Man's body found at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, says report

According to a story in North Wales Live, police have confirmed that the body of a man has been found at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Officers from North Wales Police were called to the landmark near Llangollen at around 10am today and discovered the man's body.

For the sfull story, see: https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/body-found-pontcysyllte-aqueduct-amid-18508525?fbclid=IwAR2TelvBaKq54Mpqg-oFJYLn8w2rHN0bYa3bHR785lPjW3AHNkJiVeXoi-g

Large police presence at the aqueduct, says newspaper

A LARGE police presence is currently visible around the area of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct amid "concern for safety" of a person, according to the Oswestry Advetizer. 

Over a dozen police cars and a police helicopter have been seen in the area, as well as an ambulance.

* For the full story, see: https://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/news/18548505.police-presence-pontcysyllte-aqueduct/?fbclid=IwAR3gNI30xl1hjoFs1FYaZE0fNshIN6pRI0QpICYUg9z2TXWvOWEs_7ckvT8

Operatic in the honours at amateur stage Oscars

* Helen Belton and Bill Hughes in Fiddler on the Roof.

* Celyn Orton-Jones (centre) in Fiddler on the Roof.

* Aled Morris (wearing red shirt) in Grease.

* The full Young 'Uns cast of Grease. 

* Pictures by Barrie Potter and Michael Jones

Llangollen Operatic Society was in the honours at the latest amateur stage “Oscars”.

In the 2019 NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association – Awards, this year held completely online due to the Covid-19 situation, the society was nominated for Best Show (Wales and Ireland District 1a) for its production of Fiddler on the Roof.

Although it didn’t win that particular category, actor Bill Hughes, who played the lead role of Tevye in the show, landed Best Performer in the same district while Helen Belton, as his wife Golde, was nominated for Best Supporting Performer and Celyn Orton-Jones, as his daughter Chava, was nominated as Best Youth Performer.  

The show, which was performed at Llangollen last spring, was directed by Alison Ravenscroft and Chrissie Ashworth with Leigh Mason as musical director and Helen Belton as a performer as well as the producer.

Helen said: “It was a beautiful show to rehearse and perform. Many cast members have said that it has been their favourite show yet.

“It is a show of such warmth and displaying such community that one cannot fail to feel that warmth amongst cast members.

“Though we didn’t win best show, we know we produced a very special piece of work which audiences loved.”

Director Alison Ravenscroft said: “Bill Hughes richly deserved his award for his wonderful performance and I congratulate Helen and Celyn for their nominations which are a massive achievement.

“Although I'm obviously very disappointed not to win the Best Show award it doesn't take away from the fantastic effort of the cast, crew and production team. It was a great show and I was very proud to bring the village of Anatevka to Llangollen.”

In the same NODA awards Llangollen Operatic’s junior section, The Young ‘Uns, was also in the honours.

For the Wales and Ireland District 1a, gong for Best Youth Production 2019 went to its production of Grease at the town hall.

Best Supporting Actor (under 21) for the same district went to Aled Morris for his portrayal of Roger, one of the T-birds.

Producer Pam Williams said: “I’m extremely proud to be part of an amazing production team which has again produced an outstanding show for the Llangollen community and surrounding areas.

“The group is now in its 40th year, which is testament to all the support we get from the volunteers who build our sets, create our costumes and keep our society alive.”

Keep cemeteries clear of dog mess, says county

Denbighshire County Council is reminding pet owners to pick up after their dogs while in public places.

There have been reports of dog fouling in cemeteries in Denbighshire and the council is reminding dog owners they should not walk their pets in cemeteries which are covered by public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) meaning fines of up to £100 could be issued.

District Enforcement provides environmental enforcement on behalf of the Council and as well as issuing fines, the firm focuses on educating the public and raising awareness of the issues around dog fouling and littering.

Targeted patrols have been reintroduced at dog fouling hotspots in Denbighshire as lockdown restrictions are being eased.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “The vast majority of dog owners in the county respect the rules around dog walking. However, for those who do not, the message is clear, you should not be walking your pets in cemeteries.  We have been working with District Enforcement to ensure areas where there are reports of dog fouling are being patrolled.

“Those caught walking their dogs in areas covered by PSPOs or not picking up after their pets will be fined.”

* You can report dog fouling by calling 01824 706000.

Llan businesses plan their post-Covid comebacks

* One Giant Leap at Tan Y Graig Farm.

A number of Llangollen businesses this week took to Facebook to let the public know how they have made - or are planning - a comeback from coronavirus lockdown. 

Martin Sands of One Giant Leap (OGL) downhill mountain bike club based at Tan Y Graig Farm posted: "I'm having loads of people asking when we are opening again. My answer is under guidance from British Cycling and the Welsh Government. Both sets of advice are subject to a continued decline in Covid 19 infection rates. This means that things may change at any time.

"The planned reopening date is 6th July for push/ride up or family groups only in one vehicle. No news on uplifts yet. Social distancing is essential and numbers will be restricted to facilitate this.

"Under the BC guidance I will need a record of every rider visiting us and contact numbers. Groups of more than six are not permitted although multiple groups are possible. All riders must be 2020 OGL club members with the 2020 yellow membership band and will need to book in before arrival.

"Please note that this is a farm with six bike tracks, not a bike park. I am privately funded and I do all the digging myself. I will not tolerate anyone who is not prepared to pay £20 per year membership fee. I have tackled so many people in recent weeks who claim they can ride my tracks whenever they want and don't need permission. They were suitably educated.

"Parking will be at the building I have restored in the photos. There is drinking water there and toilets. Hand sanitiser will be provided.There is also a free e-bike charging point."

* The Bridge End is planning its re-opening.

The message from the Bridge End pub restaurant was: "We can’t quite believe it has been 3 months since we last saw you come through our doors. From our weekends filled with pulling pints to busy hours in the kitchen making our Sunday Roasts, we have missed you all and can’t wait to be serving you once more!

"We are sorry we have been quiet but as soon as we receive the latest updates from the Welsh Government you will all be the first to hear our plans to reopen as soon as possible! 

"Our main priority is to be able to provide a safe environment for us to enjoy your company once more. We promise we will provide details of how you can book a table with us or stay in one of our rooms the second we know more.

"Thank you all so much for your phone calls and emails of support and eagerness to return to us – we are so excited to hopefully be able to open our doors to you again!

"From visitors far and wide to our much-loved regulars – we miss you and can’t wait to see you all soon!"

* Dayboats from Llangollen Wharf will be making a return soon.

Llangollen Wharf posted: "We are pleased to say that our Dayboats are available to hire from the 6th July in accordance with current guidance.

"Also the 45 minute Horsedrawn Boat Trips will also be running from the 6th July. There will be reduced capacity due to social distancing requirements so we recommend ringing the Wharf on 01978 860702 to book your seats. There maybe limited a availability on the day.

"We are looking forward to welcoming you back as we begin the long journey back to normality."

Rusty Gold Emporium was able to say that it had already made its post-Covid comeback when it posted: "Whoop. We are back. ..The Chapel Emporium is opening tomorrow at 10am. 

"Lots of new stock to see with a number of new stall holders in place. Lots of room to move inside the Chapel and we’ve put all the bits in place to make you feel safe. It would be great to see our customers again. We’ve missed you... grab a bargain. Have a mooch. Have fun. Cheers Paul and the team."

And Llangollen Pharmacy, which has been open throughout lockdown, posted details of a new service when it said: "As of today Llangollen Pharmacy is trialling a new SMS text message service which enables us to inform you by text message when your prescription is ready for collection. If you would like to enrol onto this service please pop in or call us on 01978 860657."

£1m fund available to give easier access to local government

A one million pound fund will be available this financial year to make it easier for people to access local government services online.

Aimed at helping local authorities to improve public services through digital technology, the Local Government Digital Transformation Fund was established in 2018 but has been repurposed during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure bids that respond to the current situation are given priority.

The fund provides grants to help local authorities collaborate to solve problems collectively, to support work that benefits all local authorities and to start developing common standards and services across Wales.

Announcing the fund was open to applications, Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James said: “Digital innovation isn’t new, it’s been happening for years in Wales but Coronavirus has meant that progress has sped up considerably over the last few months. We have all started doing a lot more online - from the weekly food shop to keeping in touch with friends and family.

“It has also changed the way people expect to interact with businesses and public services. It is therefore essential local government is able to respond to this demand and work together to ensure we provide the best possible service to the public.”

Welsh Government's latest Covid-19 update

Yesterday's coronvirus updates from the Welsh Givernment are: 

• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has issued guidance to the meat and food processing sector in Wales to help prevent outbreaks of coronavirus. The guidance will also help manage outbreaks where they do occur.
• 
  
• It was developed in partnership with key agencies and unions and follows two outbreaks in North Wales and an incident in South Wales.
• More information: https://gov.wales/written-statement-guidance-meat-processing-and-food-production-plants and https://gov.wales/new-coronavirus-guidance-meat-and-food-plants-published
• Latest statement by Public Health Wales: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/

• First Minister Mark Drakeford has today announced a start-up grant to support new businesses dealing with the impact of coronavirus.
• 
  
• The fund will be worth £5m initially with flexibility for the future. It will support start-up firms, which fall outside the UK Government’s Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) as they only began trading in 2019.
• Applications for this grant will open on 29 June, at the same time as phase two of the Economic Resilience Fund opens to applications.
• https://gov.wales/welsh-government-announce-grant-support-start-businesses
• Watch the First Minister’s press conference: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1276476840413036544
• A £1m fund will be available this financial year to make it easier for people to access local government services online.
• 
  
• Aimed at helping local authorities to improve public services through digital technology, the Local Government Digital Transformation Fund was established in 2018 but has been repurposed during the coronavirus pandemic to ensure bids that respond to the current situation are given priority
• https://gov.wales/fund-help-local-authorities-deliver-better-digital-services
• The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism has published a written statement about the creative industries https://gov.wales/written-statement-creative-industries

• The Office for National Statistics has published an article about its analysis of coronavirus deaths in England and Wales by occupation.
• 
  
• Among women, four specific occupations had raised rates of death involving COVID-19, including sales and retail assistants (15.7 deaths per 100,000 women, or 64 deaths).
• Because of the higher number of deaths among men, 17 specific occupations were found to have raised rates of death involving COVID-19, some of which included taxi drivers and chauffeurs (65.3 deaths per 100,000; 134 deaths); bus and coach drivers (44.2 deaths per 100,000; 53 deaths); chefs (56.8 deaths per 100,000; 49 deaths); and sales and retail assistants (34.2 deaths per 100,000; 43 deaths).
• The article is available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/causesofdeath/bulletins/coronaviruscovid19relateddeathsbyoccupationenglandandwales/deathsregisteredbetween9marchand25may2020

• Public Health Wales has today confirmed 65 new cases of coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number to 15,531, although the actual number will be higher.

o   Sadly, there were two further deaths of people with confirmed coronavirus reported by Public Health Wales today, the total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales remains at 1,497 – this is the same as Thursday following further verification of the data. 

Where to find the latest information

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/public-health-wales-statement-on-novel-coronavirus-outbreak/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Queries about support for businesses, including about eligibility for the Economic Resilience Fund? Visit the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe
• Want to know when and where to wear a face mask? https://gov.wales/face-coverings-frequently-asked-questions
• Want to make your own face covering? https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-06/how-to-make-a-3-layer-face-covering.pdf
• The Welsh Government holds a daily media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and routinely supported by a BSL translator. They will be held at 12.30pm every week day. They are live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel and are broadcast live on BBC One Wales and S4C.
• First Minister Mark Drakeford held today’s press conference – you can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1276476840413036544