AM raises concerns over "vital" charity service

North Wales Assembly Member Mark Isherwood has raised concerns in the Assembly that from the end of May charities in Wales will no longer have access to a vital service which allows them to check the criminal records of potential volunteers.

 

Speaking in the Business Statement, Mr Isherwood (pictured) said charities are worried that its withdrawal could have devastating long-term consequences and will affect some of the most vulnerable members of society. 

 

He said: “Could I call for a Statement on access to the Criminal Records Unit for Wale s currently run by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA)? The Welsh Government has informed third sector organisations that they will no longer have access to the DBS check service (Disclosure and Barring Service previously called Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks)  provided by the WCVA from 31 May, and we understand that this was without prior consultation or discussion.

 

“The service provides a vital outlet for many third sector organisations to vet potential volunteers and its loss could have devastating long-term consequences, with deeply worrying consequences for the services provided by the third sector and ultimately leading to greater cost for the Welsh Government and the Welsh public sector.

 

“The Welsh Sports Association, representing all national governing bodies of sport in Wales, says this will cause significant concern for many organisations within the voluntary sector, and there are concerns that its closure will affect some of the most vulnerable members of society. The Chief Executive of St John Cymru says the decision will affect every charity in Wales, is short-sighted and potentially very harmful to the sector as a whole. Again, could I call for a statement accordingly?”

 

The Minister for Government Business, Jane Hutt AM, said: “The Minister for Com munities and Tackling Poverty is working very closely with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action to ensure that we can address this issue - because it is a very important service - and that there is, again, no difficulty in working through this to make sure that that service can be available, particularly to the third sector.”

 

 

Punjabis who danced with prince are Llangollen Ambassadors

 

* Narinder Singh invites Prince Charles to join in

with the Sheerer Punjabi Dancers.

 

Punjabi dancers who inspired the Prince of Wales to get down to the Bhangra beat have been appointed honorary ambassadors of the iconic festival where it happened.

 

The Sheerer Punjabi Dancers from Nottingham made global headlines after dancing with the heir to the throne at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in North Wales.

 

Troupe leader Narinder Singh couldn’t believe his luck when Prince Charles joined in the impromptu routine on a visit to the event with the Duchess of Cornwall.

 

He and his dancers are big fans of the festival which is being celebrated for the 70^th time this summer, from Tuesday, July 5, to Sunday, July 10, and he says that anyone interested in attending can contact them by e-mail to get all the inside information they require.

Narinder said the magical royal moment was so typical of Llangollen’s spirit of fun and international friendship that he’s happy to accept the invitation to spread the word about the annual event to potential competitors and visitors from Nottingham and the East Midlands.

Narinder said: “I’m absolutely delighted to become a Llangollen Ambassador and to let people know what a fantastic event the Eisteddfod is.

 

“I first came here as a visitor in the 1970s and then later as a competitor with the dance group so I know what a fantastic event it is.

 

“You meet people from around the world and get to learn about their music and culture. There’s a great atmosphere throughout the week of the festival.

 

“I also think it’s wonderful how it has grown and thrived throughout the years from a tent to the fantastic building it’s based in now.

 

“Another amazing thing about it is the way it is run by volunteers from the local community.

 

“I’ll be coming to this year’s Eisteddfod with the dance group and we’ll no doubt be performing for the public a number of times.

 

“As this will be the 70^th Eisteddfod it’s going to be a very special occasion which I wouldn’t miss, and to help get people from my area there as an Ambassador is a marvellous opportunity.”

 

Narinder first visited the Eisteddfod in 1978 and has been coming back regularly ever since.

He said: “I came upon it by chance when I was visiting North Wales on my honeymoon that year.

 

“I started the Sheerer group after becoming interested in bhangra, the traditional Punjabi dance celebrating harvest time, when I was studying to be a pharmacist at Leicester University.

 

“We first competed in 1980 and two years later won the folk dance competition, which we did again the following year.

 

“Although we didn’t actually compete again after that we’ve been going back regularly to Llangollen every year, either as a group or individuals.

 

“Last year I got eight members of the group together and we came over. We have a couple of dancers and five musicians on tambourines and a traditional instrument called a chimta – two steel bars with bells attached.

 

“Little did we realise that we’d be at Llangollen for the Prince of Wales’s official visit.

 

“We were lucky enough to meet him and to have a nice little chat with him as he walked around the field.

 

“I then asked him if he’d like to join us and couldn’t believe it when he had a little dance with us. He was very co-operative and had a smile all over his face. It was something wonderful I’ll never forget.

 

“I’ve now taken the liberty of writing to Clarence House to see if the Queen would like us to dance as part of her 90^th birthday celebrations this summer and they’ve said they’ll be back in touch with us, so now it’s fingers crossed.”

 

For further information about Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, send an e-mail Narinder Singh at mikesingh2000@yahoo.co.uk

 

Llangollen 2016 Chairman Rhys Davies said: “We’re thrilled that Narinder and his dancers have agreed to be ambassadors for the festival to spread the word about what a wonderful event it is.

“They will be able to give people in Nottinghamshire an inside track on what it means to attend, where to go and what to see and even how to enter any of our competitions.

“Most of all they can tell them how friendly Llangollen is and about the fantastic carnival atmosphere as this little town welcomes the world each July.”

Ticket sales for the concerts at this year’s Eisteddfod are already going well, especially for the opening night when superstar Katherine Jenkins gets the programme off to a sensational start as she sings Bizet’s Carmen.

Wednesday will be International Children’s Day and will include choral and dance competitions and also a new Under 16s solo competition while the evening will feature the Voices of Musical Theatre. 

The great Bryn Terfel will headline the 70^th Classical Gala Concert on Thursday evening while the day will see the crowning of the Children’s Choir of the World. 

Friday will celebrate Rhythms of the World and will be a feast of music and dance from the best of the Eisteddfod’s international competitors with the Dance Champions of the World competition climax at the evening concert. 

It will open with a Caribbean Carnival Extravaganza, followed by the International Peace message delivered by Theatr yr Ifanc, Rhosllannerchrugog. 

In a change of the scheduling Friday will also see the Parade of Nations, led by Eisteddfod President Terry Waite, switched from Tuesday in anticipation of bigger crowds and more competitors being present. 

Saturday is dedicated to the top choirs and concludes with the Choir of the World competition for the Pavarotti Trophy while Sunday sees the Eisteddfod let its hair down for Llanfest before the climactic final concert.

To book tickets and for more details on the 2016 festival go to the website at www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk

* Video of Prince Charles dancing at Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw7htllOnrc

 

Warning over buying fake electrical items

North Wales Trading Standards authorities have joined together in an attempt to raise people’s awareness of the risks of purchasing counterfeit electrical items.

 

According to Electrical Safety First, the number of counterfeit and sub-standard electrical goods sold online has increased considerably in recent years with the most common fakes being for popular and sought-after items.

 

The number of fake mobile phones seized has risen by more than 50% with other top electrical fakes including hair straighteners, e-cigarette chargers and games.

 

Worryingly, research by the Electrical Safety First has shown that:

 

·         24% of people have knowingly bought a counterfeit product

 

·         21% would consider buying one in order to save money

 

·         16% do not think counterfeit products could put them at risk

 

However, these fake goods often contain faulty parts that can cause products to overheat and catch fire. With products left charging overnight or on beds, and sometimes under pillows, a small spark can cause a major fire within minutes.

 

Kevin Jones, Chair of North Wales Heads of Trading Standards, said: “With the current financial climate, people are looking for bargains to make their money go further. But if a deal looks like it’s too good to be true, then it probably is not only too good to be true but could actually be dangerous and life-threatening to you and your family.

 

More people now shop online which increases the opportunities for rogue traders to sell you fake products. Our advice is to stick to reputable retailers both on the High Street and online and have a look at Electrical Safety First’s online Safe Shopper’s Guide for advice on shopping safely online.”

 

Top five checks to avoid purchasing a counterfeit electrical item:

 

1. Check the reviews: Use reputable online review sites to see what people who have bought products say about them and the retailer and use website checkers set up by companies to confirm you are buying from an approved stockist.

 

2. Check the seller: Look for the seller’s contact details and ensure there is a full address, not just a PO Box number because just having a .co.uk address doesn’t mean they are based in the UK. Is the seller a well-known name or have you bought from them before?

 

3. Check the price: If a bargain looks too good to be true, it probably is. Check what others are selling it for and ask the trader why their price is so low.

 

4. Check the purchase process: Look for websites that allow you to pay safely – these have a padlock symbol on your screen when you are filling in your payment details – but don’t assume safe payment definitely means your purchase is genuine. Also ensure there is a returns or complaints procedure should you be unsatisfied.

 

5. Check the product: When it arrives, firstly check for damage or loose wires, the n check the voltage is 230V, 50Hz (the UK’s usual domestic voltage) and that they are fitted with a three-pin UK plug or charger. Also check the packaging note – does it come with instructions and a guarantee? If you have any suspicions about a product’s safety, or if you think it’s a fake, do not use it.

Council is rooting for Eurovision hopeful Joe

 

* Joe Woolford, left, with fellow contestant Jake Shakeshaft.

 

Denbighshire County Council is lending its support to Joe Woolford’s bid to represent the UK in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.

 

Joe is a former apprentice of the council and worked at Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin as a teaching assistant before deciding to leave his job in pursuit of a singing career.

 

Joe made the final five in the BBC’s The Voice singing contest and has teamed up with fellow contestant Jake Shakeshaft to compete for the honour of representing the UK.

 

Both Joe and Jake will perform on the BBC Four’s Eurovision: You Decide programme tomorrow (Friday) at 7.30pm.

 

Councillor Gwyneth Kensler, chair of Denbighshire County Council. said: “Joe is a great ambassador for Ruthin and for Denbighshire and regularly mentions his home area during media interviews.

 

"He is such a young talent who is proud of his roots, but also has a dream of making it in the pop world. 

 

"There’s a lot of interest locally in Joe’s quest and I would like to wish him the best of luck in the competition. I would ask everyone to show their support by picking up the phone and vote for Joe and Jake.”

 

County revises subsidised bus services

Following passenger consultations during the autumn of 2015, Denbighshire County Council says it will be revising some of its subsidised bus services with effect from February 29.

 

The principal changes are:

 

Ruthin-Mold-Chester (services 1/X1/2)

The service to Chester operates earlier from Ruthin, at 0930 and depart later from Chester, at 1420. During the consultation, passengers told us that they would welcome more time in Chester. There are also changes to the pattern of service for Llanarmon yn Iâl, Eryrys, Maeshafn and Llanferres and intending passengers should check Denbighshire’s website for details.

 

Denbigh-Ruthin-Corwen (service 55)

Following a range of passenger comments during the consultation, we have reintroduced some through journeys across Corwen to Llangollen & Wrexham. As a result, there will now be fewer journeys from Corwen/Ruthin in the Denbigh direction. Many times have changed and passengers are asked to check Denbighshire’s website for details.

 

Rhyl-Denbigh-Ruthin-Wrexham (services X50/X52)

There will be minor changes to evening journeys. The daytime service is will also see some changes, especially between Denbigh and Ruthin during off-peak periods.

 

Denbigh Town Service/Denbigh-Henllan-Llannefydd (service 66)

There are only minor changes to the timetable within Denbighshire but passengers for Llannefydd in particular should note important alterations. The service will be operated by GHA Coaches.

 

Denbigh-Llandyrnog-Ruthin-Graigfechan (service 76)

Minor changes only.

 

* Passengers will shortly be able to view new timetables online at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/travel or they are welcome to contact the County Council by phone on 01824 706964 to find out more information.

County supports contract bids by local firms

Denbighshire Council is aiming to be a major driver for local economic development by working proactively with local suppliers and businesses to support them with bids to win contracts with the council.

 

As part of its new procurement strategy, the council is aiming to ensure local businesses are aware of any opportunities to sell to the council and are capable of submitting high quality bids for the opportunities that arise.

 

In 2014/15, £32 million was spent with Denbighshire based businesses, around 31% of council spend. 52% of council spend was with businesses in North Wales.

 

Cabinet Lead Member for Finance, Julian Thompson-Hill said: "We are committed to trying to ensure that local businesses in Denbighshire are equipped to tender for contracts with the Council and can navigate their way through our procurement processes.

 

‘"These are challenging economic times but we want to see Denbighshire businesses grow and develop and we want to continue to create opportunities to sell to the council and also win business from the council.

 

"We are proud that over 30% of our procurement activity is already spent with businesses in Denbighshire and we hope our new procurement strategy takes us a step forward to increasing this even further."

 

Parking measures on A5 given priority, says AM

* Ken Skates AM outside Stan's on the A5. 

The Welsh Government has confirmed that parking restrictions on the A5 in Llangollen have been prioritised.

Assembly Member Ken Skates has welcomed the confirmation that the Welsh Labour Government intends to introduce double yellow lines to stop nuisance parking opposite Stans of Llangollen on Berwyn Street.

Mr Skates, who is based in the town, said parked cars opposite the garage caused an obstruction, particularly for older pedestrians trying to cross the road.

“I’m pleased that the Welsh Labour Government has reiterated its plans for parking restrictions opposite Stans,” said Mr Skates, who raised the issue last year.

“Transport Minister Edwina Hart said in January last year that the work would be put forward for funding, and she has now confirmed it is a priority. I thank the Welsh Labour Government for its support and for listening to my concerns and those of my constituents in Llangollen.”

In her response to Mr Skates, the Minister said: “We are progressing the order to implement the requested parking restrictions within the town centre. My officials have assured me that this is a priority and they are working to implement the works as soon as possible, subject to any public objections.

"The resurfacing works in Llangollen, including a length of carriageway to the west of the town, started on January 26 and will last approximately six weeks. Due to Wales and West Utilities’ intention to renew a length of cast iron gas main located within the carriageway, it will not be possible to resurface the section between Market Street and the 30mph signs to the west of the town. This work will be undertaken after the gas main has been renewed."