It's Buy Local Day today

Keep Llangollen Special (KLS) has the latest of its Buy Local days today (Friday).

Shops in the town - indicated by a poster on the premises - will be offering discounts and special offers to local people.

"The idea is for Llangollen money to be spent in Llangollen supporting our excellent local businesses," said KLS chair Mike Edwards. 

Today's event brings the Buy Local campaign into its second successful year as the first day was staged in June, 2012.  

Two Llan schoolgirls to deliver Eisteddfod Peace Message

 

* Milly Orton-Jones, 11, left and Hannah Hughes, 10 at the Eisteddfod Pavilion in Llangollen. The girls are reading out the traditional Peace

Message on the first day of the festival.

Two talented schoolgirls have been given the honour of sending out the traditional Peace Message to the world from this year’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.

Since 1952, the young people of Llangollen have presented a Message of Peace and Goodwill from the stage of the Eisteddfod at concerts on the opening day.

At this year’s 67^th annual Eisteddfod, which runs from July 9-14, two versions of the Message, one in the Welsh language and the other in English, will be movingly read out at separate concert performances in the Llangollen Pavilion on Children’s Day, Tuesday, July 9.

Both orations, at 10.30am and 12.30pm, will have audiences of around 2,000 primary school youngsters from across north Wales, and be accompanied by specially composed background music from the National Orchestra of Wales.

The poignant Message, part of which tells how “peace radiates like rays of sunshine touching people’s hearts”, has been specially written for the occasion by two year six pupils from Llangollen’s primary schools. 

They are 11-year-old Millie Orton Jones from Ysgol Gwernant, who will read out the Message in the Welsh language, while the English translation will be proclaimed by 10-year-old Hannah Hughes from Ysgol Bryn Collen.

Mike Law, who is co-ordinator for outside stages at the Eisteddfod, said: “The original idea for this year’s Peace Message came after Llangollen Rotary Club held its own local version of a national Rotary competition, called Young Writer, which invited local children to pen a letter on the theme of peace.

“Millie and Hannah were the competition winners and it was agreed that their two separate entries – in Welsh and English – should be used in some way during the Peace Message concerts at the 2013 Eisteddfod.

“As the two pieces did not fit easily into the Peace Message format, the two girls were asked to write a second piece, specifically about Llangollen, the Eisteddfod and the theme of peace.

“The two pupils will read out their work live on stage as part of the Peace Message concerts.

“The National Orchestra of Wales will play specially chosen accompaniments as a background."

Millie Orton Jones, who will read out the Welsh language version, said: “I am looking forward very much to the concert and reading out the Peace Message which says how much the Eisteddfod means to the people of Llangollen.

“I have been a member of the Young ‘Uns, the local junior theatre group, for a few years and I am used to doing things in front of an audience so I don’t think I will be too nervous.

“I’m not worried about speaking the message in Welsh because I go to a Welsh medium school and am quite fluent in the language.” 

Millie’s mum, Tessa Orton Jones, said: “We are very proud of her for being chosen for this honour and she is very excited about appearing in the concert.

“Llangollen Pavilion is a big stage but I don’t think Millie is too nervous about reading out the Peace Message as she is a seasoned performer with local stage group.”  

Hannah Hughes, who will read the Peace Message in English, said: “I am very proud to have been chosen to read out the Peace Message.

“I have been in plays before at my school but never done anything in front of so many people as will be in the pavilion that day.

“I’m a little bit nervous I might get some of the words wrong but I’m sure we will be doing plenty of rehearsals before the concert to make sure we know the message as well as possible.” 

Hannah’s mum, Jane Hughes, said: “We are really proud of her because this is a fantastic achievement.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a girl who lives in Llangollen to put herself and her school at the front of the Peace Message.”

Mike added: “Later in the Peace Message concert, pupils from Ysgol Morgan Llwyd in Wrexham will work in song and music from prompts in the writing, plus there will be a new poem written specially for the occasion by Aled Lewis Evans.”

He added: “The two girls will be guests of the Eisteddfod and will be introduced to senior officials, including our President Terry Waites, and well-known visitors.

“They will be performing before an audience of approximately 2,000 children at each concert, and the centre-piece of the Peace Message is a musical story about space exploration played by the National Orchestra of Wales.

“Using work by young children carries on the old tradition of broadcasting Welsh language children’s messages to the world which goes back to the early 1920s.”

Mr Law explained this was the first time this particular format for the Peace Message concert had been used and said: “The whole concept is exciting and different and the opportunity it provides for these two young girls to perform before an audience of 2,000 is exceptional.”

Health centre "fatally flawed" says campaign group

 

* An artist's impression of the proposed new health centre.

 

Plans for a new £5.5m health centre in Llangollen are fatally flawed because they don’t include inpatient beds, campaigners say.

 

Keep Llangollen Health Services spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor said the proposals promised a great deal but did not deliver on key elements for people living in the Vale of Llangollen.

 

He said: “Throughout the consultation period last year we called for beds to be retained in Llangollen and warned that there would be a downgrading of services if the health board’s plans went through.

 

"We also warned that Llangollen would be left without any services if the hospital was closed before home care and the health centre had been approved.

 

“It’s been nearly five months since they closed the hospital. Before closing they promised all sorts of things including a Home Enhanced Care Scheme and beds at local care homes, none of which have materialised. It’s not surprising that local people are sceptical about other promises being made by the health board.

 

“We want to see an improved local health service and that’s why we welcome, in principle, a health centre. But it needs to be safe and sustainable. The site under consideration is difficult to access for pedestrians from the town centre, especially for people with pushchairs, the elderly and disabled – precisely the people who need to use a health centre. It also lacks the one key element, which is hospital beds, which as we know is needed for this area."

 

He also expressed concern that the health board was rushing through the plans without the necessary checks and balances needed for such a large project.

 

Mabon ap Gwynfor said: “It’s important that the Health Board follows the standard procedures instead of trying to cut corners.” 

 

He also called for local representatives of patients to be represented on the stakeholder group during the development stages, adding: “Keep Llangollen Health Services were promised on numerous occasions that we would be invited but never were.

 

"The Health Board says that patients are represented by the Community Health Council, yet the CHC’s representative comes from Ruthin and not Llangollen or the Dee Valley. This shows complete contempt for the people of this area.”

* The full consultation document can be viewed via the Keep Llangollen Special website at http://en.keepllangollenspecial.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Llangollen-Health-Centre-Public-Consultation.pdf

Public briefed on plan for new health centre

* A plan shows how the proposed new health centre would extend along the River Dee.

 

 

* Members of the public discuss details of the health centre plan.

 

 

* Interested members of the public gather around the display boards.

A STEADY stream of people turned up at Llangollen Town Hall late on Tuesday afternoon to be briefed on plans for the area’s new health centre.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which controversially axed the town’s cottage hospital earlier this year, recently announced it intends to build a new multi-purpose health facility on land on the A539 currently owned by the Welsh Government and occupied by the derelict former River Lodge hotel.

After unveiling an artist’s impression of the proposed new centre in May, the board took over the Town Hall from 3-6.30pm on Tuesday to provide further details of the scheme ahead of submitting a planning application to Denbighshire County Council.

Members of the public gathered around a series of display panels giving details of various aspects of the plan.

Staff from the health board and Llangollen GP Practice were also hand to answer questions.

Visitors learned that the new centre would be shared between the GPs, the health board, the county council’s social care department and the voluntary sector.

Among the services it would provide are midwifery, outpatients, mental health and social care services.

It was also revealed that discussions were taking place about relocating Rowlands Pharmacy, currently opposite the GP practice in Regent Street, to the new centre.

According to the health board’s proposals, the new centre would be located within the World Heritage Buffer Zone and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The site it would occupy extends along the River Dee, bordered on the eastern side by the old railway line and mature woodland and a residential area on the western side.

It is proposed that the GP practice would relocate to the new centre after it is completed in 2015.

The board also proposes that during August and September this year the practice becomes responsible for the local minor injuries service.

Generally, the board says the new centre will become a “focal point for health care in the community” and would also provide extra space in which a range of clinics can be offered.

It would also, said the board, be “designed to blend in with and enhance the historical character” of the local townscape.

Among those at the briefing session was Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies who said: “It will be a better facility than we had before, albeit without the beds. But it would be wrong to think that particular fight had been lost.”

On the question of ease of access to the proposed centre, he said he understood talks were going on with a local bus company with a view to having one of its services stop there.

Cllr Davies said he was also continuing to explore the possibility of a new bridge being built over the River Dee from the new centre to a point near the playing field on the opposite bank.

Urging people to make use of the minor injuries unit when it was at the GP practice in August and September, he said: “If the health board see it not being used there is a danger they might take it away, so it’s a case of use it or lose it.”

Also at the briefing session was Shaolin Monk Pol Wong whose own plan for his Powys Fadog organisation to open a community centre in the River Lodge was thwarted by its Welsh Government owners.

This drew criticism from the Welsh Audit Office and the Welsh Assembly’s public accounts committee, which accused the government of wasting £1.6 on the affair.

Mr Wong was distributing copies of documentation supporting his case to members of the public. 

Skates welcomes rising number of Welsh rail users

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed news that the numbers of people using North Wales railway stations is on the rise.

 

Figures released by the Welsh Government show the numbers using railway stations on the North Wales Coast Line, the Conwy Valley Line, the Borderlands line and on routes from Wrexham all increased in 2011/12.

 

Shotton station saw a 12.8% increase in use while Conwy numbers jumped by 18.6%.  Wrexham General saw 622,148 ‘entries and exits’ during 2011/12.

 

Across Wales the numbers of people using railway stations last year rose by 2.6%.  In 2011/12 there were over 47million ‘entries and exits’ from Wales’ 218 railway stations.  Station use across Wales has increased in every year since 2004-05.

 

The AM said the figures showed more lines in North Wales lost under the Beeching axe could be re-opened and made financially viable.

 

Mr Skates said: “The rise in the numbers of people using North Wales railway stations shows very clearly that the appetite for rail travel in the region is growing.  The numbers have been rising consistently over the last decade with evidence of a growth in station use across all parts of North Wales.

 

“The figures show that with the right kind of investment, our North Wales railways do have a very bright future.  Quite a few stations across the region have seen large increases in their use over the last year.

 

“It raises the possibility, as we mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Beeching report, that more disused lines could be re-opened here in North Wales and given a viable future in our communities.  We’ve seen the success of the re-opened Cardiff to Ebbw Vale line, now more routes, such as the Amlwch line in North Wales, could be next.

 

“Half a century ago large parts of rural Wales in particular was almost cut off by Dr Beeching’s axe.  These figures only go to highlight there may be valid economic grounds to re-open some of them as the monopoly of the car continues to be challenged.

 

“The figures show Wales still punches below its weight in terms of rail.  We have around five per cent of the UK population, but account for just two per cent of train station use.  The statistics show there is the hunger out there amongst rail passengers for more capacity.

 

“What is important is that we examine these figures carefully and identify a sensible way forward for Welsh rail, which responds to both the passenger and economic demand and keeps fares reasonable in the long-term.”

 

For the majority of the busiest 20 stations across Wales the numbers of entries/exits remained relatively stable, with a small rise overall. The remaining Welsh stations showed stronger growth as a whole into 2011-12.

Police clamp down on Llan canoe thefts

 

 

A specific operation is underway in Llangollen targeting the theft of canoes and kayaks.

 

With tourists already flocking into the area, local officers have been working to ensure that visits by canoeists and Kayakers aren’t ruined by thieves taking their property.

 

“The issue began to come to the forefront last summer, when we had a couple of canoes / kayaks taken from the town” said local PCSO Karl Joseph.

 

“The items were taken in broad daylight and in the past 12 months we have had seven similar thefts reported to us. It is very possible however that more have been taken but for whatever reason haven’t been reported to us.”

 

In a determined effort to curb the thefts, a multi-pronged operation has started which combines pro-active patrols, crime prevention work and liaison with key partners in the community. Kayakers and canoe owners are also being urged to play their part by ensuring their property is left secure at all times.

 

To date, members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team have been undertaking pro-active patrols along the riverbank and speaking to local hoteliers and those who provide accommodation in the area about security measures and the operation. Officers have also been speaking to local kayak / canoe centres making them aware of police activity and speaking to the kayakers themselves – informing them of the operation and urging them that if they see anything suspicious to call police immediately.

 

PCSO Joseph added: “As a result of a patrol along the river recently we were able to re-unite one kayaker with his property after we found a couple of kayaks floating on the river and a car roof rack near the Chain Bridge.  

 

“The kayaks and canoes are not cheap to buy and it is essential that we have the support of the public to help us stamp out this kind of theft. In some cases we’ve see kayaks and canoes left on cars and vans secured by just string or bungee cords  - this could prove to be an open invite to thieves who will seize on any opportunity to get away with the goods. ”

 

As part of their duty, patrolling officers are also identifying vulnerable vehicles that have items poorly secured or valuable items on display within the vehicle.

 

Furthermore, officers are also using the Online Watch Link (OWL) to alert individuals to key messages and appeals for information.  Individuals, particularly working in the tourism industry in the vicinity are also being encouraged to pass on the crime prevention advice.

 

Inspector Siobhan Edwards, the local District Inspector for the area, said: “We are determined to tackle this kind of theft which not only impacts on visitors to the area but also our local businesses and community. We want to keep south Denbighshire a safe place and one that people want to visit and spend time here without the fear of becoming a victim of crime. That is why we are involving partners in our work and calling on people to assist us in our objectives by ensuring that their items are kept secure and that any suspicious activity seen during the day or night is reported to police immediately.”

 

Keep your Kayak /Canoe safe

 

Kayak / canoe enthusiasts are urged to keep their property secure when left unattended day or night. Local police are issuing the following top tips to help individuals avoid becoming a victim of crime:

 

•             Ensure that kayaks / canoes are not left on your vehicle overnight, however if this is not possible:

•             Ensure you park your vehicle off a main road but within your view

•             If you are staying overnight, inform the hotel manager / accommodation owners that you have a kayak on your vehicle and ask if they have any secure storage you could use.

•             Ensure the car park / hotel where you leave your vehicle has fitted and working CCTV or security. If they have suitable secure overnight storage facility – use it.

•             Obtain a working lock to secure your kayaks to the vehicle

•             Take pictures of your property and make a note of the 12 digit Hull Identification Number (HUN) and keep this safe.

 

Finally, if you see any suspicious activity contact police immediately on 101.  Anyone with information regarding the theft of canoes / kayaks in the area can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Campaigners ask how hospital closures have affected you

Campaigners fighting for local health services in North Wales are compiling a dossier of evidence to take to the Older People's Commissioner on the closure of community hospitals and the spread of superbugs.

North Wales Health Alliance has issued an urgent call for evidence from anyone affected by the recent outbreak of C Difficile, a hospital superbug.

The Alliance, which is made of up nine local groups fighting for better healthcare locally, believes the increase in superbugs in general hospitals has been made worse by the closure of community hospitals in the region.

They also want to hear from patients and their families generally affected by the closure of hospitals in their community.

NWHA spokesman Mabon ap Gwynfor said: "The recent superbug outbreak in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd is now the subject of an investigation by Public Health Wales. We are also compiling a dossier of evidence for the Older People's Commissioner, who is investigating the closure of community hospitals.

 "The superbug outbreak and the way Betsi Cadwaladr's management is dealing with it is just the latest episode in a catalogue of failures. There is a growing sense of crisis about the way NHS bosses are managing our local health services.

 "Individual cases of patients unable to leave general hospitals despite being well enough highlight the need for community-based services. Our case is that the promises made to ensure those services were in place before any closures took place have been broken quite cynically by bureaucrats more interested in penny pinching than improving people's health."

He said health professionals were also contacting the alliance with worrying examples that were being investigated. He urged any patient , their families or health workers to contact the North Wales Health Alliance in confidence on northwaleshealthalliance@gmail.com or 07747 792 441.