Business owners advised to check rateable values

Denbighshire County Council is urging business owners to check the new rateable value of their businesses.

Traders have been contacted about the new draft rateable value on which their business rates will be based and are being advised to contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) by its deadline of November 30 if they have any concerns.

It has been seven years since all non-domestic properties in England and Wales were revalued and the 2017 revaluation will be based upon rental levels on April 1, 2015.

The revaluation, which will come into effect on April 1 next year, will form the basis of business rate liability for the next five years.

The draft rating list, which was issued on September 30, is part of the normal process to get feedback from businesses.

Although Denbighshire County Council collects business rates, the council does not set the rates.

The rateable value is assessed by the VOA , through HM Revenue and Customs.

Rebecca Maxwell, corporate director at Denbighshire County Council, said: “Businesses will have already received a letter about their new draft rateable value and it is important they read this information.

“We are urging all businesses in Denbighshire to check their new draft rateable value online. This revaluation will have an impact on businesses for the next five years, so it is vitally important they are paying the correct rates.

“If you think your new rateable value is incorrect, contact the Valuation Office Agency as soon as possible.

“Once the new rateable values come into effect on April 1, 2017, businesses will be able to make an appeal, but we would first urge businesses to contact the VOA before November 30 with any concerns.”

Leader of Denbighshire, councillor Hugh Evans, said: “Concerns have been raised with us by a number of businesses over gaps in information around how the process of rate revaluation has been undertaken in Denbighshire.

“I am seeking clarification on the extent to which calculations are based on individual business circumstances and how these are evaluated without direct engagement with all businesses in the county.

“As a proactive, business friendly council we are committed to making sure there is a level playing field for all our businesses.

“We understand periodic revaluations are necessary but we are looking for reassurance about how the process has been carried out and that there isn’t a disproportionate impact on Denbighshire businesses.

“A clear understanding of the process of arriving at final rateable values would help us do this.”

The Welsh Government is consulting on proposals for a Transitional Relief Scheme aimed at helping businesses currently receiving Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) and whose rateable value has increased.

The aim is to assist ratepayers no longer entitled to the same amount of SBRR as a result of the revaluation by gradually phasing in any increases in over a three-year period.

For more information on the revaluation or to check your draft rateable value online visit http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-rates/business-rates.aspx

Stans thanks customers for backing campaign

* Manager Steve Jones at Stans in Llangollen.

TRADERS have said a heart-felt thank you to customers who have embraced a shopping campaign.

The #LoveLiveLocal campaign encourages shoppers to show support for Denbighshire businesses by using the hashtag on Twitter and Facebook to promote good experiences they’ve had and promote products and services locally they have ‘loved’.

The Denbighshire County Council-led campaign, which aims to encourage shopping at local businesses within the county, has now been praised by businesses after its launch earlier this year.

The campaign will continue over the festive period and will include the production of a Christmas shopping video to encourage residents to shop local.

Steve Jones, 41, is manager at Stans Superstore in Llangollen, having been with the family-run business for 25 years.

He said: “I would like to thank the customers who have supported local businesses like ourselves with this campaign.

“As local businesses we can offer customers something different to national chains. We can support customers’ needs and tailor our service to them. We can provide a friendly service.  We know our customers by their first names and for some of them we might be the only person they see that day.

“#LoveLiveLocal has been a good campaign, we are happy to support it. It has helped us get our message out there.”

Leader of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “We are calling on the people of Denbighshire to continue to show support for local businesses this Christmas and show community spirit by making sure we look after our high streets.

“There are so many fantastic businesses here in Denbighshire in all sorts of areas from food and hotels, to shops selling uniquely made crafts and providers of unique services and experiences.”

To get involved with the campaign take photos of products and post them on Facebook and Twitter using the #LoveLiveLocal hashtag." 

Ambulance service issues November 5 care warning

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people to take extra care on Bonfire Night.

During the last three years the Trust has witnessed a steady increase in the number of calls it receives on November 5.

In 2013 there were 1,079 verified incidents, which increased to 1,116 in 2014 and was up even further to 1,239 last year.

Every year, the service is called to deal with firework and bonfire-related injuries through improper handling of fireworks and people taking unnecessary risks.

The Trust is asking revellers to keep a sensible head during this year’s celebrations.

Richard Lee, the Trust’s Director of Operations, said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable Bonfire Night, but we would ask you to remember the very real dangers that bonfires, fireworks and even sparklers can pose.

“If they are used in the wrong way then the consequences could be potentially fatal due to the extreme level of heat given off and the high speeds at which fireworks can travel.

“Every year our colleagues treat people both young and old for injuries as a result of firework displays, ranging from minor burns to those which could have a very real life changing impact.

“By following some simple safety tips you can help to reduce the number of calls we receive regarding Bonfire Night related injuries, making our crews available to help other members of the community facing life-threatening emergencies.”

People hosting their own event are reminded that fireworks should be kept in a closed box and used one at a time to avoid any accidents.

Follow the instructions on each firework, using a torch if necessary, and light at arm’s length wearing goggles and protective clothing. Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

Children should wear gloves with sparklers, and never wave it near someone’s face. When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away and leave it there.

In the event of an accident with fireworks or fires, here are some useful points you should follow:

·        Extinguish any flames if the casualty is alight

·        If alight, drop to the floor and roll to extinguish flames, keeping mouth and eyes closed

·        If you see someone else on fire, tell them to ‘Stop, drop and roll’

·        Use cool water (ideally cold running water) to cool the burnt area and reduce the pain

·        Do not remove any burnt clothing which has stuck to the skin

·        Do not use any creams or oils on burn injuries

·        Seek urgent medical help by calling 999 for life threatening or serious injuries, for minor injuries contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.

Youth Band foursome shine in Cheshire contest

* From left, Millie Turner, Taya Castley, Joel Brown

and Elizabeth Mwale who competed as the Llantastic Four in Sandbach.

Four talented members of Llangollen Silver Band competed in the Foden's Band Youth Contest at Sandbach School in Cheshire last Saturday.

The prestigious youth competition attracts some of the most talented young brass players from across Europe.

Representing Llangollen for the first time in the competition were Youth Band members Taya Castley (cornet), Elizabeth Mwale (euphonium), Joel Brown (baritone) and Millie Turner (cornet), all aged 14.

All four competed in the 14-16 year old quartet contest where they performed Soldier's Tale and won second place under the apt name of The Llantastic Four.

The foursome also competed in the duet competition. Taya and Elizabeth  played Pleasant Moments whilst Millie and Joel performed Lucia Di Lammermoor, finishing in fourth and fifth places respectively.

Taya also entered the solo contest and finished in a highly commendable 11th place, performing Softly Awakes My Heart. 

Llangollen Silver Band conductor, Trevor Williams, said: "We are incredibly proud of the achievements of all our young players and it is wonderful to see them competing in such a prestigious contest.

"Taya, Millie, Joel and Elizabeth are only 14 years old and, in addition to performing in the youth band, also hold key playing positions in the senior band too. My sincerest congratulations go to the four of them."

Travellers arrive on Market Street car park

* The caravans on Market Street car park.

A small group of Travellers are on the Market Street car park in Llangollen.

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: "The council has been made aware this morning of the presence of Travellers on the Market Street car park. 

"The council’s Estates team is in contact with Highways (given that it’s a public car park) to look at the circumstances and we will be  deciding on the next steps during the course of the day.

"The council would normally issue a notice, asking for the Travellers to vacate the land. If they refused, then the council would then need to go through the legal process."

Fancy touch to Christmas festival parade

Organisers say they are hoping to make this year's Llangollen Christmas Festival parade more colourful than ever by inviting youngsters to take part wearing fancy dress.

There say there will be prizes for the best costumes.

Warning over Halloween costume safety

With Halloween 2016 is fast approaching, Trading Standards across Wales are urging parents to be aware of the potential fire risk presented by children’s fancy dress costumes.

In October 2014 television presenter Claudia Winkleman’s eight-year-old daughter was severely burned after her witch costume caught fire, having been in contact allegedly with or in close proximity to a lit candle inside a pumpkin. 

Following this incident a co-ordinated survey was conducted by Trading Standards Services throughout the UK to assess the level of compliance of children’s costumes available at that time.

The safety of children’s costumes currently falls under the need to comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which is achieved through meeting the requirements of Part 2 of the Toy Safety Standard EN71.

Compliance with Toy Safety Regulations doesn’t mean that these costumes won’t catch fire as a ‘maximum allowable rate’ at which the flame can spread is defined.  Parents are advised to only purchase costumes that are CE marked and to follow the instructions and safety information carefully. 

Fancy dress costumes must be labelled with a ‘CE’ which is a declaration by the manufacturer that they comply with the Toy Safety Regulations.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire’s Public Protection Manager said: “We would encourage parents to be vigilant and aware of the potential risks associated with fancy dress costumes and fire or naked flames.

"The simple advice is to keep your children away from candles and naked flames or use an LED equivalent. Children are wearing fancy dress costumes more and more, including wigs and masks, not only during the Halloween period so follow this advice at all times. 

"Only buy costumes labelled with a ‘CE’ and report retailers to your Local Trading Standards Service if you encounter costumes that do not bear this important safety mark.”

Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire Council’s Lead Member for Public Realm, said: “The messages about highly flammable costumes are ones which we should make sure all members of our families are aware of. 

"Ensuring that safe products bought from reputable sources are the only products which enter our homes, should be seen as a priority for all families.”

* Children’s fancy dress costumes discovered without the CE mark should be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.