Police safety warning follows spate of bike collisions

Police are urging motorcyclists to stay safe following several collisions over the weekend, one of which was in Llangollen.

Between Friday night and Sunday afternoon officers dealt with six collisions involving motorcycles across the region.

On Friday evening (September 18th) a pillion passenger was left with serious life changing injuries after falling off a motorcycle on Green Lane in Shotton. The 33-year-old was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Just before 2pm on Saturday, September 19th officers were called to a report of a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on the A496 near Blaenau Ffestiniog. The 58-year-old rider was airlifted to hospital in Stoke with serious arm injuries.

Shortly after 2pm on Sunday (September 20th) officers dealt with a serious two-vehicle collision on the A4212 Fron Goch near Bala, which involved a motorcycle and a van. The motorcyclist was taken to the Wrexham Maelor Hospital with serious injuries.

Officers also dealt with two single-vehicle collisions involving motorcycles near Llangollen Golf Club and in Abergele. 

And another motorcyclist was seriously injured following a single-vehicle collision on the A5 near Betws-y-Coed.

Superintendent Jane Banham, Head of the Roads Policing Unit, North Wales Police said: “We tend to see a spike in serious injury collisions involving motorbikes, especially on fine weekends, and sadly officers have recently dealt with several collisions which all involved motorcycles.

“This of course is concerning, but at the moment it is especially poignant.  These are unprecedented times and we all have a role to play in helping in the fight against coronavirus.

“If people are travelling – be it for work or to enjoy the stunning scenery in north Wales, then we want people to take extra care and to ride/drive responsibly. If we all do our bit, we can help to ease the strain currently being placed on the NHS – and all emergency services.

“With warm weather set to continue until Wednesday we’re urging motorcyclists to ride carefully and stay aware. 

“All motorists are being urged to be considerate towards each other. Similarly, other road users need to be mindful of riders and their vulnerability and to always Think Bike - to look carefully, especially before turning, exiting junctions or similar manoeuvres.

“The roads have been really busy this weekend because of the exceptionally good weather so we would of course like to thank the vast majority of the motoring public for their cooperation.

“Reducing casualties on our roads remains one of our top priorities and all motorists must be aware that we are doing all we can to ensure our roads are used safely by all. 

"Our dedicated Roads Policing teams are out and about and they will continue to take robust action against all those that ride or drive dangerously, at excess speed, overtake on solid white lines or commit any other road traffic offences."

Superintendent Banham added: “Our proactive patrols will continue and we’re reminding everybody that staying safe on the road applies to everybody, whether they have two or four wheels on their vehicle.

“Taking just one chance when you are under the influence of drink or drugs can have truly devastating consequences for you, your loved ones and others road users. Please plan ahead and ensure that if you are out having a drink, you have a safe and reliable way of getting home.”

* Anyone with information regarding individuals who are believed to drive whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, or who may be committing any other driving offences can contact North Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

130-plus affordable homes built across county in the past year

More than 130 new affordable homes have been created in Denbighshire during the last year.

A total of 139 affordable homes were created between April 2019 and March 2020 and included 104 new builds as well as an additional 28 leased homes for people affected by homelessness and supported units for tenants affected with learning difficulties.

Affordable housing is provided for local people to meet the needs of those who cannot afford open market housing to buy or rent

The homes have been built by private developers and registered social landlords (RSLs) including Cartrefi Conwy, Grŵp Cynefin, Clwyd Alyn and Wales & West and are spread across the county with properties in Rhyl, Llanbedr DC, Denbigh, Rhuddlan, Prestatyn, Cynwyd, Henllan, Corwen, Prestatyn, Dyserth and Ruthin.

The Council works with RSLs and private developers to ensure sites chosen will meet the open market and affordable housing needs of residents as well as managing the Social Housing Grant provided by Welsh Government to enable affordable house building by RSLs.

Councillor Tony Thomas, the council’s Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “Ensuring there is enough housing to meet the needs of Denbighshire residents is a priority for the Council.

“The council set a target of ensuring 260 affordable homes were built in the county between 2017 and 2022 and so far 210 have been created.

“The council is pleased to be working in partnership with private developers and RSLs to ensure the number of affordable properties in the county is increasing.”

* Information on affordable housing options and availability can be found on the Tai Teg website www.taiteg.org.uk or contact 03456 015 605.

Call for businesses to apply for internet connections upgrade

Rural businesses in Denbighshire are being urged to apply for funding to upgrade their internet connections.

The Welsh Government’s Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme offers up to £7,000 for small-to-medium sized businesses to support improvements to community infrastructure.

With more businesses relying on technology during the current lockdown, the council is offering help on how to apply for the funding to upgrade their connection as well as providing advice on how improve their current connection speeds by making small changes.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “Lockdown has demonstrated just how important digital infrastructure is for residents and businesses of all types, be it for industries wanting to enable home-working or those depending on e-commerce to either become more sustainable or to enable diversification.

“If you are experiencing slow internet speeds your business set-up maybe at fault and with a few tweaks you could improve performance and we can provide advice on how to do this.

“The Welsh Government’s Rural Gigabit Voucher Scheme also offers a great funding opportunity for residential-based businesses to support improvements to community infrastructure. This could be particularly attractive for agriculture and tourism businesses.”

Improving digital connectivity and broadband infrastructure is a priority for the Council, so if you would like to get more information or discuss how you can increase your internet speed contact communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk

County council's new website goes live

* The county council's new look website.

Denbighshire County Council has completely revamped its website to make it more accessible to the public – and it’s now gone live.

Each public service organisation needs to ensure that its website meets the requirements of the Equalities Act and have accessible websites by September 2020.   

Making a website accessible means that it can be used by people with impaired vision, motor difficulties, learning disabilities, deafness or impaired hearing.

Councillor Richard Mainon, Cabinet Lead Member for Corporate Services and Strategic Direction, said: “We hope people like out new look website and find the new look site a lot easier to navigate and find the information they need.

“We are always looking at ways of improving our online services and this latest change in law has given us a great opportunity to revamp our website, making sure it fully complies with accessibility guidelines.

“We have been testing the site with the Disability Access Centre and have passed their accessibility tests. We have also introduced some minor changes in response to feedback from the public and we would like to thank people for taking the time to get in touch.

“It has a very different look and feel from the existing website.  It has a clear and simple design; it should be easier to read in terms of font, colours and contrast and the language should be easy to understand.  It has also been designed so that it can be used on as many digital devices as possible.

“Our website is one of the key platforms for the council to provide advice and information to the public and is available twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year. 

“The council is focussing on providing more services online and allowing customers to access a wide range of information about council services, as well as registering requests, making payments and getting involved in consultations.  

* The new-look website is available by visiting: www.denbighshire.gov.uk. 

Tourism Ambassador scheme proves popular in Denbighshire

A scheme providing people with training and knowledge about tourism in Denbighshire is proving popular with 200 signing up since its launch last year.

The Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador Scheme offers a variety of online training modules on a variety of themes in order to improve the overall visitor experience. It’s totally free and open to everyone. This is the first online scheme of its kind in Wales. 

Module themes include - Denbighshire towns & city, walking, cycling, history, arts, coast, Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB, welsh language & culture, food tourism and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.

There are 3 levels of awards – bronze, silver and gold, depending on the amount of modules completed. Each person receives a certificate, pin badge and window stickers on completion of the awards.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “We know that continuous learning can have a positive impact on people’s lives. Whether people are looking to brush up on their skills, to try something new, to seek information or to improve their job prospects; Adult Learners’ Week is a great time to start. The Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador Scheme offers the flexibility and convenience for you to gain new knowledge and become part of a shared interest community.”

The online scheme launched in 2019 and continues to grow with a range of Ambassadors including local people, accommodation and attraction providers, shops, pubs, students, library staff, tour guides and volunteers.

Jenny Whitham, who runs Faraway Follies boutique guest lodges in Llandegla said: “Becoming a Tourism Ambassador is a great way of getting to know more information about the area that I could impart to my guests. The online modules are well-paced, a nice mix of video and words, they’re easy to follow and the quizzes at the end are fairly simple. Adding that extra little bit of service for guests is invaluable. If the locals are friendly and knowledgeable then people will be encouraged to visit and return to the area.”

Paul Hughes. walking group leader for the Vale of Clwyd Mind commented: “I chose to become a Denbighshire Tourism Ambassador because it gives you more information, it’s always handy to have more knowledge when you’re leading people on walks and taking people around the different areas. The course is free as well which always helps. And you can do it at home over a couple of evenings a week, so it’s brilliant. You can’t have enough knowledge as they say, it’s always nice to learn something new.”

The scheme is now being recognised across North Wales and other local authorities and National Parks are looking at running a similar online scheme. The long-term aim is to establish North Wales Ambassadors to ensure tourism messages are consistent to maximise the visitor experience and encourage sustainable tourism.

The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

* For more information on the scheme and to complete the modules please visit – www.denbighshireambassador.wales

County businesses receive £33m in government covid support

Businesses in Denbighshire have already received emergency coronavirus support totalling more than £33m from the Welsh Labour Government.

The most up-to-date information shows 2,761 businesses of all sizes across the county have been awarded crucial support since the pandemic struck – with more grants being awarded every day.

Clwyd South Member of the Senedd Ken Skates said: “I am proud that the Welsh Government has been able to help so many local businesses, from small and medium-sized enterprises to key local employers and hotels and pubs. The Welsh Government’s support package for businesses is the most generous anywhere in the UK and more money reaching small businesses every day.”

Welsh Government data shows 2,274 Denbighshire businesses already in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief got grants of £10,000 and another 297 in the tourism and hospitality industry were awarded £25,000 each. In addition, more than 2,500 start-up grants of £2,500 are currently being processed.

The Welsh Government’s Economic Resilience Fund (ERF), which was designed to fill the gaps left by the UK Government’s support schemes, has so far awarded £3.17m to another 190 Denbighshire companies. Among the recipients was Llangollen Railway, which received a £70,000 grant.

Peter Carroll, managing director of ProAdventure in Llangollen said: "The help has made it possible for the directors to carry on with mail order all through lockdown, and given us the certainty that we can keep stock levels up to cope with increased mail order volumes and bring staff back from furlough earlier than might have been possible without support."

South Denbighshire Community Partnership, based in Corwen, has also received Welsh Government support throughout the crisis to help it meet the growing demand associated with the Covid-19 outbreak, enabling the not-for-profit group to help hundreds of vulnerable local people.

Neatcrown, which employs up to 70 people at its Corwen factory during busy periods, received £77,500 through the ERF. 

Managing Director Colin Roberts said: “The money from the Welsh Government allowed us to safeguard jobs at the site during a period of real uncertainty. Our orders had been decimated and we had workers shielding. It really was a lifeline at that point. 

“We are a close-knit company and we’re part of the community. We have multiple generations of the same family working here and have some members of staff who have worked here for more than 30 years. It would have been a huge blow to Corwen if we’d had to close. We wanted to keep going and the support from the Welsh Government helped us do that.”

Mr Skates added: “Around 11% of all awards through the Economic Resilience Fund have been to businesses in North East Wales, and almost £28m has been awarded in total across North Wales. Sadly, it is impossible to help every single business, but the vast majority of applications have been successful, and I’m pleased there are many which we have helped stay afloat.

“I’m proud to be part of a Welsh Labour Government which is standing up for our region.”

In addition to the support for local businesses, Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod – which had to cancel this year’s event – received a Welsh Government grant of £338,000 to help with business continuity through 2020, including planning and preparation for 2021.

Chairman Rhys Davies said: “We are very grateful for the support of Welsh Government so that we can continue to promote Welsh culture on the international stage and spread the peace message around the world. There are going to be challenges for all festivals, so collaboration is the key.”

Schools investment on the cards

Schools in Llangollen could benefit from a £52million investment programme.

Plans to improve facilities at Ysgol Pendref, Denbigh; Ysgol Bryn Collen and Ysgol Gwernant, Llangollen; Denbigh High School and Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn are included in the second phase of the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools and Colleges Programme.

Under the first phase a £90million investment saw a new school built for Rhyl High School and Ysgol Tir Morfa, a new faith school in Rhyl, Christ the Word Catholic School, a new joint site for Rhos Street School and Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin as well as a new schools at Ysgol Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd and Ysgol Carreg Emlyn in Clocaenog.

A seven-classroom extension and refurbishment at Bodnant Community School, Prestatyn, a three-classroom extension and refurbishment at Ysgol Bro Dyfrdwy, Cynwyd and an extension and refurbishment of Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph were also included in this phase.

A proposal business case for the second phase of the programme, funded by the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council, will be discussed at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on September 22nd.  If approved the green light will be given to these projects which will see options for development at these schools progressed and business cases developed to seek the funding for individual projects. 

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, the Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “Supporting young people is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and during the first phase of the programme more than £90 million has been invested in Denbighshire’s schools benefiting more than 3,500 pupils.

“As well as the benefit to young people, the investment of £90m also impacted on the local economy with a strong emphasis placed on local procurement which saw five of the eight projects led by North Wales firms and work secured for many local contractors.

“The second phase of the programme is set to see further investment in Denbigh and Llangollen which will benefit even more pupils in the county. This investment will be targeted to ensure we address the condition of our school buildings and improve the pupils’ learning environment.

“The Council has also been lobbying the Welsh Government for additional funding to enable investment at Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen, St Brigid’s Denbigh and the primary sector in Rhyl as part of the second phase of the programme.”