Rescue team called to help find lost mum and daughter

Leader live was reporting this evening that a rescue team was called to help find a mother and daughter lost on the hills near Llangollen.

* For the full story, see:

https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/18644164.rescue-team-called-help-police-find-lost-mother-daughter-near-llangollen/

Well-known businessman congratulated by MP on award

* Owner Reza Noori, left, and Simon Baynes MP outside Castle Bistro in Chirk.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes made a socially-distanced visit to Castle Bistro in Chirk to meet owner Reza Noori and congratulate him and his staff on receiving the Travellers’ Choice Award on Tripadvisor.

Mr Noori is well known in Llangollen and runs businesses in the town.

He established Castle Bistro in 2016 and received the award for consistently earning great reviews from travellers and for being ranked within the top 10% of hospitality businesses on Tripadvisor.

Mr Noori said: “We’ve been incredibly proud to receive this award. And it’s great recognition of how hard all our staff have worked to make Castle Bistro an excellent place to come and enjoy a meal. 

"I was very glad to catch up with Simon and tell him about some of our exciting plans going forward. And I want to thank all of our incredibly loyal customers for helping us get where we are.”

Simon Baynes said: “Reza and the whole team at Castle Bistro do an incredible job welcoming visitors to Chirk and making amazing meals. 

"This award is very well deserved. And it’s great to see one of our local Chirk businesses doing so well. I look forward to returning soon for a meal with my family.”

Legion set to mark VJ Day on Saturday morning

* The traditional poppy wreath will be laid on the war memorial. 

Llangollen Royal British Legion has given details of how it will be marking the 75th anniversary of VJ - Victory over Japan - Day next Saturday, August 15.

The ceremony to commemorate the end of the Secon World War in the Far East will be curtailed due to the coronavirus situation and there will be not be the usual march through town led by a band. 

Branch chair Phil Stroud said: "We will form up at the war memorial in Centenary Square for 10,50am and will be joined by 15 of the Legion's riders.

"The Service of Remembrance will start at 10.55am. 

"There are likely to be approximately 30 people on parade and, wearing masks, we will be arm's distance to meet the two-metre rule.

"There will be no march nor a band but the traditional Last Post and Reveille will be played through the PA system.

"A poppy wreath will be laid at the war memorial."

The tenor bell (the heaviest of the eight bells) at St. Collen's will be tolled 75 times at 11.10 a.m.on VJ Day 75 to mark the 75 years since VJ Day 1945.

As a matter of interest, the bell weighs over 16cwt.

* The war memorial inside St Collen's Church.

County should monitor removal of parking bays, says MP

* Simon Baynes MP, left, on a socially-distanced picture with Hwyn Davies of the butcher's shop.

* ... and with Jan Deeprose of Lily Rose Interiors.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes says he hopes the county council will monitor the effects of the planned temporary parking suspension in Castle Street and reinstate it or modify their plans if necessary.

Mr Baynes made the comment after visiting a number of businesses along Llangollen's busy main street on Saturday.

The county council has been consulting on its controversial plan to temporarily remove parking bays along the street as part of its planned measures to allow better social distancing in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the idea has met with opposition from some traders and local residents.

After his Saturday visit, Mr Baynes posted on his Facebook page: "Very good to visit some shops and hospitality businesses yesterday on Castle Street in Llangollen and hear about the recovery since lockdown and also their concerns about Denbighshire County Council’s plans to suspend the parking bays on Castle Street in order to benefit social distancing and improve traffic, cyclist and pedestrian flows."While I understand and respect the council’s objectives, the businesses I met said the short stay parking is very important for quick purchases by customers, takeaways and stock deliveries.
"Having had a town centre second-hand bookshop myself some years ago, I fully understand the importance of a judicious mix of long and short term parking in town centres.
"I hope very much that Denbighshire County Council will carefully monitor the effects of the planned parking suspension during the temporary period and reinstate it or modify their plans in the future if local businesses in Castle Street are badly affected given that the prosperity of the shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants is vital for the long term future of Llangollen, particularly in terms of ensuring a diversity of independent shops and hospitality businesses."

Helicopter rescue drama near Sun Bank

SEE UPDATE AT FOOT OF STORY

More than one helicopter is thought to have was involved in the rescue of what is believed to have been a walker from the Panorama near Sun Bank earlier today.

This picture is taken from a short video film posted on Facebook by local dance instructor Julie Kirk Thomas who lives nearby.

Julie, who runs the weekly Strictly Fun Dancing sessions in Centenary Square at 10.30am on Mondays, told llanblogger: "It's been very busy here with helicopters and I was filming from our garden.

"We noticed climbers on the old quarry behind us this morning whilst dog walking.

"It all went quiet just after 3pm today."

The Daily Post online reported later this afternoon:

"A woman has been flown to hospital after falling at a former quarry now used by climbers.

"Emergency services were called to the Trevor Quarry site at Panorama Walk near Llangollen just after 12.30pm on Saturday after reports that a woman had fallen.

"The Wales Air Ambulance and coastguard helicopter were both required to attend."

County explains why car park can't be used by permit holders

The county council has explained why a sign which has appeared outside the East Street car park in Llangollen saying it can no longer be used by parking permit holders.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “The sign relates to the free two-hour parking offer in six of the county’s car parks which runs up until December 31. 

The car parks chosen for this offer are predominantly short stay car parks where permits are not valid. This is to ensure spaces are kept free for shoppers and visitors, generating a higher turnover of visits to help support our town centre businesses.

“However, in Llangollen because permits are valid in the town’s short stay and long stay car parks, we chose East Street Car Park for the offer to ensure spaces are kept free for shoppers and visitors, while still allowing permit holders to use Market Street, Mill Street or Hall Street car parks.”

Stay safe this weekend, says Wales's tourism minister

* Weekend traffic queues 

on the A5 into Llangollen.

As the first weekend since indoor hospitality has been open begins and with good weather forecast Wales's Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Dafydd Elis Thomas is reminding residents and visitors alike to enjoy what Wales has to offer safely.

He said: “We are now at the height of summer and with hospitality businesses able to open again, many people will be taking advantage of the good weather to visit Wales or explore their local area.  After the difficulties for the tourism industry this will be welcome for many. "If you are planning to explore and enjoy what Wales has to offer this weekend remember to do so safely.   "There are a few things which we can all do to help keep ourselves, our families and communities safe. “Plan ahead and check local arrangements such as parking facilities. If where you want to go is very busy think about an alternative which is quieter – there are plenty of places to choose from.  You might discover something new. “Remember to maintain social distance, and keep two metres apart from others, including when outdoors and on the streets. “It’s great to see that most tourist businesses are now open and we all have a part to play in keeping everyone safe, and ensuring our restaurants, pubs, cafes and attractions can remain open. “We can enjoy the wonderful countryside and attractions here in Wales over the summer.  Let’s all do so safely.” * Visit Wales is encouraging visitors to make a pledge to care for each other and the place we call home. To sign the pledge visit: https://www.visitwales.com/promise