County council describes test and trace efforts

Great efforts are continuing to be made in Denbighshire to try and reduce the number of coronavirus cases in the county, says the county council.

Moli Lloyd Evans from Pwllglas near Ruthin is a member of the Contact Tracing Team within the Test, Trace and Protect service.

Moli said: “My role is to phone anybody who tests positive for coronavirus. The first thing I’ll do is check how they are doing, whether they need any help. 

"I’ll monitor their symptoms or if they have any concerns, I can signpost them to other services in the NHS.   

"I will then give them their isolation advice to self-isolate for 10 days after their symptoms began or  it will be ten days after a test if they have no symptoms."

She added: "The symptoms are a cough, high temperature  and no taste or smell. That’s what we ask people to look out for.  

"Then everyone else in the household will also be asked to self-isolate. I then conduct an interview to establish all the contacts and locations they’ve been during their infectious period so that we can contact those people and give them the advice they need and put them in isolation as well.

“Generally the response from the public is really good. People are happy to work with us, to give us the information and they want our help as well. Sometimes  people can be scared or anxious or sometimes they can be unwell.  

“As a team we always work with those individuals to guide them through things in a friendly and supportive manner.   If  someone needs a bit more time to gather their thoughts and provide the information then that’s fine.  The biggest hurdle we have is working against the clock and it does sometimes hold us back if we cannot get hold of someone. We’d rather be one step forward and try and prevent any further cases of coronavirus from spreading."

Meanwhile, the council is advising residents in Denbighshire of two testing centres that have opened to the public in the county.  

One has opened at County Hall car park in Ruthin since Wednesday, 18 November and will remain open for another two weeks between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm. No appointment is necessary for this walk-on and drive-in service.

A walk-in testing centre has also opened in Rhyl.   The testing centre is located on Quay Street car park, near the blue bridge. People will need to make an appointment to have a test and can do so by visiting the Welsh Government website: www.gov.wales/coronavirus or by phoning 119.

Councillor Mark Young, Cabinet Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “I would like to commend the teams working on the Test, Trace and Protect service right across Denbighshire.   

"They are doing a sterling job in tracing the contacts of positive cases and providing advice for people to self-isolate. It’s an extremely demanding job but completely essential in our efforts to try and reduce the spread of coronavirus in our communities.

“This work is being complemented by a number of testing centres that have been set up in the county, to provide tests for residents.  

"I would urge people that require a test to use their great facilities in our communities.  You don’t need an appointment to visit the Ruthin testing centre, you simply need to turn up and a test will be carried out.  The testing centre in Rhyl requires an appointment, so I would ask you to get your appointment booked at the earliest opportunity."

Campaign starts to bring back lost recycling facility

 

* A poster produced to promote the campaign. 

A Llangollen resident has started a campaign – complete with petition – for the return of a recycling facility to the Dee Valley.

Phil Jones claims that while 13 years have passed since the closure of the old refuse tip at Wenffrwd off the A539 no action has been taken by Denbighshire County Council (DCC) on commitments to look for a replacement site or a joint deal with neighbouring Wrexham for Llangollen residents to use its Plas Madoc recycling centre.

He said: “Both the Welsh Government  and DCC trumpet their achievements in recycling, but this doesn’t match reality in the Dee Valley where we have been kept in the dark by DCC and our elected representatives.

“So, 13 years have passed and what has DCC achieved?

“No replacement site was ever found and facilities were closed in Carrog and Corwen. Plans are now in hand to build a new facility in Denbigh, though.

“Negotiations with Wrexham CBC fizzled out without a conclusion and no formal agreement for access to Plas Madoc was obtained.

“With covid restrictions we now have little or no recycling service in Llangollen, and Wrexham CBC has banned non-resident access to Plas Madoc.

“I asked one of our county councillors what officers were doing to address this problem and was told there was ‘no appetite’ to negotiate a deal with WCBC.

“This information was soon contradicted when I subsequently wrote to the Welsh Minister and to the chief executive of DCC. I was assured that DCC was more than willing to collaborate with its neighbouring authorities to negotiate cross border arrangements for such things as access to recycling sites.

“Happy to know that common sense had prevailed, I waited a month or two expecting that an announcement would soon be made. I heard nothing, so I wrote to both chief executives of DCC and WCBC. I have never had a reply from DCC but I did get a response from WCBC.

“They are open to negotiation of an access agreement, but of course DCC will have to pay for it. Nothing will be set up before April 2021, I am told, and then it must be conditional on DCC allocating the necessary funds required.”

Mr Jones added: “Based on DCC’s performance over the last 13 years I have no confidence that they will be resolving this issue anytime soon.

“And because of their inability to communicate with their ratepayers, I think it would be foolish to wait until April next year to find out whether they intend to offer a full recycling facility in the Dee Valley.

“As a first step we should ask our county councillors, Messrs Timms and Mile, to get the free collection of bulky waste items for residents in LL20 reinstated.

“In order to push DCC into action we have to start a campaign.”

He says a petition is now open for signature, either online at https://www.change.org/p/denbighshire-county-council-return-of-recycling-in-llangollen-and-the-dee-valley or in person at Watkin & Williams, Gwyn the Butcher, Lilly Rose Interiors, or Fouzi’s Cafe.

Mr Jones added that paper copies of the petition will be available for signature as an alternative to the online version at these shops in week commencing today (Sunday).

Collen Players present smash-hit online Christmas show

* Show chairman Father Lee Taylor.

The Collen Players went online to present their Christmas variety show yesterday evening.

Unable to perform before their usual audience due to the pandemic they observed strict social distancing to livestream their hour-long mixture of song and fun on their own Facebook page.

Their aim was to bring a little pre-festive light to a grimly locked-down world.

And hundreds from across the UK and abroad tuned in to watch them.

Acts were accompanied on the piano by Owen Roberts. 

Presented as usual by their founder Father Lee Taylor, vicar of St Collen’s, who opened with his traditional brand of patter, the whole thing kicked off with a rousing version of Couple of Swells from Julie Thomas and Gethin Davies.

* Julie Thomas and Gethin Davies are a couple of swells.

Next to take to the stage was Phil Robinson reprising a couple of music hall favourites, Champagne Charlie and The Spaniard That Blighted My Life.

* Phil Robinson is Champagne Charlie.

Things were slowed down beautifully when Susan Stokes sang Wouldn’t It Be Lovely from My Fair Lady and O Holy Night.

* Wouldn't It Be Lovely sings Susan Stokes.

The show stayed in reflective mood as Mike Connolly presented the very seasonal Do You Hear What I Hear? And Adeste Fidelis.

* Mike Connolly sings Adeste Fidelis.

Gethin Davies returned for a light-hearted couple of numbers, My Old Dutch and Have Some Madeira M’Dear.

* Gethin Davies presents Have Some Madeira M'Dear.

Young Shea Ferron, who also arranged the technical bits of the show, switched into his other mode as a talented singer to ring out If I Can’t Love Her from Beauty and the Beast and the poignant Christmas in the Trenches.

* Shea Ferron sings the moving Christmas in the Trenches.

There was more music hall-style patter from Father Lee – including the naughty Marrow Song - before special guest Santa Claus was called up to deliver a Christmas message which spoke of Llangollen’s resilience in the face of the ongoing pandemic.

The show ended on just the right note with a rousing version of White Christmas.

* Santa Claus, a close associate of the new Town Mayor, Austin "Chem" Cheminais, delivers his Christmas message.

* A recording of the show can be seen at: https://www.facebook.com/collenplayers      

Tune in for some Christmas cheer this evening

* Neil Barrett and David Lyne's double act will be on the evening's bill. 

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

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 tonight (Friday).”

Father Lee will as usual be the evening’s chairman and the performers will be Shea Ferron, Julie Thomas and Gethin Davies, Mike Connolly, Susan Stokes, 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 this evening, go to the Collen Players Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/collenplayers      

Entries invited to business champions awards

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes (pictured) has shown his support for small community-based enterprises in his constituency by backing the Wrexham and Denbighshire Business Champions Awards.

The awards were launched to highlight the achievements of the UK’s very best small businesses who have shown great community spirit in their local area and are aimed at any businesses with up to 50 employees, including hairdressers, cafes, accountants, solicitors and graphic designers.

Small businesses in both Wrexham and Denbighshire have the chance to be in the regional finals, competing at town and country levels. The awards will culminate with five regional finals in Wales, Scotland Northern Ireland, Northern England and Southern England.

Simon Baynes MP said: “In Clwyd South we have so many excellent small businesses who are worthy of the Business Champions Award. 

"So it’s wonderful to see that these businesses have an opportunity to be recognised for their efforts, particularly during these challenging times. I would strongly encourage small businesses in Wrexham and Denbighshire to apply for this award and I want to wish them the very best of luck in this competition.”

Awards Director, Damian Cummins, said: “This year, more than ever, we have learned to appreciate our local independent businesses. From the local corner shop to barbers, pubs and cafes.

“Lots of these small businesses are put off by business awards as they feel they are too small to compete. We wanted to create an awards ceremony that recognised and celebrated the very best of local businesses, from the High Streets to those hidden away in the nooks and crannies of towns and villages.

“The Wrexham and Denbighshire Business Champions are all about the story. We want to know why you are the best in your area and how you support the local community. From being the latest craze or ‘go to’ restaurant in your town, to the family business that’s been going quietly for generations.

 “These are truly local, transparent awards, celebrating local success stories and are incredibly easy to enter. Just reaching the finals alone will help companies to successfully market their business and thrive.”

* For more information, or to enter the awards, you can visit www.townandcountybusinesschampions.co.uk or www.tcbchamps.co.uk.

Update on the coronavirus cases at Llangollen Fechan

According to Denbighshire County Council, latest figures available from the Coronavirus incident in the Llangollen Fechan Care Home in Llangollen show there have been five further deaths, taking the total in the last three weeks to 20.

There have been 11 new positive coronavirus tests, which include four residents and seven members of staff, resulting in a total of 60 residents and 40 staff since the start of this incident (as of 26 November)

The Incident Management Team, comprises of Denbighshire County Council, Public Health Wales and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

These organisations are bringing together their expertise and continue to work with the owners of the home and to co-ordinate the response. 

The IMT is taking the incident very seriously, it says.

Co-chair of the IMT, Nicola Stubbins, said: “We continue to work together closely to monitor the situation and to help the owners and staff to implement the control measures.

“We are very sad to report these further deaths and are very concerned about a number of residents who are currently very poorly.

Unfortunately, residents who are already vulnerable through their age or pre-existing conditions are more likely to suffer the worst outcomes from this deadly virus and our thoughts are with all of those affected.

“We still expect to see cases in a variety of settings, and we manage any clusters of Coronavirus appropriately.  This can include providing advice around infection prevention and control, and by supporting contact tracing where required.

“Anyone who meets the definition of a contact will be contacted as a routine part of theTest, Trace and Protect process and provided with additional advice for themselves, their household and other contacts.

“We remind the public that they have a vital role in preventing the spread of Coronavirus.  They can do this by adhering to Welsh Government regulations currently in place in Wales, and by observing social distancing guidelines – that’s staying two metres away from others – and washing hands regularly.”

Council reminds residents of self-isolation support payments

Denbighshire County Council is reminding the county’s 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 and the scheme is open until the New Year.   The Council has published the information on its website, on social media and through the local press, in the hope that people who may be eligible come forward to apply.

!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, please visit the Council’s website: http://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/business