Police urge bikers to stay safe this weekend

The Chief Constable of North Wales has been out on patrol on the region’s roads urging motorcyclists to stay safe.

Mark Polin (pictured) was out on a police motorbike as part of the force’s ongoing campaign to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads of North Wales.

Operation Darwen, a force-wide campaign which runs from Easter through until early autumn, will continue over the forthcoming bank holiday weekend, whereby officers will target accident hotspots and crackdown on the Fatal 5 offences – which includes dangerous driving and speeding.

So far during 2016 (1^st January – August 17^th) there have been 47 KSI (killed seriously injured) collisions involving all motorists on the roads of North Wales compared to 51 during the whole of 2015. So far this year four motorcyclists have been killed compared to two during the same period in 2015.

Some of the high speeds involving motorcyclists recorded by officers from the Roads Policing Unit include 109mph on the A5 at Dinmael in Corwen, and a 105mph on the A470 at Maenan, Llanrwst. Both face a court appearance.

The campaign also sees officers from GoSafe, the all Wales casualty reduction partnership being deployed on routes looking at all motorists.  Some of the highest speeds recorded by GoSafe being 104 and 109mph.  During May alone 60 NIP (Notice of Intended Prosecution) letters were sent out to motorcyclists.

The Chief Constable said: “As a passionate biker myself I am proud to offer my full backing for Operation Darwen.

"We are committed to keeping people safe on the roads and our message is clear - we want people to enjoy the freedom of the road but to do so safely and responsibly. Anyone who chooses to ignore the safety message will be dealt with robustly.

“All too often police and our partners in the other emergency services are called to serious and fatal road traffic collisions across North Wales. Staying safe on the road applies to every single one of us, whether we have two or four wheels on our vehicle. I would urge riders and drivers to think about their behaviour and what changes they could make to improve their own safety and that of other road users. Positive action will be taken against those who flout the law.”

The priority routes that police patrol include the A494 between Dolgellau and Bala, the A525 from Ruthin to Bwlchgwyn, the A525/A539 Ruabon, Overton and Redbrook, the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Corwen, the A543 between Denbigh and Pentrefoelas and the A5104/A494 Bryneglwys to Corwen. The route known as the ‘EVO Traingle’ is also patrolled which incorporates the A483, A5 and the B4501.

Over a five year period between 2011 and 2015, 118 motorcyclists have been killed on the priority routes.

Chief Inspector Darren Wareing from the Force’s Roads Policing Unit said: “August bank holiday is traditionally one of the busiest times for motorcyclists.

“We have done a lot of analytical work over the years – this isn’t about us simply targeting bikers for the sake of it. Statistics are telling us that those who are involved in collisions are men aged in their 40’s and 50’s – sometimes a little bit older, who come off their bike on either a weekend or on a Wednesday between midday and 5pm. Their fatigue then gets the better of them on a right-hand or left-hand bend.

“Whilst the vast majority of motorists drive or ride appropriately, some choose to use the roads as a racetrack, committing serious breaches of road safety legislation, such as speeding and driving or riding dangerously thereby putting themselves and other road users at risk of death or life changing injury.”

He added: “Our message is two-fold – we are simply asking bikers to enjoy our beautiful region safely and abide by the law. And secondly we are urging other road users to be mindful of the possible increase of bikes on the roads this weekend, be aware of their vulnerability and take extra care to look out for them.”

Bikers are also being urged to ensure they are wearing the correct protective equipment when riding, even during the warm weather. Tyres should always be checked as worn or under inflated tyres haven previously been a common theme during collisions.

Chief Inspector Wareing added: “Motorists should be mindful that we will use all available tactics to us – and that includes unmarked vehicles. Over recent months we have also caught other road users driving at inappropriate speeds and these are all being dealt with accordingly.

“So far this year we’ve had four fatal collisions involving motorcycles therefore we are urging all road users to stay safe on the roads and take extra care.

“Reducing casualties remains one of our top priorities and Operation Darwen is one of the many campaigns and initiatives that we run throughout the year targeting high-risk road users. It is not about alienating the motorcycling community – it is about education and enforcement.

“We will continue to target, with a view to prosecution, all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences. Please heed the warning.”

Throughout the campaign BikeSafe representatives have been out speaking to riders at various events and locations across the region promoting the *free workshops.  To book a space on a workshop please visit their website via www.bikesafe.co.uk

Social media users can follow the campaign via the #OpDarwen and #RideSafely hashtags.
Note: *Bikesafe workshops are subject to a booking fee.

Meeting will consider Town Square plan

The Town Council is holding a Community Cafe event on Saturday September 24 at Llangollen Town Hall. 

The event will be a drop in session from 11am-3pm.

Proposals for the creation of a new “Town Square” based around the War Memorial will be on display for consideration and comment.

Town clerk Gareth Thomas said: "Representatives of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod will also be in attendance as they see that it is an ideal opportunity for their team to engage with the town.

"It is also hoped that Ken Skates AM and Susan Elan Jones MP, will attend as they have for previous café sessions.  

"Please come and have a coffee, put your ideas and concerns on the table and try to find a workable solution to move these plans forward.  Don't miss out on your chance to help plan for the future of the town."
 
* For more information, contact the town clerk, Gareth Thomas, on 01978 861345, or email:   llangollentc@btconnect.com

More record GCSE results at Ysgol Dinas Bran

* Amelia Keen with her results.  

* Connor Stalham.

* David Linder and Marius Hylka.

* Lewis Hitchen and Chloe Lewis

* Liam Jones and Nicole Hughes.

Year 11 students at Ysgol Dinas Bran celebrated another year of record-breaking results today.

An incredible 70% of students achieved the benchmark level 2+ of five GCSEs at A*-C including English and maths, topping last year’s record by 1%.

This result is well above local and national averages.

In addition, 97% of students also achieved level 2 (five A*-C grades),  78% achieved a C grade or better in English while nearly three-quarters achieved a C grade in maths – another record for the school. 

Over a third of all grades awarded in history, media, biology, chemistry and physics were at A* or A.

Among a range of excellent performance a number of students performed particularly well. 

Connor Stalham (from Corwen) achieved an outstanding eight A* and three A grades, with a distinction in Additional Maths. 

His results are matched by those of Julian Gonzalez (from Corwen) who achieved the same grades.

Julian, who is 16, took his GCSEs a year early, has recently taken AS exams and already achieved an A grade in maths at A level. 

Other students who performed at the highest level were:

Bethany Carol* (Llangollen)  seven A* grades, three A grades and a distinction in Further Maths

Mille Harrison (Chirk)   five A* grades, four A grades and a distinction in Further Maths

Carys Stallard*  (Llangollen)  five A grades, four A grades, one B grade

Barra Liddy* (Corwen)   four A* grades, six A grades two B grades and a distinction in Further Maths

Amelia Keen (Llanarmon DC)   four A* grades, five A grades, two B grades and a distinction in Further Maths

Emily Larwood* (Garth)  two A* grades,  six A grades, three B grades and a Merit in further Maths
Mae Morgan* (Corwen/Llandrillo) three A* grades, five A grade four B grades and a Merit in Further Maths 

Ryan Williams (Trevor)  two A* grades, eight A grades, one B grade

Bethany, Carys, Millie, Barra, Mae and Emily all sat their exams a year early at the age of 15 and now taking AS levels at the school.

Martyn Froggett, headteacher, said: “We are delighted for the students.  Not only have the results beaten last year’s record but are beyond our expectations.  It is a terrific achievement.  We look forward to seeing many of the students back in our Sixth Form in September.  Great praise to the staff who have supported, encouraged and helped them to achieve these tremendous results.”

Pupils across Denbighshire are celebrating excellent examination results this year, says the county council. 

Early indications show that approximately 66.2% of students have achieved 5 A* - C grades which is in line with the national figures for Wales and England.

Approximately 61% of pupils have achieved 5A* - C including English/Welsh and Mathematics which continues a trend of improvement. 

Overall, early indications show that achievement in Denbighshire this year reflects the national picture.  There have been some outstanding personal successes.

Councillor Eryl Williams, Cabinet Lead Member for Lifelong Learning, said: “These results are very pleasing and I would like to congratulate all the students who have achieved the grades needed to further their education.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the county’s schools for their tireless efforts in preparing students for their examinations.  The results speak volumes about the commitment and de dication of all those involved."

Final push for dementia charity challenge

Help me in my final push for cash!

* Linda Robson speaks about dementia on ITV's Lorraine Show.

llanblogger is joining TV's Linda Robson in helping to raise money for vital research into dementia.

Both Phil Robinson and the star of Birds of a Feather and Loose Women are taking part in the Alzheimer’s Society 2016 Memory Walk - albeit not in the same place.

Linda, who is a long-time supporter of the charity, helped to spread the word about dementia on ITV’s Lorraine Show recently and revealed she is joining in the Memory Walk in London to help raise awareness and funds to support people affected by dementia as her mother, Rita, had the condition. 

* Phil ready for his charity walk.

Phil will be remembering a number of members of his family who suffered from dementia when he takes part in the Cheshire Memory Walk at Delamere Forest on Saturday September 24.

He said: “Every year in the UK a staggering 225,000 people develop dementia – that’s equivalent to one person every three minutes.

“So I’ve decided to do my bit to help by taking part in the Memory Walk, which sees thousands of people raising money for a world without dementia across Wales, England and Northern Ireland.

“People of all ages and abilities join in, from grandparents to grandchildren, and even furry four-legged friends.

“They all walk together to celebrate loved ones affected by dementia, and raise money to reclaim the future.”

He added:  “As it’s closest to Llangollen I’ll be joining the Cheshire Memory Walk, which has a choice of two routes - 3.5km or 6k – and I’m doing the 6k route through the forest's woodland paths and around Blakemere Lake. Just £50 can help a PhD researcher to continue research into the causes of dementia, how it can be treated and, ultimately, to find a cure. 

“I’m aiming to raise at least £150 for this very good cause, so I’m hoping that as many people as possible will sponsor me on the walk.

"I'm grateful to have received a number of donations so far but I just need a final push to help me to hit my target figure."

* To sponsor Phil, visit his Justgiving page, which can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Philip-Robinson8

Talking Points event planned for Town Hall

A special event is taking place in Llangollen early next month to celebrate the success of the Talking Points sessions in Denbighshire.

Introduced last April, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act is a new law that aims to radically transform the way social services are delivered in Wales to meet the needs of individuals and make services sustainable for the future.

The Act proposes to give people a stronger voice and real control over the support they need to remove barriers to their wellbeing. It focuses on earlier intervention; increasing preventative services within the community and helping people maintain their independence.  

To help people to do this they need easy access to information and advice about what is available in their area.

In Denbighshire, Talking Points have been set up by staff in Community Support Services (incorporating social care for adults) to offer people a different way to find out what help might be available in their community to support their health and well-being. 

Working with partner organisations we aim to respond faster and in a more personally tailored way to people, rather than a more traditional ‘one size fits all’ approach. 

Under this new model, if citizens are able to visit their GP they will be expected, in general, to attend a Talking Points rather than be visited at home.

At Talking Points the citizens of Denbighshire have an opportunity to meet with someone who is knowledgeable about social care issues.  They will be able to find out what is going on in their area in a convenient, appropriate and welcoming venue and talk about the well-being outcomes they desire for themselves or others.

The focus will be to find out what is important to them so that they can live the life they choose in a safe and secure environment. 

One of the celebration events will take place at Llangollen Town Hall on Tuesday, September 13, from 10am-3pm. Refreshments will be available.

To book a place at either of these sessions, contact Jason Haycocks the Talking Point Coordinator on 07733 111392  or e-mail: jason.haycocks@denbighshire.gov.uk

Missing male found after three-hour search

This message was posted on Twitter about 7.30pm tonight (Tuesday):

North Wales Police ‏@NWPolice 1h1 hour ago
                         

Officers are searching for a male in the @Llangollen area with Fire service. Please #CALL101 if seen. Ref:U127156 (Description to follow)

UPDATE

Just before 9pm this was Tweeted by Llangollen Fire Station:

Llangollen Fire ‏@Llangollenfire 48m48 minutes ago

17.14 water rescue level 2 at horse shoe falls Llangollen. After 3 hours of searching 1 male found safe and well.    

Commissioner vows to tackle sexting problem

* Arfon Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for

North Wales Police, with Karen Reed from the victim help centre.

Boys and girls as young as eight years of age in North Wales are sexting - especially during the summer holidays when they have more time on their hands.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones heard that youngsters sending and receiving sexually explicit messages via apps like Snapchat or Instagram on their mobile phones is a growing problem.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, was also told there's also evidence the youngsters are being targeted by online paedophiles seeking to groom them.

The news was revealed to the commissioner during a briefing at the Victim Help Centre which opened in July last year.

Since then the centre has handled the cases of more than 18,000 victims of all sorts of crimes.

The one-stop-shop for victims covers the whole of North Wales and is based at divisional police HQ in St Asaph.

It brings together the support services of North Wales Police, the Witness Care Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the former Victim Support organisation.

Each victim receives a response specifically tailored to their situation and the centre employs specialists in mental health and hate crime.

About 9,700 people were identified as vulnerable or repeat victims and have gone on to benefit from an enhanced support package.

The centre has now launched an appeal to find up to 25 new volunteers to work with them across North Wales.

Victim help officer Karen Reed said: “We’ve has some cases of children who have experienced sexting who are under 10 years old, as young as eight or nine years old. It doesn’t seem to discriminate between boys or girls really.

"Young people have access to mobile phones from a very young age, and especially now, a time like summer holidays when children are out and about playing with their friends.

"The children will send photographs of various pictures to each other. They’ll be pornographic, explicit photographs - sometimes of themselves, sometimes they’re sharing photographs that have maybe been passed on to them from various sources.

"I think it would be very difficult to say that there are many children now who haven’t been touched by this type of crime. That’s my experience of it here anyway.

"They may have the technological skills, however they obviously haven’t got the maturity to be able to deal with that.

"What we will do is we will directly support the parents in order to help them keep their children safe really.

“Parents incredibly concerned and they want to know if it is a matter exchanging photographs or if it has been a case of grooming."

According to Karen, adults, particularly young men between 18 and 30, were also falling victim to online blackmailers.

She added: "They have all the access to the latest technology but they are falling victim to crimes, in particular exchanging photographs and videos.

"What happens then is the person they think they’re actually exchanging and talking with is not the person who they think it is and then there will be demands and menaces for money and blackmail. That is happening in North Wales -anecdotally I’d say we’re having those sorts of reports weekly.

The team of a dozen highly-trained staff and 35 outreach volunteers at the centre is managed by Julie Elliott who previously worked for the Childline charity set up by TV presenter Esther Ranzen.

She was proud a survey had shown that 90 per cent of the victims who took part were satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received from the team.

Julie said: "Being a victim of crime can impact people in many ways and there are many reasons why people don’t necessarily go to the police in the first instance.

"I think having service where the person can reach out to talk about what happened in a confidential space is really crucial.

"We encounter all kinds of crimes, everything from theft, assault, burglary, sexual offences and harassment. We’re making a difference, and that’s what we want to continue doing.

“We do need more volunteers. We’re looking for people who are reliable, who are available to train and can meet the victims face to face, and listen to them and support them through whatever it is."

Arfon Jones said: "The Victim Help Centre is providing an absolutely vital service, giving much needed support to those who have unfortunately been on the receiving end of a whole range of crimes.

“I'm glad to say that North Wales is a safe place to live and we have a very low crime rate but we do still have victims and the impact crime has upon them can be profound.

"Looking after the needs of victims is a major priority for me and the issue will be front and centre in my Police and Crime Plan which provides a blueprint for the policing of North Wales.

"The sheer volume of cases dealt with by the centre is a clear illustration of how much this service is needed and they are making a real difference.

"The centre is also geared up to deal with the new problems caused by the changing face of society.

"Sexting by children is a relatively new and worrying phenomenon and one that we must confront and tackle.

"It is important that we educate youngsters about the perils of this dangerous practice and that we provide and their concerned parents with support to deal with the situation.

"At the same predatory paedophiles are becoming increasingly sophisticated so it is vitally important children and parents are alerted the threats they pose.

"Technological advances have brought great benefits to society but at the

same time they have increased risk and the scope for wrongdoing, so we must be vigilant."

The victim help service is available from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays. It can be contacted by Freephone on 0300 3030159, by email at: northwales.helpcentre@victimsupport.org.uk, or via the websites www.victimhelpcentrenorthwales.org.uk or www.canolfangymorthiddioddefwyrgogleddcymru.org.uk