Crooks' confiscated cash to boost crimebusters

* Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones with Assistant Chief Constable Neill Anderson. 

People across North Wales are being urged to vote for their favourite crime fighting schemes - using money seized from criminals.

The successful groups stand to win £2,500 each from a pot of money set up by North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones.

There is a total of more than £60,000 up for grabs with two groups from each county set to be rewarded.

In addition, two groups that work in three or more counties will each receive a grant of £5,000  and, thanks to additional funding from the police and crime commissioner, there will be two new grants of £10,000.

The only condition is that the successful groups have to pledge to run projects to tackle anti-social behaviour and combat crime and disorder.

The Your Community, Your Choice’ scheme was launched by  Mr Jones and Assistant Chief Constable Neill Anderson  in partnership with the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT).

It is being jointly funded by money recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act, using cash confiscated from offenders, and the Commissioner’s Fund.

A shortlist of applicants for the Your Community Your Choice cash has been chosen by a special panel and the public decide which groups to support with a vote via the websites of  North Wales Police and the commissioner, as well as a dedicated email address.  The voting is open until midnight on March 15.

Mr Jones said: "It's very appropriate that this scheme takes money away from the crooks and gives it to the people to improve the quality of life in their communities by helping them to combat crime and disorder or anti-social behaviour.

"The money is going  where it’s going to make a difference in reducing crime and in improving the quality of the communities which suffer the crime."

The message was reinforced by Assistant Chief Neill Anderson who said: "It is a very good thing for community groups to be able to access pots of money in order to be able to reduce crime and disorder within their communities and improve the quality of life for the community in their area.

"It sends a really positive message that money taken from the pockets of criminals is being recycled. This is turning bad money into good money that's being used for a constructive purpose.

"We really value our relationships with the public and we recognise that we can’t reduce crime and disorder on our own.  It’s a partnership and a joint effort with other agencies but absolutely crucial and critically is the public themselves.

"The public often are the ones who know what the things are that will work best in their area and for them to be able to bid into a pot of money is a really positive thing."

According to PACT project manager Dave Evans, it was also a very democratic process because the public will be able to decide who gets the money.

Mr Evans said: "One of the real pluses of the scheme is that ultimately it’s the public who has the voice and who will say which projects will go forward and are worthy of this important money.

"And very appropriately, one of the conditions is that the people who apply for this money have to be doing something that combats anti-social behaviour or addresses crime and disorder in some way.

"The aims Your Community, Your Choice scheme also coincide with the objectives of the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan so it creates a virtuous circle."

For more information on how to vote ring 01745 588516 or go to www.northwales-pcc.gov.uk or www.north-wales.police.uk

Chair gives more details about 2020 proposals

Early indications are that implementing a package of radical changes to traffic and parking in Llangollen town centre will cost between £2m and £2.5m.

That’s the view of local county councillor Graham Timms who chairs the committee which is masterminding the Llangollen 2020 project.

The draft feasibility study, which runs to 79 pages, has been prepared with data crunched by consultants Arcadis and feedback gleaned from public consultation exercises last year.

Cllr Timms recently updated town councillors on the project and has given a further insight to llanblogger.

2020 aims to develop options for a safer and pedestrian-friendly town centre with streamlined traffic flow and come up with options to ease the parking situation.

Main proposals in the report for further consideration are:

+ The closure of Market Street to traffic coming in and out of Castle Street

+ The creation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Castle Street and the A539

+ Short stay parking spaces removed from Castle Street and replaced with goods only loading bays

+ The narrowing of Castle Street

+ Long stay permits no longer able to be used on Market Street car park at certain times

+ No new junction at Market Street/A5/Hall Street

+ Summer park and ride scheme ruled out

+ Ysgol Dinas Bran car park to be used during August by local businesses and staff

+ The Pavilion car park to be used by coaches between dropping off and picking up passengers in town centre 

The report says: “There is a significant opportunity to improve the public realm and the environment for pedestrians within Llangollen, through making the town centre and in particular Castle Street more pedestrian friendly and taking steps to reduce the dominance of the vehicular traffic …

“Following the appraisal of options, it is considered that closure of Market Street at the junction with Castle Street is explored in greater detail.  

“Market Street would be closed to vehicular traffic entering and exiting onto/from Castle Street. At present the movement of vehicles into and out of Market Street causes conflict, which in turn impacts on the movement of traffic on Castle Street in both directions. This is particularly the case when coaches are entering and exiting Castle Street at the same time.

“A modification to the Market Street/ A5/ Hall Street junction layout has been considered however, as the junction is observed to operate within capacity in both the base year 2018 and the design year 2023 and it is not considered that orthodox roundabouts would be viable due to cross-section constraints, hence no junctions modifications are proposed at this location at this stage.”

On Castle Street the report says: “It is proposed that the existing short stay - 30 minute waiting time with no return within 30 minutes - spaces would be removed with the loss of approximately 13 spaces.”  

It adds: “These car parking spaces are in prime location adjacent to the majority of shops and services. However, from our engagement days with members of public during the first round of consultation, these car parking spaces were seen by some to offer an excellent facility whilst others said they had difficulty finding a free space and cars accessing and egressing the spaces had a negative impact on the flow of traffic along Castle Street.  

“It is acknowledged that the loss of these spaces has an adverse impact on some users, however a range of complementary measures are proposed to minimise the impact on the local community and business.  

“It is proposed that the on-street parking bays would be replaced with Goods Only Loading Bays.  

“Goods Only bays would enable only goods vehicles collecting and delivering materials to be able to use the bays, which could then be enforced by DCC’s Enforcement Officers. 

“It is proposed that two bays measuring 2.5m wide by 12m long would be implemented in similar locations to the existing parking bays. The purpose of providing the dedicated bays is to minimise the disruption deliveries have on the town centre and improve deliveries/ collections to/from shops and businesses.” 

The report suggests two narrow vehicle lanes of uniform width along the entire length of Castle Street.  

It says: “Denbighshire County Council have confirmed they are happy in principle with narrowing the width of Castle Street to 5.5m. The provision of narrow lanes and a median strip has the potential to reduce vehicle speeds, this would further be enhanced by the implementation of two raised pedestrian crossings. 

“A wider crossing point would be provided in front of the Town Hall, as from our on-site observations is considered to be a desire line for pedestrians to cross Castle Street in this location.
Additionally, a second crossing point on Castle Street is proposed part way between the Market Street and the A5.” 

It adds: “A mini-roundabout is proposed at the A539/ Castle Street/ A542 junction. This has the potential to improve the junction capacity, reduce vehicle delay and queuing. It is envisaged that this would be a paved mini-roundabout, designed and delivered to be in keeping with public realm improvements delivered across the town centre.” 

Later, the report says: “As the on-street short-stay car parking spaces along Castle Street are proposed to be removed, several existing on-street parking spaces on Oak Street and Bridge Street are proposed to be designated disabled parking bays, in order to ensure there is availability of parking for those that need it within close proximity of Castle Street.”  

The report goes on: “The option to develop a park and ride scheme during the summer months has been considered as part of this study, however at this stage it is considered that such an option would not be financially viable, but this does not mean that at another point in the future this option should not be considered again.”  

Arcadis consulted Ysgol Dinas Bran on the possibility of using its car park during the month of August, and the report says: “In principle the school is content for the school car park to be used during the month the school is closed (August). It is proposed that this car park could provide additional spaces for local business and their staff to use, thus freeing up the council operated and maintained car parks within the town centre for visitors.” 

On the Market Street car park, the report proposes its redesignation as short-stay. 

It says: “This would enable a higher turnover of car parking spaces through the removal of vehicles that are parked for long periods of time, thus enabling a greater number of vehicles to use and benefit from the centrally based car park.  

“This would however mean that the use of the long stay permits would no longer be able to be used in this car park and thus workers who wish to use this car park, would have to park in the other long stay car parks in the town. 

“It is recommended that detailed discussions are had with DCC officers to consider whether it would be possible for the designation of Market Street to be seasonal, i.e. it is considered a long stay car park during the winter months when visitors numbers are lower and demand for spaces is lower and a short stay car park in the summer months when there is greater demand for car parking spaces.

“As the short stay car parking spaces are proposed to be removed from Castle Street, further consideration could be given to provide users of the Market Street car park with 30 minutes free parking, as not to discourage those shoppers who would have otherwise used the spaces on Castle Street from visiting the town.”

The Arcadis study also proposes that the number of coach spaces at the Market Street car park is reduced, in order to provide about 30 more spaces for both tourists and local people.

Another suggestion is that the Pavilion car park could be used for coaches to wait between dropping and picking up passengers at the Market Street car park.

The report says: “It is acknowledged that this would increase the number of coach movements within the town centre, as coaches have to travel to and from the Pavilion.  However, it is hoped the provision of extra car parking spaces in the Market Street car park and the other measures proposed to increase the turnover of spaces would reduce the number of cars searching for spaces within the town centre.”

Cllr Timms said: “Now the final report has been published the 2020 committee is exploring options for funding. These include the Welsh Government, Visit Wales, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) and Denbighshire County Council.

“Early indications are that the implementation of proposals in the report will cost between £2m and £2.5m.”

Cllr Timms estimates the plan could be implemented by the end of 2020 or during 2021.

He added: “I am confident it is going to happen. That’s because we’ve got a really good case which fits in with what the county council is planning to do across Denbighshire.

“More work now needs to be done on the parking aspect of 2020.”

·         To see the full report, go to: . https://cadwynclwyd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/1.-Llangollen-2020-Project-Feasibility-Study-Report_FINAL-with-appendices.pdf There is a hard copy in Llangollen Library. 

Gorse fire latest

The Daily Post online is reporting this morning that three fire crews remain on the scene of a large gorse blaze at Glyndyfrdwy, near Llangollen, after being called to the scene at 4pm yesterday.

Last night, a tractor driver who was trapped inside the vehicle in the area of the blaze was rescued by emergency services .

Eisteddfod appoints its ninth music director

* The eisteddfod's new music director, Dr Edward-Rhys Harry.

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod has announced the appointment of its ninth music director, Dr Edward-Rhys Harry.

Edward is internationally renowned for his ability to inspire through the power of music and creative arts and says he is looking to encouraging the next generation of solo artists at this year's festival from July 1-7.

As a graduate of the University of Aberdeen with a Doctorate of Philosophy in Choral Composition, he reached number three in the classical charts in 2016 and coached the Olympic Hymn at the 2012 London Olympics.

He is now urging soloists to compete in the eisteddfod, registering before the deadline of March 1.

Successful entrants will compete for a range of prestigious prizes and have the opportunity of performing at Australia’s Gold Coast Eisteddfod, which showcases 66,000 competitors over a seven-week period.

He said: “I am fortunate that my career has taken me around the globe, which gives me an affinity with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod."

Eisteddfod chairman Dr Rhys Davies said; "As a team we are ecstatic to have someone of Edward’s stature joining us and we’re excited to discover the direction he will take us in.

“We hope to use his extensive international experience to further the eisteddfod’s reputation and standing on a global stage. We echo Edward’s call for more solo acts and pride ourselves on welcoming those who will relish the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.”

* For more information on all the competitions or to apply through the Eisteddfod participants’ website visit: http://eisteddfodcompetitions.co.uk/2019-solo-competitions/

To discover more about the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod visit: www.llangollen.net

Man rescued from mountain fire near Llan

A man has been rescued by emergency services from a mountain fire near Llangollen this evening, according to a report on the BBC website.

For the story, see: Glyndyfrdwy mountain fire: Man rescued from tractor - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-47379018

* Disclaimer *

Consultants give update on Llangollen's BID progress

Town councillors have been updated on the progress of a scheme to boost the local economy and support regeneration efforts.

Llangollen is one of 10 partnerships across the country which will share over £260,000 of Welsh Government funding to explore establishing Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

North WalesSouth East WalesSouth West WalesAfter a BID is agreed via a legal ballot, each business contributes financially via a levy, which is then used to fund the agreed activities set out in their business plan.

These could include marketing, promotion and events, car parking, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving access to towns, or work to make the area more vibrant and viable.

A representative of consultants the Mosaic Partnership, who are currently carrying out a feasibility study into the BID, gave a progress report at the Town Council meeting last week.

And Mosaic director Mo Aswat has explained to current state of play to llanblogger.

He said: “The feasibility study is the first part of a three-stage process and its purpose is to recommend whether the process moves forward to the development and campaign stage.”

He added that the study would be completed in March and would make that recommendation on the basis of:

• Financial analysis of the BID Area (using the business rates data)
• Local business and stakeholder consultations
• National business consultations
• Consultation with key business groups
• Consultation with public agencies
• Review of existing plans, projects and partnerships

Mr Aswat added: “The recommendation from the feasibility study does not mean that the BID will go ahead, only that we move or not to the next two phases.

“Any decision to have a BID is decided by businesses in a formal and independent ballot which would not take place until after the development and campaign phases in early 2020, which will undertake a much greater level of consultation and ultimately result in a full business plan before the ballot.”

* Mosaic is encouraging businesses in the area to complete the Feasibility Stage Survey, which can be found online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LlangollenTC2019

Tributes paid to saviour of Llan food festival

* Colin Loughlin with Clwyd South AM Ken Skates, who is also the Welsh Government Minister for the Economy and Transport.

Tributes have been paid to a “larger than life” former wine merchant who saved Llangollen Food Festival.

Friends and colleagues were devastated by the death of Colin Loughlin, 76, at his home on the outskirts of the town following a suspected heart attack last week.

When the previous organiser of the food festival pulled the plug in 2011, Colin came to the rescue and led the committee of volunteers who took it over.

Since then the event has gone from strength to strength and has been named as one of the top 10 food festivals in the UK.

His contribution as the chair of the festival committee has been celebrated with a painting of him in a mural on the side of the Llangollen pavilion where the event is held every October.

A native of Wrexham, Colin ran a wine distribution company called Whitehouse Wines in Coedpoeth before going into business with Lorraine Hughes.

They bought an existing company called Megan’s Kitchen which makes Welsh cakes.

Lorraine continued to run the business after Colin retired five years ago before stepping down as festival committee chair in 2016.

She said: “I’ve known Colin for many years. He was so full of energy and character

“We became business partners when we took over Megan’s Kitchen about 14 years ago.

“In 2011 the guy that was running the food festival had to stop and we were approached to form a committee and to try and keep it going. Colin was elected as chair and he put his heart and soul into the job.”

Lorraine, who is the food festival’s assistant secretary, added: “He was larger than life and loved telling stories and listening to stories.

“He was the force behind the Llangollen Food Festival and we were all grateful when he returned and started attending committee meetings again a couple of years ago after resigning the chair in 2016.

“The issue was he put so much into the job he was wearing himself out. He was divorced and didn’t have any children but so many friends.

“He was also a keen rugby man and a massive Wales fan. At least he died knowing Wales were very much in with a chance of winning the Six Nations. He will be sorely missed and personally I am devastated.”

Festival committee secretary Ian Parry said: “I got to know Colin as he would call and see me from about 2002 when I was town clerk. He would pop into the office to see me about various issues.

“Then in 2011 he approached me for help in putting together a committee to save the Llangollen Food Festival and he asked if I would act as secretary to the committee and I was happy to do so. Initially the festival was run by a different group and then a commercial contractor.

“But in 2011 it looked like it would close down and Colin wanted to save it. He did a tremendous job getting a committee together and saving the festival. The success of the festival is down to his work and guidance.”

He added: “The problem was as the festival grew and expanded so rapidly he took on a huge amount of work and the pressure became immense. He decided, probably quite rightly for his own health, to stand down as chair in 2016.

“We brought in an outside company to work with the committee and help with marketing and organising the event. Colin stayed away from committee meetings for a year but came back and sat in offering his help and experience. He was really welcome.

“We simply wouldn’t have a food festival without Colin. He put so much into it and he will be sadly missed by many people in the town. He was always popular, measured and polite and was always an absolute gentleman. It’s such a huge loss for the town.”

Ian says Colin was a keen member of the Round Table in his younger days and on reaching 40 he joined the 41 Club, a group that works within the Round Table.

He said: “He was a keen rugby player in his younger days and played either hooker or front row for Wrexham Rugby Club and he used to love driving his Triumph Vitesse which was his pride and joy.”

Pip Gale,  of Gales Wine Bar and Hotel, added:  “Colin was so well respected and an amazing member of the food festival committee. In fact without him the festival just wouldn’t be alive now. He put in lots of effort but also added lots of real joy.

“He invited me onto the committee and it remains one of the best things I’ve ever done. He was a real driving force behind the undoubted success of the festival.

“He was uplifting in his grumpiness as he walked around the festival cajoling stall holders into making their exhibits bigger, better and brighter. If he had a fault it’s that he took too much on, he just loved it too much.”

He added: “We are already thinking of how we can, as a committee honour his memory. We are thinking of maybe having a best display award in his name with the winner being presented with the Colin Loughlin Trophy.

“However, it’s very early days but we will, I’m certain, be doing something. He deserves to be remembered with affection for all the hard work and effort he put into the festival.”