Two honoured for services to Llan community

Two people have received the British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List for their services to the community in Llangollen.

Thomas Delwyn Roberts, 79, receives a BEM for voluntary service in the town, where he has been involved in the Rotary Youth Exchange Programme arranging visits between local children and children from India.

He is a volunteer driver helping the housebound, helped raise £600,000 to build a community centre in Trevor and volunteers for the Llangollen Eisteddfod.

A magistrate and lay preacher, Mr Roberts is also a Deacon in the Welsh Baptist Chapel.

Also receiving a BEM is Mrs Rosemary Corbett Thomas, District Cub Scout Leader, Llangollen, for services to the Scout Movement in the Llangollen District.

* For details of the full Honours List in Wales, see http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/new-years-honours-list-2016-10667164

Prospective candidate hears of flooding concerns

 

* Simon Baynes on the Chainbridge near Llangollen on Wednesday.

 

Simon Baynes, Prospective Welsh Conservative Assembly Member for Clwyd South, says farmers and residents have expressed their concerns to him about flooding. 

 

Water levels are currently receding but a few days ago there was extensive flooding in several areas.

 

Yesterday (Wednesday) Mr Baynes visited Llandrillo, Cynwyd, Corwen, the Chainbridge Hotel and Llangollen.

 

He said he spoke with local residents and was relieved to see water levels were down even though the River Dee was still flowing very strongly.

 

On Monday, Captain John and Mary Ormrod, who farm near Bangor-on-Dee, showed him the widespread flooding across their land from both the River Clywedog and the River Dee.

 

In Bangor-on-Dee, local resident and retired magistrate Michael Bishop commented on the water level under the bridge and discussed the flood avoidance measures that have been taken in the town in recent years.

 

Mr Baynes said: “Farmers I have spoken with are particularly concerned about the upstream management of the River Dee and very keen that Natural Resources Wales should better manage the river, its tributaries and surrounding land in a way that will mitigate flooding downstream.

 

“It is important that the Welsh Government, like the Westminster government, provides generous emergency relief where needed and constantly reviews its flood prevention measures.

 

“If you are concerned about further flooding, you can sign up for Natural Resources Wales Floodline Warnings Direct service. Please call Floodline on 0345 9881188."

Llan mansion to become luxury wedding venue

 
 

The Daily Post has a story about Tyn Dwr Hall in Llangollen being transformed into a luxurious wedding venue.

For the full story see:
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/llangollen-mansion-transformed-luxury-boutique-10663018#ICID=sharebar_twitter

Libraries issue daring reading challenge

 

* Reading whilst sky diving ©Stephen Megison.

 

Why not sign up for a year of Reading Daringly with north Wales’s libraries?

 

Each month two of the 24 specially chosen books, one English language and one Welsh language, will be revealed creating a calendar of captivating reads.

 

Librarians from across North Wales will choose books that challenge you to read something different. 

 

Whatever your reading tastes there is something here to entertain, challenge and enrich your reading experience – a real adventure in your armchair.

 

Readers are also encouraged to share their experiences and opinions of the books online via Facebook and Twitter or via the eye-catching postcards available from libraries.

 

The reading challenge has been devised by Estyn Allan a partnership of libraries in North Wales which aims to offer new opportunities for readers to take an active role in their own development and to share reading experiences with others.

 

The aim is to develop imaginative projects which increase people's enjoyment of reading and take the pleasure of reading to new audiences and to promote contemporary writing in Welsh and English.

 

Bethan Hughes, from the Estyn Allan y Gogledd libraries partnership, said: “The idea is that A Year of Reading Daringly would run almost like a reading group without the need to actually attend.

 

"People often get stuck in a ‘reading rut’ reading the same authors or genres and we are encouraging people to challenge themselves and try something new in 2016.

 

"And as 2016 has been designated as the Year of Adventure in Wales this is a chance for people to sign up for lots of new adventures."

 

* For more information visit the Year of Reading Daringly Facebook and Twitter page or pop in to your local library.

 

https://www.facebook.com/A-Year-of-Reading-Daringly-1506238289671199/?fref=ts

@ReadingDaringly

 

The first books will be announced on 1^st January 2016.

Police issue flood driving warning

Don’t travel unless you have to’ is the message this afternoon (Saturday) from North Wales Police, as roads across the region are closed due to heavy flooding.

A multi-agency response is in operation to deal with the flooding, which has led to several road closures and a number of flood warnings being issued.

With the ground already saturated heavy rain over the past 24 hours has caused rivers to rise rapidly.

Supt Nigel Harrison said: “There is serious flooding across North Wales and we are advising people not to travel unless it is absolutely essential, and then to allow extra time for journey as driving conditions may be difficult.”

The A55 is closed in both directions between Junctions 11 and 15 due to flooding. The B5109 Llanfaes Beaumaris is closed as is the A5/A470 Junction at Waterloo Bridge. There is also heavy flooding on the A487 Bangor and the road is closed from Vaynol Roundabout up to the St David's Retail Park.

Reiterating the message from Natural Resources Wales he said: “We’re asking people to take care near water and to keep themselves and their friends and family safe.”

There are currently flood warnings in place for river flooding in St Asaph, the Conwy Valley, Pwllheli, and the Lower Dee. However this is expected to rise later today.  There are also 30 flood alerts in place across Wales.

People living in the areas at risk are being urged to take steps to ensure their own safety and as far as possible that of their property. They are also advised to keep an eye on local news and weather forecasts for news of any disruption in their area, and are reminded of the dangers of driving through flood water.

* For updates on road closures in North Wales due to flooding please follow @NWPolice and @NWPControlroom .

Government consults on blue badge eligibility

The Welsh Government is to consult on extending Blue Badge eligibility for temporary conditions and on streamlining the assessment process.

 

North Wales South East Wales South West WalesTransport Minister, Edwina Hart, has published the responses to the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group, set-up to consider ways to improve the Blue Badge Scheme, which provides free parking to people with disabilities in Wales.

 

 

The Minister agreed some immediate actions, including working with other organisations to improve enforcement and a communication campaign on the importance to badge holders and to deter abuse and misuse of the scheme.

A public consultation will be undertaken early next year on extending the Blue Badge eligibility to people with temporary qualifying conditions that are likely to last at least 12 months.

Changes to the assessment process will also be consulted on, including the need for GP assessments and speeding up the process for those re-applying for a badge.

Mrs Hart said: “The Blue Badge Scheme plays a vital role in improving access to employment and services for people with disabilities.  The Welsh Government has already made some important changes to extend eligibility and ensure consistency and fairness in the way it is delivered.

"However there were some problems with the assessment and delivery process of the current system and I set-up the Task and Finish Group to look at ways to improve the scheme. I am very grateful for the work of the Group and will look to take forward these important improvements as soon as possible.”

llanblogger brings you season's greetings ...