Review of affordale homes announced

Housing and Regeneration Minister Rebecca Evans has announced an independent review of affordable housing supply in Wales.

The review will examine whether more can be done to increase the supply of affordable housing in Wales, maximising the resources available, and will be chaired by Lynn Pamment, Cardiff Senior Partner and Government & Public Services Lead at PwC.

The review will:

• examine the scope for increasing match funding to build more affordable homes, to maximise the number of homes created by the Welsh Government’s contribution to social housing
• review the arrangements governing partnership working between local authorities and housing associations
• consider the implications of moving to deliver zero carbon homes by 2020, including the role of off-site manufacture and modern methods of construction
• review the standards governing affordable housing and advise on whether they require updating
• make recommendations regarding a sustainable rent policy that will both allow long term affordability for tenants and allow viability of existing and new housing developments.

The review will be expected to issue a report and make recommendations to the Minister by the end of April 2019.

Rebecca Evans said: “We have made a clear commitment to deliver 20,000 affordable homes during this term of Government.

“I want this review to ensure we are getting the best value for money in our investments and policy, including how we plan for a zero carbon future and the way in which the sector operates.

"We know that many more people in Wales want to access affordable housing. The sector in Wales have called on us to look at our policy, and we want to work closely with all stakeholders involved in housing supply to ensure we are building as many homes as possible."

Stuart Ropke, Chief Executive of Community Housing Cymru said: “Housing associations in Wales have ambitions to build a minimum of 75,000 affordable homes in Wales over the next twenty years – doubling the current delivery rate."

"Through the review we can establish the most effective policy environment to meet our affordable home delivery ambition and build a solid foundation for current and future generations. If we get this review right, it will be a big step towards solving the housing crisis.”

Entries flood in for Llangollen Round Challenge

* First checkpoint on a previous event.

It's just five weeks to go to the third Llangollen Round Challenge on June 2 and 3.

And organisers reckon that as entries approach the 400 mark they have no doubt it this will be the biggest event yet.  

Amongst the entrants are a family of eight from Warwick, a group of 15 from Barclays in Liverpool, along with many individuals from all over the country.  

But organisers' spokeswoman Judy Smith said: "Nevertheless, we do still have plenty more places available at the moment, so if you are considering it – act soon."

She added: "Plans for the weekend are well under way, and it takes some effort getting our heads around the requirements of over 400 walkers. How many loaves? 500 apples?  Who will bake a couple of hundred cakes?  And most importantly, how much water do we need?  

"The last one, of course, depends on the weather.  Then there are the impromptu breakfasts, and the restaurant itself, where supporters as well as walkers can get a sandwich or two.  

"It all adds up to an enormous amount of provisions, and we are very grateful for the support of Spar, Aldi, Tesco and Trent Water in this respect.

"We’re also grateful to all the volunteer helpers – around 90 of them in total, manning the Leisure Centre, checkpoints, road crossings, car parks, restaurant, and a lot more.  

"Many of them will be leaving their beds before dawn each day. It’s a great co-operative effort, but the cause makes it worthwhile.  

"This year we are really hoping to raise £50,000 for Cancer Research UK and I’m crossing my fingers as I’m writing it. We shall see ..."

The Round has a well-waymarked 33-mile circular route visiting every summit around the Vale of Llangollen. 

The Challenge uses exactly this route, but since it starts and ends at Dinas Brân School in the town, an extra stretch has been added at beginning and end, making the total distance to be covered 35 miles. 

Participants have the option of doing this in one day, the Saturday, or two, with those choosing two days being bussed back to Llangollen from the mid-point on Saturday and returned to the same place on Sunday morning.

* For more details, go to http://www.thellangollenround.info

Art exhibition set to open at the Pavilion

Llangollen Artists have their latest exhibition at the Pavilion from May 1 -June 17.

It features work by Simon Collinge, Mike Flory, Sue Hall, Carys Roberts, John Smout and, for the first time, Edward Bell and Dory who now has his studio in the former health centre on Regent Street.

 

Work progresses on Centenary Square

* Contractors at work on Centenary Square.

Work has started on the new Centenary Square scheme centred on the War Memorial and the area of land known as Royal Gardens.

Contractors are G H James Ltd, a North Wales Civil engineering and construction company established in 1985, who have worked on similar projects in Mold, Holywell, Flint and Buckley.

Cittaslow Llangollen, which is involved in the project, says on its Facebook page: "Whilst the plans have had to change very slightly, the end result will provide a high-quality multi use space in the heart of the town centre.

"The works will run for 10 weeks with a scheduled completion date of 25th June 2018."

The site, at the corner of Bridge Street and Castle Street, was acquired by the Town Council is 2010 and the preferred scheme for its development was identified by the public in 2016. 

* An artist's impression of how the finished square will look.

Choral concert in town next month

The choir Choral Variations are teaming up with Penley Madras Community Choir for a concert at the English Methodist Church in Princess Street, Llangollen on the evening of Friday May 11.

Choral Variations will be conducted by Owen M.Roberts and Alison Jarvis will conduct the Penley choir.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and admission is £5, payable at the door, or in advance from choir members. Light refreshments will be available.

* For more details, go to: choralvariations.com

Triumph for county schools soccer teams

* Denbighshire Schools’ Football Association’s Under12s.

* Denbighshire Schools’ Football Association’s Under13s.

Denbighshire Schools’ Football Association’s Under12s and Under13s teams secured top spot to quality for the Welsh Schools’ Football Association semi-finals.

The teams were unbeaten in their respective northern section leagues and qualified for the Welsh Schools’ Football Association semi-finals to be held at the Cardiff International Sports Campus in Cardiff on Thursday, April 21.

The Under12 team were unbeaten in their league scoring 32 goals and only conceding three tells the story of what a talented bunch our year 7 boys are.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Lead Member for Education, Children and Young People said:  “The Under12s quad include six that are signed by professional academies and 12 are signed by Welsh academies and of the Under13s, two are signed by a professional academy and one is currently on trial with a pro academy and all the other boys currently signed by Welsh academies.

“This goes to show the high standard of football played by our Denbighshire pupils.”

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence said: “They have done exceptionally well in their qualifying campaigns and I’d like to wish both teams well in Cardiff on Thursday.”

The Under12s will face either Swansea SFA or Bridgend SFA in the semi-finals with the Under13s facing Cardiff SFA and Vale SFA in their semi-finals.  

New date for Rotary and Inner Wheel Fete

* Cwmwd Ial re-enactors at last year's fete.

The date of the annual Rotary and Inner Wheel Garden Fete held at Plas Newydd has been
changed this year.

The new date is Saturday June 9 rather than the traditional first Saturday in June. This is to avoid a clash with the Llangollen Round Challenge on Saturday June 2 as many of the volunteers are involved in both events.

The fete will have all the usual attractions, stalls, refreshments and activities for the children.

The main arena attraction will once again be the Cwmwd Iâl re-enactors but fete organisers say this
year’s performance will be even bigger and more spectacular than last year.

Cwmwd Iâl re-enact living history and combat displays at events nationwide. They portray the people living in Wales between the 9th and 12th centuries.

Fete organisers are delighted that both Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Y Gwernant will be involved and the Brownies and Rainbows will also have their own competitions.

More details of the event will be available later.