Skates attacks government on cost-of-living crisis

* Ken Skates, Senedd Member for Clwyd South.

The UK Government response to the cost-of-living crisis has been branded ‘insulting’ by a Member of the Senedd. 

Former Economy Minister Ken Skates said the measures announced so far by Chancellor Rishi Sunak are not enough – and barely cover the £1,000-a-year Universal Credit cut thousands of households in his Clwyd South constituency suffered in the autumn. 

Mr Skates said only the Westminster Government had the ‘fiscal firepower’ to deliver what is needed, with experts predicting the biggest fall in living standards since the 1950s. 

The Senedd was told that more could have been done if the Tories hadn’t "squandered billions of pounds of public money" – and heard claims that UK Government loans had been used to purchase pornography and even fund terrorism. 

During First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday (June 14), the Clwyd South MS asked Mark Drakeford: “Would you agree that the Chancellor's offer to households facing the cost-of-living crisis is simply not enough and, indeed, insulting given it's to be paid from the cut to Universal Credit last year? 

“So much more could have been offered to hard-pressed households had the Chancellor not lost £11bn in failing to insure against interest rate rises, or by losing £6bn in fraudulent loans.” 

The First Minister responded: “Ken Skates makes a very important point. As a former Minister responsible for the economy, I can see why he has wanted to highlight the fact that while this government fails to provide help for people faced with a cost-of-living crisis at the same time they are losing money hand over fist. 

“The £11bn to which Ken Skates referred was highlighted only last week. The Chancellor was warned, time after time, that rising interest rates would have an impact upon his ability to service the £900bn of reserves created by quantitative easing. He failed to take out those insurance measures and, as a result, he is spending £11bn more than he would have otherwise have needed to. Now, imagine what the £11bn could have done in the lives of the people we have been talking about this afternoon. 

“And when it comes to fraud from the bounce-back loan scheme, fraud is only a third of the loss that the UK Government itself say they now expect to make through that scheme. Five billion pounds lost directly in fraud, but £17bn which the government now does not expect to recover from those loans. 

“There are court cases going through at the moment that show that those bounce-back loans, those fraudulent loans, were being used to pay for the purchase of private cars, for flying lessons, for pornography websites and, in a case which is to be in front of the courts next month, a case where someone who obtained a bounce-back loan is alleged to have used it to fund terrorist activity by Islamic State terrorists in Syria. 

“Five billion pounds which, as we know, the National Audit Office says the government has failed to take the necessary action to recover. Government Minister, Lord Agnew, the anti-fraud Minister, resigned in January describing his own Government's efforts to control that fraud as ‘woeful’.” 

Mr Drakeford added: “The point that Ken Skates makes is this, isn't it? We have a government who say that, in the fifth-richest country in the world, it’s not possible to provide enough money for people to stay warm and to be fed during this coming winter, but have managed to contrive the loss of tens of billions of pounds in just two schemes that I've highlighted this afternoon.” 

Mr Skates was an outspoken critic of the cut to Universal Credit, which was pushed through last year leaving more than 6,000 households in Clwyd South £1,040 a year worse off. 

Welsh Government Ministers set out a £380m package of support in the spring which included £150 council tax rebates and a new £200 Winter Fuel Support Scheme to be launched in autumn. At least 4,583 unpaid carers in Wrexham and Denbighshire will also receive a £500 support payment from the Welsh Government. 

Mr Skates said that In April alone more than 2,200 payments were made from the Welsh Government’s discretionary assistance fund to people in Wrexham and Denbighshire – with more than 90% cash help for emergency food and fuel. 

Mr Skates added: “The Welsh Government is doing what it can, but the UK Government must step up. They should be helping people – not simply replacing what they’ve already taken away from those struggling the most and then telling them they should be grateful.”

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks notified by Denbighshire County Council are:

120m east of Medical centre to The Sun Inn A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 21/04/2022 14/07/2022 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

Outside PONSONBY ARMS MILL STREET 15/07/2022 15/07/2022 I rheoli traffig ar llwybr amgen / Traffic control on diversion route 

A539 OUTSIDE PLAS DERWEN, ABBEY ROAD, LLANGOLLEN ABBEY ROAD 04/07/2022 04/07/2022 Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole PLATINUM (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

A542 AT JUNCTION WITH A5 QUEEN STREET BIRCH HILL 26/09/2022 30/09/2022 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYRFDWY (EMMA) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure

DINBREN ROAD, JUNC WITH WERN ROAD AND WHARF HILL DINBREN ROAD 20/06/2022 20/06/2022 Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole PLATINUM (DCC) 

HALL STREET jnc with BERWYN STREET HALL STREET 28/06/2022 30/06/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN

The Beeches MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 28/06/2022 30/06/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) 

Plaque honours Wynn's love for football club

* George Hughes, Bob 'Bala' and Gill Hughes with the plaque.

* Barbara and George Hughes, Bob 'Bala', Gill Hughes, Richard Hughes and Kevin Richards on the pitch at Tower Field.

The family of one of Llangollen's best-known residents have presented an inscribed plaque in his memory to the local football club he loved.

Wynn "Parrafin" Hughes died at the age of 86 in Chirk Hospital last November.

He was a staunch supporter of Llangollen FC for many years, helping them both on and off the pitch.

Money collected at Wynn's funeral in St Collen's Church has now been used to pay for the commemorative plaque, inscribed with words "Wynn Hughes Memorial Dugouts," to which the club will give a place of honour inside their Tower Field HQ.

In a tribute to him at the time of his death team manager and former player, Damien Tobin, recalled: “Wynn carried out several roles within the club over the years. He used to clean out the changing rooms, line-mark the pitch and help put out the nets and corner flags.

“He even used to run on the pitch with a bucket and sponge to treat injured players, to everyone’s amusement. He never missed a game home and away.

“The players loved having Wynn in the changing rooms before a game and every away team and referee made a fuss of him when they arrived at Tower Field.

“His famous phrases of “C’mon you Spurs,” and “Back and face, Llan,” would echo from the stand every game.

“Several players and friends of Wynn regularly picked him up from his house to take him to games and he was so thankful for that gesture.

“Life will never be the same at Llangollen Football Club without him."

The plaque was presented to the club last Sunday by Wynn's family when a team of veterans from Llangollen FC gathered to play their counterparts from a Wrexham team.

Wynn's cousin George Hughes, a former Llangollen town mayor, said: "He loved Llan FC so much we wanted to do something to help people remember him at the club."

Reminder: don't leave dogs in hot cars

With temperatures rising across Wales people are being reminded to protect their pets and not leave them in hot vehicles.

Every year animals are harmed or die by being left alone in cars and vans during warmer weather, even for a very short while.

Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths is reminding people to protect their pets as temperatures hit higher figures.

The Minister said: “Although many of us enjoy the hotter weather, it cannot always be said for our pets who we cherish.

“Some people believe leaving their pet in a vehicle in the shade or with the windows down will be fine, but it is simply not the case.

“Vehicles can get hot very quickly and leaving animals alone in these higher temperatures is very dangerous.

“We love our pets and I encourage everyone to take the steps needed to ensure they are protected and comfortable during warmer weather. If you are out and about with your pet, plan your day carefully making sure they are never left in a vehicle for any amount of time.”

If a pet is seen to be in distress in a vehicle during the warmer weather, it is important to dial 999 immediately and ask for assistance.

Further information on what steps can be taken to protect animals can be found on the RSPCA website.

RSPCA companion animal welfare expert, Dr Samantha Gaines said: "With more warm weather expected across Wales, it's so important people make a plan to keep their pets safe - and we'd urge pet owners to check out the advice on the RSPCA website. 

"Walks are great for our dogs - but when temperatures get very warm, exercise may be too much for them and some dogs, such as those bred for flat faces, are particularly at risk. When it's really hot, any dog can be affected - so early morning or late evening walks can be much safer at this time of year, as it's cooler.

"With Covid restrictions at an end, it's great people are planning trips again and getting out and about - but when it is scorching outside, or if an event isn't appropriate, owners may wish to consider leaving dogs at home. Busy, loud environments can be very distressing; and dogs need constant access to water and shade.

"It's also so important to never leave a dog in a car during warm weather. Even if it doesn't feel very warm outside, dogs can quickly suffer if shut inside a car - and the consequences, sadly, can be fatal. Put simply, dogs die in hot cars.

"It's also vital pet owners know the signs of heat-related illnesses in dogs. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness and a reluctance to play could all be signs something is wrong - so keeping a close eye on our animals is key."

Wales Rural & Wildlife Crime Coordinator, Rob Taylor said: “Leaving your dog, for only a short time in your car, will result in them overheating with the consequence of death.

“It’s simple, either leave your dog at your home or please do not leave them in your car as your pet will suffer and you could also be prosecuted for your actions.”

MS calls for more help for veterans from Welsh Government

Sam Rowlands, Senedd Member for North Wales, has called for more to be done to support veterans in Wales. 

Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Rowlands, Shadow Minister for Local Government, asked Hannah Blythyn, Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, what action the Welsh Government were taking. 

He said: “Recently I had the pleasure of meeting the Royal British Legion and they are looking to extend housing priority need to cover five years for those who have left military service. 

"Also, as in place in England, to ensure that divorced or separated spouses and partners of service personnel in Wales can access housing support on the same terms as other armed forces families. 

“What consideration have you had to extend the housing priority need and what discussions are you having with representatives of veterans to ensure that their important concerns are looked at?”

The Minister said: "Our programme for government does set out our commitment to reform housing law and implement the homeless action group's recommendations to fundamentally reform homelessness services to focus on prevention and rapid rehousing. 

“As part of this reform, I can say that Welsh Government will consider the points that you raised and the Royal British Legion have raised as well.” 

Mr Rowlands added: “I was delighted to hear the response from the Minister and look forward to seeing Welsh Government progress the housing reforms and demonstrate their commitment to our veterans.”

Stylish electric Swede is a buzz to drive

Volvo XC40 Recharge drive by Steve Rogers

I’ve been driving a car for a week and haven’t touched the brake pedal. Truth or lie?

You are thinking there has got to be a catch here, but it is the truth.

The electrically powered XC40 has a system called one pedal which brakes the car as the driver lifts off the throttle. It is all to do with capturing energy for the batteries and is the next stage in regenerative braking.

We see it in hybrids where gentle braking is induced to harness battery power but this system is full on and will, by feathering the throttle, bring the car to a stop and hold until you move off. It quickly becomes second nature and apart from an emergency stop there is no need to use the brake pedal.

XC40 looks to be leading Volvos charge to electrically powered cars and has a quite a story to tell. It is the company’s smallest SUV previously powered by petrol or diesel engines but now it’s just petrol hybrid and electric.

The only difference in styling is the front grille which has been replaced by a plastic cover because there is no engine to cool. I would have stuck with the grille which is way more classier.

Power comes from an electric motor, or, in the case of the all wheel drive model tested here, two motors, one on each axle doubling the power to a gobsmacking 408bhp and get this, XC40’s dash to sixty is just two seconds behind a Ferrari F8 or McLaren 720S.

It goes against the grain when electric cars should be driven sensibly, but this car’s performance is such a hoot you are tempted to drive the nuts off it all the time. Honestly, stab the accelerator and you risk snapping your neck such is the pick up.

Back in Mr Sensible mode XC40 delivered around 220 miles from my Podpoint home wall charger, 36 miles short of Volvo’s prediction. Not too shabby and puts the Volvo in the middle of its rivals on range.

A full charge from a wall box takes 12 hours and double that if plugging into a three-pin socket, and remember never to use an extension lead because it will fry.

XC40 is an SUV so don’t expect handling to match its sports car performance but it is good to drive in spite of weighing in at a hefty 2.1 tonnes. The ride was occasionally jittery on B roads in my neck of the woods but for the majority of driving it has a comfortable ride unless  thrashed through bends when you get the inevitable body roll from a high sided car.

You cannot dispute XC40’s premium car status with high quality soft finishes and attractive metal inlays around the cabin. I have been saying for years how Volvo front seats are the most comfortable of any car I have driven and nothing has changed. It is good in the back, too, with ample leg and headroom and space for three adults.

The boot loses a few litres of space because of the positioning of the batteries but there is a decent bolt hole for family luggage. We easily loaded three golf bags and power trolleys with the back seats dropped. Surprised there were no levers in the boot wall to lower the seat backs.

Up front the dashboard has pleasing minimal Swedish styling and the infamous Volvo touchscreen infotainment system. Will we ever get used to it? You would if you owned a Volvo but it would still take a while.

This is a spanking new system powered by Android with Google mapping for navigation and is megga quick. That said it is the same old story, lots of menus with long lists of functions in small print, not the sort of thing to be meddling with while driving.

Ironic that a company that has led the world with safety technology and packs its cars with every safety feature known to man has a complex feature that can be a distraction for a driver.

I kept out of it as much as possible relying on the easy to use voice control for heating, radio and navigation commands.

Sixty grand for the all wheel drive XC40 sounds a lot but is not overpriced compared to its rivals. My guess is the majority will opt for the less expensive front wheel drive models which are still quick off the mark. If XC40 is within your budget it is an extremely good buy whichever model you go for.

How will it stack up against the Audi Q50 etron? Find out here in a couple of weeks.

What the wife says.

I dreaded having to fiddle with the infotainment system but was very impressed with the clever braking system. The covered storage box under the bonnet is a bonus and perfect for storing the hefty charging cables.

Fast facts

XC40 Recharge Twin Pro Ultimate

£60,300 (Range starts £45,750)

Twin electric motors, 408bhp

0-60mph 4.7secs; 112mph

Range 256 miles

0g/km. Road tax zero

Boot 578-1328 litres

Insurance group 41

Improved visitor access created at Horseshoe Falls

After six months' preparation the area around the intake and meter house at the Horseshoe Falls has been transformed to create an improved visitor welcome.

The Lengthsman Hut and stop plank shed has been full restored and an interpretation panel installed, the railings and down pipes on the meter house have been rubbed down and repainted along with the installation of further railings around the intake.

The work was undertaken by the Our Picturesque Landscape project, which is a landscape partnership scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund based in the Dee Valley and supported by Canal and River Trust.

The work has been made possible by Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics capital fund, which is supporting local authorities and national parks to deliver the improvements which will benefit both communities and visitors, will support projects to help alleviate pressure in areas that are seeing increased visitor numbers.

Our Picturesque Landscape Partnership Officer Kate Thomson said: "Thanks to Welsh Government Brilliant Basics and National Lottery Heritage funding, the area around the intake and the meter house has been transformed to create a much improved visitor welcome.

"To celebrate this, we formally opened the Lengthsman’s Hut to the public for the first time. It has been closed up for many years and after a full restoration has been furnished as if the lengths man who would have been responsible for the maintenance of a section or length of canal has just popped out to work and will be back shortly! The Lengthsman's Hut can be found opposite the meter house on the canal towpath.

"We are keen to recruit volunteers to open it up going forward if anyone would be interested in helping please contact our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk or telephone 01824 706163."

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: "I was delighted to be invited to the opening of the Lengthman’s Hut and meet the team involved with the picturesque landscape project. It’s so important to restore and preserve these buildings that are part of the heritage of the Dee Valley."

Welsh Government Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said: “We’re very aware of the important part that local tourism amenities have on someone’s overall experience when on a day trip or on holiday. These facilities often go unnoticed, but they are an important part of people’s experiences when they visit Wales, while also benefit those who live in the area."

Police warn over Father's Day competition scam

* The fake competition advert.

North Wales Police have issued a warning about a Father's Day competition which they point out is a scam.

On the Neighbourhood Alert network force cybercrime officer Dewi Owen says: "Scammers are sending fake Father’s Day competitions via WhatsApp.

"The text reads B&Q Father’s Day Contest 2022 and goes on to advertise 5,000 free gas barbeques."

And he adds: "Do NOT click the link, report it to 7726 then block the number."

The officer sends a link to the Which consumer website, which says:  

"In time for Father’s Day, scammers are impersonating B&Q to offer you the opportunity to participate in a fraudulent contest. 

"Scammers stay on top of seasonal events so that they can try to more convincingly scam you. 

"We’ve received several reports from people who have received suspicious WhatsApp messages in the run-up to Father’s Day, offering you the chance to win a Weber BBQ as a present. 

"The text reads B&Q Father’s Day Contest 2022 and goes on to advertise 5,000 free gas barbeques available to be won by entering a competition by clicking on the link below. The message uses a catalogue-style photograph of the BBQ as well as B&Q branding to convince you it’s real.

"The WhatsApp message is sent via a mobile number, which brands will never contact you on and the message links to a Russian website with no connection to B&Q, a British company. 

"This link will either phish for your bank details or put you in danger of having malware downloaded onto your device. 

"On 8 June, B&Q put out a statement on Facebook stating: 'We’re aware of a fake message circulating via Whatsapp using B&Q branding in a Father’s Day competition. 

"'If you receive a suspicious WhatsApp message, which could be from a known or unknown contact, about a B&Q Father’s Day Contest 2022 offering the chance to win a Weber BBQ, we strongly recommend that you delete the message, do not click on any links and do not share with your contacts. 

"'We would never ask any of our customers to provide their full home address in order to enter a competition. If you believe you have been the victim of this scam, please consider reporting it to Action Fraud.' It posted a similar message on Twitter."

* Find out more here :- Watch out for this B&Q Father’s Day competition Scam - Which? News

Roadworks alerts for Regent Street

Latest local roadworks updates from one.network are:

Regent Street, Denbighshire 13 June - 15 June   Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Description: MJ QUINN TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING WORK - TO REPLACE FRAME AND COVER IN CARRIAGEWAY.   Works location: S/0 INN REGENT STREET JUNC OF CHURCH STREET   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 Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: BC006MQONSAWN0POWD5L0P4T

Regent Street, Denbighshire 14 June - 16 June   Delays likely - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Description: MJ QUINN TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING WORK - TO REPLACE FRAME AND COVER IN CARRIAGEWAY   Works location: BY THE POND - OPP 66/68 REGENT STREET   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 Openreach.   Responsibility for works: Openreach   Current status: Planned work about to start   Works reference: BC006MQONSAWN0POWD5L183F

Councillor told why Llan buildings won't be lit up for Falklands anniversary

* Rhyl's 1891 restaurant and bar lit up to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war.

A leisure company boss has explained to a Llangollen county councillor why some of the town's landmark buildings haven't been lit up to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands war like those in Rhyl.

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, which manages county council leisure assets on its behalf, will light up attractions to remember those who tragically lost their lives in the conflict.

On Wednesday 8^th June and Tuesday 14^th June,  Rhyl Sky Tower, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, 1891 restaurant and bar, the Events Arena waterfall and coastal bus shelters are being lit up in red blue and white to reflect the colours of the British flag and in honour of all those who lost their lives, including members of the Armed Forces from the Denbighshire area.

When she heard about this Councillor Karen Edwards wrote to Jamie Groves, managing director of Denbighshire Leisure, saying: "I have been approached by numerous residents in Llangollen who wish to know why this town has not been included in the ‘Light up Attractions to remember those lost during the Falklands War’ .

"If you could provide me with the information as to who made this decision and the reasons for it I can then relay the information to the residents here. 

"I have to add that from both a personal perspective and as a county councillor it is very disappointing."

In a reply shown to llanblogger by Cllr Edwards Mr Groves says: "In fairness, you are not the first to raise the question about lighting up the assets elsewhere in the county, but unfortunately, it is not straightforward. 

"The simple answer is that the current attractions that we light up all have the feature lighting installed already, all of which are controlled remotely by Rhyl Pavilion. 

"When the waterfront was developed along the coast the programme of work included installing feature lighting. As a company we are paid by the council under contract to manage a number of attractions, most of which include the feature lighting capability. The only other installation we are aware of, is Ruthin Craft Centre, which was paid for by the town council. 

"We would of course take on the responsibility for lighting up other assets across the county for the council if the feature lighting was installed.

"I would be happy to commission a piece of work to look into the feasibility of installing the lighting in other facilities across the county, and then taking on responsibility for lighting them up to mark special occasions. But we would need to be commissioned by the council in order to do this."

Welsh Government pledges £4m help with fuel bills

Some of the most vulnerable households in Wales will receive further help with soaring energy bills, after Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt launched a £4m fuel voucher scheme. 

The extra help will be targeted towards people with pre-payment meters and households not connected to mains gas. 

It comes as figures show people on pre-payment meters in North Wales have been the hardest hit in the UK by rising standing charges, with costs increasing by 102%. 

The £4m of new funding will enable the Fuel Bank Foundation to introduce a national voucher scheme, providing direct support to eligible households on prepayment meters and those not connected to the mains gas network. 

Nearly 120,000 people on prepayment meters will be eligible for approximately 49,000 vouchers to support them during the cost-of-living crisis. 

Vouchers will range from £30 in summer months to £49 in winter, with households receiving up to three vouchers over a six-month period. 

The £4m will also include a Heat Fund, which will provide direct support to eligible households living off the gas grid, which are reliant on heating oil and liquid gas. This will help an estimated 2,000 households across Wales. 

Speaking as she visited a foodbank in Wrexham yesterday (Friday) to see the support available to people trying to balance rising energy costs with putting food on the table, Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt said: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating impact on people in Wales. 

“Today, nearly half of all households in Wales are at risk of falling into fuel poverty. This is deeply shocking. 

“We are investing an extra £4m in the Fuel Bank Foundation to roll-out a national scheme that covers the whole of Wales and supports people most in need. 

“This extra help is for people on pre-payment meters and for those who are not on mains gas or electricity – both ignored by the Chancellor in his latest package.” 

The extra funding and target support comes as households across Wales are struggling to pay higher energy bills, exacerbated by the increase in the domestic energy cap rise in April. People with prepayment meters are the most susceptible to rising costs and increased standing charges. 

Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit have seen a typical average household energy bill increase by £693 a year, while people on prepayment meters have been hardest hit, with increases of £708 a year. 

Households not connected to the mains gas network are also suffering from rising fuel costs and being forced into fuel poverty, with approximately one in 10 households reliant on heating oil in Wales. 

Many have reported the cost of heating oil has more than doubled over the past two months. A delivery of 500 litres normally costing approximately £340 can in some regions now cost upwards of £750.

AONB team to lead Panorama walk

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB team has organised a leisurely amble around the Panorama Walk overlooking the picturesque Vale of Llangollen. 

People taking part in the four-mile walk on Friday June 17, from 10am-2pm, will be encouraged to be on the lookout for some of the wildlife and geology that make the Panorama so special and also learn about some of the pressures the area is experiencing from visitors. 

It is hoped walkers will spot peregrine falcons, plenty of plant life, insects and even hear a cuckoo.

The Panorama is part of an internationally important designated area called the Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains Special Area of Conservation which represents the largest tract of upland dry heath in Wales. 

It’s part of the Ruabon/Llantysilio Mountains & Minera Site of Special Scientific Interest designated for its upland heather moorland, upland birds, calcareous grasslands, geology, caves and bat species. 

The rolling heather moors contrasts strongly with the dramatic limestone cliffs, screes and disused quarry workings of the Eglwyseg.

A unique species of Whitebeam tree grows on the limestone cliffs and nowhere else in the world.

The Panorama is a working landscape shaped through the management of the land by generations of landowners, farmers and their livestock. 

Working with the farmers and visitors, the AONB says it hopes to protect the special qualities of the landscape and wildlife for the wellbeing of future generations. 

* If you would like to join the walk, register a place by emailing: our.picturesque.landscape@denbighshire.gov.uk

Meet at laybyon Blackwood Rd, approx. 200m north from Panorama Walk cattle grid towards Prospect Place. Grid Reference: SJ 24846 42900. What 3 Words location: opera.chose.delighted.

The walk will cover approximately four miles over uneven ground.

Senedd Member calls for Welsh NHS improvements

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates has set out the steps he believes the Welsh Government should take to improve health services in north Wales. 

The Clwyd South MS called on Health Minister Eluned Morgan to commission independent assessments of the short-term impact and future benefits of splitting Betsi Cadwaladr, which is Wales’ largest health board. 

He also called for the creation of a People’s Panel in the north to scrutinise and shape what the future of the NHS in the region and repeated his belief that the new Citizens Voice Body, which will represent the voices and opinions of the people of Wales on health and social care matters, should be based in the north. 

Mr Skates was speaking in a Senedd debate on Wednesday (June 8), in which the Conservatives called for BCUHB to be put back into special measures. 

He said: “There is no doubt that health provision is the single biggest issue of concern to people in north Wales right now, and by some distance. And, whilst the vast majority of people in the region would doubtlessly applaud the phenomenal and tireless efforts of the healthcare workforce, there is considerable concern over service provision and outcomes. 

“The Conservative motion sees a different set of special measures as the answer to the health board's failings. The Plaid amendment offers reorganisation as the answer. 

“I’ve considered both really, really carefully, and I do feel that both are worthy of further investigation and also an open-minded response. But I can also appreciate the likely response to both, that now is not the right time to reorganise and that we have an established process for placing specific services and entire boards into special measures.” 

Mr Skates continued: “I'd make the following suggestions. Firstly, conduct some form of a truth review to completely look at the special measures process as a means of delivering improvement. If special measures arrangements are found to be deficient in any way, then let's move to revise them. 

“Secondly, conduct a truly independent assessment of the real and likely short-term impacts of reorganisation on service outcomes. Let's have our eyes opened to the likely short-term consequences before examining the long-term possible benefits of reorganisation. Deciding on whether to embark on such a journey should be informed by the long-term potential benefits, but also by the short-term impact on services and outcomes. 

“Thirdly, I'd recommend establishing, without delay, a People's Panel in the north to interrogate the challenges and all possible solutions. A People's Panel could offer, I think, an objective, informed, depoliticised and citizen-led view of what needs to change. 

“And fourthly, let's improve communications and transparency, establish an easily accessible online data dashboard for the seven health board areas so that the public can see how their services compare to other parts of Wales in terms of outcomes. 

"We can't be back in again in six or 12 months having the same debate. I'd implore the Minister to consider all constructive suggestions, such as those that I've offered, in order to restore public confidence in health services in north Wales." 

Mr Skates also tabled a Statement of Opinion this week – seeking support of other Members – proposing that the Senedd:  

·       Calls for the new Citizen Voice Body for Health and Social Care (CVB) to be headquartered in North Wales.

·       Believes that locating the CVB headquarters in the North would demonstrate an early commitment by the organisation to decentralisation.

·       Further call on the CVB to guarantee citizens that it will serve all parts of Wales equally by having fair representation of each of the health board areas at an executive and board level.

Latest local roadworks alerts

Latest local roadworks notifications from Denbighshire County Council are:

OUTSIDE PLAS DERWEN, ABBEY ROAD, LLANGOLLEN ABBEY ROAD 04/07/2022 04/07/2022 Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole PLATINUM (DCC) LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

DINBREN ROAD, JUNC WITH WERN ROAD AND WHARF HILL DINBREN ROAD 20/06/2022 20/06/2022 Adnewyddu Polyn / Renew Pole PLATINUM (DCC) LLANGOLLEN 

The Beeches MARKET STREET MARKET STREET 28/06/2022 30/06/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN 

120m east of Medical centre to The Sun Inn A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 21/04/2022 14/07/2022 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYFRDWY LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights 

OUTSIDE PONSONBY ARMS MILL STREET 15/07/2022 15/07/2022 I rheoli traffig ar llwybr amgen / Traffic control on diversion route 

HALL STREET jnc with BERWYN STREET HALL STREET 28/06/2022 30/06/2022 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (DCC) LLANGOLLEN 

AT JUNCTION WITH A5 QUEEN STREET BIRCH HILL 26/09/2022 30/09/2022 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works HAFREN DYRFDWY (EMMA) LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure