Police boss says force faces £2.1m funding cut

A police boss has accused the Government of trying to con the public with its claims of a £450 million boost to police funding – with the North Wales force facing a real terms cut of £2.1 million.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones (pictured) says the standstill budget imposed on forces across the country instead amounts to a three per cent cut because of inflation.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector himself, said that £270 million of the £450 million claimed increase was accounted for by the Government allowing forces across the country to levy higher precepts on Council Tax payers.

The remaining £180 million is accounted for by the Home Office increasing central allocations, or top-slicing, by approximately £130m to £945m the cash which supports programmes such as digital technology; armed officers; and bodies such as the Independent Police Complaints Commission and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary as well as an extra £50m for counter-terrorism.

According to Mr Jones, the latest financial blow comes on top of the 20 per cent North Wales Police has had axed from its budget since 2012.

He said: “The fact is that although we are not seeing our central funding cut as it has been for the past seven years, we aren’t seeing it increased either and at a time of inflation that amounts to a real terms cut.”

North Wales Police will see it central funding frozen at last year’s level of £71.7 million and Mr Jones added: “When you take into account inflation that means a £2.1 million real terms cut.

“This is the first year since 2010/11 that the government grant has not been cut and although the provisional settlement is not as bad as I feared it might be, it does not reflect that the force is now spending almost £30m per year less than if these cuts had not been imposed.

“I am also disappointed that although the government has approved an additional one per cent pay increase for our hard-working police officers, no additional funding is forthcoming to meet this cost.

“That means we now face hard decisions on whether to implement further cuts in order to fund the pay rise or to increase Council Tax by up to £12 per property which of course hits our hard-pressed constituents.

“At the same time we have to set priorities, identify emerging needs and ensure that North Wales Police is able to attract the highest calibre candidates.

“We live in challenging times and that is true of policing as well as other areas of society.

“The level of the precept is crucial to the effectiveness of the force in keeping North Wales a safe place to live, work and visit and setting it is one of my principal responsibilities.

“Policing budgets have been under pressure for a number of years and this will certainly continue to be the case with over £7 million in cuts to the budget due by 2020.

“I hold regular discussions with the Chief Constable about his plans and the level of budget he requires to implement those plans, in line with my own Police and Crime Plan and its priorities.”

“Those priorities include the concentrating resources on harm reduction in relation to the most vulnerable people, while at the same time there is increased reporting of domestic violence because of more sympathetic and improved responses to such complaints and the return of modern slavery to the agenda.2

Mr Jones added: “Policing is under great pressure from new demands being placed upon it – who would have thought that the majority of crime in North Wales is now being committed online rather than on the street.

“Despite these increased demands there remains uncertainty over what North Wales Police will receive in the years to come but the need to meet these spending challenges has to be balanced by the recognition that many people find it difficult to find even a small amount of additional money.”

Travellers tuck into railway's Mince Pie Specials

The festive season continues at Llangollen Railway with the beginning of the season for the Mince Pie Specials trains running from Boxing Day.

Trains between Llangollen and Carrog offered visitors a ride along the Dee Valley with mince pies and festive drink being served for adults and chocie bar and fruit drink for children.

On a blue sky day, it was a chance to see the wintry Welsh countryside at its best and perhaps enjoy various walks from the local stations.

Trains continue until Friday, when the weekend offers a special timetable of frequent trains during the Winter Warmer gala.

Merry Christmas to all our readers

Facelift planned for Llan council homes

The start of 2018 will make an exciting chapter for 100 council homes in Llangollen, Ruthin and Rhyl as a major improvements programme is due to get underway.

The work to improve the homes includes roofing, replacement windows, doors and fascias, together with widespread refurbishment of brickwork and rendering.

Residents can stay in their properties whilst the work takes place, to avoid any inconvenience.

The Council has commissioned Torus Property Solutions to carry out the works.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: “This is an exciting time for residents in these properties as they will benefit from the work

“This project is one part of a much wider programme of investment in our properties across the county.  We want our residents to live in high quality and safe accommodation which is also better insulated and we firmly believe that investing in the properties will improve the quality of life for individuals and families.

“We look forward to seeing the work progress in the New Year and I’m sure that the residents will be delighted with the end result."

Torus Property Solutions director, Wayne Booth, said: “We are thrilled to have won this significant work for Denbighshire County Council and can’t wait to get started.

“Work like this doesn’t just transform homes, it helps revitalise estates and improve the wellbeing of residents. We’re proud to be a part of it.”

Work on the mix of flats, detached and semi-detached homes, terraced houses and bungalows is expected to begin on January 8.

What bus changes mean to local passengers

* People going to Llangollen Railway

are affected by the D Jones bus situation.

The cessation of trading by D Jones reduces the Wrexham/Llangollen bus service to a 40 minutes frequency by Arriva Cymru.

This has implications for people arriving by train at Ruabon and Llangollen Railway has posted the following Facebook message which has been appreciated by visitors.

"Information regarding the change in Bus Services to Llangollen:

"Visitors coming by train to Ruabon for buses to Llangollen should be aware D Jones & Son, which operated route 5 Wrexham to Llangollen, has ceased trading w.e.f 17/12/17.

"Onward journeys to Llangollen will need to be by Arriva Cymru route 5 which does not call at Ruabon station. Travellers must walk down Station Road to board the Arriva bus in Bridge St for what is a 40 minute frequency service. 

"The two-hourly T3 Traws Cymru bus will continue to call at the station but with poor times for train connections.

"Awareness of this change will save those who don't know the local circumstances a frustrating wait outside the station when the former 20 minute service doesn't appear."

Chat show slot in Llan's Snow White panto

* The chat show scene in this year's Llan panto.

A tabloid style TV chat show will attempt to heal the rift between Snow White and her evil step-mother as part of this year’s Llangollen Pantomime.

The modern twist on the traditional story of Snow White will bring the fairy tale character to the sofa of The Christopher Cornmill Show, in an episode entitled My stepmother tried to kill me.

It’s all part of the 35^th annual pantomime produced by a cast of 30 young people and adults from the town, taking place at Llangollen Pavilion from January 18-22. 

The debut director of this year’s production, Justine Bradey, from Llangollen, said: “The TV sketch at the end of the show is inspired by day time TV and will add an extra dimension to this year’s production.

“It’s all family friendly and one of a number of twists in the story.  Our Snow White is a much feistier character than the traditional story and Girl Power wins the day. 

"But it will still feel like a good old-fashioned pantomime with Nanny Nik-Nak as the dame, Prince Rupert in tights and the wicked queen, Evelyn. 

“All the cast and crew are working really hard to make this an unforgettable production.”

As part of this year’s show, a local documentary maker Joe Pemberton is producing a film on the Making of Snow White. 

Joe, from Acrefair, is filming rehearsals and will put together a behind the scenes movie.  He will also film the entire pantomime, creating a memento for all involved.

The music in this year’s pantomime will be performed by a six-piece live band. 

The songs span the decades with the Beatles, Queen, Wham and a specially written lyric for the Gloria Gaynor classic  I will Survive.

There are two matinee performances, on Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets are available from  Jades Hair, Gwyn Butcher's  and online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/llangollenpanto 

* Celyn Orton-Jones plays Snow White.

Nature presenter backs community garden campaign

* Community gardeners gather on their plot during the recent snow.

Nature presenter Iolo Williams has added his voice to those opposed to the closure of Llangollen Community garden.

The garden has been threatened by a deal between a developer and the landowner, Denbighshire County council. 

Iolo is one of Wales’ most renowned naturalists and wildlife presenters. He has worked in conservation for over 30 years and has presented many nature and wildlife series for the BBC and S4C.  

He said: “Resources such as this play a vital role in local communities and can engender a lifelong passion for gardening and wildlife. Indeed my own passion was encouraged by my grandfather who took me to work with him in a local community garden.

"In these times when mental health and weight issues are becoming an increasing problem, community gardens have an important role to play and it would be a travesty if the garden at Llangollen was closed.” 

Last month Denbighshire County Council’s Asset Management Group decided to gift the 0.5-acre plot for housing on the basis that the developer will carry out works to nearby Plas Newydd.

Founders of the garden, which was established in 2012, say they received just four days’ notice ahead of the decision, which is due to be ratified on January 11. 

Garden campaigners claim that following the initial decision in November it has now emerged that the land was originally bought by Denbighshire County Council in order to enhance and protect the neighbouring heritage attraction, Plas Newydd. The initial purchase was majority funded by the Heritage Lottery fund, they say. 

Gardener Warren Davies said: “We have worked hard to create a community resource which is open to all, at no cost to the council, but it seems the council is willing to destroy that.”  

Amid claims by Denbighshire council that an alternative site had been turned down, Mr Davies said: “Another site has been mentioned, but it is in private ownership and has not been negotiated by the council, or formalised in any way. It also appears to be one tenth of the size of the current garden." 

The community garden is free to attend and open to all, and grows fruit and vegetables as well as developing wildflower areas and nature habitats. 

The garden regularly hosts free events such as storytelling evenings, visits from local children's groups, Welsh language sessions, and bonfires. 

The community garden group have set up a petition on their website which so far over 300 people have signed, and has more information about the group on Facebook. 

* Denbighshire County Council told llanblogger in response to its last story on the garden:  

“The council has also committed to providing a revised report for the next meeting of the Asset Management Group in January, when this group will review the decision made at the November meeting, reflecting on the additional information and supporting documentation provided by the Community Garden."

The council said yesterday that it doesn't wish to add to this comment.