Latest local roadworks updates from one.network and the county council are:
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Sunday, January 8, 2023
Latest local roadworks alerts
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Your views sought on Llan's Four Great Highways scheme
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The views of Llangollen residents and businesses are being invited on a scheme to improve links between the four famous ‘highways’ that run through the heart of the town.
And a local county
councillor is urging as many people as possible to get involved.
Following a
successful application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Denbighshire
County Council wants to enhance the public spaces that connect Llangollen
Canal, the old Ruabon to Barmouth Railway line, the River Dee and A5 Holyhead
Road.
Some key priorities of the Four Great Highways project, as it is known, are improved accessibility, signage and better materials with the aim of improving the visitor experience and increasing the amount of time they spend here.
Proposals include:
* Better access between the Llangollen Canal, River Dee and town centre
* Inclusive and safe access for a range of users
* Opportunities to incorporate play and exercise
* Strengthened biodiversity and climate resistance
* Enhanced views and rest points
As part of the consultation process three separate online engagement sessions are planned for next week when the contracted designers, Burroughs & The Urbanists, will invite residents, businesses and visitors of Llangollen to discuss the project.
The county council says views and comments shared during the event will inform the design now being worked on.
The meetings, being held via Microsoft Teams, are all on Thursday January 12 - for Llangollen businesses between 6 and 6.30pm, for residents between 6.30 and 7pm and for everyone else between 7 and 7.30pm.
* To arrange to attend one of the sessions, or for further information, e-mail: levellingup@denbighshire.gov.uk
Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: “This is part of the South Clwyd Levelling Up Fund project. Wrexham are the leading authority and the Four Great Highways project is Llangollen's share of the pot.
“County Councillor Paul Keddie and myself are due to have a Teams meeting next week with the designers, so we will have a comprehensive discussion with them.”
She added: “This is the start of the wider consultation process, so let's hope that the residents and businesses are interested because it's their voices that matter and certainly from my perspective it's important that there's thorough engagement with everyone who has a vested interest and that they have an opportunity to input into the scheme in order to have an acceptable outcome.”
Friday, January 6, 2023
Can you give Elvis (and some sheep) a new home?
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A lifelike recreation of the King of Rock 'n' Roll starred as one of the Three Kings of nativity fame in the Christmas tableau at the gateway of Tan Y Ddol and attracted a huge following of fans.
It's creators, who come up with a similar ingenious display each festive season, have just taken down Elvis, along with a band of realistic-looking shepherds who had been been watching their flock by night, at the end of their smash-hit run.
But they're now hoping find the immaculately-attired Mr Presley and the six sheep - named EweAnn, Mary, Shaun, Ramsay, Baabara and EweJean - some appreciative new homes in exchange for a contribution to a good cause.
A spokesperson for the Tan Y Dol team said: "We're stripping down the tableaux, and it occurred to me that we might be missing a trick.
"I thought it might be worth offering people the opportunity to have one of the figures in exchange for a donation to Tenovus.
"Unfortunately we'd already stripped down all the others before the idea dawned on me - only Elvis and the sheep are left - but fortunately they're the ones I think people would be more likely to be interested in."
* If you're interested in adopting Elvis or the sheep just pop into the Tenovus charity shop in Castle Street, Llangollen and make a donation.
Thursday, January 5, 2023
New Dot Cinema is back this month
New Dot
cinema will return to Llangollen Town Hall next month, after taking a brief break at the end of 2022.
First up on screen, on Friday January 13, is
Brian and Charles, a comedy shot in North Wales with some locations very close
to home that the audience are sure to recognize.
Brian is a lonely inventor in rural Wales who spends his days building quirky, unconventional contraptions that seldom work.
Undeterred by his lack of
success, he soon attempts his biggest project yet. Using a washing machine and
various spare parts, he invents Charles, an artificial intelligence robot that
learns English from a dictionary and has an obsession with cabbages.
Tickets are
£6 online in advance, or £8 on the door. You can buy yours here.
Doors and bar open at 6.30pm and the film begins at 7pm.
On Friday February 24, music fans will be thrilled to learn that Moonage Daydream will be hitting the town’s local screen.
The film features never-before-seen
footage and performances exploring David Bowie's creative, spiritual and
musical journey. Look out for more details and tickets soon.
Hospices say, think of us for your new year challenge
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Keep us in mind when you're thinking about a fresh challenge for the year ahead.
That's the message from the hospice community at Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith.
From wing walking and sky diving to
running, walking and cycling, baking and glamorous balls there is a wide range
of events and activities already available for people to sign up for and
support seriously ill local children and their families, they say.
Alison Marsh, head of fundraising,
said: "We have been blown away by the support we received from our
supporters throughout 2022. From our amazing events such as Eat Cake Week, our
Cycle Challenge, the Llangollen Canal Walk and our three Dark Runs to our
raffles and Final Moments Matter campaign, the support we have had over the
last year has been nothing short of incredible.
"However come January 1st we
start again from zero and we need our wonderful community to support as they
have done in the past to help us raise the money we need to make sure can be
here for those that need us the most."
The hospices currently need £7.5
million every year to maintain the level of care they provide.
"We have lots planned for 2023
and to kick start the year we have made some brilliant events online live for
people to sign up to," said Alison.
"Whether you are a daredevil who
could take to the skies and wing walk or skydive, a runner looking for their
next big challenge, a baker who could raise some money Eat Cake or if you’d
like to take on our incredible Llangollen Canal Walk, there really is something
for everyone to take part in and bookings are now open on our website.”
If people are not in a position to
sign up for an event but would still like to support the hospices, then they
could consider making a regular monthly gift donation, or sign up to play the
Hope House Lottery for as little as £1 a week, and they could win prizes of up
to £1,000 a week.
* Visit www.hopehouse.org.uk/events to see all fundraising events and ways to support the hospices or alternatively call the fundraising office on 01691 671671 or email fundraising@hopehouse.org.uk to ask about how you can be part of something amazing.
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Vitara - still a car with plenty of vitality
Suzuki Vitara drive by Steve Rogers
If you were to put your last quid on buying a reliable
car what would you go for?
To be fair there are no longer any bad cars, the days
of Lada, FSO and Yugo a distant memory, so may be look to the premium brands,
they are bound to be a safe bet. Generally they are but they do not always fair
well in customer satisfaction surveys.
My money would be on Korean or Japanese brands, in
particular Suzuki. I know, not the most glamourous and a bit of a left field
choice, but the company is always near the top of the satisfaction and
reliability surveys and here’s one of the reasons why.
Vitara has been Suzuki’s best seller for what seems
like an age although it has been nudged off poll position by Swift (another gem
of a car) but I would put money on Vitara bouncing back soon.
It’s not even the company’s halo car any more, a
restructuring has seen the mantle passed to S Cross, very similar, yet
customers still prefer Vitara.
So what makes Vitara so special? Basically it is a bit
of an enigma. It has had plenty of updates so is technically sound; it is a
full hybrid and a competent off roader for bargain money. But sit it next to a
new Kia Sportage for instance and it is starting to look dated.
The last facelift brought in full hybrid with a 140V
supply mated to a 1.5 litre petrol engine. The result is lower emissions and
remarkably good economy, all but 48mpg over 560 miles and 51mpg on a hilly 300
mile round trip to Pembrokeshire. Impressive for an all wheel drive SUV.
Suzuki has built an enviable reputation as a 4x4
specialist and Vitara proves it with a four mode selection. A limited slip
differential is unusual for a £29k off roader but can help you get out of some
tricky situations like snow, braking a spinning wheel and sending torque to
those with grip.
A bit of performance has been lost to the mild hybrid
model and the six speed automatic gearbox suffers a slight lull between changes
which is irritating when overtaking.
Inside Vitara looks to have a neat and tidy layout but
again is a bit dated. While rivals have computer generated displays the driver
is faced with old fashioned dials.
Silver numbers on a silver background with 20mph increments are not easy
to read. Fortunately you will find a digital speedometer by scrolling through a
central multi function display.
Vitara is not a big car, the longer Grand model
dropped a while ago, but the cabin proportions are generous enough and can cope
with a family of five. Build quality is up to standard but hard plastic trim
does little for the car’s image.
The ride is firm but not uncomfortable although you
feel suspension thump over potholes and there is quite a bit of road noise
On the plus side there is bags of equipment even on
entry SZ-T with navigation, rear camera, keyless entry, digital air
conditioning, smartphone connection and LED headlights. SZ5 gets a panoramic
sunroof and front and rear parking sensors along with the option of all wheel
drive.
The safety package includes my favourite cross traffic
alert, blind spot monitor and adaptive cruise control.
In spite of its flaws Vitara is still a cracking
family SUV with an inexpensive, impressive four wheel drive system. I could
happily live with this car and was sad to see it go.
Fast Facts
Vitara SZ5 Allgrip 6sp auto
£29,299 (range starts £23,749)
1.5 litre petrol; 115bhp
0-62mph 12.7secs; 111mph
53mpg combined
132g/km. 1st tax £165
Insurance group 16
Boot: 289 litres
Advice on how to dispose of your Christmas tree
Now the festivities are over and the baubles and tinsel are put back into their box, do you know how to properly dispose of your tree?
Denbighshire County Council are asking people to properly dispose of their tree this year, be it real or fake.
If you opt for a real tree, you can recycle it in your green wheelie bin or green sacks. It is advised that it is cut up first to ensure it fits properly in your bin.
If you cannot fit it into your bin, real trees can be taken to your local Recycling and Waste Park for proper disposal.
If you choose an artificial tree, it is recommended that this is reused year after year to help reduce waste. When you do decide to dispose of your artificial tree, it is advised that it is also taken to your local Recycling and Waste Park.
Councillor Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Christmas trees are the centrepiece of the home during the festive period. It is wonderful to see how creative people can get when decorating them.
"That being said, it is important that when we want to get rid of them, they are disposed of properly. It is essential that you dispose of your tree through your home recycling in green bins or sacks, or in a local Recycling and Waste Park."
* For more information go to the recycling a-z webpage.
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
County council's roadworks alert
Latest local roadworks alert from Denbighshire County Council is:
JUNCTION A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS ACCESS ROAD SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS ACCESS ROAD 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) LLANGOLLEN
OPPOSITE JUNCTION BISHOP'S WALK, TO JUNCTION OF BRYN HOWEL ROAD FROM A A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) LLANGOLLEN
A542 JUNCTION A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, SUN BANK SUN BANK 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) LLANGOLLEN AOO/OOH
Nr HILL STREET HILL STREET 28/12/2022 04/01/2023 Gwaith Nwy / Gas Works WALES & WEST UTILITIES (D LLANGOLLEN Ffordd ar Gau/Road Closure
OPPOSITE JUNCTION WHARF HILL, TO OPPOSITE JUNCTION BISHOP'S WALK, , MI MILL STREET 03/01/2023 04/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) LLANGOLLEN
A539 Stryd y Castell CASTLE STREET 05/01/2023 05/01/2023 Gwaith ar Gyrbau / Kerbing Works DCC STREETSCENE LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights.
Monday, January 2, 2023
Health board declares critical incident alert
The Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board issued the following statement this morning (Monday).
"This morning we have declared an internal critical incident as we are struggling to cope with prolonged, unprecedented demand across the health and social care system.
"We are currently seeing a very high volume of patients presenting at our hospitals with flu, COVID and other respiratory viruses, as well as an increase in the most seriously injured or unwell patients requiring emergency care.
"This, together with a lack of available beds in our hospitals and significant staffing shortages, is leading to extremely long waits for patients to be seen – particularly at our hospital Emergency Departments. Similar pressures are being experienced in other Health Boards and English Trusts.
"We are continuing to work closely with Local Authority colleagues to support medically fit patients to be discharged from hospital and we are making use of all available staffing.
"This is an exceptionally challenging time for colleagues across our health services and we are hugely grateful for the continued efforts being made in such difficult circumstances.
"We are urging members of the public who need help to visit the NHS Wales 111 Website in the first instance to be advised about the most appropriate service, which might be self-care at home, a visit to the pharmacy, a GP appointment, a Minor Injuries Unit, or, in life threatening circumstances, the hospital Emergency Department. As always, our Emergency Departments will remain open and will see patients in order of clinical priority. However, we regret that those who do attend will face extremely long waits to be seen while staff on duty do all they can to keep patients safe.
"Advice for those with planned procedures or appointments tomorrow (Tuesday 3rd January):
"We have postponed all but the most urgent procedures and appointments in our hospitals for tomorrow (Tuesday 3rd January). We sincerely apologise to all those affected, who will be contacted directly today and rescheduled as soon as possible.
"Those who are due to receive a planned procedure or appointment from Wednesday 4th January onwards should assume that this is still going ahead, unless they are contacted directly by the Health Board."
Railway is now financially strong but Corwen opening delayed
The opening of the new Corwen Station on Llangollen Railway has run into a delay.
The new centrepiece building at the extended terminus of the heritage line was due to be welcome its first passengers in early March this year. But the grand opening won't now be able to take place until later in 2023.
Apart from this setback, it's all good news for the railway which has made an unexpectedly rapid recovery from liquidation in early 2021 and the headaches of the Covid lockdown.
Phil Freeth, Finance Director and Board Member of the Trust which now runs the line said: "Llangollen Railway’s financial position has improved significantly through 2022, despite continued challenges facing the Heritage Railway Sector.
"Results from 2022 have exceeded expectations and, despite long overdue investment in the railway’s track, coaching stock, and the engine shed and yard, our cash resources remain buoyant.
"Financially, we are in an incredibly strong position. Long may that continue after the challenges we have faced over the last couple of years.
"Looking ahead to 2023, we expect the challenging economic climate that the country faces will require us to continue to act cautiously, but we are already well-prepared for this and will start the year from a far stronger position than we have for many years."
A further statement from the railway says: "The 2021 audited accounts were spectacular, there is no other way to describe the outcome. However, a closer look reveals:
-
the
significance of £353,000 grant income, principally by way of Covid relief
grants from the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund and from Denbighshire
County Council (business rates relief) for which we are very grateful.
-
£215,000
was received by way of donations, principally courtesy of the generosity of the
public in their support of the Full Steam Ahead and Rolling Stock appeals.
Again we are extremely appreciative of this show of support.
-
Legacies
and gift aid were also at an unusually high level.
"We had limited steam
traction available for much of the season, so motive power was supplied by DMUs
and diesel locomotives which reduced our costs dramatically."
The statement adds: "The anticipated outcome for 2022 is a net profit of between £50k - 100k subject to any adjusted treatments, plus or minus, on audit.
"Availability of suitable
steam traction has continued to be a challenge, so we continue to rely heavily
on DMUs and diesel locos. This has also assisted with control of costs, given
the price volatility and availability of steam coal. This is likely to remain the case, certainly
in the short term.
"Ticket sales have been
broadly 10% in excess of budget which was set at 75% of pre-pandemic levels. We also
received the benefit of a significant legacy without which the bottom line
would reveal a loss of £50k - £100k.
"We have invested substantially in Permanent Way and our coaching stock which is long overdue so, whilst this expenditure could be said to be discretionary, it has really become a necessity.
"We want to offer a good
customer experience and coaching stock needs to look the part insofar as its
vintage allows. This work is ongoing and
the intention is to redouble this effort in 2023.
"For 2023 we are budgeting for a very substantial loss given we have the cash reserves. As mentioned this is largely because of the planned continued investment in the infrastructure and rolling stock.
"The budget also includes
significant investment in personnel as we try to capitalise
on external partnerships and improve volunteer recruitment and the volunteer
experience, commercial expertise, and grant application and management
resource. Hopefully much of this will be
grant-aided thus offsetting the bottom line impact.
"Trying
to predict ticket sales during an energy crisis and a cost of living crisis is
obviously impossible so it may be the budget is subject to revisions as the
year progresses. We will certainly have
to continue to keep a close eye on costs."
Corwen delay
Dealing with the delay to the Corwen opening, a railway spokesperson said: "One further piece of news for you is that there will be a delay to the planned opening of Corwen station, which had been scheduled for early March 2023.
"The completion and installation of the island platform canopy, a large structure which will require heavy lifting equipment and is being delivered by a third party contractor, supported by a significant government grant, has regrettably been delayed until the new year.
"This will have a knock-on effect on completion of other work on the station. The volunteer team working on the station however continue to make excellent progress, with the island platform building, signalbox and emergency access ramp all progressing well.
"Preparations are also being made for the erection of the canopy in early 2023. The water tower has also been connected to the borehole supply. A revised reopening date will be confirmed in the new year once the timescale for the canopy has been confirmed."
Sunday, January 1, 2023
Raging river provides challenging canoeing conditions
Today's rain-swollen River Dee was providing some challenging conditions for the canoeists who were out in force.
Another obstacle to negotiate was a large floating tree trunk which was being washed down towards the bridge by the raging waters.
llanblogger was on hand to record some of the action.
Cat Meade and family now home after Spanish 'nightmare' holiday
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At the end of her family's week-long Spanish "nightmare" holiday Llangollen community champion Cat Meade has returned home to thank the scores of people who came to their support.
As llanblogger has been reporting, she and young son Connor and her elderly mother were stranded in Benidorm over Christmas when the older lady took ill with a chest infection early on in their dream break arranged as a special treat after she recovered from Covid.
And as Cat, a huge supporter of local good causes, haggled with her insurance company over how best to get her mother safely home and worried about extending their hotel accommodation friends in Llangollen rallied round to send their love over social media and raise over £1,200 through an online funding site to help them out.
At one stage a worried Cat described the family's plight as a "living nightmare".
But yesterday (Saturday) things took a turn for the better when she posted on her Facebook page that the family had at last been able to fly home.
She said: "We are HOME! Thank you to my amazing friends and everyone that's helped us get home both financially and with loving support.
"We couldn't have done it without you all. You are all amazing!
"Mum's tired but good and happy to be home. Let's hope the New Year brings health and happiness - and a lotto win so I can pay you all back.
"Happy New Year to you lovely lot. xxx"
The pledges of cash support for the family flooded in after Cat's friend Jane Townend launched the Gofundme page.
In just a few days a total of £1,270 had been promised by a total of 65 donors.
Jane said that the money would either be used to provide immediate financial help for the stranded family or to pay for another holiday after Cat's mother made a full recovery once back at home.
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Work to start on final phase of town centre traffic schemes
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* Plans for the final phase of the town's traffic scheme.
Work is due
to start on January 9 on the final phase of the traffic schemes which have reshaped the town centre over the past couple of years.
Affecting
the junctions of the A5 with Castle Street and Hall Street/Hill Street, the
work by contractors for the county council, which is delivering on behalf of the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, is scheduled to last for six weeks
and will include:
Three new
signalised crossings will be created. Two of these will be on the A5, one from
the front of number 4 Berwyn Street to the side of the Armoury, and the second
from the front of M’Eating Point to the front of the Welsh Methodist Chapel.
The third crossing will be on Castle Street, near the A5 junction, running from
the side of the chapel to the front of the shop opposite.
All three
crossings will have red coloured tactile paving at either end.
The priority
of the junction of Hall Street and Hill Street will be amended,
with the existing island there being removed. A new uncontrolled crossing, with
buff coloured tactile paving at each end, will run between the Armoury and the
Grapes.
There will
be a new stop-line position marked on the A5 in front of the junction.
A new
asphalt footway construction will run along the Armoury side of Berwyn Street
between the Hall Street/Hill Street junction to the small road at the side of
M’Eating Point.
Contractors will use four car bays on the Hall Street car park and three long coach bays on the Market Street car park to set up their works cabins.
Friday, December 30, 2022
Cat Meade gives more details of her 'living nightmare' in Spain
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Cat Meade, who is stranded in Spain along with her mother and young son Connor after the older lady took ill on a Christmas holiday, has posted her latest social media update on what she's started to call her "living nightmare".
Learning of their plight on Facebook friends back home have started a Gofundme page to help, which has so far attracted donations totalling over £1,100 of its £2,500 goal.
Yesterday evening an upset Cat wrote: "Good news! Mum got discharged today, allowed back to hotel with the oxygen (as I sourced as requested by her doctor).
"We have a 'fit to fly with oxygen and no nurse required'. We were delighted, got mum back to hotel and settled, so happy just to be out and doing great.
"Three hours later the insurance call and say they advised the hospital not to discharge to hotel with oxygen .... so further neglect in that case. I'll speak about that another day.
"I have approval from hotel and oxygen supplied by a professional, which the hospital told me to source.
"Insurance say I had to take her back to hospital! (melt down). I questioned why, as the doctor discharged her and I have a 'fit to fly ...'
"Very rude insurance lady told me they need her in hospital until they decide on pay out, not the doctor. My mum has been in hospital for seven days, chest clear and they discharged. Week or so or more before insurance decide. Really?
"I've called the British Consul here and been for second opinion, they all tell me we can fly, as long as we have oxygen and the longer we stay the more unlikely they pay. And are racking up daily fees for us.
"I feel we are being held captive over insurance and money. We all need to get home and its been a living nightmare.
"I want everyone to know about this and when I get home and get my head back in the game I'm taking this further. For now I'm taking control and getting us on the next flight, will fight insurance when home, I'm not being held captive!"
* Cat's Gofundme.com page is at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-cat-stuck-in-spain-with-mum-in-hospital?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined
Latest local roadworks update from county council
Latest local roadworks update from Denbighshire County Council is:
JUNCTION A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, SUN BANK SUN BANK 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) LLANGOLLEN
OPPOSITE JUNCTION BISHOP'S WALK, TO JUNCTION OF BRYN HOWEL ROAD FROM A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) LLANGOLLEN
OPPOSITE JUNCTION WHARF HILL, TO OPPOSITE JUNCTION BISHOP'S WALK, MILL STREET 03/01/2023 04/01/2023 Gwaith BT/ BT Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) LLANGOLLEN
A539 Stryd y Castell CASTLE STREET 05/01/2023 05/01/2023 Gwaith ar Gyrbau / Kerbing Works DCC STREETSCENE LLANGOLLEN Goleuadau Traffig Dros Dro/ Temp Traffic Lights
JUNCTION A539 LLANGOLLEN ROAD, SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS ACCESS ROAD SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORKS ACCESS ROAD 06/01/2023 10/01/2023 Gwaith Dwr / Water Works MJ QUINN (CALUM) LLANGOLLEN
Thursday, December 29, 2022
MG EV highlights cold hard fact of electric car ownership
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MG ZS EV drive by Steve Rogers
What a year it has been for MG.
Sales edging 50,000, a phenomenal 63.3 per cent up on
2021, and a string of awards for their value for money models shows how far the
iconic British marque has come since its resurrection by the state owned
Chinese company SAIC.
And here is one of its stars, the ZS EV, a family sized electric SUV that, like the rest of the MG range, has shaken up the car industry and shown that you do not have to pay a fortune for an electric car.
That said 30 grand is a big chunk of money even if it is less than the
opposition, and the Government has made it a bit harder by scrapping the
plug-in car grant.
So why is the ZS seemingly such good value for money?
There are electric cars that come close on price like the Vauxhall Mokka,
Peugeot 2008, Citroen E C4 but can’t match the level of equipment or the range.
For instance the entry SE (£29,495) comes with LED
auto dipping headlights, keyless entry, navigation, voice control, 360 degree
camera, adaptive cruise control and a seven year warranty as part of its
package. Rivals would have trouble matching that.
Moving up the Trophy’s battery pack increases from
51kWh to 72.6kWh pushing the range from 198 miles to 273 miles and there is
even more equipment. This is all sounding very positive and for the most part
it is but certain things have to be taken into consideration when debating
electric cars.... like the weather.
I had the Trophy during the coldest week in December
and the important lesson to be learned is not to count on the manufacturer’s
range prediction, in fact you get to learn a lot about electric cars during a
cold snap.
In the case of the MG it is best not to switch to
economy mode to extend the range unless wrapped up because the heating system
barely gets above luke warm even on the maximum setting.
The Trophy has heated front seats but with only one
setting gets too hot. More significantly cold weather affects the range and at
minus three the MG had used nearly half its battery capacity after 85 miles so
273 miles was never going to happen. These conditions will reduce the range on
just about every electric car.
That the ZS EV is good value for money is beyond doubt
but to keep the cost down the odd corner has been cut. The definition on the
all round reversing camera should be a lot sharper; there is no telescopic
adjustment for the steering wheel; the passenger seat is set a tad high and has
no vertical adjustment.
As for the rest of the car it is all systems go. There
is plenty of technology with a digital driver’s display and 10.1in touchscreen
for navigation, smart phone integration and radio settings, the latter not the
easiest to fathom but you get there in time. A row of quick keys beneath the
screen is helpful although they need brighter back lighting.
A rotary controller for gear selection is a classy
touch and there is an automatic parking brake.
This is a good sized family car with adequate legroom
front and back so space for five adults is not out of the question. Boot
capacity is pretty decent as well.
Like all electric cars the ZS is quick off the mark
even in the economy setting and responds quickly when overtaking. The ride is a
little jittery over uneven roads and generally not quite at the level of the
best of its rivals but is no deal breaker
MG is building an impressive range of electric cars
and has caused quite a stir with its latest budget busting EV, the Z4 which is
a real stunner. If there is any justice in this world it will be named European
Car of the Year. It certainly gets my vote.
Fast Facts
ZS EV Trophy LR
£35,040 (starts £29,495)
0-62mph 8.2secs; 108mph; 153bhp
Range 273 miles. 72.6kWh battery
Full charge: 10.5hrs home wall charger
80 per cent charge: 42 mins public 100kWh point
Zero emissions
Insurance group 21
Boot: 470-1100 litres
Stranded Cat Meade 'overwhelmed' by support from back home
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Community champion Cat Meade says she is "overwhelmed" by the love and support she is getting from people back in Llangollen after they learned of how she and her family have been stranded in Spain after her elderly mother fell ill while on holiday.
llanblogger revealed yesterday (Wednesday) how hundreds of pounds had been raised within just a day by friends and well-wishers back at home to help the family's plight.
Cat had decided to treat her mother, who was recovering from Covid, and her young son Connor to a Christmas break in Benidorm when the older lady became ill only days after arriving in the Spanish resort.
Cat, who has raised thousands of pounds and arranged practical support for a variety of local good causes over the past couple of years, has been keeping friends at home in touch with developments via her Facebook page.
The updates have revealed how with her mum’s chest infection taking longer to clear up than expected the potential bill for the hospital where she is being cared for has become a concern.
After reading this one of her friends, Jane Townend, has launched an online Gofundme.com page to help Cat which has so far attracted £850 towards its goal of £2,500.
Jane said in her introduction to her Gofundme.com page: “They cannot fly home tomorrow (Tuesday 27th Dec), they are having to pay to stay on in Spain, not sure insurance will pay for hospital so this is a starter to help how we can. If it raises more than needed for paying to stay on for at least another week and insurance does pay then it can help for going away again when mum is better."
Through social media Cat is now well aware of the efforts going on back home to help her family.
And in a post yesterday evening she says: "It's been a challenging few days, which have caused hurdle after hurdle! I've just caught up with Facebook and messages, Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts for Mum, it really means a lot.
"We are overwhelmed by the Gofundme page which my lovely friend Jane Louise Tornado has kindly set up and to all of you for donating. The situation currently is that we will require a private nurse and oxygen to fly home.
"The hospital will discharge mum if I find oxygen. Yes, as they can't assist with that! Anyway I've found some so hoping to get her to hotel at least tomorrow with the oxygen supply.
"Need to then sit tight on the insurance making a yes/no (maybe a few days) I'm hoping they will sort but after the stories I've heard here and pathetic reasons why. I'm not overly confident. Yes, all her medical info was declared, yes, I took out insurance, yes, it's with a decent firm.
"Worse case we looking at approx £8k for medical bill, private nurse etc. We are already almost £2k paid out on extra accommodation, hospital fees, oxygen etc etc.
"I just wanted to keep you all updated and thank you to my amazing friends back home and Llangollen community for all helping us. A truly unbelievable experience. Praying for good news soon. xxx."
* Cat's Gofundme.com page is at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-cat-stuck-in-spain-with-mum-in-hospital?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined