Last chance to guarantee tickets for Tom Jones in Llangollen

* Sir Tom Jones in concert.

Sir Tom Jones will be making his long-awaited Llangollen debut in July, and tickets have been in high demand ever since they went on sale.

With the event quickly selling out, the only way to guarantee a ticket is by buying a season ticket before the end of April, say festival organisers.

This not only gives you a guaranteed seat in our pavilion to see Tom Jones, but also entry to a full week of other evening concerts, with artists including Welsh folk superstars Calan, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists Johns’ Boys Male Chorus, the royal harpist Alis Huws, West End stars Kerry Ellis and John Owen Jones, and jazz sensation Gregory Porter. 

The final 100 season tickets are now available for the Core Eisteddfod Week, which runs from Tuesday 2^nd to Sunday 7^th July. 

Season tickets guarantee the best seats in the house, and offer much better value for money than buying individual tickets for each concert, according to the Eisteddfod.

To secure your season ticket, call the Eisteddfod office on 01978 862001 before 5pm on Tuesday April 30. 

Dave Danford, artistic director of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, said: “Our season tickets are strictly limited, and only available until the end of this month. There’s no other way to guarantee your seat in the pavilion to see Tom Jones make his Llangollen debut in July. 

“We’re so proud of the range of evening concerts we have during our Core Eisteddfod Week this year, and season ticket holders can enjoy a week of entertainment they’ll never forget.”

Festival bosses have been committed to protecting the heritage and values of the Eisteddfod, which was founded in 1947. 

The popular competitions will see international visitors arriving in the largest numbers since the pandemic, with over 3,000 competitors travelling to Llangollen.

Ladies Fellowship to hold coffee morning

Llangollen Ladies Fellowship is to hold a coffee morning at the Memorial Hall in Market Street on Tuesday April 23, from 10am-noon.

Town council agrees to seek more information about toilet takeover

* Fate in the balance: the public toilets in Market Street, Llangollen.

Llangollen Town Council members have voted to seek further information about taking over the running of the public toilets in Market Street from the county council.

Denbighshire plans to divest itself of almost all its public conveniences - including the one in Llangollen - to help balance its budget.

This has so far sparked a storm of local protest, with the area's Senedd Member Ken Skates, North Wales Tourism SEO Jim Jones and former GP Dr Rhys Davies among those backing the fight to save the toilets.

County chiefs are hoping that the running of some of the toilets can be taken over by town or community councils.

And Llangollen Town Council discussed the issue at its monthly meeting tonight (Tuesday).

In a report to members beforehand, town clerk Gareth Thomas said: “The town council must be cognisant of the financial implications that transfer of the facilities as initial figures indicate that the current public conveniences run at a loss in excess of £23,000.

“Should the town council be minded to consider an asset transfer then clearly these costs would have to be passed on to the precept [the amount added to the local council tax specifically to finance the town council] and would put additional pressure on local council taxpayers in that there would not be any reciprocal saving reflected in the county council’s charges.”

At the meeting, which was attended by a dozen members of the public a number of whome strongly opposed the loss of the Market Street toilets, the town clerk said: “We have to be mindful of the effects a takeover of the toilets would have on our budgets, bearing in mind the £23,000 deficit they have. We would have to increase our precept to cover this cost.

“If we are going to go down this road we will need independent expert advice. All in all, we need to approach this very carefully.”

Former mayor, Cllr Jon Haddy, said: “We are in the dark as to the financial situation. Unless we have all the relevant information we are not in a position to proceed.”

The deputy mayor, who had earlier made it clear that agrees with people who said the toilets needed to be retained, said: “This needs to be done on our terms.”

Cllr Katherine Susanthan said: “We don’t want to take on an asset that may be a money pit. I suggest that town clerk should look at the kind of grant assistance that may be available to us if we do decide to take them on. It is also important that the public feel their voices have been heard on this very important issue.”

Members agreed to authorise the town clerk to contact the county council’s principal catering and cleaning manager to enter into an “open exchange of information” for future consideration by the town council.

One member of the public present who argued strongly against the loss of the toilets was Rod Holt who also handed in a petition to the town clerk containing 144 names calling for them to be retained.

He also pressed for a public meeting on the issue to be held at the Town Hall, chaired by the mayor and attended by county councillors and officers to answer a series of questions he wants to raise about the proposal.

The town clerk said a meeting could be held but stressed that county officials could only be invited and did not have to come.

In her update on the situation Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards stressed: “The retention of the public toilets has to be a top priority.”

She added that was still awaiting the analytical report on the situation she had requested from county officers some weeks ago.

Update on Bridge End facelift work

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting that a Llangollen pub has confirmed it will remain closed for four-months as it undergoes refurbishment.

Owned by Robinsons Brewery and Country Village Inns LTD, the company will be investing over £1.5 million into the Bridge End.

* For the full story see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/24255096.llangollen-bridge-end-pub-receives-1-5m-refurbishment/

Kia Sorento: big car which handles like a small one

Kia Sorento drive by Steve Rogers

Take a look at the Sorento, a giant of a car but with small car manners.

Seven seater SUVs have become a rarity, too often the third row best suited for children, but here is one that can seat seven adults in relative comfort.

There is no sitting with knees tucked under the chin; here legroom in the back row is more than adequate, and you do not need to be a contortionist to get in and out.

The second row powers forward leaving enough room to get in, and a touch of a button does the same for ease of exit.

So that's it then, job done for this seven seater. Not quite, there is a lot more to this Sorento than a couple of extra seats.

Sorento was a big car even before the fourth generation model hit the road. At 4810mm (15ft9in) it grew 10mm in length but gained extra cabin space from a longer wheelbase. Sounds like a recipe for slack, sloppy handling except it is anything but.

This is where the small car manners come in because it does not drive like a cumbersome old school SUV. Body roll is not eliminated but kept under control as long as the driver is not over enthusiastic, Handling is impressive on twisting roads where you might expect things to get a little unruly. Ride quality is top notch as well no matter what pot holed road is being tackled.

Kia has had plenty of time to get the make up of the fourth generation model right and covered all bases.

Crucially the technology was updated so there is no delay when files are selected from the central 10.5in touch screen. If a driver wants to keep eyes trained on the road then voice control is a quick and easy option for changing radio stations or selecting an address through the navigation system.

If you share my views on heating controls then you will be pleased to hear that everything is neatly laid out with swithces rather than fiddling with the touch screen.

Likewise the driver has a clearly laid out digital binnacle with enough information to fill an encyclodpedia but let me reassure you that this is not info overload because everything is easily accessed using steering wheel buttons.

With a choice of just two models the entry Vision gets a generous kit list so expect such luxuries as heated seats front and back, heated steering wheel, auto dipping LED headlights, power operated front seats and tailgate opening. Third row passengers are not left out with heating conrols and the latest mobile charging ports which are also scattered around the cabin.

The Sorento has a sizeable boot as a five seater and with the second row folded flat becomes cavernous with all but two metres of length. I easily transported a single bed, in fact there is so much space two adults could comfortably sleep on a thin mattress.

New to the model is plug-in hybrid, a 13.8kWh battery providing 35 miles of electric driving. Not as much as the 50 claimed by Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav4, or the 60 promised by Skoda for the new Kodiaq, but you do get the full 35.

It does mean short journeys can be covered on electric power but once spent the 1.6 litre turbo engine kicks in providing spirited acceleration through the six speed auto box. With all wheel drive there are modes for mud, snow and sand driving.

Keeping the battery topped up (just under four hours for a full charge) boosts economy to what seems like improbable heights but it will be mainly engine power on a long drive where a good ball park is stick to sixty and get 40mpg. It worked for me on a 340 mile round trip where Sorento returned 43mpg.

Is £51,000 good value for this plug-in Sorento? Post Covid has seen car prices rocket and sadly this is the going rate. Honda and Toyota rivals are around the same price but the Kia has the two extra seats and it is well equipped with a full suite of safety features so my verdict is yes.

But there is good news if buying new. The fourth generation model is getting a mid term facelift with a wide screen style dashboard display and restyled vertifcal headlights. The price of the base diesel model has been reduced by £3,030 to £41,995 and the range is increased to three models.

Fast facts

Sorento Vision PHEV AWD

£51,525

1.6 T-GDI; 262bhp

0-62mph 8.7secs; 120mph

176mpg combined

38g/km. 1st tax £10 then £190

Boot: 604-1988 litres

Insurance group 32

Repair Cafe to host get-together for helpers this Saturday

A get-together for anyone interested in helping in any way with the Llangollen Repair Cafe will be held this Saturday at St Collen’s Community Hall, off Regent Street, starting at 11am.

An organiser said: “It’s for people who have already volunteered and anyone who wants to know more. You don't have to be able to fix things, but of course if you can, we need you.

“We’re also looking for anyone that can make drinks, talk to people, input data or do admin, meet and greet people, organise things, or be around to sort out little practical things.

“If you don't have any skills or experience, come along and gain some. It’s great for your CV and will build your confidence.

“We are all going to be equal and work together to make this happen. This is a community venture to help each other, save money and help the environment.

“Come and find out what, when and how this will work. All are welcome and I guarantee you have value to us.”

PCSO Karl says 'let me entertain you' at the Town Hall this Friday

* PCSO Karl Joseph as Robbie Williams.

Limited tickets are now available to see popular Llangollen PCSO Karl Joseph swap one type of beat for another when he takes the stage at Llangollen Town Hall this Friday.  

Karl, who last year impressed Queen front-man Adam Lambert, Canadian Superstar Shania Twain and soul sensation Beverley Knight, will be supporting a highly-acclaimed Robbie Williams tribute act endorsed by the man himself. 

The event is the latest in the Live in Llangollen Town Hall fundraising gigs to raise money for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.  

Karl Joseph, who serves with North Wales Police, is a familiar face across Llangollen and is fondly nicknamed "the Laughing Policeman".  

As well as providing a reassuring police presence on his beat in Llangollen he also loves to knock out the odd song.  

This time last year he appeared on ITV’s Starstruck with his own tribute to Robbie Williams.  

Karl cites his influences as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and many of today's Country Music stars.  

He is also a massive fan of Bryan Adams, who will himself be singing at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Tuesday June 18.

Karl said: “I can’t wait to take the stage at our splendid Town Hall this Friday. I love my job patrolling the streets of Llangollen but anyone who knows me will tell you how passionate I am about performing.  

"That’s why swapping to the Town Hall stage from the streets of Llangollen is so great. I’ll be performing a mixture of Rock, Country, Pop and Indie songs, from the 70's through to modern songs. I can’t wait to entertain you.” 

Also performing will be Mike Andrews - “Robbie To the MAX’ – a highly acclaimed tribute act.  

Mike, from Denbigh, is one of the most accurate Robbie tributes currently available in the UK and is the only one in the world to be endorsed by Robbie Williams.

The show covers all of Robbie’s hits, starting off with some of his earlier hits like as Let Me Entertain You and Millennium and continuing all the way through to his more recent hits such as Love My Life, Candy and many more. 

Robbie to the MAX with support from Karl Joseph is on Friday, April 19 from 7.30pm.   

* Tickets priced £10 are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre on Regent Street, Llangollen or from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/live-april/ Please use promo code LIVE24 to remove the booking fee.  

Limited tickets will be available on the door on the night.

Clerk outlines implications of town council taking over public toilets

Town councillors are being advised by their clerk to give careful consideration to all the implications of taking over Llangollen’s public toilets in Market Street before making any decision on the issue.

Denbighshire County Council plans to divest itself of almost all its public conveniences - including the one in Market Street - to help balance its budget.

This has so far sparked a storm of local protest, with the area's Senedd Member Ken Skates, North Wales Tourism SEO Jim Jones and former GP Dr Rhys Davies among those backing the fight to save the toilets.

County chiefs are hoping that the running of some of the toilets can be taken over by town or community councils.

And Llangollen Town Council is due to discuss the issue at its monthly meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) evening.

In a report to members, town clerk Gareth Thomas says: “The Town Council must be cognisant of the financial implications that transfer of the facilities as initial figures indicate that the current public conveniences run at a loss in excess of £23,000.

“Should the Town Council be minded to consider an asset transfer then clearly these costs would have to be passed on to the precept and would put additional pressure on local council taxpayers in that there would not be any reciprocal saving reflected in the County Council’s charges.”

Mr Thomas suggests councillors pay particular attention to the position regarding the existing three staff, and whether legislation that protects employees, and their benefits when their employment changes hands would apply.

He adds: “These factors would have to be clearly defined as there would be considerable implications of taking on staff contracts and responsibilities, including training, management, and compliance with employment regulations and pension arrangements.

“In relation to the regular maintenance and management of the building structure a complete breakdown of all the current and historical operating costs will be required to provide a detailed analysis of the projected costs necessary to determine the budget required for ongoing maintenance and operation.

“The decision to agree to an asset transfer of the public toilets in Llangollen requires careful consideration of various factors, including financial viability, operational implications, community impact, legal and regulatory compliance, and long-term planning for the management and maintenance of the public toilets, considering factors such as population growth, changing demographics, and evolving community needs.”

And in his recommendation he says: “If Members are minded to consider the transfer of this asset to the Town Council, they authorises the Town Clerk to contact the County Council’s Principal Catering and Cleaning Manager to enter into an open exchange of information, as outlined in this report, for future consideration by the Town Council.”

Tomorrow’s town council meeting is online at https://msteams.link/G7VO and starts at 6pm.

* Meanwhile, organisers of the popular Old Railway Trail parkrun have written to county council chief executive Graham Boase outlining the impact on its runners if the toilets are lost.     

Co-event directors Dr Michael Clarke and Mike Edwards say in their email: “Our parkrun has taken place since the 17th June, 2023 and last Saturday’s was our 43rd event since we launched.

“We regularly get a hundred or so runners attending (105 last Saturday) and at our launch event we had 249 attendees.

“So as Event Directors Michael Clarke and I together with our Core Team of Volunteers are extremely concerned about the proposal to possibly close the Public Conveniences in Llangollen. 

“You will appreciate that participants attending our Community Event need to use toilet facilities. We currently direct them to park and use Denbighshire Council’s available facilities at Market Street. 

“We would therefore ask you to ensure the Council are aware of our concern about this proposal and it’s likely impact on an extremely important Community Event which enhances the health and wellbeing of participants whether they are local volunteers, walkers, joggers or runners from wherever they visit.”

Graham Boase replied: "Thank you for your email and for the excellent work you and colleagues do in regard to the parkrun in Llangollen.  I’m also glad to hear that you receive excellent support from Dave Shield and our Countryside Team. 

"I understand your concerns regarding the potential closure of the public conveniences in Llangollen.  I can confirm that no decision has, as yet, been taken as we are still considering all options.

"I have forwarded your email to Paul Jackson the relevant senior manager regarding this matter."

Chester Archaeological Society visit St Collen's

A team from Chester Archaeological Society visited St Collen's last week to hear about the Genesis Project to re-order the ancient church and bringing its facilities into the 21st century. 

The group, who were shown around by project leader Sue Evans, was led by Dr Pauline Clarke. 

This was the latest in a series of visits by experts who are offering valuable help and advice on how the project should proceed. 

County has 'moral obligation' to provide town's public toilets, says former GP

* Dr Rhys Davies opposes the loss of the town's public toilets.

A respected former Llangollen GP is backing the growing campaign to save the town's under-threat public toilets.

Dr Rhys Davies, who was based at Llangollen Health Centre before his retirement, has declared his opposition to the proposal by the county council to divest itself of almost all its public conveniences - including the one in Market Street - to help balance its budget.

He says they have a "moral obligation" to provide them.

The plan has so far sparked a storm of local protest, with the area's Senedd Member Ken Skates and North Wales Tourism SEO Jim Jones backing the fight to save the toilets.

County chiefs are hoping that the running of some of the toilets can be taken over by town or community councils. But early indications are that Llangollen Town Council is not in a financial position to do so. However, its members are due to discuss the issue at their monthly meeting on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Dr Davies, who is also a former chairman of Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, has written to llanblogger to make his opinion known.     

He says: "I write to support the objections to the potential closure of the public toilets on Market St in Llangollen. I write as a previous GP in the town and district for 30 years and also as a long term resident. 

"Although DCC don't have a legal obligation to provide public conveniences in Llangollen there certainly is a moral obligation. Public conveniences have been provided here for many years and they are essential for a tourist town the size of Llangollen. 

"I would have thought that the remuneration from the Smithfield car park would more than finance the current public conveniences. Also, the money received by DCC to reflect the number of visitors we have to Llangollen should be reinvested in the town and would also contribute.  

"If the town council were to take over the running of the conveniences they should receive all the remuneration mentioned, but is it fair that they take over responsibility for parking also? 

"The idea of paying pubs,  restaurants, take a ways etc to allow the public to use their services is a non starter. We are not a city centre and there simply aren't enough places in Llangollen to accommodate people requiring conveniences especially those with disabilities and wheelchair users? Also when buses full of tourists arrive, often earlier in the morning, very few places are open . There is nowhere that could cope with a bus load of elderly visitors needing conveniences. As a result bus companies won't come to Llangollen and so there will be a significant loss of business. 

"Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is an about to have its largest festival for years, such a move by DCC would be a retrograde step.  

"Many people, residents and visitors included, have urinary problems especially prostatic in males with urinary frequency, urgency and incontinence along with urinary frequency and incontinence in females. We mustn't forget those with colostomies, ileostomies and urostomies who all need access to suitable conveniences to manage for their condition. 

"In a civilised society it is essential that all are treated with respect and provided with conveniences when needed. Closure of the public conveniences in Llangollen by DCC as a cost saving exercise doesn't make sense, the loss of business to Llangollen would be far greater along with the loss of respect from residents and visitors a PR disaster! 

"I am happy for this email to be shared with DCC and all interested parties."

Roadworks alert for Grange Road

Latest local roadworks alert from one.network is:

Grange Road, Llangollen, Denbighshire 15 April - 07 May   Delays likely - Diversion route   Name: Diversion   Location: Grange Road   Description: Streetworks / License - Streetworks   Responsibility for event: Denbighshire County Council   Current status: Planned

Countryside team is looking for volunteer rangers

* Volunteer Rangers inspire local people and visitors to help protect the Dee Valley.  

The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looking for Volunteer Rangers who would like to help the team take care of the southern end of the designated landscape.

The Dee Valley is an iconic area of truly outstanding scenery, rich in cultural and industrial heritage. 

AONB says that as a volunteer ranger, you can become one of its ambassadors, share your love and knowledge of this area and inspire local people and visitors alike to help protect what makes the valley so special.

Volunteer Rangers will primarily be based at two of the most popular sites in the area - Castell Dinas Brân, the ancient hill fort which overlooks Llangollen, and Horseshoe Falls, Thomas Telford’s masterpiece and starting point for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.

They will be provided with branded uniform and will meet and engage with members of the public, sharing information and answering questions.

Volunteers are being sought to help the AONB Ranger team at their busiest times, so they are looking for people who can commit to at least a couple of days a month, either on weekends or week days during school holidays. All new Volunteer Rangers will receive training prior to starting in their roles.

Councillor Win Mullen James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity as getting outdoors and experiencing our amazing environment around the Dee Valley can be really beneficial for helping individual physical and mental health.

"It’s also very important work to protect the nature in the Dee Valley to help preserve the area for people to continue to visit and enjoy and I encourage those who love where they live around this amazing part of the world to take up this opportunity.”

The role is open to anyone over the age of 18, no previous experience required but a love of the landscape is essential! If you are interested in joining the team we will be holding an information session about the roles on the evening of Tuesday April 23. To book your place please contact Hannah Law Hannah.law@denbighshire.gov.uk. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday April 19.

The Communities and Nature Programme has received £292,772 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Silver Band's spring concert is tomorrow evening

Llangollen Silver Band has its inaugural Spring Concert at the Methodist Church tomorrow night (Friday), starting at 7.30pm.

If anyone  - of any age - is interested in joining the band or learning an instrument this is your chance to come along and chat with conductor Mia Thomas.

Railway hosts 'most ambitious event for years' this weekend

* Pannier Tank 7754. 

* Heavy freight 3802. 

* Austerity tank 68067.

* Ex-Longbridge car plant Austin 1, along with some of the railway's volunteers who gave 3802 a test run last week. 

Llangollen & Corwen Railway will hold its biggest and most ambitious event for several years this weekend. 

The Branchline Gala takes place from April 12-14 and will see four steam locomotives and two diesel trains in service.

Matthew Davies, Volunteer Gala Organiser, explained:  “Over winter, our staff and volunteers have been working flat-out to get the railway ready for 2024.  We wanted to kick the season off in fine-style with the biggest event we have held since before the pandemic. 

"Our Branchline Gala will see a packed timetable using our beautifully restored locomotives, carriages and wagons. 

"Our 1930-built Great Western pannier tank No 7754 will be formally rededicated to traffic after a restoration that has taken nearly 20 years completed with volunteer labour. I am a member of the team that worked on her and we put in many hundreds of hours to get her back in steam. It was a long slog but seeing her working again has been worth every minute.

"We will also be welcoming our Great Western heavy freight locomotive No 3802 back in steam for the first time 2¹/₂ years following comprehensive overhaul work. At the other end of the scale we also have two diminutive industrial tank locomotives at work. 

"One, ex-Longbridge car factory tank engine Austin 1 has been with us for 50 years and was the very first steam locomotive to work on our railway when it was reopened by our founding preservation society. 

"Finally, ex-Bold colliery Austerity locomotive No 68067, one of the last steam engines to work in British industry, will be operating her last trains with us before heading back to her home railway following an 18 month stay. 1958-built Class 26 diesel locomotive No 5310 and our two car Class 108 diesel railcar complete our impressive line-up."

Engines 7754 and 3802 will both be rededicated to service at a short ceremony to be held at 9:45am at Llangollen Station on Friday April 12, before both locomotives double-head an eight-coach special train to Corwen.

The railway, which continues to make a spectacular recovery from the collapse of its PLC operating company in 2021, is also welcoming trains back to its new Corwen Station, which opened in June 2023. 

The line has been closed over winter whilst track repairs have been completed inside Berwyn Tunnel.

Visitors can also enjoy a visit to our scenic countryside stations at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog.

The tea rooms at Llangollen and Berwyn stations will be open all weekend.  A café and real ale bar in a charming converted parcels van can also be enjoyed at Glyndyfrdwy station. This usually quiet station will become a bustling hub for the weekend with services passing one another and a shuttle train running to Corwen and back. 

Matt added “We’re trying to offer visitors the chance to do something different. As well as being able to travel on traditional passenger carriages, Austin 1 is hauling a short train of brake vans, which folk can travel in. This will give a glimpse of what moving freight around the railways was like for well over 100 years before road transport took nearly all freight traffic away from rural branchlines, many of which then closed – like our railway did in 1964."

* More details on the event and advanced tickets can be purchased from https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/branchline-gala/. 

Tom Taylor, Llangollen Railway Trust Manager. added: “We’re so excited about showcasing how far our railway has come in just three years this weekend. Matt and the team have done a brilliant job planning this event. There has already been tremendous interest and we’ve sold more advanced tickets for it through our website than any other event in the railway’s recent history." 

A short video showcasing the event can be seen on the Railway’s Facebook page.

Candidates line up to become next Police and Crime Commissioner

Four political parties are set to fight it out in the race to elect the next Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for North Wales, according to the Leader.

* For the full story and the line-up of candidates, see: North Wales police commissioner candidates revealed in full | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)

Town Council to discuss future of Market Street public toilets

The issue of Llangollen's under-threat public toilets will be discussed by the Town Council at its next meeting, the Town Clerk has said. 

Denbighshire County Council is proposing to rid itself of most of the county’s 20 public conveniences in a bid to ease its under-pressure budget to the tune of around £200,000 a year.

Pointing out that it doesn’t have a legal duty to provide toilets, it has suggested that they could be taken over by town and community councils. 

Llangollen Town Council has as yet made no official comment on whether it might take over the Market Street toilets, where three people are employed.

However, local county councillor Karen Edwards has said she believes this seems unlikely.

Yesterday llanblogger asked Town Clerk, Gareth Thomas, for an official comment on the council's position.

And he replied: "It is on the agenda for next week's town council meeting. Until Members have considered this report I cannot comment."

The next council meeting is on Tuesday April 16 at 6pm in the council chamber (hybrid). 

The proposal’s affect on the public loos in Market Street has sparked a barrage of angry criticism on social media and campaigns to protect them and there have been calls for a public meetings held under the auspices of the Town Council.

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates has already expressed his support for saving the toilets by writing to council chief executive Graham Boase to request the authority takes another look at the proposal.

Jim Jones, SEO of North Wales Tourism, and Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies have also declared themselves opposed to DCC divesting itself of the toilets.  

It is understood that DCC officers are preparing a more in-depth appraisal on the affects of their proposal as requested by members of the authority's scrutiny committee at their last meeting.

The final say on the plan will be down to the council's cabinet.

Llangollen PCSO swaps his beat to take to the stage

* Karl Joseph swaps his beat for the stage and uncanny Robbie Williams Tribute Act Mike Andrews.

Well-known across town as a popular PCSO, a Wrexham man will be swapping one type of beat for another on Friday April 19 as he takes the stage at Llangollen Town Hall.  

Karl Joseph, who last year impressed Queen front-man Adam Lambert, Canadian Superstar Shania Twain and soul sensation Beverley Knight, will be supporting a highly-acclaimed tribute act endorsed by Robbie Williams himself. 

The event is the latest in the Live in Llangollen Town Hall fundraising gigs to raise money for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod’s charity.  

It comes just 70 days before Bryan Adams takes the stage before a procession of International Stars including Simple Minds, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Jess Glynne, folk Superstars Calan, West End stars Kerry Ellis and John Owen-Jones,  and Tom Jones perform in the biggest Llangollen Eisteddfod for a generation.   

Karl Joseph, a PCSO with North Wales Police, is a familiar face across Llangollen and is fondly known as ‘the Laughing Policeman.’  

He is well known for his providing a reassuring police presence on his beat in Llangollen but also for knocking out the odd song.  

In just 10 days’ time, he will be providing a very different beat at Llangollen Town Hall. 

This time last year, Karl appeared on ITV’s Starstruck with his own tribute to Robbie Williams.  

Karl, cites his influences as Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and many of today's Country Music stars.  

He is also a massive fan of Bryan Adams, who himself will be singing in Llangollen himself at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod on Tuesday June 18.

Karl said: “I can’t wait to take the stage at our splendid Town Hall. I love my job patrolling the local streets of Llangollen but anyone who knows me will tell you how passionate I am about performing.  

"That’s why swapping my stage from the streets of Llangollen to the stage at Llangollen Town Hall is so great. I’ll be performing a mixture of Rock, Country, Pop and Indie songs, from the 70's through to modern songs.  I can’t wait to entertain you.” 

Also performing will be Mike Andrews - “Robbie To the MAX’ – a highly acclaimed tribute act.  

Mike, from Denbigh, is one of the most accurate Robbie tributes currently available in the UK and is the only one in the world to be endorsed by Robbie Williams himself.

The show covers all of Robbie’s hits, starting off with some of his earlier hits like as ‘Let Me Entertain You‘ and ‘Millennium‘ and continuing all the way through to his more hits such as ‘Love My Life‘, ‘Candy‘ and many more. 

Robbie to the MAX with support from Karl Joseph is on Friday, April 19 from 7.30pm.   

* Tickets priced £10 are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre on Regent Street, Llangollen or from https://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/live-april/

Please use promo code LIVE24 to remove the booking fee.  Limited tickets will be available on the door.

Temporary closure of Oak Street for gas mains replacement

Denbighshire County Council has notified that Wales & West Utilities will be closing the entire length of Oak Street, Llangollen, from April 29 until May 17, to carry out gas mains replacement.

There will be a temporary one-way system on the length of Chapel Street which extends southward from its junction with Oak Street to its junction with Berwyn Street. 

Northbound traffic is to be prohibited while southbound traffic will be unaffected. 

The recommended alternative route is Berwyn Street, Castle Street and Bridge Street.

Pedestrian access through the restricted section will be maintained throughout the period of the restriction.

Pengwern Community Hub's April timetable

The timetable for April at Pengwern Community Hub shows lots of new things including a Budgeting and Savings Workshop, Digital Confidence Sessions and the last three workshops with Artist Ben Davis to create a community mural.

As well as what is going on at Pengwern, there is an event called Spring in to Spring in St Collen’s on April 11 and also, from April 18, project co-ordinator Jen Naylor will be helping out with ‘Feel Fabulous’ on Thursday mornings also at St Collen's.

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice

Latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice is:

Q: I’ve just got my first payslip from a new job, I’m slightly embarrassed to say I don’t understand what all the different sections refer to. How do I know what each means and if it’s correct? 

A: Congratulations on the new job, hopefully you’re settling into the new role. 

There’s no need to be embarrassed about not understanding your payslip, it contains lots of information which can be tricky to get your head around but it is important to understand. Your payslip shows your pay, deductions and tax information. All employers are required to give their employees a payslip and it’s a good idea to keep them for as long as possible. 

The top left corner of your payslip is where you’ll usually find your employer’s details. Opposite this, in the middle or top right corner, should be your details. This is also where you might find your payroll or employee number, this is what your employer uses to identify you for payroll purposes. 

Next, you’ll see lots of different numbers and codes. The payment date is when your pay will normally arrive in your bank account, it can be monthly or weekly and fall on any day of the month. 

Your National Insurance (NI) number refers to your unique number. You must have a NI number to work in the UK. It’s used to make sure all your NI contributions are recorded and so you can get any state benefits you’re entitled to, including state pension later in life. 

Your payslip might show a tax period, the tax year starts in April and ends in March. The number here corresponds to the period in which you’re being taxed, eg. if you’re paid monthly, 01 will represent the tax period in April, while 12 would mean March. 

Next is your tax code. This is decided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and is used by your employer or pension provider to work out how much Income Tax to take from your pay. Your tax code is made up of several numbers and a letter. The numbers refer to how much tax-free income you get while the letters can mean different things depending on your circumstances. You can find out what they mean on the government website. 

Make sure you’re not on an emergency tax code otherwise you’ll be taxed more than needed. 

Now to your pay and deductions. Gross pay, means how much you’ve earned before anything is deducted. Deductions are amounts taken from your gross pay, common ones include: income tax, national insurance, pension or student loan payments. Income tax is the tax you pay on your earnings to fund public services, this is something you have to pay but the amount will vary depending on your earnings. You pay National Insurance so you can be entitled to certain benefits, and it also contributes towards the NHS. 

Most payslips will add up all the deductions from your pay into a single amount to make it easier for you to see how much is taken from your pay each month. Your net pay is the amount of money you will receive after all the deductions have worked out. 

Lastly, taxable pay is the amount of your salary, to date in the current tax year, that has been subjected to tax. This will usually appear next to your net pay figure.

Llangollen Canal amongst UK's most popular visitor destinations

Llangollen Canal has been ranked amongst the most popular waterside destinations to visit in the UK, according to a story in the Leader.

The picturesque canal, which crosses the border between Wales and England, saw an average of 4,775 monthly searches on Google, which placed it fifth out of 128 waterside destinations from the Canal & River Trust.

* For the full story, see: Llangollen Canal among most Google searched UK destinations | The Leader (leaderlive.co.uk)