FoE measures Llan traffic pollution levels

* FoE's findings for Llangollen.

Traffic pollution levels in parts of Llangollen are comparable to those found in major cities, according to environmental champions.  

In one location pollution is close to the legal limit, potentially putting at risk the health of residents, claims Friends of Earth's local group.

In January this year the group deployed five Nitrogen Dioxide measuring kits to measure this pollution for three weeks and they say the results were surprising.

The European Union has set a legal average annual limit for NO2 at 40µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic metre). But even at low levels, short term and long term exposure to NO2 can have significant negative health effects.

FoE says one of the measurement sites was found to be very close to the 40µg/m3 limit and that the levels displayed in Llangollen, especially those on the A539 Mill Street and by the A5/Castle Street traffic lights are comparable to those found in certain locations in major cities, such as Chester, the outskirts of Liverpool, Walsall and the dockland area of Cardiff.

* The table of results.

Group member Warren Davies said: "These readings were taken during January and February when the traffic is pretty quiet. If the rest of the year was taken into account, the average values could be much higher.

"There is a lot of talk about reducing emissions in London and in cities, but localised air pollution in our towns can be just as unhealthy.”

Nationally, outdoor air pollution is responsible for 40,000 premature deaths a year in the UK, according to the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

NO2 is associated with vehicle traffic. Nationally Friends of the Earth is calling for restrictions of the dirtiest vehicles.

Locally, Llangollen & District Friends of the Earth are calling on local decision makers to consider their findings and to invest in schemes locally to reduce emissions by encouraging walking and cycling, and discouraging traffic-generating developments.

Long load passes through town

Traffic along the A5 in Llangollen was briefly held up around 11am this morning (Monday) to allow an abnormal load to pass through under police escort.

The load is believed to have been on route from Ruabon to Clocaenog. 

2017 Fringe festival programme unveiled

* Wilko Johnson (by Paul Crowther).

A disused factory could get all lit up to help illuminate this year’s 20^th anniversary Llangollen Fringe.

Professor Alec Shipley, head of the School of Creative Arts and professor of Contemporary Art Practice at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, has a special project in mind to mark the landmark occasion which means using the old Berwyn Works on the A5 through Llangollen as the base for a spectacular light show.

Prof Shipley was a guest at last Friday’s official launch of the festival at the White Water Hotel and explained that he was currently thinking of ways to create a light show based on the derelict building as a way of celebrating the Fringe’s anniversary.

He said: “I see the building as a kind of lantern and I’m looking at how to light it in a certain way.”

The professor told a large audience he also had in mind marking 20 years of the Fringe by staging another light show outside the Town Hall in Castle Street.

“I like to work with people, light and space and I have an idea of asking people to donate old teacups and saucers which could be turned into some sort of light fitting outside the Town Hall, perhaps a chandelier,” he added.

Highlights of the festival programme, which runs from July 13-23, include appearances by:

* CC Smugglers, a Bedfordshire sextet inspired by American and world folk, swing, jazz and blues on Friday July 14

* A full day festival of acoustic music, Fringe Acoustica, on July 15.

* Prolific activist, documentary maker and comedian Mark Thomas who will talk about his book 100 Acts of Minor Dissent on Sunday July 16.

* An evening in conversation with Guardian columnist, TV chef and austerity campaigner Jack Monroe on Tuesday July 18.

* The return to the Fringe of  singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor Wilko Johnson who is particularly associated with the pub rock/rhythm and blues band Dr Feelgood in the 1970s. He will appear at the Pavilion on Wednesday July 19.

* Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman on Thursday July 20.

* Kasai Masai, who specialise in vintage grooves from their native Congo, on Friday July 21.

* Band Pres Llareggub Brass Band, who evoke the flavours of New Orleans marching bands, Bronx-inspired hip hop and Welsh language pop music, on Saturday July 22.

* The anniversary finale concert comes when folk group 9Bach present an audio visual spectacular at Valle Crucis Abbey on Sunday July 23.

Apart from the concerts a Soul Train will run on Llangollen Railway and a Fringe jazz boat will set sail along the Llangollen Canal.

Also planned are drama in town pubs, a storytelling café,  a performance by local dramatist Peter Read, famous for his portrayal of Dylan Thomas, and an art competition based at Plas Newydd echoing the Fringe 2017 theme of Legends.

Llangollen’s New Dot community cinema group has teamed up with the Fringe for a special screening of the 80s film Sing Street on Thursday July 13.

For a limited period only Earlybird festival tickets are on sale, offering £160-£180 worth of concert admissions for £70.   

* For more Fringe information and tickets, go to: http://www.llangollenfringe.co.uk

Band joins school for successful spring concert

* Llangollen Silver Band play during the concert.

* Ysgol Bryn Collen's drama group on song during the evening.

Llangollen Silver Band teamed up with the drama group from Ysgol Bryn Collen for a successful spring concert at the Methodist Church last night (Saturday).

A large audience watched the band, including many younger musicians, play a varied programme interspersed with well received songs from the children.

The band got things underway with items including the quick march Death or Glory and continued with the cornet solo Share My Yoke and the three all-action Bond themes From Russia With Love, Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice.

First set from the school performers included a powerful version of If Only You Would Listen from the musical School of Rock.

The band came back with the spirited paso doble Ampirito Roca and The Prayer, made popular as a recording by Andre Bocelli and Celine Dion, before ending the first half of the evening with Singin’ in the Rain from the hit 1950s musical film.

St Collen’s opened the second half of the concert with another strong selection including My Favourite Things from the Sound of Music, Naughty from Matilda and Tomorrow from Annie.

The band returned to wind things up in style with Simple Gifts, used as the theme from Lord of the Dance, music from Cinema Paradiso and their own memorable version of the 1960s Richard Harris hit MacArthur Park.  

Proceeds from a collection taken at the end of the night were split equally between the band and the school before church members served refreshments.

Railway launches Big Push share brochure

* Work goes ahead on the Corwen project. Pictures by George Jones.

Llangollen Railway yesterday (Friday) hosted a visit by Clwyd South MP Susan Elan Jones MP on the occasion of the launch of the Corwen The Big Push share brochure.

During the course of the train journey she was reminded of the huge volunteer effort over the past 40 years to rebuild Llangollen Railway.

On arrival at Ms Jones was escorted around the site by project manager Richard Dixon Gough.

Richard explained the work that had been completed to date, which has been done in the main by volunteer effort, and the construction that is still required to complete the terminal station.

* Susan Elan Jones MP with railway officials.

The Corwen Central project was costed at approximately £500,000 of which Llangollen Railway anticipate some assistance from The Welsh Government European Development Fund.

The remaining funds will come from share purchases and donations. Yesterday's promotion was to showcase the project so far and encourage people to make a donation or purchase shares.
The spring 2017 share brochure is available on request from Llangollen Railway office.

Ms Jones said: ‘I am most impressed with the progress that has been made since my last visit in 2016 and the effort of all the volunteers who have been involved in this project.

"I note that for work to continue financial support is imperative an essential part of this support is the launch of the share brochure to encourage much needed funds."

Llangollen railway chairman Peter Lund said: ‘We are very grateful for Susan Elan Jones visiting the Corwen site today.

"Completion of this project in time for the 2018 season is wholly dependent on financial support from share purchases and donations."

County offers help to traders with rate revaluation

Denbighshire County Council is helping traders find the right support following the business rate revaluation.

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

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

The council will be applying any relief schemes automatically to businesses’ bills where possible as well as informing them of the help available.

Rebecca Maxwell, Denbighshire’s Corporate Director of Economic & Community Ambition, said: “Because 2017 is a revaluation year some businesses may see a large increase or reduction in their rateable value from their current valuation. In other cases the values will be broadly static.

“Denbighshire County Council is automatically applying rate relief where it is able to and publishing details on our website and social media for businesses, informing them of what schemes are available.

“It is vital businesses check to see if they may be eligible for a relief scheme and we would encourage any businesses who feel they are, to contact us for help and advice.”

Support from the Welsh Government includes Small Business Rates Relief, which offers a 100 per cent discount for businesses with a Rateable Value below £6,000 and a reducing tapered relief up to £12,000 as well as a Transitional Relief scheme to help protect small businesses from the impact of the revaluation.

A High Street Retail Relief scheme designed to help qualifying high street retailers where the business has had a significant increase in their bill is also available.

Denbighshire County Council collects business rates on behalf on the Welsh Government and then returns the funds to them.

The council does not set the rates, the rateable value is assessed by the Valuation Office Agency, which is part of HM Revenue and Customs and Welsh Government sets the multiplier on which business rate bills are based. 

* If you would like the council to review your eligibility for any of the relief schemes you can contact businessrates@denbighshire.gov.uk or 01824 706326 or for more information visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/business/business-rates

Time running out to join Sir Bryn Terfel on stage

Time is running out for a talented boy soprano or treble to apply for the chance to perform with Sir Bryn Terfel on stage at this year’s Llangollen Eisteddfod. 

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will see the successful boy soprano or treble join the cast of the classic opera, Tosca, in the role of Shepherd Boy, completing the star studded line-up which includes world renowned soprano Kristine Opolais (pictured) and the powerful tenor, Kristian Benedikt.

The concert on Tuesday, July 4, is being sponsored by the arts-loving care organisation Pendine Park and will help celebrate the festival's 70th anniversary.


The deadline for submissions for those wanting to apply for the role  of Shepherd Boy is Saturday, April 8, and the open auditions to find the Shepherd Boy will be held at the Royal International Pavilion on Saturday, April 29. 

Applicants will be asked to perform two individual pieces – ‘I give you sighs’ from Tosca, Act 3 and another of their own choosing. 

According to the organisers, Tosca will be one of the main highlights of a week which will also see audiences wowed by jazz singer Gregory Porter and Welsh rock legends, the Manic Street Preachers.

On the Thursday of Eisteddfod week Pendine Park and Sir Bryn will be teaming up again as sponsors of the Voice of the Future Competition to find the world's best young singers when the finalists will be competing for the Pendine Trophy and a cheque for £6,000.

First up though is Tosca which tells a tragic tale of lust, political intrigue and murder.

The festival's music director, Eilir Owen Griffiths, said: “Being chose for the role of Shepherd Boy is an extraordinary prize and one that could potentially change the winner’s life forever.

“The opportunity to perform with artists of this calibre is not one that comes along often and should be grabbed with both hands!

“I can’t wait to see what fresh talent is unearthed in the Open Auditions and I’m certain that whoever is selected as the ‘Shepherd Boy’ will help bring this wonderful opera to life in the most beautiful way.” 

"On the night, we will be presenting an array of stellar global talent in a fantastic performance of Tosca, which sees Opolais and Terfel perform together for the first time. 

"This hugely talented duo will be reunited on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in New York for another performance of Tosca, so the Eisteddfod audience will be the first to experience this unique combination on stage.

"The sheer quality of the line-up for Tosca underscores the International Eisteddfod’s reputation for offering audiences world-class performances and the concert will deliver an unrivalled experience that is not to be missed."

Mario Kreft MBE, the owner of Pendine Park, said: "Music and the arts generally are central to everything we do so the ethos of the Llangollen Eisteddfod is close to my hear.

"This performance of Tosca truly will be  unique and will not only showcase global talent but also provide a showcase for a new generation of operatic talent.

“I’m excited to see the outcome of the open auditions and I feel sure this is going to be an extraordinarily special evening.”

* For further information or to apply to audition for the role of the Shepherd Boy, please visit: http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk/events/tuesday-evening/ and to find out how to get involved with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod or to purchase tickets for all concerts, including Llanfest, please visit: http://international-eisteddfod.co.uk