Latest Citizens Advice column

Here's the latest column from Denbighshire Citizens Advice:

Q: I’ve been saving up to have my kitchen redone, but I’m a bit worried about it. Last time I had any work done on the house, it took more than double the time I thought it would and ended up costing me a fortune. I’m looking for a different builder this time, but how will I know I can trust them? 

A: Many of us will take advantage of the warmer weather and bank holiday weekends coming up to improve our homes, and it’s important to make sure the job goes well. Here are some steps you should take when choosing a trader: 

●     Find a Trading Standards ‘approved trader’ - use the internet to search for one in your area or the Government’s approved trader scheme TrustMark.

●     Get references or recommendations - ask people you know or ask the person you hire for examples of work they’ve carried out in the past. Try to avoid contractors who won’t give references - it’s a sign they could be dishonest.

●     Find out if they are a current member of a trade body - trade bodies have codes of practice and can help resolve problems if things go wrong, so check your trader is a member. Ask who they’re registered with and then check the trade body’s website.

●     Only use certified traders for gas and electrics - it’s dangerous to use someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Check the Gas Safe Register for a list of traders and use a registered electrician who can certify their own work. When you’re having a kitchen fitted, it’s worth checking whether the person you’ve hired will be doing the electrical or gas work themselves. If not, check who they will be using and whether they’re registered.

●     Get a written quote - this is different to an estimate. A quote is legally binding and the builder can’t change it without a good reason - for example, if you ask for extra work to be done. Try to compare quotes from a number of contractors to make sure you’re getting a fair price.

●     Get a written contract - this should cover exactly what you’re paying for and everything you’ve agreed on, like timings, payments, who will pay for materials and subcontractors.

●     Think carefully about payment - opt to pay in stages rather than upfront. Where possible, try to pay by card as this can afford you extra safeguards if something goes wrong.

●     Keep copies of receipts - also keep your written contract as evidence, as well as photos of any problems if they arise. 

* If you have a problem with a contractor, and you’re not sure what to do or where to go, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline 0808 223 1133.

County to spend an extra £1.5m on potholes, says story

The Denbighshire Free Press is reporting that Denbighshire County Council has earmarked an extra £1.5m to deal with potholes.

* For the full story, see: https://www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk/news/19315149.denbighshire-council-makes-pledge-sink-1-5m-extra-potholes/?ref=rss&IYA-mail=61d4a1d8-625e-436d-8578-7f0fcb85f6f5

Latest vaccination update from the health centre

Llangollen Health Centre yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon posted its latest vaccination update on Facebook.

It says: "We are still booking patients aged 40 and over in for their first Covid vaccine. If you are in this age group and haven’t had yours yet please email June.Jones4@wales.nhs.uk to book an appointment.

"Patients aged 18 – 39: You will be vaccinated by the South Wrexham Vaccination Team at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre.

"The team are contacting patients via text in the first instance so they need an up to date mobile number.

"If you want to make sure that they have the correct number for you please email Celyn.Orton-Jones@wales.nhs.uk with your name, date of birth and your mobile number.

"If you wish to decline the offer of a Covid vaccine please email June.Jones4@wales.nhs.uk. We will update your records and you will no longer receive texts from the South Wrexham team.

"Please note that the practice is not responsible for vaccinating this age group and any queries should be sent to: southwrexham.covidvaccinationteam@wales.nhs.uk

Denbighshire signs pledge on mental health

Denbighshire County Council has signed a pledge to end stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.

The Council signed an employer pledge with the Time to Change Wales campaign delivered by two of Wales’ leading mental health charities, Hafal and Mind Cymru.

By signing the pledge, Denbighshire County Council is showing its commitment to change the way people think and act about mental health at work.

Cllr Richard Mainon, the Council’s Lead Member for Corporate Services and Strategic Direction, said: “As a Council we are pleased to support this campaign to promote mental health and end the stigma surrounding it.

“This pledge is a commitment to change the way we all think and act about mental health at work.

“Supporting staff and tackling mental health stigma and discrimination is a priority for the Council and this pledge forms part of our Mental Health Strategy which includes a new Mental Health Policy and resources for staff, training Mental Health First Aiders, and a number of initiatives to ensure mental health becomes part of everyday language.”

More than 190 organisations have signed up to the Time to Change Wales pledge, including the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and Cardiff University.

Lowri Wyn Jones, Programme Manager for Time to Change Wales, said: “We are delighted Denbighshire County Council has made a pledge to take positive steps to help tackle mental health stigma and discrimination in their organisation.

“We have worked with them to develop a comprehensive action plan to sit at the heart of their pledge so practical action is taken to tackle stigma at every level of the organisation.

“Mental health problems are the leading cause of sickness absence in the workplace, with 1 in 6 workers experiencing symptoms of depression, stress or anxiety. The cost of mental health problems in Wales is estimated at £7.2 billion a year in loss of output, healthcare bills and social benefits.”

Campaigner calls for details of Plas Madoc tip negotiations

* The household waste recycling centre at Plas Madoc.

The local man campaigning for Dee Valley people to be able to share a household waste recycling facility with neighbouring Wrexham has written an open letter to Llangollen's two county councillors calling for details of negotiations.

Phil Jones organised a 900-signature petition calling for an agreement between the two councils enabling residents in this area to be able to use the Plas Madoc tip rather than having to drive over to Ruthin.

As a result of an update on the situation being given to members of the Town Council at their meeting last night by Cllr Melvyn Mile, who sits on both the town and county councils, Mr Jones has sent an open letter him and his county colleague Cllr Graham Timms on the subject.

He has also sent a copy to llanblogger for publication.

Mr Jones writes: "I listened with dismay to the comments you (Cllr. Mile) made when providing an update at the recent meeting of the Town Council on the outstanding issue of access to the Plas Madoc recycling centre. 

"I note that the officer report on this matter was not produced in time for it to be considered at the meeting of the Dee Valley Member Area Group (MAG) held last Monday.

"It concerned me greatly that you thought it ‘very unlikely’ that we would get access to Plas Madoc. If your opinion proves to be correct, I think the public has a right to know the full details of this issue. I therefore request that you provide me with a copy of the said report and the financial analysis which must have been done to underpin its recommendations.

"Please note that over 900 of your electors are demanding access to the Plas Madoc facility. Please also note that DCC spends far more per capita on waste in towns like Ruthin and Denbigh than it does for residents of the Dee Valley. We expect a service equal to that enjoyed by other residents of Denbighshire, and we expect you to fight for this on our behalf.

Regards Phil Jones"  

Railway raises steam for the first time in many months

* The Kitson locomotive raises a test head of steam.

Enthusiasts at Llangollen Railway yesterday celebrated steam rising again from one of its vintage locomotives after months of cold boilers. 

The heritage attraction was one of the first to close its doors to the public when the pandemic began last spring. 

Apart from the loss of trade this meant the railway was then hit by an even greater crisis when its public limited company went into receivership with debts of around £350,000. 

But since then the separate and completely solvent railway trust has been involved in a massive fightback and fundraising campaign which has seen it buy up enough vital rolling stock from the receivers in an online auction to talk about re-opening the railway to paying visitors later this summer.

Now, full of confidence for the future, railway enthusiasts have been firing up one of the locomotives which they hope will haul them out of the financial crisis.

On the unofficial Llangollen Railway Facebook page they posted:  “With thanks to Lambert Smith Hampton [auctioneers] we have been testing the Kitson this afternoon following an insurance boiler inspection this morning.

“Thanks also to Head of Steam Rhys Lloyd for re-assessing a few of the drivers.

“All great progress toward running a railway again. Really enjoyed my go after spending the last eight weeks sanding and painting the loco. Onwards and upwards.”

Kitson is the name of the engine’s builder - it's an 0-6-0 saddle tank - the original motive power for the Llangollen Railway back in 1975. 

It worked initially at the Austin car plant in Birmingham. It was first known at Llangollen as the 'Burtonwood Brewer' on account of their sponsorship for acquisition and restoration of the engine. 

* The story about Josh Davies in the May 17 edition of the Railway Hub.

In another development, a young boy who raised £500 for the railway’s fight-back fund has been featured in a specialist railway publication. 

A story in the latest edition of the Railway Hub describes how eight-year-old Josh Davies made the money by cycling, walking and running 60 miles over his Easter holiday.

* For the full story, see: https://www.therailwayhub.co.uk/60032/eight-year-old-josh-rides-to-the-aid-of-crisis-hit-llangollen-railway/

North Wales overlooked in trail spectator events, says MS

* North Wales MS Mark Isherwood.

North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called on the First Minister to reconsider the Welsh Government’s decision to trial spectator sporting and cultural events to manage the return of audiences as Covid restrictions ease solely in South and West Wales. 

Mr Isherwood has written to Mark Drakeford following the Welsh Government’s announcement  earlier this week of a proposed list of pilot test events to take place over the forthcoming weeks. 

There are nine trial events on the list, but not one of them is in North Wales and Mr Isherwood has been contacted by a number of constituents asking why North Wales has been left out. He has therefore written to the First Minister asking this question and urging him to reconsider the decision.

His letter states: “I have been contacted by several concerned constituents in North Wales with comments such as the following:

'I read today that the Welsh Government is to trial 9 sport and mass gathering events in Wales for the safe return of fans to stadia and events. I also note that all events are in South and West Wales, with the furthest event North being in Brecon.

'I'd like to ask why events have not been considered for North Wales. 

'North Wales Crusaders Rugby League have recently started their season and have their first home game at Eirias Parc Colwyn Bay on May 15th. We have asked for consideration to be given to trailing our home games as a test event. There is an ideal opportunity for a game which will attract less than 1000 fans in a suitable stadium with Covid protocols in place.

'I would like you to investigate why our home games haven't been considered.

'The Welsh Government have announced that they are allowing spectators to watch football and cricket in South Wales. What about Wrexham football club. They have two critical home matches to play which if results are favourable could see them in the play offs. Will you do your best to get the decision reversed?'

Mr Isherwood added: “It is the Welsh Government who have decided where these trials will take place, and true to form they have completely overlooked North Wales. 

“The First Minister needs to remember that his Government represents the whole of Wales and he must therefore listen and act on the views of spectators and clubs here in North Wales. Clubs in North Wales have struggled just the same as those in other parts of Wales throughout the pandemic and It is grossly unfair that they are missing out.”