Llangollen Railway PLC asks bank to appoint receiver

Breaking news ...

Llangollen Railway has this afternoon (Monday) issued a formal announcement about its future.

It reads: "It is with great regret the directors of Llangollen Railway PLC have had to take the reluctant step of inviting the bank to appoint a receiver.

"The company’s accounts show pre-tax losses of £330,601 in 2018, £329,175 in 2019 and £258,804 in 2020 (pre-audit).  

"A number of significant engineering contract disputes, all of which arose in the years prior to the current board taking over in October 2020, have crystallised in the last few days.  

"The claims against the company are compelling and are in excess of £250,000 in total.  There is no prospect of meeting these liabilities, even over an extended period.

"As a result the balance sheet is now insolvent to the extent of £350,000 approximately, adjusting for intangible assets also. In such circumstances the company cannot legally continue to trade.

"The directors would like to acknowledge the considerable support of the Welsh Government through two significant grants, and NatWest Bank which, together with furlough payments, have enabled the company to continue to meet its commitments over recent months until now.

"The Trust’s balance sheet remains solvent and there is some cash in hand. The Trust board will need to take steps to negotiate with the receiver to try to secure the line and preserve rolling stock and infrastructure to the extent possible. It is intended to recommence operations in due course but this is dependent upon legal and regulatory approvals, including licencing, all of which will clearly take time.

"The directors very much regret the impact this will have on our staff and employees, customers, suppliers, locomotive owners and their organisations, and anyone else with connections to the Railway.  It is hoped to rehire many of our staff and employees and that it will be possible to maintain connections with many longstanding friends.

"Customers who have purchased tickets in advance, including driver experiences, deposits for weddings and gift vouchers, will either be refunded (the monies have been reserved) or will hopefully be able to travel at a future date.

"Where shareholders have ongoing annual ticket entitlements, these will continue to be met through the Trust.

"Anyone wishing to make a claim in the receivership should contact the Railway by e-mail at commercial@llangollen-railway.co.uk and details will be passed to the receiver. Anyone wishing to contact the Trust, please do so at the above e-mail address also."

Comments ...

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes commented: “I have developed a strong relationship with the Llangollen Railway since becoming the MP for Clwyd South and have held regular meetings and made several visits to different parts of their network. 

"I am very sorry that they have had to invite their bank to appoint a receiver but the combination of Covid and past engineering contract disputes has put an intolerable burden on the Railway. 

"I hope, however, that a way forward is found for the Llangollen Railway so that it can emerge from this crisis with a sustainable long term future and continue to provide great pleasure to the many thousands of visitors to Llangollen in the years to come.”

Llangollen town councillor Stuart Davies said: "I am deeply saddened to hear the news today about Llangollen Railway going in to administration.

"I am calling on the County the local MS and Welsh Govt to step in to help save this valuable tourist attraction and employer for Llangollen. Not only is it a superb asset to the town it is traditionally one of its bigger employers.

"Historically its apprentice scheme was one of the best, teaching young people to be skilled maintenance people and engineers. I have always been a champion of apprentice schemes having had the good fortune to be able to go through one with the National Coal Board in the 60s.

"Recently Llangollen Town Council was pursuing a £160k project that would have brought no employment to Llangollen. We need Welsh Government and Lottery funding to save jobs and the Railway which is part of what Llangollen is today."

Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru's North Wales MS, said: "This is a sorry day for the railway but also for Llangollen and Corwen. 

"This has been a terrible year for the tourist trade, effectively facing three winter seasons consecutively, and I hope that the railway, its staff and volunteers can bounce back quickly. It has been a major attraction in the area for many years and has been an important employer in the town.  

"It's vital that businesses, particular in the hospitality and tourism sector, get the support they need to overcome the battering they've had in the past year. I'll do all I can as the regional Member of Senedd to make the case for the railway."

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates said: "This is very sad news for all involved. However, the infrastructure will remain in place and I am confident that this will not be the end for the railway."

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood commented: "This is dreadful and concerning news about a wonderful heritage railway.

“The loss of this railway would not only be devastating for the army of volunteers who support it and the railway’s employees, but also for the wider visitor economy in Llangollen and throughout the Dee Valley.

“I have offered to assist the Railway in any way I can.”

 

St David's Day message from the First Minister of Wales

In his message Mark Drakeford says:

I want to wish you all a Happy St David’s Day – Dydd Gwyl Ddewi hapus i chi.

Over the last twelve months Coronavirus has turned all our lives upside down.

Families across Wales have lost loved ones and many have fallen ill.

Children and young people have had to stay away from schools, colleges and Universities. They have missed out on spending time with their friends.

Businesses and employees have worked extremely hard to adapt to a quick changing environment.

St David told us to do the small things – gwnewch y pethau bychain.

We all, in our own way, have made small sacrifices to keep each other safe.

People have stayed away from family and friends.

Neighbours have been shopping for those who have been shielding.

We have had to cancel those community and national events that we look forward to all year.

People have also been making some big sacrifices.

They have missed out on weddings and birthday celebrations.

Grieving families haven’t been able to attend funerals to say goodbye to loved ones.

Here in Wales we have thousands of key workers and volunteers who have made a huge, heroic effort to help us through this pandemic.

They deserve our thanks and our admiration for the incredible way they have carried on with their work in difficult circumstances.

Now many of the same staff have been part of Wales’ huge vaccination effort, with a third of the adult population already vaccinated.

Those vaccines can help us find a way out of this pandemic and give us all hope for the future.

It’s been a year in which we’ve also left the EU, but we’ve certainly not stopped being European. We are proud to remain an outward looking nation.

We continue to strengthen our relationships with our European friends and partners. Virtual trade missions have continued throughout the pandemic, and our 'Year of Wales in Germany’ is a shining example of our work in action.

Although we can’t celebrate our national day together in person this year, our desire to engage internationally is as strong as ever.

St David also advised us to ‘be joyful – keep the faith’. 

Wise words for us to remember in these dark times.

Things will get better. 

Together we can help Keep Wales Safe and create a fairer, better future.

Happy St David’s day – Dydd Gwyl Ddewi hapus i chi gyd.

Wales Air Ambulance marks its 20th anniversary

* Members of the Llangollen Christmas Festival committee had over a cheque to the air ambulance in February 2020.

Today, on the day of its 20th anniversary, the Wales Air Ambulance Charity is looking back at its incredible evolution and paying tribute to everybody who has contributed to its lifesaving service.

The service is often called to help with casualties in Llangollen and the town's Christmas Festival has raised thousands of pounds to help it continue its work. 

The charity’s founder and first Chair of Trustees was the late Robert Palmer. From his vision, Wales Air Ambulance has grown from a one-helicopter operation based at Swansea Airport to what is now the largest air ambulance operation in the UK, with four helicopters. The aircraft are based across the country, in Caernarfon, Welshpool, Llanelli and Cardiff. 

In the past two decades, it has evolved from a paramedic-led service to a consultant-led service which takes the emergency department to the patient. 

Thanks to the charity’s unique partnership with the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service and NHS Wales, it is one of the most medically advanced air ambulance operations in Europe. 

When the service first started in 2001, it ran eight hours a day, five days a week, and its vision was to become 24/7. This vision was achieved on 1 December last year, with the introduction of an overnight helicopter in addition to the 12-hour day-time cover. 

Since its inception, the charity has undertaken nearly 38,000 missions and to keep the helicopters in the air 24/7, it needs to raise £8 million every year. 

Dave Gilbert OBE, the charity’s Chair of Trustees, said: “Looking back and following the timeline of how Wales Air Ambulance has evolved over the last 20 years gives everyone a huge sense of pride. 

"From Robert Palmer’s early vision through to becoming one of the largest and medically advanced operations is an achievement that the whole of Wales can be proud of. 

"After all, Wales Air Ambulance was created by the people of Wales, for the people of Wales, and the growth of our charity is testament to the skill, dedication, passion and generosity that exists within our country.”

Dr Sue Barnes, the Charity’s Chief Executive, said: “I took up my post with the Wales Air Ambulance last December and it quickly became clear why the charity has thrived over the past 20 years through the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment of those involved. This has allowed us to deliver a lifesaving service which has positively impacted many lives across the country. 

“Everybody who has contributed to our charity over the years can be proud of their contribution as they have played their part in making the charity what it is today. We would like to say a heartfelt thanks to the medics, pilots, critical care allocators, staff and volunteers, trustees, and all those who have fundraised and donated over the last 20 years.” 

The charity will mark the milestone with a series of activities and events between 1 March 2021 and 1 March 2022 and has begun with its ‘My20’ fundraising challenge. 

* Neil Chattington was the air ambulance's first patient.

The first patient airlifted by Wales Air Ambulance was Neil Chattington. This is Neil’s story.

Twenty years ago, Neil Chattington, started an under 16s rugby match and little did he know that he would become a significant part of Wales Air Ambulance’s history. 

Neil, who was scared of flying, was the first-ever patient that the Wales Air Ambulance attended after its launch in 2001. 

Reflecting on his memories on the day, Neil, who was playing for Glynneath Rugby Club against Aberavon, said: “I remember quite a bit. 

"It had snowed a little overnight and we cleared the ground before starting. Aberavon had a really good team with a couple of players who went onto do good things. We always had tough games with them. 

“At the time of the incident, we were attacking from our half and I'd made a break, getting past their fullback into open space - or what I thought was open space - and got tackled very hard by one of their props. 

"I wasn't expecting to be tackled so wasn't tensed for it. I got spun around and hit the ground hard and when I settled, I felt a really sharp pain in the left side of my neck and lost the feeling in my arms and legs. 

“Initially I was really panicked but I didn't try to move and quickly the referee stopped the game. When the first aiders knew what was wrong, the ambulance was called and I was well looked after by both teams, first aiders and some parents one who used a horse blanket to keep me warm.” 

The Wales Air Ambulance crew that day were paramedics Mark Winter and Paul Haddow, and pilot Steve Rush.

Mark Winter still works with the service today as its Operations Director. 

The crew were sent to the rugby club for its first mission by Brian Knoyle, who worked for the Ambulance Service control, after it was feared Neil had a broken back. 

Neil, who has lived in Cardiff for 14 years, said seeing the helicopter land ‘initially made him feel quite scared’ due to the fact he’s afraid of flying, but he had ‘confidence in the crew’. 

He added: “My first thought was ‘oh dear!’, and definitely ‘something’s wrong’. Having had my fair share of bumps, I knew that this was different. The flight was surprisingly quick and not quite as scary as I thought it would be. I was constantly monitored throughout the flight. Looking back, I think about how simple it was and that it could have been so much worse.” 

The Service’s Operational Director, Mark Winter, was on the first 8am to 4pm shift twenty years ago working as a Paramedic Staff Officer. The crew were initially called to an RTC, but on arrival they were not required and stood down. They then returned to base and refuelled. 

Whilst at the base, Neil’s call came in. Mark added: “We were then tasked to Glynneath Rugby Club where Neil had been playing in a match.  A local ambulance crew arrived on scene and were treating Neil for a neck injury. When we got there, we immobilised him, kept him warm, put him onto patient monitoring and provided the reassurance he no doubt would have wanted at that time.

"We then transported him, by air, to Morriston Hospital. Neil was a first-class patient and thankfully the journey was uneventful.”

Despite his injuries, Neil, who runs his own property maintenance company, returned to the sport.

He said: “It took a while for me to get back to playing rugby again and, unfortunately, I have suffered with some long term affects. As a result, I retired from rugby, aged 23, due to the effects of all my injuries.” 

Being the first patient is a story that Neil can always tell. Speaking on how he feels having that title, he said: “I'd have to say very grateful. Thankfully my injury at the time wasn't as bad as it could have been but the care I received was amazing.” 

Also at the scene that day was Max Boyce, who has supported Wales Air Ambulance ever since.

He said: “I’ve seen the great work that they do and being the president of the South Wales Golfing Association, we have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Wales Air Ambulance over the years for such a worthy charity. Twenty years, that is a bit special. Here’s to twenty years again.”

Vicar's hopes for a return to normality after Covid-19

* St Collen's Church.

Llangollen's vicar says he hopes St Collen's Church could be open again for public worship by Palm Sunday (March 28) or even earlier.

Father Lee Taylor expresses his hopes for a return to normality following pandemic restrictions in an update on the church's Facebook page.

His post. yesterday (Saturday), says: "As you may be aware, churches in Wales have been legally allowed to open for communal worship (provided they pass a thorough and up-to-date Risk Assessment) but the advice from the Welsh Government, local health authorities and from the Diocese was to find 'alternatives to in-person worship' which is what we have done.

"At the current time, more than a third of the adult population of Wales has now had their first vaccine. The Welsh Government said on 11th February that the vaccination rollout in Wales would slow sharply. However, it is hoped that this will accelerate again in March.

"Although the picture on the horizon is looking hopeful, we must remember that we are still in lockdown under Alert Level 4. There is a long way to go until everyone is vaccinated.

"The UK government has said that the fightback against this disease rests with every single one of us. We must continue to follow the rules and 'hold our nerve' for the next few months. None of us is safe until all of us are safe.

"So we need to wait a bit and see what happens over the next few weeks until the next review from the Welsh Government on Friday 12th March.

"It is worth reminding you that the guidance published for the Church of England is not always going to be the same as that in the Church in Wales.

"It is hoped that we can gather together for public worship at St Collen’s in time for Palm Sunday, or even earlier than this.

"I know this is frustrating for many but our first concern is everyone's safety.

"Let’s all stay as safe as possible until we can again meet with confidence."

Roadworks planned for Princess Street

Latest local roadworks report from one.network is:

Princess Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 01 March — 03 March   Delays likely - Road closure   Works location: CLOSURE FROM JUNCTION OF EAST STREET TOJUNCTION OF GEORGE STREET...   Works description: LAYING NEW SUPPLY - 6M PUBLIC 13M PRIVATE...   Responsibility for works: Wales & West Utilities Ltd   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: XY254004000164980

Have your say on active travel in Llangollen

The county council is inviting feedback on where people would like to see improvements to walking and cycling in Llangollen.

This is one of the towns in Denbighshire selected by the Welsh Government to take part in a  exercise being run by the council in partnership with Sustrans Cymru as part of the government’s Active Travel Network Map consultation (ATNM).   

The ATNM is a plan of routes the council will use to inform where improvements to walking and cycling should be made within the county and it will help to make journeys on foot or by bike across Denbighshire easier and safer for everyone, particularly those who don’t currently walk or cycle often and people who use mobility aids.

Cllr Brian Jones, the council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Active travel helps reduce carbon and improve air quality along with improving health and wellbeing, so this is an excellent opportunity for Denbighshire residents to tell us what they would like to see included on our future Active Travel Network Map.

“In order to design a network that works for everyone, we would like to get the views of as many people as possible, particularly those who don’t currently walk or cycle as this will help make sure the routes built for walking and cycling work for the whole community.”

* For further information on how to provide feedback go to the Active Travel page at https://denbighshire.commonplace.is/?lang=en-GB

 

Work "proceeding well" on new pocket park at Wenffrwd

* Contractors at work on the new Pocket Park off the A539 at Wenffrwd.

The man in charge of the project has given a progress report on work to create a pocket park close to a main road into Llangollen. 

The facility is being built on the former council refuse tip at Wenffrwd off the A539.

First phase of the work involves the development of a small car park and new access road which was due to be finished early this year.

Next phase means the development of trails around the site and possibly onto the canal.  

There is also an aim to create a link back to Llangollen Health Centre along part of the old railway line.

Giving an update, David Shiel, area manager for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is overseeing the project, said: "Works are proceeding well at Wenffrwd – the car park and new access road are now more or less complete.  

"We are currently working on new trails around the site which include some lovely wooded areas with fantastic views across the River Dee and along valley from the old railway line.  

"We would hope to have these works complete in the next few weeks so that the site can be open for Easter – should Covid-19 restrictions allow."

He added: "GH James from North Wales have been the main contractors and have done a brilliant job over the last few months despite the challenges of snow, floods and Covid lockdown.

"The AONB Ranger team have also been working really hard to manage and make safe the woodland areas, clear the pathways and improve wildlife habitats.     

"Links back to Llangollen and a possible link to the canal will be the next phases of works which we would hope to take forward later this year."