Church bell will toll 99 times for Prince Philip

* St Collen's flag is being flown at half-mast.

A bell will be tolled 99 times, half-muffled at midday today (Saturday) at St Collen's Church to mark the death of HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. 

The Union flag will fly at half mast from the church tower until the day after the funeral.

The death at the age of 99 of the Queen's husband was announced yesterday and tributes to his life have been pouring in from across the world.

Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Philip’s ceremonial royal funeral will take place on April 17 in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, and a national minute’s silence will be observed as it begins at 3pm.

* Flags in Centenary Square are also at half-mast in honour of Prince Philip.

Candidates line up for two key elections

* The Senedd chamber in Cardiff Bay.

The 2021 Senedd election will be held on Thursday May 6 to elect 60 members to the Senedd Cymru – the Welsh Parliament. 

It will be the sixth general election since the Senedd was established in 1999.

Also being held the same day is the election for North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.

Due to Covid-19 precations polling stations will have plastic screens and hand sanitiser.

People are being asked to take their own pen or pencil to fill in ballots. Those who might be vulnerable to coronavirus or are otherwise concerned can apply for a postal vote.

Proxy votes (where you nominate someone else to cast your vote) are available. Emergency proxy votes will be available on the day up until 17:00 BST if voters need to isolate.

Counting will start the next day - not overnight, because of the pandemic.

In constituencies, the candidate with the most votes wins. Regional seats are picked using a system which aims to elect MSs according to how many votes their party picked up in that region.

Once the results are in there is the question of who runs the next government.

If a party wins more than 30 seats, it will be able to form a government without help from the opposition.

If it does not win more than 30 seats, the largest party may try to govern anyway. But it might need help from others - either through occasional deals or a more formal arrangement, known as a coalition.

From this year, anyone over the age of 16 can vote, as well as an estimated 33,000 foreign nationals who did not previously have the vote.

Voters must be living in Wales and registered to vote. They can be a British, Irish or Commonwealth national, an EU citizen or a foreign national permitted to be in the UK.

They can register to vote online, and must have done so by April 19.

Candidates for the Clwyd South Senedd seat, currently held by Welsh Labour's Ken Skates and which covers Llangollen, are: 

Jeanette Bassford-Barton - UKIP Scrap the Assembly (Senedd)

Jeanette Barton spent her childhood years in Gresford and had lived in Bwlchgwyn for the past 15 years. She is a post graduate with degrees in International Transport and Counselling Psychology.

She is a highly experienced Consultant Manager in Logistics, Transportation, Construction, Psychological Services and Social Care and has worked in partnership with NHS as a Counselling Psychologist.

She has been a member of UKIP since 2015 and has served as the Secretary and Treasurer of Wrexham & Clwyd South since 2016 and Secretary and Treasurer of Wrexham, Clwyd South, Alyn & Deeside and Delyn since 2020. PIC ON FILE

Leena Farhat - Welsh Liberal Democrat

Leena Farhat studied at Aberystwyth University and is now working on a masters at Bangor University while working for Technocamps based in Glyndwr University. 

Working in STEM outreach, she teaches bilingually children in schools across Wrexham and Flintshire. 

She says this has renewed her passion in education and delivering for young people across North Wales. 

She is also a keen scientist and current Engineering Leadership Scholar at the Royal Academy of Engineering. 

She is the youngest trustee of the Institute of Welsh Affairs as well as a lover of culture and languages. She says she is a proud internationalist and aims to create a strong Wales that works for everyone.

Llyr Gruffydd - Plaid Cymru

Mr Gruffyd has represented the North Wales region in the Senedd since 2011.

Before his election he was the National Trust’s consultancy manager for north east Wales, an area that includes Erddig and Chirk Castle.

He has a record of campaigning, including the fight against the Dee Valley Water buy-out and to retain bank services in Corwen, Llangollen and Ruabon.

He has also supported local communities in raising concerns about pollution issues at Kronospan and the the Hafod landfill tip.

Having felt for a long time that the north of Wales doesn’t get its fair share of investment and jobs, he set up and chaired the Senedd’s Cross Party Group for North Wales. He has also chaired the Senedd's Finance Committee.

Jonathon Harrington - Abolish the Welsh Assembly Party

No details available.

Barbara Hughes - Welsh Conservative

Barbara Hughes was born and bred in Corwen and runs a 220-acre dairy farm with her husband Derek as well as pick your own pumpkin and strawberry ventures..

She is a former national vice-chairman for the Women’s Farming Union (WFU) and served as dairy chairman.

She was also the first lady chairman of Wrexham National Farmers Union (NFU) and won the NFU Cymru wales Woman Farmer of the Year in 2011.

A mentor for the Welsh Government Farming Connect programme,shre says she is passionate about improving communication and connectivity.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, swimming and equestrian sports. She is married with three children and five grandchildren.

Mandy Jones - Reform UK

Originally from Wolverhampton she came to north Wales in 1986 and attended Llysfasi Agricultural College studying agriculture and then small animal husbandry. 

A resident of Corwen, she has four grown up children. She has worked in a chip shop, a bakery, and has run her own micro business making designer dog coats and doing corporate and company branding. She has been a shepherdess, a tractor driver and a meter reader for G4S.

Ms Jones joined UKIP in 2014, having been attracted by its policies. She was a candidate for Clwyd South in the general election of 2015, and in the Assembly Elections 2016. 

She was also a list candidate and an active campaigner for the referendum in June 2016.  She was returned as a Regional Assembly Member in December 2018 on the resignation of Nathan Gill.

Ken Skates - Welsh Labour 

Ken Skates has represented Clwyd South in the Welsh Parliament since 2011.

He worked as a journalist after leaving university and before being elected worked for Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami.

He says he got into politics largely because of his experience of growing up in the 80s and 90s and having a very strong feeling that too many young people ended up having their future prescribed – their destiny set for them – based on where they came from rather than how much hard work they put in.

He currently serves in the cabinet as Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales.

He says that, if re-elected, he will continue to “put Clwyd South first, stand up for and champion our area”.

PCC election

* Candidates for the election for North Wales Police Commissioner, also to be held on Thursday May 6, are:

Conservative	Pat Astbury
Labour	Andy Dunbobbin
Plaid Cymru	Ann Griffith
Independent	Mark Young

 

Prince Philip dies at 99, says Buckingham Palace

Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II's husband, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The prince married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen, and was the longest-serving royal consort in British history.

The couple had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Statement from Llangollen Town Council

The Town Mayor was sad to hear the news of the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip. As consort to Her Majesty The Queen he has played his part nobly and with full understanding of the responsibility of his role. On behalf of the residents of Llangollen, I extend our deepest sympathy to all members of the Royal Family during this period of national grief.

During these difficult times members of the public are encouraged to write condolences on the Llangollen Remember Facebook page although facilities will be available at the entrance to the Council Chamber to leave personal message. An area has been designated for the laying of floral tributes on Centenary square and the Town Council would be grateful if any tributes use biodegradable wrap. 

"My heart goes out to Her Majesty the Queen and all her family on the death of Prince Philip today, peacefully at Windsor Castle. Theirs was an amazing partnership which has done so much for all of us in this country and in the Commonwealth."  Simon Baynes MP

“My heart goes out to Her Majesty the Queen and all her family on the death of Prince Philip today, Theirs was a partnership which has done so much for all of us in this country and in the Commonwealth." Cllr Stuart Davies, Llangollen Town Council. 

Llangollen Railway's Facebook page published the following post this afternoon:

* The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arriving at Llangollen station

during the Royal Tour of Wales in July 1953 when they visited

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. 

PCC candidate calls for tougher new law on pet theft

* Cllr Mark Young with his own dog, Billy.

Dog owner and pet lover Mark Young, who’s challenging to be the next Police & Crime Commissioner for North Wales, is calling on Government to introduce a new law that will make it easier to prosecute people who steel much-loved family pets.

He said: "We need to impose tougher sentences on people who 'dog nap'.

“Through lockdown the amount of dogs being stolen has increased by 170% - the worst year ever. 

“In 2019 172 dogs were stolen, in 2020 this rose to 465 dogs being stolen.

"There have even been reports of people out walking in Wales with their dogs off the leads and they have been scooped up and stolen."

Mr Young, who is a county councillor for Denbigh and is standing as an independent is the May 6 PCC election, added: "The kennel club state that less than 5% of dog napping cases result in criminal convictions.

"But 96% of people think dog theft is a serious problem and 78% of people are fearful to walk their dogs off the lead and this number rises to over 80% at night.

"The impact of losing your family pet and best friend is heartbreaking and the thought of them being taken from your own back garden is awful.

"People are scared to leave their dogs in their own gardens now while being in their homes for fear of them being stolen . This should not be a situation we find ourselves in and is unacceptable. 

"Currently pet theft is dealt with under the Theft Act 1968 which treats the theft of animals in the same way as non-living objects, attaching a monetary rather than emotional value to them being stolen.

"If I am elected as Police and Crime Commissioner I will work with the Chief Constable to look at a pet theft unit for North Wales Police with a dedicated officer in each of the six counties to help prevent and pursue vigorously those who steel our beloved pets.

"This is an issue which should not be ignored. At the moment government have promised to look at this situation. This is not good enough – with the shocking rise of pet theft we need to act now and understand the emotional and mental health impact of a much loved family pet being stolen."

Wales speeds up lifting of some Covid-19 restrictions

The Welsh Government says it will be accelerating parts of its programme to relax Covid-19 restrictions as cases of new infections continue to fall. 

People will be able to form an extended household, visit the gym or take part in organised outdoor activities a week earlier than planned, as the public health situation - and vaccination rates - continue to improve.

The First Minister last week set out a detailed timetable for moving Wales firmly into alert level three. 

But some of these measures will now be introduced sooner than planned as cases have fallen markedly from 37 cases per 100,000 people to fewer than 21 per 100,000 this week.

The pressure on hospitals also continues to ease. Confirmed cases in hospital beds continue to reduce, and now stands at 89. his is 26% lower than last Thursday and is the lowest position since 22 September 2020.

The planned opening date for organised outdoor activities and outdoor wedding receptions will be moved forward to Monday 26 April from 3 May.

And, from Monday 3 May, a week earlier than previously signalled, gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities will be able to reopen for individual or one-to-one training. Extended households will also be allowed again, enabling two households to meet and have contact indoors.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford said: "The public health situation in Wales continues to improve thanks to everything you are doing to help us control this awful virus. Cases of the virus are falling and our incredible vaccination programme continues to go from strength to strength. 

"Last week, we set out our programme to further re-open the economy and relax the restrictions we have lived with for so long, as part of our careful, step-by-step approach to keeping everyone safe. This week, because of the improvements we continue to see, we can bring forward some of our plans.

"This is only possible because of the efforts everyone is making to protect themselves and their loved ones."

From Monday 12 April, the following relaxations will go ahead:

• The full return of children to schools for face-to-face education, all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres, and university campus’ will be able to open for blended face-to-face/online learning for all students
• All remaining shops will reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail
• All remaining close contact services will open, including mobile services
• Travel restrictions on traveling into and out of Wales will be lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. The Common Travel Area means the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland
• Wedding ‘show-arounds’ by appointment are allowed
• Restrictions on political canvassing are removed, subject to canvassers doing so safely

Further easements to restrictions in the coming weeks will be subject to the public health situation remaining favourable. These will be confirmed at the next three-weekly review of the coronavirus regulations on 22 April.

On Monday 26 April:    

• Outdoor attractions, including funfairs and theme parks, would be allowed to reopen
• Outdoor hospitality can resume, including at cafes, pubs and restaurants. Indoor hospitality will remain closed except for takeaways
• Organised outdoor activities for up to 30 people can again take place (previously Monday 3 May)
• Weddings receptions can take place outdoors for up to 30 people (previously Monday 3 May)

On Monday 3 May (previously Monday 10 May):

• Gyms, leisure centres and fitness facilities can reopen. This will include individual or one-to-one training but not exercise classes
• Extended household will again allow two households to meet and have contact indoors

As set out in the revised Coronavirus Control Plan, a small number of outdoor pilot events of between 200 and 1,000 people are also being planned. 

Work on Llangollen temporary active travel scheme

Further work has taken place on a temporary active travel scheme in Llangollen.

As part of the scheme in the town centre white lines have been painted on either side of the temporary rubber kerbs and bollards to make them more visible.

The temporary scheme was introduced to facilitate social distancing and make it easier for people to travel actively within the town centre.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Head of Planning and Public Protection, said: “Following some concerns a site inspection was undertaken by road safety engineers which found no issues of concern, however, further work to enhance the scheme has taken place. This has included the painting of white lines. Starting on April 19, it is proposed to replace the rubber kerbs and bollards with planters. Together with the white lines, this proposal will help to improve the visibility of the rubber kerbs and bollards. The planters will also be more visually appealing than the rubber kerbs and bollards.

“The active travel scheme aims to assist and facilitate social distancing in the town as lockdown restrictions ease and visitors return to our town centres.

“It is also aimed at reducing car journeys, improving air quality and helps provide safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists as well as providing health and well-being benefits.”

Public feedback will continue to be collected throughout the scheme.

* Town councillor Stuart Davies sent in this response to Mr Jones's Comments on Friday afternoon: 

"It is quite ironic that the person in charge of Public Protection for Denbighshire is continuing to deny that there is a problem with the bollards. 

"Even more so now that today the news has come out in the Rhyl Journal, that Rhyl has followed Ruthin in getting them removed and Denbigh wouldn’t even allow them to be put in place. 

"The cases of people tripping and falling, causing in some cases severe injuries, is now well documented. CCTV has surfaced showing how bad these falls are. 

"This press release sent out by DCC is well out of date, with inspections carried out by a senior safety engineer and white lines being recommended to address the situation being put in place on Good Friday, 2^nd April and within 5 -6 hours a man crossing the road seriously hurt himself, followed by others over the weekend. See below the list of documented accidents with three accidents after the white line solution was put in place. 

"25th March - Man fell into road and incurred facial injuries and was sent to hospital - video    

"31st March - Woman fell into road in front of a stationary flatbed truck - video

2nd April - Man crossed road and tripped, fell onto pavement and hit a shop wall/ parked bike with head and kerb with leg - video  

"5th April -Woman fell into road in front of stationary car - video     

"5th April - Woman fell into road on her face in front of a moving car which stopped in time (witness statement)

"I believe there are probably 2-3 trips every day on these bollards and every couple of days at least one results in a fall and injury.

"Councillor Mile has stated this week 'Despite these regrettable accidents that have happened on Castle St, DCC officers are happy that the bollards and the scheme are fit for purpose.'

"This is a case of Politics versus Public Safety in my opinion.

"We are told that "Planters" will replace the bollards in 3 weeks but in November last year Councillor Timms told us publicly in an interview with Llanblogger that planters were not safe and bollards were the safest solution. So are people going to remain exposed to harm and injury for 3 more weeks?

"What has changed? 

"Are the new planters being proposed safer than what was available last November?

"Finally are the Members Cllr Mile and Cllr Timms, along with the officers doing their bidding, happy to continue allowing the public to be at risk by their actions or lack of?"

* The scheme has already prompted criticism after a bus appeared to have difficulty negotiating the corner of Market Street and East Street earlier this week.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “The temporary scheme introduced in Llangollen assists and facilitates social distancing in the town as we come out of lockdown.

“Traffic officers monitor the scheme on a regular basis and following a visit, signs have been re-positioned and buses are able to make the turn from Market Street onto East Street. We will continue to engage with members of the public, businesses and elected members.”

Old Vic residents step out to raise cash for NHS ... just like Sir Tom

* Iola Roberts, left, and Audrey Dunbebin practice their walk around the 

grounds of The Old Vicarage. 

* Centenarian Ena Strange is also aiming to

take part in the sponsored challenge. 

Residents at a Llangollen care home are putting their best feet forward to raise cash for the NHS in a moving tribute to their hero Captain Sir Tom Moore. 

On Friday April 30, what would have been the 101^st birthday of the man who raised millions for the health service by walking around his garden, people from The Old Vicarage - who proudly call themselves the Vicarage Dream Team – will be taking to their walking shoes, walking sticks and frames for a similar money-spinning challenge. 

And they’ll be donning fancy dress as they head off on 101 laps of the grounds of the home on their big Walk for Sir Tom. 

Among those doing their bit for the NHS will be 100-year-old Ena Strange who recalled: “I remember hearing about the first heart transplant on the radio. It changed everything. The NHS has opened the door for so many life-saving procedures, which is why a lot of us are still here and for that we are grateful. 

“I admire Captain Tom doing what he did. You can feel useless at times, which upsets me, but I can do my bit by walking. I’m going to give it a try.” 

Resident Iola Roberts, 87, who was involved in many local community groups, said: “I thought my end had come for good deeds but Captain Tom showed you’re never too old to raise money for a great cause. 

“I hope we will inspire others to do good things, we all have something to give no matter what age you are.” 

Her friend Audrey Dunbebin, 86, said: “The NHS is a fantastic organisation, both my daughters worked for it, as a nurse and occupational therapist. 

“The NHS has saved my life and the lives of my family members, including my own cancer treatment, which meant I’m still here to see my great grandchildren. We owe them so much.”

Kim Williams, a relative of another member of the Dream Team, spoke of her pride in what they were planning. 

She said: “All the residents of the Old Vicarage are like the symbol of the oak tree. They have all shown their strength, wisdom and endurance through this dreadful pandemic. I’m so proud of what they are doing.” 

Old Vicarage staff member Fiona Collins, who has organised the event, said: “We all watched in awe of Captain Tom Moore’s heroic efforts to raise money for the NHS and he’s been a huge inspiration to us all.

“The pandemic has been very difficult, especially for those in their later years like Captain Tom but, regardless of age, he went for it and succeeded and we really want to celebrate that in his memory by doing 101 laps of our oak tree in the Old Vicarage grounds.” 

India Large, a student nurse working at the home, said: “I’m really excited to work for the NHS. It’s an honour to work for an organisation that’s been around so long. 

“It’s so nice to see the residents at The Old Vicarage putting in so much effort to raise money for the NHS. I believe it will be a really special day. 

“It would mean a great deal to those taking part to raise funds to feel they are giving something back to those who have worked incredibly hard in our NHS during the most difficult year."

Natalie Jones, a senior carer, agreed: “I remember at the start of the pandemic it was so frightening for us all. We watched as the NHS frontline heroically continued their work, putting themselves at risk - they truly are our heroes.” 

Bethan Mascarenhas, who is the Old Vicarage’s Responsible Individual, said: “We’ve started a walking club at the home, so we can prepare and get out to keep fit, which has been a lot of fun. 

“It’s nice to hear everyone out in the garden being together laughing and having a good time for a great cause.” 

She added: “We want to show we are fully behind what the NHS do and what they have achieved. We love the NHS and it’s been a life saver to some of our residents on a number of occasions and for that, we want to show support and give back - just like Captain Tom. 

“He did so much for all of us, now it’s time we do something for him.” 

* If you’d like to donate to the Old Vicarage sponsored walk, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OldVic101Walk or make a donation directly to the home.