Free after three parking returns for the festive period

* Market Street car park is one of those which will be free after three.

Denbighshire County Council’s festive free parking scheme is returning between November 21 and December 31.

To encourage more people to use their local high street for shopping in the run up to Christmas and New Year, free parking will be available in Council-run town centre car parks from 3pm every day.

The Free After Three initiative will be available in the following car parks:

Llangollen:   Hall Street; Market Street; Mill Street

Corwen:        Green Lane

Denbigh:       Multi-Storey; Crown Lane; Factory Ward; Post Office Lane,

Prestatyn:    Lower High Street; Railway station

Rhuddlan:    Parliament Street

Rhyl:             Central; Morley Road; Queen Street; Sky Tower; West Kinmel Street, Rhyl Railway; Rhyl Library (disabled bays only)

Ruthin:         Crispin Yard; Dog Lane; Park Road; Rhos Street; St Peter's Square; Troed y Rhiw

Morfa Hall private car park, Rhyl, is not included in the initiative.

As well as the Free After Three scheme, the Council continues to offer two hours free parking at any time during the day until December 31 at the following car parks, Vale Street, Denbigh; East Street Llangollen; King’s Avenue, Prestatyn; Market Street, Ruthin; Bowling Green, St Asaph and Town Hall Car Park, Rhyl.

Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said, said: “The Free After Three parking initiative has been established now for a number of years and complements our #LoveLiveLocal campaign to encourage more people to use our high streets for their festive shopping. We understand it has been a difficult time for businesses and we are encouraging shoppers to use this opportunity. There are a wealth of independent shops and businesses county-wide that offer a wide range of goods and services.

“We also want to remind residents of the two hour free parking scheme we introduced in the summer to help businesses struggling with the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak. With our two free parking initiatives, we hope more people will come into our towns to see what they have to offer. I’m sure they won’t be disappointed.”

Senedd elections to go ahead on May 6, despite pandemic

 

Plans to ensure the people of Wales can vote safely at the 2021 Senedd elections, and that they take place as planned on 6 May 2021, have been set out by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford (pictured).

The 2021 Senedd elections are already set to be historic - they are the first elections to be subject to laws made in Wales, and for the first time, 16 and 17 year olds as well as qualifying foreign citizens, will have the democratic right to vote.

However, the Coronavirus pandemic has created significant challenges to maintaining the safety and integrity of the election.

The First Minister established the Elections Planning Group in June to consider the impact of Coronavirus and in particular, what legislative adjustments might need to be made as a result.

The group has agreed on a number of measures to increase flexibility and resilience of election operations, reflecting public health advice on how best to protect the safety and wellbeing of all involved.

These include:

• Measures to encourage vulnerable voters and others to consider applying for a postal vote and to apply early if possible;
• To provide greater flexibility around the nomination of candidates, as well as postal and proxy voting;
• Measures to ensure the safe operation of polling stations and count venues. The Welsh Government will do everything that it is appropriate to support Returning Officers to make the necessary arrangements;
• Ensuring Coronavirus regulations do not inhibit voting.

The Welsh Government is also making contingency plans in the event that the Coronavirus pandemic presents such a serious threat to public health that it is not safe to hold the election in May next year.

Preparations are underway for a draft Bill to enable the Llywydd, the Senedd’s Presiding Officer, to postpone the election for up to six months, if that becomes necessary. This would enable Ministers to introduce the required legislation before the Senedd in January, if the situation after Christmas indicates that this is likely to be needed as a last resort.

Addressing the Senedd, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Let me take this opportunity to once again state that this Government’s clear intention is that the next Senedd election should be held on 6 May 2021. We are also determined to do everything in our power to ensure people can vote when the election takes place.

“I believe we must pursue every option for enabling people to exercise their democratic right in the face of Coronavirus.

“Much communications activity is planned to encourage postal voting, and everything will be done to make polling stations covid secure.”

The First Minister added: “I would like to thank the members of the Elections Planning Group for their work to help us prepare for next year’s Senedd elections.

“This has been a remarkable year and a remarkable Fifth Senedd. Let us work together to ensure that the people of Wales, including those newly enfranchised, can exercise their democratic right safely.”

 

Ysgol Y Gwernant celebrates renewal of Platinum Flag Award

* Ysgol Y Gwernant pupils celebrate their success.

Pupils at Ysgol y Gwernant, Llangollen  have proven their green credentials after being awarded a top eco award. 

The school have succeeded renewing the prestigious Platinum Flag Award for the third time as part of the environmental education programme Eco-Schools.

Eco-Schools is an international programme run in Wales by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy and funded by the Welsh Government. 

Over 90% of schools in Wales are registered on the programme.

The Eco-Schools programme inspires and empowers pupils to be leaders of change in their community, helping them learn about sustainable living and global citizenship while giving them the information and support they need to make changes that will benefit their school, local environment and wider community, such as reducing waste, energy consumption, transport, biodiversity, healthy living and litter issues.

As part of their Eco-Schools Platinum assessment, Ysgol Y Gwernant continue to recycle various materials, complete litter picks, reduce the use of plastic, monitor taps, computer screens and lighting daily to reduce energy and water within the school. 

They also complete regular nature tasks in the outdoor / wild garden and ensure that eco issues are implemented in the school lessons/themes.

Catrin Hughes, Education Officer for Keep Wales Tidy, said:  "We understand that this is a unique and challenging time and therefore it’s great that you are continuing to fulfil your long term action plans as well as your plans to proceed with your new targets. The school, teachers and pupils should feel proud of their hard work and commitment."

                    YSGOL Y GWERNANT YN DATHLU ADNEWYDDU EU STATWS PLATINWM ECO

Mae disgyblion Ysgol y Gwernant , Llangollen wedi profi eu nodweddion gwyrdd ar ôl llwyddo i ennill gwobr amgylcheddol arbennig.Mae’r ysgol wedi llwyddo i adnewyddu y  Wobr Baner Blatinwm am y trydydd gwaith  yn rhan o’r  rhaglen addysg amgylcheddol, Eco-Sgolion.

Mae Eco-Sgolion yn raglen ryngwladol sy’n cael ei chynnal yng Nghymru gan yr elusen amgylcheddol Cadwch Gymru'n Daclus, ac mae’n cael ei hariannu gan Lywodraeth Cymru.Mae dros 90% o ysgolion Cymru wedi cofrestru â’r rhaglen.

Mae Eco-Sgolion yn ysbrydoli ac yn grymuso disgyblion i arwain newid yn eu cymunedau, ac yn eu helpu i ddysgu am fyw’n gynaliadwy a dinasyddiaeth fyd-eang. Mae hefyd yn rhoi’r wybodaeth a’r gefnogaeth sydd eu hangen arnyn nhw i wneud newidiadau a fydd o fudd i’w hysgol, yr amgylchedd lleol a’r gymuned ehangach – fel lleihau gwastraff, defnyddio ynni, trafnidiaeth, bioamrywiaeth, byw’n iach a phroblemau sbwriel.

Fel rhan o asesiad Platinwm Eco-Sgolion, mae Ysgol y Gwernant yn parhau i hybu ailgylchu o bob math , casglu sbwriel  , lleihau gwastraff plastig ,monitro dyddiol i arbed ynni a dŵr o fewn yr ysgol , gweithgareddau natur yn yr awyr agored , integreiddio gweithgareddau Eco i’r gwersi a llawer mwy . Dywedodd Catrin Hughes Swyddog Addysg Cadwch Gymru’n Daclus:

“Rydym yn deall ei fod yn amser arbennig a heriol ac felly mae’n wych bod eich gweithredoedd hirdymor yn parhau yn ogystal a’ch bwriad i fwrw ymlaen gyda eich targedau newydd. Dylai’r ysgol , staff a disgyblion deimlo’n falch o’u gwaith caled a’u hymrwymiad.”

Local roadworks update

 

Latest local roadworks update from one.network is:

Horseshoe Pass View, Llangollen,  Denbighshire 20 November — 26 November   Delays unlikely - Some carriageway incursion   Works location: OUTSIDE 11   Works description: EXCAVATE TO INSTALL LINKBOX...   Responsibility for works: MANWEB   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: GY1143100722959

Latest coronavirus update from Welsh Government

Latest coronavirus update from the Welsh Government, dated yesterday, is:

• Updated: frequently asked questions: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance
• Updated: Test Trace Protect – your questions: https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-your-questions
• NHS admissions and hospitalisations during the pandemic https://gov.wales/nhs-beds-admissions-and-hospitalisations-during-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-13-15-november-2020
• Survey of people’s views about coronavirus: https://gov.wales/survey-public-views-coronavirus-covid-19-6-9-november-2020

Coronavirus in numbers

• The latest figures published by Public Health Wales today show there have been 892 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total to 67,106 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Wales since the start of the pandemic.
• Sadly, there were two further deaths reported by Public Health Wales today. The total number of deaths reported by Public Health Wales is 2,209.
• These figures are updated daily at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary 
• Public Health Wales is publishing the bi-weekly local authority review of coronavirus cases, which includes details of infection rates in people under 25 and over 60 – the report is available under the local authority tab on the surveillance dashboard: https://public.tableau.com/profile/public.health.wales.health.protection#!/vizhome/RapidCOVID-19virology-Public/Headlinesummary

Where to find the latest information

• Information about the new national measures in place in Wales is available at: https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance  

• Public Health Wales provides a daily update about the number of cases of coronavirus in Wales. It is available at: https://covid19-phwstatement.nhs.wales/
• Information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government’s website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws
• Information about support for businesses is available at the Business Wales website https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice/
• If you can help the effort to produce PPE in Wales please visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/news-and-blogs/news/provision-critical-equipment-and-personal-protection-equipment-ppe
• The Welsh Government holds a regular media briefing about coronavirus. These are on-the-record, on-camera and supported by a BSL interpreter. These are held at 12.15pm and live-streamed on our @WelshGovernment Twitter channel.

o   Health Minister Vaughan Gething held today’s press conference. You can watch again at: https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1328310687462871041

 

Financial support possible following Test and Trace contact

Denbighshire County Council is informing residents that have been contacted by NHS Wales Test, Trace and Protect service (TTP) and told to self-isolate that they may be entitled to financial support from a package announced by Welsh Government.

The Self-Isolation Support payment is being administered by local authorities and the application process has now been implemented.

People are entitled to a Self-Isolation Payment of £500 if they meet all of the following criteria:

• They have been told to self-isolate by NHS Wales, Test, Trace, Protect service (TTP) on or after 23 October 2020
• They are employed or self-employed
• They cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
• They or your partner are currently receiving at least one of the following benefits:
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• Income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit

A discretionary payment of £500 may be available if people meet all of the following criteria:

• You have been told to self-isolate by NHS Wales, Test, Trace, Protect service (TTP) on or after 23 October 2020
• You are employed or self-employed
• You cannot work from home and will lose income as a result
• You or your partner do not currently receive:
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit
• income-based Employment and Support Allowance
• income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income Support
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit
• You will face financial hardship as a result of not being able to work while you are self- isolating.

Councillor Julian Thompson-Hill, Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Assets, said: “We fully recognise that some people will have suffered financial hardship as a result of the covid restrictions and worrying about finances only adds to people’s concerns.

“The Isolation Payment has been made available by Welsh Government to assist those that have suffered financially.  

"The council is responsible for administering the scheme in Denbighshire and information on the criteria, as well as how to apply and the application forms themselves are available on the Council’s website and we would encourage people to take a look and consider whether they are eligible for the payments."

* To apply, visit the council’s website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Ambulance service champions ground-breaking app

Welsh Ambulance Service Trust is backing national Road Safety Week 2020 and championing the use of a ground-breaking app.

Launched back in 2013 the What3Words app can help emergency and recovery services locate you to within a three square metre radius should an accident or breakdown occur on the highways – or in fact any situation.

The app creators have mapped the entire planet and sectioned it into three metre squares and each square has a unique three word sequence attached to it.

Once activated, the app will source your exact location and give you a three word sequence, ‘Wild – Coffee – Bike’ for example, and even if you’re lost, quoting this to the emergency or recovery services will allow them to pinpoint you and send help to exactly the right spot.

Kate Blackmore, Clinical Contact Centre Area Manager for the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “This Road Safety Week we would urge people to download the What3Words app to their phones and always ensure they travel with it.

“Should the worst happen out on the roads, especially with Wales’ rural terrain, the app can help us and other emergency services identify your location as quickly as possible through an easy to use phrase. 

“The app works anywhere in the world and in multiple languages including Welsh, you can even find your current location without a data connection, eliminating the panic of describing your location in an emergency situation.”

Road Safety Week was founded in 1997 by Brake, the road safety charity to promote steps everybody can take to stop needless accidents and injuries on the UK’s roads.

This year’s theme is ‘No Need To Speed’ and someone who knows all too well about the dangers of excessively fast motoring is Welsh Ambulance Service paramedic and Clinical Team Leader, Dermot O’Leary.

Dermot runs the highly successful Deadly Impacts road safety campaign in North Wales along with Police and Fire colleagues and regularly visits schools and colleges to educate young people about the dangers of speeding via workshops and lectures.

He said: “We are fully behind the 2020 Road Safety Week message as excessive speed is number one in what we call the Fatal Five: Excessive speed, anti-social driving, no seatbelts, drink or drug-driving and using a mobile phone whilst driving.

“As the nights and weather close in, driving conditions inevitably worsen and the risk of accidents increases.

“We are always here, but we don’t want to be seeing you in an unnecessary road accident, so stay below the speed limit, keep your distance and check your vehicle is winter ready.”

* For more information on Road Safety Week click here and to download What3Words visit your App Store.