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Friday, January 3, 2025

Council's advice on Yellow Weather Warning for snow and ice

Denbighshire County Council has sent out details of the Yellow Weather Warning for Snow and Ice issued by the Met Office for this weekend - and how to cope with freezing conditions. It reads:

Between 12:00 (UTC) on Sat 4 Jan 2025 and 23:59 (UTC) on Sun 5 Jan 2025

Headline

Heavy snow, and some freezing rain in places, may cause some disruption over the weekend

 

What to expect

  • There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
  • There is a slight chance that some rural communities could become cut off
  • A small chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
  • There is a chance of travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel

 

Further Details

Outbreaks of rain spreading progressively northeastwards later on Saturday and overnight into Sunday will likely be preceded by a spell of snow on its northern flank. Whilst there is some uncertainty, any snow in southern and eastern parts of England, especially at low levels, will probably be rather transient before turning back to rain. However, some significant accumulations of snow are possible across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England in particular, at least for a time, where 5 cm or more could accumulate fairly widely, with perhaps as much as 20-30 cm over high ground of mid and north Wales and potentially 30-40 cm over parts of the Pennines. This, accompanied by strengthening winds, may lead to drifting of lying snow.

In addition, as milder air moves northwards, snow may turn to a spell of freezing rain for a time, again more especially across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England, adding to the risk of ice and leading to some treacherous conditions in places. A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is possible later on Sunday, although exactly how far north the rapid thaw will reach remains uncertain at this stage.

What should I do?

Snowy, wintry weather can cause delays and make driving conditions dangerous, so to keep yourself and others safe: plan your route, checking for delays and road closures, amending your travel plans if necessary; if driving, leave more time to prepare and check your car before setting off; make sure you have essentials packed in your car in the event of any delays (warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch, ice scraper/de-icer, a warning triangle, high visibility vest and an in-car phone charger).

Keep yourself and your family safe when it is icy. Plan to leave the house at least five minutes earlier than normal to reduce your risk of accidents, slips, and falls. If making a journey on foot, try to use pavements along main roads which are likely to be less slippery. Similarly, if cycling, try and stick to main roads which are more likely to have been treated.

People cope better when they have prepared in advance for the risk of power cuts or being cut off from services and amenities due to the snow. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

 

DCC has resources on standby throughout the warning period to respond to any weather-related incidents should they arise.

 

Further updates will be provided if deemed necessary.

 

Please report any issues to our Customer Service Team between 8:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday, by:

1) email to customerservice@denbighshire.gov.uk

2) telephone 01824 706000

3) visit in person a One Stop Shop.

4) use an online web form, available on Denbighshire’s website:

www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/online-forms/online-forms.aspx

In the event of any emergency situation requiring an immediate response, contact should be made directly via the out of hours contact centre between 5pm – 8:30am including weekends on 0300 123 3068. 

Owner gives latest update on Llangollen's injured celebrity cat


* The latest picture of Raymond posted on his own Facebook page.

The owner of Raymond the famous ginger cat has given a new update on his progress after he was accidentally knocked down by a car at the end of last month.

And the post on his own Facebook page has attracted over 80 comments from well-wishers welcoming him home after his treatment.

But the owner says the famous roaming moggy isn't enjoying not being allowed out of a protective cage advised by the vets until his injuries heal.

The furry celebrity, who has his own Facebook page - Raymond the Ginger Cat - is known and loved by scores of admirers for his wanderings around the town, nipping in and out of shops and hotels and even attending a church service on Christmas morning. 

Last Sunday there was an outpouring of shock and disbelief after it was announced on Facebook that he had been hit by a car in the town centre while being chased by a dog. 

Scores of messages of sympathy for his family and best wishes for his speedy recovery began to be posted on social media, one from as far away as South Africa. 

A Gofundme page was set up by a friend of the owner to help pay for his treatment at the vets and it was halted after donations hit the £4,000 mark in just a couple of days.

The owner revealed on Raymond's own Facebook page that his pelvis had been injured on the left side and the bill for treatment was likely to be between four and five thousand pounds, adding that they would pay although any donations would be welcome.

On Monday morning the owner posted that he was "comfortable and pain free," and said they were waiting to hear when he would have surgery, adding that when he did come home he would have to be kept in a cage for six weeks.  

Yesterday evening, the owner took to his Facebook page again to post a picture of Raymond in a cage along with the message: "Not impressed with the cage situation." 

The post has so far attracted over 80 comments welcoming him back home and wishing him a speedy recovery. Some of the read:

"I'm sorry about the cage situation but it's for your own good sweetie."

"Aww bless him he looks so sad not being able to do his usual rounds."

"Maybe he could have visitors from the shop keepers in Llan?? He'd love that I'm sure."   

Thursday, January 2, 2025

Air ambulance called to A5 crash scene

 


North Wales Live reports:

An air ambulance has landed at the scene of a crash on the A5. The main road, near Corwen, is blocked, with queueing traffic.

A North Wales Police spokesperson said: "Please be aware there are severe delays on the A5 between Corwen and Glyndyfrdwy due to a collision, officers are at scene dealing." The Welshpool-based air ambulance landed at the scene shortly after 1pm.


Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Latest update on Raymond the cat's condition


* Raymond is now at the vets and under treatment.

His owner has given a fresh update on the condition of Raymond, Llangollen's celebrity cat after he was knocked down and injured by a car on December 29.

The famous moggy, who has his own Facebook page - Raymond the Ginger Cat - is known and loved by scores of admirers for his wanderings around the town, nipping in and out of shops and hotels and even attending a church service on Christmas morning. 

On Sunday there was an outpouring of shock and disbelief after it was announced on Facebook that he had been hit by a car in the town centre while being chased by a dog. 

Scores of messages of sympathy for his family and best wishes for his speedy recovery began to be posted on social media. 

A Gofundme page was set up by a friend of the owner to help pay for his treatment at the vets and it was halted after donations hit the £4,000 mark in just a couple of days.

The owner revealed on Raymond's own Facebook page that his pelvis had been injured on the left side and the bill for treatment was likely to be between four and five thousand pounds, adding that they would pay although and donations would be welcome.

On Monday morning the owner posted that he was "comfortable and pain free," and they were waiting to hear when he would have surgery. 

At around 8pm this evening (Tuesday) there was a further update in which the owner said: "Hi all, a little update on Raymond - he is still in Llangollen vets due to it being new year. We will have another update in the morning but last time

"We spoke to the vet, Raymond hasn’t wee’d which was a bit worrying but could be down to stress.

"Will let you all know more tomorrow regarding surgery. When he does come home he will have to be kept in a cage for 6 weeks."  

Llanblogger will bring you further updates on Raymond's progress as and when we have them. 

Happy New Year to all llanblogger readers!

Happy New Year to all our readers! 



Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Over £4,000 pledged towards celebrity cat's treatment after his accident

* Over £4,000 has been pledged to help pay for Raymond's treatment.

UPDATE FROM HIS OWNER AROUND 9AM:

"Just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has donated towards rays vet bills people have been so so kind and generous. 

"Just been to see him and cried 😭 

"Just waiting to see if he will be going for a CT scan today."


Just over £4,000 has been pledged by hundreds of well-wishers to help pay for treatment to Llangollen's celebrity cat after he was accidentally hit and injured by a car two days ago.

The famous moggy, who has his own Facebook page - Raymond the Ginger Cat - is known and loved by scores of admirers for his wanderings around the town, nipping in and out of shops and hotels and even attending a church service on Christmas morning. 

On Sunday there was an outpouring of shock and disbelief after it was announced on Facebook that he had been hit by a car in the town centre while being chased by a dog. 

Scores of messages of sympathy for his family and best wishes for his speedy recovery began to be posted on social media. 

And there was been a surge of donations to an online funding account set up by a friend to help pay for his treatment. 

The owner took to Facebook on Raymond's page to say his pelvis had been injured on the left side and the bill for treatment was likely to be between four and five thousand pounds, adding that they would pay although and donations would be welcome.

Since then pledges to the Gofundme page have been mounting rapidly and by yesterday afternoon had gone over the £4,000 mark.

The page now displays a note to say the organiser has disabled new donations to the fundraiser "at the moment".

On Monday morning the cat's owner posted on Raymond's page that he was "comfortable and pain free," and they were waiting to hear when he would have surgery. 

Llanblogger will bring you further updates on Raymond's progress as and when we have them. 

Monday, December 30, 2024

Raymond the celebrity cat receives treatment after serious road injury

 

* Raymond pictured on his own Facebook page by his owner after the accident.

UPDATE FROM HIS OWNER MONDAY MORNING: 
"He’s comfortable and pain free. Waiting to hear when he will go for surgery either today or tomorrow."

Llangollen’s celebrity cat is receiving treatment at the vets after being accidentally hit by a car. 

And an online funding page has been set up to pay for the surgery he needs.

The famous moggy, who has his own Facebook page - Raymond the Ginger Cat - is known and loved by scores of admirers for his wanderings around the town, nipping in and out of shops and hotels and even attending a church service on Christmas morning. 

Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon there was an outpouring of shock and disbelief after it was announced on Facebook that he had been hit by a car in the town centre while being chased by a dog. 

Within the hour there was over a hundred messages of sympathy for his family and best wishes for his speedy recovery. 

The comments have continued to flood in overnight, some posted from as far away as Wiltshire, Cardiff and Sheffield. 

There was also s surge of donations to an online funding account has been set up to help pay for his treatment. 

Shortly after the news broke Raymond’s owner gave details of what had happened to the cat on Facebook. 

They said: “Raymond’s been hit by a car. I don’t know who hit him or why they wouldn’t stop.

“We have taken him to the vets and his vitals are all good but he can’t stand and looks like he might of broken his back legs. He’s gone for X-rays now so will let you know how he is as soon as we know." 

A little later they posted again, saying: “UPDATE. He has fractured his pelvis on the left side. They’re keeping him in tonight.” 

The owner added: “Also, would just like to put that apparently the driver did stop and look for him which I am grateful for, Raymond’s usually good with roads but obviously he’s been chased and ran out scared. Which isn’t the drivers fault."

A friend of the owner then set up a Gofundme page to help meet the bill for

Raymond's treatment.

She says on the page: "Unfortunately the famous Raymond the Ginger Cat (who is a celebrity in Llangollen) was accidentally hit by a car on 29/12/24. Some kind person took him in, and the owners (my friend) got to him quickly and took him to an emergency vets.

"This quirky, cheeky little cat is in and out of shops, goes to supermarkets, local pubs and even to church this Christmas! He’s a well known, funny little character in our home town, and his adventures and antics are documented and loved by many far and wide.

"He has broken his pelvis and if anyone could help this little chap have the operation he needs and get back to his little adventures, we’d be so grateful. Even the smallest amount.

"We all wish Mr Raymond the speediest recovery!"

At around 6am this morning (Monday) Raymond's owner posted a further update which says: "Thank you all for your kind words and support for Raymond. He’s always been street smart but unfortunately yesterday he was scared by a dog in to a passing car my poor little man got hit and fractured his pelvis on the left hand side surgery is going to be around 4-5k which we will pay, but any donations would be amazing my friend has set up a go fund me page so if Ray's ever brought any joy in to your life a small donation would be much appreciated no matter how small."

* The Gofundme page can be found at: https://gofund.me/3eea2e10

* Llanblogger will bring you further updates on Raymond's progress as and when we have them. 

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Llangollen makes newspaper's list of Wales's best winter walks

Llangollen features in a list of winter walks in Wales "to blow away the Christmas cobwebs" produced by a Welsh national newspaper.

* For the full story in Wales Online, see: 25 winter walks in Wales to blow away the Christmas cobwebs - Wales Online

Friday, December 27, 2024

Neighbourhood Watch warns about QR code scam

North Wales Community Alert has issued a warning about a seasonal scam which last year cost its victims over three-quarters of a million pounds.

Neighbourhood Watch says: "Cyber Criminals are using QR technology to scam victims.

"They create their own malicious QR codes designed to trick people into sharing their banking or personal information. Victims are tricked into believing that they are navigating to legitimate sites.

#NWPCyberSafe #12Frauds

Monday, December 23, 2024

Christmas Festival raffle winners announced


* The parade which launched this year's Christmas Festival.

The draw for the raffle at this year's Llangollen Christmas Festival has taken place and all winners have been notified. 

A spokesperson for the organisers said: "Thanks to everyone who bought tickets for the raffle. We had a tremendous response and managed to sell 4,000 tickets. We made £4,000 which we will share with Wales Air Ambulance, local groups and next year’s Christmas Festival.

"Thank you to our sponsors and the local shops, traders and businesses for donating prizes. A special thank you to Ian Parry and Jane Williams for organising the raffle and the fantastic ticket-selling skills of the members of the Christmas Festival Group and their friends."

Here is list of prizes and winning tickets:
01069                  Five days fishing on the River Dee
02680                 Voucher For Dee Valley Produce 0
03566                  Voucher for  Jades Hair Stylist
02655                   A bottle of Scotch from the Liberty Tavern
00985                  A food hamper from the Llangollen Oggie Shop
01385                 A flight for three people in a light aircraft
00358                  A flight in a glider
1728                   Whitewater rafting for two people
02222                 Family ticket for Llangollen railway
02201                   Family tickets for a canal boat trip
05070                 Trip in a  Tuk-Tuk
01166                 Voucher for bike hire from Drozi  Bikes
00024                 Voucher for the Bridge End
02538                 Pair of tickets for the Llangollen Comedy Club
03376                 £200 worth of food vouchers
00665                 Laura’s Tearoom Llangollen voucher
04041                 2 course meal for two at The Cornmill Llangollen
01062                 Voucher for a meal at the Sun Trevor
02720                   2 tickets for Llangollen Eistedfodd
03654                 Voucher for Riverbanc in Llangollen
05056                 Round of golf for two in Llangollen
00469                 Afternoon tea at the Wild Pheasant
01124                 Knitted dolls from Homemade Llangollen
01481                 Voucher for Foozies
00906                 Toy from Shop in the Clouds
00880                 Massage from Sue Walker “The Verve”
02192                 2 bottles of wine from Gales Wine Bar
01873                 Candle from Lily Rose Interiors
04117                 Christmas wreath Eistedfodd Floral Committee
00902                 2 tickets for Garden Railway Show
00293                 Voucher for Porters Delicatessen
00581                 Coffee from Chapel Street Coffee Company

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Warning about thefts of Christmas parcels from doorsteps


* Warning: Sam Rowlands MS.

Sam Rowlands, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, is warning constituents about the increase in thefts of parcels left on doorsteps. 

Mr Rowlands is backing a call from North Wales Police who have issued advice to reduce the risk of doorstep theft.

 

He said: “Noth Wales Police have received a number of reports about the increase in thefts from doorsteps in recent weeks and have issued a timely reminder to us all.

 

“Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people out there who will be on the lookout for unattended parcels.

 

“In the run up to Christmas it is especially important that if you are expecting a delivery make sure you take the necessary precautions so that a loved one’s present is not taken from your doorstep.”

 

North Wales Police have issued some advice to make sure you don’t become a victim of crime this festive season.

 

To reduce the risk of doorstep theft:

  1. Track your parcel to ensure someone is at home for the delivery.
  2. If you are not going to be in, provide the delivery company with details of a safe location to leave your parcel.
  3. Arrange a delivery time if possible when you know someone will be home to take the parcel.
  4. Consider installing a ring doorbell; this can be connected to your mobile phone so you are notified immediately of any delivery and is easier and more affordable than CCTV systems.
  5. Install security lighting. 
  6. Arrange for you parcel to be delivered to a trusted neighbour, family or friend.
  7. Use an off-site locker service for frequent deliveries or for expensive items, these parcel boxes are more likely to be in safer locations such as supermarkets, petrol forecourts etc.

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Nominate someone 'special' for community awards

The High Sheriff of Clwyd's Community Awards nomination process for 2025 is now underway. 

And Llangollen people are invited to nominate someone special who does great things here in Denbighshire. 

The awards were launched in 2013 to recognise individuals or voluntary/community organisations or groups (with charitable aims) that have made an outstanding contribution to their respective communities.

There will be three awards as follows:

* Two awards for individuals from each of the principal areas, namely Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham that form the preserved County of Clwyd

* One award for a voluntary/community organisation or group (with charitable aims) operating within each of the principal areas, namely Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham that form the preserved County of Clwyd.

Friday, December 20, 2024

Historic pub close to Llangollen goes on the market

A historic close to Llangollen, formerly named best pub of the year in Wales, has gone on the market with a guide price of £575,000.

* For the full story in the Denbighshire Free Press, see: West Arms pub in Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog goes up for sale | Denbighshire Free Press