Police scam warning goes out to firearms holders

Police are reminding firearms holders in North Wales to be on their guard against thieves posing as firearms licensing officers.

The warning comes after a firearms holder in another force area received a suspicious phone call. 

The female claimed to be from the force’s Firearms Licensing Unit and said that someone would have to visit the property to inspect his security.

The firearms certificate holder wasn’t convinced that the call was genuine and enquiries with the force’s Firearms Licensing Unit revealed that no-one from the team had recently made contact with this individual.

Firearms Licensing Manager at North Wales Police, Andy Broadhead, said: “We are continuing to process grant and renewal applications and will contact applicants by telephone individually to discuss the most appropriate way of processing their application.

“We only visit by appointment and I would like remind applicants that if they are any doubt as to the identity of the members our team please ask for a name and photo ID for confirmation. If you are in any doubt, telephone 101.”

* For further information go to https://www.north-wales.police.uk/about-us/departments/firearms-licensing

Coronavirus update from the Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government, issued yesterday, is: 

• First Minister Mark Drakeford has indicated Wales could introduce the concept of extended households on July 6 if cases of coronavirus continue to decline.
• This would allow people living in two separate households to join up to create one exclusive extended household, enabling many families and close friends to be reunited for the first time since the pandemic started in March.
• The changes would be introduced on July 6 – at the same time as the requirement to stay local is lifted – if conditions in Wales continue to be favourable.
• More information: https://gov.wales/extended-households-will-enable-families-be-re-united
• Watch the First Minister’s press conference again: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1277564701799399424
• Shoppers are being urged to show their support for key workers in Wales’ food and drink industry by taking part in a new online campaign #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste.
• The campaign aims to encourage people to continue to support Welsh producers and retailers by buying Welsh food and drink products – either in shops or online.    
• It will launch on 3 July with a day of Welsh food and drink celebration providing people with an opportunity to thank those who are working around the clock to feed the nation during the coronavirus pandemic. Two further Welsh food and drink celebration days are planned for August and September.
• https://gov.wales/carucymrucarublas-campaign-urges-shoppers-show-their-love-welsh-food-and-drink-industry
• Health Minister Vaughan Gething has thanked student nurses and midwives for their contributions during the coronavirus pandemic https://gov.wales/written-statement-student-nurses-and-midwives-pandemic-contributions
• People recovering from coronavirus are being supported by dedicated teams of allied health professionals (AHP) and healthcare science professionals from a number of disciplines who are tackling a wide range of rehabilitation needs while adhering to social distancing guidelines https://gov.wales/allied-health-professionals-guide-people-recovering-covid-19-along-road-recovery

• Public Health Wales has today confirmed 116 new cases of coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number to 15,717, although the actual number will be higher.

o   Sadly, there were three 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 1,507.

What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus

• The symptoms of coronavirus are a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss of smell or taste.
• If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus illness (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for seven days from when your symptoms started.
• If you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for seven days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.
• If you have coronavirus symptoms:
• Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home
• Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home and consider what can be done for vulnerable people in the household.
• Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.
• If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after seven days, use the 111 online coronavirus service. If you do not have internet access, call 111. In a medical emergency dial 999.
• For more advice visit https://gov.wales/stay-home-guidance-households-possible-coronavirus

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/1277564701799399424

More businesses and services announce Covid comeback

* Courtyard Books is back after the lockdown.

More local businesses, services and events are planning their re-emergence from the Covid-19 lockdown.

Sian Glynne-jones of Courtyard Books posted on her Facebook page: “We are back open!!

“We have our screen in place, but only one customer in at a time please. Our opening hours for the moment are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am until 2pm.

“Alternatively, you can reach us on Courtyardbooksllangollen@gmail.com

"If you are still isolating and would prefer not to come in to the shop, then please ring us and we will deliver if you are not too far away.

“We are able to order books if they are not in stock, but these are taking a little longer at the moment.”

Finley's Newsagents, Sandwich Bar and General Store posted: “We are missing all our wonderful customers!

“We are currently assessing the situation regarding reopening the shop again.

“We feel when the travel ban to Wales has been lifted and more people are allowed in town this will be more beneficial for us as a business as well as the support from our amazing locals and regulars.

“We will keep you informed and up to date over the next week or so.” 

Llangollen Fringe Festival said on Face book: “Llangollen Fringe 2020 online programme is here! 

“Although we may not be able to bring you our usual programme of high quality, live entertainment, just yet - we are thrilled to announce our online programme for July 2020!

“All of the online events are free to access and, unless stated otherwise can be viewed and joined in with by visiting llangollenfringe.co.uk on the date and time listed.

“TA DA!!! https://www.llangollenfringe.co.uk/…/what-s-on/online-events

And Denbighshire Leisure, which runs Llangollen Leisure Centre, posted: “As you may have seen in the news, the gradual relaxation of lockdown restrictions by Welsh Government means we are moving slowly towards being able to welcome back our customers.  

"This can’t come soon enough for everyone at Denbighshire Leisure, and we are sure you feel the same.  

“Once we are able to reopen, we will be doing everything we can to ensure your visits will be as safe as possible, without comprising on quality or enjoyment.

 

“In line with government advice however, we will need to make some temporary changes to both to the services we offer, and to your experience as a customer. 

“For example, we will be introducing more outdoor fitness classes and will be adjusting our timetables to allow for regular, intense cleaning sessions.  

"Social distancing measures will be in place in all of our sites and there will be clear routes around our buildings to help with this.  Full details of the “new normal” will be provided to you prior to reopening, and you can be confident staff will be fully trained on our new procedures.

“Refurbishments of Denbigh Leisure Centre Car Park and Llangollen Leisure Centre all weather pitch are both expected to begin in August.” 

Cat Meade, co-ordinator of Llangollen Coronavirus Help Group, sounded a warning note on Facebook yesterday.

She posted:

"COVID is still a risk, it has NOT vanished....2hrs drive from Llan, when the borders open on Monday people will be travelling here from much further a field.

"We have 100 masks left, please inbox if you would like one.

"Keep the Hand washing up, kids and Adults alike, take sanitiser everywhere you go.

"Shop owners in Llan please adhere to social distancing, mark out and sign post "2m rule" and dont forget to protect you and your staff, screens at tills, face guards, hand sanitiser.. card payments..

"We all want to open up and start up Llan but we need to protect one another in the process, or we will ALL be back to the beginning and some businesses may not survive another lockdown, businesses want to welcome locals and tourists, of course we do, our Town should be preping for our Annual event, where we welcome the world 🌎 instead we are trying to open with a lot of restrictions after 3 months at zero income!

"Prepare, keep you and your staff safe, protect locals and hopefully together we can create our Town's new "normal" but safety first."

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.