightingale and Mary Jane Seacole from the Crimean War in 1853. I enjoyed my visit very much, and was most impressed by the regular activities organised for residents at the home. 

“The building has a fascinating history and I was very interested to hear about its contribution to the British war effort and the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign during World War II. The whole team of staff do an amazing job and I would like to praise them for the work they do under extreme duress from challenging external events impacting on the operation of the Home. 

“It is also noted that as a continuing family commitment to the Llangollen community, Carol and Ken’s children, Richard and Bethan, have chosen to involve themselves, and presently manage another small local care home, The Old Vicarage in Llangollen, in family succession, previously established by Bronwen and David Morris 30 years ago.” 

Shadow Welsh Secretary visits Plas Madoc and Stiwt

* Ken Skates and Jo Stevens try out Plas Madoc's sports facilities.

Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, a member of UK Labour leader Keir Starmer’s frontbench team, was invited to Clwyd South by local Member of the Senedd Ken Skates last Friday.

Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff Central, was able to see first-hand how Welsh Government investment has given Plas Madoc Leisure Centre a new lease of life – including work on new changing rooms following a £250,000 grant last year. 

She was welcomed to the centre by Stella Matthews, chair of the volunteer-run Splash Community Trust which runs Plas Madoc. 

The Shadow Welsh Secretary said: “Visiting Plas Madoc was a trip down memory lane for me. I first visited the centre back in the 1970s as a child.

“Ken told me about how the wonderful team at Plas Madoc took it from almost being demolished to being named the best social enterprise in Wales. They have done an amazing job, and it’s become a real community hub thanks to their hard work.

“The centre is a brilliant example of how the Welsh Labour Government has invested in local communities and worked alongside them. Stella told me that she didn’t think it would be going without the crucial support they’ve had.” 

The Shadow Welsh Secretary later visited The Stiwt in Rhos, where she was given a tour and told about the board’s plans for the future. 

She said: “I’ve never been to The Stiwt before, but I know how iconic it is not just locally but throughout Wales. Susan Elan Jones, the former MP for Clwyd South, told me many times about The Stiwt and her home village of Rhos, so it’s been lovely to visit and catch up with Susan, who remains a passionate member of the board. 

“It’s a stunning building, and just like at Plas Madoc it was clear to see how dedicated the team is. It’s a real labour of love for the trustees.” 

Mr Skates said: “It was brilliant to welcome Jo back to Clwyd South and show her some of our most valued and iconic community facilities. I was extremely proud to be able to highlight the fantastic work being done as both venues look to the future with confidence.” 

Llan dog to star in Manchester production of Tosca

* Ebby gets ready for her starring role in Tosca at Manchester Opera House.

A talented Llangollen resident is taking a starring role in a professional stage show in Manchester this evening (Thursday).

For one night night only Manchester's famous Opera House theatre is playing host to Opera International's award-winning Ellen Kent Production of Puccini's Tosca, featuring the Ukrainian National Municipal Opera Kyiv, with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra.

Also on stage will be Ebby, an eight-year-old greyhound who lives with Llangollen town mayor Cllr Austin Cheminais and his wife Jane.

Explaining Ebby's rise to stardom, Chem said: "The opera features two royal greyhounds and wherever the company is stopping on its current tour it asks the local branch of the Greyhound Trust to suggest two dogs to take part.

"One of the greyhounds chosen by the Mersey & Cheshire branch is our dog Ebby, so she'll be on stage tonight.  

"She's an ex-racing greyhound from Ireland. She was adopted, through the Trust, by my wife Jane and I in October 2021.

"Ebby is very calm and well behaved, she’s very affectionate and loves people, so will perform well.

"We are very proud that she’s been chosen to take part in Tosca."

Looking after Ebby on the night is Chem and Jane's son Jim who is a volunteer at the Trust.

Chem added: "Adopting Ebby has changed our lives, She’s very laid back, a bit of a couch potato but loves her walks and is proving to be a loving and loyal companion and friend."

* The Greyhound Trust was founded in 1975, since then they are proud to have found over 100,000 loving homes for greyhounds. Each year, they home approximately 3,500 retired racing greyhounds and help hundreds more, but there are many more that still need their help.

If your interested in finding out more about adopting a greyhound or supporting the Greyhound Trust, go to: www.greyhoundtrust.org.uk

For local information from the Merseyside and Cheshire Greyhound Trust, phone 07510172178, or email joannejohnson2@hotmail.co.uk

Latest local roadworks update

Latest local roadworks to be notified by one.network are:

Vicarage Road, Denbighshire 09 April - 10 April   Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Description: defect rectification - 14m x 0.5m resurfacing (10mm), 2m x 2m connection point to resurface....   Works location: O/S SITE ENTRANCE   Public facing description: one.network has automatically assigned a category of Unclassified works to this Works based on the information available. Please note: Works Descriptions are not published by GAS TRANSPORTATION CO LTD.   Responsibility for works: GAS TRANSPORTATION CO LTD   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: ZP00671843-EAU-01

Six candidates announced for town council election

Only six candidates have been announced for the 11 vacant seats in the Llangollen Town Council election on May 5.

The remaining five seats will therefore have to be filled by co-option following the election.

Candidates are:

* Felton Scott Lee

* Gittins Craig, 7 Oak Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NR, Independent

* Haddy Jon Henllys, Berwyn, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8AL Independent

* Keddie Paul, Ty Cae`r Onnen, 48 Regent Street, Llangollen, LL20 8HS, Independent

* Morris Aled Huw, Independent

* Rush Jen 43 Tyn Y Celyn Drive, Llangollen, LL20 7PN

* llanblogger intends to publish the descriptions/manifestos/head-and- shoulders pictures (maximum 200 words) of each of the candidates for the town council seats during the election campaign. Deadline for submission to: llanblogger@gmail.com is Friday April 15.  

County council election candidates announced

The list of candidates standing for the two Denbighshire County Council seats up for grabs in the local elections on Thursday May 5 has been released.

The six candidates are:

* Butters Dawn Welsh, Conservative Party 

* Davies Stuart Arthur, Independent  

* Edwards Karen Anne, Independent 

* Jarvis Roger Welsh. Conservative Party 

* Keddie Paul, Independent 

* Marshall Sarah, Wales Green Party 

In the last county council election in 2017, the two councillors elected for Llangollen were Graham Timms of Welsh Labour 659 votes (29% of votes) and the Independent Melvyn Mile with 658 votes (29%).

* llanblogger intends to publish the descriptions/manifestos/head-and- shoulders pictures (maximum 200 words) of each of the candidates for the two Llangollen county council seats during the campaign. Deadline for submission to: llanblogger@gmail.com is Friday April 15.  

Police seize vehicle in clampdown on illegal off-roaders

* A police picture taken during the special operation showing the police and AONB teams who took part.

Police recently mounted a special operation targeting off-road bikes and vehicles in the countryside close to Llangollen. 

And they say that one vehicle was seized as a result of the action.

In a message sent to local residents through the North Wales force's Community Alert system, Sergeant Richard Evans of the Conwy and Denbigh Neighbourhood Policing Team, says: "Together with Natural Resources Wales and officers from the Clwydian and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we recently conducted an operation targeting the illegal use of off-road bikes and vehicles in the area.

"A number of persons were engaged with during the operation which saw one vehicle seized.

"We want people to enjoy our beautiful countryside lawfully and responsibly and will continue to take action against those responsible."

Denbighshire businesses offered rate relief for coming year

Traders in Denbighshire are being informed of business rate relief being offered for the coming financial year.

In December 2021, the Welsh Government announced an extension to the business rate relief scheme to support businesses across Wales for 2022/23.

Denbighshire County Council will be administering the support in the county on behalf of the Welsh Government.

All occupied properties wholly or mainly being used as retail, hospitality and leisure businesses are eligible to receive 50 per cent business rate relief.

This is a reduction from the last two years of the Welsh Government scheme where businesses were able to receive 100 per cent rate relief and means in many cases traders will have to pay a portion of business rates for the 2022/23 financial year.

You can apply for the scheme online via the council’s website.

Steve Gadd, the council’s Head of Finance and Property, said: “The Welsh Government has announced the scheme will be application based and therefore businesses will need to apply for this rate relief. 

“We have worked to ensure the process is as simple as possible and we are encouraging businesses to come forward, check if they are eligible and apply for this funding.

“The last two years have been difficult for businesses and this support will provide assistance to traders who have been working hard serving our communities, creating jobs and supporting the local economy.”

The Welsh Government has said businesses will receive their annual bill without the relief being awarded and that a revised bill will be issued later in the year.

* For more information or to apply please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-rates/relief-and-reductions.aspx

MP welcomes decision to pause digital phones switchover

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has welcomed the decision by communications providers to pause the Digital Voice switchover for customers who do not want to move to broadband landlines straight away.

Digital Voice is a nationwide programme which will see all landlines moved over from analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) lines to broadband Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) lines. 

The programme has been led by the telecoms industry to replace the antiquated and increasingly unreliable PSTN network. 

However, constituents across Clwyd South have contacted Mr Baynes to raise several concerns about the switchover, which included:

1. Unlike PSTN lines, the fibre cables used by VoIP phone lines do not conduct electricity to continue to work in the event of a power-cut. This, coupled with poor mobile coverage in some areas, would leave some residents without any access to the emergency services during power outages.
2. Some telecoms providers would provide battery-packs for such events, but these have a limited capacity of not much longer than an hour. Some providers were also charging customers for their purchase.
3. Residents in certain areas had concerns about their landline service in the event of broadband network outages.
4. Residents who do not have a broadband connection within their home were confused as to how their landline service would be provided in the event of the switchover. 

Mr Baynes has been liaising with telecoms providers and the UK Government to report such concerns from constituents, and to seek assurances that their landline service would be protected against such factors. 

Telecoms providers have now announced that in response to these concerns, all further Digital Voice switchovers are being paused for customers who do not want to move to the new technology straight away. 

This is to allow the providers time to get key products in place to provide customers with more resilient connectivity, which will include;

1. longer-lasting battery packs
2. home mobile landlines for those without broadband
3. hybrid home phones for customers not comfortable using a mobile, but which can connect via the mobile network if the fixed connection is unavailable. 

Mr Baynes said: “I am very pleased that telecoms providers have reacted to the concerns raised by many of my constituents within Clwyd South, in pausing all further Digital Voice switchovers until the technology is sufficiently robust. 

“Recent storms have highlighted the need to have resilient connectivity in the event of extreme weather, and rural localities such as Clwyd South are unfortunately much more exposed to challenges such as prolonged power cuts and unreliable broadband and mobile service than urban areas.  

“Of course, the PSTN network is becoming increasingly antiquated and difficult to maintain, so the need to switch over to digital services is very real. I am therefore glad that the UK Government and the industry have enacted this pause, to enable improved technology to be available for those who require it when they do eventually make the switch to digital.” 

* BT customers who are concerned about the decision to move to Digital Voice can contact the company on 0800 800 150.

Senedd Member warns of potential chaos over overnight A5 closures

* The A5 leading into the retaining wall roadworks.

Overnight closures of the A5 into Llangollen could mean chaos if a diversion route is unexpectedly shut too.

That's the warning from North Wales Senedd Member Llyr Gruffydd.

As revealed by llanblogger, it has been announced by Traffic Wales that ongoing work to strengthen retaining walls on the A5 to the east of the town will lead to a section of the trunk route being closed in both directions between tomorrow (Monday, April 4) and Saturday, April 9, between 7pm and 6am each night.

This will allow contractors to resurface the carriageway before the work is completed on April 14.

Diversions will be in place via the A483 and A539, according to Traffic Wales.

But Llyr Gruffydd says: "There have been plenty of warnings about the lack of alternatives to the A483 since the Newbridge road was closed due to a landslip 15 months ago. 

"This night-time road closure in and out of Llangollen on the A5 could mean chaos if the A483 is closed due to an unexpected incident or bad weather."

He added: "Both Wrexham Council and the Welsh Government have been saying that work is ongoing on finding funding for the B5605 through Newbridge.

"I would suggest that there needs to be a greater degree of urgency about their work as local communities are suffering the consequences. 

"We recently saw gridlock in Llangollen due to a bridge strike and the nature of the Vale of Llangollen means there are very few crossing points for the Dee. 

"I would urge the Welsh Government to urgently respond to the business case submitted by Wrexham Council with a view to commencing work on re-opening the B5605. That would avoid gridlock problems along the Dee valley and provide a much-needed relief road for the A483."

Traffic Wales says it would not have been possible to carry the work on the A5 under the usual lane closures due to the narrowness of the road at this point.

It adds that overnight working could result in higher levels of noise for which it apologises in advance.

Organisers inundated with entries for Llangollen Round Challenge

Entries for the 4^th Llangollen Round Challenge are going really well, according to organisers.

They say they have already had more that last time with two months still in hand before the sponsored 35-mile hike is due to take place over two days on May 28 and 29.  

A spokesperson said: "What should we do? We can’t cater for too many. Stretching a point, we’ve decided to accept 100 more entries, and when those places are gone, the line must be drawn. You can keep updated on Facebook.

"We’re really excited about the way things are going, and we’re grateful to have had so much help from companies like Hafren Dyfrdwy, Arla Cheese, 9 Bran Food, Tesco and local supermarkets.  

"We’ll be needing a lot of food to cater for so many walkers at the stations around the course, so nearer the time, we’ll be asking if folk could actually bake a cake for us. One of our walkers last time said the Challenge was fuelled by home-made cake!.

"We would be very grateful for that, as we would for any other donations of biscuits, fruit, sweets etc.  Whatever is given means we don’t have to buy that from Cancer Research UK funds, which is brilliant. 

"Thank you, everyone, for your support of the Challenge. We couldn’t appreciate it more. Hopefully we can beat the sum raised for Cancer Research UK in 2018, which was £66,000."

Work planned on 2020 project from Monday

Work on the Llangollen 2020 project for the week ahead is:

• Finish the Yorkstone paving up the east side of the bridge and onto Mill Street
• Install drainage on Mill street / Abbey Road (north side)
• Install kerbs on Abbey Road / Mill Street (north side)

New-style park and ride service for Llangollen

* How the new Llangollen park and ride service could look.

Organisers say plans are progressing to open a park and ride service with a difference for Llangollen.

They say the completion of the car parking facility at the new Nature Park at Wenffrwd just outside town on the A539 offers the perfect opportunity to begin operating a service that's completely unique in Wales.

Group spokesperson David Davies said: “For too long the town has sought a park and ride facility and now we have the ideal opportunity to provide one. 

"The plan is to operate during the summer at weekends and every day during the July and August peak tourist period.

"We will use part of the direct route along the old railway track to a visitor welcome area in Mill Street car park, behind the Ponsonby pub.

"We plan to operate a half-hourly service - recognising animal welfare considerations if we experience a very hot summer - and financial modelling of such a service so far looks viable."

Mr Davies added: "This service will be a significant tourist attraction and once again a first in Wales.  

"Our resources manager now has as his top priority the recruitment of the 23 donkeys the service will require to haul the park and ride vehicle on a shift basis.  

"Also being worked out are the specifications of the animal welfare units, complete with fodder facilities, needed at each end of the route and details of the training of the staff who will operate the service.”

* Please check the date after reading this exclusive llanblogger story. 

Chance for dream drive of historic engine at Llangollen Railway

Llangollen Railway is set to make many young boys' dream of being an engine driver come true over the next couple of months.

Its Driver-for-a-Fiver experience will allow budding Casey Joneses to take the controls of a vintage diesel engine for a short chug on the famous Dee Valley line.

The mighty machine they'll be driving is a 66 year-old shunting locomotive that can usually be found doing unglamorous jobs like moving locomotives and carriages around in sidings.

The Class 08 diesel-electric engine number 13625 affectionately nicknamed 'Gronk' due to the distinctive noise made by its 350hp English Electric diesel engine, was built in 1956 at Derby Locomotive Works. 

The 08 will also be working a new and shorter shuttle service between Llangollen and Berwyn Stations, which will run in-between the three daily steam and diesel trains that run between Llangollen and Carrog.

The novel new services are the brainchild of Mike Williams, a longstanding volunteer guard and Board Member for Operations at the railway.

He said: “I’ve spent a lot of time working on the 08 over the last year. The old girl really has been invaluable to us, shunting our yards and also hauling the works trains to get our railway back in business. 

"It’s a popular loco that doesn’t get much use on public trains and we’re often asked when there might be a chance to sample a ride behind it. Well, now people can – and they can even have a go at driving it too!”

Driver-for-a-Fiver will run in Llangollen station and allow those over 12 - under 16s must be accompanied by an adult - the chance to drive the locomotive for a short distance along the platform and back. 

The experience is available between 11:20-12:05, 13:15-14:15 and 15:35- 16:15. Tickets can be purchased on the day. 

With a return journey time of 50 minutes, the Berwyn Shuttle allows those looking for a shorter trip the chance to travel to the beautiful Berwyn station in the scenic Dee Gorge. 

There is a station tearoom and it is also possible to take a walk to the Chain Bridge or nearby Horseshoe Falls and return back to Llangollen on a later train if desired. 

Departures from Llangollen are 10:20, 12:15, 14:30 & 16:30, with returns from Berwyn at 10:50, 12:16, 12:45, 14:26, 15:00, 16:31 & 17:00. 

Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £5 for a child and £7.50 for seniors, purchasable from Llangollen station on the day. 

Mike added: “The rolling stock the shuttle will use is also interesting and quirky, adding a bit of character to the experience. 

"There is a converted open freight wagon, which has seating and a canopy. Travelling in this is a real outdoor experience and you’ll be able to hear the river as well as see it. 

"There is covered accommodation for the less adventurous – a converted LNER pigeon van, which is fully enclosed but with nice, large windows. This vehicle is nearly 100 years old and was built to carry racing pigeons around the country. 

"Don’t worry though, it’s had a lot of work done on it since then to make it suitable to carry people, including those who have mobility issues."

The events will run in April on Sat 9th & Sun 10th , Sat 16th , Sun 17th & Mon 18th , Sat 23rd & Sun 24th and Sat 30th. In May they will run on Sun 1st & Mon 2nd.