Free schools meals for holidays pledged by Welsh Government

* Marcus Rashford.

The Welsh Government has guaranteed free school meal provision for all school holidays up to and including Easter 2021, thanks to £11m confirmed today by Education Minister Kirsty Williams.

The move has been backed by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford saying he welcomed ‘the Welsh Government's swift response to this urgent need in protecting the most vulnerable children across the country.’

Making the announcement ahead of the October half term through a video released on her Twitter channel, the Minister said she hoped the confirmation would provide ‘some reassurance in these times of uncertainty’. 

The Minister also confirmed that more than £700k had also been allocated to support colleges with the equivalent provision for eligible learners.

Speaking today, the Minister said: “We have worked tirelessly this year to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and the countless challenges it has presented but we have not, and will not, forget those for who school is about far more than education.

“I am pleased to confirm that we have today made £11m available to provide free school meal provisions over every school holiday up to and including Easter 2021.

“I really hope this provides some reassurance in these times of uncertainty.”

Marcus Rashford MBE added: "Holiday provision is vital to stabilising households during the school closures, given the devastating effects of COVID-19.

“Having this framework in place for the foreseeable future will have a significantly positive impact on children who are struggling to engage in learning due to anxiety and fear, not to mention the noise of their rumbling stomachs.

“No child in 2020 should be sat in a classroom worried about how they are going to access food during the holidays, and the impact that will have on their parents when matched with unemployment, ill health and, in some cases, personal loss.

“There is still so much more work to be done to protect this next generation but I welcome the Welsh Government's swift response to this urgent need in protecting the most vulnerable children across the country. Our children and their welfare should never not be the priority."

Ensuring the continuation of free school meal provision has been a key priority for the Welsh Government as it has responded to the coronavirus pandemic - it had already allocated £41.7m before today’s announcement bringing the total now to £52.7m.

When the Minister announced she would close schools on Wednesday, March 18 she quickly confirmed that £7 million would be made available to local authorities to put in place measures to ensure that children eligible for free school meals would continue to benefit from this scheme.

Then on April 22 Wales became the first country in the UK to guarantee ongoing funding for children to continue to benefit from free school meal provision up to and including the end of the summer holidays

On September 20, after schools had reopened, the Minister confirmed at least £420,000 had been made available to ensure all pupils entitled to free school meals would continue to receive provisions if they were shielding or had to self-isolate.

County council repeats #Keepyourdistance message

Denbighshire County Council is reminding residents of the importance of social distancing, to help the fight against covid-19.

The county is preparing to enter the third week of local restrictions, and the council says that whilst the vast majority of Denbighshire residents have been adhering to social distancing guidelines, now is the time to keep up the good work and encourage everyone to continue to follow the health and hygiene guidelines.

The council, working with its partners across North Wales, has been running its #keepyourdistance campaign over recent weeks, with messages being shared on social media, in the press and in communities.  

Many organisations across North Wales have supported the campaign by sharing the information, to reach as wide an audience as possible.

Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, who are co-ordinating the campaign, said: “We are proud of the efforts of communities in Denbighshire. They have really played their part in trying to stop the spread of covid-19 across our region but we are asking everyone to step up and think about the health and well-being of friends, family and the wider community.

“It’s more important now than ever to continue to social distance. We have been seeing increases in the number of cases across Wales and we are concerned that the position will continue to escalate unless we all play our part and follow the stringent social distancing and hygiene measures.

“We have seen anecdotal evidence of people not social distancing. This is an issue facing all areas of Wales and all we can do is continue to remind people of the social distancing regulations and hope they take notice.

“Our #Keepyourdistance campaign has been gathering momentum, with organisations and individuals sharing the messages on social media.  

"We thank people for their support and hope that people take notice of the message.  We must continue in our efforts to try and halt the increase in the cases in Denbighshire."

Local MP explains his voting position on Agriculture Bill

Clwyd South Conservative MP Simon Baynes explains why he voted the way he did on the Agriculture Bill earlier this week.

"Recently, a number of constituents have contacted me with concerns about the recent vote on the Agriculture Bill. I have responded to each one, but I also want to share my thoughts publicly, so that people can make up their own minds about the Bill. 

"In short, the quality of food imported into the UK cannot and will not change as a result of the Agriculture Bill. 

"The purpose of the Bill is to set agricultural policy in England only, with agriculture policy in Wales being the responsibility of the Welsh Government in Cardiff Bay. 

"Food from abroad comes in through specific bilateral trade deals. And I will never vote for a deal that allows produce into our country which undercuts our Clwyd South farmers and food producers.

"This means that our food standards, healthcare standards and all other standards cannot be undercut by any trade deal we make with any other nation. Domestic standards can only be changed by a vote in Parliament, which neither I nor the Conservative Party will not vote in favour of or support. 

"For example, chlorinated chicken and hormone injected beef are already illegal to import – and to produce – in this country and will always remain so unless a new law is introduced in Parliament – which neither I nor my colleagues will ever vote in favour of.

"The UK Government has listened to concerns from farmers and those working in the agricultural community. This has resulted in the establishment of an independent Trade Standards Committee will ensure that trade deals are independently scrutinised. 

"As an MP, I have many opportunities to raise concerns about trade deals on behalf of constituents with Government Ministers. Time and time again, Ministers have said on record that they will not lower standards in any trade deals and I remain confident that this will continue to be the case.

"Again, it would take a separate vote in Parliament to lower any food standards and I will not vote in favour of it. 

"I speak regularly with people in the agricultural community, both across Clwyd South and in the rest of North Wales, all of whom are proud of the goods they produce and are looking forward to exporting our high-quality produce across the world. 

"I will continue to fight in Parliament for our farmers and food producers and will not support any measure that lowers our food standards or harms the livelihoods of our farmers."

Wales introduces inward travel ban from Friday

* Now with comments at foot of story from Clwyd South MS Ken Skates

* First Minister Mark Drakeford.

The BBC is reporting this afternoon that people from parts of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland that have high rates of coronavirus will be banned from travelling to Wales from Friday.

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford said the move was needed "to prevent the spread of infection within Wales" and elsewhere in the UK. 

It follows a row with the prime minister over whether parts of England should have travel restrictions. 

Mr Drakeford had written twice in recent weeks to Boris Johnson asking for travel to be restricted in and out of areas with high levels of transmission in England. 

The UK government has refused to do so, instead asking people in the worst affected areas to avoid non-essential travel.

Mr Drakeford said he had had no "formal response" from the prime minister.

He said: "Evidence from public health professionals suggests coronavirus is moving from east to west across the UK and across Wales. 

"As a general rule, it is concentrating in urban areas and then spreading to more sparsely populated areas as a result of people travelling." 

The rules will come into force on Friday at 18:00 BST.

Local Member of the Senedd has welcomed action by the Welsh Government to stop people from areas with high coronavirus infection rates elsewhere in the UK from travelling to Wales. 

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates said: “I have received a number of emails and calls from constituents who are rightly frustrated that while they are continuing to make sacrifices to keep Wales safe people from parts of England with much higher infection rates have been able to travel over the border into North Wales. 

“People in Llangollen have reported their concerns to me about this since the temporary restrictions were introduced in Denbighshire. 

"The First Minister has repeatedly called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to follow Wales’ lead by introducing urgent travel restrictions in English areas with high infection rates – which was echoed this week by the Plaid Cymru Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales. Sadly, the Prime Minister has repeatedly refused to take action despite increasing calls from neighbouring English councils for similar measures. 

“This could have been dealt with much earlier by the UK Government taking responsibility rather than delaying matters by forcing the Welsh Government to undertake complex legal discussions. I am glad the First Minister has continued to prioritise the safety of the people of Wales and I’m sure many others will welcome this decisive action.” 

Town centre "Active Travel" work to start on November 2, says county

* Castle Street parking will be suspended by the Active Travel scheme.

Work will begin to help social distancing and make it easier to travel around the town on Monday November 2, says Denbighshire County Council.

The long-awaited start date is officially given in a letter due to be sent out to residents in the affected areas soon, according to one of the area's two county councillors Graham Timms.  

The letter, which has been shown to llanblogger in advance of its release, says: "The proposed works, which will be introduced on a trial basis, for up to 18 months, include reversing the one-way restriction on Church Street from an easterly movement to a westerly movement between its junction with Chapel Street and its junction with Regent Street, with the purpose being to reduce instances of ‘rat running’ and to provide improved access to schools and the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Further measures include the introduction of a widened pedestrian area on the eastern side of Castle Street between its junction with Bridge Street and its junction with Regent Street. 

"This will be achieved with the introduction of bolt down kerbing and will provide enhanced facilities for people to social distance and travel actively. In order to facilitate this, on-street parking will be suspended on Castle Street for the duration of the trial period.

"A one-way restriction will also be introduced on Market Street between its junction with Castle Street and its junction with East Street. Vehicles will be allowed to enter Market Street from Castle Street and proceed in a westerly direction. The purpose of this restriction is to provide an additional loading bay, for use by businesses, along the north side of Market Street."

Cllr Timms explained: "This is the letter going out imminently to residents in the areas where changes will happen for the covid scheme.

"Work is being carried out during the week after the school half term holidays, beginning on the 2^nd November.

“During the late summer Llangollen had an unprecedented number of visitors after some of the covid-19 restrictions were lifted. Our narrow pavements in the town centre made social distancing impossible. Many residents told me that they would not even visit the town centre because of the overcrowded streets that made them feel unsafe.

“Whilst I understand that some businesses are concerned about the loss of some on-street parking, we have to ensure that everyone feels safe.

“The current local lockdown is creating very difficult conditions for traders and we need to give them all the support that they deserve. These new changes will enable residents and visitors to feel safer and encourage them to visit the town centre again."

He added: "In 2018 Castle Street had a pedestrian footfall of over a million, with a peak of nearly 140,000 in August. That’s even higher than Prestatyn and only slightly lower than Rhyl, which has a population nearly eight times the size of Llangollen.

“We need to make sure that our town remains vibrant and holds its place as the 'jewel in the crown' of its beautiful setting in the Dee valley. It needs to continue to be a major tourist destination as well as being a great place for those that live here too.

“Wider pavements will give more space for everyone and help to create a more relaxed atmosphere. Similar schemes elsewhere have shown that giving a higher priority to pedestrians makes people spend more time (and money) in town centres. It helps to create a more pleasant atmosphere and makes a return visit more likely."

The Active Travel scheme has been made possible because Denbighshire County Council has successfully acquired grant funding from Welsh Government as part of Local Sustainable Transport COVID Response Fund 2020-21. 

The letter to residents will be conducted by Gelli Civil Engineering and it goes on to give contact details for officials in charge of carrying it out.

Police appeal over damage to Llan Railway train, says report

Below: Some of the railway's own pictures of the damage to the train.

Wrexham.com is reporting today that police are appealing for information after the windows of a train in Llangollen were smashed.

The story says: "The offender/s also pulled up seats and tables in the carriages and left empty bottles of alcohol inside the train.

"The train was just outside of the Llangollen station.

"It is thought the incident took place sometime between Friday afternoon and yesterday.

"Anyone with any information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting reference number Y150557"

The force tweeted on its Denbigh Rural page: "Did you see anyone damaging a train in Llangollen sometime between Friday afternoon and yesterday, while the train was just outside the station?

"The offender/s smashed windows, pulled up seats and tables and left empty bottles of alcohol."

Llangollen Railway has just posted pictures of the damage on its Facebook page.

And the post says: "We are devastated at the awful damage that has been done to our beautiful carriages."

Police boss blasts Boris over refusal to ban people from Covid hotspots

 

* North Wales PCC Arfon Jones.

A police boss has blasted “irresponsible and reckless” Boris Johnson for refusing to ban people from Covid hotspots travelling into Wales and potentially bringing the virus with them.

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Arfon Jones is furious that the UK Prime Minster had dismissed the request to ban people from travelling from areas of England with high infection rates

Mr Jones spoke out after Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford threatened a travel ban if Mr Johnson does not impose his own.

He said he was giving UK ministers "one final opportunity" before he makes changes in Welsh law.

The UK government announced on Monday that it will advise against non-essential travel from Merseyside.

But it stopped short of making it illegal, angering Welsh ministers and the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

Mr Jones said: “The Prime Minister is once again behaving irresponsibly and recklessly in allowing people from Covid hotspots to potentially import and spread the virus here in North Wales.

“He displayed his trademark arrogance in dismissing a perfectly reasonable question from Liz Saville Roberts, the MP for Meirionnydd Dwyfor, when she raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.

Speaking on the Jason Mohammed show on Radio Wales, Mr Jones added: “The First Minister seems to be extremely frustrated with the Boris Johnson. I think what is being asked for is perfectly reasonable.

“People who live in Conwy cannot leave the county, but people from hotspots like Liverpool, Manchester and Nottingham can travel into Conwy and spend time there.

“The only thing the Prime Minster has said is that they’re advised not to, but there is nothing to stop them from going. So, I do share the First Minister’s frustration on this.

“Policing is between a rock and a hard place on this issue. It is right in principle to do what Mr Drakeford and Mr Gething are suggesting, but it is very difficult for police to enforce it, even though we’ve had more money to enforce Covid regulations.

“But if the Welsh Government do ban people from crossing the border into Wales from England, we will do our best, along with our partners in local authorities and health to enforce the regulations.  

“We’d need to look at how we would enforce these rules and have a conversation with our four chief constables here in Wales.

“I can’t see us lining the border with patrol cars because none of the police forces in Wales have the resources to do that.

“The demand now is as high as it was before the first Covid lockdown. We will try to encourage and educate but if that doesn’t work, we will enforce.

“I think there will be a lower tolerance level because people do know what the rules and regulations are by now. So, there will be much less leeway for people who deliberately break the rules.

“I think there is an ideological difference between the devolved government and Westminster. It’s the health vs wealth argument.

“Obviously, Westminster is concerned about the economy as we all are, but I think the devolved nations want to put public health ahead.”