Councillor calls for county to declare climate emergency

* Llangollen county councillor Graham Timms

 is amongst the signatories to the climate change motion. 

Llangollen's Graham Timms is amongst a group of county councillors calling on Denbighshire to declare a climate and ecological emergency. 

He said: "I was approached by Llangollen Friends of the Earth to see if I would be prepared to put a motion calling for a climate and ecological emergency to DCC and agreed. 

"However, I did not want the motion to appear to be a Labour Party motion as I thought that it would gain much more support if it was sponsored by individuals from other groups too.

"This issue is far too serious to be claimed by one political party. I sent FoE names from all political parties who I thought might be sympathetic to the motion and as a result it has been put forward for the council meeting next Tuesday with three names, Joe Welch, the independent councillor for Llanrhaeadr-yng-Nghinmeirch, Mabon ap Gwynfor from Llandrillo and myself."

He added: "The scientific community tells us that unless we move very quickly to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions there will be catastrophic consequences, causing climate change and an ecological disaster for the whole earth. 

"Whilst this issue needs to be tackled internationally by governments across the world, I believe that we should set an example locally by committing ourselves to becoming carbon neutral in the next 10 years within Denbighshire County Council. 

"Llangollen recently became the first town in Denbighshire to gain 'plastic free' status from Surfers against Sewage, showing that our residents and businesses already have a commitment to the environment. 

"If this motion is passed it will extend our commitment to the whole of the county council. We are proposing the setting up of a task and finish group to examine the extent of the work that needs to be done to achieve our aim. It will report back to the council within 6 months with a plan on how we can become carbon neutral by 2030 at the latest. 

"I've had lots of emails from concerned Llangollen residents urging me to press DCC to declare a climate emergency. 

"As a former science teacher I have been teaching young people about the dangers of carbon dioxide emissions and the greenhouse effect. I recently met with the school council at Ysgol Dinas Bran and they were also passionate about the need to take action locally to prevent serious environmental damage. It is time now that we take this issue very seriously and look carefully at how we can all work together to avoid the crisis that scientists predict." 

The motion calls for Denbighshire County Council to:

● Immediately declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency.

● Commit to making the authority net carbon zero by 2030 at the latest

● Set up a task and finish group to draw up a clear plan within 6 months to achieve the above, including ways to enhance biodiversity in Denbighshire

● Call on the Welsh Government and UK Government to provide assistance and resources to enable us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance biodiversity.

● Work with partners across the public, private and third sector to help solve this climate and ecological emergency.

The Welsh Labour Government declared a Climate Emergency earlier this month, setting a date of 2030 when they would aim to become carbon neutral in the public sector. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-48093720

Dedicated birdwatcher John wins AONB award

* At the awards presentation. Front row, Ann Williams, AONB Senior Countryside Warden, Rhun Jones, John Lawton Roberts and his wife, Vice Chair AONB Partnership Cllr Paul Cunningham, Chair of AONB Joint Committee Cllr Tony Thomas.

An avid birdwatcher from Llangollen has been presented with an award.  

Every year the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) presents two awards to honour those contributing to the landscape and communities in the area.

This year John Lawton Roberts was presented with the AONB Volunteer Award.  

Corwen Community Garden was given the AONB Award.

Mr Roberts has devoted much of his life to recording, watching and reporting on birds in North East Wales and has helped paint a detailed picture of the changes to bird populations in the area spanning a period of more than 40 years.

He has had various scientific papers published and charted the changes to the avian interest at Ruabon Moor and Creigiau Eglwyseg, with his work contributing to the success of a number of projects including the Welsh Black Grouse Recovery Programme.

Corwen Community Garden is located within the community orchard near the centre of town, and is a resource for all members of the community.

The group meets every Wednesday, providing a social opportunity and making a contribution to the health and wellbeing of participants.

The site was developed in spring 2016 with Welsh Government funding secured by Age Concern and once the funding came to an end, a small group of volunteers carried on the work.  In the past two years they have transformed the field into a beautiful and productive garden.

Chair of the AONB Joint Committee, Councillor Tony Thomas, said: “I would like to congratulate John and the volunteers from Corwen Community Garden on their awards.

“The Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB benefits from all those who give their time and effort to help improve the landscape and communities. Both John and the members of Corwen Community Garden have gone above and beyond in their efforts.”

Festival Praise at Methodist Church

Singing festival at Capel Seion on Sunday

A good sing or simply experience a great Welsh tradition ably led by excellent conductor and accompanist.

CYMANFA GANU/SINGING FESTIVAL

CAPEL SEION CHAPEL

CASTLE STREET, LLANGOLLEN

MEHAFIN 30 JUNE, 2019

8 P M

ARWEINYDD/CONDUCTOR:  TRYSTAN LEWIS

ORGANYDD/ ORGANIST: EIRWEN JONES

CYFLWYNYDD/PRESENTER PARCH/REV. JOHN WILLIAMS

Police deal with rural off-roaders

During last weekend, June 22nd and 23rd, North Wales Police ran a second operation to address concerns regarding off-road bikes and 4x4 vehicles.

Following numerous complaints, increased patrols are taking place in rural parts of Denbighshire and Wrexham to target the illegal use of off-road motorcycles that are being ridden illegally.

As a result of the weekend long operation 15 people were dealt with for having illegal number plates, one had no insurance one for was dealt with for other driving offences.

Sgt Martin Jones said: “In addition to a safety hazard to both themselves and others, illegal off-roading has a major impact on the environment.”

“There are signs in place, but people are choosing to ignore them. We would like to remind members of the public that anyone found to be undertaking illegal off-road activity on a footpath or bridleway may be liable to prosecution under S34 of the Road Traffic Act and S59 Police Reform Act. Under both acts, illegal off-road riders are liable to have their vehicles seized.”

“The best way forward is for these riders to find a commercial motorsports site, an off-road centre, or by joining a reputable club specialising in off-road activities. User organisations can advise people on the use of public rights of way, such as byways and unsurfaced roads.”

Police have the power to seize bikes and cars which are used in a way which causes harassment, alarm or distress. A warning is given first but if that fails to be effective and the vehicle is used in an anti-social manner again, it will be seized under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act. Vehicles can also be seized if the rider is not insured or has no road tax.

Riders who want to keep within the realms of the law are encouraged to contact their local rights of way officer for information on where they can ride or join one of the many organisations representing riders.

Sgt Jones added: “Riding off road motorbikes can be very popular – however, these vehicles can also be used in a dangerous, noisy and anti-social way, generating lots of complaints to police.”

“We regularly receive complaints concerning the anti-social use of off road motorbikes, and to help reduce harm to individuals and communities, we will continue to work closely with our colleagues in Natural Resources Wales to carry out operations where we will seize and crush illegal off road vehicles.”

He added: “Information received via the public is vital to positive action being taken and we are urging anybody who witnesses the illegal use of motorcycles, off-road or quad bikes in the area to contact us. We would also request that any footage captured is sent to us with as much detail as possible.”

Sergeant Luke Hughes, of Wrexham Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We will continue to take action against those who show no regard for road traffic laws, or those with no respect for the local community and wildlife.

"We wish to make our communities and these areas of natural beauty safe and accessible for all to enjoy and will run similar events regularly through the summer."

Anybody with information regarding the use of illegal off-road bikes are asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. In an emergency always dial 999.

No. 5 bus will run for another year, says government

The Welsh Government will continue to fund the important number 5 bus service Wrexham to Llangollen in 2019-20, Transport Minister Ken Skates has announced.

It means this regular service will continue for the next year and carry on taking in stops including in Johnstown and Ruabon Railway Station.

The Welsh Government will now work with Denbighshire County Council to agree the necessary arrangements.

The news comes after Ken Skates recently announced funding of £25 million Bus Service Support Grant for local authorities in Wales for 2019-20.

This funding supplements local authorities’ expenditure from their own budgets in supporting the bus and community transport networks in their areas.

The Welsh Government’s White Paper, Improving Public Transport, also aims to improve bus services and provide legislation which will help deliver a truly integrated public transport service.

Transport Minister Ken Skates said: "An effective and reliable bus service is for many communities a lifeline and I have heard previously how beneficial the number 5 is to local people.

"I am pleased the Welsh Government will continue to support this service which is vital in connecting communities on this route from Wrexham to Llangollen.

"We know bus services provide important access to education, training, work and healthcare and for people to quite simply enjoy a day out. I hope today’s announcement brings comfort to those who use it knowing they can continue to benefit from this service.

"As a government, we are absolutely committed to ensuring a healthy future for public transport. Local authorities have a vital role to play in delivering a sustainable bus service for the benefit of local communities and we will continue to work closely with them and the bus industry to ensure passengers’ interests and needs come first.

Managing Director of Arriva Buses Wales, Michael Morton said: "The continuation of funding for this front line service guarantees that we can maintain the frequency on Sapphire Service 5 from Wrexham to Llangollen. Arriva Buses Wales is pleased to see that the Welsh Government sees this as an important transport link in this very beautiful part of North Wales that will continue to provide local people and tourists with an upmarket Sapphire standard bus service."

Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, Councillor Brian Jones said: "We are delighted that the news of a second year’s additional funding for bus service improvements in Llangollen.

"This funding ensures that the town and its residents and many visitors will continue to benefit from an improved bus service than would otherwise be the case and this is meeting demand for public transport services locally in the Llangollen area. On weekdays, the funding allows the service to continue broadly every half hour during the day.

"The council also subsidises the evening bus service and I’m sure these developments will receive a positive response in the local community."

Council to host eisteddfod welcome event