As Ministers propose a minimum price of 45p a unit for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales, two senior North Wales councillors have called on shops and supermarkets to be more responsible in their attitude towards the sale of alcohol.
The call was made by Councillor Phil Edwards, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire Lead Member for Public Realm, following a meeting of the Conwy and Denbighshire Community Safety Strategic Group at Divisional Police HQ at St.Asaph to discuss ways of reducing violent crimes and their impact on communities.
The group was particularly concerned about the increased incidence of violence in the home.
Councillor Phil Edwards said: “The link between crimes and many offences involving violence has been long established. Licensing Committees on Local Authorities have made a great deal of headway in tackling troublesome pubs and off-licences but there is now a growing body of evidence that shows that alcohol induced violence in the homes has increased significantly and that this problem is made worse by the availability of cheap beers and strong ciders in retail outlets.
"The statistics that relate to domestic violence, which too often ends in tragedy for a family is frightening and it is high time we all started to tackle this seriously. At least one woman is killed every day by domestic violence and the link between this and too much alcohol is undeniable”.
Councillor Edwards added: “Shops and supermarkets need to remember that they are subject to the same strict Licensing Laws as pubs and clubs and if their activities contribute in any way against the Licensing Objectives, they will have to face the consequences in exactly the same way. In my view, there is very little difference between encouraging people to drink excessively in a ‘happy hour’ and encouraging people by offering alcohol at grossly reduced prices. The outcome too often is the same and it’s time that responsible sale of alcohol came before profits.”
Councillor David Smith agreed and said:“As responsible councillors we are concerned at the number of crimes associated with alcohol abuse, particularly alcohol induced crime in the home.
"In many cases, this is a result of readily available cheap alcoholic drinks many of which have high alcohol levels. I fully endorse the comments made by Councillor Phil Edwards and would ask retailers who sell alcohol to be more responsible in the way they sell alcohol to the public.”
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Communications complaints aired by chamber
 |
* The quality of the local Vodafone signal has been questioned. |
A discussion on local communications developed amongst
members at Monday night’s meeting of Llangollen Chamber of Trade and Tourism.
Simon Collinge started things off by criticising the quality
of the Vodafone mobile signal in town and asked if the chamber could take up the
matter with the company.
As the discussion turned to Llangollen’s broadband provision,
chair John Palmer said he had been told by a telecoms expert that unless a “massive”
amount of money was spent on upgrading it immediately, the town would not be
getting an improved connection until 2014 or 2015.
Ian Parry suggested that if anyone was unhappy with their
broadband service they could call for a better one by adding their name to the
BT Infinity website.
“The more people who do this, the better the chance is of something
being done, “ he explained.
The chamber agreed that it would contact Vodafone to seeking
improvements to its mobile signal to the area.
Chamber members pictured for posterity
* Chamber members have their picture taken in the style of the Old Masters.
Old Masters were at work at the meeting of Llangollen Chamber
of Trade and Tourism on Monday night.
While Rembrandt and Frans Hals weren’t actually at the Hand
Hotel to weave their magic, they were certainly there in spirit as local
photographer Andrew Gale, directed by Simon Collinge, took artistic pictures of
chamber members in the style of the famous painters.
The photo-shoot came as part of a project by Andrew and
Simon to produce a book recording details and pictures of community groups,
clubs and societies based in the area for a book they are producing entitled
Llangollen Community to be launched at the Fringe Festival next July.
They reckon there are over local 50 organisations eligible
for inclusion and they are working hard to picture each of them.
Up to a few weeks ago they had held sessions with groups
such as the Silver Band, Probus, the Christmas Festival Committee, Llangollen
Operatic, the 20 Club, The Community market, Friends of the Earth, St Collen’s
Church PCC and the Catholic Church.
But there are still many more to be captured.
“We felt it was about time that a documented pictorial
history of these groups was recorded for posterity – it also seemed rather a
fun idea,” said Simon Collinge.
* Andrew Gale (right) takes the picture.
* Andrew Gale (right) takes the picture.
Letter about marketing of Oakleigh House
llanblogger has received the following letter as a result of our recent story about Oakleigh House on Abbey Road, Llangollen being put on the market by its owners, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
Although the sender has supplied their name we are respecting their request to remain anonymous:
Legat Owen Chester are marketing Oakleigh the former MHR owned by the trust - on their website it is stated POA - ok but then the give a price guide of £350k!
What is going on? After the fire in the 1980's the house was totally rebuilt and refurbished - as I recall it was marketed before the NHS purchased it for around 250k - even as a health centre the condition of the house was extremely good, original features, fireplaces, heating - surely it cannont have been neglected so badly in the period of closure - how about an open day for the residents and former users of this resource to see what is on offer for this knock-down price guide.
The market is not good I will agree - but why are the trust not even marketing the asset with a company within the Conwy/Denbighshire area which as far as I remember, managed this much missed and valuable resorce.
Although the sender has supplied their name we are respecting their request to remain anonymous:
Legat Owen Chester are marketing Oakleigh the former MHR owned by the trust - on their website it is stated POA - ok but then the give a price guide of £350k!
What is going on? After the fire in the 1980's the house was totally rebuilt and refurbished - as I recall it was marketed before the NHS purchased it for around 250k - even as a health centre the condition of the house was extremely good, original features, fireplaces, heating - surely it cannont have been neglected so badly in the period of closure - how about an open day for the residents and former users of this resource to see what is on offer for this knock-down price guide.
The market is not good I will agree - but why are the trust not even marketing the asset with a company within the Conwy/Denbighshire area which as far as I remember, managed this much missed and valuable resorce.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Warning to drivers over icy roads
The BBC is reporting this afternoon (Tuesday) that drivers are being warned that icy
roads could lead to possible disruption to travel in parts of north and mid
Wales on Wednesday morning.
The story says that the Met Office said there was also a chance of snow overnight, particularly on high ground, as temperatures plunge.
It adds: "The yellow "be aware" warning is in place from 16:00 GMT on Tuesday to 12:00 GMT on Wednesday.
North Wales was hit by severe weather last week as heavy rain led to flooding after rivers burst their banks.
The Met Office said falling temperatures and wintry showers could cause problems in north and mid Wales on Wednesday morning.
"The public should be aware of the potential for increased iciness, especially early on Wednesday, and possible disruption to travel," it said.
BBC Wales weather presenter Sue Charles said Tuesday could see a mix of sleet and snow in Snowdonia, heavy at times, and wintry weather elsewhere.
"This evening showers continue as a weak cold front moves southwards but they'll become mainly confined to western coasts with maybe the odd wintry flurry inland," she said.
"But also the Met Office is warning of an ice risk across north and mid Wales as temperatures fall near freezing following those showers."
The story says that the Met Office said there was also a chance of snow overnight, particularly on high ground, as temperatures plunge.
It adds: "The yellow "be aware" warning is in place from 16:00 GMT on Tuesday to 12:00 GMT on Wednesday.
North Wales was hit by severe weather last week as heavy rain led to flooding after rivers burst their banks.
The Met Office said falling temperatures and wintry showers could cause problems in north and mid Wales on Wednesday morning.
"The public should be aware of the potential for increased iciness, especially early on Wednesday, and possible disruption to travel," it said.
BBC Wales weather presenter Sue Charles said Tuesday could see a mix of sleet and snow in Snowdonia, heavy at times, and wintry weather elsewhere.
"This evening showers continue as a weak cold front moves southwards but they'll become mainly confined to western coasts with maybe the odd wintry flurry inland," she said.
"But also the Met Office is warning of an ice risk across north and mid Wales as temperatures fall near freezing following those showers."
Llan chamber donates to Ruthin flood victims
* Flood-hit houses in Ruthin.
Llangollen
Chamber of Trade and Tourism is making a £200 donation to the Mayor of Ruthin’s
appeal for the town’s flood-hit families.
At
their meeting at the Hand Hotel on Monday night, chamber members were told by
the chair John Palmer: “I suggest we donate £200 to the appeal. I believe it
would be a nice act of solidarity for those poor people affected by the
flooding.”
Members
agreed to go ahead with the donation.
+
Denbighshire County Council has received requests from members of the public on
where they can leave financial donations following last week's flooding.
The council is reminding people that they can make a donation to the Ruthin Mayor's Appeal Fund or the St Asaph Mayor's Flood Relief Fund.
To donate to the St Asaph Mayor's Flood Relief Fund, make cheques payable to: “The Mayor's Charity Account" and cheques can be dropped off at the Cathedral Diocesan Office in St Asaph.
To donate to the Ruthin Mayor's Fund, make cheques payable to “Cyngor Tref Rhuthun” or “Ruthin Town Council”. The account number is 20788929, sort code: 202576 and money can be deposited at Barclays Bank on St Peter's Square, Ruthin.
Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "We have been overwhelmed by people's generosity and it's humbling to see communities pull together at a time when co-operation is needed the most.
"Receiving and distributing goods as a result of all this goodwill has become un-coordinated and we don't want to be in a position where goods don't get to people quickly. That is why we are now calling on people to donate financially instead.
"The council is extremely grateful for this co-operation."
The council is reminding people that they can make a donation to the Ruthin Mayor's Appeal Fund or the St Asaph Mayor's Flood Relief Fund.
To donate to the St Asaph Mayor's Flood Relief Fund, make cheques payable to: “The Mayor's Charity Account" and cheques can be dropped off at the Cathedral Diocesan Office in St Asaph.
To donate to the Ruthin Mayor's Fund, make cheques payable to “Cyngor Tref Rhuthun” or “Ruthin Town Council”. The account number is 20788929, sort code: 202576 and money can be deposited at Barclays Bank on St Peter's Square, Ruthin.
Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "We have been overwhelmed by people's generosity and it's humbling to see communities pull together at a time when co-operation is needed the most.
"Receiving and distributing goods as a result of all this goodwill has become un-coordinated and we don't want to be in a position where goods don't get to people quickly. That is why we are now calling on people to donate financially instead.
"The council is extremely grateful for this co-operation."
Tobacco display law now in force
A new law has come into force in Wales banning the display of tobacco in supermarkets and other large shops.
It is hoped the ban will help reduce the take-up of smoking among young people, who can be tempted to take up smoking by seeing cigarettes on display.
The display of tobacco products can also tempt adults who are trying to stop smoking. The law will extend to smaller shops, including specialist tobacconists, in April 2015.
Since Monday large retailers have no longer been able to have cigarettes and other tobacco products on display, except when staff are serving customers and carrying out tasks such as restocking.
Tobacco price lists will also look different. A plain A3 price list with no tobacco branding can be shown at the point of sale, with an illustrated price list available to customers on request. Customers may be asked for proof of age before being shown the illustrated list.
Non-compliance with the new law, which will be enforced by local trading standards officials, is a criminal offence. Anyone found guilty could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to two years in prison.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Smoking remains a huge risk to public health in Wales. Around 20 per cent of our NHS admissions are related to smoking, at a cost of more than £1million a day.
"Our aim is to reduce smoking levels in Wales to 16% by 2020 with an ultimate vision of a smoke-free society, in which the harm from tobacco is completely eradicated.
“We know that young people can be influenced by seeing cigarettes on display, and that they can tempt adults who are trying to give up the habit.
“We see this new law as an important part of our drive to tackle the harm caused by smoking. If we can prevent young people from ever taking up smoking, we can give future generations a better chance of a healthy life.”
The Welsh Government has a range of initiatives designed to tackle smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. These include the Fresh Start campaign, which is targeting smoking in cars carrying children and offering Fresh Start packs for those who wish to give up smoking.
Since Monday large retailers have no longer been able to have cigarettes and other tobacco products on display, except when staff are serving customers and carrying out tasks such as restocking.
Tobacco price lists will also look different. A plain A3 price list with no tobacco branding can be shown at the point of sale, with an illustrated price list available to customers on request. Customers may be asked for proof of age before being shown the illustrated list.
Non-compliance with the new law, which will be enforced by local trading standards officials, is a criminal offence. Anyone found guilty could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to two years in prison.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “Smoking remains a huge risk to public health in Wales. Around 20 per cent of our NHS admissions are related to smoking, at a cost of more than £1million a day.
"Our aim is to reduce smoking levels in Wales to 16% by 2020 with an ultimate vision of a smoke-free society, in which the harm from tobacco is completely eradicated.
“We know that young people can be influenced by seeing cigarettes on display, and that they can tempt adults who are trying to give up the habit.
“We see this new law as an important part of our drive to tackle the harm caused by smoking. If we can prevent young people from ever taking up smoking, we can give future generations a better chance of a healthy life.”
The Welsh Government has a range of initiatives designed to tackle smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. These include the Fresh Start campaign, which is targeting smoking in cars carrying children and offering Fresh Start packs for those who wish to give up smoking.
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