Railway steams ahead with modified Corwen scheme

 

 * View of Corwen East station with platform on the right.

 

Following a major review of the project the board of Llangollen Railway Trust says it has reluctantly concluded that, due to the present economic climate, it will not be possible to fund the proposed Phase 2 terminal station at Corwen in the foreseeable future without substantial grant aid.

However, it will go ahead with a modified Phase 1 scheme aimed at the early completion of a Corwen East station.  

The original proposal for the extension of the railway to Corwen envisaged a £4.6 million plan incorporating a terminal on the embankment adjacent to the town’s car park, to be part-funded from European Objective One funding for North Wales. 

However, following the acquisition of the Transport & Works Order for the Extension in 2010, it was revealed that the European Funding was no longer available for this project. 

A revised scheme, to be completed in two phases, was therefore agreed to allow some work to proceed.  

The first phase, estimated at £1.2m, to extend the track and provide for a temporary platform is part-funded by a £500,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government which has to be match funded by the Llangollen Railway Trust. 

Now, to allow steam trains to operate to Corwen on a regular basis, a run-round loop will be installed some 170 metres east of the platform on land which is available within the boundaries of the line.  

Llangollen Railway has the necessary turn-out point work to allow for such a loop line to be constructed. 

The four-coach train platform for Corwen East station will be constructed near to the end of the existing embankment.  

This revised location will be possible when Under Bridge 30 is removed and the track bed filled in after Denbighshire County Council has installed a larger culvert as part of improved flood control arrangements.  

This new location for the platform end ramp will provide for a graded access on to the entrance track for Welsh Water’s Corwen Sewerage works.  

It will dispense with the provision of a long three-staged access ramp and save the cost of an expensive item of infrastructure.  

Some form of portable building will be provided in this area as a temporary shelter for passengers and to offer basic facilities for railway staff. 

The Corwen East station will operate on the basis of a steam train arriving to disembark all passengers.

The empty train will propel backwards into the loop to allow the engine to ‘run round’. The train will then be propelled back into the station in readiness for the return journey. 

A similar facility was once provided at Berwyn in the early days of the railway’s restoration. 

It avoids the need to ‘top and tail’ trains with two locomotives, which is uneconomic. 

These arrangements will be a marked improvement on the earlier proposal that a shuttle service of trains would operate west of Carrog. 

Future Prospects 

The operation of regular steam trains at Corwen East station is seen as essential to the success of the project in attracting tourists to the west end of the line from the north and west market segment of North Wales.   

Increased passenger numbers attracted to Llangollen Railway will benefit the regeneration of Corwen as a centre, improve the railway’s viability and make the Dee Valley more environmentally accessible for visitors by use of the trains. 

The envisaged success of the new interim arrangements will support the case for the building of the terminal station and complex at Corwen, which remains the ultimate objective when external funding is available at some future date. 

Llangollen Railway Trust chairman, Jim Ritchie, said: “The revised scheme recognises the practicalities of the situation.  

“It is a realistic solution to the need to provide regular steam train services at Corwen sooner than waiting for the Phase 2 terminal to be delivered. 

“However, the additional work involved in implementing this option will mean some delay in completing Phase 1 work, such that steam trains will not operate until early 2014, subject to continued financial contributions towards completion of the track extension work.” 

The revised station location and operational arrangements have been outlined to representatives of the Corwen Business Association and Corwen Community Council who expressed themselves in favour of the scheme.

 

* View of the site of Corwen East station looking towards Corwen - platform to be located on the left.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspector allows appeal over Plas Derwen agreement

A GOVERNMENT  inspector has ruled that a building firm does not have to pay over a third of a million pounds to the county council in connection with the development of flats on land at Plas Derwen in Lllangollen. 

At an appeal hearing in Llangollen Town Hall on September 4, Belgrave Homes (Llangollen) claimed that because the original development of 20 apartments in Abbey Road is set to make a financial loss, an agreement – or obligation - it signed with Denbighshire County Council in 2006 to make cash contributions towards affordable housing and public open space in the town no longer serves a useful purpose.

But the council argued that the sums covered by the Section 106 Agreement - £226,432 for affordable housing and £47, 526 for open space making a total of  £273,958, indexed to £334,683 up until last April - should still be payable. 

The hearing was presided over on behalf of the Welsh Government by inspector Emyr Jones and took evidence from both sides.

Mr Jones has now published his decision, which rules the obligation no longer serves a useful purpose.

In his official statement he says the development has incurred “substantial losses” in excess of £3 million, with apartments being sold at prices which “fall well short of recovering acquisition and construction costs”.  

This, says the inspector, is predominantly as a result of the site being purchased at the height of the housing boom and the subsequent dramatic fall in property values.  

He adds: “The appellants are a single purpose company who state that their only asset is the ground rent from the development which is valued at around £60-70,000.  

“The council does not challenge the appellants’ financial information, but its hearing statement suggests that there is a reasonable prospect of obtaining the sums due if the obligation is not discharged. 

“Nevertheless, the appellants are not in a position to pay these sums and the bank, which has to bear the bulk of the above loss, is not going to make any additional payments on its own volition. 

“Neither is it likely to enter into possession of the site as a mortgagee given that the value of the asset would be significantly less than any legal charges running with the land.” 

Allowing Belgrave Homes’ appeal, he said: “In the above circumstances, I am of the view that there is no real prospect of the council recovering the commuted sums and its principal solicitor accepted that the chances of so doing were slim.  

“As a result, adopting a pragmatic approach, it can be concluded that the obligation no longer serves a useful purpose.”

 

*       The Planning Inspectorate in encouraging people to complete a survey giving feedback on its administrative process and the inspector’s decision. It can be downloaded from https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PostDecisionQ  Quote Appeal Ref: APP/R6830/Q/12/2175832; Site address: Plas Derwen, Abbey Road, Llangollen

 

Rogue trader warning goes out

Following a number of rogue trader incidents in recent weeks, North Wales Police in partnership with Conwy and Denbighshire Trading Standards are advising local residents and businesses to be on their guard.

The incidents reported include residents that are approached by traders claiming that work is required on their property and that they will carry out the work immediately. On other occasions the trader will suggest they are carrying out road repairs and can also tarmac the residents / businesses drive at a price. They can be quite persistent.

Residents/businesses are sometimes convinced to get the work done because it can be completed reasonably quickly.

A police spokesman said: "We would advise that if they are approached in a similar way, to contact traders who have worked for them previously, have worked on property for friends and family or have a good reputation and ask if the work really is required and get additional quotations."

Ian Millington and John Donnelly of Conwy& Denbighshire Trading Standards have this joint message: "By providing advice to local residents of what to be aware of and the way in which potential rogue traders operate, we are hoping to reduce the number of incidents of crime that occur.

 

"A lot of partnership work has been done over the last few years to reduce doorstep crime, including rogue trader patrols with North Wales Police and the implementation of cold calling controlled zones. We want this partnership work to continue in stopping bogus callers and cowboy traders."

Inspector Tony Latham of North Wales Police, said: "If residents experience a cold call or think they have been approached by a rogue trader they should record as many details about the caller as possible including vehicle registration numbers and call police on 101 or the Citizens Advice Customer Service on 08454 04 05 06 or for the Welsh Language Service 08454 04 05 05. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Taste of success for young entrepeneur

A young entrepreneur from Llangollen is helping to introduce Welsh food to our English neighbours with help from the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Plan.

 

 

* Owen Dawson of Artisan Foods.

 

Owen Dawson set up Artisan Foods only a few months ago, and can already count Eurospar among his growing customer base.

 

As well as a solid list of loyal Welsh customers, the 30 year old is starting to see more and more interest in Welsh produce from customers from over the border in areas such as Cheshire and Shropshire.

 

Artisan Foods is a wholesale company distributing delicatessen and speciality Welsh produce. It is based in Ruthin and will distribute to around a 70 mile radius.

 

When starting up, Owen took advantage of help from the Denbighshire Enterprise Bursary.

 

The bursary is funded by rural development agency Cadwyn Clwyd as part of their ambitious £3.6 million regeneration programme for rural Denbighshire throughthe European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) through the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Plan.

 

The business received a £2,000 grant which helped to pay for equipment, storage space and marketing.

 

Owen said: "I saw that there was a gap in the market with plenty of people producing top quality produce and also a rising amount of retailers wanting to sell it, but there weren’t many distributors willing to take it from the one to the other.

 

"At this point, the business is where I hoped it would be, and I’m enjoying the responsibility that comes with being your own boss. My success and failures are based purely on the decisions I make, and building my business from scratch and seeing it grow has been very rewarding so far.

 

"At the moment I’m very focussed on taking Welsh produce over the border, I am seeing a growing demand for Welsh food in England, because although the food is still locally produced, it’s that little bit different to what is usually on the shelves in English outlets."

 

As work increases, Owen is making plans to take on staff to lighten the growing load that comes with the pressures of his successfully blossoming distribution business.

 

Alun Davies, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, has recently established a group to look at the new Rural Development Plan programme for 2014-20.

 

The Deputy Minister said: "Success stories such as Artisan Foods show just how important the Rural Development Plan is for Wales. I am pleased to see how RDP investment can make a real positive difference, not only to individuals, but also to the wider economy during difficult financial times.

 

"I am determined to continue to provide the best possible outcomes from the opportunities that come with forming the new RDP.

 

"I will explore all possibilities and options, and to build on the valuable work that is already being delivered under the current plan."

A taste of Castell Dinas Bran - 13th century style

* Members of the Cwmwed Ial group battle it out. 

Medieval re-enactment group Cwmwd Iâl will be camped just below Castell Dinas Brân, on the area known locally as the Pancake, over the weekend of September 22 and 23.

Between 11am and 4pm each day the group will be living life as it was at around the time that Castell Dinas Brân was built.

Visitors can find out about the sort of things they ate, their clothes, healing and warfare as well as watch set piece battles on the hillside.

"It will really bring the Castle to life," said county archaeologist Fiona Gale.

"Castell Dinas Brân was built in the 13^thcentury by the local Welsh princes and was a very grand home as well as strong fortification. Cwmwd Iâl will fire up our imagination and gives us an idea of day to day life for the people of the castle."

Denbighshire Countryside staff will be on hand as well. 

A modern marquee will have fun children’s activities and information about the local area, part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to a World Heritage Site.

There will be walks up to the Castle from The Pancake throughout the day (12 noon, 2pm and 4pm) to find out about the history and biodiversity of the castle itself and to look at the work that has gone on to ensure the castle remains standing and easy to access….at least as easy as it can be on top of a steep hill!

The best way to see the re-enactors is to park in Llangollen and walk up from the town.

The way will have extra signage for the weekend to help you get there.

Or you could use the Llangollen Lift at 10 am and 1 pm from Parade Street in town.

Ros Stockdale, regional routes warden, said: "It will take you to the Eglwyseg side of the Castle, then you can walk around the castle, which is a pleasant walk of about three quarters of a mile through woodland - and best of all, relatively flat!"

For further information contact Denbighshire Countryside Staff on O1352 810614 or 01978 869615.

Don't miss Troupe's showcase gigs

* The Travelling Troupe are in action again this weekend. 

Fresh from their success at Barmouth Arts Festival last weekend, Llangollen Operatic Society’s Travelling Troupe are getting ready to wow a home audience at their two showcase evenings this Friday and Saturday.

The troupe, which tours the region staging gigs to raise cash for society funds, was in Barmouth to give an exclusive performance at the town’s Dragon Theatre as part of the local arts festival.

The festival organiser has just been in touch with society chairman Mike Jones to say: “Please convey to all concerned my thanks for a very good performance here in Barmouth.

“The feedback from the audience was all positive.

“Personally, I was impressed by the performance, the musicians who were excellent, and the sound man, who didn’t deafen everyone, and the total organisation of it all.”

The troupe’s two showcase evenings this Friday and Saturday, entitled “Lost in Music”, will take place at Llangollen Town Hall.

They will feature a myriad of medleys and numbers, ranging from opera to rock.

Tickets, which include a glass of wine and some cheese, are available from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, or Jades Hair & Beauty at £8 and £5 concessions, or by e-mailing Troupe@llangollen-operatic.co.uk 

Campaign group cannot speak on Sainsbury's plan

* The Dobson & Crowther site off the A5. 

Members of a local campaign group opposing the building of a 20,000 square foot Sainsbury’s supermarket in Llangollen are furious after being told they will be unable to speak against the application when it comes before county planners next week.

Keep Llangollen Special has just heard from Denbighshire County Council that its request to address the planning committee came in after all the four available public slots at the meeting had been filled.

The group’s chairman says he will now be writing to council chief executive Dr Mohammed Mehmet making a plea for them to be able to put their views forward on an issue which “so fundamentally” affects the future of the town.

The question of whether the supermarket should be built on land currently occupied by the Dobson & Crowther envelope factory off the A5 has split the town, with rival groups being set up to argue for and against the scheme.

It will be considered by the planning committee next Wednesday (September 19) along with a related application to move the factory to a new site at nearby Cilmedw Farm.

It is council policy to allow just two speakers for and two against an application but Keep Llangollen Special was told its request to air its views was received after all the slots were allocated.

Speaking in favour of the supermarket plan will be a representative of consultants representing the developer, J Ross Ltd, and John Palmer, chair of Llangollen Chamber of Trade.

Arguing against the scheme will be a consultant representing the nearby Co-operative food store and an official of Friends of the Earth.

The Cilmedw application will see two representatives from agents for the developer speaking in favour of it and representative of the Co-op store and a private individual speaking against.

A planning official from the county council has written to Mike Edwards, chair of Keep Llangollen Special, to say: “Please note that we deal with requests to speak on a first come, first
served basis. That being the case, unfortunately your request was received after we had fulfilled our slots of two for and two against each of the Llangollen applications.

“We have kept your name and that of a couple of others in order of receipt and should anyone drop out, we will contact you.

“It is our policy to encourage those wishing to speak at Planning Committee to speak to each other in order to ensure that all issues are covered.”

Mr Edwards said: “I intend to write to the chief executive and make a plea for us to be able to put our views forward before the committee take a decision of this nature which fundamentally affects the future of Llangollen.”

He revealed that if his group had been given a chance to speak at the meeting it intended to warn that the planned new store would hit small shops in Llangollen, leading to a “spiral of decline and decay” which would eventually affect the whole region, including tourism in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the World Heritage site around Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.