Trains steam through the snow at Llan Railway

 

Volunteers' massive effort to clear the line

 

 

 

* The loco takes on water at Llangollen (above) and on arrival at Carrog (below).

 

A herculean effort by volunteers over the past few days has enabled trains to start running again on the Llangollen Railway.

Railway spokesman George Jones said: "All the hard work to clear snow from stations and junctions, as well as some 24 fallen trees, paid dividends on Friday when steam train services to Carrog resumed.

 

"The GWR Pannier tank No.6430 provided the two-hourly service and took passengers into a winter wonderland down the Dee Valley, the snowfield at Llantysilio being especially noteworthy for its almost alpine-like scenery.

 

"Train services continue over the weekend with an hourly service, although modified from the published timetable to be alternatively provided by one steam train and one diesel railcar.

 

"It is to be hoped that although a thaw has set in, the snow will remain in most places to provide the wintery scenes which people enjoyed on Friday."

Full steam ahead for Anything Goes

* From left: Stephanie Cottam (Bonnie), Dani Chamberlain (Hope Harcourt)
and Louisa Jones (Reno Sweeney).



* Cast members rehearse for Anything Goes.

Rehearsals are now steaming ahead for Llangollen Operatic Society’s production of  Cole Porter's Anything Goes which will be performed April 16-20 in the Town Hall.

Set on board an ocean liner bound for England in the 1930s, this lively, witty musical tells the story of stowaway Billy Crocker who, aided by a glamorous evangelist turned nightclub singer and a New York gangster, sets out on a mission to get his girl before she marries an ageing English gentleman.

This show has everything from comedy to romance, poignant solos and rousing chorus numbers guaranteed to have your toes tapping.

Porter’s jazzy score is a triumph and recognisable songs include I Get a Kick Out of You, Blow Gabriel Blow and the title number Anything Goes.   

Tickets are priced £9 and £7.50 (concessions) and are on sale now from Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, Jades Hair & Beauty or for telephone bookings call Stella Bond on 01978 860441. 

The society is also offering local companies or individuals the opportunity to sponsor one of the five performances.

For just £100, sponsors will receive tickets for front row balcony seats for four people, a drink each from the bar and programmes.

They will also have the chance to display and distribute their marketing material during the evening.

If you or your company would be interested, ontact Louisa Jones on 07989 986644, or e-mail louisa.jones@live.com.

"We don't need thrill-seekers" say police

As the Easter holidays approach police are advising visitors to North Wales to ensure they take sensible precautions and not to go on off-road trails ‘in search of thrills.’

Chief Inspector David Roome said: “We recognise that people will be travelling over the Easter weekend and many visitors will be coming to North Wales, so we are keen to emphasise that everyone visiting the area should be prepared for the weather conditions.”

 

The main routes are mostly now clear, but minor roads are still hazardous and temperatures are expected to remain around freezing.

 

“We don’t expect conditions to improve for several days so we want to advise people to plan their route properly, allow plenty of time for journeys and to make sure they are well equipped,” said CI Roome, adding that all the highways departments are working extremely hard to ensure that as many roads as possible are cleared.

 

“Everyone is working together to resolve the all the issues as quickly as possible.”

 

Police are also reiterating the message that people should keep checking on vulnerable neighbours, especially in remote rural areas.

 

“Some people have not been out for over a week. Their supplies may be running low and they may have health issues. If you have concerns about people in isolated areas please check on them, or contact the relevant authority. We ask that you look after yourselves and your neighbours.”

 

Police says the Horseshoe Pass will remain closed throughout the Easter period.

 

The A543 remains closed over the Denbigh Moors as does the A494 at Loggerheads and the B4500 from Llanarmon to Llanrhaeadr.

Warm praise for council's snowbusters

The Leader, Chief Executive of Denbighshire County Council and Cabinet Member have all paid tribute to the teams of staff, contractors for their tireless efforts in dealing with the prolonged wintry conditions as they prepare to work on into the Easter weekend. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: "I would like to pay tribute to the tireless work of our teams and contractors who have been working round the clock since the snow fell. I would also like to thank those people who have also offered their help to clear the snow, which has cut off many parts of the south of the county.

 "Our staff have told us that this weather event has been exceptional and it is fair to say our resources have been stretched but I am proud of how the teams have pulled together and we can see progress being made every day and I commend their efforts."
"The strong winds have caused major drifting and teams are still working with local contractors around the clock to try and clear these roads. This has proved difficult, particularly on higher routes, as the strong breeze has seen snow drifting back on roads which have been cleared. "

Chief Executive, Mohammed Mehmet, said: "I am very proud of our staff who have worked in terrible conditions to try and keep us safe. Many roads have been blocked hedge to hedge. It has been a really testing time and my thanks go to all the teams and contractors but also to colleagues in many other departments who have rallied together to assist with the efforts.

"We have also worked closely with colleagues from a number of other agencies to respond to this on-going situation and we will continue to deploy our resources to get the situation back to normal as quickly as possible. We are aware there are now increasing welfare issues for both residents and animals and we are looking to provide assistance to those who need it."

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "Many of our highways staff say these have been the worst conditions they have experienced. "Our gritting and ploughing teams are doing great work and I would also like to pay tribute to the contractors that have been assisting us. We would like to reassure residents that we are doing our utmost to clear the roads and to get things moving again - and we are making progress despite any news of a thaw in the coming days.

"We would like to thank the public for their understanding. We have seen examples of where communities have really pulled together to help each other - even in these difficult circumstances it's great to see community spirit alive and kicking and I would urge people to keep an eye on their elderly or vulnerable neighbours at this time."

Body found at foot of aqueduct

The Leader is reporting this morning that a body has been found at the foot of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Emergency services were called to the aqueduct in Trevor at 5.30pm yesterday.

See the full story at:

http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/121244/body-found-at-foot-of-pontcysyllte-aqueduct.aspx

Snow keeps Plas Newydd shut over Easter

* Snow will keep Plas Newydd closed over Easter.

Plas Newydd in Llangollen, home of ‘The Ladies’ will now be closed to the public during the Easter weekend.

Originally due to open on Good Friday, recent severe weather conditions have caused serious damage to trees and property on the site and despite the efforts of contractors, staff and volunteers it is currently unsafe to receive public visits.

Manager Sam Williams said ‘Llangollen was severely hit by the recent harsh weather conditions and although things are gradually returning to normal in the town we have had to take the decision to remain closed at Plas Newydd this weekend. A large number of damaged trees are still classified as unsafe and contractors have been unable to reach many of them in the snow.

We have work ongoing to clear the site and make it safe and we intend to open to the public in a weeks’ time.

The house, gardens and tea rooms will re-open on Friday April 5^th, 10am – 5pm and remain open 6 days a week (closed Tuesdays) until the end of September.

Our other properties Nantclwyd Y Dre in Ruthin and Ruthin Gaol will open as usual on Good Friday and we have a family egg-hunt taking place at Nantclwyd Y Dre on Easter Saturday

For more information please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/heritage  or call Denbighshire Heritage Service on 01824 708274 / 708259.

Llangollen Railway man speaks to the BBC

George Jones of Llangollen Railway Trust (pictured below) has taken part in a special BBC Radio Wales news item marking the 50th anniversary of the Beeching Report, which led to the closure of the town's mainline station in the 1960s.

Mr Jones talked about the 1970s re-birth of the station and the heritage railway's plans for the future.

"We are still attempting to get through to Corwen and have a 10 mile town-to-town railway through what is really the most scenic part of the Dee Valley.”

The item was aired just before 9am today (Wednesday) is can be seen on the BBC website at:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-21947552