Former surveyor speaks out over Plas Madoc closure

* Plas Madoc Leisure Centre which is proposed for closure.

A FORMER senior surveyor has slammed Wrexham Council for spending almost £52,000 on consultants to advise on the shape of its future leisure provision.

 

Mike Edwards, who served as valuer and estate surveyor to the former Wrexham Maelor Council, recently submitted a Freedom of Information (FoI) request to the current Wrexham Council asking how much the authority had spent on commissioning a review of its leisure facilities by the Sports Consultancy.

 

Against a background of budget cuts of nearly £14 million for 2014-15, the review led to a proposal by council chiefs just before Christmas to build a new leisure centre to replace Waterworld in Wrexham town centre by borrowing an estimated £11.9m and closing Plas Madoc Leisure Centre, which is regularly used by many people from the Llangollen area.

The consultants have stated an estimated £857,000 will be saved by closing Plas Madoc as well as closing gyms at Ysgol Clywedog and Queensway leisure centre, and handing back dual use facilities to schools, with the exception of Ysgol Clywedog’s swimming pool.

The proposals, which are due to before the council's executive board for approval early in the new year, have led to a storm of protest from users of Plas Madoc who have started their own Facebook page to oppose the closure which currently has over 2,500 members.

 

Mr Edwards submitted his FoI request for details of consultancy fees and has received a reply from the council’s Assets & Economic Development department, which says: “The amount paid to consultants as part of the Leisure Review was in two stages. £26,760 was paid in stage 1 of the review and £25,000 in stage 2 giving a total of £51,760.”

 

Mr Edwards said: “As Valuer and Estate Surveyor to the former Wrexham Maelor Council it is depressing to see the County Borough Council considering closing and disposing of facilities and assets.

“The former Groves School and old offices on Grosvenor Road have now stood empty, boarded up and derelict for numerous years as example evidence of the poor asset management practices now pervading. 

“The previous authorities, Wrexham RDC and Maelor, worked very hard to provide all these around the area for the benefit of the residents of the whole area not just the town of Wrexham, so I was even more perplexed to hear that the council had employed external consultants to advise them on the future of leisure services.

 

“Clearly the authority has little, if any, confidence in their qualified, officers who they pay to advise them and manage these facilities.

 

“Or is it just that when unacceptable recommendations are put on the table, it is the consultants who are placed in the firing line not the paid officials or elected representatives?”

 

He added: “Just to make the situation even more depressing for the council tax payers of the county borough I have discovered that the council have spent £52,000 to date on employing these consultants.

“Surely this is a total waste of public money which could have been spent on those very assets or services which the local authority are considering closing and centralising to the detriment of the residents in the villages and peripheral parts of the borough.” 

A golden moment for track extension project

* Representatives of the Corwen community on site during their visit

to the railhead near Bonwm.

Representatives of the Cowen community joined volunteers from Llangollen Railway Trust for a landmark occasion in the track extension project yesterday (Friday).

Two separate lengths of track were joined together near the Bonwm Bends on the adjacent A5 road to complete two miles of track west of Carrog station.

A golden fishplate was ceremonially fixed to the final rail joint to mark the volunteer effort which has seen over a thousand yards of track laid eastwards from the restored overbridge, near Plas Derwen, towards the existing railhead at Bonwm.

A volunteer workforce has achieved this milestone working two days a week throughout the autumn to assemble panels of track on a prepared base.

Denbighshire county councillor Huw L Jones, who assisted with fixing the fishplate, said: “A most impressive length of straight track has been assembled in recent weeks by the volunteers.

"Their achievement is clearly visible to users of the A5 road and has raised hopes for the early completion of the project.

"Today’s link up represents 80% of the track work necessary to bring the railway to Corwen in 2014.”

Speaking for Llangollen Railway Trust, the Corwen Extension Project Co-ordinator, Richard Dixon-Gough, from Llangollen, said: “The work has been undertaken by a volunteer workforce varying from 6 - 20 workers on site, comprised mainly of members over 60 years old age. In the course of 16 volunteer working days they have laid 52 panel of track.

“We have to thank many people and organisations for their help with this project. The extension has needed administrative, financial, verbal and physical help which has been forthcoming from Denbighshire County Council, Welsh Assembly, councillors and community leaders, members of the community and the Railway’s members.

“We still have some way to go yet, but with continued support from everyone we will be at our temporary station site in the near future. The next challenge is to lay 46 panels of track, plus installation of our buffer stop. This further stage requires purchase of a thousand concrete sleepers and all their fittings, plus ballast, and will present a financial challenge for the Trust.”

A Corwen Sleeper appeal has been launched on behalf of the Llangollen Trust by member Paul Bailey, aiming to raise £20,000 to finance the acquisition of the material.

A generous response from supporters has so far raised half that sum.

Well wishers may contribute donations to the appeal c/o Mr P Bailey, Dolwen, Bryneglwys, Corwen LL21 9LY, cheques payable to the Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd.

Season's greetings from llanblogger

llanblogger would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas - and thank them for their continued support during our second year online.

During 2013 our total pageviews has soared past the 125,000 mark - and is still rising.

We hope you stay with us for lots more news and views from in and around our town of Llangollen as we head into 2014.  

Tips to stay safe from fire over festive period

On average North Wales Fire and Rescue Service attends between one to two fires within the home every day - but over the Christmas and the New Year period this rises to up to five fires in a day.

North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to stay safe and protect their homes from fire by following twelve tips for festive fire safety:

1. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).

2. Never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings. Don't leave them burning unattended.

3. Make sure your family and visitors staying for the festive period know what to do in an emergency. Practice a fire escape plan.

4. Decorations can burn easily - Don't attach them to lights or heaters.

5. Switch off electrical appliances when not in use, unless they're designed to stay on. Take special care with Christmas lights. Always switch off and unplug Christmas lights before you go to bed. Christmas is a time when we use more electrical items such as lights and decorations as well games etc - don't overload sockets and plugs but use correctly fused multi gang safety leads.

 6. Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.

7.Most fires start in the kitchen - never leave cooking unattended.

8. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.

9. Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.

10. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.

11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of reach of children.

12. Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.

- See more at: http://www.nwales-fireservice.org.uk/keeping-you-safe/current-campaigns/current-campaigns.aspx?lang=en?lang=en#sthash.oJSm6M7z.dpuf

Dee becomes raging torrent as rain continues

* A raging River Dee this afternoon (Monday).

High winds and rain have turned the River Dee through Llangollen into a raging torrent today (Monday).

Natural Resources Wales has issued a flood alert on the Lower Dee Valley from Llan to Trevalyn Meadows, which was last updated at 2.50pm.

Forecasters say persistent rain will clear during the early hours.

Things will become drier and clearer thereafter with scattered showers, possibly wintry over higher ground.

It will turn colder throughout the night and stay windy.

Railway's festive services go steaming ahead

*Santa with his special steam engine on arrival back at Llangollen station.

With the season of Santa Special trains coming to an end on Christmas Eve, Llangollen Railway is preparing for the running of daily services throughout the festive season, up to and including New Year.

The railway reports an excellent pre-Christmas season with full loadings on many days of the Santa Special trains which have taken families to see Santa in Lapland at Carrog.

Of the 42 Santa Special trains which have operated since November 30, most were fully booked weeks ago.

Family groups have come to Llangollen to see Santa on the steam train from the railway’s 50 mile catchment area drawing people in from a wide segment of England, as well as North Wales, and the visitors provide a welcome boost to the town in mid winter.

Mince Pie Specials Next

For those who missed out on a chance to meet Santa on the steam train, a series of Mince Pie Special trains will operate on the Dee Valley Line from December 26 to January 1.

Running three times a day, departing Llangollen at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, the steam trains will take visitors into a winter wonderland on the journey through to Carrog when mince pies and mulled wine are served to passengers as festive cheer.

George Jones, for Llangollen Railway, said: “A ride on the train followed by a brisk walk in the country from one of the railway’s stations is an ideal way work off any excessive eating or may be blow away the post Christmas blues!

"There are several short walks from all three stations along the line which provide easy opportunities to get out and enjoy the area of outstanding natural beauty which is the Dee Valley.

“Once again the Llangollen Railway will be providing the only steam hauled standard gauge train service in North Wales, and beyond, on December 26 when much of the National Network remains closed. 

"It is thanks to all our volunteers that these trains run and we can provide festive entertainment for those who wish to sample a ride on a preserved railway beginning from within the World Heritage site at Llangollen.”

12 tips for a healthy Christmas from NHS Direct

Christmas Day might only days away now but it is never too late to protect your family’s health, says NHS Direct Wales.

It has published its 12 top tips for enjoying a healthy Christmas.

 1. Plan AheadIf you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to see you through the Christmas period. Contact your GP before they close for Christmas for further advice.

If you are spending the festive season away from home, make sure you pack enough medication. It is important to find out what health services, including GP out-of-hours, are available in the area you are visiting.

If you are travelling abroad, make sure you have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). To apply for a free EHIC, call 0300 3301350.

2. Get Your Flu Jab
Last year flu led to more than a hundred deaths in the UK, claiming 107 lives and affecting thousands more. If you are over 65 and have a long-term health condition, or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, you can get your flu jab from your GP.

3. Stock Up
Do you have a first aid box to manage minor wounds? Do you know what needs to be in it? For more information, visit our interactive first aid box.

It is worth checking that you have enough basic medicines at home to manage common ailments, such as coughs, colds, headaches, indigestion, upset stomach and diarrhoea. Visit our medicine cabinet to find out what should be in your cabinet.

You can buy a number of medicines over the counter at your local pharmacy, but remember to check the recommended dosage before taking any medicines.

If you use home oxygen therapy, check that you have enough oxygen supply for the Christmas period. If you are going away make sure you make arrangements for any oxygen you need.

4. List Useful Contact Details
It is worth making a note of all your useful contact numbers, like your ICE contact (In Case of an Emergency), dentist, GP and other useful local health services, especially if you are visiting an area you are not familiar with.

For details of pharmacies that are open during the Christmas period, click here or call NHS Direct Wales 0845 46 47.

5. Stay SafeCheck the weather forecast on the Met Office website if you are visiting friends or relatives, and visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents website to ensure you are prepared for the drive.

If you go out keep your drink with you at all times, and avoid walking home on your own. Check how much alcohol is in your drinks by using our Units Calculator.

You should never drink and drive. Remember that you could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it is the morning after. Sleep, coffee and cold showers do not help to sober you up. Time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system. Visit THINK for more details.

Do not forget to check on vulnerable neighbours and friends during the winter period.

6. Keep Well
If you are in pain or are worried about a condition then make an appointment with your GP before the Christmas holidays. Check your GP opening times over Christmas in case you need to contact them in an emergency.

Visit the dentist if experiencing toothache, or visit our Dental Symptom Checker for further advice and information.

If you are feeling unwell and are unsure what to do, NHS Direct Wales is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling 0845 46 47 or visiting NHS Direct Wales.

7. Keep ActiveSafe and enjoyable exercise is essential to a healthy lifestyle. It may be harder to exercise in the colder weather but do try and keep active as much as you can.

8. Keep WarmAs energy bills soar, more people are afraid to turn up the thermostat, but Age UK has good advice on keeping warm.

Wear several thin layers, rather than one thick layer and go for clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics. A lot of heat is lost through the head and neck, so if you are chilly indoors try wearing a hat and scarf. Wear warm clothes in bed, and when it is really cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat.

Draw your curtains as soon as it gets dark to stop the heat escaping and the draughts coming in, and keep any windows and internal doors closed when it is cold.

Your body keeps warm by burning food you have eaten, so make sure you have regular hot meals that contain carbohydrates, like potatoes, pasta, bread and rice. Try porridge with hot milk for breakfast and soups and stews for lunch and dinner.

If you are sitting down, a shawl or blanket will provide extra warmth. You should also try to keep your feet up, because air is cooler at ground level.

9. Food Safety
To help protect your family from food poisoning, remember to wash your hands before preparing food and cook your food correctly.

Meat is cooked properly when you cut into the deepest part and there is no pinkness left and any juices run clear.

Visit the Food Standards Agency website for more information.

10. Do A Good Deed
Pop into a neighbour and cheer them up by having a chat or ask if you can help them in any way.

Donate to charity, or donate a food item to a food bank.

11. Choose Well
Support NHS Wales’ Choose Well campaign to ensure busy emergency services are available for those who need them most urgently.

For advice and treatment of most illnesses, visit your GP, or call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 for confidential health advice and information.

Treatment for minor injuries, such as cuts, bites, stings and muscle and joint injuries, can be provided at your local Minor Injuries Unit, where there is no need for an appointment.

Only dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency, if someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk.

Click here for more information on the Choose Well campaign.

12. Have a Merry Christmas!Read our 12 steps to a healthy Christmas in full here.