Art Club's open evening

Health centre opening faces likely delay

* Residents at last week's preview event for the new health centre. 

llanblogger exclusive

HEALTH chiefs have admitted that the opening of Llangollen’s £5 million new health centre is likely to delayed by about three weeks.

The centre, built on the site of the former River Lodge in Mill Street, replaces the town’s former Cottage Hospital, which closed in March 2013, and aims to build on its facilities.

Following a preview event last week for local residents there were rumours that the official opening, planned for August 24, might have to be delayed because of problems with the new telephone system.

And this has now been confirmed by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board which has been in charge of the development project and says it now looks likely the centre will not now open until September 14 - three weeks later than originally planned.

A spokesperson for the board said: “Unfortunately, while setting up the telephone and data systems in the new health centre, it has become apparent that the telephone cabling that has been installed to the building does not meet the design specification and will not be able to support the number of telephone extensions and IT systems that the new building requires. 

“The developers are trying to establish how this has happened and how quickly the problem can be rectified.

“We will not be able to move into the new building until we are confident that all its systems are operating correctly and so it is likely that the opening will have to be delayed. 

“If this is the case it is likely that the move will then take place on 14th September to allow sufficient time to re-schedule the works that need to take place at the time of the move (including the physical movement of furnishings and equipment and the switch-over of IT systems), to give patients adequate notice of the new date and to avoid the bank holiday week.

“Clearly, an unexpected delay at this late stage this is frustrating for everyone who has worked so hard on this project and we look forward to announcing the confirmed date for the move as soon as this has been agreed.”

Major race planned for tomorrow

Road blocked near Bryneglwys

Breaking news ...

The Daily Post's website has posted the following item within the past half hour (now 19.38) ...

7.20pm: ROAD BLOCKED: The A5104 in Denbighshire is blocked in both directions near Bryneglwys following a crash between three vehicles.

 

Police unable to give further detail but the Welsh Ambulance Service had confirmed they are in attendance.

Police seek help to trace missing girl

Police in Llangollen are calling on the help of the public to trace Bethanie Summerscales who is missing.

The 15-year-old (pictured right), who is described as 5ft 3’ tall, of stocky build and has long brown coloured hair was last seen on Friday evening, (July 31st) in the Llandegla area.

She was last seen wearing a green coloured jacket which has a fluffy hood, a  black and pink coloured Adidas top, jeans and trainers.

PC 1295 Andy Williams, who is based in Llangollen said: “It is possible that Bethanie may still be in the North Wales area. However, the teenager also has links to the Oldham and Manchester areas.

"We are appealing for help in tracing her and anyone with information, who believes they may have seen Bethanie or knows of her current whereabouts to please get in touch with us. Similarly, we are appealing for Bethanie herself to please contact us and let us know she is safe and well.

“Inquiries to locate Bethanie are continuing and anyone with information should contact North Wales Police on 101 reference S114812.”

Bikers take over pavilion for big weekend event

* Action in the arena during the Sunday afternoon session of LlanBike Fest.

 

Thousands of bikers roared into town for the Llangollen International Motorcycle Festival - LlanBikeFest 15 over the weekend.

The show was opened by seven-times TT winner Mick Grant and Carl "Foggy" Fogarty, the most successful World Superbike (WSB) racer of all time.

The On the Edge Trial Stunt Display Team performed amazing feats of skill on both days.

 

Billed as the world’s best stunt riders, the team is led by Jack Challoner and Martin Crosswaite, who between them have won multiple British, European and world trials championships.

 

On Sunday more than 100 classic trials machines competed in a stage of the Northern British Bike Pre-65 Trials Championship (NBBC) as part of a championship round hosted by Llangollen and District Motorcycle Club.

 

Other attractions included a TT race bike simulator, live bands, a Saturday night party,  vintage funfair.

People should expose scams, says county

Denbighshire County Council is calling on residents to expose scams and help stop more people from falling prey to clever cons that fleece them of thousands of pounds.

The Council is supporting the national Scams Awareness Month campaign which highlights how scams continue to flourish when people stay silent.

Figures show that less than 5% of victims across the country report scams to the authorities, and Denbighshire County Council is encouraging residents to report suspicious activities, get advice if they think they’ve been conned, and to warn others to help stop scams from spreading.

Scams come in every form, from doorstep double glazing sales to online investment offers.

People may be targeted with “vishing” calls where a fraudster impersonates their bank to collect their bank details, or by bogus companies offering computer services.

Online scams include dodgy job adverts and offers for goods and services, while mail scams may ask victims to pay a fee in order to claim their winnings from a prize draw they haven’t entered.

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Lead Member for Public Protection, said: “The Scams Awareness Month campaign is asking people to keep two things in mind when they receive an unsolicited approach or when they are looking for goods or services: don’t be rushed and don’t be hushed.

"People should take their time to make a decision and get their facts together before parting with their money or personal information, and speak out when they think they’ve spotted a scam."

Top tips for avoiding scams
● If it sounds too good to be true it probably is
● It you haven’t bought a ticket – you can’t win it
● You shouldn’t have to pay anything to get a prize
● If in doubt, don’t reply. Bin it, delete it or hang up
● Contacted out of the blue? – be suspicious.
● Don’t be rushed – resist pressure to make a decision straight away.
● Never send money to someone you have never met.
● Walk away from job ads that ask for money in advance.
● Your bank will never attend your home to collect cash, your pin, payment card or chequebook if you are a victim of fraud.
● Your bank will never phone you to ask for your PIN or your online banking password.
● Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons.
· Suspect a phone scam? Hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line or use another phone to call your bank.
● Genuine computer firms do not make unsolicited phone calls to help you fix your computer.
● Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams.
What to do if you have been scammed
● Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to help stop it happening to others.
● Often you can't always get your money back if you've been scammed, especially if you've handed over cash.
● If you've paid for goods or services by credit card you have more protection and if you used a debit card you may be able to ask your bank for a chargeback.
● Get advice and report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 (for advice in Welsh phone 03454 04 05 05) or online advice at www.adviceguide.org.uk

* For consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers. They can also pass on details to trading standards.