Visitors urged to have Plan B should beauty spot car parks be full

* The Horseshoe Falls where the car park has filled up rapidly.

Visitors to the Denbighshire countryside are urged to have a Plan B in place if they find car parks at some of the county’s scenic locations busy. 

Since the easing of restrictions, car parks at some popular countryside sites such as the Horseshoe Falls near Llangollen, Loggerheads and Moel Famau have filled very quickly, especially at weekends and the car parks have needed to close.

Councillor Tony Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We have seen significant number of visitors coming to our beautiful countryside sites and we are delighted to welcome people here.

“Inevitably, with the number of visitors being experienced, the car parks become full very quickly, especially at the more popular sites.Please park in designated parking areas only – parking on road verges very quickly causes serious congestion. 

“We are asking visitors to consider having a Plan B during busy periods and potentially making alternative plans to visit other locations or paths in the county, to help ease the pressure on the busier sites."

MP welcomes £2bn scheme to help create young people's jobs

 

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes MP (pictured) has welcomed the UK Government’s new Kickstart Scheme, designed to create thousands of new jobs for young people across the UK.

The £2bn scheme has been developed to enhance job opportunities for 16-24 year olds as part of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Plan for Jobs.

The idea is a way for young people on Universal Credit to take part in a six-month placement to acquire skills and experience to take into full time employment within the future. 

Businesses across the UK are now able to sign up, with Tesco and The Prince’s Trust already pledging their support.

Employers are able to top up the wage of workers and the Government has promised to pay employers an additional £1,500 to assist with support and training, alongside paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and Pension contributions.

Simon Baynes said: “I’m delighted to see the UK Government supporting young people here in Clwyd South and across the whole of the UK in developing their skills and opportunities ready for future employment.”

“There have been an additional 250,000 young people claiming employment benefits since March, with Covid-19 having a significant impact on employment opportunities for those looking for work. However, I’m very optimistic that this scheme will help those who are only just starting out in the world of work.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.”

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “We have taken unprecedented action to secure Wales’s economic recovery from the pandemic. More than 500,000 Welsh jobs have been protected through the Job Retention and Self Employed schemes while over 40,000 businesses in Wales have received more than £1.4 billion in loans.”

Police boss warns of possible surge in post-Covid sex attacks

* With the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones is Sarah Staveley, who manages SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) which has received a grant through the PCC to employ a new Independent Sexual Assault Advisor to help cope with the Covid Crisis.   

A police boss is warning people to be on their guard amid fears of a surge in sex attacks as the coronavirus restrictions are eased.

The region’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Arfon Jones, revealed the number of reported cases had dropped during lockdown as a result of people having to stay at home.

But Mr Jones fears the number of assaults will start to rise as the night time economy opens up once more.

The commissioner is also concerned that victims are suffering more mental health problems as a result of being isolated and courts falling behind in dealing with cases.

Mr Jones, a former police inspector, has now secured extra funding to provide more support to survivors.

He has been successful in gaining almost £77,000 from the Ministry of Justice’s Rape Support Fund to fund a full-time Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) for the next two years.

The post will be based at the Amethyst Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Old Colwyn and will support victims from the six counties across North Wales.

It will enable the centre  to work on clearing existing caseloads which have increased due to demands with courts closing and a number of clients suffering severe mental health issues due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The centre receives between 500 and 550 referrals a years with the victims ranging in age from one to pensioners in their 70s.

SARC manager Sarah Staveley said: “The length of time lockdown has gone on has had a detrimental effect on the mental health of some of our service users.

“These are people that already had mental health issues as a direct result of their traumatic experiences.

“The delay in getting investigations underway and court cases through the criminal justice system has just made matters worse.

"We have also had the problem of not being able to conduct face to face interviews or hold meetings with clients. We have maintained a telephone service and have always been there if needed but it isn't the same and adds to the stress experienced by victims.

"It is highly likely we will see a rise in referrals as lockdown measures are eased. There will be more opportunities for people to meet and as a result for sexual assaults to occur.

“We are also likely to see a rise in referrals once people are able to seek help and advice.

“The £76,824 grant secured by the Police and Crime Commissioner will allow us to appoint an ISVA who will have a big role to play in supporting victims of rape and sexual violence and their families.

“The role will mean the ISVA will see a case through the criminal justice system from beginning to end. Some victims need more support than others but it’s important that we are there for every victim that needs support.

“It’s wonderful that Mr Jones recognises the need for our service. He and his office have always given SARC a great deal of support and help.

“It’s clear Mr Jones really understands the needs of victims and the positive impact our services can have on the well-being of those affected by rape and serious sexual assault.”

Tackling sexual violence and providing support for victims is a key priority in the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan which provides the blueprint followed by North Wales Police.

Mr Jones said: “I am acutely aware of the backlog of cases being investigated or going through the criminal justice system and understand the impact delays due to the Coronavirus pandemic could have on victims.

“The work that takes place at SARC is absolutely vital and should never been underestimated. It’s so important that a victim of rape or serious sexual assault has somewhere to go knowing they will be taken seriously and get the help and advice they need.

“Covid-19 and lockdown has been a very difficult time for everyone but for someone that is waiting for a case to go to court or who has had a court case postponed due to the pandemic it can have a devastating impact and they need further support.

“This additional money from the Rape Support Fund will help us ensure that North Wales victims of rape and sexual assault get the help and support they need and that really is vital.

“While the number of referrals has dropped in recent months, I am concerned there will be an increase in the number of offences as the restrictions are eased and I would urge victims to seek help.

Sarah Staveley added: “Victims are able to seek the advice and the support they need whether the crime took place recently or in the past. We will, if the victim chooses, support them in making a formal complaint to the police.

“We have an amazing facility where we can undertake forensic medical examinations as well as follow up health checks. We also have video interview and counselling rooms and a live link to the courts so victims can give their evidence to the courts from the SARC.

“Victims are often traumatised when they come here so it’s our role to help them understand their choices. We will support them and empower them in making decisions and how to move on from their experiences.”

* Anyone who has any concerns over sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation  should call North Wales Police on 101. The North Wales Sexual Assault Referral Centre can be contacted by calling  0808 156 3658 or emailing: BCU.Amethyst@wales.nhs.uk and for further information visit the website at www.amethystnorthwales.org.uk

New Bentley Continental is a mighty performer

* The Bentley Continental.

Bentley Continental GTC V8 road test by Steve Rogers

The week of Storm Francis wasn't the best time to be spending a few days in the Continental convertible but it certainly proved the insulation qualities of the multi-layered fabric roof.

As I drove away from Bentley's headquarters at Crewe the rain was pounding down but the sound deadening was so effective I forgot I was driving a convertible. Bentley says today's convertible is just as quiet as the previous Continental coupe and I am not going to argue with that.

Continental first appeared in 2003 and we are now into the third generation which has a significant twist in the story. 

It has always been powered by the mighty W12 six litre petrol... but what is the new badge that has appeared on the front wing? V8. Can this be true? A humble 4-litre V8 in a Bentley.

Too right, and before anyone thinks this is Bentley dumming down the Conti with a cheaper entry level model then think again. 

True it is £12,500 less than the W12, £167,000 plays £179,500 but there is nothing as common as an entry level Bentley. Most of this is the difference in the price of the engine, the rest of the car is the same bespoke handcrafted opulence found in any other Bentley.

Yes but it won't be as quick as the W12. Yeah right, we lose three tenths in a sprint to sixty and top speed is down 9mph so we have to make do with the V8's four seconds to 60mph and a top end of 198mph. No too shabby then.

Now I have enjoyed the W12 in a couple of Bentleys, it is indeed a mighty performer, but I am going to put my head on the block and say the Continental is better suited to the V8. On the one hand we have unparalleled luxury and on the other an out and out sports drop top or coupe that will happily take on a McLaren, Ferrari or Porsche.

I recall feeling mildly intimidated by the McLaren 720S, which, granted, generates more power from its 4-litre V8, but felt quite comfortable and secure behind the wheel of the Conti even when I did feel the full force of the twin turbos and whopping 770 Newton metres of torque.

In truth this sort of power is not for our roads, the car is too quick and you could find yourself in a lot of trouble with the law if you exploit the performance. A ton takes a mere 8.4 seconds, and that is Bentley's figure by the way.

The best place to get maximum fun is on a track where you would no doubt feel the full benefit of Bentley's brilliant dynamic ride system, I should say that is an extra £4,000 and not really worth the expense unless you enjoy flat out track days. 

Basically a 48 volt powered anti roll system makes suspension changes in milliseconds which makes the car feel as if it is stuck to the road in the same way as a roller coaster terror ride.

Performance through the eight speed automatic is immense with the V8 emitting a satisfying growl as opposed to the gentle burble of the W12. 

Surprisingly it was not the performance or the utter luxury of the Conti's cabin that left the biggest impression, it was the economy. 

Had this been the W12 I would have been lucky to break the 20mpg barrier yet I averaged 30mpg and some of that was down to cylinder deactivation which knocks off four cylinders on light throttle loads which covers 70mph motorway drives.

One small downside is the noticeable jerk as the other four cylinders engage when the throttle is floored at low speed but I can live with that.

Having said how impressed I was with economy sitting in the Continental' s cabin is pretty special, you can tell this has been put together with lots of tender loving care, much of this opulence coming from the special Mulliner specification which adds even greater detailing to the surfaces and stitching, and adds £12,535 to the price but as the Bentley PR people say no one buys a basic car and there are lots of packages and individual items that can be added. 

My test car had 14 totalling £53,880 of which I would have gone for the front seat comfort spec with neck warmer, heated or ventilated and massage functions (£4,005) central 12 inch rotating touchscreen display (£4,770) touring specification (£6,290) and the Bang & Olufsen bespoke sound system (£5,075).

That came in handy when the roof was down. There is hardly any buffeting but the wind swirls around the cabin once passed 60mph and communication becomes a shouting match so a good sound system is essential if you like your music.

The bottom line is that Continental is a world class sports car especially with V8 power which is there on merit. Here we have performance, luxury and style in one fabulous package.

A little aside: Bespoke it might be but Volkswagen-owned Bentley does share some of the group's parts. 

The headlight touch pad can be found in the new Golf 8 and the amber blind spot warning light on the door mirrors are also fitted to my Skoda Superb test car. 

There are a few others but we will keep them to ourselves...

Need to know

Continental GTC

£167,000 (tested £224,800)

8sp auto all wheel drive

4-litre V8; 542bhp

0-60mph 4secs; 198mph

Torque: 770Nm

23.3mpg combined

260g/km

1st year tax £2135 then £145pa

Boot 235 litres

Roof down: 19 seconds

Applications sought for government's Cultural Recovery Fund

From today, organisations in the culture and heritage sector can find out if they are eligible to apply for financial support from the Welsh Government’s £53m Cultural Recovery Fund.

The new fund will see music venues, recording and rehearsal studios, heritage organisations and historic attractions, accredited museums and archive services, libraries, events and their technical support suppliers, independent cinemas and the publishing sector being able to bid for a share of £18.5m. 

A number of organisations in Llangollen could qualify for help.
The latest funding is part of the Welsh Government’s £53m package to support the culture and arts sectors which are coping with a dramatic loss of revenue as a result of the pandemic.

A separate element of the Cultural Recovery Fund, worth £27.5m, is being delivered through the Arts Council of Wales to support theatres and galleries. This fund was launched 17 August with details available on the Arts Council’s website. 

The online eligibility checker opens today (Tuesday, 1 September) from 10am and organisations will be able to make applications for support from the fund from 14 September. The closing date for applications is 30 September.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:“We have listened to, and worked with our partners across the cultural and creative sectors to put this second package of support together. We recognise the massive and unprecedented challenges the pandemic is having on the very fabric of Welsh life and we applaud the resilience and creativity on show.

“We are today opening our eligibility checker for the funding. This will allow companies to find out if they will be eligible to apply and then give them time to prepare their applications, ahead of the fund opening for applications later this month.”

A non-repayable grant of up to £150,000 (up to 100% of eligible costs) per organisation will be available via two application entry points:

• Under £10k: quick process for smaller organisations based on eligible costs
• Between £10k - £150k: more detailed process based on eligible costs.

The triage system will indicate the appropriate route for organisations to follow.

The Eligibility Checker for the  Cultural Recovery Fund will be live on Tuesday 1 September from 10am - - https://fundchecker.businesswales.gov.wales/culture

There will also be a £7m fund for freelancers to support individuals in the sector who have been impacted by the pandemic. Please visit the eligibility checker to find more detail for this fund.

MP welcomes government cash aid to local businesses

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed the announcement that the UK Government-owned British Business Bank has issued its 75,000^th loan through its Start Up Loans programme, marking more than £623 million invested in small businesses across the UK since its launch in 2012.

Across Wales, 3,443 loans have been made so far to small businesses and entrepreneurs, totalling £32,226,155 with the average loan being £9,360. 

Self-employed people in Clwyd South have accessed £7,500,000 worth of Government grants, which do not need to be paid back, to cover lost earnings. 

And £20,514,589 has been paid out to local businesses in the form of Bounce Back Loans, which provides loans of up to £50,000 within days of an application.

Mr Baynes said: “Small businesses in Clwyd South are the backbone of our local economy, and this Conservative UK Government has long been committed to giving them all the support they need to flourish and thrive.

“Our Start Up Loans scheme has now provided £32,226,155 worth of investment and support to thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs across Wales, including for those who may otherwise have struggled to access it, helping to drive investment here and boost our local economy.

“As we build Clwyd South, Wales and Britain back in the months ahead, I will continue to work to give our local entrepreneurs and innovators all the support they need to keep them in business so they can create and protect jobs.”

Local roadworks alert

Latest roadworks alert from one.network is:

Church Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 31 August — 04 September Delays likely - Road closure Works location: 7 Works description: EXCAVATE IN FOOTWAY FOR REMOVAL OF FAULTY LINK BOX AND REPLACEMENT WITH NEW.... Responsibility for works: MANWEB Current status: Advanced planning Works reference: GY03011181356