Wales & West trains performed "better than planned" says report

Network Rail’s Wales & Western region has delivered better than planned passenger and freight train performance for operators over the last year and exceeded its efficiency savings, according to a new report published by the Office of Rail and Road today.

The rail regulator’s annual assessment of Network Rail found that delays to passenger trains attributed to its Wales & Western region – which extends from London Paddington to Penzance via Reading, Swindon, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth as well as to Cardiff and Swansea – were lower than expected with 1.62 minutes of delay per 100km of train travel against the forecast level of 1.88 minutes of delay per 100km of train travel. 

Passenger performance was better on its Western route – with Network Rail delivering its best train service for a decade, for all operators – compared to its Wales route, which was severely impacted by bad weather.  The region also delivered good levels of performance for freight operators.  

The annual assessment of Network Rail also found that its Wales & Western region delivered its planned renewals work while exceeding its target (£42m) for efficiency savings by £8m, contributing £50m to Network Rail’s overall efficiency improvements of £385m in the first year of control period 6 (CP6). 

The region’s health and safety performance was mixed; while lost time to worker injury improved, level crossing risk has slightly risen due the increasing numbers of trains and crossing users.  

John Larkinson, Chief Executive, ORR said: “Passenger and freight performance has been better than the levels forecast and its Western route achieved its best train service delivery for a decade.

“But its Wales route needs to improve on its performance with delays caused by Network Rail leading to worse than expected performance.

“The region has delivered strongly on efficiency in the first year of its five year plan, with savings above target, which is good news for taxpayers and passengers.

“We set Network Rail nationally a £3.5bn efficiency improvement challenge over five years and the Wales & Western region has made a good start in contributing to these savings.” 

Pubs and restaurants with outdoor spaces can re-open, says BBC story

According to a BBC story yesterday, some pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in Wales will be able to reopen outdoors from 13 July, under new Welsh Government plans.

Venues will be able to open in spaces they own and have licences for - as long as coronavirus cases continue to fall.

But indoor services will remain closed for now, despite industry pressure.

* For the full story, see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-53247660

Meanwhile, more Llangollen businesses are making plans to re-open after lockdown.

* One of the famous horses is reshod at Llangollen Wharf.

Llangollen Wharp posted on Facebook: "We are very pleased to say we are nearly there. The boys have been having their shoes on today ready to start work on Monday 6th July. 

"We have deep cleaned the boats and marked out the spaces inside so we can ensure social distancing. We have carried out a full risk assessment to ensure the safety of our customers and staff. 

"The capacity of the boats will be reduced so we will be running 6 trips a day hourly from 11am last trip 4pm. Sanitizer will be available and the boats will be cleaned in between trips.

"We would prefer for you to book in advance by phoning us on 01978 860702 so we can monitor the numbers at the Wharf. We look forward to seeing you all next week."

Orb Sound and Lighting posted: "

As we're all aware, upcoming events have sadly had to be cancelled/postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"So with some unexpected time on our hands, ORB have adapted and are offering the following services:

➡️PA installations (indoor and outdoor)
➡️Lighting installations (indoor and outdoor)
➡️CCTV installation
➡️IT networking and WIFI
➡️Live Streaming
➡️PAT testing
➡️Equipment repairs/servicing

"Feel free to get in touch to discuss any of the above with us.
We'll always do our best to find the right products and service to suit your needs.

"Email: info@orb-sl.co.uk
Phone: 07814651515."

And Kelly's Chippy posted: "We’re now opening Thursday evenings too! Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings 4pm-8.30pm for collections only."

Saturday waste service "will come back" says council chief

* The Pavilion car park where the Saturday waste service has been located. 

A former Llangollen county councillor has been given a firm assurance by a top council official that the Saturday morning domestic waste collection service at the Pavilion car park will return following its lockdown withdrawal.

The “pop-up” facility for local residents to dump their waste in council refuse trucks parked there rather than having to journey over to Ruthin was introduced some years ago after the closure of the old waste site off the A539.

But it became one of the first casualties of the withdrawal of county services when the Covid-19 crisis began three months ago.

Since then there have been many complaints from Llangollen residents about the lack of this basic facility, leaving them with the only alternative of a long drive to Ruthin as Wrexham Council has said it will not allow them to use its waste site at Plas Madoc.

Denbighshire has said on a number of occasions that the service cannot be re-introduced because of the coronavirus health risk to its employees. But it has committed to keeping the situation under review.

The fight was taken up by former Llangollen county councillor Stuart Davies who organised a social media poll which showed a majority in favour of a swift return of the service.

He has also fired off a series of emails to council officers calling for the return of the facility.

One of his latest notes prompted a response – forwarded by Mr Davies to llanblogger – from a senior council officer.

Part of this said that bulky waste collection would be the next thing on the list of services that the council would be looking to resume. 

Once the council had been able to do that, it would review the position with the pop-up recycling in the Dee Valley. 

The official assures Mr Davies the council was not looking to keep the facility closed, adding: "We have always intended to bring it back as soon as it is possible to do so, and that is still our intention.”

In a further email to Mr Davies the official says in bold letters: “It will come back.”

Have your say on town centre openings

* Llangolen town centre is emerging from the lockdown.

A survey has now been arranged to capture the views of businesses and consumers in town centres across Denbighshire, a week after some shops opened their doors.

Earlier this month, Denbighshire County Council announced that a Task Group had been set up to support town centre businesses during and after the re-opening of shops, working jointly with business associations and local communities. 

The Council also has teams out and about in our main town centres, monitoring compliance with safety guidelines, as well as offering practical support to businesses, such as signage or posters.

Now, the Council has produced a short survey to find out how businesses and visitors/ residents found the re-opening experience. The feedback will be fed into discussions about what steps the Council and its partners will take next.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, who is also the Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “For more than three months, town centres - the heart of many of our communities - stood still and quiet, with businesses closed and visitors and locals alike asked to stay at home and away from others until things became better. 

“The easing of restrictions on town centre businesses is a step in the right direction and the Council is delighted to be working with the business associations and communities across Denbighshire to ensure the re-introduction of services is running smoothly. Feedback to date has been really positive and the support will go-on as business continue to get back on their feet.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “Listening to the views of businesses and consumers is vital as we work together to promote the local economy.

“We recognise that many businesses and  communities have felt relieved and excited at the prospect of businesses opening up, with others feeling  anxious or apprehensive about the thought of returning to work or visiting a town centre - even if it's essential.

“It’s all about having a proper dialogue with people so that we can assist town centres to settle into the new ways of working and assisting the efforts to protect our communities”.

* The survey can be found at: https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/

Roadworks alert for Llangollen

Latest roadworks alert from one.network is: Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 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.

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 & 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:  

https://menterabusnes.cymru/cywain/en/our-producers/ 

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."