More people to get faster broadband

More people across Wales will be able to benefit from faster broadband following changes to the scheme rules, says the Welsh Government.

A new scheme provides grants to premises which are unable to access broadband above a speed of two Megabits per second (Mbps) so that they can access faster broadband.  

 

Before the changes only people in those areas not in the published Superfast Cymru roll-out were eligible.  Now people living in areas which will be covered by the roll-out can apply if they wish to do so.

The new rules will help ensure that customers receive a fast broadband connection as the technology used will need to be capable of providing superfast speeds bringing them into line with Superfast Cymru.

The Welsh Government will provide a maximum of £900 per premises, with customers making a ten per cent financial contribution which is in line with the cost of connection fees across the industry.

Potential recipients will also be given information about the Superfast Cymru roll-out so that can make a decision about whether to apply for a grant or wait for superfast fibre to be deployed in their area.

The changes to the scheme will come into effect on August 4.

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, said: “The new scheme rules will mean that it better complements Superfast Cymru and will help those people who are later in the Superfast Cymru roll-out.

"Many more people will be eligible for funding under the scheme.  We are also ensuring that households and businesses can get a superfast broadband connection so that they are on a par with Superfast Cymru.

“We are asking people to contribute towards the cost and to carefully consider whether they should apply for the grant or wait for Superfast Cymru to come to their area.  This will help ensure we provide value for money for the public purse.”

More information about the scheme can be found at www.wales.gov.uk/broadband

Lib Dems say ambulance service is "in crisis"

Kirsty Williams, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has described Wales’ ambulance service as being ‘in crisis’ as figures published today showing response times are nearly 10% worse than the same time last year.

But an ambulance boss says the service is working as hard as it can to get people to hospital as soon as possible.

 

Figures released today show that in June 53% of emergency responses to Category A (immediately life-threatening) calls arrived at the scene within 8 minutes, down from 54% in May 2014 and 62.6% in May 2013, and way below the target of 65%. In England and Scotland the target for the same priority calls is 75%.

 

These figures represent nearly a 10% drop compared to June 2013 last year.

 

Kirsty Williams said: “Once again we see ambulance response times getting worse.  The current target is not at all ambitious, yet still it is routinely missed.

 

“These figures remain a national disgrace.  To have only half of immediately life-threatening calls responded to within the 8 minute target time is a huge concern. 

 

“There is no hiding from the fact that our ambulance service is in crisis.  Monthly targets are missed and there is evidence the problem is getting worse, rather than better.  It is shocking that response times are nearly 10% worse now than they were this time last year.  Patients deserve better than this.

 

“Ambulance staff work incredibly hard and do an extremely difficult job.  Sadly, they are being forced to work in what is clearly a failing system provided by the Welsh Labour Government.”

Mike Collins, the Trust’s Director of Service Delivery, said: “The Welsh Ambulance Service took 35,570 calls in June, up by 1,699 calls from the same period last year. Of these calls, 14,167 were of the most serious in nature, up by 839 calls from the same period last year.

“We recognise that on occasion we fall short of the eight-minute target but are working, and will continue to work as hard as we can to get to patients as quickly as possible.

“Earlier this month, Trust Board members pledged their support for our ambitious Performance Improvement Plan and the necessary actions which we anticipate will help us to deliver sustainable improved performance.

“They include the recruitment of more frontline staff, increased contribution by our Community First Responders, a concerted effort to reduce sickness absence and a drive to curtail unnecessary calls.

“We have been working closely with our Local Health Board colleagues to reduce the delays in handing patients over to the care of the hospitals throughout Wales and we have seen real advancement. However, we believe there is still room for significant further improvement.

“Handover delays remain of great concern, not only because we are unable to respond to other 999 calls in the community but because of the experience of patients who wait in an ambulance to be admitted to the Emergency Department whilst these delays occur.

“Our Trust is facing its most serious challenge to date with regard to performance, but it is one we are confident we can overcome if we continue work hard, work in the smartest way possible and ensure that we deliver an effective service.

“Our staff are making every possible effort to deliver safe and high quality healthcare and services to the people of Wales, and for this they must be commended.

“Once again, we remind the public to ‘Choose Well’ and use NHS services appropriately; NHS Direct Wales, out-of-hour GP services and pharmacies are all available for healthcare and advice for minor illnesses and injuries.

“Please remember only to dial 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.”

 

 

Llan could be affected by fracking says DFP story

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting today that Llangollen could be affected by fracking if the UK Government decides to extend licenses to carry out the controversial process.

For the full story, see:
http://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/136196/thousands-of-homes-in-denbighshire-could-be-affected-by-fracking.aspx

Plas Madoc campaign could receive £100,000 cash boost

The Leader is reporting today that the group campaigning to re-open Plas Madoc leisure centre could receive a £100,000 cash boost from Wrexham Council - the same local authority that shut it down a few months ago.

Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru spokesman for Clwyd South, said: "The news that the Labour group on Wrexham Council has done a u-turn is a welcome step in the right direction.

"Along with all the hard-working campaigners, we called for Plas Madoc to be kept open while the centre was transferred to community ownership and, when the council refused to that, we called for tapered funding assistance over next few years - as happened with Gwynedd Council with the Harlech swimming baths.

"As late as April, the ruling group rejected a budget amendment to keep Plas Madoc open. It's hard to know exactly what has prompted this dramatic u-turn but the pressure from opposition councillors has undoubtedly made a difference. It's a shame that the centre wasn't kept open as we all wanted to take advantage of the summer holiday trade.

"The fundraising efforts of volunteers over the past few months have been huge and, if the £100,000 funding package is approved,  it's only right that Wrexham Council recognises the contribution of the campaigners who wouldn't let Plas Madoc die."


For the full story, see: http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/136199/-100-000-cash-hope-to-save-plas-madoc-leisure-centre.aspx

Summer crime prevention advice from police

Windows and doors left open can prove too much of a temptation for a thief, so ensure your home is secure.

 

That's the summer crime prevention message from North Wales Police who advise that taking a few extra seconds to make sure your home is locked before you leave it and before you go to bed at night can help deter a burglar.

 

“In this continuing hot spell it can be tempting to leave a window or two open to allow air into your home but this sadly could be seen as an opportunity by a burglar, ensure your property is secure at all times whatever the weather” said Inspector Sian Williams.


“Once inside a thief will usually take anything that is easy portable and valuable such as mobile phones, ipads and tablets along with handbags and wallets. We have also had instances where car keys have been stolen along with the vehicle.”

 

“Accomplished and opportunists thieves look out for easy targets – don’t give them an opportunity.

 

"Check that doors, including patio doors, are locked and that windows are closed and can’t be opened or that people can’t use them to reach in and steal items or gain access to your home."  

 

The message is being issued by police as part of the force’s ‘Don’t Make it Easy’ campaign. 

 

Insp Williams added: “It’s important to remember that North Wales is a safe place but we can all play out part in helping to make it even safer by taking some simple but effective steps.”

 

Other top tips include:

•                     Consider installing a burglar alarm - if you have one, always set it before you go out.

•                     Never leave keys on display

•                     Don’t leave keys or any other items within reach of a window or glass pane or in the lock – these could all make a thief’s job easier. Keep them out of reach.

•                     Don’t hide spare keys under flowerpots or doormats – this is one of the first places a thief is likely to look.

•                     Keep photographs of valuable items such as jewellery.

•                     Security mark your property – not only will this increase your chances of being reunited with your property should you become a victim of burglary but it can also discourage a burglar from stealing the item in the first place.

 

Finally, if you are going on holiday help minimise this risk by making it appear as though you are really home.

 

Ask a friend to open or close curtains and remove your post. Cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers etc. Arrange for a neighbour to park their car in the driveway and avoid discussing holiday plans with strangers who may use or pass the information on.

 

Further advice on securing your property can be found on the North Wales Police under the ‘Advice and support’ and ‘Easy Street’.  

Appeal launched to pay vet's bills for injured cat

The Daily Post is reporting today how neighbours in the Church Street area have launched an appeal to pay the vet's bills for a popular cat savaged in a dog attack.

See the full story at: http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/llangollen-popular-church-cat-seriously-7522920

Railway's 60s weekend was swinging success

George Jones has supplied these pictures of the successful 60s weekend which took place at Llangollen Railway last Saturday and Sunday.

* Happy trippers aboard on open-topped bus en route from Llan to Glyndyfrdwy.

* Four trains in action - two steam, one diesel and the railcar -

offering the 60s scene when change was underway on British Railways.

 

 * Cars from the era - and earlier times - on show at Glyndyfrdwy.

 

* One family's pride and joy Mini parked at Llangollen station.