Universal primary free meals to be rolled out to year 2 pupils

Universal Primary Free School Meals are to be rolled out to Year 2 pupils in Denbighshire, following the Easter break. 

In December 2021 Welsh Government (WG) announced plans to offer free meals to all primary school pupils. The phased delivery approach will see all primary pupils offered free school meals by 2024. 

Since September 2022, the Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) offer in Denbighshire has been successfully rolled out to Reception and Year 1. The UPFSM offer will be rolled out to Year 2 pupils in Denbighshire from the 17th of April, 2023. 

The authority recently gathered feedback from parents and carers of Reception and Year 1 pupils on their experiences of the UPFSM offer in Denbighshire. The results were extremely positive, with 70% of feedback received being comments of support and highlighting the benefits of the scheme for Denbighshire families. 

A second allocation of £1.2 million of funding has been received from Welsh Government to support the roll out of UPFSM across Denbighshire. Further refurbishment works have been undertaken within school kitchens during the Christmas break and February half term. More refurbishment works are scheduled for the Easter break in preparation for the next stage of the rollout. 

From the start of the Summer term, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils in Denbighshire schools will be asked on a daily basis whether or not they would like to access a school meal. They will be able to opt in or out without having to pre book and the meal will be provided free of charge.

Further information will be available on the Denbighshire website www.denbighshire.gov.uk/education. If pupils are already in receipt of free school meals and/or any other associated benefits, these will not be affected. 

Gill German, Lead member for Education Children and Families said: “I am hugely supportive of the introduction of Universal Free School Meals for primary age pupils in Wales and I am so pleased that our rollout in Denbighshire is progressing so well. 

"Every child of Reception age in Denbighshire has been able to enjoy a free school meal since September, and back in January, we were delighted to also be able to offer a free meal to every child in Year 1 ahead of our original schedule.

"A nutritious meal at lunchtime is essential to a child’s learning and development and ensures that every child can be well fed throughout the school day. It is fantastic news that the Authority will be able to extend the rollout of the Universal Primary Free School Meal offer."

Significant further refurbishment works to both kitchen and dining facilities are scheduled for completion throughout the Summer break, with a focus on ensuring that all Denbighshire Primary schools are able to deliver UPFSM to years 3 & 4 from September 2023.

Llangollen’s picturesque bus route back in action

A bus service providing the best access to see key destinations around Llangollen is back.

The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus has started its third season providing access to some of the key destinations in this beautiful and historic landscape.

It runs a circular route running every Saturday until November 4 2023, linking Llangollen and the surrounding villages to popular local attractions including Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wenffrwd Nature Reserve, Horseshoe Falls, Valle Crucis Abbey, Plas Newydd Historic House and the Horseshoe Pass.

The service will enable visitors and residents to visit and explore these locations without the need of having to constantly find car parking spaces at the sites.

It also makes it easier for those without their own vehicle to access these places, all helping to reduce congestion at some of the busiest sites in the Dee Valley.

The bus offers a hop on/hop off facility with a 1Bws ticket price allowing unlimited travel on the service through the day, making it ideal for getting off to visit a site and then back on the bus later.

Stops include Llangollen Pavilion where there is ample parking to leave vehicles for the day to enjou the bus transport provided.

The service also provides free travel for Welsh Bus Pass Holders through Transport for Wales.

Cllr Win-Mullen James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus offers the perfect chance to explore the Dee Valley in comfort without the stress of having to plan to park at these fantastic locations around Llangollen.

The Dee Valley Picturesque Bus Service 199 will operate Saturdays only from Saturday April 1st – Saturday November 4th 2023.

The bus is part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is part of the Our Picturesque Landscape Project.

For the full timetable and ticket prices for the Picturesque Bus service please see Denbighshire County Council’s bus timetables webpage and 1Bws webpage, or pick up a leaflet from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre.

Barclays responds to Castle Street branch closure news

* The Castle Street branch will close on July 7.

Barclays says it plans to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site – in Llangollen to help customers after it closes its local branch this summer.

It says it will also be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital ways of banking.

The banking giant was responding to request from llanblogger to explain why it is shutting its Castle Street branch on July 7, as revealed in our story earlier today.

In an official response a Barclays spokesperson said: “Our customers’ behaviour has changed significantly in recent years, with the majority now choosing online banking. 

“This is reflected at Llangollen branch, and as we adapt, we are finding new ways to support our customers by maintaining our community presence with options for customers who still require in-person support.

“In Llangollen we plan to open a Barclays Local – a pop-up cashless banking site where customers can meet a colleague face-to-face for banking support, as they would in a branch and without the need to travel. We are currently working with the local community to identify a suitable location and will announce details once confirmed.”

Later in its response, the company says: “We will be proactively engaging with local businesses and the wider community to discuss the alternative ways customers will be able to undertake their banking locally.

“We will be offering virtual ‘tea and teach’ sessions for customers wishing to explore digital banking and other alternatives to branch based banking.”

In its notification of the closure to Clwyd South Senedd Member Ken Skates – seen by llanblogger - Barclays talks about the ongoing change in banking behaviour which has led to the closure.

And it reveals: “This ongoing change in behaviour means we are seeing a sustained fall in customer transactions across our network and this is reflected at the Llangollen branch where there has been a 58 per cent reduction in counter transactions in the last twelve months, compared to the twelve months to March 2020. In addition, we can identify that 87 per cent of our customers at the branch are using alternative ways in which to undertake their banking, including via the telephone, online and mobile app.”

It adds: “Despite the branch closure, we are confident that access to banking remains sufficient in the local community; everyday transactions can be completed at any Post Office, with the closest located at Berwyn Street, Llangollen, a short distance away. There are 2 free-to-use ATMs within one kilometre, the nearest located at the NatWest Bank, 38 Castle Street, Llangollen while the closest Barclays branches are located at Wrexham and Chester.

“We appreciate that not all of our customers will adopt change at the same pace, and we would like to underline our commitment to supporting our vulnerable customers through this change. We have identified that in total 12 regular customers use this branch exclusively for their banking and do not interact with us in other ways. We will be making personal contact with our regular and vulnerable branch users to discuss their options and guide them through alternative ways to bank.”

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes commented: "The announcement by Barclays that they are closing their branch in Llangollen on 7th July is very sad and will inconvenience many people, businesses and organisations locally.

"I have been working hard to keep the branch open alongside other elected representatives and members of the community in Llangollen so I feel very disappointed by this announcement.

"In the letter I received from Barclays today about their decision they asked for my views on the following three questions and I would be grateful for feedback from local residents on thee points which you can send to me by email on simon.baynes.mp@parliament.uk:

"What do you believe will be the biggest impact of the closure of the Llangollen branch on the local community?

"What do you believe will be the biggest impact of the closure of the Llangollen branch on customers of the branch?

"What alternative ways to bank do you believe need to be provided to help customers and the community adapt to this change?"

Customer letter tells of Barclays bank branch closure

* The customer letter posted on Facebook.

Barclays is to close Llangollen’s last traditional bank branch on July 7, according to a letter to a customer which has been shared on social media.

The letter says: “We’ll be closing out Llangollen branch on Friday 7 July 2023 at 12.00pm.

“The decision to close a branch is never easy and we appreciate this might not be welcome news but we’ll make sure you and your local community continue to have access to our banking services when you need them.

“We’ll still be part of your community in Llangollen, we’re just finalising details of when and where we’ll be based to support you with your banking.”

The letter starts by describing how many customers are choosing to bank in different ways which it says means that fewer of them were visiting branches.

And it goes on to say ask customers for their comments about the closure.

“We want to hear what you think. We’ll be speaking with customers, the local MP, council members, charities, community groups and local businesses to gain feedback,” it goes on.

“Two weeks before the closure we’ll share a summary of this feedback.”

If this closure happens it will mean all three of the town’s three traditional bank branches will have been lost with just the Post Office left to provide basic banking facilities.

The Facebook post about the latest closure had attracted over 50 comments by earlier this morning.

One points out that the closure will come during Eisteddfod week while another says that some elderly people do not use computers to do their banking and are unable to travel other areas to use branches still open.

Llanblogger has sought comments from Barclays and local politicians.      

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said this morning: “While I’m afraid this unwelcome move has been suspected for some time, it is still a shock to learn that it is now actually happening.

“The closure is bound to have an adverse effect upon residents – especially the elderly – and our smaller local businesses which rely heavily on the branch’s services.

“This is, of course, a major tourist town and visitors are also likely to be affected by this decision.

“The letter mentions that Barclays will still have some sort of presence in the town and I sincerely hope this will be the case.”

According to the letter, details of the closure are available online at home.barclays/ukbranchclosures - although this doesn't mention Llangollen - and in the branch.

Llangollen man encourages others to have breast cancer check

* Jim Allen's story appears in the Mirror.

According to a story in the Mirror, a Llangollen man who was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer is now encouraging others to check their bodies.

* Fort the full story, see: Man given breast cancer diagnosis wants others to know the signs and check their bodies - Mirror Online

Weeks of roadworks planned for A525 Nant y Garth Pass

Roadworks are due to commence on the A525 at Nant y Garth later this month.

These comprise carriageway patching,  road cleansing, gully emptying and the reconstruction of a damaged section of wall supporting the carriageway.

The works will take place from B5429 Llysfasi to B5431 to Llanarmon Yn Ial.

Work is due to start on Monday April 17 and is expected to take up to six weeks to complete.

Initially, the road will be closed for vehicular traffic and pedestrians from Monday April 17 to Wednesday  April 19 and thereafter, two-way temporary traffic signals will be in place for a further five weeks to undertake the retaining wall works. Public Transport will operate as normal.

Access to residential and business premises which are located on Nant y Garth will be available although some delay and disruption maybe experienced and residents are encouraged to keep journeys to a minimum to reduce traffic congestion.

The alternative diversion route will be signed accordingly. Normal working hours shall apply to the works.

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Denbighshire County Council apologise for any inconvenience that these essential works may cause, and we are grateful for local cooperation and patience during this time to ensure that the works are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Mazda bucks EV trend with super-clean diesel

Mazda CX-60 diesel launch by Steve Rogers

Here we are in the middle of the electric revolution and one car company decides the time is right for a new diesel. And a big one at that, an in-line 3.3 litre.

But this is Mazda we are talking about, a company that is anything but conventional when it comes to everything motoring, particularly engines.

It is taking a pragmatic approach, happy to follow the Government edict to be all electric by 2035, but still have a range of super clean, economical petrol and diesel engines in the bank for those who prefer to stick with the good old internal combustion engine. And there will be plenty who will, after all lots of enthusiasts still enjoy driving classic cars.

Mazda’s UK boss Jeremy Thomson is all for the company’s ‘multi-solution approach’ with more efficient internal combustion engines and a range of electrified powertrains.

He told me the new diesel is designed to meet the needs of customers who want an efficient, long distance driving car with great towing capacity, and rural Wales is one of its target areas.

So has Mazda pulled a rabbit out of the hat or built an engine that no one will want? The company is realistic, predicting no more than 15 per cent of the CX-60 cake, with the majority favouring the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

That said this is the world’s cleanest diesel, capable of mid fifties to the gallon, powering a sizeable SUV with a towing capacity of 2,500kg - music to the ears to people like me who tow a big caravan.

Mazda has gone for an inline 6-cylinder rather than a V6 because it vibrates less and to be fair it does not feel like a heavyweight under the bonnet, in fact the engine weighs around the same as the 2.2 litre four cylinder diesel which is a measure of how much weight has been saved.

It comes with a choice of 196bhp or 254bhp, the latter powering the all wheel drive version. The engines are very refined, both helped by a 48 volt hybrid power unit to boost economy and acceleration as well as lowering engine emissions. The lower powered version feels punchy enough until you get behind the wheel of the ‘bully boy’ which benefits from an extra 100Nm of torque and is a good bit quicker with foot flat to the floor in the mid range.

It loses out on economy, 56 to 53mpg, and costs more because of all wheel drive and a higher level of equipment, but there is no need to be put off by going for the rear wheel drive entry level. Mazda has always been more generous with its basic specification compared to premium German rivals - yes Mazda has climbed into the upper class - so the Exclusive Line is not that poor a relation of the CX-60 trio.

For £42,990 you get the digital binnacle with excellent head up display, the central 12.3in touchscreen which can be operated by a rotary controller, glad Mazda is sticking with that, it is much safer than fingering the screen while on the move, and the heating controls are physical switches. Other niceties include navigation,  heated front seats, and smart phone connectivity.

An extra £1,900 adds a pack that includes a 360 degree view camera, wireless charging and a full suite of safety features which is well worth considering.

Moving up to Homura brings in the more powerful engine, all wheel drive and pretty much the comfort pack (£1,400 extra on Exclusive-Line) that includes powered and ventilated front seats and heated outer rear seats. Top of the range Takumi is more plush with leather and fabric finishes but the £1,900 package with the safety features is still a £1,900 extra.

All Mazda’s favour enthusiastic driving and even this big SUV is a pleasure to drive, flowing through twisty roads thanks to its taut suspension set up which can be switched on the fly between comfort, off road and sport. I will even go so far as to say it is good fun although not quite as well planted as my current Audi Q5 Sportback test car.

Whether you think it is bold or barmy the addition of a powerful, economic diesel to the CX-60 range is a worthwhile option especially when many rivals have ditched diesel for good.

Fast facts

CX-60 Takumi 8sp auto

£50,730

3.3 litre turbo diesel; 248bhp

0-62mph 7.4secs; 136mph

53.3mpg combined

139g/km. 1st tax £285

Boot: 570-1726 litres

Insurance group 39

Canal walkers raise over £20,000 for children’s hospices

* A group of happy canal walkers.

* Striding out in a good cause.

Hundreds of walkers put their best foot forward and took on the 10-mile Llangollen Canal Walk on Sunday raising more than £20,000 for Hope House Children’s Hospices.  

The event saw walkers cross the start point at Trevor Basin before heading over the world-famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and following the canal all the way to The Poachers pub at Chirk for refreshments before heading back to receive their special medals.  

The event was sponsored by the Principality Building Society and was supported by volunteers and marshals from the Wrexham and Erddig Rotary Club. 

The event was rescheduled due to the snow in March with some walkers choosing to take on the walk at a different time. 

One of those was Jane Williams, from Wrexham, who has been doing the walk for 10 years in memory of her son Evan, who died suddenly in his sleep just weeks before his 13^th birthday. 

She said: “I can honestly say if we hadn’t had Hope House I don’t know what we would have done. 

“By walking the Llangollen Canal Walk and raising this money for the hospices you’ve made sure families like mine continue to get the support when they need it the most.” 

Fundraiser Cat Dowdeswell said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all of our amazing supporters who have joined us on our Llangollen Canal Walk, raising £16,000 so far with more money still coming in.  

“This money will be supporting seriously ill local children and their families, and without this fantastic support we simply wouldn’t be able to be here for those that need us the most.  

“A huge thank you also to our super team of volunteers and our event sponsors Principality Building Society who have helped make this such a great day and sent a team to help us on the day.” 

If you have been inspired to take part in an event or fundraise for Hope House Children’s Hospices then please visit hopehouse.org.uk/events to see how you can get involved.  

MS welcomes talks for direct trains from Wrexham to Liverpool

A North Wales MS has welcomed talks to establish regular direct trains between Wrexham and Liverpool. 

Ken Skates (pictured) raised the matter in the Senedd recently and was told that Transport for Wales (TfW) is working with the Liverpool City Region and MerseyRail to put on more services and remove the need for passengers to change at Bidston.

Former Transport Minister Mr Skates, who represents Clwyd South, said the move would be ‘brilliant’ for his constituents and commuters across the region. 

The UK Government has responsibility for rail infrastructure, and Mr Skates wants Tory Ministers to commit to ‘long-overdue’ investment in the North Wales network. 

“I’m really pleased to hear Transport for Wales are working with partners in Merseyside to try and deliver this,” said Mr Skates. “It would be brilliant and I’m pleased the Welsh Government has identified the Wrexham-Bidston Line as a key route for our region.”

In a letter to Mr Skates, Minister Lee Waters said: “Thank you for raising the important topic of the work Transport for Wales (TfW) are undertaking with MerseyRail.  

“I thought it would be useful to write to you, as TfW are engaging regularly with the Liverpool City Region (LCR) and on how they, and MerseyRail, can work together to deliver improvements for passengers on the Wrexham to Bidston Line. TfW have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with LCR to work collaboratively on projects that impact upon the cross-border economy. The Wrexham to Bidston Line is a key focus of this collaboration. 

“TfW are working with LCR to develop the business case for increasing the frequency of services on the line. Linked closely to this is a joint bid from TfW and LCR to the Union Connectivity Fund which aims to enable the use of MerseyRail’s brand new Stadler 777 fleet on the Wrexham to Bidston Line. The extension of these new trains would then ultimately enable direct services into Liverpool from this line rather than the current need to change trains at Bidston.  

“TfW are hopeful that they will hear the outcome of this bid in the very near future and I would be happy to provide you with an update on this once the outcome is known.” 

Mr Skates said: “It’s fantastic to see TfW and the Liverpool City Region working so closely for people both sides of the border. Cross-border relationships are so crucial for our corner of Wales in promoting economic growth and shared solutions such as this.” 

He added: “This project would be a real boost for Wrexham. Investment in rail infrastructure in North Wales is long overdue, and I urge UK Government Ministers to approve the bid.” 

Tower Road to be temporarily closed for gas main works

* The area affected by the temporary closure to traffic of Tower Road.

Denbighshire County Council has notified of a temporary traffic order closing Tower Road, Llangollen, for is entire length, from April 24-May19 to allow gas main replacement by Wales & West Utilities.

There will be a traffic diversion route along Dinbren Road, Wharf Hill, Mill Street and Abbey Road. 

The order says that pedestrian access along the road will be maintained throughout the closure period.

Police appeal for witnesses after road collision

North Wales Police have appealed for witnesses to a road traffic collision in Ruabon yesterday (Sunday) which left a motorcycle rider seriously injured.

They say: "At approximately 4.50pm on Sunday April 2 a collision occurred between a black C180 Mercedes and an orange and white motorcycle on the A5152 Ruabon Road, near the Puleston Industrial Estate.

"As a result, the rider of the motorcycle suffered serious injuries and has been airlifted to Stoke University Hospital.

"Sergeant Jason Diamond from the Roads Policing Unit, said: 'We are appealing for anyone who was in the Ruabon Road area around the time of the incident or who have dash cam footage to contact us. 

'We are also asking the rider of the second motorcycle that left the scene of the incident to contact us. We believe that this motorcycle was white, yellow and blue and neither of the riders were wearing motorcycle clothing or helmets. 

'If anyone has any information about this collision please contact us on 101 quoting incident number A047466.'”

Round Challenge's awards now on show in tourist office

* The Flame of Hope trophy and certificate are now on show in the Tourist Information Office in Castle Street. 

The Flame of Hope trophy recently awarded to the Llangollen Round by Cancer Research UK is now on display in the town's Tourist Information Office for everyone to see. 

The often gruelling 35-mile run/walk through the beautiful yet tough terrain of the hills surrounding the town was launched in 2012 by members of the Llangollen Ramblers group and is based roughly on the Alpine Walk Tour of Mont Blanc.

The amount raised for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) by the challenge has climbed steadily from £33,000 to last year's total of almost £120,000 which was boosted by government returns on charity donations.

The 2022 Round attracted over 500 entries from across the UK and abroad and saw 238 walkers or runners finishing it in a single day with another 189 completing it in two. 

In recognition of this massive cash support for CRUK and the involvement and commitment of around 100 volunteers who run the event, the Round was selected for the Flame of Hope Award.

These national awards are CRUK's annual accolades to celebrate the achievements of its most outstanding and inspiring volunteers.  

This year they received a record-breaking 835 nominations from staff and volunteers across the country.

Judith Smith, one of the Round's founders and organisers, said: "The Flame of Hope is one of several national awards made annually by the charity and we are so pleased to have won it. 

"It was presented to us at a ceremony in Manchester. If you played any part at all in the Challenge, that trophy is yours also. Go and take a look at it!

S4C highlights disagreement over Eisteddfod's motto

* The headline on the story about the Eisteddfod's motto.

A story on S4C TV's news website says Llangollen Eisteddfod has "discredited" itself by expressing the intention to change its motto, according to a letter from a number of opponents.

The full story, which appears in the Welsh language, says: 'The letter from Professor Gruffydd Aled Williams and others calls on the Eisteddfod to "refrain from any further action in terms of removing the motto" and that doing so shows a lack of "respect" for the Welsh language.

In a statement earlier in the month the Eisteddfod said that the motto "A white world will be a singing world. His poems will be civilized" will be changed by 2024.

There were concerns that part of the motto that celebrates "byd gwyn" was translated to "white world" in English. 

But the letter writers said they "absolutely reject the basis of this argument.

"Many expressions from many languages of the world could cause offense to different factions if they are translated literally and incorrectly without considering the proper methods and traditional practices of the languages from which they were translated," said the letter.

"We do not know of examples of languages where its speakers agreed to renounce the use of completely innocent and acceptable expressions because of the possibility that their literal and inadequate translation could offend someone somewhere.

"It seems, however, that the International Eisteddfod wants to make an exception for the Welsh language in this regard, subduing and degrading it compared to other languages.

"We are sorry that this case, motivated by ignorance and misunderstanding, has discredited the Eisteddfod and made it a laughing stock."

When asked on S4C News he added that he would "very much hope that no poet worth his salt would receive a commission" to create a new motto.

"This decision stems from gross ignorance of the cultural situation in Wales, and it is actually a serious cultural threat," he said.

"I wish the Eisteddfod well, but they have taken a particularly, particularly unfortunate, empty step."

Asked for a response by llanblogger, the Eisteddfod commented: "T. Gwynn Jones’ words have travelled from Llangollen around the world, spreading the Welsh message of peace, and our motto has served us tremendously well for 75 years; we are rightly proud of it in its intended meaning and translation. 

"Our current motto and much-loved shield will remain part of the Eisteddfod’s visual identity in 2023, and the Board will spend the next 5 months in consultation with our stakeholders on the best way forward for 2024 and beyond.

 

"We want to clearly state that we have not at any point implied any racism. The Eisteddfod is, and has always been, a beacon for togetherness."

And from a further update provided to volunteers and company members 23 March, the Eisteddfod added: "The Board fully recognises the original intention of the poetry, and values its significance in the Eisteddfod’s history, as well as its place in Welsh culture and tradition. The motto, which surrounds the shield, will continue to be used in 2023, on trophies, medals, on the Pavilion stage, and around the site.

"The Board is committed to involving volunteers and company members in the future decision making around the motto, following the 2023 Eisteddfod."

British Water Ski Championship regional heat coming to Llangollen.

* Top-class water-skiing could be heading for Llangollen.

Dateline: April 1

A llanblogger exclusive can report that initial ideas are being promoted to bring to Llangollen one of the regional heats of the 2023/4 British Water Ski Championships.

Group spokesperson David Davies says that our stretch of canal here in Llangollen from the Horseshoe Falls to the Llangollen Marina offers an appropriate measured distance for the event.  

He explained: "Currently used by unpowered craft, canoes and more recently paddle boarders, the route offers considerable skill tests.   

"These include even for the experienced skier the  challenges of the  narrow bridges, angled curves of the course, variable grading of the canal base and the continuous flowing current.

"Logistics at either end of the course are well provided with parking at Llantysilio Green and access to the start and parking and services at the finish in the Eisteddfod field car park adjacent to the Marina."

He added: "Detailed talks are yet to be arranged with the Canal and Rivers Trust and the British Water Ski and Wakeboard Association, but we see this new initiative as another first in promoting Llangollen and a further welcomed boost to the tourism opportunities for the town."

Minor works to start on Four Great Highways project

* The steps at Lower Dee Mill Park.

Minor works are to start in town on Monday (April 3) in connection with the Four Great Highways project.

A spokesperson for the project said: "Ground investigation works are being carried out to help us better understand the ground conditions at the Wharf and Lower Dee Mill Park in Llangollen to inform the detailed design of the project.  

"The techniques that will be used may result in intermittent noise associated with the drilling of boreholes to extract the material to be sampled.  This will involve some path closures for short periods during the week for the work to be carried out.

"The work will be limited to the following days and will take place during normal working hours.  Please note there may be some slight variation to the following schedule."

Date	Location	Disruptions / Closure
Monday 3 April 2023	Lower Dee Mill Park	Temporary closure of the path and metal stepped access will be required.   Alternative steps and access available further down Mill Street.
Tuesday 4 April 2023	Lower Dee Mill Park	Temporary closure of the path and metal stepped access will be required.   Alternative steps and access available further down Mill Street.
Wednesday 5 April 2023	Llangollen Wharf	Temporary closure of stepped access.   Ramped access will be available up to the Wharf.
Thursday 6 April 2023	Lower Dee Mill Park	No path closures

The spokesperson added: "We apologise in advance for any disruption caused and would also like to reassure you that the areas affected will be left in a safe condition once the work is complete. Thank you for your patience and understanding." 

Person taken to hospital after incident on Horseshoe Pass

Leaderlive is reporting this afternoon (Friday) that a person was taken to hospital following a road traffic collision near Llangollen this morning. 

* For the full story, see: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/23426402.person-taken-hospital-crash-horseshoe-pass-llangollen/

Man dies after road traffic collision near Corwen

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting that a man has died following a road traffic collision near Corwen yesterday afternoon (Thursday, March 30).

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/23425422.man-dies-corwen-traffic-collision-bus-car/?fbclid=IwAR3hR5xqRS_e7rVjfmtC1haBm3WLtYl7mZ5yvTWJFjun0LE6e3Uqbfz-LCk 

Parks Project gets £2,217 boost for Pengwern adventure trail

* Jess Evans accepts the cheque from Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin and North Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Chris Allsop. 

A Llangollen scheme was amongst the winners of a special £120,000 fund to help communities across North Wales announced at a dedicated ceremony in the White House, Rhuallt last Wednesday.

The Your Community, Your Choice fund supports grass-roots projects and is supported by the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) and North Wales Police. 

After applications were shortlisted, the North Wales public was asked to vote for their preferred projects and over 16,000 votes were cast across the region in the online ballot.

Amongst the four winners in Denbighshire was the Llangollen Parks Project, which will use the £2,217 it received to provide adventure trail equipment in Pengwern Park.

This will be added add to the £1,300 the project has already secured from another source.  

Project spokesperson Jessica Evans said: "We hope to go ahead with installing the equipment within the next few months." 

This year’s awards were even more significant as Your Community, Your Choice is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2023 and, over the past ten years, a total of over £500,000 has been awarded to more than 150 projects working to reduce crime in their areas and to support the priorities in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan. 

The funding for Your Community, Your Choice comes partly from money seized by the courts through the Proceeds of Crime Act, with the rest from the Police and Crime Commissioner. 

In recognition if this 10-year milestone, the funding available to winning projects this year was increased to a total of £120,000, shared across 25 projects.

North Wales Police & Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “I am delighted to see so many excellent and deserving winners receive funding that will help transform communities across North Wales. Your Community, Your Choice is a true collective effort – from my office, the police and PACT, to local communities, the organisations who apply, and to the public who vote for them.

“Everyone has a stake in the success of Your Community, Your Choice and, over the past 10 years, it has shown the difference it can make in offering community groups new opportunities. These organisations give their time and energy to help their local area and the initiative is a great way to give back and help these organisations achieve their aims. They help to keep our neighbourhoods safe and secure, and to meet the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan. And the fact that part of the money comes from funds seized from criminals also helps show to people that crime doesn’t pay, but community activism does!”

Pengwern Community Hub's April what's on guide

 

Plan ahead for Easter countryside visits, says council

Denbighshire County Council and the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB are advising people to plan ahead for Easter visits to county countryside beauty spots.

As the Easter holiday fast approaches people should check ahead to see if facilities are open and where possible access quieter sites and walks to help avoid parking issues and busy periods.

A large number of countryside beauty spots have become more popular since people were asked to stay local during the pandemic and drivers are urged to be mindful of finding suitable areas to park or alternative transport to sites so as not to disrupt surrounding routes into the areas.

The Council has introduced a series of measures at Moel Famau to relieve congestion in the area. New double yellow lines are part of a series of measures, including additional parking spaces and road side parking provision that is hoped to improve visitor flow.

Last year saw grid lock as cars parked of the verges blocked the road – and on a number of occasions preventing emergency vehicles being able to access the area. Parking enforcement officers will patrol the site.

Visitors are also urged to respect the countryside and be sensible by parking responsibly, not littering and only riding bikes on permitted routes.

If the weather is fine over the period, people ae urged not to have BBQ’s, camping stoves or campfires on the moorland areas of the AONB because of the significant risk of fire.

Dog owners are also reminded to act responsibly and keep their pets on leads when walking through the countryside around livestock especially as lambing season continues

For more information on planning your trip ahead, visit https://www.clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk/   and follow the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB on Facebook and Twitter.