Heavy rain causes flooding in the area

The Leader is reporting on its website how this morning's heavy rain has caused flooding which has affected this area.

See the full story at:
http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/122720/downpours-in-flintshire-and-wrexham-cause-flooding.aspx

Skates calls for more foster carers

 

* Assembly Member Ken Skates in the frame.

 

 

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has marked Foster Care Fortnight in the Assembly by calling for more foster carers to be recruited in North Wales.

 

A report by the Fostering Network to mark the campaign fortnight found that children are being moved too many times between foster families because of a shortage of foster carers across the country.

 

The survey found that in the last two years 3 in 5 foster carers (61 per cent) have cared for children who have previously had two or more moves between homes.

 

The Fostering Network photographed Assembly Members ‘In The Frame’ to help mark this year’s campaign which runs from 13^th to 26^th May.

 

Mr Skates said: “Foster carers in my constituency and right across North Wales do a fantastic job providing care and loving support to looked after children who need it most.

“The problem is we are short of up to 600 foster carers right across Wales.  This causes local authorities big capacity problems, particularly as the latest statistics show the numbers of children in care have risen 6% in the last year and 24% in the last five years.

 

“That’s why in areas like North Wales we need to recruit and train more foster carers to help young people in care.  The current shortage of foster carers causes instability for looked after children, particularly those with challenging needs.

 

“Yet we face a huge challenge in terms of finances and there is a sustained squeeze on local authority budgets everywhere.

 

“However we cannot put a price on the value of Fostering or adequately do justice to the role foster carers play every day in the lives of children and young people in care.  The aim of Foster Care Fortnight is to remind us all how challenging but ultimately rewarding the role can be.”

 

The survey also found that 2 in 5 (43 per cent) of foster carers have looked after at least one child who has been moved four or more times, while 1 in 10 (11 per cent) have cared for children who have had 10 or more moves before coming to live with them.

 

It found that as a result, children are being moved too far away from their families, are being unnecessarily split up from brothers and sisters and are being forced to move school.

 

Others live with a foster carer who has space but may not have the experience and skills to meet their specific needs. This can put such a strain on relationships that they break down, resulting in these multiple, damaging moves.

 

The survey also found that in the last two years:

 

·        1 in 3 (34 per cent) foster carers have looked after children whose brothers and sisters were placed elsewhere because the fostering service couldn’t find a place to keep them all together. 

 

·        Almost 1 in 3 (28 per cent) of foster carers have felt under pressure to take children (mainly teenagers) who they felt they were not trained or supported to look after.

 

·        1 in 10 foster carers (12 per cent) have felt under pressure to take in another child (mainly teenagers) when they felt they had no more capacity.

 

·        2 in 5 foster carers (39 per cent) have looked after children temporarily because the fostering service couldn’t find a suitable long-term home.

Police warning over illegal parking near car boot sale site

Police are reminding motorists visiting a popular car boot sale that they will crack down on illegal parking.

 

Last summer illegal parking at the Chirk car boot sale on Sunday mornings resulted in 12 motorists being issued with tickets.

 

Following recent boot sales at the site there are concerns that the problem may return this summer, so police are putting out an early warning that enforcement action will be taken against offending motorists who ignore warnings from the police and council officials.

 

Local Inspector Nick Evans of North Wales Police said: “A lot of drivers display a total disregard and ignorance for other road users. 

 

"When they abandon their cars on pavements or grass verges they not only obstruct the free flow of traffic on a very busy road, but more worryingly they cause a hazard obstructing a clear view for other motorists and obstruct pedestrian’s right of way which could lead to a collision and injury." 

Police warning after Carrog burglaries

Police appealing for information following two burglaries in Carrog are reminding individuals to be vigilant.

 

On Tuesday, May 7, an offender or offenders targeted the isolated properties in Carrog near Corwen.

 

Once inside, untidy searches were made and a few items were taken from one property including a CD player and mobile phone.

 

The first offence is believed to have happened sometime between 12.30pm and 3.38pm and the second between 11.30pm and 4.37pm.

 

Police inquiries are underway and officers are issuing the following tips which can help keep property secure: 

 

•             Always keep your property secured – keep all windows and doors locked including those on conservatories.

 

•             Never keep spare house keys under plant pots or under foot mats – these are the first places a burglar is likely to look.

 

•             Ensure that garage doors are kept firmly secured – especially if it has a connecting door to your property. 

 

•             Don’t leave any valuable items in full view of people passing by your door or windows. This includes gaming stations and handbags etc.

 

•             Remember to postcode all your property.

 

•             If you are planning to go away on holiday for a few nights, use a timing switch which controls the times the lights, radios and other electrical items are activated. This will give an impression that someone is at home.

 

•             If you are planning to go away remember to cancel any deliveries, such as papers and milk.

 

Finally, report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately.

 

Inquiries are continuing and police are keen to speak to individuals who saw anyone acting suspiciously or has information to contact officers at Denbigh on 101. Similarly, they are keen to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious vehicles in the vicinity around the time of the burglaries. Individuals with information can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Llangollen features in route of major cycling event

Llangollen features prominently in the route of the 2013 Wiggle Etape Cymru which has just been unveiled by its ambassador double Olympic gold medallist Geraint Thomas.

The event, on Sunday, September 8, is widely known in the cycling community as the toughest closed road sportive in the UK.

The 92-mile route, which starts and finishes at Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, heads north into Bangor-on-Dee taking in the rolling landscape of North Wales to Rhosllanerchrugog.

Riders will then ascend onto Panorama walk which boasts fantastic views of the Vale of LLangollen, heading west towards the infamous Horseshoe Pass.

Participants will go on to tackle this 6.1km timed climb with 317m ascend and a gradient that reaches 20% on the bends.  

Geraint Thomas (pictured below right) advises those taking part in the Wiggle Etape Cymru, to become familiar with the route before tackling the course.

He said: “Make sure you study the route and know what is coming up.  Also, take your time on the tough climbs so you have enough energy to get you to the top.”

After tackling Panorama Walk, the route descends down the valley towards Carog which is the furthest point away from the finish line.

This leads to a 10-mile gradual ascent until the route descends into Craig Fechen and the furthest northerly point of the route.

“At this point it’s important not to try and match the pace of other riders,” Geraint advises. “It can be tempting to do this but be careful not to run out of gas with a few miles to go.”

Riders will then prepare to ascend onto The Shelf which is the 2^nd steepest climb of the route and one not to be underestimated. The Shelf is a four-mile climb that incorporates another incredible view of the valley ascending approximately 700 feet.

After various undulations to Minera, the route embarks on its final last ‘big’ climb up onto Worlds End. Here participants will reach the highest point of the route at 1410ft.

Following this a sharp descent takes riders back onto Panorama Walk where they will undertake the gradual descent back towards Bangor dropping approximately 850feet.

On the route there will be six feed stations dishing up Welsh rarebit, salted potatoes, bananas and Powerbar drinks and gels and Geraint advises that riders make the most of this.

He said: “It’s important to note where the feed zones are. A bit of Welsh rarebit always goes down nicely so make the most of that.”

Geraint added,:“There’s a great social aspect to it, it’s a fun sportive, not a race, so it’s a great chance for people to enjoy being outdoors and in each other’s company.”

"It’s not every day the roads are closed off and Joe Public gets to ride on them. As cyclists we take it for granted.”

Jamie Groves, Denbighshire County Council's Head of Communication, Marketing and Leisure said: "The council is proud to be associated with the annual Wiggle Etape Cymru cycle event. Here in Denbighshire we are working hard to establish the county as a centre for cycling excellence. We have the infrastructure to deliver this, with resources such as the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Cycling Centre at Llandegla right on our very own doorstep. 

"This year will be the third year in a row that Denbighshire County Council has been actively involved in assisting event organisers to ensure the safe running of this event and we are confident that it will continue to be a great success."

Cllr Neil Rogers, Leader of Wrexham Council, added: “As one of premier sportives in Europe, Wiggle Etape Cymru takes in some of the most stunning views in the Britain and provides a challenge for all those who take part. With the event now in its third year, Wiggle Etape Cymru has enhanced the area’s profile and we are proud to have it as part of our portfolio of major sporting events.  "People from all over the UK have signed up to take part in the event. It also brings economic benefits to the region, with many of the participants staying in the region and making a weekend of it.”

Entry deadline for the event is Monday, September 2.

About Human Race

 

Human Race is the UK’s largest and most diverse mass participation events company; owning and delivering over 50 events in triathlon, cycling, running, duathlon and open water swimming for over 50,000 participants of all abilities and ages each year.  The highly prestigious portfolio of events includes 11 triathlons, nine cycling events, 10 running events, 7 open water swims, 6 kid’s events.  These events bring together an active community of people taking part in sporting events for reasons ranging from fitness, competition, charity, health, fun or to simply finish. The participants vary from nervous first timers from 4 to 80 through to World Champions. Collectively, the events raise millions of pounds for hundreds of charities.  For more details see http://www.humanrace.co.uk

AM praises cross-border links

Leading the Welsh Conservatives Assembly Debate 'Wales in the United Kingdom',  North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood celebrated the role Wales plays in the United Kingdom and referred to the interdependence between North East Wales and North West England.

 

Mr Isherwood urged AMs of all parties to recognise the distinct advantages Wales enjoys through its union with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland as part of a strong United Kingdom.

 

Referring to the fact the Mersey Dee Alliance area shares a £17 Billion economy he said: “The Mersey Dee Alliance  has highlighted the interdependence between North East Wales and North West England, the only part of the UK with a contiguous urban area divided by a  National Boundary.

 

“The pensions of almost 650,000 people in Wales are guaranteed by the UK Welfare System, 85% of private sector employees in Wales are employed by UK owned companies and 138 Million journeys take place each year across the border between England and Wales.

 

“Two thirds of the population of Wales live within 50 miles of that border.

 

“As I stated in May 2009 during the Welsh Conservative Debate on Cross  Border issues. 'The border between England and Wales is long and porous and as a result, cross-border movements in health and education services are a long established fact of life- reflecting geographic and demographic realities … Devolution provides an opportunity for Wales to do things differently and for different approaches to be road-tested on either side of the border – but the objective must be to do things better rather than being different just for the sake of it. We must avoid at all costs a slate curtain in services between these two British Nations.

 

'Our long and porous border should be a cause for celebration and cooperation rather than an obstacle to efficiency and effectiveness'."

 

Mr Isherwood emphasised that Wales and the United Kingdom have a massively mutually beneficial relationship.

 

He said: “The global reputation of the United Kingdom is a powerful lever in attracting jobs and investment to Wales, while Wales’ continued presence in the union serves to enrich the entire UK, but the evolution of devolution is taking us to a crossroads.

 

“One direction could take us to separation, the other to a proud and confident Wales within a more federalised UK.”

Women's festival gets Town Hall rocking

* Dani Chamberlain as Agnetha and Jo Potts as Anni-Frid in the Abba tribute.

The Seventies often come in for quite a bit of stick.

But if the fashions were a bit dodgy, there was certainly nothing wrong with some of the music that came from that decade.

Well, not if it’s presented in the way that it was at Llangollen Town Hall last night, because it literally had the joint rocking.

It was day two of the Women’s Festival of Music and Arts and on the evening’s entertainment bill were acts who provided a perfect evocation of the days when flares were all the rage and you could still smoke in the office.

Setting the Seventies agenda was Tracey Rawlinson as Debbie Harry.

Not only looking uncannily like the Blondie star, she also belted out some of her greatest numbers with competence aswell as confidence.

Another gob-smacking performance came from Justine Bradley as Tina Turner, whose talent was so big it spilled out from the Seventies into subsequent decades.

Although Barcelona, the barnstorming number he performed with opera singer Monstserrat Caballe was from the Eighties, Freddie Mercuy was definitely a creation of the Seventies.

And the powerful recreation of that song was a credit to Aaron Davies and Karen Davies who graced the Town hall stage later.

There was a brief and memorable departure to more modern times when the highly talented 11-year-old Maisy Paton belted out a couple of power ballads including Warwick Avenue, then it was back headlong  into the Seventies for a full-belt tribute to Swedish supergroup Abba from Dani Chamberlain as Agnetha and Jo Potts as Anni-Frid.

A highly polished six-piece band backed them and the famous songs, from Waterloo to Dancing Queen, came pouring out to get a couple of hundred people on their feet to shake the Town Hall foundations before the evening finished.

The three-day  festival, which began on Friday with acts as diverse as Llangollen Operatic’s Touring Troupe to a touch of burlesque from Lauren Kay as Lolly Liquer, continues throughout today when on the programme are everything from Aikido self-defence to an act called Cambrian Queens.

Proceeds from the festival will go to local mental health charities, MIND and AVOW.