NatWest is to close Llan branch in September

NATWEST Bank has announced this afternoon (Wednesday) that it is to close its branch in Castle Street, Llangollen in September.

A statement from the bank says: "We have taken the difficult decision to close the NatWest Llangollen branch on the 21^st September 2015.

"We are working hard to ensure there are a number of alternative ways for people in the area to continue to bank with us.

"We have reached an agreement with the local Post Office, which is 0.1 miles away from the branch so that our customers can check their balance, deposit and withdraw funds, and business customers can get coinage. 

 

"We will keep the ATM in the local community, and there are also 4 other free to use ATMs within 1 mile of the branch.

 

"We are introducing a mobile branch service to the community and we will be engaging with our customers and the local community to understand the best day and time for the mobile branch to visit. 

 

"The number of transactions taking place at NatWest Llangollen branch has dropped by 38% since 2011 and only 35 customers use the branch on a regular weekly basis.  Sixteen of these customers already use other branches in the area. 

 

"We are committed to following the UK Government protocol on branch closures, and we have made the decision following careful consideration of a wide range of factors including branch usage and the alternative ways our customers can bank with us locally. 

 

"Our customers are increasingly using alternative ways to bank with them such as online and mobile banking.  As a result, branch transactions have declined by around 36% since 2010 whilst online and mobile transactions have grown by more than 300%. Only 9% of their total transactions are now undertaken in branches in comparison to 25% in 2010. 

 

"We are writing to all of our customers who use the branch, as well as displaying posters in branch to let them know of the closure. Between now and the closure date, we will engage with all of our customers, local businesses and the wider local community to make sure they are aware of the alternative ways of accessing their banking with us in the local area, and to answer any questions they might have."

 

The announcement has caused anger amongst local politicians.

 

Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates, who has his office in Llangollen, said: “I am bitterly disappointed by this decision and will be seeking an urgent meeting with NatWest.

“I am a NatWest customer myself and this will mean people will have to go to Wrexham for a face-to-face service, which remains particularly important to many. It’s not even in the same county and it’s simply too far to travel for some.

 

“Loyal customers haven’t even been consulted about this and many will find out that their branch is closing through the local press, so NatWest shouldn’t be surprised if people show the company the same disregard and opt to take their money elsewhere.”

 

He added: “If these closures are pushed through, I will demand assurances that the mobile unit mentioned by NatWest will visit Llangollen several times a week and that all customers will be fully informed about when it will be available.” 

 

Local county councillor Stuart Davies said: "I am deeply disappointed to hear this news.

 

"All banks should remember that with the right to make a profit comes responsibility to communities such as Llangollen.

 

"This closure will cause particular difficulties for the large number of businesses in the town plus local clubs and societies who have cash and cheques to bank.

 

"These will now have to be taken to other branches, leading to major inconvenience and security problems."

 

As yet there has been no confirmation of the move by NatWest. 

Online forum seeks views on Sainsbury's site

* The site where the supermarket building is emerging.

A COMMUNITY group in Llangollen has set up an online forum to gather residents’ views on what should happen to the supermarket being built in the town now that Sainsbury’s are no longer planning to use it themselves.

A few weeks ago the superstore chain made the bombshell announcement that, due to tough trading conditions, it would no longer be going ahead with opening a new store on the former site of the Dobson & Crowther printworks on Berwyn Road.

The news has led to widespread speculation about what should now be done with the 34,000 square foot building, the metal structure of which is currently being laid.

And this has prompted the Llangollen Cittaslow group to set up an online forum to which local people can contribute their ideas and suggestions for the building’s future.   

Town councillor Phil Thane, who is leading the initiative, said: “Last month Sainsbury’s announced that they no longer planned to open a store in Llangollen.

“However, J Ross, the developers, are still building it and Sainsbury’s have a contract to take it once it's finished so they need an alternative use.

“A senior figure in Sainsbury’s property section has been quoted as saying that they are actively marketing the site to interested parties and would be interested to hear any ideas for the site, so we are complying with this.”

Cllr Thane added: “Whatever you think about Sainsbury’s and supermarkets in general, no-one wants an empty eyesore in town, so the Cittaslow Llangollen group decided to create a public forum where everyone can make suggestions.

“They have set it up and Sainsbury’s have promised to follow it.

“Now it's up to the people of Llangollen to make their feelings known.

“The forum is at: www.cittaslow.llangollentowncouncil.co.uk or at: www.forum.llangollen.cymru

“Click on Cittaslow Forum. You can join any of the discussions, or click on New Topic and start your own.

“If you haven't used the Cittaslow site before, you need to register.”

 

Government issues statement on Llan roadworks

* The roadworks on the A5 where temporary repairs have now begun. 

The North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, which operates on behalf of the Welsh Government, has issued a statement to residents about current roadworks in Llangollen.

This deals with temporary lights on the A5, around Tyn y Wern, and on Berwyn Road.

 

The statement says: “The North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent, working on behalf of the Welsh Government, manage this section of trunk road, and due to the detection of movement and distress in the carriageway it was closed to two way traffic on the 12th December 2014.

 

“This closure ensures the safety of highway users and allowed investigations to be undertaken to identify the reasons for the movement and to provide information for the design of temporary repair works. 

“It is appreciated that the lane closure has caused some inconvenience and delay to residents, businesses and users of the A5 and the adjacent roads. To mitigate this, the traffic signals are being operated manually at peak times to minimise queuing, and additional signage has been installed to limit obstructions to entrances and deter traffic from seeking diversions on unsuitable roads, such as Maesmawr Road and Birch Hill.

“The works to temporarily strengthen the retaining walls will commence on the 1st June 2015 and will continue for 6 to 8 weeks. During this period pedestrians will be prohibited from using the footway within the roadworks, however pedestrian access to Birch Hill and Maesmawr Road will not be restricted. It is anticipated that the A5 at this location will be fully opened to two way traffic in time for the International Eisteddfod on 6th July.”

On the temporary lights in connection with the supermarket development on the A5 Berwyn Road the statement says: “This new store development is underway and will include carriageway closures to two way traffic to allow for safe execution of the works to construct a new access to the store and essential statutory undertakers diversions.

“Temporary traffic signals will be in place from 1st June to 3rd July 2015, operated manually at peak times and removed at weekends where possible. Traffic signals will also be required between 13th and 17th July 2015 to complete final re-surfacing of the new junction/access to the site.

“The developer is doing all he can to minimise disruption to traffic whilst these works are underway, including re-programming the works to avoid any restriction to traffic during the International Eisteddfod week, 6th to 12th July  2015.

“Your continued patience and cooperation on this matter is much appreciated. Additional information can be found on the Welsh Government Traffic Wales website: http://www.traffic-wales.com”

Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies commented: “The agent originally applied for a temporary lane closure last August.

“This road has now been closed for the best part of six months and I’d like to know why making even temporary repairs has taken so long.

“I’d also like to know why, if they knew this job was going to last so long, they haven’t kept local people better informed about what’s going on.

“We’ve been treated like mushroom men with the way we’ve been kept in the dark and getting information has been like drawing teeth every step of the way.”   

 

Police launch summer drink drive campaign

With summer just around the corner police across Wales are warning motorists that officers will be on heightened alert to spot anyone driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Led by North Wales Police, the month-long All Wales Summer Anti Drink and Drug Drive Campaign throughout June, will see all four Welsh police forces increase the pressure and focus on those drivers who drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs.

Sergeant Alun Davies from North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit said: “We all enjoy the prospect of longer evenings and the possibilities they present for socialising in homes, gardens, local pubs, festivals and other events.

“But there is a price to be paid for thinking that, if you drink or take drugs and get behind the wheel, you will still be safe. More people may be tempted to have a few drinks and may drive without thinking of the consequences.

“Think before you go out, watch what you drink and plan how you will get home.

“This summer will be the first campaign with the new drug testing kits to help detect cannabis and cocaine as well as standard kits for alcohol testing, so we are better equipped than ever to detect and penalise those who take this very dangerous risk. Using intelligence received from the public we’ll be ready for action to keep the road network safe, whether it be at night or the morning after.”

New legislation came into force in March 2015 which sets legal limits for how much of a substance – both illegal drugs and prescription medications motorists can have in their system whilst driving. A new device now allows officers to test at the roadside using a swab from inside the driver’s mouth, to see if a motorist has taken cannabis or cocaine.

Officers made their first arrest the day after the new legislation came into being – a 19-year-old man from Anglesey was arrested following a damage-only road traffic collision in Holyhead. He was subsequently charged and appeared before the town’s Magistrates where he was disqualified from driving for 18 months and received fines totalling £305.

Between March 4^th and May 28th North Wales Police’ Roads Policing Unit have carried out 61 drug swipe tests using the new kits with 18 of those testing positive.

North Wales Police has a robust strategy around enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences which are drink and drug driving, dangerous driving including unnecessary risk taking, speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

Sergeant Davies added: “We are committed to assisting in reducing the risk of becoming a casualty on the road through the use of targeted operations around high risk groups of people and locations while enforcing the ‘Fatal 5’ offences.”

“If you drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs you will potentially not only ruin your life, but the lives of others innocently associated with you and your actions. There is absolutely no excuse for driving impaired and the consequences can be devastating.

“You not only risk killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else, but you will end up in court and could face a fine, lose your licence or receive a jail sentence. You will have a criminal record and you could lose your job.”

Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales, added:  “Through education, training and publicity initiatives throughout Wales, partners in Road Safety Wales strive to remind road users of the risks and consequences of the ‘Fatal 5’. Unfortunately, despite education and warnings, too many drivers are prepared to risk driving whilst impaired by drink or drugs.

“Road Safety Wales is committed to reducing the number of road casualties caused by irresponsible behaviour and will continue to support our Police colleagues during this campaign and throughout the year. Drivers who choose to flout the law should realise that there is a strong chance that they will be detected and prosecuted and that the penalties will be severe.”

Also supporting this year’s campaign is the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Rhyl Paramedic Dermot O’Leary, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s road safety champion said: “Road traffic collisions are sudden tragic events which can send shockwaves through families, friends and communities. Unfortunately too many drivers are still prepared to risk driving under the influence of drink or drugs. Making the public aware of the risks associated with drink and drug driving will hopefully lead to fewer incidents in which we literally have to pick up the pieces.”

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters attend many road traffic collisions every year and witness some of the horrific consequences of simple mistakes made every day by people behind the wheel. We are pleased to be supporting the launch of this Drink and Drug Drive campaign to try and educate the public about the dangers associated with drinking and then driving.”

* Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive whilst over the legal limit or under the influence of drugs, can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Car overturns on Horseshoe Pass

The Leader is reporting on its website that a car overturned on the Horseshoe Pass just before noon today (Monday).

For the full story, see: http://leaderlive.co.uk/news/148650/lane-blocked-after-car-overturned-on-horseshoe-pass.aspx

Councillor's personal recollections of trusty Dakota

 

* The World War Two era Dakota which overflew Llangollen recently. 

 

Llanblogger’s recent story about a World War Two Dakota transport plane overflying Llangollen has prompted personal recollections of the trusty aircraft from local county councillor Stuart Davies.

Last week we reported that a C-47 Dakota, in D-Day identification markings, had flown twice through the Dee Valley last Thursday afternoon, causing a great deal of interest each time.

Later, llanblogger learned from the public relations team at the Battle of Britain memorial Flight (BBMF), based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, that the plane – identification number ZA947 – had been making its way to and from a families day at RAF Valley on Anglesey when it was spotted.

Cllr Davies (pictured below) has now been in touch to tell us of his own warm memories of the type of aircraft.

He said: “I noted with interest the story about the Dakota aircraft flying over Llangollen.

“When I first went to work in Angola in 1977 I flew there in what was then the latest modern aircraft, a DC10.

“When I arrived I was shown to the plane that would take me north to Soyo, a small village on the banks of the River Zaire. It was a Second World War Dakota that was being used by the oil companies there for internal transport.

“It was a rugged workhorse that could land on a dirt strip or a tarmac one.

“Built during the war, the design brief was that it could take off, with a load, on one engine.”

Cllr Davies added: “I found out later it had served with the Belgian air force.

“This design was to my liking because one day, when the `Dak’ I was on lost one of its engines due to a malfunction, it carried on without any problems.

“Its ruggedness and simplicity was also evident on another occasion when I was in charge of getting a drill rig crew-change home.

“The starter motor wouldn’t start the port engine, however with the help of a piece of rope and my trusty co-workers, we got it going.

“The rope was wrapped around the propeller and a chain gang of the workers pulling on it soon had it going.

“Health and safety eat your heart out!”

The Douglas C-47 Dakota is acknowledged as one of the most successful aircraft designs in history.

It became one of the world's most famous military transport aircraft and saw widespread use by the Allies during World War Two and subsequently by air forces and civilian operators worldwide.

The BBMF website shows that the C-47 Dakota seen in the skies above Llangollen last week was manufactured in the USA by Douglas in March 1942 and initially issued to the United States Army Air Force.

In September that year the aircraft was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and served in Canada during World War Two.

It was subsequently deployed to Europe with the RCAF until declared surplus to requirements by the Canadians in 1971.

The Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE) at Farnborough then purchased the aircraft and has used it for a variety of tasks and trials, including dropping sonar buoys through holes cut in the fuselage and for launching remotely piloted vehicles.

Cleared for dropping paratroops, she often displayed in this role and occasionally appeared in the static park at air shows.

In 1992 the Defence Research Agency, the successor to the RAE, declared ZA947 surplus to requirements.

The aircraft was adopted by Strike Command and issued to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in 1993.

As there are now no other multi-engine tail wheel aircraft in RAF service outside the BBMF, the Dakota is an important training asset used for initial training of aircrew for the BBMF multi-engine aircraft and for renewing the currency of the flight’s Lancaster pilots each year.

The Dakota is a sought-after display aircraft in her own right and, as such, appears regularly on the air show circuit either on her own or as part of a BBMF formation.

She continues to be capable of para-dropping and is used in that role for special commemorative events.

ZA947 is now painted to represent Dakota FZ692 of N^o 233 Squadron, around the D-Day period in 1944.

That aircraft, which was named ‘Kwicherbichen’ by her crews, was involved in para-dropping operations on the eve of D-Day and subsequently in re-supply and casualty evacuation missions into and out of forward airfields in the combat areas.

The female nurses who escorted the casualties on these flights became known as ‘The Flying Nightingales’.

By the end of 1944, 1,092 stretcher cases and 467 sitting wounded had been evacuated to England by the 233 Squadron Dakotas.

* Fore more details about the aircraft see: http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/theaircraft/dakotahistory.cfm

Silver Band to stage annual picnic in the park

* The youth and training bands performing at last year's event.

Tickets are now on sale for Llangollen Silver Band's popular annual Picnic in the Garden at Plas Newydd.

The event, which will be held on Sunday, June 28, from 4.30pm-6.30pm, will feature performances from all three sections of the band  - senior, intermediate and training - and special guests.

Tickets can be bought from Honey Pots, the Town Clerk's office and Plas Newydd, priced at £5 with under-sevens free.

Audience members are welcome to bring along their own picnic, something to drink, a chair and an umbrella.

Kids' games and a cake stall will also be available during the afternoon.