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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Roadworks alert for Llangollen



Latest roadworks alert from one.network is:


02 July — 02 October

Delays unlikely - No carriageway incursion

Works location: The Sun Inn, 49 Regent Street, Llangollen.

Works description: Scaffolding for painting works

Responsibility for works: Welsh Government

Current status: Planned work about to start

Works reference: SC567


More good lockdown news from local businesses




More local businesses and attractions have made announcements on Facebook about their return from the coronavirus lockdown.

Fouzies Cafe, Llangollen posted:To all our wonderful and supportive customers:

“We’ve been overwhelmed with such a positive outcome for our take away and delivery service during COVID-19.

“A huge thanks from all of us at Fouzis for your continuous support.

“As of Wednesday, we will no longer be offering this service, as preparation is underway for Fouzis opening (we do believe it will be very soon) with social distancing in mind, i.e reducing our covers and dividing tables in accordance with government requirements.

“We want to be open for business as soon as government says it is safe to do so. Once we are open, we would like to ask for your patience and understanding, as this will be new situation for our business as for everyone else.

“Opening date will be announced through social media as soon as we know more information.

“Once again, thank you for your support with delivery and take away service through this difficult few months. It is much appreciated and means a lot to us.

“We are looking forward to seeing you all again.”


Llangollen-based Bearded Men Adventures posted: “Good news… BMA is BACK! 

“Due to the recent news from the Welsh government, we are excited to now be taking bookings for activities taking place from 11th July onwards, with a 100% refund option.

“The nature and organisation of all activities offered is of course in line with government guidelines and as these change, we will review and update you on what’s possible.

“You can also book with absolute confidence. All bookings are 100% refundable if Coronavirus issues mean the activity has to be cancelled. See our BMA Guarantee below!

“Current activities and key points: - As of today, we are accepting bookings for river tubing, canoe aqueduct tours, archery & axe throwing and canyoning.

“- Activities are for groups of no more than 6 people per activity, from a maximum of 2 households.

“- From the moment you arrive until you leave, we will maintain social distancing rules in line with the current government guidelines for that day, which is currently at 2 meters.

“- If anybody from your household has shown symptoms in the past 2 weeks before your booking date, we will have to cancel that booking. If this happens, we will offer a full refund or changing the date.

“We don’t want Coronavirus to limit you any more than it already has. However, rest assured you won’t lose ANY of your money if it does. From this point onwards, if your booking is cancelled due to Coronavirus, we will give you a full refund, or a voucher to book another activity with us.

“In addition to the above, it is important to note that from 6 July, people can travel to Wales (from England) for day trips, but not overnight stays. Restaurants, pubs, accommodation, public toilets etc will however remain closed across all of Wales, but we understand things are scheduled to change substantially from 13 July.

“Hopefully, from this point onwards, we can offer an even wider range of activities – we’ll keep you posted. We Can’t Wait To See You! You can book online through our website: https://www.beardedmenadventures.com/ or get in touch via email at hello@beardedmenadventures.com.”


There was good news too from nearby National attraction Chirk Castle, which posted: “Chirk Castle are delighted to announce that they will re-open, or at least partly re-open.

“Chirk Castle gardens and the estate will re-open open week commencing 8th July. The gardens and parklands will open for PRE-BOOKED VISITS ONLY and the shuttle bus from the car park to the gardens will not be in operation. Do not venture up the Castle estate unless you have a valid pre-booked ticket - even if you have a membership pass.

“The castle will initially be operating at 50% of their regular capacity and building up from that.

“How to book your visit and what to expect:

All visitors must book a ticket in advance, including members;

Please book one ticket per person, except for children under five as they don’t need a ticket;

You’ll need to choose a 30-minute arrival time for the day you want to visit;

The timeslot is for your arrival time only and the length of time you can stay will depend on the opening times of the place you're visiting;

Tickets are for your use only and are not available for resale;

They’ll send your booking confirmation by email;

Please make sure you fill in your correct email address when you book to ensure you receive your confirmation email.
“You can check the web page of the place you wish to visit to see opening times and booking availability. Every FRIDAY new bookings ARE RELEASED for visits the following week. You can book up to 18 hours before a timeslot. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/…/how-to-book-your-visit-a…

Campaign urges support for Welsh food and drink industry


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.
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 & Drink Celebration Days are planned for August and September.
Producers, retailers and the hospitality sectors – were hit hard by the pandemic, with sadly, many businesses having to close overnight. But countless enterprises have shown incredible ingenuity and adaptability, and have kept on producing and providing goods under exceptional circumstances.
The #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste is a Welsh Government campaign working in partnership with Menter a Busnes.
Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: "We have seen and heard many wonderful examples where individuals and businesses have stepped up to the challenges presented by Covid-19.
"Now we want to say a very public ‘thank you’ to all the key workers within our food and drink industry. They have continued to produce great food and keeping our nation fed throughout this unprecedented time.
"It is more important than ever that we support Welsh food and drink businesses. That’s why we are launching the #CaruCymruCaruBlas #LoveWalesLoveTaste campaign to encourage Welsh consumers to keep supporting our producers and retailers and buying high quality local Welsh produce.
"Producers and retailers have been downloading #CaruCymruCaruBlas digital packs in readiness for next month’s campaign launch.
"The #CaruCymruCaruBlas campaign follows on from the successful Welsh producers’ map created by Cywain - a programme dedicated to developing new and existing micro-businesses and SMEs in the Welsh food and drink sector.
"Welsh food and drink products are readily available to buy. Around 3,700 different products can be found on retailers’ shelves across Wales, and with numerous brands also available to buy online."
Cywain’s #SupportLocalSupportWales map directs shoppers to hundreds of Welsh food and drink producers and products at the click:  
Elen Llwyd Williams, Menter a Busnes Director said: "There are hundreds of Welsh producers now selling online and offering safe delivery options to consumers. 
"Consumers across Wales have provided fantastic support to local producers throughout the pandemic, and we need this to continue to ensure businesses survive. 
!Cywain are supporting a number of businesses with their online presence, so new producers and products are added to the online map on a regular basis."
Speaking about the launch of #CaruCymruCaruBlas/#LoveWalesLoveTaste, Andy Richardson, Chair of the Food and Drink Wales Industry Board said: "Overall, the food and drink industry in Wales has shown itself once again to be resilient and creative in the face of crisis and vital to the UK economy as a whole. Covid-19 has presented challenges to the industry, but also opportunities - we know some businesses have been very badly affected, but some have prospered.
"Our role as a Board is to work with Welsh Government to address all these issues so Welsh Food and Drink can continue to grow as an industry. We know that markets have changed and consumers are more likely to shop online and crucially are more interested and invested in the provenance of their food; more connected with their locality.
"As we launch these celebration days we must remain confident to grow and focus on added value. We’ve seen producers diversifying their offering, helping the NHS and keeping the nation fed and we can continue to take huge pride in Welsh food and drink as we work together to recover from this crisis."

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

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.”

Coronavirus update from the Welsh Government




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



  • 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


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.
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 ðŸŒŽ 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."

Monday, June 29, 2020