Tragedy in Fron

The BBC's North East Wales news website is reporting this evening (Thursday) that a three-year-old boy has died in hospital after he was found in a garden pond in Froncysllte.

See the full story at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-24865177

Operatic presents its Christmas show

Llangollen Operatic Society will present its big festive show at the Town Hall tomorrow (Tuesday) evening.

A Christmas Cracker is a selection of seasonal songs and short sketches.

It starts at 7.30pm and tickets at £6 are available from Gwynn 's Butchers and the Tourist Information Centre in Castle Street and also on the door on the night.

Trains services in Wales "lagging behind" says report

Train services in Wales are lagging behind those elsewhere in the UK, according to a report highlighted today on the BBC's North East Wales news website.

See the full story at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-25297609

Closure of Plas Madoc leisure centre proposed

* Plas Madoc leisure centre ... proposed for closure.

The closure of Plas Madoc leisure centre, which is used by many people from Llangollen, is proposed in a report by consultants due to go before a Wrexham Council scrutiny committee on Wednesday.

To see the full report go to:

http://www.wrexham.gov.uk/MinutesData/HomesEnvCom/Reports/haed5913s.pdf

RAF flies in to help tidy Plas Newydd grounds

 

 

* RAF volunteers at work in the stream.

 

* Part of the RAF team zeros in on a little burning.

The Royal Air Force flew in to help give the grounds of Plas Newydd a winter makeover at the weekend.

Around a dozen volunteers sortied out from RAF Shawbury on Saturday and Sunday to attack a variety of tasks including tidying up the stream and burning excess foliage.

Heritage team leader for Denbighshire County Council, Kevin Pennington, said: "'We are really grateful for their help, it is a busy time of year for our gardener, keeping our site well maintained and attractive for visitors and the people of Llangollen to enjoy.
   "The impact of this extra help will be really beneficial in looking after our beautiful site.".

Red sky at night ...

The other day llanblogger brought you a picture showing a striking red sky at morning.

Now we've just captured a photograph of red sky at night over Regent Street in Llan.

HSBC closure – "Broken Promises"

llanblogger has received the following letter about the closure of the town's HSBC bank:

A report by Aled Blake on WalesOnline on 17th March 2010, when Rachel Thomas was appointed as Regional Director for Wales states: 'Ms Thomas, who will have the job of expanding HSBC’s presence here, said: 'HSBC’s commitment to Wales is clear. I look forward to building on the strong foundations that have been laid by my colleagues.

 

'Wales continues to be a key business area for HSBC, we employ more than 2,700 people in the region and have the highest market share compared with any area in the UK. My intention is to carry forward our distinguished  history, good customer service and grow business in Wales.'

 

Since then she has closed several branches in North and Mid Wales and appears to have ignored her job description. What I can’t understand is why she has been allowed to get away with it by her bosses.

 

HSBC owe the people of Llangollen a debt of gratitude for their loyalty to the bank in all its guises over the last 150 years, from its beginnings as the North and South Wales Bank, Midland and HSBC.

 

It also needs to recognise that Llangollen is an important international town with a vibrant community that does not deserve the way it has been treated. The speed with which this decision has been made and the disregard for loyal customers beggars belief, and as a former employee of the Midland Bank, leaves me saddened and disillusioned.

 

Gill Thomas