Octavia might be bossy but it's solid and safe

* The Skoda Octavia. 

* The Octavia's rather spartan cockpit.

Skoda Octavia road test by Steve Rogers

This will sound comical but I have just got out of a car where it seemed Big Brother was watching me!

The fictional character in George Orwell's novel 1984 kept a sinister eye on everyone and that was how it seemed in the Skoda Octavia. 

As soon as I turned the ignition a message came up telling the driver not to press the accelerator when starting. Oh, sorry but I always do that.

Then I slipped it into neutral while following a stream of slow moving cars downhill. Another message telling me not to do that either. Later I dared to open the window while driving and was ticked off for doing that as well.

Of course there was nothing sinister going on, the messages that come up in the driver's binnacle are all tips to improve economy, so good for Skoda. The company has always tried to show consideration for its clients and the telescopic umbrella stored under the passenger seat is another example of its caring nature.

Skoda has grown in stature over the last two decades and is doing particularly well at the moment. Being part of the Volkswagen-Audi empire helps but it has worked damned hard to build a solid reputation from the days when its cars were considered nothing more than a joke.

Octavia has played a big part winning over the Brits and is still Skoda's best seller in the UK. At first Octavia carved a niche of its own sitting between VW's Golf and Passat so it was the price of a Golf but nearly as big as a Passat. Now it is more into Passat territory, still offering good value for money and a huge amount of space.

Open Octavia's tailgate and it is like looking into a cave. To give you an idea about what this car can take I travelled three up loaded with three sets of golf clubs and three power trolleys. Impressive or what?

Come to think of it Octavia's boot capacity has always been the main talking point but this time it has been eclipsed by its engine. On the face of it the idea of a one litre petrol, with just three-cylinders, providing the power for a car of this size is barmy, isn't it? I thought so.

One litre three-cylinder petrols are nothing new. They have been popping up faster than weeds offering an alternative to the small diesel, punching well above their weight on performance, economy and, more significantly, puffing out lower emissions. But they are generally used to power smaller city cars or superminis with a few family hatchbacks thrown in like Ford Focus and Honda Civic.

Surely a one litre can't work in a five seater Octavia, a car than transport three hefty adults and all their golf gear? The build up has hardly been subtle so you can guess the answer.

The first thing I did when the car was delivered was check the journey's economy stat. Just over 50mpg at the end of 156 miles so an encouraging start. What I really couldn't wait to find out was whether a one litre could haul this cavernous five seater.

I got the answer within a few hundred yards. Octavia's first job was to pull up a gradient from my cul-de-sac and that is when I knew this engine was something special. Three-cylinder engines are good for picking up at low revs and this was effortless and smooth with none of the putt-putt clatter from engines of the past.

For the next week a day didn't go by when I marvelled at how such a small engine could provide such impressive performance in such a big car. Even Mrs Rogers, who normally finds things to complain about in test cars, could not hold back on her praise for Octavia's sprightly performance.

And the 120 mile round trip to Bull Bay golf course on Anglesey yielded 52.4mpg. I think that just about covers all that's good about this engine.

You do not hear many complaints about Octavia, yes the interior is a bit funereal but that's the way it is when you are part of the Volkswagen quartet. Nothing flash, no creeks or rattles, and everything laid out with typical Germanic precision. 

The inset eight inch touchscreen for navigation, radio etc is quickly mastered and the heating controls are separate. Just how I like it.

Octavia is a solid, safe buy, I would even go so far as to say it is one of the great family cars. And guess what, I stopped pressing the accelerator to start the engine. Well, I didn't want to get ticked off again.

Key facts

Octavia SE Drive

£20,440

1-litre TSI 6sp manual 115bhp

0-62mph 10secs; 127mph

48.7mpg combined

110g/km. 1st year road tax £150

Boot space 1580 litres max

Insurance group 14   

Denbighshire gets positive social services report

Denbighshire County Council has welcomed the positive report from Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and Health Inspectorate Wales (HIW) on the provision of social care services for older people in the county.  

They say officers have discussed the report in detail with the lead inspector and are working to ensure that the areas for improvement are fully understood by both the council and the Inspectorate and that agreed areas are targeted for improvement through an action plan agreed with elected members.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Wellbeing and Independence, said: “I am pleased the positive elements of CIWs report recognise the creative and professional approach that we have taken in implementing the Social Services and Well-being Act and evidences that our focus is clearly sighted on supporting people to maintain and recover their independence wherever possible, avoiding unnecessary intervention by both social care and health services. 

“The areas for improvement identified show that Denbighshire, like all Welsh Local Authorities, are working to fully implement the Act in a sensible and flexible way that reflects the spirit of its principles.

 “This report is a recognition of the hard work and professionalism of our staff across all of social care for older people and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued support for our most vulnerable citizens.”

Medic's powerful safety message to speeding bikers

* The Horseshoe  bikers congregate.

A medic based in the south of England has issued a powerful warning to bikers visiting Llangollen about the dangers of speeding.

Joel Whitaker put out his heartfelt plea on Facebook yesterday as scores of motorcyclists were making bank holiday visits to the area.

He says: “A little bit of a rant, but for good reason.

“I know that the few give the many a bad name, so this is aimed solely at the bad.

“If you ride your motorcycle recklessly up the Horseshoe, or anywhere for that matter, then you are nothing but a selfish moron.

“The road is purely that, a road. It is not a racetrack. Today I saw at least 5 motorcyclists nearly have head on collisions with people lawfully going about their business. These collisions, had they not been narrowly avoided, would have been fatal.

“I make no apologies for this rant but I say it because I, as a medic, am fed up of having to scrape motorcyclists off the road and tell family members that turn up on scene that their loved ones are dead. I particularly hate that moment when I have to give this news to the families of innocent people. Why should they have to be subjected to this, the result of your decision to ride dangerously?

“Please ride sensibly. I know that you seek that thrill of speed but to put your thrill seeking before other motorists, or even your own families, is ridiculous. Think of your families, especially your children. Your one mistake, a moment of madness, gives them a lifetime of pain. Is it really worth it? 

“Take care all.”

In agreeing to allow llangogger to publish his statement, Joel said: “I am based in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire but moving to Llan shortly and have family up here (historically from the area: I’m a descendant of Billy Meredith).

“There have been incidents where I have had to stop and assist locally, as I have to.

“I thought I’d write the post as, no matter where I’m based, the point is the same. Motorcyclists that ride dangerously put others at risk and Llan gets more than its share of poor riders visiting.”

A number of people have voiced their agreement with what Joel has said on Facebook.

Campaigners question Llangollen public about Brexit

UPDATE ...

* Members of the campaign group in Castle Street with Susan Elan Jones MP 

on the front row, third from right.  

The group has now supplied a higher resolution picture of the results board which, judging by the number of coloured dots cast, shows substantial majorities against Britain leaving Europe with no deal and in favour of Brexit being stopped.

Members of campaign group Denbighshire for Europe were out in Castle Street yesterday (Saturday) with their Brexitometer gauging opinions about Britain leaving Europe.

The group, which describes itself as non-political, has carried out similar exercises at various spots across the county including Denbigh, Rhyl and Prestatyn. The results are fed into a national campaign.

People have been given the opportunity to place a sticker on a variety of questions about how well they think Brexit is going.

Joining the group for the Llangollen session was Clwyd South Labour MP Susan Elan Jones,

Aled Canter, one of the members of the campaign group, said: “We have had a really positive response from these mini Brexitmoters across the county. 

"We welcome having had a local MP there attend. This was an opportunity to let your local MP know how you feel and how they can best represent you at Westminster."

Gas pipe work will cause traffic disruption

Wales & West Utilities has given details of forthcoming work to upgrade gas pipes in Acrefair and Trevor which will affect Llangollen people travelling through these areas.

The work is being undertaken as part of a multi-million-pound 30-year programe by the company to replace old metal pipes with plastic ones within 30 metres of buildings across Wales and the south west of England.

Work will start locally on September 9 on Llangollen Road and is expected to last until the end of November.

The company says it has worked closely with Wrexham Council to keep disruption to a minimum.

A two-way traffic light system will be in use throughout the works and this will temporarily change to three-way lights as work passes the junction of Station Road.

There will also be a two-week road closure in place on Tower Hill from both junctions off Llangollen Road.

Access to residents will be maintained via Tower Hill by the Towers Nursery and there will be a diversion route in place on the opposite junction towards the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct car park. This diversion will be via King Street and will be clearly signposted while the company is working.

More fantastic GCSE results for Ysgol Dinas Bran

Dinas Bran students celebrate their GCSE successes ...

Delighted students celebrated their great results today at Ysgol Dinas Brân.

A spokesperson said the school had achieved some fantastic results again this year with more students gaining A*/A grades. 

"There are so many more students to congratulate for all their efforts and achievements."

There are some superb individual performances. 

Sian Williams achieved 10 A*, 2A grades and a distinction in additional maths. 

James Nicholas achieved 8A* grades, 3A grades and a distinction in additional maths. Sadie Reynolds also achieved 8A* grades and 3 A grades. 

The following all achieved at least 9 A*/A:

Phillipa Bolton

Idris Carney

Cara Hesketh

Lauren McFarlane

Beth McSpadden

Lily Shepley

Rebecca Smales

Emma Smedley-Jones

Kristina Thornton

Headteacher Mark Hatch, said; ‘I am so pleased for all the students that have worked so hard to achieve their results. We are very pleased with the results and we have more A*/A grades than last year, which is fantastic. 

"There are so many students that have achieved great personal success and I wish them all the very best in their futures. I would also like to thank all the staff and parents for their hard work and support for the students."

Denbighshire County Council has congratulated students in the county on their successes in this year’s GCSE examinations.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire's Cabinet Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “I would like to congratulate the young people that have received their examination results today (Thursday).

“Whilst acknowledging the enormous achievements of the most able is very important, what gives me the greatest pleasure is the consistent progress that many of our students make irrespective of their ability or starting point.

“The fabulous support of our students from teachers and parents over the last 5 years, especially over the last few months of their schooling is also very much appreciated. 

“The support that has been shown through attendance and ensuring their children have the right working environment at home has enabled our students to flourish and subsequently celebrate these wonderful results.

“These results further build on improvements seen in previous years and will allow our students to follow the path of their choice, whether that be to further education, apprenticeships or further training.”

Latest Citizens Advice column

Q: I am renting and have an assured shorthold tenancy. I have been struggling to pay the rent for a few months. I am working full time but my wages aren’t enough. I am only just managing with my other bills and spending. Now I am falling behind on my payments and I am worried about losing my home. What can I do to stop this from happening?

A: It’s good you’ve looked for help. This is the first step to staying in your home.

Rent arrears, like council tax debt or mortgage arrears, are a priority debt. Non-payment can cause serious problems, such as losing your home.

If the landlord says they plan to evict you, have served you with an eviction notice, or you have letters from court, get advice urgently.

Go through correspondence from your landlord. Compare payments you’ve made to the amount of arrears due, to make sure the numbers agree. Speak to them about why you’re struggling with your rent.

Create a budget by adding up your essential living costs, such as food and energy, and take these away from your income. Use the Citizens Advice budgeting tool and benefits calculator to see if you can increase your income. Try to find cheaper deals on your energy, phone and broadband. Put any spare money towards your debts.

If you’re able to pay off some of the arrears, your landlord may agree to a payment plan, enabling you to pay smaller amounts. Be clear and realistic about your budget. If they don’t agree a plan, or if you feel unable to negotiate alone, go to Citizens Advice.

The payment plan should be written down and signed by the landlord. They can’t evict you without going to court. But if you do get evicted, ask the council for help with housing and benefits. Contact them immediately, they can help you stay in your home.

For help with your budget, negotiating a rent payment plan, or eviction advice, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.