Llangollen to Corwen train service could start this summer

* The celebratory group assembled around the buffer stop.

Trains could be running between Llangollen and Corwen this summer for the first time in almost 50 years.

That’s the word from Llangollen Railway as  the first phase of its ambitious project to restore the rail link between the two Dee Valley towns reaches the end of the line.

A volunteer-led task force has now completed the track extension project to reach the station site at Dwyrain Corwen East.

Track panels laid alongside the footings for the temporary platform were connected to a buffer stop at the end of the track on Saturday, April 5.

Following a project co-ordination meeting on Wednesday April 9, at which the conclusion of the track laying exercise was announced, representatives from the local community and Denbighshire County Council celebrated with a visit to the railhead.

Llangollen Railway Trust chairman, Neil Evans, said: “The occasion was the culmination of a lot of hard work and application of resources over the past three years.

“Whilst a significant moment to celebrate, there is still much to do before trains can operate into the station. However it is evident now that we have almost completed phase one of this exciting rail extension project.”

Thanks to a magnificent response by contributors to the Corwen Sleeper Appeal, new supplies of concrete sleepers were sourced and delivered to the site during March.

With the project’s road/rail machine back in action, the volunteer workforce made good progress when track laying resumed and, as of the end of March, the rail head had exited the cutting west of Bridge 28A and was into the curve heading for underpass Bridge 29.

From that point Corwen town centre was plainly in sight and track laying was again visible for users of the nearby A5 road.

With continued effort in early April, the railhead reached the station site and the buffer stop was put in place sooner than initially forecast. 

Next challenge will be the building and installation of the 100-metre platform and associated access ramp leading off the embankment, and specialist help is being sought for this part of the project.

Delivery of over a thousand tons of stone is needed for the top ballasting of the track, with packing and aligning from the aid of a hired in tamper machine.

A railway spokesperson said: “There are various other aspects to be finished off and the length tidied up before the line can be passed for passenger trains. 

“However, it is looking hopeful that train services to and from Corwen will commence in the summer of 2014, provided finance continues to come to hand to provide the necessary resources to complete the job.”

Trains last ran between Llangollen and Corwen in December 1964 when the line was axed as part of the notorious Beeching cuts.

Can you help the Chainbridge Project with your memories?

Samantha Jones, heritage officer for the Chainbridge Project, has asked us to display the poster below for their next memories gathering day, which is being held at the Conquering Hero in Rhewl on April 26.

 

Mike completes gruelling Chirk Triathlon

* Mike Edwards completes the cycling section of the event.

 

An intrepid Llangollen man was amongst the 400 athletes from across the country who took part in Sunday’s Chirk Triathlon.

The gruelling event, now in its 22^nd year, featured a 400-metre pool swim at Chirk Leisure Centre, a 24km cycle ride from the centre out to Glyn Ceiriog and back, then a 5km run on single lane roads towards Halton and back.

Mike Edwards from Llangollen completed the challenge in 1:39:54.

Chris Standidge, from Northwich, was the first male to finish the race, and Beth Hughes, who was running for City of Chester Triathlon Club, was the first female entrant to cross the line.

Wrecsam Triathlon Club, which runs the event, has praised the support from North Wales Police, Wrexham Council highways and the leisure departments for their continuing support.

The club has also thanked the local air cadets and guides who assisted on the run course and pool respectively.

Plas Madoc community trust seeks magic models

Volunteers fighting to save Plas Madoc Leisure Centre are calling on members of the public to become models for a day.

The recently-formed Splash Community Trust is appealing for residents of all ages to offer their help by posing as ‘magic models’ and playing a part in the popular facility’s revival.

The centre, which could be renamed sPLASh Madoc or sPLASh Magic, will close at the end of April – but the trust wants to reopen it as a social enterprise as soon as the summer.

Committee member and marketing professional Alison Roberts said: “We will be producing material to promote Plas Madoc and we want to show it through the eyes of the people who use it.

“We want to give a true reflection of the fantastic fun to be had at the centre, whether it’s basketball or badminton sessions, swimming lessons, pool parties or roller discos – there’s something for everyone and we want to highlight that.”

Alison added: “Plas Madoc – and our whole campaign – is about the people, and we want to mirror this in our future marketing initiatives.”

Volunteers are wanted at the half-term roller disco from 1pm-2.30pm on Thursday, April 24, and the pool fun inflatables session at 6.30pm the same day, when there will be consent forms for children.

Trust director Greg Ogden added: “This is another way members of the public can help us, so please come along and show your support for Plas Madoc.

“We will continue to advertise key events and dates through Facebook, Twitter and the local press, so keep your eyes peeled, and remember that anyone with fundraising ideas can email jennymiller08@hotmail.co.uk or call Jenny on 07921 6590990.”

The trust is still urging people to fill in a short online survey which will help keep centre users up to date and could help with grant applications. To complete it visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PMFUTURE

Historic loco heads to Camarthen

 

* Luke Denoven and Harry Jones with TVR 28 before it left for Carmarthen.

Picture by Llangollen Railway's chief engineer Dave Owen.

A restored Welsh-built steam locomotive believed to be one of the last of its type has made its way from Llangollen to Carmarthen.

The standard gauge loco known as TVR 28 was built in 1897 and began its journey on the back of a lorry, going via Cardiff Bay's Coal Exchange, on Thursday.

Now painted in Great Western colours, it is going on display at the Gwili Steam Railway with the only Welsh-built standard gauge carriage.

The train was restored in workshops at Llangollen Railway. Before it left the workshop's two first year apprentices Luke Denoven and Harry Jones, both from Wrexham, posed in front of it. They have both played a major role in the loco's restoration.

 

 

Warning over suspect mattress sales

Trading Standards officers in Denbighshire are warning residents to be on their guard against suspect mattress sales.

The warning comes after reports were received that there is a white van travelling throughout the area offering “discounted” mattresses for sale.

Although residents who bought a mattress were given hand written receipts by people driving the van,  

Trading Standards are advising the public to be cautious about buying from unknown sources as they may not get exactly what they expect.

Emlyn Jones, Public Protection Manager, said: “We are unable to confirm whether the mattresses bear the correct labels and whether they comply with the applicable safety legislation, such as flammability requirements.

“Additionally, we are unable to confirm that this is a legitimate business.  

"Without the ability to trace the business consumers would not be able implement their cancellation rights – a seven-day cooling off period for goods bought on the doorstep where they can change their mind and cancel the contract at no charge – or, should a problem develop after purchase, it may be difficult to try and claim a refund for the price paid.”

They have urged anyone approached to purchase a mattress on their doorstep or whilst in the street to just to say no.

Anyone approached by these sellers can report the matter to police by calling 101 or Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer service on 08454 04 05 06 (08454 04 05 05 for Welsh language).

This helpline offers free, independent and impartial advice on all consumer issues.

People are advised to try and report the vehicle registration as well as any trading name the sellers are using.

Pengwern chosen for 20mph pilot scheme

Pengwern in Llangollen is one of 11 sites across Denbighshire chosen for a pilot 20mph speed restriction scheme by the county council.

It has been included in the list following a successful application by local county councillor Stuart Davies who said he decided to do so after receiving representations from residents concerned about speeding on the estate.

In a message giving details of the scheme to him, Ben Wilcox-Jones, the county’s senior engineer for sustainable transportation, says: “Following the successful completion of a consultation exercise with members and North Wales Police, I am now able to announce that 11 sites have been selected to participate in our 20mph pilot scheme.

“The sites have been selected to encompass a variety of highway related characteristics like vehicle speeds, traffic volumes and accident statistics and also to ensure a balanced geographical spread throughout the county.

“A programme for the implementation of the scheme is now being developed and it is hoped that, subject to successful completion of the statutory consultation procedures associated with the 20mph orders, the trial will commence on site in September 2014.”

The 10 other sites included in the pilot scheme are in Prestatyn, Ruthin, Llanfair DC, Cynwyd, Rhuddlan, Denbigh, Henllan, Llandymog and Rhyl.