Rural residents urged to apply for faster broadband funding

Rural residents and businesses in Denbighshire are being remind to apply for funding towards the cost of installing gigabit broadband.

The Welsh and UK governments are now working together on the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme which covers part of the cost of installing new gigabit-capable internet connections.

Under the new partnership £7,000 is available for small-to-medium sized businesses and up to £3,000 is available for residential premises.

Gigabit-capable broadband connections offer the fastest and most reliable speeds available, and the scheme is open to rural premises with broadband speeds of less than 100Mbps.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy, said: “This scheme will help ensure more people and businesses have access to reliable broadband speeds. I urge all those Denbighshire residents in rural locations without decent broadband to check to see if they are eligible for these vouchers.

“Connecting communities is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan and improved internet connections ensure our communities have access to goods and services and help the county’s businesses provide services online.

“It is possible for residents or community groups to work together on applications and the Council is working to advise and assist them with their applications.”         

The Council has also employed a digital officer to assist residents with their connectivity issues free of charge as part of its work to create connected communities.

As well as offering the Gigabit Broadband Voucher scheme, the Welsh Government funded Fibre Roll-out will see a total of 1,862 extra premises in Denbighshire enabled for Fibre To The Premise (FTTP) connection by June 2022 and Openreach has already enabled 201 premises in the county.  

If you are concerned about your internet connection or would like to discuss the options available, you can contact the Council’s digital officer via communitydevelopment@denbighshire.gov.uk and to check eligibility for the Gigabit Broadband Voucher visit https://gigabitvoucher.culture.gov.uk

County launches winter shopping campaign

A campaign highlighting the wealth of businesses, goods and services available in Denbighshire is being launched as the county appeals for people to shop local and buy local this winter.

This new Winter Shopping campaign is an extension of the #lovelivelocal initiative, with a push to encourage people to spend their money in the county, to encourage businesses to showcase their products or services and to entice old and new customers to town centres.

This campaign also looks at capitalising on the free parking offer available in selected car parks across the county and the initiative to make our town centres a safe place to visit and do business during Covid.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, who is also the Lead Member for the Economy, said: “Local companies need our support during these very difficult financial times. 

“Times were already hard financially before Covid affected communities and some businesses have struggled to stay afloat. That’s why we think it’s more important than ever to push the #lovelivelocal message.

“There are many shops in our towns and villages that offer a wide range of products, from food and drink to beauty and fashion, from arts and crafts to professional services. 

“A walk into the towns and villages will surprise you. We really have some hidden retail gems in our county and we want to help businesses to showcase their products, to encourage people to visit and to surprise and excite the consumer about what’s on offer.

“Give Denbighshire businesses a go and help support local businesses.”

Christmas quiz papers will be ready soon

Organisers have sent out a message about the 2020 Cancer Research UK Christmas Quiz in Llangollen.

It says: "Unfortunately, Llangollen Tourist Information is still closed, but you can pick up your Christmas Quiz as usual from Pro-Adventure. For those who don’t know the town so well, it’s near the traffic lights at the top of Castle Street.  

"The quiz will be available from Saturday, November 28.  

"After being so badly compromised by Covid this year Cancer Research UK will more than ever appreciate all the support you can offer to put its valuable work back on track." 

Collen Players to livestream their Christmas variety show

* Cast members from one of the Collen Players' shows last year.

The Collen Players are to stage a special Christmas Variety show later this month.

But because they’re not yet allowed to perform for a live Llangollen audience due to social distancing rules, they will be bringing some roistering seasonal cheer through the airwaves.

The group was founded a couple of years ago by Father Lee Taylor, priest-in-charge of St Collen’s Church and a music hall enthusiast.

He said: “Collen Players have now done a number of very successful shows which attracted large and appreciative audiences.

“Unfortunately, we had to cancel one of the shows soon after the pandemic began but we were determined to go ahead with our Christmas special.

“We’ll be streaming it live on our own Facebook page observing the very strictest social distancing rules.”

He added: “Like so many other entertainers we’re having to adapt to this new way of performing but we can’t wait to be involved in the show.

“People have had such a very bad time over most of this year and we think they deserve a little cheering up in time for Christmas.

“We hope as many people as possible will watch the show which starts online at 6.30pm on Friday November 27^th.”

Father Lee will as usual be the evening’s chairman and the performers will be Shea Ferron, Julie and Dyfed Thomas, Mike Connolly, Phil Robinson, Neil Barratt and Dave Lyne.

Accompanying them on the piano will be Owen Roberts.

* To see the show being livestreamed at 6.30pm on Friday November 27^th, go to the Collen Players Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/collenplayers      

Llangollen Railway is seeking medical help

Llangollen Railway is searching for a doctor.

On its Facebook page it says: "Are you, or do you know of a registered medical professional - doctor or nurse with either occupational health, practice nurse or health assessment experience? 

"Our staff/volunteers in safety-critical roles require medical assessments to conform with Heritage Rail Requirements. 

"Could you help Llangollen Railway either in a voluntary capacity or expenses agreed? 

"For further information please contact : generalmanager@llangollen-railway.co.uk"

County plans consultation on climate change

Members of the public can have their say on plans by Denbighshire County Council to tackle climate and ecological change.

Last year the council declared a climate change and ecological emergency which included a commitment to make the authority net carbon zero by 2030, enhance biodiversity across the county and call on the Welsh and UK governments to provide assistance and resources to enable the council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A public engagement event was held earlier this year asking for the public’s views and now they can have their say on the council’s draft Climate and Ecological Change Strategy which covers the years 2021/22 – 2029/30.

Cllr Graham Timms, the council’s Climate Change and Ecological Emergency Working Group chair, said: “This is a draft document for our strategy and we want members of the public to read it and let us know what they think.

“The document explains what we mean by the goals net carbon zero and ecologically positive council, how the council is currently performing on both, what we hope 2030 will look like for the council having achieved our goals and the changes and actions we hope to deliver over the next nine years.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved and help contribute.”

The council is holding an online public meeting on November 23 at 6.30pm for people to have the chance to learn more about the strategy and to provide verbal feedback and ask any questions.

Members of the public can also complete an online survey to give their feedback between November 13 and December 7.

Cllr Brian Jones the council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “We are encouraging people to have their say on this document by completing the online survey and by attending the meeting and giving their views.

“Protecting the environment is a priority for the council and we are committed to continuing to reduce our carbon footprint and increasing biodiversity.

“We have already achieved a lot, we have reduced carbon emissions from our buildings and fleet by 15 per cent since 2017, the council now only uses renewable electricity for its own buildings after switching to a renewable only energy provider for its schools, leisure centres, libraries, council offices and depots and we are over halfway to reaching our target of planting 18,000 trees by 2022.”

* Applications to attend the public meeting close at midday on Friday, November 20, and you can sign up and take part in the online consultation at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/560

Latest local roadworks

Latest local roadworks notifications from one.network are:

Willow Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

16 November — 18 November

 

Delays likely - Road closure

 

Works location: BETWEEN MAES HELYG AND HALL STREET...

 

Works description: RESURFACING WORKS

 

Responsibility for works: Sir Ddinbych - Denbighshire

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: QR001S000000013229

 

Hall Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire

16 November — 18 November

 

Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)

 

Works location: OUTSIDE WILLOW HOUSE

 

Works description: FS Hydrant Renew Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )...

 

Responsibility for works: Dee Valley Water

 

Current status: Advanced planning

 

Works reference: ZU0028102/000012423477