Last link of Chain Bridge facelift funding put in place

* Final funding for the restoration of the Chain Bridge is now in place. 

THE last financial link of the ambitious project to bring Llangollen’s world famous Chain Bridge back to life has now been put into place.

 

Welsh conservation body Cadwyn Clwyd has just approved a £20,000 grant for the scheme, which means restoration work can now go ahead with the aim of having it re-opened to the public early next year.

 

Largest slice of the funding for the project, which undertaken jointly by Llangollen Town Council and Llantysilio Community Council, was approved in early July when the Heritage Lottery Fund approved a grant of £350,000.   

 

Following news yesterday (Wednesday) that the Cadwyn Clwyd application for the final tranche of cash to start facelift work had been give the thumbs up, Llangollen’s mayor, Cllr Bob Lube, said: “I am delighted with the award from Cadwyn Clwyd.

 

“This means that the project is now fully funded and both Llangollen Town Council and Llantysilio Community Council can now press ahead with the practical work of restoring the Chain Bridge.”

Gareth Thomas, Llangollen’s town clerk, said: “This final grant award means that phase two of the project can now start in earnest, and meetings are planned with the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadwyn Clwyd, Denbighshire County Council and Ramboll, the consulting engineers, to move the project forward.

“There is still a lot of work to do, but these are exciting times for the project.”

The bridge, which spans the fast-flowing River Dee just outside Llangollen, has been closed to the public for safety reasons since the 1980s.

The two councils bought the run-down structure from its previous owner, businesswoman Stephanie Booth who also ran the adjacent Chain Bridge Hotel, in 2007 and have since been working to secure the funding necessary to see it repaired and returned to its former glory as a major tourist attraction.

First injection of cash came a few years later when the HLF made a grant of £28,900 to pay for the preparation of a detailed report on how the bridge could be restored.

The project took another step forward this June when it landed a grant of £50,000 from WREN, a not-for-profit business which awards cash to community, environmental and heritage projects.

The plan is to fix the bridge and create disabled access via nearby Berwyn Station along with an exhibition and other community events.

The HLF grant bid included working with community groups such as local schools and history groups, including Llangollen Museum.

One of the aims is to see tourists travelling along Llangollen Canal via horse-drawn boats and then crossing the bridge to take a steam train ride back into Llangollen.

The original bridge was built around 1817 by Exuperius Pickering, a local entrepreneur dealing in coal, limestone, slate and iron bar, who is reputed to have called on engineer Thomas Telford to help with the design and construction.

The new bridge allowed Pickering to monopolise the local coal trade as it gave him access to the adjacent London to Holyhead road - the A5.

It also meant he avoided paying tolls to cross the main bridge over the river in Llangollen.

In 1876 the bridge was replaced by Sir Henry Robertson, a part owner of Wrexham's former Brymbo Ironworks.

In 1928, freak flooding washed away most of the bridge and it rebuilt in a style similar to Anglesey's Menai Suspension Bridge.

It was closed in the mid-1980s due to concerns over its safety.

Llan folk invited to National Play Day

* The big sand pit that was a huge success in 2012.

Wrexham town centre will once again be host to National Play Day on Wednesday, August 7, between 12 noon and 4 pm. 

People of all ages are invited to join in this free and fun event.

Amongst the attractions for this year's event are a giant sand pit that proved a big hit last year, a water slide and lots of water fights, making and inventing things from loose parts and junk, a big volleyball, a maze and an early years area.

Cllr Mike Williams, Lead Member for Children's Services and Education, said:
"This a fantastic national event that has become part of the town centre calendar and is a firm favourite with children, their parents, grandparents and carers. 

"There's plenty on offer to entertain our young people and I hope they all take very happy memories home with them."

This year's Play Day Campaign is "Playful Places" and calls on all adults, from those in national and local government to parents and other community residents, to work together in removing barriers to play in the wider public realm. 

They are asked to foster playful attitudes that support rather than restrict children's play. 

The campaign recognises that children can and will play in all sorts of public places when given enough free time, space and permission to do so.  Play isn't just important for children as everyone can benefit from being a bit more playful because play brings people together and can help people feel better.

Last year over 2500 people visited the town centre for Play Day and this year's organisers hope to make it even bigger and better. 

All you have to bring with you is a playful mood and some clothes you don't mind getting wet and messy. 
Visitors are also invited to bring along a picnic and stay all afternoon.

New law on Welsh democracy comes into force

A new law to improve the democratic processes and transparency of Local Government in Wales has been granted Royal Assent by Her Majesty the Queen.

 

The Local Government (Democracy) (Wales) Act 2013 will:

• improve the public’s access to information about town and community Councils, 
• reform the structure and functions of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales, 
• amend the responsibilities of the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales and the structure of local authority audit committees within the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011, 
• require principal councils and fire and rescue authorities to consult the Independent Remuneration Panel before varying the salary of their chief executive, 
• facilitate the creation of joint standards committees by local authorities; and 
• enable councils to separate the ceremonial and civic functions from the role of presiding over meetings of the council if they so wish.

A Bill receives Royal Assent when Letters Patent under the Welsh Seal signed with Her Majesty’s own hand signifying Her Assent are notified to the Clerk of the Assembly. The Bill then becomes an Act of the Assembly.
The First Minister, as Keeper of the Welsh Seal, applied the Seal to the Letters Patent in a ceremony in Cardiff earlier today (Tuesday).
First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “Through our ambitious five year legislative programme, we are introducing ‘made in Wales’ solutions to the issues affecting us a nation.

“This Act represents a further step in our drive to ensure local democracy in Wales operates as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
 Minister for Local Government & Government Business, Lesley Griffiths said: “The Act will provide a platform for the Local Democracy and Boundary Commission for Wales, to carry out its important work more effectively by better aligning community and electoral reviews. 

“It also includes a number of measures which I believe will assist and strengthen democratic processes in relation to Local Government.

“These reforms form an essential part of ensuring our Councils are democratically elected, representative of their communities and organised in the most effective way."

Police investigate two thefts from Llan

Police in Llangollen are appealing for information following the theft of a bike from Chapel Street.

 

Sometime between 10.30pm yesterday, Sunday, July 28, and 6.45 am the morning of Monday, July 29, an offender or offenders took an Apollo highway bicycle from the back garden of a property on Chapel Street.

 

The bike is described as a hybrid, is black and grey in colour, has a 21inch frame and 18 speed. It is also described as having black coloured mudguards, a gel seat with adjustable handlebars and has the serial number 203815.

 

Nothing else was taken from the garden and police are appealing to anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the vicinity or has information to contact members of the Investigation Support Team on 101.

 

Alternatively, individuals can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information on 0800 555 111.

* Neighbourhood Watch have also sent out the following warning about another incident in Llangollen, which says:

"Please be aware that copper piping was taken from a building under renovation in Llangollen last night, 28th of July.

"If you are undergoing any work at your address please consider your security and keep valuable items out of sight.

"If you overlook a building under renovation or know of a building that is empty undergoing works please report any suspicious activity to the police.

"If you have any information regarding the theft please call 101 quoting incident number P122825.

"If you need to reply regarding this message, click on this email address: michelle.williams2@nthwales.pnn.police.uk

Town Council hears of workplace training scheme

* Some of the staff from Calon Lan who took part in the Essential Skills scheme.

Research by Welsh Government in 2010 revealed that 12% of the adult population of Wales don’t have the necessary reading and writing skills to fulfil their potential, and half of them have trouble with numbers. 

To tackle the problem, the government has come up with a scheme, supported by the European Social Fund, to offer all employers the opportunity to access fully funded training to raise these essential skills levels.

Known as Essential Skills in the Workplace, the scheme was outlined to members at the recent meeting of Llangollen Town Council.

Haf Wyn Hughes, workplace skills officer for North East Wales, who addressed councillors, explained that the definition of essential skills is the ability to read, write or speak in English or Welsh, and to use numbers, at a level necessary to function and progress in both work and society.

With the ever increasing use of technology in both the workplace and at home the ability to use this technology is also seen as an essential skill.

It is estimated that poor essential skills cost the UK economy £10 billion per year and the Welsh economy £300 -£500 million each year.

She told councillors that the training scheme enables employees to progress from entry level through to level 2 in Communication (literacy), Application of Number (numeracy) and Information  Communication Technology (IT).

It can also offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and qualifications for supporting learners with their Essential Skills training.

Case study

One of the local organisations to benefit from the essential skills training is Calon Lan Community Care, of Conwy, an independent health and social care and support service in clients’ own home.

The training was provided by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai

Staff taking part were required to complete log sheets recording all the tasks carried out as part of their role.

It was identified that some members of staff would benefit from further training to improve their writing skills in order to complete the log sheets effectively.  Training was specially arranged to fit in with the staff members busy schedule. Staff completed tasks relating to report writing, which they found to be very beneficial.  Eleven members of staff have completed the training, whilst six have recently started the programme. One of the carers, Ann Jones, commented that the training has been very helpful and that she feels that her English grammar skills have improved as a result of the course.

She has seen a difference in the way she fills in the log sheets at service users’ homes.

All of those who have taken part in the project have or will be starting to study for their NVQ in Social Care.
A Calon Lan spokesperson said: "The training has proved to be a great way to help boost confidence in the individuals who have taken part. It lets the individual feel valued by the company, as we have invested our time to develop their skills.

"Staff who feel they are invested in and developed by a company, stay loyal to the company, and this is great for staff retention/low staff turnover."

 * To find out more re about Essential Skills in the Workplace, contact Haf Hughes by phoning 01745 770278, or e-mail: haf.hughes@menterabusnes.co.uk

Fringe organisers confirm tonight's concert will go ahead

llanblogger has just received an update from the Fringe organisers to say tonight's finale concert at Valle Crucis Abbey WILL be going ahead.

They say:

There is ample car parking nearby (follow the signs). There will also be a hog roast and a bar outside. Don’t forget to bring something to sit on, suitable clothing (and possibly a brolly, just in case the weather isn't kind to us!).   Tel: 0800 1455 779 or visit: www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

Fringe has grand finale tonight

Fringe Finale Concert at Valle Crucis Abbey   Cyngerdd Glyn y Groes   Sunday, July 28, 7.30pm   £7 admission   Join us for a magical evening at Valle Crucis and enjoy the concert in the nave of the ruins of the abbey. The setting is truly stunning and the atmosphere will be electric.     Don’t miss a performance at the spectacular Abbey with Golden Fable. Golden Fable are Rebecca Palin and Tim McIver, she the possessor of the angelic voice that shines through, he the producer and writer of the songs. Both play a seemingly inexhaustible list of instruments. Recorded at their home in the foothills of the Welsh mountains, the debut album ‘StarMap’ is unashamedly linked to the natural world around it, inspired by the glowering mountains that overlook their cottage and the forests and fields that skirt it.     Plus a performance of ‘Shape Note Singing’ by Wrexham Community Choir. Sentimental Journey are also a welcome late addition to the programme. There is ample car parking nearby (follow the signs). There will also be a hog roast and a bar outside. This is an outdoor event and so don’t forget to bring something to sit on and suitable clothing. You are also welcome to bring your own refreshments along.   Choir Workshop / Gweithdy Côr Town Hall / Neuadd Y Dref 2pm - 4.30pm £10 With Wrexham Community Choir Workshop on the awe inspiring and super easy to join in sound of ‘Sacred Harp’ or ‘Shape Note Singing’. A community singing tradition, with its roots in the pioneer era of the U.S.A. currently taking the world by storm. Participants will also have the chance to sing with the choir in Valle Crucis Abbey in the final concert (see details above). Workshop includes free admission to the concert. Childrens Performance / Perfformiad y Plant Valle Crucis Abbey / Abaty Glyn-y-Groes 4pm Come and celebrate the work of local school children performed within the walls of the ancient monument. Through dramatic performance inspired by their visits to Valle Crucis Abbey and Rug Chapel. Normal admission charges apply Adults £3.50, Family £10.50, Concessions £2.65.   Tel: 0800 1455 779 or visit: www.llangollenfringe.co.uk