Vicar reveals provisional church re-opening date

Llangollen's vicar has given an update on the re-opening of St Collen's Church after the latest lockdown.

Father Lee Taylor says: "We are provisionally looking to reopen the St Collen's for public worship on Sunday 21st March. This date is provisional upon the further guidelines from the Welsh Government and of the Church in Wales.

"This gives us time to carry out a thorough and up-to-date risk assessment as well as air and sanitise the building.

"Legally, churches have been allowed to be open for communal worship, but the advice from the local health authorities and from the Diocese was to find alternatives to public gatherings, which is what we have done.

"When we reopen, we will be returning to the pattern of worship and practices that we developed since we emerged from Lockdown 1 last year: Only one service (11am) at St Collen's on Sunday morning until further notice.

"The details relating to these decisions for our group of churches has been given in the statement which is now available on our website.

"Our safe capacity in St Collen's stands at 60 people maximum. It is doubtful that we will exceed this number on a regular Sunday morning (apart from Easter Sunday – more details will follow). However, attendance will be on a first come, first served basis.

"Please note the following very carefully:

"Some people have been vaccinated and some haven’t. Remember, no one is safe until we are ALL safe.

"Only members of the same household or bubble will be able to sit together.

"No socialising is allowed in church, and only one person from two households can meet outside.

"Please wave your greeting rather than stopping for a chat, and please leave the church in a timely fashion.

"Masks are to be worn at all times.

"Hands should be sanitised before entering the church.

"Social distancing of 2 metres should be maintained (including moving all the way into the pew you have chosen).

"Do not attend church if you are feeling ill.

"Temperature checks will be taken at the door (this means that the person taking the temperature will be at the same arm’s length distance as the priest giving communion).

"As ever with this pandemic, the church will be open for Sunday worship for those who feel comfortable enough to attend, and live-streaming will continue for those who don't.

"All this means that we will be able to keep some of Lent, Holy Week and Easter in Church.

"After Easter we will look to re-open for private prayer. If you can spare an hour or so a week, do get in contact with Tony.

"So, this is phase 1 of re-opening our churches. I hope that somewhere between Easter and the summer we can proceed with the next phase and consider safely (and legally) reopening St Tysilio's and Trevor church.

"When we do so, there will be a revised pattern of Sunday worship for our group of churches. More details will follow in due course."

Progress made towards step-free access at Ruabon station

* Simon Baynes MP at Ruabon station.

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes has welcomed "major progress" by the UK Government on step-free disability access at Ruabon Railway Station. 

Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps has said that Ruabon Station will be progressing to the next stage of the Access for All programme.

This next stage of design will allow the Department for Transport to establish any risks and the anticipated final costs associated with the project. 

Since becoming the local MP Mr Baynes has make the case for step-free access to the UK Government, which is responsible for the infrastructure of the railways in Wales, during Questions in the Chamber of the House of Commons and in meetings with Ministers in the Department for Transport, the Treasury and the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales. 

He has also worked closely with the stakeholders involved in Ruabon Station including Wrexham Council, Network Rail, the Welsh government, Ruabon Community Council, Friends of Ruabon and the Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership. 

Ruabon is a busy station with two flights of stairs that passengers need to use in order to access the Chester platform and it is the only station on the Chester to Shrewsbury route that fails to meet passengers’ step-free access needs. 

From 2002 to 2017, footfall increased by 220% among those entering and exiting the station and the addition of a new development 360 houses and a hotel in Ruabon is also expected to bring additional footfall and demand for the station. 

Ruabon Station is also the rail and bus gateway access for Llangollen and the World Heritage site at Pontcysyllte.

Grant Shapps said: “Simon Baynes has been championing the cause of constituents who need step-free access at Ruabon station, and I'm delighted we can now progress work to the next stage. This shows the value of having strong Conservative voices in North Wales. 

“Our railway should be easily available to all, not just the able-bodied, and we must press ahead with projects to make stations accessible.”

Mr Baynes said: “It is very good news for residents in Ruabon and the wider community in Clwyd South and Wrexham that the UK Government has said today that Ruabon Station will be progressing to the next stage of the Access for All programme. 

"This is something I’ve been campaigning for both locally in Clwyd South and in Parliament since day one of becoming an MP, and before that as a candidate, and it shows the commitment of the UK government to Clwyd South and North Wales. 

“Many representatives, organisations and residents in Ruabon have been campaigning for step-free access at Ruabon Station for several years and I am very pleased to see this important progress to the next stage of design. 

"This would not have been possible without the help and support of County Cllr David Bithell (Environment and Transport Lead at Wrexham Council), Darren Williams (Chief Environment and Technical Officer at Wrexham Council), County Cllr Joan Lowe (the local County Councillor for Penycae and Ruabon South), Sheila Dee (Community Rail Officer of the Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership), the team at Network Rail, the Welsh government, Ruabon Community Council and the Friends of Ruabon who have all worked so hard to get to this crucial stage. 

“This project is needed to make sure all passengers can access the jobs and leisure opportunities that will make our community an even greater place to live and work.”

Government pledges £72m to support learners

Education Minister Kirsty Williams (pictured) has announced a further £72 million to support learners as part of the response towards recovery and progression since the pandemic.

The funding will include the continuation of the Recruit, Recover and Raise Standards programme into the next academic year, extra learning resources and support for foundation phase learners in schools and childcare settings that provide early education.

Support will also be targeted at learners in years 11, 12 and 13, to provide additional help with their transition into the next stage.

Since last July, the equivalent of 1,800 extra full-time school staff have been recruited in schools across Wales to provide extra support during the pandemic, double the original target of 900.

Funding will also be used to support 1,400 trainee teachers currently in Initial Teacher Education, enabling them to complete their practical experience in the autumn, complete their qualifications and move into full-time teaching.

In a comparison of UK nations in February, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) found that Wales’ “catch up programmes are far better targeted at their most disadvantaged pupils”. The announcement today is expected to increase the spend-per-pupil equivalent to £239 – the highest in the UK.

Kirsty Williams, the Education Minister, said: “We all know it’s been a difficult period for learners and staff. Schools and colleges have done terrific work in ensuring learning has continued, while putting preparations in place so the return of learners is as smooth as possible.

“I know that extra help is needed, especially for learners at key stages in their academic careers and in their lives. As learners continue to go back to face-to-face learning, we are providing this additional funding to ensure support is in place when our young people return to the classroom.”

In a big week for education reform in Wales, the Minister also looked ahead to Tuesday’s final Senedd stage of the Curriculum and Assessment Bill and the introduction of the first ever ‘made in Wales’ national curriculum:

“It is a significant milestone in our national mission as the Curriculum and Assessment Bill reaches its final stage before being passed into law.

“I call it a ‘national mission’ as it has involved everyone working together – teachers, parents, academics, businesses, national organisations, and my department of course - to raise standards, tackle the attainment gap and have an education system that is a source of pride to us all.

“Diolch yn fawr to everyone who has played their part in this historic journey for education in Wales.”

Welsh Conservatives select police commissioner candidate

* Pat Astbury.

Pat Astbury, the current chair of North Wales Police and Crime Panel, has been selected as the Welsh Conservative candidate in the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

Pat Astbury, who was born and raised in North Wales, is also the panel member champion for Modern Day Slavery and Child Exploitation. 

She said: “I have a first-hand understanding of the diverse areas and needs that are prevalent across the region – from the industrial areas of North East Wales to rural Gwynedd. 

"If elected, I would make sure the public has the chance to raise their concerns through well publicised meetings and surgeries. I will listen to what people have to say and take action.”

Rural crime, county lines drug gangs, modern slavery and child sexual exploitation are areas of concern for Ms Astbury, who is a Welsh speaker.

She said: “County lines is a particular problem along the A55 – with huge implications for education (excluded pupils), social services, health, the police – not to mention damage to families and the community.

"There would be no laissez-faire attitude to issues such as drugs."

Although there has been an increase in numbers deployed to the rural crime team in North Wales, Ms Astbury says she believes it is important that PCSOs are regularly seen in these areas.

She said: “I would continue to press for more visible policing whilst fully understanding the need for the less visible – for example, there is a need for an increase in staff who can combat fraud and other online criminality.

“Nothing gives more reassurance than the sight of a uniformed member of the police.”

Clwyd South MP Simon Baynes said: “I’m delighted that Pat Astbury has been selected as our Police and Commissioner candidate. 

"I’m certain that she will be a great advocate for residents and our hardworking police officers in North Wales. And that she will look to capitalise on the extra 20,000 officers being recruited by the UK Government across England and Wales. 

"Pat will be totally focused on the job in hand and strongly committed to tackling the impact of drugs on young people and communities in North Wales.”

Latest local roadworks alert

 

Latest roadworks alert from one-network includes:

Willow Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 09 March — 11 March   Delays likely - Road closure   Works location: OUTSIDE THE WILLOW   Works description: Inspection with TMA Notice (Dummy) Replace Hydrant on Hall Street Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (...   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000012609854A   Hall Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire 09 March — 11 March   Delays possible - Traffic control (two-way signals)   Works location: OUTSIDE WILLOW HOUSE   Works description: Hydrant Renew Job in Carriageway (10mm Bitmac (Tarmac) )...   Responsibility for works: Hafren Dyfrdwy   Current status: Advanced planning   Works reference: ZU0028102/000012423477B

County consults on new measures to control dog fouling

* Bag it and take it home: that's the message from Cllr Mark Young.

Denbighshire County Council is consulting on a draft Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to make people properly control their dogs in public areas in the county.

A PSPO allows the council to take action against pet owners who allow a dog to foul in an area of public land without cleaning it up and those letting a dog off a lead anywhere this is not allowed.

In 2017 the council introduced a Control of Dogs PSPO to help to tackle these issues and when producing a new PSPO, we have a legal duty to ensure members of the public, as well as partner organisations such as North Wales Police and Natural Resources Wales, have an opportunity to give feedback.

Cllr Mark Young, the council’s Lead Member for Planning, Public Protection and Safer Communities, said: “The vast majority of dog owners are respectful of others and clean up after their pets. 

"However, we receive a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour from dog owners who don’t control their dogs properly in public places. This PSPO will allow us to take action against those who behave irresponsibly with their pets.  

“I would encourage as many people as possible to have their say on the draft PSPO before the deadline on April 18 and take part in the consultation process.”

* You can read the draft PSPO document, view maps of the proposed restricted areas, and provide feedback at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/573 or in writing to PO Box 62, Ruthin, LL15 1AZ.

Citroen e-C4 helps you warm to electric cars

Citroen C4 launch report by Steve Rogers

Taking the jump to electric is too big a step at the moment but I am warming to it after driving the new Citroen e-C4.

But there are plenty ready to take the plunge if orders for the new family hatchback are anything to go by.

Even before the car has gone on sale 50 per cent of orders are for the zero emissions, zero tax electric model and even when the hiatus is over Citroen expect sales to level off at a surprisingly high 30 per cent.

And just to emphasise the changing of the motoring guard diesel sales are expected to be almost non-existent but there will be a couple of options which will suit high mileage drivers.

So what do we make of this new Citroen, and more to the point is it a conventional hatchback or SUV?

It is certainly marketed as a hatchback but standard 18 inch wheels raise the ride height and with the sloping coupe roofline could pass for an SUV so Citroen has an eye on pleasing both camps.

Where this C4 defies conventional wisdom is its ride. Rivals like Ford Focus, VW Golf, Mazda3, Seat Leon are definitely sporty but Citroen has gone the way of comfort which is hardly surprising given its heritage. It broke the mould with pneumatic suspension decades ago, models like the CX gliding along our roads, and making my young sons car sick after a few miles!

But the current system is far more sophisticated with progressive hydraulic cushions on each wheel adapting to the surface. Does it work? Too right it does, apart from silly money luxury motors with air suspension, this is far and away the most comfortable car I have driven doing a brilliant job cushioning against the vagaries of our road surfaces. Combine that with front seats to rival your favourite arm chair and you have a mainstream car providing exceptional levels of comfort.

You do lose some of the driving sharpness of the aforementioned rivals but this is only noticeable when pushing hard through twists and turns, and how often does that happen with the family on board?

As you would expect the cabin is bang up to date with digital driver's binnacle and head up display which is a brilliant driver aid, along with a centre mounted 10in touchscreen for navigation, radio, phone connections etc. 

A useful new feature is a pull out drawer in the dashboard for a tablet. Trim quality has been upgraded over the previous model with some areas taking on a distinctly premium feel suggesting Citroen is hoping to tempt customers from the more expensive German brands.

And it would seem the company has bowed to pressure reinstating physical switches for the heating system rather than having to do everything through the touch screen. Hallelujah for that!

Cabin space is up to par with decent rear legroom even for taller souls although the sloping roof does impinge on headroom. Another slight issue is rear vision which isn't great so it would be well to spec a model with a reversing camera.

For a family the C4 is practical with a full width opening tailgate and twin level boot floor. Space is on par rather than exceptional beaten by some rivals including its Peugeot 308 sister but there is a bonus for the e-C4 where no boot space has been lost to storing the battery pack.

Petrol is going to be the dominant force with a choice of 100, 130 and 155bhp outputs, all extremely capable economic engines with low emissions, the upper level variants coming with an eight speed automatic gearbox. The diesel 110 and 130bhp engines are refined, punchy and can top 60mpg but unless you are doing huge miles go for the 100 or 130bhp petrol which are good for 50 plus to the gallon and a good deal cheaper.

There are four trim levels Sense, Sense Plus, Shine and Shine Plus and spec level is good from the start but I think most buyers will go straight to Sense Plus as the starting point. Petrol and diesel models range from £21,005 to £28,255 which are more than competitive.

Apart from some exterior light blue trim inserts the electric version is identical, Citroen adding a model to the C4 range rather creating a specific shape like Volkswagen's ID.3.

Like most electric cars it is very quick off the mark and the only noticeable difference over its ICE brethren, other than running silent, is slightly firmer suspension to cope with the extra weight of the battery pack. The range is 217 miles from a 50kW battery and best charged from a wall box. A Podpoint box worth £500 is fitted free with the car.

If your main requirement in a new car is comfort then you have to try the C4 because this is where it shines over its rivals. It also looks good and is competitively priced but falls short on boot space against the best of the opposition.

Fast facts

e-C4 Shine Plus

£32,545 (starts £30,395)

Electric motor 136bhp

0-62mph 9.7secs; 93mph

Range 217 miles

Charge time 5-7 hours

Road tax: Zero

Emissions: Zero