Railway's appeal aims to bridge the Gap

* Railway volunteers line up to illustrate the width of the Gap, which is about 22 yards and of varying depth.  

Llangollen Railway Trust’s Corwen Central Railway Development project is running an appeal to fund the reinstatement of the Gap in the railway embankment outside Corwen.

With work nearing conclusion of the island platform and loop line build, the focus turns to the infamous Gap in the embankment, long seen as the big obstruction on the track bed.

Originally bulldozed through to provide alternative access to the sewage farm, the gap was further eroded in 2013 by contractors for the Corwen Flood Relief Scheme and has since provided the essential access for the road delivery of materials for the project.

Recently it offered the only route for the water tank and signal box cabin to be brought in for installation on site.

Early this year the project team will be looking for a contractor to deliver and compact the spoil to reinstate the embankment for the connection of the two railheads and the laying of a parallel extended siding.

With a length of 150 yards, the cubic capacity of the gap will require some 9,000 tonnes of spoil to be brought in at an estimated cost of £10,000.

Help with financing this final challenge in completing the Corwen terminus is again sought from supporters following the success of the appeal which has financed the platform infill.

A Llangollen Railway spokesperson said: "The difference in time is shorter and the reward for supporters will be the sight of the train arriving at the new station across the final frontier, something we are all waiting for.

"With help from all sources, we will bridge the Gap and donations to support this appeal will be welcomed by the treasurer for the Corwen Central Railway Development project: Mr Paul Bailey, ‘Dolwen’, Bryn Eglwys, Corwen LL21 9LY.

An appeal leaflet will be published on the Llangollen Railway’s website Corwen News pages this month.

Victory for Llan man's cancer treatment battle

A campaign started by Llangollen man Stuart Davies (pictured) to have equal cancer treatment across all of Wales' health boards has achieved a major victory.

* For the full story in the Leader, go to: https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/17340443.major-step-towards-equal-cancer-treatment-across-north-wales-after-llangollen-man-paid-900-for-scan/

Advice on tap about frozen pipes this winter

* North Wales AM Llyr Gruffydd is backing the Wrap Up campaign.

Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Gruffydd is supporting a campaign reminding customers to protect their pipes from the effects of freezing temperatures.

He has lent his support to Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s ‘Wrap Up’ campaign which reminds customers to make sure water pipes in their homes and businesses are protected to avoid the disruption and expense frozen pipes can cause.

Severe cold weather, as we saw in the area back in March, can cause water pipes to freeze and burst – leaving homes and businesses with no water, low pressure or even flooding.

Frozen water expands and can crack even the strongest pipe. You may notice this immediately, and only know you have a problem when the cracked pipe thaws and water starts leaking from it. Urgent and expensive repairs are then needed to fix the problem.

Customers can protect their pipes with inexpensive insulation or lagging kits, which are available from local homeware or DIY stores.

Businesses, schools and buildings like community centres or chapels are particularly vulnerable to burst pipes during the winter. This is because they are often empty for days, meaning a burst pipe – inside or outside the building – can go unnoticed and cause huge volumes of water to leak and flood.

When a problem occurs on pipes in homes it is the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord – therefore it’s worth taking time to check they are well insulated.  

Llyr Gruffydd said: “Frozen pipes which burst can cause unnecessary inconvenience and expense – which is distressing at this time of year – however this can be easily avoided by taking a few moments to check and protect the pipes.

“I’m pleased join Welsh Water in reminding people living in this area to take note of the advice of the campaign and make sure they don’t get caught out by pipes freezing in their homes or businesses this winter.”

Ian Christie, Welsh Water’s Managing Director of Water Services said: “Over the winter, our team will be working 24/7 to keep things flowing, but we also need a little help from our customers, by making sure their homes and businesses are ready for winter. 

“So, please take a minute to insulate any outdoor pipes or taps or taps in a cold place like a loft or garage, fix any dripping taps, make sure you know where your stop tap is, and keep the number of a qualified plumber handy in case the worst happens. We’ve got lots of more advice and how-to videos on dwrcymru.com/coldweather."

Wind turbine deliveries will affect A5 traffic

Some traffic disruption on the A5 is expected for the next seven months as the delivery of 27 turbines to a wind farm near Ruthin begins today (Monday).

* For a full report in the Denbighshire Free Press, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/17339598.clocaenog-forest-disruptions-on-a5-expected-as-wind-turbine-deliveries-begin/?

The first of the loads heads along Regent Street today.

New vicar blesses his home in ancient ceremony

* Father Lee Taylor splashes the front window of the vicarage with holy water.

Parishioners and friends watched Llangollen’s new vicar perform an ancient religious ceremony in which he blessed his own home yesterday (Saturday) evening.

Just before Christmas Father Lee Taylor was installed by the Bishop of St Asaph as vicar of St Collen’s and also the Church in Wales parishes of Llantysilio and Trevor.   

Father Taylor says he is keen to revive ancient and often forgotten church rituals, and the first of these he chose was a home-blessing service at his new vicarage in Abbey Road which he had invited around 50 church members and friends to watch and take part in.

He said: “It's long been a tradition during the Epiphany season to bless the home.

“Chalk is blessed for this purpose. Special prayers of blessing are said and a holy formula is chalked over the entryway. In the case of the vicarage this was 20 + C + M + B + 19.

“The C, M, and B are chalked in between the numbers of the current year.

“The three letters have two significations, the invocation ‘Christus Mansionem Benedicat’ - Christ bless this house - as well as the first initial of the names of the three Magi, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, who visited the newly-born baby Jesus on what became known as the Epiphany.”

He added: “I blessed the outside of the vicarage using holy water, incense and the chalk.

“If anyone else in the parishes I serve would like their home blessed during the Epiphany season they are welcome to contact me by email at: frleetaylor@hotmail.co.uk, or by phone on 01978 592092.”

Father Taylor comes to Llangollen from Croydon Minster where he had been serving as Associate Vicar.

One of his novel ventures there was a beer blessing ceremony at a local pub, The Dog & Bull, which made national headlines.

Soon after arriving in Llangollen he said: “I think we can look forward to lots of quirky things, ideas and initiatives, so watch this space.”

* Father Taylor uses an incense burner in the vicarage doorway as parishioners watch.

... and blesses the house with incense. 

* The formula is chalked on the front wall. 

* The writing is on the wall for the vicarage.

Are you prepared for a spell in custody?

* Independent custody visitor Neil Richmond at St Asaph custody suite.

Members of the public who are prepared for a stretch in police cells are being sought – but not as prisoners.

More volunteer independent custody visitors are needed to check on the welfare of detainees to ensure they are being treated correctly and in line with regulations.  

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones has launched a recruitment drive to find more volunteers for the custody suite in St Asaph which serves force’s central area which includes Denbighshire and Conwy.

According to Mr Jones, a former police inspector, it’s an important public service role and volunteer independent custody visitors are another set of eyes and ears ensuring the police get it right when dealing with people under arrest.  

He said: “Custody visitors have access to custody suite cells and are able to talk to detainees providing the detainee is willing to talk to them and is happy to do so.

“The role of the custody visitor is quite simple, they are there to provide public reassurance that detainees are treated fairly. They need to check on the welfare of the detainee, that they have received and understood their rights whilst in custody and on the facilities in the custody suite.

“We need to ensure North Wales Police is absolutely above reproach when it comes to dealing with arrested persons whether that person is male or female, a young person or an adult.

“There are, quite rightly very strict regulations that govern how the police deal with arrested persons and we must ensure independent volunteers can access detainees at any time to check on their welfare.”

Neil Richmond, a classic car parts supplier, from Rhyl, has been an independent custody visitor for the past three years and says it’s a rewarding role and one he thoroughly enjoys.   

He said: “We currently have 21 independent custody visitors right across the force area but that really isn’t enough.

“Typically, I will make a visit to St Asaph once every six weeks and then a follow up visit around a week later especially if I have raised an issue on behalf of a detainee.

“We are looking to see if a detainee is being treated fairly and in line with regulations. Do they have sufficient bedding, clothing and access to food and drink for example.  We also need to ensure they have been given access to any medication they may be in need of on a daily basis.

“Operating in pairs, we approach a custody area unannounced and we have to be given immediate access.

"Accompanied by a sergeant or a civilian detention officer, we speak to detainees and check the condition of the cells to make sure they are clean and that everything is in working order.

“When vulnerable people are held in custody, we have to ensure that their needs are met as well as those of other detainees.

“We are not allowed to know the names of people in detention or what they are in for which allows us to retain our objectivity.

“Normally, we will spend around 10 minutes with each detainee and discuss any welfare issues they may have. Of course they don’t have to agree to see us and sometimes, those that do see us, make unreasonable demands that are not realistic.

“But any issues of merit they do raise with us we will raise on their behalf with the custody sergeant and ask that action is taken. However, it’s important detainees know and understand that we are independent and not connected to the police as such.

“We produce a written report at the end of each visit which is signed by the custody sergeant and anything we believe needs rectifying is put right straightaway or can be raised at the quarterly meetings which are held between visitors, the Police and Crime Commissioner and senior police officers.

Neil, who moved to North Wales from his native Birmingham 19 years ago, also worked as a custody officer with G4S at Prestatyn Magistrates Court for six years.

He said: “That gave me an insight into the criminal justice system and how detained persons should be treated. That role certainly gave me an insight.

“It’s not our role to catch the police out, after all if no one made mistakes there wouldn’t be rubbers on the end of pencils would there? Our role is simply to ensure fairness and that arrested persons are treated in the right way.

“I’d encourage anyone who thinks it’s a role they could do to get in touch. You need to be outgoing and willing to talk to people of all social levels.

“We can all make a difference and if it helps ensure the police deal with people correctly and within regulations and current guidelines then that has to be a good thing.

“It’s certainly a role I really enjoy and I something I intend to continue doing for the foreseeable future.”

Executive Officer Meinir Jones, who has responsibility for overseeing the visiting scheme within the PCC’s office, said: “This is one of the Commissioner’s statutory duties and we are looking to recruit people over the age of 18 who either live or work in the North Wales Police area.

“They should also be independent of the criminal justice in that they do not work for the police or the probation service and do not serve as magistrates.

“The overall objective is to ensure that people held in custody are detained safely and properly and that their rights and welfare are being attended to.

“Visitors are free to arrange their own visiting times which can be anytime from early in the morning to late at night, any day of the week.”

Magistrates and serving or former police officers and special constables are not allowed to become custody visitors. To avoid possible conflict of interest, others may be excluded if they have direct involvement in the criminal justice system, such as solicitors or probation officers. 

* Eligible individuals who are interested in applying to become a Custody Visitor in North Wales should contact Meinir Jones at the Commissioner’s office, either by ringing 01492 805486 or via email at: opcc@nthwales.pnn.police.uk

Is the Kia Sportage a might too flashy?

* The Kia Sportage is a global success story.

Kia Sportage road test by Steve Rogers

HEADLIGHTS are brighter than ever but are they getting too strong?

The latest LED bulbs have tremendous power but if you are on the receiving end some car headlights are overpowering.

The headlights on the Kia Sportage might fall into this category because I was flashed by a few cars who, presumably, thought I had not dipped.

Sportage was always on dipped beam when necessary because my top of the range GT Line S has auto dipping headlights which opened up another headlights debate.

I am a huge fan of automatic dipping but it can cause problems on rural roads with lots of bends and short straights. The majority of drivers dip as soon as they pick up the headlight beam before the oncoming car comes into view, but auto dipping reacts when lights meet and that can be uncomfortable for the approaching driver so I elected to revert to manual dipping until back on the more open A roads.

What of Sportage? It has been around for 25 years but the big story started in 2010 with the new style crossover model. Since then it has enjoyed phenomenal global success with one sold every 69 seconds. It has been Kia's best seller in the UK for ages racking up 36,000 this year and is expected to hold top spot through 2019.

Now Kia has added a new dimension with a 48 volt mild hybrid mated to a 182bhp 2-litre turbo diesel. An electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery adds a little more horse power to give an extra nudge during acceleration as well as reducing exhaust emissions. What is noticeable is the extra torque, 400Nm against 320Nm for the 136bhp 1.6 diesel making this quite a swift motor.

The hybrid also gets a new eight speed automatic which is exceptionally smooth as is the hybrid boost, so smooth I couldn't even detect it. In fact the only clue to its existence is the battery box behind the back seat which obviously eats into boot space, but it's a relatively small bite.

The GT Line models are here to cover all bases because some rivals like Seat Ateca give a sportier drive. The firmer suspension of my all wheel drive GT Line S was obvious before selecting sport mode and it does the job well, plenty of grip and good feel from the steering, yet there is still a pleasing level of comfort.

Unlike the high tech Peugeot 3008, Sportage takes the middle ground with an 8in touch screen covering a number of functions but all the heating controls are clearly strung across the centre console making selections fuss free from finger sized switches. I particularly liked the one key stroke which brings the heating settings to the big screen.

The quality of the trim and fittings suggest Kia is upping its game with Sportage and nothing much has been left off the spec list for the S model which picks up panoramic sunroof, powered front seats and tailgate, heated front and outer rear seats, ventilated front seats to keep bodies cool in the summer sun, heated steering wheel, 8in touchscreen (7in for lower models), navigation, a 360-degree camera with brilliant definition along with a full suite of safety aids including adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance which can pick out pedestrians and blind spot collision warning.

As you would expect this level of kit does not come cheap so how does £34k grab you? It is a lot of money but you get a lot of car, backed up by Kia's famous seven year warranty. Whether the extra horse power is worth an extra £3,500 compared to the new 1.6 litre diesel with nearly 10mpg more is debatable but history shows buyers want top spec cars so it is down to how much people want to spend.

I topped 800 miles in a week averaging 39-41mpg which is nothing special although I did top 50mpg on a 40 mile dual carriageway trip so economy is there with careful driving.

Fast facts
Sportage GT-Line S AWD
£34,545
0-60mph 9.2secs; 125mph
48.7mpg combined
152g/km. 1st year tax £830
Insurance group 25